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ThesisItem Open Access Linseed Based Intercropping Systems with Gram And Mustard Under Rainfed Condition(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2001) Akhilesh Sah; S.D.RamThe field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 1998- 99 at Ranchi Agricultural collage Farm, Kanke (Ranchi) to study the effect of “Linseed based intercropping systems with gram and mustard under rainfed conditions” .The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture and acidic in reaction (pH 6.2) having available N (160 Kg),P2O5 (18 Kg) and K2O(229Kg) per ha. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design replicated four times having seven treatments i.e. sole linseed, sole mustard ,sole gram, linseed + mustard (4.2) linseed + gram (4.2), linseed + mustard (5.1 ) and linseed + gram (5.1). The results revealed that cropping system had no significant effect on plant stand of linseed and gram, and the technical plant height of linseedThesisItem Open Access ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY OF PIGEON PEA BASED INTERCROPPING SYSTEM THROUGH NITROGEN MANAGEMENT USING NANO UREA(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2024) Peeyush Kumar Jaysawal; S. KarmakarPulse is an important protein source for large portions of vegetarian population. Among the pulses pigeon pea is the prime Kharif pulse grown under rainfed condition in India and because of its slow initial growth, intercropping with cereals is a common practice where nitrogen management is a cumbersome process. Keeping these facts in view, a field experiment entitled “Enhancing productivity of pigeon pea based intercropping system through nitrogen management using Nano urea” was carried out during Kharif season for two consecutive years, 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Agronomy Research Farm, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi to find out a suitable pigeon pea based intercropping system with suitable nitrogen management using nano urea for improving productivity and profitability. The experimental soil was sandy-loam in nature having moderately acidic pH (5.51), low in organic carbon (4.83 g/kg) and available nitrogen (193.5 kg/ha), medium in available phosphorous (22.5 kg/ha) and potassium (201.8 kg/ha) along with microbial population of bacteria (28.9 × 106 cfu/g of soil), fungus (38.8 ×104 cfu/g of soil) and actinomycetes (8.7 ×106 cfu/g of soil). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with five cropping systems in main plots viz. C1: sole pigeon pea, C2: sole sweet corn, C3: sole baby corn, C4: pigeon pea + sweet corn (1:1) and C5: pigeon pea + baby corn (1:1) and the sub-plots comprised of five nitrogen management practices viz. N1: 100% RDN, N2: 50% RDN, N3: 50% RDN+ two spray of nano urea (4ml/litter), N4: 50% RDN + two spray of urea (2%) and N5: control with three replications. A uniform dose of phosphorous and potash was applied as basal, as per the recommendation of the crops. The crop varieties used were Birsa Arhar 1, Sugar 75 and BVM 2, as test crops to raise pigeon pea, sweet corn and baby corn, respectively. Periodic observations on growth, yield, quality, nitrogen use efficiency, soil fertility; economics and agronomic indices were recorded and analyzed using the standard statistical procedure wherever possible. Mean data of growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, harvest index, protein content, carbohydrate content and N content were recorded maximum in sole crop of pigeon pea, sweet corn and baby corn. Among the intercropping systems, sweet corn intercropped with pigeon pea in additive series recorded maximum values of growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, harvest index, protein content, carbohydrate content and N content under 100% recommended dose of nitrogen which was closely followed by 50% recommended dose of nitrogen with two spray of nano urea. The phenological observations of sweet corn and baby corn i.e., days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking, tasseling-silking interval and days to 1st picking were recorded earlier under sole sweet corn and baby corn as compared to their intercropping system. The pigeon pea equivalent yield (3,869 kg/ha), protein yield (790 kg/ha), total N uptake (196.6 kg/ha), total P uptake (18.74 kg/ha), gross return (₹2,62,633/ha), net return (₹1,75,174/ha) were recorded maximum under pigeon pea + sweet corn intercropping system with