Residual Effects of Red Gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] on Growth, Yield and Quality of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

Background: Bio-recycling of crop residues is contemplated as an environment friendly soil enrichment and conservation practice that sustains agricultural productivity in the long run. Legume residues are privileged by the unique nitrogen fixing capacity and rhizospheric properties that enhance soil fertility, thereby reducing the need for chemical nutrient inputs. The present study was conducted to evaluate the residual effect of red gram on fodder maize cultivated as succeeding crop in the southern laterites of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. Methods: The field experiment to assess the effect of red gram residue incorporation on the growth and yield of fodder maize was carried out in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during June - August 2019. Fodder maize (African tall) was sown in the plots after incorporation of crop residues of red gram varieties (APK 1 and Vamban (Rg) 3) grown under different planting geometry (40 cm x 20 cm and 60 cm x 30 cm) and NPK doses (40:80:40, 30:60:30 and 20:40:20 kg NPK ha-1) and compared with the package of practices recommendation and in randomized block design (RBD) replicated thrice. Result: Significantly higher quantities of red gram residues were realised and incorporated in the treatments involving a planting geometry of 40 cm x 20 cm and an NPK dose of 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 in both varieties used, Vamban (Rg) 3 and APK 1 (T7 and T1). Nutrient contents in the residues and decomposition in T1 and T7 resulted in the maximum additions in soil, available N, P and K status and dehydrogenase activity. Evaluation of the residual effects of the legume on fodder maize revealed the significantly highest growth and yields in maize raised with chemical fertilizers as per package recommendation and, among the residue incorporated treatments, maximum plant height and fodder yields were recorded in the treatment in which residues of Vamban (Rg) 3 raised at 40 cm x 20 cm spacing and fertilised with 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 were incorporated, on par with variety APK 1 raised under same management practice. The green fodder yield with residue incorporation was 80-90 per cent that under chemical fertilizer managed treatment. Among the quality parameters, crude protein (9.30%) was the highest with chemical fertilizer application while carbohydrate content (66.23%) was the lowest.

Variation in Reproductive Efficiency of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) Genotypes at Different Planting Densities

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season, 2018 and 2019 at S.V. Agricultural college, Tirupati to study the ‘Variation in reproductive efficiency of groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) genotypes at different planting densities’. Instant increase in groundnut yields can be achived by reorienting its planting geometry. However identification of right variety with right plant architechture which fits into closed spacings is reduced. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with twelve treatments and three groundnut varities Kadiri 6, Kadiri 9 and Dharani with four spacings (S1: 30X10 cm, S2: 30X5 cm, S3: 20X10 cm and S4: 20X5 cm). Among the Spacings 20X10 cm (50 plants m-2) recorded significantly higher (3,616.87 kg ha-1) followed by 20x5cm (3,157.07 kg ha-1) and significantly lower pod yields in 30x10 cm (2,904.87 kg ha-1) and recommended spacing 30X5cm (2,540.07 kg ha-1). Among the three varieties Decumbent-3, Dharani recorded highest pod yield (3403.48 kg ha-1) followed by Decumbent-2 type, kadiri-9 (3292.65 kg ha-1) and least by Erect type, Kadiri-6 (2467.94 kg ha-1). However genotype performance was varied with the spacings adopted Kadiri-6 performed better under recommended spacing only (30x10 cm). Kadiri-9 variety also showed decreased yields when plant to plant to plant spacing was reduced. However Dharani recorded higher flower to peg ratio, peg to pod ratio and yields even in plant to plant and row to row spacings were reduced. Hence, to increase the groundnut productivity Dharani can be recommended at a spacing of 20x10 cm (50 plants m-2).

Interaction effect of Spacing and Nutrient Levels on N, P and K Content and Uptake of Isabgol Plant (Planatago ovata forsk) under Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with sixteen treatments and replicated three times. There was no significant difference among the treatments with respect to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of leaves under different levels of planting geometry and interaction effect. But different nutrient levels had significant influence in the N, P and K content in isabgol plant. Higher N (3.76%), P (0.7%) and K (3.59 %) content in the leaves was observed when plants supplied with 75 % RDF (37.5:18.75:22.50 + 7.5 t FYM). The maximum uptake of N (229.11 kg /ha), P (43.98 kg /ha) and K (218.46 kg /ha) was found at row spacing of 22.5 cm, which was significantly superior to other spacing levels.Nutrients had significantly influenced the N, P and K uptake. The 75 % RDF (37.5:18.75:22.50 + 7.5 t FYM) level recorded maximum uptake of N (166.36 kg /ha), P (32.13 kg /ha) and K (158.39 kg /ha), which was significantly superior to all other nutrient levels.Among the interactions, 22.5 cm row spacing + 75 % RDF (37.5:18.75:22.50 + 7.5 t FYM) recorded significantly maximum N, P and K uptake (252.05, 49.31 and 238.85 kg/ha respectively). Where, RDF= recommended dose of fertlizer, FYM = Farm yard manure

