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Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi
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ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of morpho-biochemical diversity of Lemongrass in Khunti district of Jharkhand(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2024) APURWA KUMARI; Jai KumarThe microclimatic conditions of an area affect largely on the quality of any species which is a base for attaining Geographical Indication (GI) tag. It is seen in many species of plants that the climatic and edaphic conditions of a particular area contribute to the uniqueness; that is seen in many species. However, in the area of medicinal plants, very scanty research has been done to screen out unique cultivar having specific properties to meet the demand of GI tag. It has been observed in Jharkhand in case of Lemongrass, the biochemical content (Citral) is found significantly superior irrespective of the species rather due to local climatic and edaphic conditions. So, in this research work, impact of climatic and edaphic conditions on the biochemical constituents, growth and yield parameters of Lemongrass under in-vivo conditions was evaluated to screen out the superior variety and to establish that the biochemical constituent in Khunti zone (Marker area) was mostly influenced by the climatic and edaphic conditions. So to assess the different germplasm of Lemongrass in search of superior chemotypes, which are influenced by local climatic and edaphic conditions irrespective of varieties under in-vivo conditions, a systematic research namely “Assessment of morpho-biochemical diversity of Lemongrass in Khunti district of Jharkhand” was undertaken for geo-referencing of traits and to analyse its biochemical constituents with a reference line of Khunti district and its adjoining areas with the following objectives (i) To assess morpho-biochemical diversity of Lemongrass in all three agro climatic zones of Jharkhand under in-vivo conditions (ii) To conduct geo-referencing of morpho-biochemical traits of Lemongrass in all three agro climatic zones of Jharkhand under in-vivo conditions (iii) To analyse the traits association studies with local climatic and edaphic conditions to screen out striking factors contributing towards uniqueness of Lemongrass. The study involved 50 different Lemongrass germplasm as treatments, with three replications and 30 plant samples in each treatment. Forty germplasm were collected from agro-climatic zone V and five each from zones IV and VI, respectively. At every location, details like coordinates, altitude, plant growth, yield measurements, and soil samples were carefully recorded. Biochemical analysis of Lemongrass oil was done using GCMS at CIMAP in Lucknow. Weather data was collected throughout the plants' growth stages until they were ready for harvesting. To understand the diversity, geo-referencing and grid mapping were done using DIVA-GIS (Version 7.5). Statistical evaluations were carried out using OPSTAT, INDOSTAT and independent t-test. Lemongrass germplasm had two types of plant growth habits, erect and semi-erect and most of them belongs to semi-erect types (64.00 %). Based on leaf blade color, 28 germplasm (56.00 %) exhibited a green hue. 70.00 % germplasm exhibited stem colour as green with reddish-purple tinges. Highly significant difference was observed in mean plant height and mean culm diameter between the germplasm collected from agroclimatic zone IV & V and V & VI. Maximum plant height was recorded for T4 (162.33 cm) followed by T7 (157.67 cm) and T6 (156.00 cm). Maximum culm diameter was recorded for T3 (0.82 cm) followed by T12 (0.80 cm) and T13 (0.81 cm). Highly significant difference was observed in mean leaf blade length between the germplasm collected at agroclimatic zone IV & V and V & VI. Maximum leaf blade length was recorded for T7 (76.33 cm) followed by T3 (75.67 cm) and T4 (74.00 cm). Non-significant difference was observed in mean leaf blade width and mean number of effective tillers/culm between the germplasm collected from all three agroclimatic zones. Non-significant difference was also observed in mean herbage yield/plant between the germplasm collected from all three agro climatic zones. Maximum herbage weight per plant was recorded for T16 (1.07 kg) followed by T11 (1.06 kg) and T2 (1.02 kg). Highly significant difference in the essential oil content (%) was observed between different the germplasm collected from IV and V as well as IV and VI. Maximum