Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Different Crops at Charlands in Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted at the farmer’s fields of three Charlands in Bangladesh during November 2019 to July 2020 for establishing new technologies for enhancement of productivity through innovative soil management practices. The experiments were established in a randomized complete block design using six treatments and three replications. Treatments of the experiments were T1 = FP (Farmers’ Practice) (Control), T2 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Vermicompost (3t/ha), T3 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Quick Compost (3t/ha), T4 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Standard Organic Fertilizers (3t/ha), T5 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Poultry Manure (3t/ha) and T6 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Biochar (3t/ha). The soil status in all selected Charlands were very low to optimum. Results of the experiment showed that application of organic fertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers produced significant (p<0.05) variation in growth and yield parameters of the crops. The findings from the study showed that different organic fertilizers showed better performance compared to Farmer’s practice. The statistically maximum fruit yield (41.35t/ha) of pumpkin, grain yield (3.24t/ha) of millet and tuber yield (43.69t/ha) of sweet potato was recorded in biochar treated T6 treatment compared to other treatments. Besides, the statistically highest fresh fruit yield (29.50t/ha) of snake gourd, fresh fruit yield (20.80t/ha) of okra and yield (74.16t/ha) of Indian spinach were recorded in poultry manure treated T5 treatment compared to other treatments. Comparatively higher growth and yield of different crops were obtained from poultry manure along with inorganic fertilizers which was followed by biochar and quick compost application. It is recommended to the farmers to use organic fertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers.

Multi-layer Budding of Oversized Rubber (Hevea brasiliences) Seedlings: Success and Growth in Different Soil Media

The study on Multi-layer budding of oversized rubber seedling aimed at evaluating the success of multiple budding operation on single seedling of rubber tree species comprising of 4 to 7 budding layers per seedling. The experiment used randomized complete blocked design layout with 3 treatments such as 4, 5 and 7 layer budding in a single seedling replicated 4 times. Results revealed that the highest number of budding layers succeeded significantly higher as compared to 4 and 5 layers. The main survival percentage is about 79.17% for the 7 layers, 76.52% for the 5 layers and only about 55.36% for the 4 layers. Pure garden soil reported to have significant results on sprouting rate, sprout length, stalk diameter and number of leaves. This finding emphasized that budding of rejected oversized rubber seedlings grown in an abandoned nurseries can be reutilized for mass production of budded cuttings through multiple budding of 7 layers per seedlings to maximize planting materials derived from single seedlings.

Effect of Germination Period on Some Functional and Engineering Properties of Sorghum Flour

Sorghum (red and white) were germinated for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h to determine the effect of germination on some functional and engineering properties of sorghum flour. The bulk density results for the red and white germinated sorghum are 0.620-0.673 g/cm3 and 0.477-0.620 g/cm3, respectively. Water absorption capacity values for the two samples are 116.630-125.970% and 81.643-98.293% while the oil absorption capacity ranged from 62.917 to 85.750% and 44.933 to 61.980%, respectively for the two samples. The dispersibility test for the two samples gave 85.67-87.33% and 83.00-84.67%. The swelling power at 55 °C are 2.54-2.67 and 2.70-3.26, at 75 °C, 3.62-4.68 and 3.85-4.56, and at 90 °C, 2.98-4.79 and 6.29-7.23, respectively for the two samples. For the engineering properties, the specific heat capacity ranged from 0.14 to 0.45 kJ/kg K and 0.12 to 0.14 kJ/kg K, thermal conductivity, from 0.55 to 1.67 W/mK and 1.01 to 1.24 W/mK and thermal diffusivity from 0.13 to 0.82 m2/s and 0.11 to 0.12 m2/s, respectively for red and white germinated sorghum flours. It can be concluded from this study that increased the values of bulk density, WAC, OAC, and dispersibility test of the two samples with the increase in germination period with the optimum germination period of 72 h. Engineering properties results indicated that germination had a beneficial effect on the thermal conductivity of the germinated red sorghum and the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the white germinated sorghum with 96 h having the best result for both samples.

Assessing the Effect of Landuse/Land Cover (1986-2020) on Soil Loss in Alluvium Geologic Formation Using Geospatial Technology in Southern Nigeria

