Impact of Various Levels of Biochar on Growth and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

An experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2021-2022 at the College of Agriculture, Kalaburagi. The study aimed to assess the impact of biochar on various growth and yield parameters of chickpeas. Results indicated that the treatment involving 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and biochar applied at 4 t ha-1 significantly enhanced grain yield, stover yield, and harvest index of chickpea. Additionally, plant height, number of branches per plant, dry matter production, number of pods per plant, and 100-seed weight were also notably higher under this treatment compared to others. In conclusion, the application of 100% RDF along with biochar at 4 t ha-1 demonstrated superior performance in increasing both grain and stover yield of chickpea. These findings underscore the potential of biochar as a beneficial soil amendment in enhancing crop productivity, particularly in chickpea cultivation

Effect of Different Management Practices on Yield Attributes and Productivity of Wheat + Mustard Intercropping System

The present investigation entitled “Effect of natural farming, organic farming, integrated crop management and conventional management practices on yield attributes and productivity of Wheat + Mustard intercropping system” was conducted under All India Network Programme on Organic Farming (AI-NPOF) during rabi season of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Instructional Research farm, Krishi Nagar Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P). The soil of experiment was sandy clay loam, neutral in reaction (pH 6.7), low in organic carbon (0.62 %), medium in available nitrogen (281.43 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (20.35 kg ha-1) and high in available potassium (272.12 kg ha-1). The experiment was carried out in a Randomized block design with six treatments and four replications. The treatment comprises of T1- Control (No addition of any input except labour for operations including weeding), T2- Complete Natural Farming Practices (1. Beejamrit + Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit 2. Crop residue mulching 3. Intercropping 4. Whapasa), T3- Organic Management Practices (AI-NPOF package) (75 % RDN through organic sources + two foliar spray of 10 % cow urine and vermiwash at 30 and 50 DAS), T4-ICM (50 % nutrient through organic and 50 % nutrient through inorganic sources + natural/organic pesticides for pest management), T5-ICM (50 % nutrient through organic and 50 % nutrient through inorganic + need based pesticides) and T6-Conventional Management Practices (RDN 120:60:40 Kg ha-1 N: P2O5: K2O ha-1). The result of the experiment revealed that conventional management practices i.e. RDN @120:60:40 Kg ha-1 of N: P2O5: K2O proved to be best for wheat + mustard intercropping system in terms of yield attributes and yield and this was followed by integrated crop management i.e. 50 % RDN through organic and 50 % RDN through inorganic sources and pest management with need based pesticides. Higher wheat equivalent yield was recorded under conventional management practices

Compatibility of Trichoderma asperellum (Tr-9) with Carbofuran and Cassava-based Biopesticide, Nanma under In-vitro Conditions

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) pose a major threat to tuber crops, challenging the development of effective and environmentally sustainable management strategies. Although chemical nematicides have been effective in controlling nematodes, but their adverse environmental impact has urged to explore eco-friendly alternatives such as bioformulations. Trichoderma asperellum (Tr-9), an indigenous fungal bioagent isolated from elephant foot yam was effective against root-knot nematode under in-vitro conditions. Additionally, Nanma, a cassava-based biopesticide developed by ICAR-CTCRI, is commonly used to treat elephant foot yam tubers before planting to control diseases and nematode infestation. They can be combined with nematicides for effective nematode management while minimizing environmental risks. However, evaluating the compatibility of Trichoderma with nematicides is crucial before integrating both strategies for nematode management in tuber crops. In this context, the present study evaluated the compatibility of T. asperellum (Tr-9) with different concentrations of Carbofuran 3G (50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 ppm) and the Cassava-based biopesticide, Nanma (5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm) using the poisoned food technique after a five-day incubation period under in-vitro conditions. Results revealed that Carbofuran 3G exhibited cent percent compatibility at 50 ppm, and with minimal inhibition (6.98%) observed at 100-200 ppm. Even at higher concentrations (400-800 ppm), only slight mycelial growth inhibition (15.25%-19.75%) was recorded, while at 1000 ppm, inhibition percentage increased to 36.30%. These findings indicate that all concentrations up to 800 ppm are highly compatible, while 1000 ppm remains moderately compatible with Carbofuran. In contrast, Nanma exhibited high incompatibility, inhibiting Trichoderma growth completely at concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 ppm. At even lower concentrations, inhibition percentage still remained high (70.32% - 78.55%). These findings indicated that Carbofuran 3G can be effectively integrated with T. asperellum (Tr-9) for nematode management in tuber crops, offering a balanced approach that combines chemical and biological methods while reducing environmental impact. Further research is required to evaluate the compatibility of novel nematicides such as Fluopyram, Fluensulfone, and Fluazaindolizine with Trichoderma, along with pot and field studies, to develop an effective integrated nematode management module for tuber crops

