Effect of Tillage, Crop Residue Management and Nutrient Levels on Energetics, Microbial Growth, Dehydrogenase Activity, Weed Parameters, Quality Parameters and Soil Physico-Chemical Properties of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The field experiment on “Effect of tillage, crop residue management and nutrient levels on energetics, microbial growth, dehydrogenase activity, weed parameters, quality parameters and soil physico-chemical properties of maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted during rabi season of 2022-23 at Maize Research Centre, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. The experiment comprised of 12 treatment combinations laid out in a split–plot design with three replications. The main–plot treatments included four different tillage practices:M1-Conventional tillage (Plough + Cultivator + Rotovator), M2-Residue incorporation (After 10 days of spreading the haulms, only rotovator was run), M3- Residue incorporation (After spreading the haulms, microbial consortium was sprayed and after 10 days only rotovator was run) and M4- Zero-tillage (Only microbial consortium was sprayed on the haulms). Sub–plot treatments included three nutrient levels: N1- 100% RDF (240-80-80 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), N2: 100% RDN & P and 50% RDK (240-80-40 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), and N3: 87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK (210-60-60 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1). Results revealed that, among the tillage practices, residue incorporation (M3) had recorded significantly higher total microbial population, dehydrogenase activity and post-harvest soil available NPK of maize and lowest weed density and weed dry matter and it was on par with zero-tillage (M4) whereas all the parameters were significantly lower in conventional tillage (M1). However, Energy indices viz., energy use efficiency, specific energy, net energy, energy productivity, energy intensiveness was found to be the best in M1 -conventional tillage. Among the different nutrient levels, N1 (100% RDF) had shown significantly higher total microbial population, dehydrogenase activity and post-harvest soil available NPK of maize. Energy indices viz., energy use efficiency, specific energy, net energy and energy productivity was found to be the best in N1- 100% RDF. Whereas energy intensiveness was found to be best with N3- 87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK. However, energy indices like energy use efficiency, energy productivity and energy intensiveness indicated non-significant effect of different nutrient levels. Tillage as well as nutrient levels did not exert any significant effect on moisture content and bulk density at sowing, tasselling & silking and at harvest stages. Similar results were followed with quality parameters. The interaction effect due to tillage and nutrient levels on soil microbial studies, enzymatic activity, weed parameters, quality parameters, soil physico-chemical parameters, and energy indices was found non- significant.

Response of Crop Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices on Weed Flora, Crop Growth and Yield of Wheat in Maize-Wheat-Greengram Cropping System

Sustainable agriculture mostly relies on conservation tillage, crop residue retention and crop diversification. Weeds are major production hurdles in adoption of conservation agriculture (CA), therefore, weed management is important for sustainable crop yield. Designing efficient integrated weed management (IWM) practices under zero-tillage with crop residue (ZT+R) is helpful in getting optimum yield. A field experiment was carried out at research farm of ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur (M.P.), India with eight treatment combinations, two crop establishment methods (conventional tillage and conservation tillage) in main plots and four weed management practices (weedy check, recommended herbicide, IWM, and herbicide rotation) in sub-plots were evaluated using a split plot design with three replications. The results indicated that the wheat sown under ZT+R led to significantly less weed density (105.9 no. m-2 in 2020-21 and 122.8 no. m-2 in 2022-23) and biomass (149.7 and 174.2 g m-2, respectively) hence, registered the highest weed control efficiency (WCE, 72.3% and 71.2%, respectively). Higher WCE helped in producing better wheat growth indices like plant height (106.3 and 101.1 cm, respectively), biomass (12.0 and 9.0 g plant-1, respectively) and no. of tillers (488.0 and 391.3 no. m-2, respectively) ultimately grain yield (4164 and 3814 kg ha-1, respectively) and straw yield (7265 and 6834 kg ha-1, respectively) compared with conventional tillage during both the years. Among the weed management practices, ready-mix application of clodinafop + metsulfuron at 60+4 g ha-1 (30-35 days after sowing, DAS) followed by (fb) hand weeding at 45 DAS increased growth indices like plant height (110.2 and 105.0 cm, respectively), plant biomass (14.9 and 12.1 g plant-1, respectively) and no. of tillers (547.2 and 436.7 no. m-2, respectively) ultimately grain yield (4708 and 4299 kg ha-1, respectively) and straw yield (7836 and 7610 kg ha-1, respectively), and WCE (97.4% and 96.8% respectively) with significantly less weed density (25.7 and 35.0 no. m-2, respectively) and biomass (13.6 and 19.9 g m-2, respectively) at 90 days after sowing. IWM also completely reduces the weed density and biomass over the other weed management practices during both the years. Therefore, wheat sown under ZT+R coupled with IWM was superior in terms of weed control, crop growth and yields.

