scholarly journals Conservation agriculture for productivity and profitability of wheat and lentil in maize based cropping system in far western Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-410
Author(s):  
Hari Kumar Prasai ◽  
Shrawan Kumar Sah ◽  
Anand Kumar Gautam ◽  
Anant Prasad Regmi

Zero tillage with crop residue retention which is principle of conservation agriculture (CA) can be a good practice to achieve sustainable and profitable crop yield without affecting soil fertility. This approach was not tested in wheat and lentil based maize-mungbean system in far western Nepal. The effect of CA in the maize-wheat-mungbean and maize-lentil-mungbean cropping systems with two varieties of each of wheat and lentil was studied at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bhagetada, Dipayal, Doti district of Nepal for two years (2015 and 2016).  The average grain yield of wheat and lentil under the CA system was 5.92% higher (2.86 t ha−1) than that of conventional agriculture (2.70 t ha−1). The CA under maize-wheat-mungbean cropping system produced 7.90% higher grain yield (4.78 t ha−1) compared to conventional agriculture and the CA under maize-lentil-mung bean cropping system gave11.11% higher grain yield (1.00 t ha−1). Maize-wheat-mungbean cropping system, conservation agriculture and WK 1204 variety of wheat produced 9.34% higher yield (4.80 t ha−1) than conventional agriculture whereas maize-lentil-mungbean cropping system, conservation agriculture and Khajura1 variety of lentil recorded 11.96% higher grain yield (1.03 t ha−1) than conventional agricultural. The CA system produced 114% higher net benefit (NRs. 40200 ha−1) than that of conventional agriculture. Higher yields of crops in CA system could be associated with improvement of soil properties for minimum soil disturbance and residue retention and profitable yield for reduced cost of production. Thus, the 2-year study suggests that no tillage with previous crop residues retention and use of higher yielding varieties is a potential crop cultivation approach for the maize based cropping system in light textured soil of river basin area of Nepal in order to sustain soil health, crop yield and farm economy. J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(3): 403–410, December 2018

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-332
Author(s):  
H.K. Prasai ◽  
S.K. Sah ◽  
A.K. Gautam ◽  
A.P. Regmi

Abstract. The adoption of Conservation agriculture (CA) contributes to sustainable production and its advantages include lower inputs and stable yields. This study was conducted in the research field of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bhagetada, Dipayal, Doti during 2014 and 2015 to identify the effect of CA on grain yield and income of maize in Maize based cropping system. Both conservation and conventional agricultural (ConvA) practices were evaluated on two maize based cropping systems namely maize-wheat-mungbean (M-W-MB) and maize-lentil-mungbean (M-L-MB). For this purpose two maize varieties namely Raj Kumar and Arun-2 were used. The average productivity of maize under M-L-MB cropping system was 1.6% higher (5.75 t/ha) than M-W-MB cropping system (5.66 t/ha). The average grain yield of maize under CA was 16.7% higher (6.15 t/ha) than ConvA (5.27 t/ha). Rajkumar produced 43% higher average grain yield (6.73 t/ha) than Arun-2 variety (4.69 t/ha). The average net benefit was slightly higher (US$ 597.33/ha) under M-L-MB cropping system than M-W-MB cropping system (US$ 573.89/ha). Similarly, the average net benefit from CA was 102% higher (US$ 783.67/ha) than ConvA (US$ 386.79/ha). Rajkumar variety gave 127% higher average net benefit (US$ 813.49/ha) than Arun-2 (US$ 357.81/ha). The average benefit - cost (B:C) ratio of M-L-MB cropping system was slightly higher (1.72) than the average B:C ratio of M-W-MB cropping system (1.70). The average B:C ratio of CA was 42% higher (2.01) than ConvA (1.41). The average B:C ratio of Rajkumar variety was found 33% higher (1.95) than Arun-2 (1.46). The higher grain yield, net profit and B:C ratio were found in CA practices under M-L-MB cropping system and Rajkumar variety. This study suggests that hybrid maize planting and the adoption of M-L-MB cropping system should be used to increase grain yield and economic performance under CA practices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 027-036
Author(s):  
Kapweke Kandondi ◽  
Mpuisang Thembeka ◽  
Benedict Kayombo ◽  
Davis Samzala Marumo

