Enhancement of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Productivity through Sowing Methods and Seed Rates in Telangana State

Background: With the unparalleled growth in area and production, soybean has established itself as a leading oilseed crop of India. The crop is mainly grown under rainfed conditions, and the distribution of rainfall plays an important role in yield realization. The changed landform management with broad-bed furrow seed drill is gaining popularity as the system helps in in situ moisture conservation and draining out excess rainwater. A field experiment was conducted at Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur. The yield advantage by adoption of broad-bed and furrow (BBF) method over flat bed was 7.06%. Seed rate of 50 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher mean seed yield of 2804 kg ha-1 over 75, 38, 20 kg ha-1. The total benefit from adoption of BBF method recorded net returns of ₹ 53,233 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.58 over flatbed planting. Seed rate of 50 kg seed ha-1 recorded the highest net returns and B:C ratio this was followed by 75 kg ha-1 seed rate. Methods: A field experiment was conducted for three years (2017-19) at Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur, situated at an altitude of 286.3 m above mean sea level at 18°49’41" N latitude and 78°56’ 45" E longitude. Indeterminate variety of soybean ASB 22 was selected. The experimental plots (6m × 6m= 36m2) were laid out with split plot design with three replications. Main plot treatments were methods of planting: M1- Flat bed, M2- Broad bed and Furrow, and sub plot treatments were : seed rates; S1- 75 kg ha-1 (30 × 10 cm), S2- 50 kg ha-1 (30 × 15 cm), S3- 38 kg ha-1 (30 × 20 cm), S4- 20 kg ha-1 (30 × 30 cm). Result: The grain yields, water productivity, harvest index and economics of soybeans under BBF method of planting (in-situ water conservation) and flatbed practices were studied. BBF method increased seasonal soil water storage by 5.37%, 5.78% and 6.20% respectively compared with flatbed planting for 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. Seed rate of 50 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher mean seed yield of 2804 kg ha-1 over 75, 38, 20 kg ha-1. The yield advantage by adopting seed rate of 50 kg ha-1 was 16.08%, 56.02% and 67.6% over 75, 38 and 20 kg ha-1 respectively. The total benefit from adoption of BBF method recorded net returns of ₹ 53,233 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.58 over flatbed planting. Seed rate of 50 kg ha-1 recorded the highest net returns and B:C ratio this was followed by 75 kg ha-1. Broad bed and furrow method of planting and optimum seed rate in soybean will enhance the soybean productivity.

Economic Analysis of Smallholder Dairy Cattle Enterprises In Senegal

Smallholder dairy production in Senegal is important to both livelihoods and food and nutrition security. Here we examine the economic performance of smallholder dairy cattle enterprises in Senegal, using data from longitudinal monitoring of 113 households. The mean (and standard deviation) of the net returns (NR) per cow per annum (pcpa) was 21.7 (202.9) USD, whilst the NR per household herd per annum (phpa) was 106.1 (1740.3) USD. Only about half (52.2 %) of the dairy cattle enterprise had a positive NR. The most significant income components were milk sale followed by animal sale, whilst the most significant cost components were animal feed followed by animal purchase. When households were grouped by ranking on NRpcpa an interesting trend was observed: whilst the mean NRpcpa showed a fairly linear increase from the lowest to highest NR groups, income and cost did not. Income and costs were both higher for the lowest and highest NR groups, in comparison to the intermediate NR groups. The mean NRs of households grouped by the main breed-type they kept were not significantly different from each other, due to large variances within the breed groups. However, the mean total income and costs were significantly higher for households mainly keeping improved dairy breeds (Bos taurus or Zebu x Bos taurus crosses) in comparison to those keeping indigenous Zebu or Zebu by Guzerat crosses. This study highlights the highly variable (and often low) profitability of smallholder dairy cattle enterprise in Senegal. Further actions to address this are strongly recommended.

Response of Summer Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) wilczek] to Foliar Potash Fertilization under Different Moisture Regimes

Background: Scheduling of irrigation is the major factor in producing higher yields of summer crops. Water stress during the sensitive stages will cause significant reduction in yield. Potassium (K+) is reported as an important element in reducing the ill effects of crop water stress. Foliar application of potassium increases the drought tolerance in mungbean. Keeping this in view, a field experiment was conducted to study the response of summer mungbean to foliar potassic fertilization under different moisture regimes during 2018 at SVPUAT, Meerut (U.P). Methods: It included 12 treatment combinations comprised of 2 irrigation schedules (0.6 and 0.4 IW/CPE ratio) and 6 foliar potassium treatments (1% spray of K through KNO3 and/or KCl at flowering, flowering and pod development stage including control), replicated thrice and were tested under a split-plot design. Result: The results indicated that, the growth parameters, yield and yield attributes of mungbean were significantly higher under 0.6 IW/CPE ratio as compared to 0.4. The gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were also found highest with 0.6 IW/CPE ratio. Among the foliar application of potassium treatments, the growth attributes, yield and yield attributes were significantly increased by foliar application of 1% K through KNO3/KCl at flowering and pod development stage. The foliar application of 1% K through KNO3 at flowering and pod development stage fetched significantly higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio, but remained on par with dual spray of 1% K through KCl. The interaction effect between irrigation regimes and potassium foliar levels was non-significant for most of the parameters.