Conservation Agriculture System Impact on Soil Nutrient Status in Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

Tillage is the physical manipulation of soil into optimum conditions, which enhance the soil health for better crop productivity. A field investigation was carried out to evaluate conservation agriculture effect on soil nutrient conservation and set up in spilt plot design. Zero tillage (M3) witnessed significantly (P<0.05) greater nitrogen availability (288.17, 251.39 and 239.70 kg ha-1), K2O (229.04, 209.80 and 193.73 kg ha-1) than conventional tillage (M1) at soil depths 0-7.5, 7.5-15 and 15-30 cm, respectively. In green manuring practices, horse gram (C3) recorded OC (0.53, 0.51 and 0.47 %), available sulphur (23.38, 20.61 and 18.10 mg kg-1) followed by sun hemp. The interaction combination of M3C3 recorded highest soil nutrient status. Significantly lowest microbial population were found in M1, was due to faster decomposition organic matter resulted in unfavourable condition for survival. Overall adopting M1 alone (1 Ploughing + 2 harrowing + 1 intercultural operation) adversely affect soil health.

Effect of Auger Size and Depth of Operation on Bulk Density, Cone Index, Germination, Root Length, Root Weight and Cob Weight for Maize Crop

Minimum tillage methods offer numerous benefits compared to conventional tillage, including reduced farm operations to establish a good seedbed. Spot tillage, in particular, has advantages such as preserving soil structure, preventing erosion, saving time and energy, and reducing input costs. For this study, the effect of different auger size (40, 50 & 70mm) which was operated by 12V DC motor at different depth of operations (80, 120 & 160mm) were determined. The different parameters were measured such as bulk density, cone index, germination percentage, root length, root weight and cob weight for maize crop (GAYMH-3) and same for traditional sowing method. The results showed that auger size (40, 50 & 70mm) and depth of operation (80, 120 & 160mm) significantly influenced bulk density as bulk density of the soil increased with depth and decrease with increase in auger size. The larger auger (70mm) resulting in lower values in bulk density due to more soil removal. However, cone index was not significantly affected by auger size (40, 50 & 70mm) and depth of operation (80, 120 & 160mm). Seed germination for maize was consistently around 90%, with no significant effects of auger size and depth of operation were observed. An auger size (70mm) was associated with shorter root lengths. Increasing depth resulted in greater root development, leading to longer roots was observed in small size augers. Larger auger size and deeper depths generally resulted in higher root weights. Cob weight increased with auger size (70mm) and deeper depths. Auger size and depth significantly impacted cob weight. Overall, results showed that auger having the size of 70mm and depth of operation at 160mm was desirable compared to other auger size in terms of lower bulk density and cone index but increased root weight and cob weight of maize crop.

Energy Consumption in Wheat Crop Production in Central Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

The research investigated energy usage in the production of wheat crops in the central region of Uttar Pradesh, India among different groups of farmers. The study involved surveying a total of 250 farmers from 59 villages, gathering data about various inputs utilized in wheat crop cultivation during the period of 2020-22. Using standard energy equivalents, the inputs required for wheat production were quantified in terms of energy. The findings indicated that the overall energy input for wheat production in the region amounted to 20497.1 MJ/ha, with fertilizers, fuel, and seeds contributing to 85% of this energy consumption. Specifically, fertilizers represented 50.2% of the total energy, followed by fuel at 22.6%. The study also revealed that larger and medium-scale farmers utilized more energy compared to those with smaller landholdings, but they also achieved higher grain yields. Among different farming operations, energy usage was highest in fertilizer application, followed by tillage. The average output-to-input energy ratio was calculated at 3.02. Additionally, this ratio differed among farmer categories: 3.26 for large farmers, 3.15 for medium farmers, 3.14 for semi-medium farmers, 3.11 for small farmers, and 2.95 for marginal category farmers. In conclusion, the research established a positive correlation between energy consumption and crop yield.