essential oil content was recorded at T17 and T40 (0.65 %) which was at par with 27 treatments. Highly significant difference was observed in mean refractive index of oil between the germplasm collected from agro climatic zone IV & VI. Total citral % of Lemongrass germplasm collected from different agro climatic zones varied from 77.27 to 63.42%. Highly significant difference was observed in citral content between the germplasm collected at agro climatic zone IV & V and IV & VI. Number of compounds isolated from Lemongrass oil varied highly significantly and its maximum value was recorded for T49 (43) and minimum of T50 (16). Citral content of Lemongrass showed highly positive significant correlation with essential oil content (0.503), plant height (0.559), culm diameter (0.529), leaf blade length (0.638), however among climatic factors it had significant positive correlation with mean temperature (0.366) but highly significant negative correlation with rainfall (-0.717). In case of soil physical parameters, citral content of Lemongrass showed significant negative correlation with bulk density (-0.367) of soil, while in case of soil chemical parameters, citral content of Lemongrass oil showed non-significant positive correlation with organic carbon (0.162), available nitrogen (0.162) and available phosphorus (0.271) of soil. Regression analysis of climatic factors indicated that mean temperature (1.481) of the location had a significant impact while among the soil physical parameters indicated that sand % (1.245) and silt % (1.429) of the soil had a significant impact on the citral content of Lemongrass oil. Again, among the soil chemical parameters, only available phosphorus of soil (1.447) had significant positive impact on the citral content. Path value analysis of climatic factors revealed that mean temperature (0.272) and mean relative humidity (0.009) had direct positive impact on citral content and among soil physical parameters maximum positive direct impact of citral content was shown by sand % (7.57). In soil chemical parameters, only available phosphorus (0.483) had direct positive direct impact of citral content. Among the sources of diversity, herbage yield/culm (22.53%), essential oil content (20.65%) and leaf blade width (20.49%) contributed maximum diversity of collected Lemongrass germplasm. As regards the first objective namely “Morpho-biochemical diversity of Lemongrass in all three agro climatic zones of Jharkhand under in-vivo conditions”, significant differences in various traits among collected Lemongrass germplasm was observed. Highly significant difference was observed between ACZ V (Khunti) & IV (Hazaribag) as regards to plant height, culm diameter, leaf blade length, geranial, neral, citral, essential oil content, whereas, highly significant differences was observed between ACZ IV (Hazaribag) & VI (Chandil) with regards to essential oil content, refractive index, geranial and citral of Lemongrass germplasm. Among the sources of diversity, herbage yield/plant (22.53%) and essential oil content (20.65%) created maximum contribution towards the diversity of Lemongrass germplasm. 3D cluster diagram analysis indicated that the germplasm (T46 to T50) from ACZ VI (Chandil) was quite diverse from ACZ IV and V. Similarly, the germplasm of ACZ V (T2, T22, T31, T35 and T38) also shown significant diverse status from other germplasm. Superior germplasm of Lemongrass identified with high citral content were from ACZ V, T14 (77.27%) and T13 (76.60%). As regards to the second objective namely “Geo-referencing of morpho-biochemical traits of lemongrass in all three agro climatic zones of Jharkhand under in-vivo conditions” it may be inferred that plant height of Lemongrass germplasm from ACZ V was significantly superior than ACZ IV and VI, however number of effective tillers/culm was same for ACZ V and VI, which was more than ACZ IV. Maximum total citral content was found for ACZ V, followed by ACZ VI and minimum for ACZ IV. As regards to the third objective namely “Traits association studies with local climatic and edaphic conditions” it may be inferred that mean temperature (0.366) showed significant positive impact on citral content but total rainfall (-0.717) had highly significant negative impact on it, which is also confirmed by regression analysis and path value analysis. Bulk density (-0.367) of soil had significant negative impact on citral content, while available phosphorus of soil (1.447) had significant positive impact on the citral content but total rainfall (-0.275) had