This study was conducted at Pandamatenga of Chobe District in northern Botswana. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) model in the prediction of sorghum yields under Conservation Agriculture (CA) technologies. A field experiment was conducted at the Pandamatenga Agricultural Research station during the 2015-2017 growing seasons. A randomized complete block design was used for the on-station field experimentation. The design had trial plots with four treatments, namely No Tillage (NT), No Tillage + Mulch (NT+M), Minimum Tillage (MT), and Broad Bed and Furrow (BBF), with four replicates rotated between sorghum cowpea. Sorghum grain yield results were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS version 9.2). Analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at 5% confidence level. The DSSAT model was evaluated using the experimental data and weather data for the growing periods. The model was further used to test these CA technologies in terms of sorghum grain yield in the future. The DSSAT crop model provided reasonable predictions of sorghum grain yield under NT, MT, NT+M, and BBF on vertisols of Pandamatenga. The model furthermore predicted that sustained NT+M practice by smallholder rainfed farmers in Pandamatenga would increase sorghum grain yield production in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-239
Author(s):  
PB Saha ◽  
AK Jha ◽  
W Aind ◽  
K Chaterjee

A field experiment was conducted in the experimental farm of Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Dumka, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand during kharif seasons of 2015, 2016 and 2017 to study the effects of secondary and micronutrients on rice under rice-wheat cropping system in acid soil. The experimental findings have been interpreted in terms of grain yield, crop response (%), P, K, S and B -uptake by the crop. There were seven treatment combinations viz., NPK (RD) [@ (80 : 40 : 20) kg / ha], NPK + FYM [@ 3t / ha], NPK + lime [@ 4q / ha], NPK + S [@ 30kg / ha], NPK + S + B [@ 200 ppm foliar spray as borax], NPK + S + B + Si [@ 20 kg K - silicate / ha] and (NPK + FYM + S + B + Si). The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications. It was found that the highest grain yield (40.60 q / ha) was obtained with the combined application of (NPK + FYM + S + B + Si), which also corresponded to the maximum crop response (24.4%). It was also found that application of micronutrients alone did not have significant effects on S and B-uptakes unless they were applied in combination with FYM. The highest S-uptake (7.40 kg/ha) and B-uptake (126.03 g/ha) were recorded with (NPK + FYM + S + B + Si). The highest P-uptake (13.74 kg/ha) and K-uptake (16.11 kg/ha) were obtained with (NPK + Lime).


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1139-1148
Author(s):  
Othman & et al.

The research work was conducted in Izra’a Research station, which affiliated to the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), during the growing seasons (2016 – 2017; 2017 – 2018), in order to evaluate the response of two durum wheat verities (Douma3 and Cham5) and two bread wheat varieties (Douma4 and Cham6) to Conservation Agriculture (CA) as a full package compared with Conventional Tillage system (CT) under rainfed condition using lentils (Variety Edleb3) in the applied crop rotation. The experiment was laid according to split-split RCBD with three replications. The average of biological yield, grain yield,  rainwater use efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency was significantly higher during the first growing season, under conservation agriculture in the presence of crop rotation, in the variety Douma3 (7466 kg. ha-1, and 4162kg. ha-1, 19.006 kg ha-1 mm-1,  39.62 kg N m-2respectively). The two varieties Douma3 and Cham6 are considered more responsive to conservation agriculture system in the southern region of Syria, because they recorded the highest grain yields (2561, 2385 kg ha-1 respectively) compared with the other studied varieties (Cham5 and Douma4) (1951 and 1724 kg ha-1 respectively). They also exhibited the highest values of both rainwater and nitrogen use efficiency.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117862212098002
Author(s):  
Pouria Ataei ◽  
Hassan Sadighi ◽  
Thomas Aenis ◽  
Mohammad Chizari ◽  
Enayat Abbasi

