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Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi

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2013 - 2019122020 - 20239
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Subject: Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry × Start date: 2013 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Isolation, Screening of Lignocellulose Decomposer and Its Impact on Crop Residue Decomposition, Soil Properties and Yield of Crops
    (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Shinde Reshma Bhausaheb; D.K. Shahi
    In India, the top ten crops generating about 686 Mt of residues are estimated to hold the potential to supply 5.6 Mt of NPK nutrients to the soil. When left on the field, crop residues decompose into different organic substances through the action of various soil microbes over time. The isolation of native fast-degrading microbes from areas and their inoculation can potentially enhance crop residues' decomposition speed and nutrient release process. Considering this hypothesis, an experiment was conducted to study the isolation and screening of lignocellulose decomposer and its impact on crop residue decomposition, soil properties, and yield of crops at the research farm of ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, FSRCHPR, Ranchi, India. Fifteen strains of fungi and six bacteria were isolated as pure colonies from various sources, out of which seven isolated microbial cultures (IMC) were identified as lignocellulose decomposers. IMC 18 and IMC 4 had shown higher enzyme activities for decomposing cellulose and lignin and were identified as Trichoderma viridi and Aspergillus niger. The efficiency of these strains was tested through on-field trials to establish them as potential lignocellulose decomposers. The field experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with two factors, consisting of three crop residues [paddy (C1), black gram (C2), and ragi straw (C3)] and five microbial inoculation treatments [control (T1), A. niger (T2), T. viridi (T3), A. niger + (1%) nitrogen application (T4) and T. viridi + (1%) nitrogen application (T5)] for each crop residue. In total, there were fifteen treatment combinations with two replications each. The decomposition and nutrient release patterns of all three crop residues were studied using litter bag techniques. Among the three types of crop residues, black gram straw exhibited the highest decomposition rate, followed by paddy straw and ragi straw. In treatment T5, where microbial inoculation was applied, over 90% of black gram straw decomposed within six months of field placement, while for paddy and ragi straw, this occurred within eight and nine months, respectively. Contrastingly, in the control treatment (T1) without microbial inoculation, over 90% decomposition of black gram straw occurred in eight months, while for paddy and ragi straw, it took ten and eleven months, respectively. The highest decomposition t99 period of 23.25 months was observed for ragi straw in the control treatment, while the shortest t99 period of 10.55 months was noted for black gram straw in treatment T5. In treatments with microbial inoculation, decomposition rates were 8.5-25% higher compared to the control. The sequence of straw decomposition rates in the microbial treatments followed the order: control < T2 < T3 < T4 < T5. Furthermore, the release rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were higher in the microbial-inoculated treatments compared to those without inoculation. N, P, and K release rates followed the order K > P > N. The application of crop residues led to an increase in available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil. Treatment C1, involving paddy straw application at 5.0 t ha-1, exhibited the highest available N (264.0 kg ha-1) and P (34.0 kg ha-1). In contrast, treatment C3, with ragi straw at the same rate, showed the highest available K (337.3 kg ha-1). Among microbial treatments, the inoculation of Trichoderma culture with nitrogen supplementation (T5) resulted in a significant rise in available NPK (267.34, 35.99, and 340.73 kg ha-1, respectively) in the soil. Applying crop residues (paddy or ragi straw at 5.0 t ha-1) enhanced the yield of field pea, moong bean, and maize cropping systems by 5-12%. In microbial-inoculated treatments, notably higher grain yields were observed for field pea (4.21-11.7%), moong bean (4.35-11.6%), and maize (4.91-10.39%) compared to the control. Among microbial treatments, T5 demonstrated significantly higher grain yields (10.39-11.7%) and straw yields (7.37-19.67%) across all three crops. The present study illustrated that inoculation of Trichoderma and Aspergillus spp. culture, along with nitrogen supplementation, can be a practical approach for in situ residue management, leading to the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms that hasten the degradation process of crop residues. Adding crop residues (paddy or ragi straw @ 5.0 t ha-1) not only increased the yield of field pea, moong bean, and maize cropping system but also improved the other soil fertility parameters such as organic carbon, available NPK, DTPA-Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn content, soil microbial count and soil enzyme activity like dehydrogenase and FDA. These factors are necessary to achieve sustainable production and minimize soil nutrient depletion. The application of crop residues and inoculation of Trichoderma spp. or Aspergillus spp. and nitrogen supplementation has the potential of this environment-friendly technology for in situ straw management and nutrient sources in the low input cropping system.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFICACY OF ZINC (Zn) AND SULPHUR (S) CONTAINING FERTILIZER ON PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY OF WHEAT GROWN UNDER ACID SOIL OF JHARKHAND