direct negative impact on it. The study suggests that agro-climatic zone V of Jharkhand demonstrated superior growth, yield, and biochemical production of Lemongrass. Hence it can be firmly concluded that the Lemongrass germplasm of ACZ V (Khunti zone) has potentially superior biochemical constituents, which may be screened out to be suitable candidate for GI tagging. To reinforce these findings, further investigations, including expanding the sample size and conducting molecular analyses on Lemongrass can be pursued.ThesisItem Open Access Prevalence and Management of Alternaria Blight of Linseed(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2024) Ajay Kumar; M. K. BarnwalAlternaria blight caused by Alternaria lini is an important disease of linseed and causes severe losses in most linseed growing environments of Jharkhand. The pathogen generally produces necrotic lesions on the leaves and rarely on stems and pods of linseed plants. The initial symptom of the disease appeared on lower leaves as minute dark brown and black target like lesion on the leaves. Later the spots coalesce and covers the large area of the leaves. The affected leaves ultimately get dried up and curled. The morphological characters of the isolated fungus is as follows. The mycelium growth on PDA as white greyish at the margin with clear light to dark green zonation radiating from common center. Dark brown conidia in chains were observed ranging in sizes from 46-49 μm in length and 2.0 to 6.0 μm in width. The Conidia are dark, cylindrical to oblong, muriform without beak. The transverse septa ranged from 2-6 and vertical septa ranged from 1-3. Crops sown on 4th November recorded lowest per cent disease severity of 13.2 per cent. The crop sown on the above date also recorded highest grain yield of 1052.31 Kg/ ha. Per cent disease index (PDI) were significantly positively correlated with minimum temperature and evening relative humidity Whereas Maximum temperature, mean temperature and wind speed showed non-significantly positive correlated with PDI. PDI was significantly negative correlation with morning relative humidity, mean relative humidity and sunshine hours and grain yield. In-vitro evaluation of fungicides for control of pathogen showed that the fungicides (T7), Pyraclostrobin plus Metiram (0.1%) recorded lowest colony diameter of 12.0 mm and colony growth inhibition over control of 86.62 per cent, followed by Mancozeb (0.2%) which recorded colony diameter of 13.3 mm and colony growth inhibition over control of 85.17 per cent. The control plates showed colony diameter of 89.7 mm. In-vivo evaluation of fungicides for control of Alternaria blight of linseed envisaged that lowest per cent disease index of 8.5 per cent was recorded when two sprays of Metiram plus Pyraclostrobin (0.1%) was given. This treatment also recorded highest grain yield of 731.50 Kg/ ha and increase in grain yield over control of 32.8 per cent. When cost benefit ratio was taken into consideration then highest B:C ratio (2.60) was recorded in treatment (T4) i.e., two sprays of Mancozeb followed by two sprays of Mancozeb plus Carbendazim (1.63). when net return was taken into consideration then Highest net return was recorded when two sprays of Mancozeb (0.2%) was given which recorded a net return of Rs. 8738.8 followed by two sprays of Metiram plus Pyraclostrobin (Rs. 7539.9). In management of Alternaria blight of linseed through plant defense inducers showed that Lowest percent disease index of 8.6 per cent was recorded when seed treatment (ST) with Salicylic acid (SA) @ 50 ppm plus two foliar spray of SA @ 50 ppm at 30 days and 45 days after sowing (DAS) was given. This treatment also recorded highest grain yield of 787.04 Kg/ ha and increase in grain yield over control of 39.3 per cent. Linseed varietal screening against Alternaria blight of linseed, out of 23 entries. Six promising entries viz., Rashmi, RLC 164, RLC 92, Divya, RLC 155 and LMS 2016-1-5 showed resistant reaction against Alternaria blight of linseed under artificial epiphytotics.ThesisItem Open Access PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL OF SELECTED FARMER PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS (FPOs) IN THE STATE OF JHARKHAND(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Shilpa Rani Kujur; Niva Baraextremely small holdings, FPOs through collectivization leads to economies of scale which are supposed to address the problems and improve the bargaining power of farmers through backward and forward linkages. But all these