Different countries face diverse challenges for Conservation Agriculture (CA) development. The main purpose of this study was to examine the challenges of applying CA in Iran from the perspective of experts and farmers. A focus group method was used to investigate the challenges. The research sample consisting of farmers and experts of CA in different provinces includes those 19 experts and 15 farmers. Inductive content analysis and coding (open, axial, and selective coding) were employed to analyze the farmers’ and experts’ discussions. The findings showed that the challenges of applying CA in the studied provinces could be divided into 6 general categories: institutional-infrastructure (7 concepts), economic (5 concepts), training-research (2 concepts), environmental (4 concepts), mechanization (2 concepts), and cognitive (2 concepts) challenges. The economic and institutional-infrastructure challenges were the most frequent related to applying CA. It can be concluded that to solve the challenges of applying CA, it is necessary to link various sectors of government (the Ministry of Agriculture), education and research (Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization), and industry together. But farmers themselves are also a major contributor to meet the challenges of CA development through participation in planning CA project and training-extension programs. Therefore, farmers’ communities should also pave the way for a transition from conventional agriculture to CA with their participation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-63
Author(s):  
K Pariyar ◽  
A Chaudhary ◽  
P Sapkota ◽  
S Sharma ◽  
CB Rana ◽  
...  

The effects of two tillage methods (zero tillage and conventional tillage), two residue managements (residue kept and residue removed) and two levels of cropping system (maize + soybean and sole maize) were studied over 3 years (2015-2017) at Dailekh district of Nepal. Arun-2 and Puja were the varieties of maize and soybean used respectively, followed by winter wheat. The results revealed that the maize + soybean system had significantly higher plant population and ear population (34.83 thousands ha-1 and 34.35 thousands ha-1, respectively), grains per row (37.1), ear length (16.6 cm) and 20.5% higher grain yield as compared to sole maize. The highest maize equivalent yield (7.92 t ha-1) was recorded in maize + soybean as compared to the lower grain yield equivalent (7.06 t ha-1) in sole maize. Zero tillage accounted relatively higher benefits (high net income and B:C ratio) as compared to conventional tillage. The residue kept plot resulted significantly higher B:C ratio (2.41) than the residue removed (2.11) and the maize + soybean recorded 82.5% greater B:C ratio compared to sole maize. Net annual income was significantly higher in zero tillage, residue kept and maize + soybean system (NRs. 223072.00, 222958.00 and 269016.00 ha-1 respectively). Such combinations are recommended for Dailekh district of Nepal to have profitable crop productivity. SAARC J. Agri., 17(1): 49-63 (2019)


2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Almajidy & et al.

To estimate genetic parameters and heritability in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) genotypes, seventeen genotypes (16 exotic from ICARDA and local variety (Buhooth 7)) were included in this study. This experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Field Crops Research Station, Abu-Graib, Office of Agricultural Research, during 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. The results revealed significant differences among genotypes for the studied characters at both seasons. The best genetic/environmental variance ratio attained for spike length (11.90) and no. of spikes. m-2 (9.22) in the first season, and grain yield (8.82) then harvest index (4.87) in the second season. High GCV observed for grain yield (15.68), no. of spikes. m-2 (15.18) in the first season, and harvest index (16.89) and grain yield (14.22) in the second season. High heritability estimates associated with high genetic advance for no. of spikes. m-2, in the first season. While, moderate h2bs estimates associated with high GA for same trait in the second season. Expected response to selection ranged from 0.93 to 84.6, also selection index ranged from 1.23 to 106.44 for grain yield and number of spikes. m-2, respectively in the first season also the same pattern was observed for value of second season. Characteristics like no. of spikes. m-2, plant height, no. of grains. Spike-1 and grain weight showed high heritability coupled with high genetic progress. Therefore, these characters should be given top priority during selection breeding in durum wheat.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-422
Author(s):  
Hari Kumar Prasai ◽  
Jiban Shrestha