application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen which was found significantly superior over all other combinations except pigeon pea + sweet corn intercropping grown with 50% recommended dose of nitrogen + two spray of nano urea. However, maximum B:C ratio (3.03) was found with the application of 50% recommended dose of nitrogen + two spray of nano urea which was comparable to 100% recommended dose of nitrogen under pigeon pea + sweet corn intercropping system. Maximum LER (1.81) was registered under pigeon pea + sweet corn which was significantly superior over pigeon pea + baby corn intercropping system. Regarding nitrogen use efficiency, maximum partial factor productivity (52.5 kg economic yield/kg N applied), agronomic efficiency (24.1 kg economic yield increase/kg N applied), apparent recovery efficiency (115.4%), economic nutrient use efficiency (3.2 kg economic yield/₹ invested in nitrogen) and partial nutrient balance (1.43kg N uptake/kg N applied) were obtained with 50% recommended dose of nitrogen + two spray of nano urea and minimum with 100% recommended dose of nitrogen. After two crop cycles, a marginal improvement in soil organic carbon (4.86 g/kg) and available nitrogen (206.1 kg/ha) was recorded with 100% recommended dose of nitrogen whereas, increase in microbial population of bacteria (30.58 ×106 cfu/g of soil) and actinomycetes (9.17 ×106 cfu/g of soil) in soil was found with 50 % recommended dose of nitrogen + two spray of nano urea as compared to their initial values. Based on two years of experimentation, it may be concluded that pigeon pea intercropped with sweet corn (1:1 in additive series) is a promising intercropping system which can be grown either with 100 % recommended dose of nitrogen or with 50 % recommended dose of nitrogen + two spray of nano urea for harnessing high productivity, nutritional quality, profitability and maintaining soil health under rainfed acid lateritic condition of Jharkhand.ThesisItem Open Access PLANT DENSITY AND NITROGEN MANAGEMENT IN RYE GRASS FOR QUALITY FODDER PRODUCTION(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2024) Suraj Ranjan; Birendra KumarRye grass is an important multi-cut non-legume Rabi fodder. Rye grass sown in the last week of September recorded higher yield and more number of cuts (5-6 cuts) upto middle of April. The crop gets ready for first cut in 50-55 days after sowing and subsequent cuttings at 25-30 days intervals. It’s dry matter production is quite comparable with the traditional winter fodder, like Berseem and oat. Green fodder of Rye grass is much succulent and highly palatable. A field study entitled “Plant density and nitrogen management in Rye grass for quality fodder production” was carried out during Rabi season of 2021-22 at research field of Agrostology state plan unit, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry under Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi. The field experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design with four (4) different plant density viz. 75 % Recommended seed rate (RSR), 100 % RSR, 125 % RSR & 150 % RSR under main plots treatments, and four (4) Nitrogen levels, viz. 100% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN), 125 % RDN, 150 % RDN & 175 % RDN under sub plots. The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 80:50:30:: N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha and Makhan grass variety was taken for the study. The soil was sandy laom with their initial status in terms of organic carbon (3.85 g/kg of soil), pH (5.94), available N (219.80 kg/ha), P2O5 (26.30 kg/ha) and K2O (136.70 kg/ha). Results reflected that, the growth, yield attributes & yield, quality and economics of Rye grass were significantly influenced by different plant density and nitrogen levels. Growth and yield characters of Rye grass improved with increased levels of nitrogen up to 175% RDN and 150% RSR recorded more plant density (231.25/m2). Among the various recommended seed rate (RSR), 75% RSR recorded tallest plant (30.83, 35.49, 34.78 & 26.83 cm) & highest crude protein content (13.26, 12.86, 12.69 & 12.50 %) at different cuts. The Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Leaf : Stem ratio (L:S ratio) were higher with 100% RSR at all the cuts, whose respective mean was (1.79 & 6.31). The treatment combination of 150 % RSR with 175 % RDN recorded highest tillers/m2 (754, 724, 709 & 593); Green fodder yield 491.08 q/ha (140.23, 152.44, 121.04, & 77.37 q/ha), Dry fodder yield of 80.84 q/ha (21.80, 