    (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Pooja Bharti; B. K. Agarwal
    A field experiment entitled “Efficacy of Zinc (Zn) and Sulphur (S) containing fertilizer on productivity and profitability of wheat grown under acid soil of Jharkhand” was conducted during Rabi 2021-22 at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand with an objective to compare the performance of different sources of zinc and sulphur containing fertilizer on yield attributes, yield, economics of the wheat crop along with the translocation study of zinc and sulphur in different plant parts and their nutrient uptake. In addition, soil samples were analysed for changes in chemical properties of soil viz. soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available N, available P, available K, available Zn and available S content. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) replicated thrice with seven treatments. The treatments were T1- 100% NPK (120: 60: 40), T2- 100% NPK + 1.5 kg Zn through Zinc Sulphate, T3- 100% NPK + 2.5 kg Zn through Zinc Sulphate, T4- 100% NPK + 5.0 kg Zn through Zinc Sulphate, T5- 100% NPK + 1.5 kg Zn through Techno-Z, T6- 100% NPK + 2.5 kg Zn through Techno-Z and T7- 100% NPK + 5.0 kg Zn through Techno-Z. The results revealed that maximum growth and yield attributes viz. no. of spikes/m2 (358.86), no. of grains/spike (48.39), 1000 grain weight (41.93 g), ear head length (11.55 cm) and ear head weight (4.53 g) were recorded at peak with treatment T7. Whereas, the treatment T3, T4 and T6 showed statistically at par results with T7 in case of all yield attributing characters. It was also observed that the highest grain yield (48.20 q ha-1 ), straw yield (73.42 q ha-1 ) and harvest index (39.64 %) was achieved with the treatment T7 and the treatment T3, T4 and T6 showed statistically at par results. However, the highest B:C ratio i.e., 2.32 was found with the treatment T4 whereas in case of T7 it was only 2.04. This was only because of the higher cost of Techno-Z in comparison to that of Zinc Sulphate. As far the study of Zn translocation was concerned, the data disclosed that the highest Zn content was in lower leaf as compared to that of middle leaf and upper leaf respectively. Whereas, among all the treatments, the highest Zn content was reported in treatment T7 in case of lower leaf. It had 48.38% and 55.90% higher Zn content as compared to middle leaf and lower leaf respectively. This implied the moderately immobile nature of Zn in plant system. In case of lower leaf and middle leaf the maximum Zn concentration was reported with the treatment T7 and in case of upper leaf the peak was found with the treatment T4. However, the highest Zn concentration in grains (46.5 mg kg-1 ), straw (62.9 mg kg-1 ) and husk (20.00 mg kg-1 ) was reported with the treatment T4. In case of sulphur, results showed that maximum S content was found in the lower leaf in comparison to middle leaf and upper leaf respectively. It was due to the immobile nature of S in plant parts. Whereas, among all the treatments, the highest S concentration was reported in treatment T7 in all plant parts. When compared to that of lower leaf the percentage decrease in sulphur content in case of middle leaf and upper leaf was 48.06% and 55.81% respectively for treatment T7. The highest concentration of sulphur in grain (0.193%), straw (0.114%), husk (0.061%) was recorded with the treatment T7. For grains, T7 showed 16.64% higher values than that of treatment T4. In case of soil, maximum reduction in pH in post- harvest soil was 0.09 and it was common for 5 treatments (T1, T3, T4, T6 and T7) and least reduction in pH was 0.02 for T5 treatment. There was hardly any change in the EC values in case of post-harvest soil due to application of different sources of Zn and S containing fertilizers. Whereas, organic carbon content decreased in the post- harvest soil and maximum reduction was 0.25 for treatment T4 and least reduction was 0.08 which was common for 3 treatments (T1, T3 and T7). The Nitrogen (N) content varied from 242.00 to 267.70 kg ha-1 and 231.50 to 263.50 kg ha-1 for pre-sowing and post- harvest soil respectively. Highest Available N (267.70 kg ha-1 ) was found with the treatment T4 at both the stages. The peak of phosphorus (P) content (32.72 kg ha-1 ) in soil at pre- sowing stage was noted down with treatment T6 and at post- harvest stage with the treatment T3 (31.88 kg ha-1 ). In case of potassium (K), the maximum concentration at both the stages was found with treatment T4. For, zinc the highest content at pre-sowing stage (0.72 mg kg-1 ) and post-harvest stage (1.04 mg kg-1 ) in soil was observed with treatment T4. Similar trend was reported in case of sulphur, the maximum concentration at both pre- sowing (9.72 mg kg-1 ) and post harvest soil (9.57 mg kg-1 ) was found with that of treatment T4.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    IMPACT OF CROP RESIDUE INCORPORATION IN COMBINATION WITH INORGANIC FERTILIZER ON SOIL PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY OF LINSEED
    (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) KHUSHBOO JYOTSNA BAXLA; Sasihi Bhusan Kumar