Coordinated Varietal Trial (CVT) and Advanced Varietal Trial (AVT) of wheat were conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station,Doti during the year 2012 and 2013. Microplot Yield Trial (MPYT) were conducted during the year 2013. Total 20 genotypes were includedin CVT experiment of both years. Although the difference in grain yield due to genotypes was not found significant during the year 2012, NL1144 recorded the highest grain yield (4309 kg/ha) followed by NL 1140 (4295 kg/ha) and NL 1147 (4165 kg/ha) respectively. But in the year2013, NL 1097 produced the highest grain yield (4641 kg/ha) followed by NL 1135 (4383 kg/ha) and NL 1164 (4283 kg/ha) respectively.Statistically, the difference in grain yield due to genotypes was not found significant in the year 2013. Combined analysis over years was alsocarried out. Out of 20, only 10 genotypes were included in the CVT experiment, which were found similar in both years. Genotypes NL 1097(4079 kg/ha), NL 1140 (3814 kg/ha) and NL 1093 (3773 kg/ha) were found high yielding genotypes for river basin agro-environment of farwestern hills. Statistically, effect of year in tested characters was found significant whereas treatment effect was observed non-significant.Similarly, 20 genotypes of wheat were included in AVT of wheat during the year 2012 and 2013. Out of the genotypes included in AVT duringthe year 2012, KISKADEE No.1recorded the highest grain yield (3824 kg/ha) followed by CHEWINK No. 1 (3643 kg/ha) and WK 2120 (3583kg/ha). Statistically all the tested characters except grain yield were found significantly different due to genotypes. But in the same experimentof the year 2013, WK 2412 genotype recorded the highest grain yield (4407 kg/ha) followed by WK 2411 (4329 kg/ha) and Munal-1 (4054kg/ha). Statistically the difference in grain yield and other tested characters were found significantly different. Due to dissimilarity in the testedgenotypes we could not carry-out the combined analysis over years. Total 30 genotypes were included in the MPYT experiment of the year2013. Genotype WK 2272 recorded the highest grain yield (6080 kg/ha) followed by the genotypes WK 2274 (5152 kg/ha) and WK 2278(4480 kg/ha) respectively. Statistically, the difference in grain yield and other tested characters were found significantly different due togenotypes.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(3): 417-422


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 236
Author(s):  
Abdulla A. Mohamed Muflahi ◽  
Ahmed Saleh Basuaid

A field experiment was carried out at El-Kod Agricultural Research Station, Abyan Delta, Abyan Governorate during the seasons 2014 and 2015 in soil sandy silt to assess four levels of nitrogen fertilizers (0, 55, 110 and 165 kg N/ha) utilizing urea fertilizer (46% N) on some crop characteristics and efficiency of nitrogen application on two local cultivars of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Split plot design was applied in four replicates. Fertilizer levels were distributed in main plots whereas, the cultivars in subplots. The results revealed significant differences between cultivars Benny and Saif in all characteristics during the two seasons. Cultivar Benny was significantly superior to cultivar Saif in all crop characteristics, except the length of spike which was significantly superior in Saif cultivar compared to cultivar Benny in both seasons. The increase in nitrogen level led to significant increase in all parameters of crop growth under study in both seasons, where the highest dose of nitrogen (165 kg N/ha) gave highest grain yield (3013 and 3201 kg/ha) in both seasons respectively, while the efficiency of nitrogen utilization declined with increased level of nitrogen application and highest value in nitrogen efficiency (12.78 kg grain/kg N). The interaction between cultivars and nitrogen fertilizer showed significant differences in terms of all studied parameters during both seasons. The cultivar Benny responded to high level of nitrogen (165 kg N/ha) and gave high grain yield (3640 and 3305 kg/ha) in both seasons respectively. The results yielded significant effect for efficiency of nitrogen application on grain yield between the cultivars, the levels of fertilizers and their interaction in the first season whereas, no significant differences were detected in the second season.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bibek Thapa ◽  
Keshab Raj Pande ◽  
Baburam Khanal ◽  
Santosh Marahatta

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage practices, residue management and cropping system on soil properties at NMRP, Rampur, Chitwan from November 2015 to April 2016. The experiment was laid on Strip split design with combination of 12 different treatments i.e, zero tillage & conventional tillage as main plot in the strip, residue retention & residue removal as sub-plot factor and maize – wheat, maize + soybean – wheat & soybean – wheat cropping system as sub-sub plot factor. Three replications of the treatments were made. Soil sample before experiment and after harvest of wheat was taken (0-15cm). The experiment showed significant effect of zero tillage on organic carbon (2.169%) and on total soil nitrogen (0.112 %). Zero tillage with retention of residues is valuable tool for the conservation agriculture and helps in sustainability of soil however long-term research for the tillage management and residue retention should be conducted to highlight the major effects on change in properties of soil.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 6(2): 164-168 


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