expectations will be fulfilled when FPOs perform better. As this new extension approach is under operation in Jharkhand also, its appraisal has now become a matter of interest. On this background the present study entitled “Performance Appraisal of Selected Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the state of Jharkhand” has been taken up with specific objectives viz. to assess the Organisational Performance of the selected FPO and to study the contribution of FPOs towards selected socio-economic-personal characteristics of farmers. Exploratory-cum-Ex-post-facto research design was used to conduct the study in the three Agro-climatic zones of the state i.e., Zone IV, Zone V and Zone VI. Three districts, namely Hazaribagh, Garhwa and East Singhbhum were selected randomly from these three selected agro-climatic zones respectively. Further, two FPOs were chosen from each selected district those were either near to the district headquarters and another that is farther away. Twenty Respondents were selected from each selected FPO through Simple random sampling. Altogether the whole sample was consisted of 120 respondents. In order to study financial performance of selected FPOs altogether 10 variables were selected namely turn over, Share capital, profits current assets, current liability, total assets total liability, equity current ratio and debt-equity ratio and the data collected through secondary sources available with the selected FPOs. Further, to assess the contribution of FPOs towards socio-economic and personal characteristics of FPO’s farmers respondents altogether 9 variable namely, annual family income, saving, extension contact, social participation, mass media exposure, economic motivation and achievement motivation were taken in to consideration. Similarly, to study the socio-personal and economic profile with the respondent eight variable were selected, namely, Age, education, gender, family type and size, land holding, house type and farming experience. For measuring the above mention variable various scale and tests were developed and incorporated in to schedule. For collecting primary data, the respondents were personally interviewed. There was similarity in organisational structure of the selected FPOs. The selected FPOs differed significantly in terms of the indicators selected for measuring the FPOs financial performance. However, Majhiaon Farmer Producer Company performed the best. The FPOs contribution on Socio and Economic Characteristics of the farmer member were found positive for all cases. However, on Income parameter the differences among group have been found narrowed down in case of Majhiaon FPO and said to be as homogenizer for the group members. However, on the saving indicator no significant difference was observed. Further, provision of proper networking, monitoring and proper marketing channel can help in capitalizing the benefit of concept in real sense.ThesisItem Open Access e-NAM - A Comparative Analysis of Associated and Non-Associated Farmers in Jharkhand(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Amrita Soni; B.K. JhaWith the notion of creating ‘One Nation One Market’ Electronic National Agriculture Marketing (e-NAM) was conceptualised in the year 2015 and was implemented on 14th April, 2016 by Government of India. It is a pan India e-trading portal which seeks to network the existing physical APMCs through a virtual platform to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities and electronic payment settlement directly into farmers' account. In this background, a research study entitled “e-NAM- A Comparative Analysis of Associated and Non-associated Farmers in Jharkhand” was conducted with the specific objectives namely to assess the socio-economic and psychological characteristics of associated and non-associated farmers and to find out constraints in the access of e-NAM services. The study was conducted during 2022-23 with exploratory cum ex-post facto research design. Three districts belonging to three agroclimatic zones of Jharkhand were selected. From each district 20 associated and 20 non-associated farmers with e-NAM were selected. Thus, a total of 120 farmer respondents constituted the sample. Selected variables like age, occupation, family size, farming experience, land holding, annual income, marketable surplus, awareness about e-NAM, social participation, technosavviness, mass media exposure, extension contact economic motivation and achievement motivation were measured through test/scale/indices already