    A field experiment entitled ‘Impact of crop residue incorporation in combination with inorganic fertilizer on soil productivity and profitability of linseed’ was conducted during Rabi 2021-22, at Research Farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Ranchi, Jharkhand from the project ‘Recycling of crop waste’ which was conducted since 2016-17 at present location. The experiment consists of 8 treatments and 3 replications in a Randomized Block Design (RBD). Plot size was 18 m2 with 30 cm row spacing. The selected treatments were T1- Control, T2- Crop residue, T3- 50% NPK + Crop residue, T4- 75% NPK + Crop residue, T5- 100% NPK + Crop residue, T6- 50% NPK, T7- 75% NPK, T8- 100% NPK. 50%, 75% and 100% NPK was met by application of Urea, SSP & MOP. The crop grown was linseed (Divya variety), Seed rate was 25 kg ha-1, maturity of crop is 128-130 days. Its average yield is 15 q ha-1. Surface soil (0-15 cm) samples were collected at 30 DAS, 60 DAS, 90 DAS, 120 DAS and at harvest. Soil sample were air dried under aerated shade condition and analyzed for soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available N, available P and available K. The influence of crop residue on crop yield and yield attributing characters was recorded at harvest and economics of linseed was calculated. The results revealed that different treatments of NPK with crop residue incorporation and only NPK application (50%, 75% & 100%) did not show any significant effect on soil reaction and electrical conductivity. Organic carbon (4.56 g kg-1), available nitrogen (225.21 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (42.92 kg ha-1) and available potassium (198.81 kg ha-1) content of soil after harvest of linseed crop recorded significantly higher in the treatment (T5) where 100 per cent NPK along with crop residue was applied. It might be due to incorporation of crop residue in the plots. Those treatments (mainly T2, T3, T4 and T5) where crop residue was applied, soil nutrient status increased throughout from 30 DAS up to harvest stage whereas trend was found reverse, means decreasing trend in case of RDF treated plots. The texture of soil was calculated and falls in sandy clay loam texture while matched from soil textural triangle diagram. The bulk density of soil was significant in T2, T3, T4. This might be due to returning the crop residue in soil. The effect of crop residue incorporation direct or in the combination with RDF in soil was found non-significant in particle density, porosity and water holding capacity. The Highest productivity was recorded in the treatment T5- 100% NPK + Crop residue. Grain Yield of linseed was recorded maximum 17.78 q ha-1 in the treatment T5 and least 6.21 q ha-1 in the control treatment (T1). The effect of crop residue incorporation on grain and straw yield and other yield attributes were also observed and found that plant population was higher in treatment T5 with 100% NPK + CR. Similarly, the number of primary branches (5.34), secondary branches (19.72), capsule/plant (27.54), seed/capsule (6.85) and 1000 grain weight (7.18 g) were observed significantly higher in the treatment T5 having 100% NPK + CR. The harvest index of crop residue incorporated treatment T5 was 33.32% with grain yield (17.78 q ha-1), straw yield was (35.57 q ha-1), and 32.25% harvest index was recorded with grain yield (16.07 q ha-1) and straw yield (35.48 q ha-1) was recorded in treatment T3 where only 50% RDF was provided along with crop residue. Net return and B:C ratio of T5 and T3 was (80697 ₹ ha-1, 56432 ₹ ha-1) and (2.3, 2.2) respectively. On the basis of one year of experimentation, it may be concluded that application of 50% NPK with crop residue produce higher grain yield, net return and B:C ratio which was at par with 100% NPK with crop residue incorporation. Thus, it was found most suitable combination for obtaining higher net return and benefit cost ratio making it economically feasible for farmers of Jharkhand. It reduces 50 % of the RDF of fertilizer cost with better outcome of yield.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF ZINC APPLICATION ON RICE IN RED AND LATERITIC SOIL
    (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Juhi Tiwari; Arvind Kumar
    The present investigation “Effect of Zinc application on Rice in red and lateritic soil” was carried out on the ongoing Experiment which started in 2018 at Research Farm (Sub zone IVth of ACZ VIIth, Hill and plateau region) of Soil Science department with collaboration of AICRP-MSPE and State plan BAU, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Experiment was designed in Factorial RBD with three phasing of Zn application (P1: only 1st Year, P2: After one year gap, P3: In each year) and four Zn application levels with one absolute control. Zinc was applied in Rice crop and wheat was grown on residual soil level of Zn. Rice crop variety IR 64 drt 1(DRR Dhan 42) was taken as test crop in year 2021-22 curricular research programme. Grain yield of rice significantly increased due to Zn application levels and also due to the phasing impact of Zn. Percent increased in rice grain yield was observed lowered 7.19% only at P1 (where Zn was applied once three year back) followed by P2 and P3 phasing of Zn application. Rice grain yield was observed 29.28 q/ha at 2.5 kg/ha Zn application. Yield of rice increased with increasing levels of Zn application and found 18.04% higher to control at 10.0 kg/ha Zn application level. Straw yield also followed similar trend of rice grain yield and found maximum 76.71 q/ha at 10.0 kg/ha Zn application level (21.91% higher to control yield 62.89 q/ha). Zinc content of rice grain was significantly affected due to Zn levels, Phasing, Interaction between Zn X P and also with control VS others. Lower Zn content 23.65 mg/kg was observed in rice grain at Zn application level 2.5 kg/ha and higher 26.25 mg/kg ha, which was 16.09% higher to the control (22.65 mg/kg). Zinc content in straw yield was observed