Yield and Quality of Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk) as Influenced by Planting Geometry and Nutrient Levels under Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with sixteen treatments and replicated three times. The result indicated that the spacing of 22.5cm recorded significantly maximum number of spikes (36.50), seed yield (1221 kg /ha), husk yield (305 kg/ha), swelling factor (13.70 cc /g) and protein content (11.91%) in the seeds. Among the different nutrient levels, maximum number of spikes (35.79), seed yield (904 kg /ha), husk yield (225 kg/ha), swelling factor (13.93 cc /g) and protein content (12.24 %) of seeds were obtained with the application of 75 % RDF (37.5:18.75:22.50 + 7.5 t FYM.) and the interaction of row spacing of 22.5 cm and 75% RDF recorded maximum yiled and quality parameters found non significant.

Effects of Irrigation and Planting Geometry on Soybean (Glycine max L.) Seed Nutrition in Humid Climates

This study investigates the effect of irrigation (FI, all rows-irrigation; HI, alternate row irrigation; RF, rainfed) and planting geometry (PG) (SR, single-row; TR, twin-row) on soybean seed constituents. Results showed that most of these seed components were significantly affected by crop season due to contrasting precipitation and solar radiation patterns, particularly during July-August, coinciding with early reproductive and seed development stages. Both seed protein and oil levels responded positively to irrigation, while most of the amino acids were nonresponsive. The protein content ranged between 36.3 and 37.6% in 2018, while it was between 36.4 and 38.3% in 2019. Total seed oil content varied between 24.2 and 26.1% in 2018 and between 25.3 and 26.5% in 2019. Among amino acids, glycine, alanine, valine, and methionine levels were significantly higher in both FI and HI treatments. Among sugars, only sucrose was higher in response to the RF treatment, and irrigation did not affect both stachyose and raffinose. Oleic acid was higher in RF, while no significant differences were observed for linolenic and linoleic acids. Similarly, seasonal variation was significant for stearic acid content, but the 2019 season had relatively higher accumulation (stearic acid: between 4.1 and 4.5% in 2018 and from 4.6 to 4.9% in 2019). These results indicate that both irrigation and climate during seed development can alter some seed composition constituents and play critical roles in determining seed nutritional qualities.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANTING GEOMETRY AND SULPHUR FERTILIZATION ON YIELD, QUALITY, NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND POST HARVEST SOIL NUTRIENT STATUS OF SUNFLOWER IN SUNFLOWER + GREENGRAM INTERCROPPING SYSTEM

The field experiment was carried out during Mar-May 2019 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai nagar-608002, to study the effect of different planting geometry and sulphur levels in sunflower + greengram intercropping system on the yield, quality, nutrient uptake and post harvest nutrient statusof sunflower. The experiment consisted of twenty treatments and were laid out in factorial randomized block design with two replications. The treatment consisted of Factor A (different plant geometry levels): M1 - sole sunflower (60 x 30 cm), M2 -sunflower (60 x 30 cm) + 1 row of greengram, M3 -sunflower (90 x 30 cm) + 2 rows of greengram, M4 - sunflower (120 x 30 cm) + 3 rows of greengram, M5 - sole greengram and Factor B (sulphur levels): S0 - 0 kg S ha-1, S1 - 20kg S ha-1, S2 - 40kg S ha-1 and S3 - 60kg S ha-1.The results revealedthat yield, quality, nutrient uptake and post harvest nutrient status were significantly influenced by different plant geometry and various sulphur levels. Among the different planting geometry levels tried, sole sunflower (60 x 30 cm) (M1 ) significantly recorded maximum yield, quality, and nutrient uptake of sunflower. With regard to various sulphur levels tried, application of sulphur at 40 kg ha-1(S2 ) significantly recorded maximum yield, quality, and nutrient uptake of sunflower. Interaction between planting geometry and sulphur levels were significant. Among the treatment combinations tried, sole cropping of sunflower (60 x 30 cm) along with application of S at 40 kg ha-1 (M1 S2 )had a spectacular effect on yield, qualityand nutrient uptake of sunflower.The minimum yield, quality and nutrient uptake of sunflower were recorded in sunflower (120 x 30 cm) intercropped with three rows of greengram along with application of S at 0 kg ha-1 (M4 S0 ). With regard to post harvest soil nutrient status, the treatment combination of sunflower (120 x 30 cm) intercropped with three rows

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANTING GEOMETRY AND SULPHUR FERTILIZATION ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SUNFLOWER IN SUNFLOWER + GREENGRAM INTERCROPPING SYSTEM

