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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 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 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 THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF Psidium guajava AND Punica granatum against COLIFORM MASTITIS IN CATTLE(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Sanjay Kumar Dubey; Parveen KumarBased on the study it was concluded that Psidium guajava and Punica granatum given at the dose rate of 500 mg each by intramammary routs was found most effective.ThesisItem Open 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. ShahiIn 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.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.