at 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kg/ha Zn application and was found statistically at par, while higher Zn content 83.33 mg/kg was found at Zn application done in each year. DTPA extractable Zn was found about more than 40% higher to control (1.46 mg/kg) treatment. Similar trend of Zn content in phasing also was observed and percent increase to control followed trend as (P1 < P2 < P3). Zinc content was observed in upper leaf (23.90 - 27.91 mg/kg), Middle leaf (25.86 - 28.12 mg/ha), lower leaf (26.38-29.76 mg/kg), stem (73.83-80.55 mg/kg) and in rice root 90.5 - 94.73 mg/ha respectively at 2.5 and 10.0 kg/ha Zn application. Total Zn uptake (Yield + Straw) was found higher 404.66 and 442.28 g/ha respectively at 10.0 kg/ha Zn application level and at Zn application in each year. DTPA extractable Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, and Cd was found non statistically non-significant due to application of Zn in soil and also phasing impact, While DTPA extractable Zn was significantly affected and found lower 1.35 mg kg-1 at Zn1xP1 treatment and maximum 2.51 mg kg-1 at Zn4xP3 treatment. Soil properties like pH and OC (g/kg) was statistically found none significant and similarly available N, K and P did not affected due to Zn application and Phasing impact in soil.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    IMPACT OF LONG TERM FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON DIFFERENT FORMS OF SULPHUR IN AN ALFISOL
    (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) PRIYA NIVA KUJUR; P. Mahapatra
    The present investigation entitled “Impact of long term fertilizer application on different forms of sulphur in an Alfisol” was undertaken during 2021-22 under the ongoing AICRP on LTFE since 1972 at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi. The experiment consisted of ten treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design i.e. T1:50% NPK, T2:100% NPK, T3: 150% NPK, T4: 100% NPK+ Hand weeding, T5: 100% NPK + Lime, T6: 100% NP, T7: 100% N, T8: 100% NPK + FYM, T9: 100% NPKS and T10: Control. Soybean-wheat is being followed since the year 1986. Soybean is grown as rainfed crop in kharif and wheat in rabi under irrigated conditions. Soil samples were collected from 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth after harvest of wheat (2022). Plant samples were collected for both the crops during 2021-22. The processed soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, organic carbon, available N, P and K, exchangeable Ca and Mg and different forms of sulphur viz., total, CaCl2, KH2PO4, Ca(H2PO4)2, water soluble and heat soluble sulphur in both surface and sub-surface soil. Both grain and straw samples for soybean and wheat were analyzed for sulphur content by following standard methods. The data pertaining to soil and plant was statistically analyzed to make out the least significant difference among the treatments. The variation for different forms of sulphur in soil showed following decreasing order of abundance in mg kg-1: Total S (200-345)>organic S (179-316)>Ca(H2PO4)2 S (20-43)>KH2PO4 S (17-25)>CaCl2 S (11-23)>adsorbed S (7-20)>heat soluble S (5-10)>water soluble S (3-8) for surface soil. While, Total S (243-507)>organic S (220-470)>Ca(H2PO4)2 S (14-94)>KH2PO4 S(24-58)>CaCl2 S (11-23)>adsorbed S (2-59)>heat soluble S (5-9)>water soluble S (2-5) for sub-surface soil. System productivity was expressed in terms of mean wheat equivalent yield (WEY in kg ha-1) which followed the following order: 100% NPK + FYM (8804)>150% NPK(8185)>100% NPK + lime (8136)>100% NPKS (8084)>100% NPK + HW (7402)>100% NPK(7314)>100% NP (5042)>50% NPK (4532)>100% N (1966)>control (1565). Analysis of soil for pH, EC, organic carbon, available N, P & K; Exchangeable Ca & Mg after harvest of wheat at the end of 50th cropping cycle, the range for pH was 4.2 to 6.1 and 4.8 to 6.2 in surface and sub-surface soil, respectively. Similarly, significant variations for other chemical parameters were observed. Correlation coefficient study between soil properties and sulphur pools reflected a strong significant relationship of pH and organic carbon with total S content of soil. There was strong relationship among different forms of sulphur in soil. Among sulphur pools, organic S, adsorbed S, CaCl2 and Ca(H2PO4)2 extractable S had significant correlation with total S in soil. Among the three extractants for S estimation, Ca(H2PO4)2 S extractable sulphur had maximum contribution to total sulphur. Total sulphur removal under soybean-wheat cropping system for production 2.0 tonnes of soybean and 4.7 tonnes of wheat grains in a year was 17.2 kg S ha-1. Apparent S recovery was around 11 per cent and the increase in grain yield due to application of sulphate source of phosphatic fertilizer i.e., SSP was around 17 kg per kg of S applied as compared to balanced application of NPK. Integrated use of balanced dose of NPK fertilizer along with FYM or lime resulted in 11 to 20 per cent increase in grain yield as compared to balanced dose while, use of balanced dose of NPK at super optimal level was in between. Significant relationship among the different forms of S in soil indicated the existence of equilibrium among themselves. Based on the results of present study, it may be advocated for use of SSP instead of DAP as it increases grain yield of crops by 10 per cent as well as maintains available S status of soil.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    BORON (B) AND CALCIUM (Ca) NUTRITION ON GROUNDNUT-MUSTARD CROPPING SYSTEM IN RED AND LATERITIC SOIL OF JHARKHAND
    (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2022) Kumar, Jai Prakash; Agarwal, B.K.