developed or developed under the study. Data were analysed through suitable descriptive statistics like; frequency, percentage, mean, median, standard deviation and inferential statistics as Chi-square, Discriminant Analysis and Max Min normalisation. The findings revealed that majority of the respondent farmers were middle aged, marginal farmers, had medium sized family. It is noticeable that associated farmers with e-NAM had low level of farming experience and had intermediate level of education while non associated farmers had medium level of farming experience and were educated up to high school. High level of social participation, mass media exposure, technosavviness, extension contact, economic motivation and achievement motivation had been observed among associated farmers, while low level of the same parameters had been found among non-associated farmers. Chi square values for farming experience, social participation, mass media exposure, technosavviness, economic motivation and achievement motivation were found to be significant, which indicates that that these variables play a crucial role in determining the association or non-association of farmers with e-NAM. Wilk’s Lambda tending to zero value signifies that there was a variation between the two groups with respect to various variables. Achievement motivation with discriminant coefficient of 2.00 had been found to be the most significant factor in distinguishing the population of associated and non-associated farmers. From amongst the 60 associated farmers 18.3% of them were found to have non-associated farmers type attributes while 10% from the 60 non associated farmers surveyed had associated farmers type attributes. Majority of the associated farmers accessed the portal with the help of traders. Maximum quantity of produce was sold by the farmers of Hazaribagh district. Marketable surplus of cereals in the associated category was found to be the highest whereas in the non-associated category marketable surplus of vegetables was the highest. Constraints faced by associated farmers in e-NAM service were analysed by using Gatrett Ranking method. Poor digital literacy (Rank I) succeeded by sometime not able to sell whole quantity of produce through e-NAM platform (Rank II) followed by, sometimes e-NAM price was less than mandi price (Rank III). From constraint variables point of view operational challenges in the working of e-NAM had been found to be the biggest hurdle in e-NAM services followed by socio- economic and marketing challenges. Based on the findings it could be concluded that e-NAM is yet to show its impact in the study area, hence there is a need for intervention to make the services easily accessible by maximum number of farmers.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 WEED MANAGEMENT IN WET DIRECT SEEDED RICE(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2018) PRINCE KUMAR GUPTA; Sheela BarlaDirect seeded rice coupled with early maturing variety has received much attention because of its low-input demand, encouraged many farmers in India to switch from transplanted rice to direct seeded rice culture. Weeds are considered to be limiting factor in harnessing full yield potentiality of rice. Hence present investigation was undertaken during kharif season of 2017 to evaluate the competing ability of different high yielding rice cultivar and methods of weed control to increase rice production. The present experiment was conducted in the Agronomical Research Farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand during kharif season of 2017.The experimental soil was clay loam in texture with low organic carbon (3.6 g/kg), moderately acidic (pH 5.7), having low available nitrogen (190.76 kg/ha), high phosphorus (31.33 kg/ha) and medium potassium (182.27 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with 4 weed management viz, weed free up to 15 days, weed free up to 30 days, weed free up to 45 days and weedy check. and 5 rice cultivar in sub plot i.e. DRR Dhan 44, DRR Dhan 45, DRR Dhan 46, RP Bio 226 and Swarna Shreya, altogether comprising 20 treatment combinations replicated three times. The crop was sown on 17 July 2017 with RDF 80:40:20 kg N:P2O5:K2O/ha and seed rate `60kg/ha. Weed free up to 45 days was found most effective in reducing weed density and weed dry weight, as it recorded 86.44% and 80.58 % lower than weedy check (210.44) resulting maximum weed control efficiency i.e. 80.53 per cent at maturity. Weed free up to 45 days recorded higher crop dry weight, grains/panicle, grain