Tillage and Crop Residue Management on Weed Dynamics and Productivity of Direct Seeded Rice

A field experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the effect of tillage and residue management on weed dynamics and productivity of direct seeded rice with four tillage systems; Conventional tillage in rice and wheat, Zero tillage in rice and wheat and two rotational tillage sequences that alternated between Conventional tillage and Zero tillage whereas four residue management practices; residue applied in both season, residue applied in kharif season only, residue applied in rabi season only and without residue in both season. The experiment was carried out at research farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Results revealed that in direct seeded rice having highest grain yield (10%), straw yield (8%) and yield attributes (10-15%) as well as lesser weed density and weed dry matter found under Conventional tillage during both the seasons of experiment but performance of zero tillage was slightly better (3-4%) in second year as compared to all treatments. Whereas surface retention of residue @5 tonne/ha was significantly more effective in controlling different category of weeds, it decreased up to 60-75% weed population, resulting increment in grain yield up to 19% and 23% during first and second year, respectively, as compared to plot receiving no residue.

Effect of Tillage, Crop Residue Management and Nutrient Levels on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field study was conducted during rabi season of 2022 at Maize Research Centre, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. The experiment comprised of 12 treatment combinations laid out in a split–plot design with three replications. The main–plot treatments included four different tillage practices:M1-Conventional tillage (Plough + Cultivator + Rotovator), M2-Residue incorporation (After 10 days of spreading the haulms, only rotovator was run), M3- Residue incorporation (After spreading the haulms, microbial consortium was sprayed and after 10 days only rotovator was run) and M4- Zero-tillage (only microbial consortium was sprayed on the haulms). Sub–plot treatments included three nutrient levels: N1- 100% RDF (240-80-80 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), N2: 100% RDN & P and 50% RDK (240-80-40 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), and N3: 87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK (210-60-60 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1). Results revealed that, among the tillage practices, residue incorporation (M3) had recorded significantly higher growth attributes like plant height, leaf area, dry matter production and chlorophyll content (SPAD) at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest stages and yield of maize and it was on par with zero-tillage (M4) whereas all the parameters were significantly lower in conventional tillage (M1). Among the different nutrient levels, N1(100% RDF) had shown significantly superior performance in terms of growth attributes and yield of maize and it was on par with N2 (100% RDN & P and 50% RDK) whereas N3(87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK) recorded significantly lower growth attributes and yield of maize .The interaction effect due to tillage and nutrient levels on plant height, leaf area, dry matter production, chlorophyll content (SPAD) at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest and yield was non- significant.

Effect of Mulching and Tillage Practices on Yield & Yield Attributs of Sorghum

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching and tillage practices on yield & yield attributs of sorghum at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Andhra Pradesh during 2020-21 & 2021-22 Kharif seasons. Mulching, Tillage practices and their interaction showed no significant influence on growth parameters viz., plant height and dry matter production at harvest, days to 50 % population. Whereas, panicle weight, panicle length, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index were significantly higher with zero tillage and with residue mulch. The interaction between tillage and mulch practices was non significant. Maximum gross and net returns were observed with zero tillage with residue mulch practice in grain sorghum. The economic evaluation of mulching and tillage practices in sorghum crop revealed that maximum gross returns (Rs 1,18,659), net returns (Rs 78,579) and B:C ratio (2.96) were obtained with zero tillage practice with mulching practice. The study indicated that tillage and mulching had significant effect on soil fertility and grain yield of sorghum crop.

Profitability of Zero Tillage Wheat in Rice Fallows under National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture Project at Chhattisgarh Plain Zone Durg in India

The research evaluated the economics of producing wheat under national innovation on climate resilient agriculture adopted village named karga using zero tillage and conventional method, and it evaluated how much technology and inputs contributed to the higher productivity brought over by zero tillage (ZT). The study found that zero tillage technology is able to increase farmers' profitability and aid in resource conservation. The difference in gross returns between zero tillage and conventional tillage approaches has been divided into 45% related to zero tillage and the remaining due to changes in input costs. This shows that zero tillage practices resulted in better performance in Rabi 2022- 2023 seasons, with an average yield increase of 7.7%. Net income per ha was Rs. 12475 with a reduced cost of cultivation due to reduced number of irrigations and lessened sowing operations cost. Higher yield is due to timely sowing, healthy crop growth, good plant population and less effect of climatic hazard.