27.13, 18.76 & 13.15 q/ha) and Productivity 3.92 q/ha/day (2.80, 6.10, 4.84 & 3.09 q/ha/day). Further, the treatment combination of 150 % RSR with 175 % RDN in terms of economic i.e. gross return (₹ 1, 46,854/ha), net return (₹ 1, 06,427/ha), B: C ratio (2.63) and profitability (₹ 851.42/ha/day) recorded maximum. Based on one year of experimentation, it may concluded that Rye grass (CV: Makhan grass) grown at 25 cm row to row distance with seed rate 150 % RSR (18.0 kg/ha) and fertilized by 175% RDN (140 kg N, 50 kg P2O5 and 30 kg K2O/ha) produced GFY (491.08 q/ha), DFY (80.84 q/ha), B:C ratio (2.63) with profitability (₹ 851.42 /ha/day).ThesisItem Open Access Studies Nutrient Management of Urd bean under Late Sown Condition(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2002) Bhushan Prasad Singh; A. RafeyStudies on nutrient management of Urdbean (vigna mungo L. Hepper) under late sown condition was conducted during rainy (Kharif) season of 2000 in ultipaleustalf red loam soil (Belonging to the Red- Yellow - Light grey catenary soil association group representing major soil group of plateau region) of Birsa Agricultural University farm, Kanke, Ranchi. The soil reaction was slightly acidic (pH 6.8). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Twelve treatments in combination with four nitrogen levels management (20 kg N/ha as basal, 20 kg N/ha as basal + 10 kg N/ha as foliar, 30 kg N/ha as basal+ 10 kg N/ha as foliar and 30 kg N/ha as basal) and three population densities (5 lakh plants/ha, 4 lakh plants/ha and 3.33 lakh plants/ha maintained at spacing 20x10, 25x10 and 30x10 cm, respectively) were studied for the production of Urdbean. The recommended doze of 40 kg P₂Os and 20 kg K₂0/ha was applied as basal in furrow at the time of sowing in the form of single super phosphate and muriate of potash, respectively. On the basis of one year of experimentation it was revealed that the urdbean crop sown under late sown condition was influenced by nitrogen levels and population densities. Higher grain yield (11.8 q/ha), straw yield (47.6 q/ha), harvest index (19.91 %), net return (9761.5 Rs/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.96) was obtained when 30 kg N/ha was applied as basal and sowing was done at 25x10 cm spacing (4 lakh plants/ha) and found to be significantly superior among all the nitrogen levels and population densities. Urdbean roots and nodules were also significantly influenced by nitrogen levels and population densities. Higher lateral (8.7 cm) and vertical (19.0 cm) expansion of roots, dry weight of roots (0.50 g), number of nodules (47.0), effective nodules (42.0), per cent effective nodules (89.3) and dry weight of nodules (0.29 g) per plant was recorded when 30 kg N/ha was applied as basal and sowing was done on 25x10 cm spacing (4 lakh plants/ha). But the Nitrogen concentration in nodules was higher when 30 kg N/ha was applied as basal + 10 kg N/ha as foliar and sowing was done on 25 x 10 cm spacing. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentration in grain and straw of urdbean was higher when 30 kg N/ha as basal + 10 kg N/ha as foliar was applied and crop was sown on 25 x 10 cm spacing (4 lakh plants/ha). Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake in grain and straw of urdbean crop and its total uptake was higher when nutrient was applied @ 30 kg N/ha as basal and crop was sown at spacing 25 x 10 cm (4 lakh plants/ha) and found to be significantly superior among all the nitrogen levels and population densities. Value of available nitrogen, phosphorus and exchangeable potassium of soil after urdbean harvest was higher when nutrient was applied @ 30 kg N/ha as basal + 10 kg N/ha as foliar at 25 x 10 cm (4 lakh plants/ha) spacing. Net change in soil fertility after harvest of Urdbean crop was also significantly influenced by nutrient management and population densities. Higher value of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was recorded when crop was sown at 25 x 10 cm spacing (4 lakh plants/ha) with the nutrient application of 30 kg N/ha as basal + 10 kg N/ha as foliar.ThesisItem Open Access Integrated Nutrient Management In Maize-Wheat Cropping System(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2001) Sushil Kumar Pathak; S.N.SinghOn going long term manurial trial started since 1983 at Birsa Agricultural University Farm, Kanke, Ranchi was selected for this experiment during two consecutive years of 1997-98 and 1998-99 to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management in maize-wheat cropping system, the most extensively adopted in the uplands of Chotanagpur plateau region. The soil of the experimental plot was Ultic-paleustalf, Red loam soil belonging to the Red-Yellow-Light-Grey Catenary Soil Association Group, representing major soil group of this region. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with three replications. The treatments comprised of three organic sources viz. FYM, paddy straw and green karanj leaves (Pomganea pinnata) substituting 25 per cent and 50 per cent of the optimum doses of NPK during kharif season thus making six treatments, which were evaluated against four varying levels of inorganic fertilizers along with one each of unfertilized control and farmer's practice (only 50 kg Urea ha). The recommended dose of NPK for both maize and wheat were 100:50:25 kg N:PO, KO ha. At the inception of the experiment during 1983, the soil was well drained, loam in texture having Bulk density (1.39 g cm), Mean weight diameter of soil aggregates (0.718 mm), pH (6.5), water holding capacity at 33 KPa (19.6%) and 1500 K Pa (11.3%), organic carbon (0.410 %), available N (255.0 kg ha ¹), available P (14.19 kg ha-¹) and available K (190.7 kg ha). After 14 years of experimentation it was found that FYM either substituting 50 per cent (T) or 25 per cent (T,) of recommended NPK dose of inorganic fertilizers in maize and getting 100 percent or 75 per cent NPK in wheat, respectively scored over all other treatments as regards yield, economics, energy efficiency and maintenance of soil health. These two treatments, T, and T, produced wheat equivalent yields of 71.37 and 68.94 q ha fetching net returns of Rs. 28,918-67 and Rs. 28,694-33 per hectare with a benefit:cost ratio of 1.37 and 1.45, respectively. As against this only Rs. 21,803-33 ha was realized from T₂, the treatment getting 100 per cent NPK to both maize and wheat through inorganic fertilizers. The mean maximum uptake of N, P and K was also higher in these two treatments receiving FYM in kharif. The quantities of NPK removed by the system were 207.85, 29.43, 210.41 kg ha' in the treatment substituting 50 per cent N (T) and 204.52, 27.98 and 201.62 kg ha in the treatment substituting FYM in lower proportion i.e. 25 per cent (T) Energy production as well as energy-use-efficiency by the system in these two FYM treated plots exhibited higher values as compared to other treatments but were statistically comparable to each other. The values of maximum energy output (1,14,197 and 2,84,089 MJ ha¹ by grain and total biomass, respectively) was recorded in T. (substitution of FYM in higher proportion while T, (lower substitution of FYM) recorded highest energy-use-efficiency (3.772 and 9.460 by grain and total biomass) and lowest value of specific energy (427.57 MJ ton"). The other organic sources (paddy straw and green karanj leaves) were not as effective as FYM, but, they had definite favourable impact on soil properties. Paddy straw induced development of the highest organic carbon content in soil and the karanj leaves were as effective as FYM in available N content in soil. Yield under these organic sources were comparable in case of maize and superior in case wheat at their higher substitution to T,, the treatment getting 100 per cent NPK in both crops through inorganic fertilizers. Soil fertility analysis viewed that there was considerable improvement in physical condition of soil by reducing bulk density and enhancing mean weight diameter of water stable aggregates as well as water holding capacity at both 33 K Pa (Field capacity) and 1500 K Pa (Permanent wilting point) besides maintaining soil pH by the organo-inorganic combinations (T, to T). Considerable build-up in organic carbon percentage as well as in available N, P and K was also noticed through integration of organic sources with inorganic fertilizers (T, to T.).ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Nitrogen Levels on Mustard + Chickpea Intercroppings System(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2001) Mahesh Chandra Jerai; J.ToppoThe research work on intercropping has mostly focused on the suitable spatial arrangement and nutrient levels on mustard + chickpea intercropping system. Merge attention has been paid to nitrogen level in isolation which is also an important aspect of intercropping system as the component crops arc are different in nature of growth and nitrogen needs. Therefore this study was carried out on the effect of nitrogen levels on mustard + chickpea intercropping system during the rabi (winter) season of 1998-99 on a rainfed upland sandy loam soil of Birsa Agricultural University Farm, Ranchi. The experiment was laid in Split Plot Design in intercropping of mustard + chickpea with two ratio (1:1 and 2:1 row ratio) which constituted main plot and three levels of nitrogen (control (no fertilizer), 20 kg nitrogen and 40 kg nitrogen per hectare). A uniform dose of phosphoric @ 40 kg POs ha in the form of SSP and K,O 20 kg ha¹ as muriate of potash was applied at the time of sowing. In addition to intercropping two sole crops of mustard and chickpea were allocated randomly in each replication for comparison. Salient features of the results of the experiment are given below. The assessment of the row ratio and yield advantages revealed that through the yield attributes, yield per se of component crops in intercropping system were reduced as compared to those of the sole crops, the combined equivalent yield of component crop in intercropping system exceeded the higher sole crop yield. The periodic plant height of mustard was not influenced by intercropping system, the maximum height (127 cm) of mustard was recorded at harvest, while the levels of nitrogen greatly influenced the height of mustard plants. The maximum height of mustard was obtained with the application of 40, kg per hectare N which was significantly more than that obtained with other treatments. Similar results were also obtained at 60 and 75 days after sowing. Yield components (primary and secondary branches, seeds/siliquae pod, siliquae or pod per plant and 1000-seed weight) were influenced by intercropping and level of nitrogen. The yield of the component corps, in intercropping systems, reduced as compared to those of the sole crops. The combined equivalent yield of component crop in intercropping system exceeded the sole crop yield. The intercropping system (mustard + chickpea 1:1) was the best from yield (equivalent yield 1776 kg/ha), Economic return (Rs.22,095/ha) and bio-energetic (Energy use efficiency by grain 3.02) point of view. Application of 40 kg nitrogen per hectare gave maximum equivalent yield (1850 kg/ha), economic return (Rs.23,173/ha) and bio-energetic (Energy use efficiency by grain 2.79). Although sole chickpea produced the highest net return (Rs.33,180/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (5.99). Sole chickpea left more available nitrogen in soil as compared to that recorded in intercropping system, which was followed by the intercropping of mustard + chickpea (1:1 row ratio). Under different nitrogen levels, application of 40 kg nitrogen left more available nitrogen than any other treatments. There was no effect on availability of phosphorus, potassium and organic carbon. Moreover, the availability of potassium and phosphorus was maximum in control plots. The experimental results and economic analysis of the experiment indicated that sale crop of chickpea in upland rainfed situation of plateau region of Jharkhand showed best performance. Among the intercropping systems, mustard + chickpea (2:1 row ratio) can profitably be replaced by mustard + chickpea (1:1 row ratio) intercropping system. The application of 40 kg nitrogen gave the maximum net return which was at par with the application of 20 kg nitrogen per hectare.ThesisItem Open Access Production Potential of Finger Millet Cultivars under Different Nitrogen Levels In Rainfed Condition(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2001) Md.Naiyar Ali; S.AhmedA field experiment was carried out to study the production potential of finger millet cultivars under different nitrogen levels in rainfed condition" during kharif 2000 at Birsa Agricultural University Farm, Ranchi. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Treatment consisted of six finger millet cultivars (A404, PR202, HR374, BM2, JBT2 and BAU2) with three nitrogen levels (20, 40 and 60 kg N ha¹). The experimental soil was representative sandy loam in texture and acidic in reaction with low in organic carbon, available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and potassium. Among finger millet cultivars A404 and PR202 (long) duration) performed better growth, higher number of tillers plant and metre row length, higher gain weight ear and test weight, maximum mean grain yield (17.03 q ha¹) and net return (Rs.4428.2 ha¹) with higher benefit cost ratio (0.84) in comparison to cultivar HR374 and BM2 (medium) and JBT2 and BAU2 (short duration). Grain yield of long duration cultivars was increased by 9.4 and 