Influence of Different Drip Irrigation and Fertigation Levels on Yield and Economics of High-density Cotton

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different drip irrigation and fertigation levels on yield and economics of high-density cotton at College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, during kharif 2019 and 2020. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments laid out in Factorial randomised block design (FRBD) replicated thrice. Three irrigation levels (irrigation scheduled at 0.6 [I1], 0.8 [I2] and 1.0 [I3] Epan throughout the crop growth period) and four fertigation levels (application of 100% RDNK in differential dosage as per recommendation [F1], application of 100% RDNK in differential dosage as per crop coefficient curve [F2], application of 125% RDNK in differential dosage as per recommendation [F3], and application of 125% RDNK in differential dosage as per crop coefficient curve [F4],) were included as treatments in this study. Irrigation levels did not show any significant influence on yield and economics during 2020 and 2021. While among the four fertigation levels, application of 125% RDNK in differential dosage as per crop coefficient curve (F4) recorded significantly higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio which were on par with application of 125% RDNK in differential dosage as per recommendation (F3). Lower gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were obtained with the application of 100% RDNK in differential dosage as per recommendation (F1) which were on par with application of 100% RDNK in differential dosage as per crop coefficient curve during both the seasons (F2). Further the gross returns and net returns produced under F3 was also on par with F2.

Influence of Post Emergence Application of Herbicides on Growth, Yield and Economics of Dry Direct Sown Rice

The field trial was conducted on sandy clay loam soils of agricultural research station Ragolu, A.P. India during two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2015 and 2016 .The trial was conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications and nine treatments Viz., T1- post emergence application of Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb Amine salt of 2,4 D @ 0.58 kg ai/ha at 40 DAS; T2- post emergence application of Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (Almix) 4 g ai/ha at 40 DAS; T3- post émergence application Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb Ethoxysulfuron @ 20 g ai/ha at 40DAS ; T4- post emergence application Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb postemergence application of Fenoxaprop P ethyl with safenor (Rice star) @ 625ml/ha at 40 DAS ; T5- post emergence application Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb postemergence application of Cyhalofopbutyl @100 g ai/ha + amine salt of 2,4, D @ 0.58 kg ai/ha at 40 DAS; T6- post emergence application Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb Ethoxysulfuron @ 20 g ai/ha+ Fenoxaprop PEthyl with safenor (Rice star) @ 625ml/ha at 40 DAS; T7- Post emergece application of Penoxulam@ 25g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb amine salt of 2,4, D @ 0.58 kg ai/ha at 40 DAS ;T8- Two hand weedings at 20 & 40 DAS and T9- Weedy Check. The study in dry direct sown rice on weed management by herbicides revealed that, uncontrolled weed growth in dry direct sown rice reduced the grain yield by 46 to 54 percent. Post emergence application of Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS followed by Ethoxysulfuron @ 20 g ai/ha+ Fenoxaprop P Ethyl with safenor (Rice star) @ 625 ml/ha at 40 DAS resulted into taller plants, maximum number of tillers/m2, The highest dry matter production at harvest, more number of panicles/m2 filled grains/panicle, 1000 grain wt, higher grain yield (82-108 %t over weedy check) Straw yield besides higher gross returns net returns and B:C ratio among different herbicide treatments.

Effect of Zinc Fortification on Quality, Yield and Economics of Sweetcorn

A field experiment was performed at Agricultural College, Bapatla, ANGRAU, Guntur during kharif season of 2020 to evaluate the efficacy of zinc nutrition on quality, yield and economics of sweetcorn. Experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design and comprising of nine treatments with three replications. The results disclosed that application of recommended dose of fertilizers along with soil application of 10 kg ha-1 Zn EDTA + two foliar sprays of nano zinc @ 250 ppm at 20 & 40 DAS registered remarkably higher protein content (12.98%) and zinc content (34.59 ppm) in kernel which was considered to be superior over the remaining zinc management practices tried. Also, highest green cob (12,638 kg ha-1), green fodder (19,674 kg ha-1), stover yield (7,590 kg ha-1) and gross returns (₹ 1,93,360 ha-1) was recorded from the treatment with soil application of Zn EDTA @ 10 kg ha-1 + two foliar sprays of nano zinc @ 250 ppm at 20 & 40 DAS along with RDF over control. However, highest net returns (₹ 1,38,664 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.74) was recorded with RDF + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (Soil) + Nano ZnO @ 250 ppm at 20 and 40 DAS (Foliar spray). The effectiveness of Zn EDTA compared to ZnSO4 is responsible for the higher quality parameters and yield of sweetcorn but due to its higher cost, Net returns and B;C ratio are maximum for the plots treated with ZnSO4 making it more economically viable.

