scholarly journals ​Effect of Mulching on Crop Production under Rainfed Condition: A Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilpa . ◽  
Parveen Sharma ◽  
Priyanka Bijalwan
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Soil Microflora ◽  
Soil Productivity ◽  
Synthetic Materials ◽  
Conservation Farming

As the population of India is continuously rising so we have to adopt some means of sustaining our agricultural growth and it can be done through conservation farming. The best way out is the adoption of the age old practice of mulching in our agricultural fields. Mulching is an agricultural and horticultural technique in which the use of organic materials and synthetic materials for the purpose of increasing soil productivity is involved. In rainfed area, judicious use of water is essential for improving crop productivity. Therefore, mulching has been advocated as an effective means for conserving soil moisture. This technique is very useful in protecting the roots of the plants from heat, cold or drought or to keep fruit free from diseases and insect pests. Mulching is an old age technique to conserve soil moisture, checks evaporation, check the weed growth, moderate soil temperature and provide congenial microclimatic conditions for plant growth and development. This technology is a boon for the horticulture crops not only for increasing growth, development, yield but also a method for soil and water conservation. This review paper deals with the various effects of mulching on plants, soil as well as on soil microflora. This technology has brought a great revolution in the agriculture especially for water conservation and proves to be a fastest growing plasticultural technique in the world.

Improved Agronomic Practices and Input Use Efficiency for Potato Production under Changing Climate

2017 ◽  
pp. 105-132
Author(s):  
Dhiman Mukherjee
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Agricultural Commodity ◽  
Climate Change Issue ◽  
Conservation Farming ◽  
Combat Climate Change

In the emerging global economic order in which agricultural crop production is witnessing a rapid transition to agricultural commodity production, potato is appearing as an important crop, poised to sustain and diversify food production in this new millennium. Temperature and unpredictable drought are two most important factor affecting world food securities and the catalyst of the great famines of the past. Decreased precipitation could cause reduction of irrigation water availability and increase in evapo-transpiration, leading to severe crop water-stress conditions. Increasing crop productivity in unfavourable environments will require advanced technologies to complement traditional methods which are often unable to prevent yield losses due to environmental stresses. Various crop management practices such as improved nutrient application rate, mulching, raised beds and other improved technology help to raise the productivity. Conservation farming practices play important role to restore soil and enhancing soil health and play important role to combat climate change issue.

Impact of incorporated hay mulch on selected physical, chemical and microbiological properties of a loam soil in Atlantic Canada after five years of continuous potato production

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. W. Rees ◽  
T. L. Chow
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Soil Productivity

Maintenance of soil quality and crop productivity is a major concern under intensive potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production. The effects of four consecutive annual applications of 0.00, 2.25, 4.50 and 9.00 t ha-1 wet hay on growing season soil moisture and thermal regimes, soil quality and yield were evaluated on a loamy Orthic Humo-Ferric Podzol between 1995 and 1999. Hay mulching increased soil moisture at the beginning of the growing season by 6.5 to 12.7%, with increases significant until June 24, September 07 and September 20 for the 2.25, 4.50 and 9.00 t ha-1 treatments, respectively. Growing season soil temperature of the 4.50 and 9.00 t ha-1 treatments were lower than control, but only by −0.2 and −0.8°C, respectively. Hay mulching increased soil organic carbon (SOC) of the plow layer (0–25 cm), which increased biological activity resulting in better soil aggregation with more macropores, faster saturated hydraulic conductivity and reduced bulk density. Soil air CO2 concentration was significantly correlated to SOC content, aggregation, porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Hay mulching at 2.25 and 4.50 t ha-1 increased total potato yield over that of the unmulched control by 11–14%, but was insufficient to maintain soil productivity. Hay mulching at 9.00 t ha-1 may have been excessive in terms of crop yield as it showed no total yield benefits. Key words: Organic carbon, CO2 concentration, aggregates, porosity

scholarly journals Mulching Techniques to Conserve the Soil Water and Advance the Crop Production - A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol Special Issue (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjeet Prem ◽  
Prem Ranjan ◽  
Neeraj Seth ◽  
Ghanshyam T. Patle
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Growth Increment ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Plastic Mulching ◽  
Micro Irrigation