Impact of Tillage and Nitrogen Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Rabi Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted in sandy loam soils of Agricultural Research Station, Karimnagar during Rabi, 2022 in a split-plot design with three replications. Main plots includes three tillage practices viz., Zero tillage, Reduced tillage and Conventional tillage and sub plots includes three nitrogen levels viz., 75 %N, 100%N and 125%N. The results revealed that, maize cultivation under conventional tillage recorded significantly higher grain yield (8324 kg ha-1) which is statistically on par with reduced tillage treatment (7775 kg ha-1). In turn reduced tillage was statistically comparable to zero-tillage treatment (7353kg ha-1). Among different nitrogen levels examined, maize sown with 125% N application achieved significantly highest grain yield (8055 kg ha-1). This yield was statistically comparable to grain yield observed with 100% N application (7896 kg ha-1). While, significantly lowest grain yield (7501 kg ha-1) was recorded with 75% N application. Significantly highest grain yield in conventional tillage which is statistically on par with reduced tillage and among nitrogen levels, highest grain yield with 125%N which is on par with 100% N may attributed to increase in crop growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf area index and higher yield attributes viz., cob length and diameter, kernel rows number. The study concludes that maize cultivation with conventional tillage or reduced tillage results in higher grain yield. Concerning different nitrogen levels, higher grain and economic yield was obtained with 100% N application.

Zero Tillage Lead to Enhanced Productivity and Soil Health

Zero Tillage (ZT) is a critical agricultural practice that emphasizes minimal soil disturbance. This study explores the future prospects of ZT, focusing on three essential dimensions: technological advancements, climate change considerations, and potential growth in adoption rates. The technological innovations in precision agriculture, robotics, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology are found to play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of ZT. These advances allow for more intelligent and targeted approaches, reducing waste and aligning farming practices with broader sustainability goals. Climate change also plays a significant role in shaping ZT's future. ZT's inherent properties of soil moisture conservation, reduced erosion, and carbon sequestration make it a valuable strategy for climate mitigation and adaptation. The study reveals that the global urgency to address climate change might act as a catalyst for ZT's growth, aligning it with key strategies in future agriculture. The potential growth in ZT adoption rates is examined in light of these technological and environmental factors. The findings suggest that technology's role in lowering barriers and enhancing effectiveness, combined with governmental and organizational support, could drive broader adoption of ZT, particularly in developing countries. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, farmers, and industry, are highlighted as essential to optimize ZT for diverse contexts and needs. The future prospects of Zero Tillage are rich and multifaceted, marked by technological innovation, alignment with climate goals, and a clear path toward broader adoption. The integration of these factors creates a promising landscape for ZT, positioning it as a pivotal practice in shaping sustainable agriculture for the future. This study contributes to the understanding of ZT's future trajectory and offers insights that can guide its continued evolution and impact in the agricultural sector.

Effect of Tillage Management and Soil Slope on Annual Soil Loss under Cereal Crops in Central India

The negative impacts of soil erosion on productivity are mainly attributed to the decline in soil fertility and water availability. Continuous tillage practices combined with removal of crop residue from the soil surface greatly increase the risk of soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Soil erosion creates many adverse impacts on the environment and soil health which influence the food security and the quality of life. In present study the effect of three tillage management (conventional tillage, ridge and furrow system and no tillage system) and soil slopes (1%, >1% to < 3%, >3 to <5% and >5%) on soil loss in twelve different soil series under cereal cropping in central India has been studied. The results of the study indicated that the tillage management plays an important role to reduce soil loss. No tillage system found showed minimum annual soil loss whereas the conventional tillage practice recorded the most. The soil loss found decreased with decrease in slope and vice-versa. The Bararia soil series found most vulnerable to the soil loss whereas the Dhodar soil series found resistant to soil loss across the slopes and tillage management practices studied under cereal cropping in central India.