Osmopriming with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-6000) Improves the Action of Seed Germination, Growth, and Physiology in Carrot

In order to improve germination and vigour, the current study was conducted using three carrot varieties viz. Carrot Florence (G1), Deb Kuroda-1 (G2), and Deb Kuroda-3 (G3), and various concentrations and durations of PEG-6000, including 0.1 MPa for 24 hours (T2), 0.1 MPa for 48 hours (T3), 0.25 MPa for 24 hours(T4), 0.25 MPa for 48 hours (T5), 0.40 MPa for 24 hours (T6), and 0.40 MPa for 48 hours (T7), non-primed seeds (T1). A pre-sowing technique called seed priming produces a physiological environment that promotes more efficient seed germination. The experiment was carried out in the Department of Seed Science and Technology's seed testing lab at the BCKV, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India. According to the experiment's results, seeds treated with 0.25 MPa PEG-6000 soaking for 48 hours produced the best results among treatments over genotype; these seeds showed notably greater potential than seeds treated with other priming concentrations and durations. Deb Kuroda-3 is the best from a germination perspective, and Deb Kuroda-1 is the best from a vigour perspective. The best results were clearly obtained with a 0.25 MPa PEG-6000 soaking duration of 48 hours for seed quality parameters like germination energy (47.273), seedling Vigour Index-I (639.032), and germination index (5.503). Therefore, to improve seedling establishment, PEG-6000 0.25 Mpa pre-sowing treatment for 48 hours is recommended for carrot

Integrating Nutrient Management with Conservation Agriculture Practices for Mint Crop Production

Aim: This study investigated how reduced tillage practices with varying levels of fertilizer application influenced the growth, yield and essential oil production of Mentha arvensis within an arecanut + carrot (rabi) – mint (pre-kharif) cropping sequence. Study Design: Randomized block experimental design with four treatments and each replicated five times. Treatment details are T1 -100:60:60 NPK kg ha, T2: 75:45:45 NPK kg ha-1 T3: 50:30:30 NPK kg ha-1, T4: Control Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was conducted at the Balindi Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal in 2019-20 and 2020-21 cropping season. Methodology: The study examined the effects of three fertilizer levels each replicated five times on vegetative parameters like plant height, leaf number, branching, and spread during the crop's growth stages and oil yield. Results: Higher fertilizer levels significantly enhanced vegetative growth and yield parameters. Plant height at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting (DAP) increased to 26.44 cm, 32.9 cm, and 56.68 cm respectively, with the highest fertilizer dose (T1 -100:60:60 NPK kg ha-1). Similarly number of leaves per plant also saw an increase to 178, 194, and 219 at the corresponding time points. Additionally plant spread expanded to 20.99 cm, 28.93 cm, and 47.64 cm, and the number of primary branches increased to 6.62, 6.81, and 18.29 at 30, 60, and 90 DAP, respectively. The number of secondary branches also demonstrated growth reaching 3.52 at 60 DAP and 4.20 at 90 DAP. The overall projected herb yield and oil yield at the end of the study was found to be 22.21 tons per hectare (t ha-1) and 254.95 litres ha-1 was recorded under T1 (100:60:60 NPK kg ha-1) Conclusion: These findings show that implementing conservation agriculture principles, including reduced tillage, crop diversification and supplying balanced nutrient levels to crop significantly enhanced crop performance and maintains soil health promoting sustainable agricultural production

The Influence of Different Post-emergence Herbicide Mixtures on the Physiological Traits and Yield of Irrigated Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). in Madhya Pradesh, India

The present investigation was conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the agronomy research farm of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (M.P.). The experiment was carried out in a Randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. The values of LAI, CGR and AGR were increasing up to 90 DAS and RGR upto 60 DAS growth stage and then declined upto maturity. Among the weed control treatments, the highest values of LAI, CGR, RGR and AGR were recorded under weed free plot which was followed by post-emergence application of Pyroxasulfone 85% WG + Metsulfurone 20% WG @ 127.5 + 4 g/ha and post-emergence application Metsulfurone Methyl 20% WP @ 4 g/ha + Clodinafop propargyl 15 WP @ 60 g/ha at almost all the crop growth stage. The results indicated that the combined application of post-emergence Pyroxasulfone 85% WG + Metsulfurone 20% WG @ 127.5 + 4 g/ha significantly enhanced plant height, leaf area and dry matter production, followed by the post-emergence application of Metsulfurone Methyl 20% WP @ 4 g/ha + Clodinafop Propargyl 15 WP @ 60 g/ha. These treatments performed better than the control and were statistically comparable to the weed-free plot. The highest grain yield, straw yield and harvest index was recorded in the weed-free plot, while the lowest yield was observed in the weedy check plot. However, the combined application of Pyroxasulfone 85% WG + Metsulfurone 20% WG @ 127.5 + 4 g/ha resulted in grain yield, straw yield and harvest index statistically similar to the weed-free plot, demonstrating its effectiveness in controlling weeds and enhancing crop productivity