The necessity to increase the production of food grains and enhances the quality of surrounding environment has leaded to find the materials to control or regulate the water and wind erosion. Mulching has become now a days an essential and decisive exercise in agricultural production. It lessens the application of herbicides and various chemical fertilizers, control the weeds and maintains the soil moisture and soil temperature. This article consists of the detail reviews of different research conducted on mulches and elaborate the opportunities that they resolving the problem in agriculture. The resources of water for agricultural operations have been inadequate over the years as a result of global warming and uneven or uncertain rainfall in the low rainfall zones of India. To alleviate the water scarcity in agriculture, mulching has a vital impact as a water conserving technique in rain-fed cropping. It is very important primarily for preserving the soil moisture, preventing evaporation of soil and governing the soil temperature, which affects the food production. India being an agricultural country should have a better admiration towards water conservation tactics. By now we are fighting from a great stress of water insufficiency. Each and every drop of water is important for us but inappropriately because of inattentiveness, we repeatedly waste gigantic volume of water in which 70 to 80 % is passed down for irrigation purpose. Mulching and micro- irrigation techniques can play a vital role in controlling the over and excessive irrigation. This practice assistance to prevent weed growth, increment soil moisture, reduce soil erosion, maintain soil temperature, augments soil structure, improves soil fertility and improvise soil biological regime. There are several categories of mulching which are organic mulching, inorganic mulching, natural mulching, synthetic mulching, surface mulching, upright mulching or vertical mulching, plastic mulching, rubber mulching, pebble or stone mulching, dust mulching, straw mulching, landscape fabric, live vegetative barriers etc. Mulching also shows some limitations beyond many advantages as it may harbor some insects, pests and diseases and also create some weed problems sometimes. The current analysis deals with argument of every single feature of mulching and it’s beneficiary effects.

scholarly journals Effect of Different Organic Sources on Physical, Chemical and Biological Properties of Soil in Inceptisols of Varanasi

2021 ◽  
pp. 41-52
Author(s):  
Ayush Bahuguna ◽  
Sachin Sharma ◽  
Janardan Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Soil Microflora ◽  
Carpet Waste ◽  
Properties Of Soil

After the green revolution excessive use of inorganic fertilizers increased, which resulted in affecting the activities of soil microflora and macrofauna, thus posing an environmental risk and decreasing crop production. The use of organic sources which include biochar, carpet waste, FYM (Farmyard manure) and PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) may act as an important tool to sustainably increase soil organic matter, crop yield and improve soil health on a long-term basis. The results of application of biochar, carpet waste, farm yard manure (FYM) and PGPR showed that the combined application of biochar, carpet waste and PGPR significantly improved soil properties such as organic carbon, nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), potassium(K), dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase activity and microbial population. The enzymatic activity of soil was highly positively correlated with the physicochemical properties of soil. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combination of biochar, carpet waste, FYM and PGPR may increase and sustain the soil properties and crop productivity over time.

Analysis of Crop Yield Prediction of Kharif & Rabi Jowar Crops Using Data Mining Techniques

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Sujata Mulik
Keyword(s):  
Data Mining ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Yield Prediction ◽  
Data Mining Techniques ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Rabi Crops

Agriculture sector in India is facing rigorous problem to maximize crop productivity. More than 60 percent of the crop still depends on climatic factors like rainfall, temperature, humidity. This paper discusses the use of various Data Mining applications in agriculture sector. Data Mining is used to solve various problems in agriculture sector. It can be used it to solve yield prediction.  The problem of yield prediction is a major problem that remains to be solved based on available data. Data mining techniques are the better choices for this purpose. Different Data Mining techniques are used and evaluated in agriculture for estimating the future year's crop production. In this paper we have focused on predicting crop yield productivity of kharif & Rabi Crops. 