    The soils of agro climatic sub zone IVth of VIIth ACZ (Hill and Plateau region) of Ranchi in Jharkhand is generally sandy loam in texture and acidic in reaction (more than 75 % of the total cultivated area). Due to high rainfall in mid hills, leaching of secondary and negatively charges micronutrients is a common incidence leading to frequent deficiency of the elements like calcium and boron in soil. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish these nutrients to obtain and sustained productivity of crops. In order to formulate the correct dose of boron and calcium for getting better growth and yield in small and scattered land holding of Plateau region, the present investigation has been carried out on “Boron and Calcium Nutrition on groundnut-mustard cropping system in red and lateritic soil of Jharkhand”. An experiment was conducted at research field of Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. The experiment consisted of four levels of calcium in the form of lime @ 0/0, 1/5, 1/10 and 1/15 LR in the main plot and four levels of boron in the form of borax @ 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 kg B ha-1 in the sub-plot comprising sixteen treatment combination in split plot design (SPD) replicated thrice. Groundnut (Arachis hypogeal L.) [(var. Birsa Groundnut 4 (BG-4)] was grown and after crop harvest mustard (Brassica juncea L.) (var. Shivani) was grown as test crop in the cropping sequence. Results indicated that significant improvement in plant height, number of pegs and pods per plant of groundnut was observed in the treatments, where the plot received lime @ 1/5 LR followed by @ 1/10 LR and @1/15 LR in both years i.e., 2017 and 2018. The grain and straw yield significantly increased with increasing boron application and significantly higher value was observed in B3 (@ 3.0 kg B ha-1) followed by B2 (@ 2.0 kg B ha-1) and B1 (@ 1.0 kg B ha-1) during both the years. The significant improvement in growth and yield of groundnut was recorded in the treatment receiving boron application at the rate of 3.0 kg ha-1 and lime application @ 1/5 LR. In case of mustard, significantly higher number of branches and number of siliqua per plant was observed L1 at lime treatment (@ 1/5 LR) followed by L2 (@ 1/10 LR) and L3 (@1/15 LR) application during both years. The grain and straw yield of mustard significantly increased with increasing boron application and significantly higher value was observed with boron application B3 (@ 3.0 kg B ha-1) followed by B2 (@ 2.0 kg B ha-1) and B1 (@ 1.0 kg B ha-1) during both the years. The growth and yield of mustard improved significantly with boron was applied at the rate of 3.0 kg ha-1 along with lime application @ 1/5 LR. Abstract The results of leaching behaviour of boron in groundnut at 30 and 60 DAS groundnut indicated that increased leaching loss of B was observed among the treatments as compared to control but statistically significant effects were observed only at the 20 cm depth of soils. In case of mustard the leaching behaviour of boron at 30 DAS indicated that a significant effect was observed among the treatments over the control at different levels of depth (i.e., 20, 40 and 60 cm) of soil samples. Whereas, boron concentration was varied from 0.46 to 0.65 mg kg-1, 0.44 to 0.67 mg kg-1 and 0.41 to 0.66 mg kg-1 with their mean values of 0.58, 0.56 and 0.54 mg kg-1, respectively at 20cm, 40cm and 60 cm depth of soil samples. While significantly higher leaching behaviour of boron was observed in L2B3 followed by L3B3 and L1B3 over the control at the all levels of depths In case of lime application leaching behavior of exchangeable calcium at 30 and 60 DAS of groundnut showed a significant effect among the treatments at different depth (i.e., 20, 40 and 60 cm) of soil samples and significantly higher leaching behavior of exchangeable calcium was observed in L1 (@ 1/5 LR) followed by L2 (@ 1/10 LR) and L3 (@ 1/15 LR) over the control (L0). Among the plant parts the accumulation of boron was highest in leaf followed by stem and root. On the basis of results parameters, following conclusion has been drawn:- (i) The growth, yield attributes and yield of groundnut and mustard enhanced significantly with increasing dose of lime and boron up to 1/10th LR and 3.0 qha-1 application respectively. (ii) The leaching behaviour of exchangeable calcium and boron increased significantly with increase in dose of lime and boron application in both groundnut and mustard crop. (iii) The boron and calcium concentration in different plant parts of groundnut and mustard increased significantly with reducing the lime levels and increasing boron levels. The highest boron and calcium concentration in groundnut was recorded at flowering stage while in mustard crop, the highest boron and calcium was observed at siliqua stage. Among the different plant parts the leaf contained highest concentration of boron and calcium as compared to stem and root of groundnut and mustard.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    SOIL QUALITY ASSESSMENT UNDER LONG TERM FERTILIZER EXPERIMENT IN RED AND LATERITIC SOILS OF RANCHI
    (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2022) Verma, Shikha; Agrawal, B.K.