The Role of Soil Microbiome in Enhancing Plant Nutrition and Promoting Soil Health

The soil microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protozoa, plays a pivotal role in sustaining plant nutrition and soil health. Through processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and symbiotic relationships, soil microorganisms enhance the availability of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Beneficial microbes such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhizal fungi improve plant growth by increasing nutrient uptake, producing growth hormones, and promoting disease resistance. Furthermore, the soil microbiome significantly contributes to soil structure, fertility, and resilience by aiding in soil aggregation, water retention, and stress tolerance. It also plays a critical role in suppressing plant pathogens and improving plant resilience to environmental stresses such as drought and heavy metal contamination. Despite its importance, conventional agricultural practices, including the overuse of chemical inputs and intensive tillage, often disrupt the balance of soil microbial communities, leading to soil degradation. Sustainable agricultural practices that incorporate organic amendments, crop rotations, and reduced chemical inputs are crucial for maintaining a healthy and diverse soil microbiome. This review highlights the essential functions of the soil microbiome in plant nutrition and soil health, emphasizing its potential to promote sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem resilience

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and its Associated Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

In India, the rabi pulse Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) holds one of the most important position which is a member of Fabaceae family. Chickpea production accounts for 20% of the total pulse production in the world. The present investigation was carried out in Rabi-2019-2020 at Western Section of Birsa Agricultural University Research Farm, Kanke, Ranchi. Twenty six genotypes of chickpea comprising four checks viz., BG 372, KWR 108, KPG 59 and Birsa Chana 3 were taken for the present investigation. Observations were recorded on eleven quantitative traits and three qualitative traits in this study. Mahalanobis D2 statistics revealed five clusters. Among the five clusters, cluster I (23 genotypes) consisted of maximum genotypes followed by cluster II (4 genotypes) and cluster III, IV, V were mono-genotypic. Based on inter-cluster distances and mean performances of clusters for different traits, the advanced breeding lines among the genotypes belonging to cluster I and IV are expected to produce yield and other yield-related traits.Based on inter-cluster distance and cluster mean genotypes such as GNG1958, GCP105, JG14, BAUG15, BAUG107, BAUG108, BAUG109, BAUG115, BAUG121, BAUG123, BAUG124 and BAUG129 were found suitable for their utilization in hybridization programme. The observations for qualitative characterization on flower colour, seed colour and seed testa texture of thirty chickpea genotypes were recorded as per the guidelines of conduct of test for DUS approved by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA)

Effect of Foliar Application of Water Soluble Fertilizer and Humic Acid on Physico-chemical Properties and Fertility Status of Soil after Harvest of Rose

A field experiment on “Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer and humic acid on yield and quality of rosa sp was carried out during Rabi season at PG Research unit, Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design. The treatments comprised of four levels of water soluble fertilizer (19:19:19) viz., Control, 200 g, 300 g and 400 g and three levels of humic acid viz., Control, 500 ppm and 750 ppm giving twelve treatment combinations replicated thrice. The collected soil samples were processed and analysed for different soil parameter like soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, calcium carbonate, available nitrogen, available phosphorus available potassium and available sulphur using standard analytical methods. Results revealed that pH of all the samples of study area was in the neutral to alkaline. Electrical conductivity of all the samples were found normal (<1.0 dsm-1). The organic carbon content of the study area varies from low to medium. The availability of NPK after harvesting was found superior in treatment combination (F4H3), which involved application of 400 g 19:19:19 with 750 ppm humic acid

Evaluation of Amino Acid Based Biostimulant with Surfactant on Groundnut Growth and Yield

A field trial was conducted during Kharif 2024 at Anurag University, Hyderabad, to evaluate the bioefficacy of an amino acid based biostimulant formulation with surfactant on the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The formulation, designed to enhance nutrient absorption and stress tolerance, was applied as a foliar spray in varying concentrations (2 ml/l, 3 ml/l, 4 ml/l, and 5 ml/l) in addition to a control treatment and a recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF). Results demonstrated that the application of the amino acid based biostimulant with surfactant at 3 ml/l (T4) significantly improved key growth parameters such as plant height (27.25 cm), leaf area (6.12 cm2), root length P (21.13 cm), and dry matter accumulation per plant (36.33 g/m2). Yield components, including pod length (33.63 mm), number of pods per plant (35.00), and pod weight (2.40 gm), were also markedly enhanced at this concentration. Treatment T4 was identified as the most effective and economical concentration, offering comparable or superior results to higher dosages, highlighting its potential for cost-effective crop improvement. The study concluded that the amino acid based biostimulant with surfactant formulation, particularly at 3 ml/l, provides a promising solution for enhancing groundnut productivity by improving nutrient uptake and supporting growth