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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
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ThesisItem Open Access Morphological and bio chemical characterization of Winged bean Rhizobium and its impact as seed Inoculant either singly or Combinedly with PGPR towards Yield Attributing Characters and Yield of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)”(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, 2018) Kumari, Shweta; Yadav, R.C.A laboratory investigation for morphological and bio-chemical characterization and physiological properties of winged bean Rhizobium with a purified culture; and a field experiment consisting of four seed-inoculation treatments [No inoculation, Rhizobium, PGPR(Bacillus) and Rhizobium+PGPR(Bacillus)] and three nitrogen levels [0, 20 and 40 kg ha-1] in RBD (factorial) with three replications for evaluation of two winged bean germplasm IC-17002 and DLN-9, during crop season in the year 2014-15 and with better-performing IC-17002 in 2015-16 to find out impact of the Rhizobium as seed inoculant alone or in combinedly with PGPR on yield attributes and yield of winged bean were conducted at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi Farm of RPCAU, Pusa (Bihar). The pure-culture of winged bean Rhizobium isolate was Gram-negative rod-shaped with a dimension of 0.59 μm x 1.81μm. The Rhizobium tested vis-à-vis (pea, gram, lentil and moong-rhizobia) showed a wide diversity in tolerance for its growth at different pH values, though neutral pH being the optimum. The winged bean-Rhizobium isolate produced 64.6 μg mL-1 of IAA at 72h of incubation with antibiotic-resistance and carbon-utilization test, the Rhizobium isolate was found to be resistant to vancomycin (30μg) and utilized a wider group of carbon sources than other rhizobia. The Fatty-Acid-Methyl-Ester (FAME) profiling confirmed that it belonged to Rhizobium-miscellany group. Seed inoculation and nitrogen levels greatly influenced nodule-parameters, nitrogenase activity and yield attributes, value of which were the highest with the combined inoculation of Rhizobium+PGPR (Bacillus), followed by seed inoculation of Rhizobium alone, and differed significantly among themselves at both 60 and 120 days after sowing (DAS). Nitrogen application @ 20 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher nodule parameters over the control. The inoculation x nitrogen interaction effect was found to be significant with respect to nodule parameters. The combined inoculation of Rhizobium+PGPR (Bacillus) at 20 kg N ha-1 appeared significantly superior to other treatment combinations. S, Fe and Mo in the nodule recorded higher at 60 DAS than at 120 DAS. Rhizobium inoculation alone caused higher S and Mo content in nodule, whereas combined application of Rhizobium and PGPR recorded the highest Fe content at both growth stages. Nitrogen application @ 20 kg ha-1 increased Fe content significantly over no-nitrogen application at 120 DAS. The highest nitrogen content in pod was noted by combined inoculation of Rhizobium and PGPR treatment, followed by Rhizobium alone. Nitrogen @ 20 kg ha-1 was found to be superior to the higher level of N application. The combined inoculation of Rhizobium and PGPR at 20 kg N ha-1 proved better than the other treatments. The treatments recorded greater N and P content of winged bean plant at 60, 120 DAS and at harvest. In seed, Rhizobium and PGPR inoculation in combination recorded more N content than other treatments and was found to be at par with Rhizobium inoculation alone. Nitrogen application @ 20 kg ha-1 recorded higher N, P and K in seed of winged bean in first year only. Protein content in green edible pod, seed and tuber was significantly increased by combined inoculation of Rhizobium and PGPR over the control and was at par with the treatment of Rhizobium inoculation alone, whereas basal nitrogen @ 20 kg ha-1 favoured more protein content than higher level of nitrogen. After harvest of winged bean, the highest available soilnitrogen build-up was recorded with the treatment of Rhizobium inoculation alone. Seed-oil content (33.76 %) recorded the highest in the treatment with seed inoculation of PGPR at zero nitrogen application. The study proved the multiple-utilitarian potential of winged bean including its role in soil fertility improvement which was best with seedinoculation of Rhizobium-miscellany and PGPR either alone or in combination with basal dose of 20 kg N ha-1.ThesisItem Open Access Potassium Partitioning at Different Growth Stages of Rice in Calcareous Soil of North Bihar(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2018) Nand, Mani Mesha; Singh, S. P.Ignorance of balanced nutrition with potash is diminishing crop yield and mining the potassium (K) from the soil. The knowledge on periodic uptake, accumulation and allocation of potassium to different parts of a rice plant should receive urgent attention in order to implement K management practices for sustainable rice production. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in calcareous soil (medium in available K) in split-plot design with two rice varieties (Inbred and Hybrid) in main plot and six combinations of potassium management [control, NP (-K); NP+K(100 % basal); NP+K(50% basal + 50% tillering); NP+K(50% basal + 50% panicle) and NP+K(50% basal + 25% tillering + 25% panicle)] in sub-plot at Experimental Farm, RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, during kharif - 2017. Dry weight, potassium content and uptake by different parts of rice (root, shoot and leaves) and availability of potassium (K) in soil were determined at different growth stages (tillering, panicle, milking and maturity) of rice. Initial and post-harvest soils (0-15 cm) were analyzed for physico-chemical properties, viz., pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC) and different forms of potassium (available K, water soluble K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K, lattice K and total K). The results revealed that the growth parameters (dry weight, plant height, panicle length, number of tillers m-2, number of panicles m-2), potassium content and uptake, grain yield and test weight increased significantly with the application of potassium in three splits (50% basal + 25% tillering + 25% panicle) as compared to the treatment where potassium was applied only as basal dose (recommended practice). The availability of K in the soil at different growth stages of rice was found to improve with split applications of potassium over basal application. At tillering stage, available K was highest in the plots receiving split applications of K i.e. 50% basal + 50% tillering, while, at panicle and milking stage, available K was highest in plots with split application of K i.e. 50% basal + 50% panicle. At maturity, it was highest in the plots with three split applications of K (50% basal + 25% tillering + 25% panicle). The effect of potassium application on changes in different forms of potassium at harvest was not significant except water soluble K which increased significantly by three split applications of potassium. Negative potassium balance in soil was recorded under all the treatments and it was more pronounced in hybrid rice than the inbred rice grown soils. Thus, it can be concluded that synchronization of split applications of potassium (50% basal + 50% panicle or 50% basal + 25% tillering + 25% panicle) with nitrogen can result in significantly higher yield of rice and K uptake compared to basal application. Although, the K rates for fertilizer recommendation need to be revised to account for the negative K balance in soil.ThesisItem Open Access Zinc and Carbon pools under long term conservation agriculture with Rice-Wheat cropping system in Calcareous Soil(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2018) Dash, Bishnu Prasad; Kumar, VipinA long-term experiment involving various combinations of tillage, crop establishment and residue management practices in a rice-wheat rotation has been continuing since 2006 at South Pangabri plot of Crop Research Center, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. The climate of this region is sub-tropical humid. The experimental site is situated at 25°30' N latitude, 85°40' E longitude and 52.00 meter above mean sea level. Conservation agriculture based on principles of minimum soil disturbance, residue retention on soil surface and crop diversification improves soil organic carbon and available nutrients status which plays a crucial role in sustaining the soil health. Therefore present study entitled “Zinc and Carbon pools under long-term conservation agriculture with Rice-Wheat cropping system in Calcareous soil", was undertaken during kharif 2016 and rabi 2016-17. The objectives were to understand the effect of conservation agriculture on rice and wheat yield and uptake of nutrients; zinc fractions in soil; different forms of carbon in soil, and; soil chemical properties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 8 treatments with different crop establishment practices and residue retention in rice and wheat. Rice grain yield in conventional tillage practices in both rice and wheat crop [PTR-CTW] was significantly lower than most of the treatments. Higher grain and straw yield of both rice and wheat was obtained in zero tillage wheat crop preceded by zero tillage rice with residue retention in both the crops. Total soil organic carbon (TOC) in 0-5 cm soil depth, under zero tillage rice- zero tillage wheat on bed with residue [ZTR-ZTW(B)+R] and zero tillage rice-zero tillage wheat with residue[ZTR-ZTW+R] were 23.79g kg-1 and 23.11g kg-1 respectively, which were statistically at par to each other These values were significantly higher over conventional tillage [PTR-CTW] treatments (10.55 gkg-1). TOC of 5-15cm and 15-30cm depth under ZTR-ZTW(B)+R treatment was also significantly superior over PTR-CTW. The Walkley and Black