    An investigation was undertaken during 2018-19 on the soils of the ongoing long term fertilizer experiment (LTFE) in progress since 1972 at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi in Jharkhand state. The experiment consisted of ten treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design i.e. T1:50% NPK, T2:100% NPK, T3: 150% NPK, T4: 100% NPK+ Hand weeding, T5: 100% NPK+Lime, T6: 100% NP, T7: 100% N, T8: 100% NPK+FYM, T9: 100% N(S)PK and T10: Control. Surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected during the soybean and wheat growth stages for analysis of moisture content, soil pH, soil organic carbon, available P and K. Surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soil samples were collected after the harvest of wheat (2018-19) for analysis of various physical, chemical and biological properties for development of soil quality index (SQI). Sustainable yield index of the soybean wheat cropping system over the years of experimentation was calculated. System productivity was expressed in terms of mean wheat equivalent yield (WEY). Highest sustainable yield index (SYI) of the system (0.57) was recorded in 100% NPK+FYM treatment followed by 100% NPK + lime (0.50). The least value of SYI values was recorded 100% N treatment (0.04). System productivity in terms of mean WEY (q ha-1) over the years (1972-2019) followed the following order: 100% NPK+FYM (70.3) >100% NPK+Lime (67.0) > 150% NPK (58.5) > 100% NPK (57.8) =100% NPK +HW (57.8) > 50% NPK (44.5) > 100% NP (41.70) > 100% N(S)PK ( 35.3) >Control ( 16.5) > N (10.3). Amongst the soil properties analyzed at different crop growth stages, soil organic carbon, available P and K exhibited significant correlation with system productivity throughout the growing period of crops. Low variability (i.e. CV < 15%) was exhibited by all the soil measurements that were assessed during the crop growth stages (moisture content, soil pH, available P, available K and soil organic carbon). Among the various soil quality parameters (physical, chemical and biological), soil texture and DTPA-Pb showed no significant difference in both the soil depths and therefore dropped from principal component (PCA) analysis. The rest of the soil properties which showed significant difference among the treatments were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) using the SPSS software to identify the minimum dataset (MDS) in order to compute soil quality index (SQI). The variables identified as the minimum dataset (MDS) indicators for development of soil quality index for surface soil (0-15cm) were: DHA, LOC, hot water soluble boron, soil pH and exchangeable Ca. The MDS indicators identified in case of subsurface soil layer (15-30 cm) were labile organic carbon, DHA, Hot water soluble boron, soil pH, exchangeable Ca and bulk density. 100% NPK+FYM recorded the maximum value of SQI followed by 100% NPK+Lime in both surface as well as subsurface soil layer. The SQI ranged from 0.00 to 2.21 and 0.00 to 2.10 in surface and subsurface soil layer, respectively. 100% N treatment recorded the lowest value of SQI (0.00) in both the soil depths. Percentage contribution of key soil quality indicators or MDS indicators for influencing SQI in the surface soil layer (0-15 cm) were: LOC (29.8%), DHA (28.4%), boron (21.9%), soil pH (14.8%) and Ca (5.0%). Percentage contribution of key soil quality indicators or MDS for influencing SQI in the subsurface soil layer (15-30 cm) were LOC (29.1%), DHA (27.25%), hot water soluble boron (20.41%), soil pH (16.02%), exchangeable Ca (5.13%) and bulk density (2.15%). The higher values of both sustainable yield index (SYI) and soil quality index (SQI) in 100% NPK+FYM and 100% NPK +Lime suggests that conjoint use of lime or FYM along with balanced NPK fertilizers are viable options for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of the soybean-wheat cropping system together with maintenance of soil quality in red and lateritic soils. Application of NPK fertilizer was found to be superior over imbalanced fertilization (N and NP) with respect to soil quality, system productivity and sustainability. All the soil chemical properties measured during crop growth stages (pH, available phosphorus, available K and soil organic carbon) responded consistently to management over time and hence their measurement at any time of crop growth can serve as an indicator to soil quality. Labile organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity, hot water soluble boron, soil pH, exchangeable Ca, soil pH and bulk density were identified as the key indicators of soil quality under soybean-wheat cropping system .
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    EFFECT OF NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON DIFFERENT FORMS OF K IN SOIL UNDER SOYBEAN-WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM
    (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2021) Toppo, Anupama; Mahapatra, P.