A field experiment was carried out during Mar-May, 2019 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai nagar-608002, to study the effect of different planting geometry and sulphur levels in sunflower + greengram intercropping system on the growth and yield attributes and yield of sunflower. The experiment consisted of twenty treatments and were laid out in factorial randomized block design with two replications. The treatment consisted of Factor A(different plant geometry levels): M1 - sole sunflower (60 x 30 cm),M2 - sunflower (60 x 30 cm) + 1 row of greengram, M3 - sunflower (90 x 30 cm) + 2 rows of greengram, M4 - sunflower (120 x 30 cm) + 3 rows of greengram, M5 -sole greengram and Factor B (sulphur levels): S0 - 0 kg S ha-1, S1 - 20kgS ha-1,S2 - 40kg S ha-1 and S3 - 60kg S ha-1.The results revealedthat growth, yield attributes and yieldwere significantly influenced by different plant geometry and various sulphur levels. Among the different planting geometry levels tried, sole sunflower (60 x 30 cm) (M1 ) significantly recorded maximum growth and yield attributes and yield of sunflower. With regard to various sulphur levels tried, application of sulphur at 40 kg ha-1 (S2 ) significantly recorded maximum growth and yield attributes and yield of sunflower. Interaction between planting geometry and sulphur levels were significant.Among the treatment combinations tried, sole cropping of sunflower (60 x 30 cm) along with application of S at40 kg ha-1 (M1 S2 )had a spectacular effect on growth and yield attributes, ultimately leading to maximum seed yield(2152 kg ha-1). The minimum growth attributes were recorded in sunflower(120 x 30 cm) intercropped with three rows of greengram along with application ofSat 0 kg ha-1 (M4 S0 ).

Productivity and Economics of Pigeonpea Genotypes as Influenced by Planting Geometry, Growth Retardant

Background: In pigeonpea, nipping is a common process which induces sprouting of secondary and tertiary branches and increases the number of pods/plant. Nipping is tedious process and requires more number of labours. Hence, it is advised to use growth retardant for better source- sink relationship and better fruit retention in pigeonpea. Chlormequat Chloride is well known growth retardant and is quickly metabolized by plants, animals and soil microbes compared to other growth retardants. Current study was planned to know the effect of growth retardants and planting geometry on yield and economics of pigeonpea genotypes.Methods: Experiment conducted during 2014-2015, comprised of twelve treatments and laid out in split-split plot design with three replications. Treatments were comprised of two genotypes [BSMR-736 and TS-3(R)], three planting geometry (90 x 20 cm, 120 x 20 cm and 150 x 20 cm) and three nipping practices (without nipping, with nipping and growth retardant chlormequat chloride spray @3ml/l). Result: Pooled data of two years indicated that planting geometry of 120 x 20 cm was significantly higher in grain yield (2408 kg/ha) over others. Spraying of growth retardant chlormequot chloride recorded the highest yield (2368 kg/ha) over nipping at 50 DAS (2138 kg/ha) and without nipping (2091 kg/ha). Net returns and B:C ratio were obtained significantly at highest level with the planting of BSMR-736 genotype at 120 x 20 cm along with spraying of chlormequot chloride at 70 DAS. Phosphatase and dehydrogenase activities were un-affected by the spray of chloromequat chloride.

Effects of irrigation and planting geometry on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber quality and seed composition

Background Cotton fiber quality and seed composition play vital roles in the economics of cotton production systems and the cottonseed meal industry. This research aimed to examine the effects of different irrigation levels and planting geometries on fiber quality and seed composition of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). We conducted a 2-year study in 2018 and 2019 in a warm, humid area in the Southeast United States on Dundee silt loam soil. There were three irrigation treatments in the study. The treatments included irrigating every furrow, or full irrigation (FI), every alternate furrow, or half irrigation (HI), and no irrigation, or rain-fed (RF). Planting geometries were on ridges spaced 102 cm apart and either a single-row (SR) or twin-rows (TR). Results The results of high-volume instrument (HVI), advanced fiber information systems (AFIS) and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) showed that irrigation and planting treatments played a significant role in fiber quality and seed composition. Across irrigation treatments, significant differences were seen in fiber properties, including fineness, maturity ratio, micronaire, neps, short fiber, strength, uniformity, upper half mean length (UHML), upper quartile length by weight (UQLw), and yellowness (+b). Irrigation and planting geometry (PG) had a significant effect on micronaire, strength, and UHML while their interaction was significant only for micronaire. The micronaire was negatively affected by irrigation as FI-SR, FI-TR, HI-SR, and HI-TR recorded 11% ~ 12% lower over the RF-SR and TR treatments. The PG played a minor role in determining fiber quality traits like micronaire and nep count. Irrigation treatments produced significantly lower (3% ~ 4%) protein content than rain-fed, while oil content increased significantly (6% ~ 10%). Conclusions The study results indicate a potential for improving cotton fiber and seed qualities by managing irrigation and planting geometries in cotton production systems in the Mississippi (MS) Delta region. The HI-TR system appears promising for lint and seed quality.