carbon (WBC) under treatment ZTR-ZTW+R was 1.10% which was 72.9 % higher over PTR-CTW at 0-5 cm depth. Different fractions of oxidisable carbon of varying lability in 0-5cm, 5-15 cm and 15-30 cm was found in the order: Non-labile > Very labile > Labile > Less labile. The content of TOC, WBC, Microbial biomass carbon and KMnO4 - C decreased with increase in soil depth while that of soil inorganic carbon increased. Correlation study among different fractions of oxidisable carbon indicated that all forms of oxidisable carbon were in dynamic equilibrium and positively and significantly correlated with each other. The water soluble and exchangeable fractions of zinc under ZTR-ZTW(B)+R and ZTR-R were statistically at par to each other and were statistically superior over PTR-CTW. Correlation study among different fractions of zinc and soil properties like organic carbon, CaCO3 content and grain and straw yield,zinc uptake by rice and wheat indicated that the Water soluble + Exchangeable-Zn, Complexed-Zn and Organically bound-Zn, Residual-Zn were positively and significantly correlated with all the parameters except CaCO3 content of soil. The path analysis was carried out to study the direct and indirect effect of different zinc fractions towards available zinc in soil and zinc uptake by both the crops. Different fractions of zinc in soil was found in the dominance order: Residual-Zn > Crystalline oxide bound- Zn >Complexed-Zn > Amorphous oxide bound- Zn > organically bound-Zn > Water soluble + Exchangeable-Zn. It may be concluded that zero tillage rice followed by zero tillage wheat with residue retention in rice had similar system rice equivalent yield. The different organic carbon fractions e.g. TOC, WBC, MBC, POC and the different labile pools were similar in ZTR-ZTW(B)+R and ZTR-ZTW +R treatments. The values were significantly higher as compared to other treatments. The dissolution of free CaCO3 in both these treatmentswere also significantly higher as compared to the other treatments. Water soluble + Exchangeable-Zn, Complexed-Zn and Organically bound-Zn were dominant fractions of zinc in soil that contributed most towards uptake of Zn by rice and wheat crop.ThesisItem Open Access Soil Carbon Fractions as Influenced by Long-Term Integrated Nutrient Management under Rice-Wheat cropping system(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2018) Alam, Md. Mahtab; Suman, S. N.A laboratory study was conducted in an ongoing field experiment started during Rabi 1988-89 under AICRP on ―Soil Test Crop Response Correlation‖ in calcareous soil at Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. The experimental design was split-plot with four fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100 & 150% NPK) in main plots and four levels of manures (no manures, compost @10 t ha-1, crop residues and compost @10 t ha-1 plus crop residues) in sub-plots. The present investigation was undertaken with objectives to investigate the effect of combined use of NPK and different organics (compost and crop residues) on soil organic carbon fractions, mineralization of carbon and carbon management index under rice–wheat-cropping system. Post-harvest surface soil samples after 57th wheat crop were analyzed for pH, EC, organic carbon (OC), total organic carbon, oxidisable organic carbon fractions under gradient of sulfuric acid, mineralizable carbon, potassium permanganate oxidisable carbon (KMNO4- C), soil carbon pools and carbon management index. Application of fertilizers along with compost and crop residues resulted in significant buildup of soil organic carbon fractions. Very labile soil organic carbon was the maximum (3.75 g kg-1) in the treatment receiving both compost (10 t ha-1) and i crop residues and it was 34.30% higher than that in the treatment receiving no manure application. The maximum non-labile soil organic carbon (6.06 g kg-1) was found to be in the treatment receiving both compost and crop residue and was 2.9, 3.41 and 36.48% higher than that in the treatments crop residue, Compost @ 10 t ha-1 and no manure application, respectively. The improvement in non-labile carbon fraction was more than labile carbon fractions suggesting higher carbon sequestration in the soil. The positive and significant correlation among soil carbon fractions viz. VL, L, LL, NL, KMnO4-C, SOC and TOC, suggested that they are in dynamic equilibrium in soil and enhance nutrient availability and uptake by plants. All the levels of fertilizers significantly affected the KMnO4-C content of soil. The maximum KMnO4-C (0.86 g kg-1) was found to be in the treatment receiving both compost and crop residue which was 45.76% higher than that no manure application. Effect of different levels of treatments of NPK and manures as well as their interactions effect on carbon dioxide evolution was significant. Carbon management index increased from 123.46 to 155.68 with increasing in fertilizer levels from No NPK to 150% NPK treatments. The maximum carbon management index (155.68 %), obtained in the treatment receiving 150% NPK, was 4.71, 15.10 and 26.09% higher than the treatments receiving 100%, 50% and No NPK, respectively. The treatment receiving 100% NPK was at par with the treatment receiving 150% NPK. Integrated nutrient management resulting in enhanced carbon management index indicated favorable impact of integrated nutrient management on carbon stabilization in soil.