The occurrence of soil loss is a continuous process and occurs spatially across the earth’s surface. The study of soil loss is a necessity for proper understanding of the processes and the rate of soil loss for conservational purpose. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM)/Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+)/Operational Land Imager (OLI) image data was acquired for 1986, 2003 and 2020 were used to derive the C factor of the RUSLE model while other factors of the model were kept fixed for the years considering their inability to change easily. The RUSLE model was used to determine the trend of the soil loss on the alluvium geologic formation considering their land use/land cover changes for 1986, 2003 and 2020. The rainfall erosivity of the study area had an average of 8201.45MJmmha-1h-1yr-1. The soil erodibility index of the soils obtained from Alluvium had an average of 0.150tons MJ-1 hmm-1. The slope length and steepness factor of the study area range from 0 to 2.574. the crop cover factor of for 1986 range from 0.52 to 0.87, 2003 range from 0.52 to 0.87 and 2020 range from 0.62 to 0.92. No active field conservation was found out within the study area as described by Wischmeier and Smith. The results obtained show that 1986, 2003 and 2020 had a soil loss of 1966.3, 2167.85 and 3361.14 tonha-1yr-1 respectively. The results show that the study area is experiencing an increased trend of soil loss. This result can serve as guide into understanding the past and current rate of soil loss for soil resource planning and management

Financial Analysis of Country Bean in Narsingdi District of Bangladesh

Aims: This study is an attempt to examine the profitability, problems and probable solutions of country bean production in Belabo upazila of Narsingdi district of Bangladesh. Study Design: Financial calculation of the cost and return were done to the evaluation process. Besides the problems and solutions of bean cultivation were also analyzed. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Belabo upazila of Narsingdi district of Bangladesh from November 2019 to April 2020. Methodology: A convenience sampling technique was selected to meet the objectives. One hundred and twenty five country bean growers were chosen from the study area. An interview schedule was prepared for collecting necessary data from the participants. The schedule contained questions about the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, different costs associated with production, different problems faced by them during production and their probable suggestions to overcome those problems. Standard financial techniques were used to evaluate costs and returns. Descriptive statistics were used to describe socio-demographic characteristics, farming information, problems during the production process and rank of suggestions. Results: The study found that the total cost of bean cultivation was found in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 163866.35 per ha, net return was BDT 60850.28 per ha and benefit cost ratio was 1.37. The study found low price, lack of scientific knowledge in farming, transportation problems and poor storage facilities as major constraints. Besides, the farmers mentioned that they need proper training, reduction in price risk, credit support, cold storage facilities and transportation facilities. Conclusion: The study showed that per hectare yield, gross returns, gross margin, net return and benefit cost ratio of bean were higher. Therefore, bean production is highly profitable and it would help to improve the socio-economic condition of farmers in Narsingdi district. Besides, the study identified several problems faced by the bean growers and possible solutions to overcome those constraints were proposed.

Growth Performance Characteristics of Cockerel Chicken Fed Diets containing Ginger Rhizome and Garlic Bulb powder

The use of antibiotics in poultry production has raised global concern due to health risk associated with its residues in poultry products. A study was conducted to assess the growth performance characteristics of cockerel fed ginger and garlic based diets for a period of 12 weeks. A total of 180 day old Isa white cockerels were randomly allotted to 4 experimental treatment diets. Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times with 15 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design. Diet one had 0% ginger rhizome and garlic bulb powder (T1), diet 2 had 2% ginger rhizome powder (T2), diet 3 had 2% garlic bulb powder (T3) while diet 4 had 2% mixture (1:1) of ginger rhizome powder and garlic bulb powder (T4). The weights were measured and weight gain calculated on weekly basis. In addition, the feed intake and feed conversion ratio were measured and calculated on weekly basis. At starter phase, average initial weight, average final weight, average weekly feed intake and average daily feed intake were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. However, Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P<0.05) highest (2.09) among birds placed on T2 while the lowest mean value of 1.30 was recorded in T3. At finisher phase, the average initial weight, average weekly feed intake, average daily feed intake and FCR were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the experimental diets. However, birds fed T4 had the highest (P<0.05) mean value of average final live weight (1796.67g) while the least value (1553.33g) was obtained in birds fed T3. The average daily weight gain were significantly (p<0.05) highest 37.14 g T2. It was concluded that ginger and garlic powder can be used successfully in cockerel diets at 2 % level of inclusion to enhance growth performance characteristics especially at finisher phase.

Comparative Effects of Two Manure Types and Their Combinations on Growth and Yield of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum and Nakai) in Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum and Nakai) is a high value fruit vegetable that has gained significant importance in Nigeria following the high level of satisfaction derived from its consumption, and the growing awareness of its nutritional and health benefits. However, its production has been limited to northern Nigeria with resultant increase in price of the crop. This study therefore assessed the growth and fruit yield of watermelon as influenced by pig and poultry manure rates during the 2020 late planting season (September to December). The experiment was a 3 × 3 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Three levels of pig (Pg) and poultry (Pt) manures at 0, 5, and 10 t/ha constitutes the factors A and B, respectively. Data were collected on growth and yield attributes, and were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p≤0.05, and principal component analysis (PCA) using GenStat discovery 10.3 edition. Correlation analysis was done using IBM SPSS (version 23) [1]. The results showed significant difference (p<0.05) for sole application of varying levels of pig and poultry manures as well as their combinations. For sole application of pig manure, Pg5 gave significantly higher fruit yield (129.2 t/ha) compared to Pg10, and Pg0 (86.8 and 43.8 t/ha, respectively) while Pt10 (109.1 t/ha) outperformed Pt5 and Pt0 (92.1 and 58.5 t/ha, respectively) for sole application of poultry manure. Combination of Pg5 + Pt10 gave the best result for fruit yield (174.4 t/ha) and is thus recommended for watermelon production in Nsukka.