17.7% as compared to medium and short duration, respectively. Application of 60 kg N ha ha' produced taller plant, higher yield attributes (tillers plant', grains ear¹ and test weight) maximum grain yield (18.90, q ha¹) and net return (Rs.4720, ha¹) with higher benefit: cost ratio (0.83) which was closer to 40 kg N ha".ThesisItem Open Access Integrated Nutrient Management In Forage- Food Crop Sequences(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2001) Arvind Kumar; N. K. PrasadThe experiment was conducted at fodder farm, B.A.U., Ranchi to study the effect of integrated nutrient management in forage food crop sequences. It was carried out since 1989-1990 and the detail observation of the last 3year (1997-98 to 1999-2000) were recorded and interpreted. The Treatments comprised of two sequences Viz. rice –berseem and rice –oats in main- plot and 4 integrated nutrients Management ha-1 viz. 100% recommended level of NPK in both season,75% recommended level of NPK + 10 t FYM in Kharif, 75% recommended level of NPK + 10t FYM in Rabi and 75% recommended level of NPK + 10 t FYM in both season (Kharif + Rabi) in Sub –Plots and replicated thrice. The gross plot size of 4.0m X 2.5 m was Kept. Line sowing of each crop was done at 25cm apart. The soil of the experimental plots was silt loam in texture (sand 38.25, silt50.95, clay 10.83%. It was low in organic carbon (0.52),available N (216Kgha-1 ) P (12.2 Kg ha-1 ) and medium in K (141.6 Kg ha-1 with Ph 5.9. The results of last three years of investigation revealed that the rice as a succeeding crop to berseem produced higher rice yield when both the crops were fed with 75 % recommended level of NPK plus 10 t FYM ha-1. Application of 75% recommended level of NPK + 10 t FYM ha-1c in both the season also recorded the maximum forage yield in oats which was followed by oats forage yield received at 100% recommended level of NPK. Alike to oats forage, berseem has also produced the maximum quantity of forage yield under the same treatment. Berseem has significantly recorded a better enrichment in available Soil N during all the years as well as integrated application nutrient has also accounted for higher enhancement in soil N. However, the maximum available soil P was recorded when the sequences were taken at 100% NPK applied through chemical fertilizers. Maximum available soil K was also recorded after the harvest of Kharif as well as Rabi, component grown entirely on chemical sources of nutrients. Rice harvested after berssem removed higher quantity of NPK as compared to rice harvested after oats. Among forage components, gave higher NPK yield as compared to oats. However, rice sequence as a whole removed the maximum quantity of NPK. The balance sheet of nutrients further indicated maximum recovery of these three nutrient under cereal- cereal sequence as compared to cereal – legume. A definite enhancement in N and P status of soil to its initial level was noticed but the trend was reversed in case of K build up which suggested some additional application of K in these crops. Rice –oats sequence has utilized the NPK in a better way than rice berseem sequence. While sequence having forage legume has evaluated for higher N uptake efficiency as compared to sequence having forage cereal. A better utilization of N was accounted under the system having cereal grain and forage components. P uptake efficiency was neither influenced by the cropping sequences nor fertility treatments. Rice- oat sequence has shown better utilization of P than rice –berseem. Rice –oat sequence has computed for higher K uptake efficiency than rice berseem whereas different in utilization efficiency was not recorded under either of the sequence or fertility management. Both the sequence were found equally remunerative but the crop grown in presence of 75% NPK + 10t FYM ha-1 in both the season has given significantly the maximum net return (Rs31,659 ha-1 yr-1). Though rice –oat sequence consistently and significantly accounted for higher overall net return to rupee investment but rice –berseem sequence was more remunerative due to higher over all net return (Rs 33,415ha-1yr-1) and the same has also enriched the soil in a better way as compared to cereal –cereal sequence. The maximum energy output recorded under rice –oats sequence as compared to rice berseem sequence. Fretility build up under rice –berseem as well as rice –oats sequence fertility with 75% recommended dose of NPK + 10 t FYM in both the season appeared to be more stable. The same was also true