    A study was carried out on various forms of potassium and input-output balance in soil-plant system as affected by different nutrient management practices in the on-going AICRP on LTFE started in 1972 at BAU under soybean-wheat cropping system. This on-going experiment consisted of ten treatments with four replications. The cropping system of soybean-wheat is being followed since the year 1986. Soybean is grown as rainfed crop in kharif and wheat in rabi under irrigated conditions. Out of four replications three were selected for the present study. The present study consisted of ten treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design. The treatments are-T₁ 50% NPK; T₂ 100% NPK; T₃ 150% NPK; T₄ 100% NPK+Hand weeding; T₅ 100% NPK+Lime; T₆ 100% NP; T₇ 100% N; T₈ 100% NPK+FYM; T₉ 100% NPKS and T₁₀ Control (no fertilizer/ manure/ lime). Surface (0-15cm) and sub-surface (15-30cm) soil samples were collected after harvest of wheat (2015-16). Surface (0-15cm) soil samples were collected after harvest of soybean (2016). Plant samples were also collected after harvest of both the crops. Soil samples after harvest of crops were air-dried, processed and analyzed for soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available P and K. Soil samples collected from surface and sub-surface after harvest of wheat were analyzed for exchangeable Ca and Mg, water soluble K, exchangeable K, available K, 1N boiling HNO₃ K and non-exchangeable K and total K. Total K content in plant parts both grain and straw after harvest of crops were analyzed. The data pertaining to soil and plant was statistically analyzed to make out the least significant difference among the treatments. Results showed that among the different treatments, application of balanced 100% NPK+FYM recorded highest grain yield 2360 and 2750 kg ha-1 for soybean and wheat, respectively during 2016. Application of N or NP through chemical fertilizers had a deleterious effect on crop productivity of both the crops. Use of ameliorants along with balanced application of NPK for 43 years resulted in 17-26 per cent increase in grain production as compared to balanced NPK. The soil parameters after harvest of crops was as follows: pH (4.5-5.9), EC (0.1-0.2 dSm-1), OC (0.3-0.5 %), available P (11.4-213.6 kg ha-1) and available K (74.7-120.7 kg ha-1) after harvest of soybean. Whereas, pH (4.6-6.4), EC (0.1-0.2 dSm-1), OC (0.4-0.5%), available P (19.6-256.1 kg ha-1) in soil after harvest of wheat. Water soluble K for surface and sub-surface soil were 12.0-23.3 and 10.7-15.4 kg K ha-1, respectively. Exchangeable K for surface and sub-surface soil were 73.6-112.7 and 78.3-136.1 kg K ha-1, respectively. Non-exchangeable K for surface and sub-surface soil were 533.9-917.8 and 199.2-423.8 kg K ha-1, respectively. Lattice K for surface and subsurface soil were 44264-4684 and 4592-5044 kg K ha-1, respectively. Total K for surface and subsurface soil were 5020-5734 and 5127-5533 kg K ha-1, respectively. Exchangeable Ca for surface and sub-surface soil were 2.2-5.3 and 1.9-5.2 cmol (p+) kg-1, respectively. Exchangeable Mg for surface and subsurface soil were 0.8-1.4 and 1.1-2.4 cmol (p+) kg-1, respectively. Application of N and P without K or no application of fertilizer and manures, caused depletion of soil, water soluble K, available K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K. Among the different fractions more than 85 per cent was observed in the form of lattice-K. Among the treatments, highest numerical values for different K fractions were recorded in the treatment 100% NPK+FYM. Total K uptake by the soybean-wheat system ranged from 16.8 to 123.3 kg K ha-1 during 2016. Highest K uptake was recorded in 100% NPK+FYM treatment, followed by 100% NPK+lime treatment. Apparent K recovery by soybean and wheat ranged from 36.9 to 74.9 and 25.4 to 121.8 per cent, respectively of applied K. Correlation study showed a highly significant positive correlation among all the fractions of soil K and total K uptake by the system. Based on the results of the present study, it may be concluded that continuous cropping with imbalanced use of nutrients for 43 years resulted in decrease in different fractions of K and K supplying capacity through K uptake under intensive cultivation.
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    IMPACT OF CROP RESIDUES AND NUTRIENT COMBINATIONS ON SOIL HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY UNDER MAIZE–WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM
    (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2021) Minz, Asisan; Kumar, Rakesh
    Maize-wheat is the third most important cropping system in India (1.8 m ha) and second most important in Jharkhand. Both the crops are fertilizer responsive and exhibit full yield potential when supplied with adequate quantities of nutrients at proper time. But poor economic resources of the Jharkhand farmers compel to go for imbalance fertilizer use leading to deterioration of soil fertility and crop productivity. Considering this fact, an experiment was conducted in farm area of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, during the year 2016-17 & 2017-18 to study the ―Impact of Crop Residues and Nutrient Combinations on Soil Health and Productivity under Maize – Wheat Cropping System‖. Plant samples were collected at different growth stages of crops viz., maize-V4, V10 and at harvest &wheat-CRI, PI and at harvest. Soil samples at two depths 0-15 and 15-30 cm were collected at different growth stages of crops for analysis physico-chemical and biochemical properties (pH, total N, organic carbon, available N, P&K, soil microbial population and enzymatic activities). The treatments comprised of two levels of crop residues i.e., with crop residues and withoutcrop residues along with five levels nutrient combinations i.e., T1 - ample NPK (250: 120: 120 kg/ha), T2 - omission of N with full P and K (-N = 0: 120: 120 NPK kg/ha), T3 - omission of P with full N and K ( -P = 250: 0: 120 NPK kg/ha), T4 - omission of K with full N and P (-K = 250: 120: 0 NPK kg/ha) & T5 - SSNM (200: 90: 100 NPK kg/ha) for maize in kharif season. The corresponding treatments for wheat in rabi season were (T1= NPK) 150: 110: 100 kg/ha, (T2 = -N) 0: 110: 100 NPK kg/ha, (T3 = -P) 150: 0: 100 NPK kg/ha, (T4 = -K) 150: 110: 0 NPK kg/ha and (T5 = SSNM) 120: 70: 60 NPK kg/ha. The experiment was replicated four times in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The experiments were initiated in the year 2009 and modified during 2011-12, with above mentioned treatments. The available N, P, K and organic carbon before starting experiment (2009) was 182.43, 