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Long-term Crop-Residue Management on Soil Properties in Rice-Wheat Cropping System(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2018) Kumar, Anand; Yadav, R. C.A study was conducted in an ongoing field experiment under AICRP on “Micro-and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants” in a calcareous soil in north-west alluvial plains of Bihar at Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa. The experimental design was split-plot with four crop-residue (0, 25, 50 & 100%) levels in main plots and four levels of Zn application (0, 2.5, 5.0 & 10 kg ha-1) in sub-plots. Post-harvest surface soil samples after 23rdwheat crop were analyzed for physical and chemical properties, viz., bulk density, water-stable macroaggregates (WSMA), water holding capacity (WHC), volumetric water content, pH, EC, organic carbon (OC), total organic carbon, oxidisable organic carbon fractions, and aggregate-associated carbon, phosphorus and zinc. Recycling of increasing levels of crop-residue enhanced significantly the properties of soil like WHC, soil aggregation, organic carbon, and aggregate-associated carbon, whereas suppressing effect of crop-residue on pH and bulk density of soil was observed. Organic carbon content increased by 7.18, 20.22, 34.21% in treatments receiving 25, 50 and 100% crop residue, respectively as compared to that receiving no crop-residue treatment. Water-stable macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) increased significantly by 49% in the treatment receiving 100% crop-residue in comparison with that with no residue. Carbon content in both macro-(>0.25mm) and micro-aggregates (<0.25mm) increased with increase in crop-residue levels. Oxidizable organic carbon fractions in surface soil were found to be in the order: non-labile (46.6%) > very labile (31.0%) > labile (17.3%) > less labile (5.1%). The concentration of available phosphorus and zinc within water-stable aggregate showed an inverse relationship with aggregate size. WSMA, WHC, OC, oxidisable organic carbon fractions and macro- and micro- aggregate-associated carbon were significantly and positively correlated with yield of rice and wheat, whereas bulk density was negatively correlated.ThesisItem Open Access Spatial distribution of different pools of potassium in North Bihar Soils(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Prabha, Sneh; Prasad, S. S.The present investigation entitled “Spatial distribution of different pools of potassium in North Bihar soils” was carried out at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi an unique campus of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar in year 2016-2017. Soils of North Bihar extending between 88°17'17.04" E to 83°54'18.02" E longitude and 27°17'4.44" N to 25°29'58.17" N latitude having a vast area of 52,925 sq km. Potassium (K) is the third major nutrient after N and P, required by plants for buildup of biomass. It exists in soil in different forms and these forms are in quasi equilibrium with each other. K is essential in modern agriculture, horticulture and vegetable crops as it makes plants tolerant to drought and frost and resistant to a number of diseases and pest attack besides its impact on yield and quality. Now a day, K is recognized as an important limiting factor in crop production. In the absence of adequate K fertilization, significant depletion of soil K reserve takes place, effect of which is substantial yield loss and higher economic risk of farmers. In the year 2020, the deficit of K in Indian agriculture is projected to be around 10 million tonnes/annum while the estimates for N and P balances are positive (Srinivasarao et al., 2001). Such a deficit will create serious nutrient imbalances with major implications on factor productivity and environment. It is worthwhile to note that even the most progressive and productive states like Punjab and Haryana, have most skewed N:P2O5:K2O ratio. The focus has been on N followed by P and very little use of K resulting in a huge imbalance. Geographical Information Systems offer the flexibility to visualize the spatial information in an easier way. With the availability of open source geographic information system software and high end computing facilities at low cost, use of GIS for scientific and utilities management has increased substantially. The GIS consists of organizing the information of an attribute in systematic continuous grids popularly known as raster maps or in continuous polygon (vector maps). The soils developed by sediments deposit