Effect of Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield Attributes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2017-18 at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya 224229 (U.P.) to study the effect of various tillage and weed management practices on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of wheat crop. The combination of treatments were five tillage system in main plot viz., TPR-CT, W-CT (T1), TPR-CT+W-ZT+S-ZT (T2), DSR-CT+W-CT+S-ZT (T3), DSR-ZT+W-ZTR+S-ZT (T4) and DSR-ZTR+W-ZTR+S-ZT (T5) and three-level of weed management practices in sub plot viz., Clodinafop + metsulfuron @ 60 + 4g/ha at 30 DAS (W1), Clodinafop + metsulfuron @ 60 + 4g/ha at 30 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS (W2) and 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS (W3) in wheat were tested with 3 replication in split-plot design. The soil was silt loam in texture and medium in fertility status. Among various tillage and weed management practices DSR-ZT+R, W-ZT+R, S-ZT (T5) and Clodinafop + metsulfuron 60 + 4g/ha at 30 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS (W2) resulted in lowest in total weed density and total weed dry weight (g/m2) and highest values of growth parameters, yield attributes and yield in comparison to other tillage practices and weed management practices.

Economic Impact of Wheat Sowing Through Zero Tillage Technique against Broadcasting under Hot Sub-humid (Moist) Eco-Region Uttar Pradesh, India

Aims: The production of cost of wheat is higher in farmers practice than the zero tillage sown of wheat due to non-adoption of recommended resource conservation technology, high-yielding varieties and advanced technologies by the farming community in the eastern plains of Uttar Pradesh. To replace this anomalous, we conducted 204 front-line demonstrations (FLDs) at farmers' fields in various adopted villages by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Deoria.Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malhana, Deoria, under the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, UP.Methodology: Prior findings were examined to identify any gaps and to enlist everyone's assistance in disseminating such a technology of global relevance. In the eight years from 2011–12 to 2018–19, a total of 204 FLDs were carried out at the 230 farmer’s fields in the 32 villages where wheat was sown by zero tillage.Result: Rice-wheat cropping systems are the most often used agricultural method in Uttar Pradesh, India's hot, sub-humid (wet) eco-region. It provides farmers and agricultural labourers with a source of subsistence and revenue and is a crucial aspect of the region's infrastructure for food safety. In order to attain sustainable yield, it is always thought necessary to employ other alternatives of conserving essential inputs by adopting resources conservative techniques (RCT), such as zero tillage and broad bed furrow (BBF). According to the economic analysis of the data presented in the current study, zero tillage wheat farming is the most cost-effective and appealing alternative for the agricultural community of eastern Uttar Pradesh. When compared to the broadcasting method, the zero tillage technique yielded a higher return and a lower cost of cultivation per acre. Finally, the use of this strategy raises farmers' net returns, improves their social standing, living conditions, livelihood, and ultimately reduces poverty in the farming community.Conclusions: The new approach lowers production costs while producing equivalent wheat yields to other methods, which leads to higher net returns. Farmers in the area have begun to appreciate the technology's reduced tillage costs. Rice-wheat is the prevalent farming system practiced by the majority of farmers in the region. In the future, the prospect of extending the method to sow wheat after other crops should be investigated.

Interactive Effect of Conservation Tillage, Potassium and Magnesium Sulphate Fertilization on Dry Matter Production, Physiological and Yield Parameters, and Yield of Grain Cowpea

This study conducted in Kerala, evaluated the role of conservation tillage (zero tillage (ZT), minimum tillage (MT), and conventional tillage (CT)) with five treatment combination of potassium (12 kg/ha, 20 kg/ha, 40 kg/ha) and magnesium sulphate (60 kg/ha and 80 kg/ha) on total DMP, physiology and grain yield of the test variety Anaswara (cowpea). In pot culture study, application of K: MgSO4, 10:80 kg/ha resulted in highest total chlorophyll content. While higher chlorophyll a content was obtained with the levels 20:60 kg/ha, and highest total DMP was recorded with the application at 40:100 kg/ha. Different levels of K and MgSO4 nutrition positively influenced 100 seed weight and grain yield, while there found no significant difference on chlorophyll b content, days to flowering, and grains/pod with any of the treatments imposed. Higher values for test weight and grain yield were recorded with K: MgSO4 40:60 kg/ha. In field experiment, tillage practices failed to produce notable difference in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll contents, chlorophyll a/b ratio, grains per pod and test weight. Early flowering (45 DAS) and highest total DMP up to 75 DAS were recorded under CT. ZT produced highest LAI, while highest grain yield was noted under MT practice (734.5 kg/ha). Nutrient treatments failed to produce significant differences in chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a/b ratio. However, application at 40:80 kg/ha produced highest LAI, and higher content of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content (1.34 mg/g). K:MgSO4 applied at 40:60 kg/ha recorded highest grain yield. LAI was recorded highest under ZT with K:MgSO4 at 40:80 kg/ha. MT + K:MgSO4 at 40:60 kg/ha reported highest chlorophyll a/b ratio (4.71). K: MgSO4 applied at 40:60 kg/ha produced highest grain yield (806 kg/ha). In interactions, MT + K: MgSO4 at 40:60 kg/ha registered highest grain yield (914.8 kg/ha). Overall, in terms of grain yield, the test crop responded well to MT with application of K: MgSO4 at 40:60 kg/ha.