Comparative Economics of Maize Cultivation under Conventional and Mechanization

Aim: To compare the cost and return analysis of conventional maize cultivation with mechanization. Place of Study: A field experiment on maize crop cultivation by conventional and mechanization was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Karimnagar during Kharif, 2019-20. Methodology: The cost concepts were used to estimate the cost of cultivation under conventional and Mechanization methods. The cost concepts viz., cost A1, cost A2 cost B1 cost B2 and cost C1, cost C2 and C3 were used in the present study. Results: The total costs of cultivation under conventional and mechanization methods were Rs.117794.78 and Rs.104137.92 per hectare respectively indicating 12 % saving with mechanization. Similarly gross returns were Rs. 146064.00 in conventional method against Rs.146988.00 in mechanized method. Net returns recovered were 52% higher with mechanized method i.e Rs.42850.08 compared to conventional method Rs.28269.22. In the same way returns per rupee of investment in conventional method and mechanization were 1.23 and 1.41. Mechanization in cultivation also saves time, labour usage and reduces drudgery.

Effect on Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity, Quality and Nutrient Uptake on Summer Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, quality and nutrient uptake in summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) during summer 2018 at Dantiwada, Gujarat. The treatment consisted of ten different integrated nutrient management treatments practices. The integration of inorganic fertilizers along with seed inoculation of biofertilizers viz., Rhizobium and phosphates solubilising bacteria (PSB) recorded significantly higher pod and haulm yield of summer groundnut as compared to rest of the treatments. Combined application of 75 % recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) and 25 % RDN through vermicompost or farm yard manure (FYM) along with seed inoculation of Rhizobium and phosphates solubilising bacteria (PSB) recorded higher pod and haulm yield and also higher net returns and B- C ratio in summer groundnut.

Profitability of various cropping patterns among arable crop farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

Descriptive Statistics and Net Farm Income model was used to analyze data collected from 120 Arable Farmers who adopted various cropping patterns in Niger State, Nigeria. The study specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of arable farmers, profile the cropping patterns adopted, examined the profitability and highlighted the constraints to crop production among arable farmers in the study area. Results obtained from the study show that crop farming in the area is a male dominated. The mean age of farmers was 33years, 98.3% were married, 80.8% had one form of education or the other and 68.4% adopted a three-crop mix pattern in their crop production. Two and three crop mixes enterprise were profitable than sole cropping when gross income per ha was used as an index of profitability. Profitability was higher in single crop enterprise when returns/man day was used as an index but was higher in a two and three crop mix enterprise when net returns per ha was used as a measure of profitability. Bad roads, drought, theft of farm produce, poor extension per farm advisory services and lack of credit facilities respectively were the constraint to crop production. The study concludes that mixed cropping enterprises was more profitable than sole cropping. We recommend the promotion of mixed cropping among arable farmers for increased profitability and income to farm households, that the constraints identified be addressed by all concerned authorities so as to sustain crop production, reduce food insecurity and eradicate hunger and poverty among arable farmers in the area and Nigeria as a whole.

​Performance of Different Farming Practices in Legume based Cropping System under Mid-hills of H.P. Himalayas

Background: Increasing demands of food, depleting land, degrading land resources and changing climate are some of the important factors driving the cropping systems of any agro-ecological zone in the world. Cropping systems have been traditionally structured to maximize crop yields. Now, there is a strong need to design cropping systems which take into consideration the emerging social, economical and ecological or environmental concerns. Legumes can provide opportunities for increased productivity to be sustained because of their adaptability to various cropping patterns and ability to fix nitrogen. Legume-based crop rotation helps to conserve organic matter, maximise soil nitrogen, balance soil nutrients, maintain soil physical properties and break soil-borne disease cycles. Moreover, with increasing fertilizer prices and emphasis of the government for doubling the farmer’s income by reducing cost of cultivation, the current trend is to explore the possibility of supplementing chemical fertilizer with the organic ones, more particularly organic manures and bio-fertilizer of microbial origin. The current study is aimed to increase small and marginal farmer’s income and to reduce cost of cultivation through legume based vegetable cropping systems and to find out best farming practices. Methods: Field experiments were conducted at Organic Farm Holta, Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural farming, CSK HPKV, Palampur (H.P.) during kharif and rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 on silty clay loam soil to study the performance of different farming practices in legume based cropping system under mid- hills of H.P. Himalayas. The experiment was laid out under Split plot design with three replications comprising of three sequences in legume vegetable-based cropping systems i.e., “Soybean-Onion”, “Okra-Pea” and “Mash-Garlic” under different farming practices i.e., Organic farming, Natural farming, Inorganic and Integrated farming practices. For comparison of different crops soybean equivalent yield and pea equivalent yields were calculated in kharif and rabi seasons, respectively. Result: In kharif seasons okra crop attained highest soybean equivalent yield followed by soybean and mash crop. In rabi seasons garlic crop attained highest pea grain equivalent yield followed by onion and pea crop. During both kharif seasons organic farming practices attained highest yield and was at par with integrated farming practices. Significantly highest yield was attained from integrated farming practices and was at par with organic farming practices in both rabi seasons. Highest net returns, net returns per rupee attained was in inorganic farming system. Highest cost of cultivation was found in organic farming practices.