of Gandak, Budhi Gandak and Bagmati rivers are calcareous in nature, whereas the soils developed by sediments deposit of Kosi, Adhwara group and Kamala Balan rivers are non-calcareous in nature. The study had primary objectives to assess different fractions of K in soils, to correlate available K with different K fractions and soil characteristics and to prepare GIS-aided maps for spatial distribution pattern of different forms of K and their combination. One hundred twenty one samples were collected on grid basis with coordinates through GPS and thematic soil maps were prepared using TNTmips (2010) GIS software. Wide variation in water soluble K (3.5 ppm to 67 ppm), exchangeable K (12 ppm to 274 ppm), available K (17 ppm to 330 ppm), non-exchangeable K (65 ppm to 2101 ppm), nitric acid soluble K (126 ppm to 2431 ppm) and total K (469 ppm to 22471.20 ppm) were recorded in soils of North Bihar and are present in following order viz. total K > nitric acid soluble K > non-exchangeable K > available K > exchangeable K > water soluble K. Significant correlation and regression were found among various soil properties and pools of K. Correlation coefficient with organic carbon and pools of K (Available K, Nitric acid soluble K and Non-exchangeable K) are significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.186*, r = 0.201* and r = 0.182*, respectively ) in North Bihar. Non-exchangeable K is significantly and negatively correlated with soil pH (r = - 0.225*). Nitric acid soluble K was significantly and negatively correlated with pH (r = - 0.237**) and cation exchange capacity (r = - 0.253**); non-exchangeable Potassium was significantly and negatively correlated with cation exchange capacity (r = - 0.271**). Spatial distribution of pools of potassium generated on the basis of interpolation of point data provides spatial information for potassium management in North Bihar. Soil map generated by combination of exchangeable and non-exchangeable K of soil into nine classes among which, Class I , Class II, Class IV and Class VII cumulatively cover 45.23 % area comprising in Motihari, Bettiah, Jaynagar, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Kisanganj, Purnia and Araria districts of North Bihar, where K application must be done to realize full yield potential of different cropping systems.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Salinity Levels on Productivity and Juice Quality of Sugarcane genotypes(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Kumari, Smita; Jha, C. K.The present investigation was undertaken with an aim to study the Effect of Salinity Levels on Productivity and Juice Quality of Sugarcane Genotypes during 2016-17, at Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. The pot experiment was conducted with treatment consisted of three salinity levels (0, 2.5 and 5.0 dSm-1) and five sugarcane genotypes (CoP 9702, CoP 112, B.O. 154, B.O 153 and CoP 9301) with three replication in CRD. The salinity of 2.5 dSm-1 (S1) and 5.0 dSm-1 (S2) was developed and sugarcane was planted as per technical programme of the experiment. Salinity was developed using suitable amount of NaCl. NPK was applied as per recommendations (150-85-60). The half dose of N, full P2O5 and K2O applied at the time of planting. Rest 50 % N was applied in two splits. The sugarcane was planted in Feb, 2016 and harvested in January; 2017. Maximum (30.28%) reduction in germination was recorded at S2 levels of salinity compared to control (S0). The genotype BO 154 recorded significantly highest germination percentage (53.84%) followed by CoP112 (50.53%) compared to CoP 9301 and CoP 9702. The maximum plant height was attained by the BO154 followed by CoP112. The growth performance of genotype CoP9301 and BO153 was significantly inferior at different stages of plant growth. The number of tillers was statistically significant and decreased significantly with increasing salinity. Sugarcane genotype BO154 recorded significantly maximum and CoP 9301 minimum number of tillers at 120 DAP. The yield components of sugarcane indicated that there was overall reduction in cane length (31.07%), cane girth (8.75%) and single cane weight (25.72%) at S2 level of salinity over S0 (Control). Among sugarcane genotypes, BO154 followed by CoP112 was found superior as compared to rest of the genotypes in terms of yield attributing characteristics. The reduction in cane yield due to salinity in S1 and S2 treatments over control was to the extent of 14.69 % and 28.07%, respectively. The mean cane yield increased by 14.00 % and 10.12 % in genotypes BO154 and CoP112, respectively over CoP9301. The mean reduction in yield among the genotypes were in order BO154 > CoP112 > CoP9702 > BO153> CoP9301. The value of brix and pol in sugar cane juice significantly decreased with increasing level of salinity, however purity coefficient was non-significant. The sugarcane genotype CoP 9301 was superior in terms of brix, pol and CCS%. The reduction in juice recovery maximum