Comparative Advantage of Using Biopesticides in Ukrainian Agroecosystems

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasrat Arjjumend ◽  
Konstantia Koutouki ◽  
Olga Donets
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Soil Biology ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Irreversible Damage

The use of unsustainable levels of chemical fertilizers and plant protection chemicals has resulted in a steady decline in soil and crop productivity the world over. Soil biology has undergone irreversible damage, coupled with a high concentration of toxic chemical residues in plant tissues and human bodies. Agricultural practices must evolve to sustainably meet the growing global demand for food without irreversibly damaging soil. Microbial biocontrol agents have tremendous potential to bring sustainability to agriculture in a way that is safe for the environment. Biopesticides do not kill non-target insects, and biosafety is ensured because biopesticides act as antidotes and do not lead to chemical contamination in the soil. This article is part of a larger study conducted in Ukraine by researchers at the Université de Montréal with the support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies. The responses of farmers who use biofertilizers (“user farmers”) and those who do not (“non-user farmers”), along with the responses of manufacturers or suppliers of biofertilizers, and research and development (R&D) scientists are captured to demonstrate the advantages of applying microbial biopesticides to field crops. Participants reported a 15-30% increase in yields and crop production after the application of biopesticides. With the use of biopesticides, farmers cultivated better quality fruits, grains, and tubers with a longer shelf life. Moreover, while the risk of crop loss remains high (60-70%) with chemically grown crops, this risk is reduced to 33% on average if crops are grown using biopesticides. The findings indicate that a large proportion of farmers would prefer to use biopesticides if they are effective and high quality products. In this context, the quality and effectiveness of products is therefore very important. Despite their benefits to soil, human health, and ecosystems, biopesticides face significant challenges and competition vis-à-vis synthetic pesticides for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the development of biopesticides must overcome the problems of poor quality products, short shelf life, delayed action, high market costs, and legal/registration issues.

Connecting Crop Nutrient Use Efficiency to Future Soil Productivity

2018 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 8-10
Author(s):  
Fernando García ◽  
Andrés Grasso ◽  
María González Sanjuan ◽  
Adrián Correndo ◽  
Fernando Salvagiotti
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Soil Productivity ◽  
Nutrient Use ◽  
Grain Crop ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
Use Efficiency

Trends over the past 25 years indicate that Argentina’s growth in its grain crop productivity has largely been supported by the depletion of the extensive fertility of its Pampean soils. Long-term research provides insight into sustainable nutrient management strategies ready for wide-scale adoption.

scholarly journals Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) as Agricultural Lighting: Impact and Its Potential on Improving Physiology, Flowering, and Secondary Metabolites of Crops

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1985
Author(s):  
Musa Al Murad ◽  
Kaukab Razi ◽  
Byoung Ryong Jeong ◽  
Prakash Muthu Arjuna Samy ◽  
Sowbiya Muneer
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Nutrient Metabolism ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Cultivation Systems ◽  
Lighting Systems

A reduction in crop productivity in cultivable land and challenging environmental factors have directed advancement in indoor cultivation systems, such that the yield parameters are higher in outdoor cultivation systems. In wake of this situation, light emitting diode (LED) lighting has proved to be promising in the field of agricultural lighting. Properties such as energy efficiency, long lifetime, photon flux efficacy and flexibility in application make LEDs better suited for future agricultural lighting systems over traditional lighting systems. Different LED spectrums have varied effects on the morphogenesis and photosynthetic responses in plants. LEDs have a profound effect on plant growth and development and also control key physiological processes such as phototropism, the immigration of chloroplasts, day/night period control and the opening/closing of stomata. Moreover, the synthesis of bioactive compounds and antioxidants on exposure to LED spectrum also provides information on the possible regulation of antioxidative defense genes to protect the cells from oxidative damage. Similarly, LEDs are also seen to escalate the nutrient metabolism in plants and flower initiation, thus improving the quality of the crops as well. However, the complete management of the irradiance and wavelength is the key to maximize the economic efficacy of crop production, quality, and the nutrition potential of plants grown in controlled environments. This review aims to summarize the various advancements made in the area of LED technology in agriculture, focusing on key processes such as morphological changes, photosynthetic activity, nutrient metabolism, antioxidant capacity and flowering in plants. Emphasis is also made on the variation in activities of different LED spectra between different plant species. In addition, research gaps and future perspectives are also discussed of this emerging multidisciplinary field of research and its development.