Influence of Different Tillage and Nutrient Management Practices on Growth Performance of Direct Seeded Rice

The experiment entitled “Impact of different tillage and nutrient management strategies on productivity and profitability of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.)” was conducted in an ongoing trial at the Agronomical Research Farm (plot no. 5) of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi (RPCAU, Pusa) during Kharif 2019. The experiment was laid out in a ‘split-plot design’ with tillage practices under main plot treatments and nutrient management practices as subplot treatments. The results revealed that both tillage and nutrient management practices significantly influenced all the growth parameters of rice. Significantly higher plant height, no. of tillers/m2, dry matter production and superior CGR at all the stages of crop growth were recorded in Zero tillage + Residue management over conventional tillage among tillage practices which was statistically at par with Zero tillage and in SSNM based on Nutrient expert over RDF among nutrient management treatments which was statistically at par with 60 % RDN + GSGN + 100% PK of RDF. Zero tillage + Residue management and Zero tillage increased the grain yield of direct seeded rice to the tune of 14.03 and 10.15 per cent over Conventional tillage, respectively. While SSNM based on Nutrient expert and 60 % RDN + GSGN + 100% PK of RDF increased grain yield of direct seeded rice to the tune of 14.91 and 12.07 per cent over RDF, respectively.

Low Cost Zero till In situ Green Manuring for Kharif Rice-A Success Story

Low cost zero till in situ green manuring using plant species like dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) and sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) will eliminate the age old problems of large scale adoption of green manuring across the farming community. These two species germinated and grown well when sown before (as paira crop during last irrigation) or after rice harvest under zero till condition, with assured nor western rain/monsoon rain or with one post sowing irrigation (7.5 cm). The zero till paira dhaincha green manuring process opened up the scope of producing green manuring at lower cost and saves up to Rs.15000/ha over conventional rain fed green manuring system. Green manuring by dhaincha produced 50-60 tonnes of biomass at 35-40 DAS in alluvial (North 24 PGS), lateritic (Purulia) and clay soils (Paschim Medinipur), produced 30-50 q raw rice /ha and saved 20-27 kg (30 per cent) chemical nitrogen/ha. This green manure will help in quicker decomposition of rice straw left after combined harvest (3.5- 6,0 t/ha), minimise its field burning, sequester enough carbon to the soil. Fifty tonnes green biomass of dhaincha/sunnhemp, has the potential to absorb 15 tonnes CO2 from the atmosphere, sequesters 2 tonnes of carbon in soil, minimise environmental pollution, improve soil health, its structure and water holding capacity. This technique can be adopted in rice growing countries across the globe without difficulty. Seed production dhaincha and sunnhemp is possible by growing it as paira crop (40 kg/ha) within kharif rice which grows up to 45 cm height, produces healthy pods and matures by 70 days which otherwise takes 5-8 months in normal season. If the seed crop is not harvested in rice fallows, from shattered seeds, self-seeded zero till and rain fed dhaincha manure can be obtained in rice fallows.