Use of Vermicompost in the Control of Rhizoctonia sp: Impact on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) Production

The area planted for vegetable production is increasing in Côte d'Ivoire while crop yields are decreasing due to low soil fertility, poor application of mineral fertilizers and poor plant development due to pest pressure. The trial carried out at the experimental site of the University Jean Lorougnon Guédé of Daloa, Central-Western Côte d'Ivoire, aims at evaluating the potential of vermicompost to reduce the attacks of the Rhizoctonia sp fungus on the tomato crop and increase its production. The trial was carried out using the Fischer randomized block design where four treatments were repeated four times. Four substrates, composed of mixtures of soils and doses of vermicompost (0, 20, 40 and 60 t/ha), inoculated with the fungus, were used for the cultivation of tomato in pots. Agronomic and phytosanitary parameters were evaluated on tomato plants at the end of the trial. The results showed that the production increased with the addition of vermicompost and this, the higher the dose of vermicompost added. The health of tomato plants was also improved by the reduction of Rhizoctonia sp attacks, especially with the 60t/ha dose, for which the disease severity and incidence indices were the lowest, 15% and 14%, respectively, against 41% and 38% obtained with the control. Vermicompost could be used to control fungal diseases of tomato and improve its production.

Influence of Day-length Enhancement through Night-breaking by Artificial Lighting on Off-season Dragon Fruit Production

The effect of artificial lighting in order to enhance day length for off-season dragon fruit production was examined for the first time in Bangladesh. A two factorial experiment was conducted at dragon fruit orchard of Agricultural Research Station, Pahartali, Khulshi, Chattogram to find out the best lighting duration and bulb for off-season dragon fruit production. Two factors were bulb and lighting duration for this experiment. The performance 6 hours lighting duration was significantly superior than other treatments in case of bud/pillar (43.80), fruit/pillar (43.80), fruit length (9.31 cm), fruit breadth (8.5 cm), individual fruit weight (344.62 g), yield (16.58 t/ha). 100 W IB having light intensity 225.96 lux showed superior performance over other treatments in case of bud/ pillar (49.44), fruit/pillar (34.56), fruit length (9.54), fruit weight (336.99 g), TSS (9.28%), yield (18.13 t/ha). The treatment combination (100 W IB for 6 hrs lighting) produced the highest number of fruit/ pillar (36.33), bud/pillar (54.00), fruit length (9.66 cm), fruit breadth (8.99 cm), yield/ pillar (12.41 kg) and yield (19.85 t/ha).In control dragon fruit was unable to produce flowering due to short day length. So artificial lighting of 6 hrs with 100 W IB from 18 pm to 24 am was superior method for off-season dragon fruit production.

Yield Response of Short Duration HYV Aman Rice to Transplanting Times in the Coastal Region of Southwestern Bangladesh

Transplanted (T.) aman rice is the major crop in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh where most of the fields remain fallow the rest of the year due to the cultivation of late-maturing and long-duration aman rice varieties with low yield potential. Timely transplanting of short-duration HYV varieties increased grain yield and allowed the field to be cleared earlier for the next crop. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna during the monsoon (June to December) for investigating the influence of transplanting dates on growth, yield attributes, and yield of Binadhan-7. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. The experimental treatment comprised of ten transplanting dates (viz.,9 July, 16 July, 23 July, 30 July, 6 August, 13 August, 20 August, 27 August, 3 September, and 10 September) at 7 days intervals. Data recorded on different growth, yield, and yield contributing parameters were influenced substantially by the dates of transplanting. Results of this study showed that transplanting on 30 July produced the tallest plant (105.40 cm), highest tiller hill-1 (20.40), effective tillers hill-1 (17.30), panicle length (22.22 cm), number of grain panicle-1 (10.34), 1000 grain weight (22.83 g), grain yield (4.72 tha-1), straw yield (5.15 tha-1) and harvest index (47.85%) which were on parity with 6 August of transplanting. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that from 30 July to 6 of August is optimum and recommended transplanting window for the short duration aman rice variety (Binadhan-7) in the coastal zone of southwestern Bangladesh. Furthermore, this transplanting window resulted in an early harvest and timely vacant the field for winter crop planting.