13.40, 133.52 kg/ha, and 3.80 g/kg, respectively, with pH 5.53. The experiment continued to the initial physico-chemical properties were evaluated before present studies i.e., 2015 with pH 5.35-5.73, available N (173.11-201.34 kg/ha), P (12.36-31.10 kg/ha), K (108.44-218.72 kg/ha) and organic carbon (3.90-4.10 g/kg). The result showed that with crop residues incorporation, maximum grain yield of both maize and wheat recorded under NPK treated plot with crop residue (75.76 and 51.48 q/ha, respectively) was higher as compare to nutrient omission plots, and followed by SSNM (65.35 and 49.14 q/ha for maize and wheat crops, respectively). However, with respect to system yield, NPK was higher than the SSNM treatment. Reduction in system yield was highest in N omission plots (112%) followed by P (62%) and K omitted plot (27%) with incorporation of crop residues, whereas, without incorporation of crop residue followed the order N (98%), P (47%) and K (33%). Nutrient concentration, uptake and total uptake varied with the treatments, maximum N, P and K uptake were found with the application of NPK under maize-wheat cropping system with incorporation of crop residue. Omission of nutrients influenced the fertility of soil with respect to soil organic carbon and available N, P and K values, which were maximum under application of NPK along with crop residues. Highest microbial count for bacteria (81.88 x 106 /g soil), Fungi (99.50 x 104 and Actinomycetes (12.50 x106 /g soil), were recorded for treatment which received crop residue along with NPK fertilizers, at peak growth period (V10 stage) of maize crop. Similarly under wheat crop‘s soil sample the maximum count for bacteria (67.88 x 106 /g soil), Fungi (78.75 x 104 and Actinomycetes (12.25 x106 /g soil), were registered at PI stage of wheat under NPK + crop residue treatment. The urease enzyme activity varied from (0.13 to 0.37 μg urea hydrolysed g/ soil /hr) and (0.11 to 0.32 μg urea hydrolysed g/ soil /hr), dehydrogenase activity (13.12 to 47.92 μg TPF /g/d) and (8.43 to 43.54 μg TPF /g/d) and concentration of acid phosphatase (70.65 to 221.66 μg p–nitrophenol /g/d) and (60.53 to 199.92 μg p–nitrophenol /g/d) with and without incorporation of crop residues, respectively, in maize crop. The highest status of urease activity (0.33 μg urea hydrolysed g/ soil /hr) and dehydrogenase activity (46.76 μg TPF /g/d) at PI stage of wheat crop, under treatment NPK along with crop residue, while the highest acid phosphatase activity was registered at CRI stage (205.74 μg p–nitrophenol /g/d) of wheat under same treatment. Maize grown with NPK (250:120:120 kg/ha) recorded maximum gross return (Rs./-105396 per ha), net return (Rs./-78932 per ha) and B:C ratio (2.98), while, under wheat grown with 150:110:100 kg/ha recorded maximum gross return (Rs./-85085 per ha), net return (Rs./-55812 per ha) and B:C ratio (1.91) were recorded with crop residue incorporation plot. Similarly, economic analysis of whole system (maize-wheat) showed that application of NPK the B:C ratio was (2.71) along with incorporation of crop residues. Increment in B:C ratio and net return in all (N and P, except K) omission plots was recorded in maize-wheat sequence with incorporation of crop residues. There was 12% increase of Apparent Recovery Efficiency (ARE) of applied N and 23% for applied K under maize-wheat cropping system with incorporation of crop residues. Per cent applied N fertilizer that was taken up by the crop (apparent recovery of applied N) was higher in wheat crop with crop residue as (57%) as compared to without crop residue (46%). The Nitrogen internal use efficiency of maize, wheat and maize-wheat cropping system was (39.14 & 40.54), (46.59 & 50.73) and (87.93 & 95.84 kg grain yield per kg N applied) with and without incorporation of crop residues. Correlation study showed a highly significantly and positively correlated among all the chemical and biological properties of soil with incorporation of crop residue. The soil organic carbon was positively correlated with urease enzyme (r = 0.988** & r = 0.982**), yield (r = 0.987** & r = 0.914*), available N (r = 0.964** & r = 0.945*), bacteria (r = 0.923* & r = 0.941*) and actinomycetes (r = 0.956* & r = 0.954*) with and without incorporation of crop residues. Available N content of soil was positively correlated with bacteria (r = 0.983** & 0.995**), urease (r = 0.963** & r = 0.978**), dehydrogenase enzyme (r = 0.971** & r = 995**), actinomycetes (r = 0.992** & r = 0.997) and yield (r = 0.976** & r = 0.916*) with and without incorporation of crop residue. The concentration of urease was positively correlated with yield (r = 0.977** & r = 0.954*) and dehydrogenase enzyme (r = 0.947* & r = 0.981**) with and without incorporation of crop residues. Dehydrogenase enzyme was significantly & positively correlated with yield (r = 0.923* & r = 0.929*) with and without incorporation of crop residues. The regression equation explained 98.6 % variations in grain yield of maize due to combined effect of available N and P. When all the independent variables (available N, P and K) were considered together in the regression equation, the predication value was 99.8% with non-significant effects of available P and K for wheat crop. Elimination of available P from the regression equation suggested that the decrease in prediction value was about 0.8%in wheat yield. Straw incorporation into the soil is considered to be an important strategy to improve soil fertility and to reduce the dependence on mineral fertilization. On the basis of above findings it may be concluded that balance fertilization with incorporation of crop residue in long-term maize-wheat cropping system maintained maximum individual crop yield as well as system yield and gave profitable economy return and improved the soil health.