in case of net return during the different years of investigation.ThesisItem Open Access Weed Management in Wheat Based Intercropping System(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2000) Nargis Kumari; K. PrasadAmong the factors responsible for drastic reduction in grain yield, weed occupies top most position. Weed is a serious problem in general and during rabi season particular. The problem have intensified due to increase in irrigation facilities, fertilizer use and adoption of high yielding cultivars and changed agrotechniques. Recently, there has been a rapid growing interest in adopting intercropping system as a most potential tool for enhancing the crop production over space and time. The yield advantages through intercropping over sole cropping are achieved not by means of costly inputs but by simple expedient of growing crops together. Weed management research in India has been mostly confined to sole cropping and the information pertaining to weed control in intercropping is rather meagre, specially in winter crops. Wheat crop often suffers from severe weed competition. Keeping the above fact in mind, a field experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications. Five cropping systems (viz. sole wheat (20 cm), sole linseed (25 cm), sole sunflower (60 cm), wheat+ sunflower (3:1) and wheat + linseed (3:1) were kept in main plot and five weed management practices were kept in sub-plots [Weedy control, Weeding (20, 40 and 60 DAS). Pendimethalin (1.5 kg a.i. ha" pre-emergence), Isoproturon (1.5 kg a.i. ha post emergence) and Pendimethalin + isoproturon (1.0 kg a.i. ha pre-emergence + 1.0 kg a.i. har¹ post-emergence). The results revealed that intercropping of wheat either with sunflower or linseed in 3:1 rows ratio proved superior to their sole cropping in respect of yield attributes, yield and economic advantages. Intercropping of wheat with sunflower in 3:1 rows ratio produced significantly higher wheat equivalent yield (8605.67, 9272.76 and 8939.15 kg ha) in respective years and on pooled basis. Wheat + sunflower (3:1) intercropping system recorded lesser competitive ratio (0.58 and 0.53) and higher value of relative crowding coefficient (10.21 and 15.29) in respective years. Negative value of aggressivity (-0.41 and -0.44) were obtained in wheat + sunflower (3:1) intercropping system, which indicates that the wheat was dominated by the sunflower in the system. Wheat + sunflower intercropping system in 3:1 rows ratio recorded maximum nitrogen uptake (92.70 and 102.70 kg ha), net return (Rs.41722.52 and 48214.15 ha) and benefit: cost ratio (4.87 and 5.47) in respective years than sole cropping of either of the crops. The effect of manual weeding at 20, 40 and 60 days after sowing was comparable with combined use of pendimethalin as pre-emergence + isoproturon as post-emergence each @ 1.0 kg a.l. ha in reducing weed density and weed dry matter. Weeding thrice (20, 40 and 60 DAS) produced maximum wheat equivalent yield (6017.18, 6701.15 and 6359.17 kg ha-¹) in respective years and on pooled basis, which was comparable with combined use of herbicides. Pre emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha recorded minimum competitive ratio (0.42) in 1997-98, whereas in 1999-2000 minimum competitive ratio was recorded under weeding (20, 40 and 60 DAS). Combined application of pendimethalin, pre-emergence + isoproturon, post-emergence each @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha¹ in wheat intercropped either with sunflower or linseed gave minimum value of aggresivity (-0.40 and -0.41) in respective years, whereas maximum value of relative crowding coefficient was recorded under combined application of pendimethalin as pre-emergence+ isoproturon as post-emergence each @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha¹¹ in 1997-98 and under weeded plots in 1999-2000. Weeding at 20. 40 and 60 days after sowing recorded maximum nitrogen uptake by crops (82.47 and 89.23 kg ha) in respective years which was comparable with post-emergence application of isoproturon @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha¹ and combined use of herbicides. Manual weeding (thrice) at 20, 40 and 60 days after sowing recorded highest gross return in both the years while combined use of pendimethalin as pre emergence + isoproturon as post-emergence each @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha recorded highest net return (25783.14 and 30638.23 Rs ha') and benefit: cost ratio (3.42 and 3.87) in respective years.