yield and harvest index to the tune of 58.32, 35.89, 60.70 and 8.65 percent higher as compared to their respective values under weedy check. Consequently recorded maximum net return (`61746/ha) and B: C ratio(1.63) and was 73.07% and 73.00% higher as compare to values under weedy check and also 15.64% and 15.33% higher as compared weed free upto 30 days. Rice cultivar DRR Dhan 46 recorded 38.28 and 20.40% reduced weed density and weed dry weight compared to cultivar Swarna Shreya resulting in maximum weed control efficiency i.e. 53.04 per cent at maturity. DRR Dhan 46 recorded higher crop dry weight ,grains/panicle, grain yield and harvest index to the extent of 29.84%, 16.37% , 30.26% and 3.25% as compare to Swarna Shreya i.e. 874.49 g/m2, 93.23, 3.41 t/ha, and 36.56% respectively consequently recorded higher net return (`59332 /ha) and B:C ratio(1.57). The combination of DRR Dhan 46 with weed free up 45 days recorded reduced weed dry weight to the extent of 88.96% as compared to lowest recorded with Swarna Shreya under weedy check, consequently maximum grains/panicle (138.17), 1000 grain weight (28.83g), yield (6.30t/ha), net return (`78082/ha) as well as B:C ratio (2.06). From the above findings it may be concluded that keeping Weed free up to 45 days in rice cultivar DRR Dhan 46 was found most suitable for obtaining maximum yield as well as profit in DSR method of cultivation.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT BLACKGRAM VARIETIES UNDER BIJASAL (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.) BASED AGRISILVICULTURE SYSTEM(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Mini Bharti; P.R. Oraon)The gains of agroforestry research till date are certainly impressive. There are good number of success stories where tree based cropping systems have yielded good results. Keeping above facts in view, the present investigation entitled “Comparative study of different Blackgram varieties under Bijasal (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.) based Agrisilviculture System” was carried out at Agroforestry Research Field, RVC Campus, B.A.U. Kanke, Ranchi during kharif season 2022. Objectives of the research; evaluate the performance of the different varieties of Blackgram under Pterocarpus marsupium based agrisilviculture system, to study the growth performance of Pterocarpus marsupium and assess the soil fertility status before sowing and after harvest of Blackgram under Pterocarpus marsupium based agrisilviculture system. The field was laid out with Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of 4 replication and 9 treatments viz.T1 - Pterocarpus marsupium + Urd (Var. Birsa Urd-1), T2 - Pterocarpus marsupium + Urd (Var. Birsa Urd-2), T3 - Pterocarpus marsupium + Urd (Var. WBU-109), T4 - Pterocarpus marsupium + Urd (Var. Uttara), T5 - Sole Pterocarpus marsupium, T6 - Sole Birsa Urd-1, T7 - Sole Birsa Urd-2, T8 - Sole WBU-109 and T9 - Sole Uttara. Growth of Bijasal (Pterocarpus marsupium) was influenced positively with intervention of intercrops as it is seen in the growth parameters the increment in height (52.42 cm) of Pterocarpus marsupium was maximum and observed significantly superior in treatment combination T1 - Pterocarpus marsupium + Urd (Var. Birsa Urd-1) which was statistically at par with treatments T4and T2 with minimum value recorded in treatment T5. The maximum increment in collar diameter (0.69 cm) and number of branches (3.52) showed better results in T1 - Pterocarpus marsupium + Urd (Var. Birsa Urd-1). The maximum canopy spread (54.65 cm) and (55.17 cm) in EW and NS direction was achieved in treatment combination T1 Pterocarpus marsupium + Urd (Var. Birsa Urd-1). The Bijasal (Pterocarpus marsupium) with intercrop showed better results than sole plant. The yield parameters of black gram (Vigna mungo) crops were found maximum (13.76 q ha-1) in T6 - Sole Birsa Urd-1which was significantly higher than T9, T7, T1 and T4. Here crops growth was also influenced positively under woody component but yield attributes and yield of crops were found more in sole crop treatment than under woody component might be due to initial age of Bijasal (Pterocarpus marsupium) plants. The soil of intercropping showed significantly better than the sole crop. There was significant effect on soil pH (5.3), available nitrogen (356 kg ha-1) and available phosphorus (11.6 kg ha-1) was recorded maximum in treatment T1 - Pterocarpus marsupium + Urd (Var. Birsa Urd-1)with intercropping and were found in increasing order which is expected to further increase