scholarly journals Agricultural Technical Efficiency of Smallholder Farmers in Ethiopia: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 246
Author(s):  
Markose Chekol Zewdie ◽  
Michele Moretti ◽  
Daregot Berihun Tenessa ◽  
Zemen Ayalew Ayele ◽  
Jan Nyssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Stochastic Frontier Approach ◽  
Small Scale Irrigation

In the past decade, to improve crop production and productivity, Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious irrigation farming expansion program and has introduced new large- and small-scale irrigation initiatives. However, in Ethiopia, poverty remains a challenge, and crop productivity per unit area of land is very low. Literature on the technical efficiency (TE) of large-scale and small-scale irrigation user farmers as compared to the non-user farmers in Ethiopia is also limited. Investigating smallholder farmers’ TE level and its principal determinants is very important to increase crop production and productivity and to improve smallholder farmers’ livelihood and food security. Using 1026 household-level cross-section data, this study adopts a technology flexible stochastic frontier approach to examine agricultural TE of large-scale irrigation users, small-scale irrigation users and non-user farmers in Ethiopia. The results indicate that, due to poor extension services and old-style agronomic practices, the mean TE of farmers is very low (44.33%), implying that there is a wider room for increasing crop production in the study areas through increasing the TE of smallholder farmers without additional investment in novel agricultural technologies. Results also show that large-scale irrigation user farmers (21.05%) are less technically efficient than small-scale irrigation user farmers (60.29%). However, improving irrigation infrastructure shifts the frontier up and has a positive impact on smallholder farmers’ output.

scholarly journals Revisiting Sulphur—The Once Neglected Nutrient: It’s Roles in Plant Growth, Metabolism, Stress Tolerance and Crop Production

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 626
Author(s):  
Tinashe Zenda ◽  
Songtao Liu ◽  
Anyi Dong ◽  
Huijun Duan
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Abiotic Stresses ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Plant Phenotyping ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Sulphur Nutrition ◽  
Physiological Processes

Sulphur plays crucial roles in plant growth and development, with its functions ranging from being a structural constituent of macro-biomolecules to modulating several physiological processes and tolerance to abiotic stresses. In spite of these numerous sulphur roles being well acknowledged, agriculture has paid scant regard for sulphur nutrition, until only recently. Serious problems related to soil sulphur deficiencies have emerged and the intensification of food, fiber, and animal production is escalating to feed the ever-increasing human population. In the wake of huge demand for high quality cereal and vegetable diets, sulphur can play a key role in augmenting the production, productivity, and quality of crops. Additionally, in light of the emerging problems of soil fertility exhaustion and climate change-exacerbated environmental stresses, sulphur assumes special importance in crop production, particularly under intensively cropped areas. Here, citing several relevant examples, we highlight, in addition to its plant biological and metabolism functions, how sulphur can significantly enhance crop productivity and quality, as well as acclimation to abiotic stresses. By this appraisal, we also aim to stimulate readers interests in crop sulphur research by providing priorities for future pursuance, including bettering our understanding of the molecular processes and dynamics of sulphur availability and utilization in plants, dissecting the role of soil rhizospherical microbes in plant sulphur transformations, enhancing plant phenotyping and diagnosis for nutrient deficiencies, and matching site-specific crop sulphur demands with fertilizer amendments in order to reduce nutrient use inefficiencies in both crop and livestock production systems. This will facilitate the proper utilization of sulphur in crop production and eventually enhance sustainable and environmentally friend food production.

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