by 42.96% was recorded at S2 level of salinity. Among sugarcane genotypes, CoP112 recorded significantly maximum juice recovery (43.56%) and found at par with BO 154.The reduction in mean sugar yield varied significantly and ranges from 16.75 - 33.25 % due to salinity. Among sugarcane, genotypes BO 154 recorded significantly highest sugar yield followed by CoP112 and lowest in BO 153. The mean sugar yield increased by 9.66 % in BO 154 and 5.44 % in CoP112 over BO153. Sugar yield, a function of cane yield and exhibited similar trend of cane yield. The increasing salinity significantly decreased nutrient concentration (NPK) and uptake of nutrient (NPK) by sugarcane genotypes while, Na+ concentration, its uptake and Na/K ratio increased due to salinity over control. The higher cane yield resulted in higher uptake of nutrients. The pH and EC of soil increased while organic carbon of soil decreased significantly with increasing level of salinity. The organic carbon content of soil reduced due to salinity to the extent of 20.51 % over control. The availability of macro (NPK) and micronutrient (Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) decreased with increasing level of salinity. The salt stress increased Na+ and decreased Ca2++Mg2+ content of soil significantly with increase in SAR and anions content of post harvest soil. The sugarcane genotypes BO154 produced highest cane and sugar yield at all salinity level. Among sugarcane genotypes BO154, followed by CoP112 and CoP9702 performed well in terms of sugar yield and cane yield under saline condition as compare to other genotypes (BO153 and CoP9301) indicating that BO154, CoP112 and CoP9702 genotypes may be grown as moderately salt tolerant genotype under different agro-climatic conditions of North Bihar.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Properties, and Yield and Quality of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Chandan, Shivendu Kumar; Singh, Sanjay KumarA field experiment was conducted on sandy loam soil during during winter (Rabi) season 2015-16 at research farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur a campus of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 11 treatments on Indian mustard variety (Rajendra suphlam) to study the “Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Properties, and Yield and Quality of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)”. The soil of the experimental field was calcareous in nature with pH 8.56, EC 0.43 (dSm-1), Organic carbon 0.56 (%) indicates moderately fertile. The available nitrogen (162.0kg ha-1), available phosphorus (8.68kg ha-1), available potassium (96.40kg ha-1) and available sulphur (10.86kg ha-1) was also observed medium in range. Integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers along with microbial inoculants was showed initially non- significant differences on plant height at 30 DAS and increased slowly up to the 30 days of sowing growth variation was not observed remarkable with any of the treatments irrespective of its sources. Plant height at 60 DAS was affected significantly with addition of different treatments and it was ranged from 79.83 to 108.17cm and showed marked differences on plant height at 90 DAS for each of the treatment combinations over control. The maximum fresh (10.43g) and dry weight (1.26g) of plant was observed at 30 DAS with application of 100%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB (T4). The effect of integrated nutrient management on length of siliqua was not observed significant whereas, the number of siliqua plant-1 was significantly influenced by the application of different combinations of organic and chemical fertilizers along with bio-fertilizers. Application of 25% reduced quantity of RDF in combination with organics and bio-fertilizers, increased no. of seeds siliqua-1 significantly and it amounted 21.27 percentage over control. In case of no. of seeds siliqua-1, the maximum (12.44) was recorded in 75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @ 5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB which was 15.51% more than 100% RDF+S @40k ha-1. The test weight significantly increased by 19.25% was observed in the treatment where applied 100% RDF+S@40 kg ha-1+Poultry manure @2t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB irrespective of other sources. Grain yield of mustard was ranged between 866.80 to 1782.24 in different treatments and the yield was obtained 106% more over absolute control in 75%RDF+ S@40 kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB. The leaf area index was ranged from 1.86 to 2.44 and maximum LAI value (2.44) was recorded in treatment T9 where applied 75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB. The higher quantity of nitrogen utilization in seed (41.70 kg ha-1) and stover (33.18 kg ha-1) was found in T9 where, incorporated 75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB, whereas, the percentage increased of P uptake in