the growth of the system. Benefit cost ratio was maximum in T6 - Sole Birsa Urd-1 (2.76) and minimum was found in T3 - Pterocarpus marsupium + Urd (Var. WBU-109) (1.45). In future Intercrops will be a source of additional income to the growers rather keeping the interspace fallow. The financial benefits were more in the intercropping system as compare to the sole cropping systems, and it may reduce the risk of crop failure and compensate the return from the trees. So, based on the findings of my present investigation, Bijasal (Pterocarpus marsupium) in its initial age gives so much positive results under leguminous crops. It will surely beneficial through intercrop for long years. Black gram cultivation, strengthens the soil nutrients as black grams are known for imparting nitrogen content to soil and improve the soil fertility. Therefore, significant effects were seen on soil pH, available nitrogen and available phosphorus with intercropping and were found in increasing order which is expected to further increase the growth of the system. These results are only indicative and require further experimentation to derive more consistent and final conclusion.However, further studies are needed to screen various other cultivated crops of the region to find out compatible crops, which could be complementary in this system.Furthermore, there is a need to evolve Blackgram varieties suitable for inter cultivation in such a system as the trees matures and attains harvestable age. By combining suitable complementary variety along with tree farming the production level of both grain and timber can be sustained.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Comparative Growth and Yield performance of Bamboo species propagated through different modes(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Adity Isha Prachi Tirkey; B.C. OraonBamboo is a perennial plant belonging to the Poaceae (sometimes called Gramineae) family. In terms of taxonomy, it is considered as a giant grass. Bamboo is regarded as one of the most important non-timber forest products in terms of total production. Bamboo was used to produce a variety of household and light construction applications at a low cost, earning it the moniker "poor man's timber". Keeping above facts in view ,the present investigation entitled “Studies on Comparative Growth and Yield performance of Bamboo species propagated through different modes” was carried out at in Forest Conservation, Afforestation, Research and Evaluation at Garkhatanga, Namkum in Ranchi district between the months of July and December, 2022. Objective of the Research were: 1. To study the comparative growth and yield performance of different bamboo species grown in acidic soil 2. To study the comparative soil physical and chemical properties under bamboo species clumps 3. To study the comparative economics of different bamboo species. The experimental design used was Randomized Block Design (RBD) , consisting of 3 replication and 8 treatment viz. T1 –Bambusa vulgaris; T2- Melocana bacifera; T3- Bambusa bambos; T4- Dendrocalamus strictus; T5- Dendrocalamus longispathus; T6- Phyllostachys aureosulcata; T7- Dendrocalamus giganteus and T8-Bambusa balcooa. There were significant as well as non-significant differences for various growth and yield parameters. The maximum height increment after six month was noticed 7.14m in T1-Bambusa vulgaris. The order of increment % at 6 month interval of height of bamboo culms was found as T2T2 >T5>T3>T6>T8>T7. So, based on the above findings, The most effective result for the growth parameter i.e. height, diameter, no. of culm, new emerging shoot and volume (yield) was found best in T1- Bambusa vulgaris. The increment percentage (%) in term of height, length of internodes, basal area was found best in T4-Dendrocalamus strictus as compared to other bamboo species. The soil physical character i.e. soil pH, soil organic carbon content (%) was found best in T4-Dendrocalamus strictus, available nitrogen and available potassium was found best in T1-Bambusa vulgaris and available phosphorus was found best in T3-Bambusa bamboo. The economics of bamboo cultivation in term of net return and benefit cost ratio was observed best in T1-Bambusa vulgaris and T4-Dendrocalamus strictus. Bambusa vulgaris and Dendrocalamus strictus were found to be well suited to the Ranchi climate. Further research needs to be followed for more details and more no. of Bamboo species to be compatible to Ranchi climate. Implementation of these researches will be beneficial to uplift