Source-Sink Alterations in Rice Fallow Adaptive Blackgram Variety ADT3 for Enhancement of Yield and Quality of Seed

Seed Production of rice fallow blackgram variety, ADT3 has limitations due to inherent issues of soil fertility, climate change and thermo sensitivity results in poor flowering, reduced pod setting and poor seed filling. Macro and micro nutrients application during critical stages of growth were tried to improve the seed yield and quality in rice fallow blackgram variety ADT3. The combined foliar spraying of 0.5% NPK (macro) and 0.2% chelated micro nutrients mixture (Fe 2.5%, Mn 1.0%, Zn 3.0%, Cu 1.0%, Mo 0.1% and B 0.5%), were sprayed on 15th (Vegetative phase), 30th (Reproductive phase), 45th ( Flowering and pod formation phase) days after germination improved the growth and seed parameters viz., plant height, number of branches, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, filled seed % which resulted in increased seed yield in rice fallow blackgram variety, ADT3.Response of macro and micro nutrients through foliar mode revealed the lack of soil fertility resulting in poor uptake of macro and micro nutrients. Foliar application induced uniform flowering and synchronous maturity of pods with least shattering which would facilitate mechanical harvesting. Foliar application of macro and micro nutrients phenotypically altered the source-sink which greatly influenced the yield of seed, germination and seedling quality parameters

Characterization of edaphic fauna in different monocultures in Savanna of Piauí / Caracterização da fauna edáfica em diferentes monoculturas no Cerrado piauiense

Abstract Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.

Resumo A cobertura vegetal pode mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade de invertebrados do solo, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a distribuição da fauna edáfica em diferentes monocultivos. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda Chapada Grande no município de Regeneração, PI. Foram escolhidas quatro áreas de monocultivos: soja em sistema de plantio direto, eucalipto, pastagem, além de uma mata nativa de cerrado preservada. Foram realizadas coletas da fauna do solo, em período seco e úmido, por meio de armadilhas do tipo pitfall contendo 4% de formol. A fauna edáfica foi avaliada pelo número de indivíduos por armadilha por dia, riqueza e riqueza média, índice de diversidade de Shannon e índice de uniformidade de Pielou. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à análise multivariada de Componentes Principais (ACP). O maior número de indivíduos por armadilha dia e de riqueza média foram registrados nas áreas pastagem, eucalipto e mata nos dois períodos, enquanto que a soja mostrou valores inferiores com predomínio dos grupos Coleoptera e Formicidae. As áreas de pastagem e mata mostraram maiores valores de índice de Shannon nas duas épocas avaliadas provavelmente em função de maiores aportes de resíduos orgânicos no solo que favorece as condições de abrigo, alimentação e reprodução. Em relação ao índice de Pielou o sistema com soja mostrou maiores valores nessa variável. Os grupos Araneae, Coleoptera, Formicidae e Diptera predominaram no período úmido, enquanto Coleoptera e Formicidae se destacaram no período seco. Sistemas que geram maior acúmulo de resíduos abrigam uma maior diversidade de invertebrados da fauna edáfica. A sazonalidade apresentou efeito sobre todas as variáveis analisadas sendo que o período úmido mostrou valores mais expressivos.

No-tillage:core strategies for sustainable development of ecological agriculture of Chinese materia medica / 中国中药杂志

Ecological agriculture is a crucial way for agriculture of Chinese materia medica, which emphasizes the application of ecological principles in the cultivation of traditional Chinese medicine. While long-term intensive farming and modern chemical agriculture have threatened soil health, the sustainable development of ecological agriculture of Chinese materia medica is constrained. No-til-lage can reduce both frequency and intensity of tillage. Compared with conventional agriculture, no-tillage can reduce soil disturbance, maintain no-tillage for a long or permanent period and keep mulching. The application of no-tillage has a long history. More and more studies have shown that no-tillage has many advantages over conventional tillage, and the ecological and economic benefits of no-tillage are particularly outstandingin long-term. The cultivation of Chinese medicinal materials adheres to the principle of not grabbing land from farmland, making full use of the soil resources under forests, mountains and wasteland. Reducing the risk of soil loss and sustai-nable utilization are the core issues in the process of new land cultivation. No-tillage application, which not only inherits the traditional Chinese concept of natural farming, but also integrates the laws of ecological agriculture, will become the core strategies of sustainable development of Chinese materia medica ecological agriculture. This study will introduce the basic concepts and development process of no-tillage, analyze their ecological benefits in ecological agriculture of Chinese materia medica, and put forward their application strategies.