seed and stover (48.58%) and (36.21%) was associated with 75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB over 100%RDF and 75%RDF. Maximum potassium and sulphur uptake in seed and stover (15.15 & 91.64 kg ha-1) and (13.37 & 19.81 kg ha-1) was noticed in T9 and T6 respectively. Percentage increased of organic carbon between 16.07 to 35.72 % was quantified in different treatment combinations over control. However, the changing in soil pH and electrical was observed little with different treatments. Reduced bulk density 1.28 Mg m-3 was reported with application with T9 (75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB). Water holding capacity (40.61%) was recorded in T9 (75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB) which is increased with the addition of organics. The maximum available nitrogen (200.4kg ha-1) and phosphorus (14.1kg ha-1) content was recorded in T9 and T4 respectively. Under the different treatments, maximum available potassium (117.24 kg ha-1) was recorded at T4 (100% RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB) followed by RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Poultry manure @2t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB. Free fatty acid and acid value (%) of mustard oil was ranged from 1.28 to 1.59% & 2.56 to 3.17% in different treatment combinations. The minimum value of free fatty acid (1.28%) was observed in T5 (RDF+S @40 kg ha-1 +Poultry manure @2t ha-1) which indicate generally good quality of oil of health point of view. High linoleic acid (18.81%) was noticed in T10 and linolenic acid content was found in mustard oil ranged between 10.17 to 13.18%. The highest SFA: PUFA ratio in mustard from the present investigation was obtained in T7 while, SFA: MUFA highest ratio was noticed in T5. The treatment T9 recoded highest gross return due the higher yield of mustard seed obtained at applied 75%RDF+ S@40 kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB. Best B:C ratio 2.22 & 2.26 were obtained from T2 & T7 where, applied with 100%RDF and 75% RDF fertility.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) Clones on Fertility Improvement in Upland Calcareous Soil after Eleven-Year- Rotation(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2016) Kumar, Atul; Das, D. K.Poplar trees are becoming extremely important as fast growing species due to the increasing need for wood and decreasing productivity of the lands. The present investigation was conducted in eleven-year-old poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) plantations established at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birouli, Samastipur (Bihar) to find the effect of six promising clones (PP-5, Udai, L-52, L-49, G-48 and L-188) as one of the most important effective factors on soil properties and also to estimate the timber volume of different poplar clones. Clones were planted with 5×4 m spacing in frame of randomized block design with four replications. The soil samples were taken from 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth of soils under plantations of different poplar clones and from open (without trees). The results showed that the upper 0-15 cm soil in L-52 poplar clone plot had highest value (6.30 g kg-1 soil) and it was 125% more over control (open). Besides, L-49 had almost similar soil organic carbon status. Hence, the soils under these two plantations have more potentiality for sequestering organic carbon. Irrespective of the soil depths, maximum reduction in pH (0.47 unit) was noticed under the canopy of L-52 followed by L-49 (0.37 unit) and the less change was noticed under L-188 (0.16 unit). Electrical conductivities (EC) under all the poplar plantations were significantly lower as compared to open. Improvement of available macronutrients such as N, P2O5 and K2O, was recorded under all the plantations. Maximum build up was under L-52 followed by L-49 clones. Significant decrease in available S was recorded under Uday, G-48 and L-188, whereas L-52, L-49 and PP-5 poplar clones showed significant increase in available S at both the depths of the soil over open condition. Maximum improvement of available micronutrients Fe, Cu, Mn and B was recorded under L-52 followed by L-49 clones. However, available Zn declined under all the plantations at both the depth of the soil except under the clone L-52 in the surface soil when compared to open. Timber volume (m3ha-1) of the different eleven-year-old poplar clones followed the order: L-52 (271.1) > L-49 (210.0) > PP-5 (184.8) > Uday (176.6) > G-48 (139.0) > L-188 (132.9). Thus, soil fertility as reflected by soil pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, soil organic carbon, available macronutrients (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, B and S) can be improved by integration of L-52, L-49 and PP-5 clones of poplar (Populus deltoides) in silvicultural systems under upland calcareous soil condition, besides meeting the demand of wood for plywood and fuel.