the rural economy of farmers and living standard of farmers.ThesisItem Open Access SOIL AND RAINFALL BASED CROP PLANNING OF DHANBAD DISTRICT IN JHARKHAND(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Chandan Kumar Mandal; Ramesh Kumarn have adverse effect on agricultural production. Jharkhand is located in the eastern region of India and agriculture is the mainstay for the people. The primary source of irrigation for agricultural production in most parts of Jharkhand is rainfall. Therefore, the temporal and spatial distribution of rainfall plays a vital role in the agriculture activities. keeping these facts in view the present study was undertaken for crop planning based on soil and rainfall characteristics of Dhanbad district in Jharkhand. Soil samples collected from 10 blocks of Dhanbad at a depth 0-30cm were analyzed for various physical properties (viz. soil texture, bulk density, field capacity, permanent wilting point, available water capacity) and chemical properties (pH, organic carbon, available N, P and K). Daily rainfall data for 20 years (2002-2021) collected for all blocks of Dhanbad district were analyzed for weekly, monthly, seasonal and annual distribution and other, viz. meteorological drought, initial and conditional probabilities, agricultural drought, and incomplete gamma probability, were computed using software (Weather Cock v1.0) developed by the coordinating unit of AICRP on Agrometeorology, CRIDA, Hyderabad. The soils were nearly coarse in texture, mostly sandy loam in all of the blocks were observed. Bulk density and other soil moisture retention parameters (FC, PWP and Avl. water) followed the trend of mechanical separates and the textural class. Wide fluctuations in soil reaction were observed among the blocks. It varied from highly acidic (4.6) to neutral (7.7) in the blocks of Dhanbad. Fertility level in terms of organic carbon was in low to medium (1.7- 7.3 g kg-1 ), available N from low to medium (125 - 470 kg ha-1 ), available P from low to high (4.3-27.3 kg ha-1 ), and available K from low to medium (53.7 to 275.3 kg ha-1 ) was observed in all the block. Annual and Monsoonal rainfall showed an increasing trend ranging from 1.7 to 24.9 mm yr-1 and 0.4 to 18.9 mm yr-1 in most of the blocks, respectively. Among the seasons, monsoon received maximum rain 82.7 per cent, and only 17.3 per cent of rain was received in the remaining three seasons (post monsoon, winter & summer). Rainfall variability in (CV%) was noticed maximum in rabi season (172.9-237.9 %) than in Kharif (48.1-73.2 %). Initial and conditional probability in terms of P(W) and P(W/W) above 0.5 level for 20 mm rain has been observed from 25 to 39 SMW in most of the blocks. The 50 mm limit has been observed from 26-34 SMW in Topchachi and Govindpur whereas rest of the blocks have a limit of 27-38 SWM. The meteorological drought severity was analyzed for all 10 blocks indicated that Purvi tundi faced only 2 years of severe drought while other blocks had 1 year of severe drought. Moderate drought was observed maximum of 6 years in Tundi block, while (1-5 years) moderate drought was observed in the rest of the blocks. Between 13 to 18 years, no drought was observed in any of the blocks. Early (22-28 SMW), middle (29-35 SMW) and late (36-42 SMW) season agricultural drought was observed maximum in Baghmara (i.e., 12 years), Tundi and Purvi tundi (11 years) and Egarkund (10 years). The remaining blocks were experienced early, middle, and late agricultural drought (6 to 9 years). Early and late season agricultural drought was seen in all blocks of Dhanbad district. Gamma distribution of rainfall at five levels (90, 75, 50, 20 & 10 %) clearly indicated that annual rain is close to 50 percent probability in all blocks of Dhanbad. Crop growing environments in terms of soil characteristics and weather variables were analyzed separately for all 10 blocks. Planning of crops with suitable varieties was identified for normal, early, mid and late drought conditions based on rainfall characteristics, temperature, humidity, and soil parameters for kharif and early rabi season crops. Crop planning were classified according to early, mid and late drought conditions in each land situations (i e., upland, medium land & lowland). In the upland and medium land crops like Pigeon pea, Maize, Black gram, Green gram, Sesame, Horse gram, Cowpea, Dolichos bean, Brinjal, Chilli, Okra, Radish, have been suggested to grow as a sole or with intercropping. In the lowland situation majorly rice cultivation were suggested.
