scholarly journals Impact of Integrated Agronomic Practices on Soil Fertility and Respiration on the Indo-Gangetic Plain of North India

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 402
Author(s):  
Rama Kant Dubey ◽  
Pradeep Kumar Dubey ◽  
Rajan Chaurasia ◽  
Ch Srinivasa Rao ◽  
Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil Abhilash
Keyword(s):  
Soil Respiration ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Block Design ◽  
North India ◽  
Gangetic Plain ◽  
Agronomic Practices ◽  
Soil Sustainability ◽  
Indo Gangetic Plain

Global agricultural production is accountable for the emission of ~30% of greenhouse gases. Therefore, the wide-scale adoptions of low-input, soil-friendly, and resource-conserving agronomic practices are imperative for the ‘planet healthy food production’ and also for reducing the carbon emissions from agricultural soil. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the impacts of integrated agronomic interventions i.e., the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + reduced tillage (RT), biochar + RT, and AMF + biochar + RT, on spatiotemporal variations in soil-quality and soil-sustainability indicators, including microbial and soil respiration, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of North India. For this, field experiments on the above-mentioned agronomic interventions were employed using three different staple crops (Zea mays, Vigna mungo, and Brassica juncea) growing in three different agro-climatic zones of IGP (Varanasi, Sultanpur, and Gorakhpur) in a randomized block design. Periodic data collection was done to analyze the changes in physiochemical, biological, and biochemical properties of the soil, and statistical analyses were done accordingly. Irrespective of the sites, the experimental results proved that the integrated application of AMF + biochar + RT in V. mungo resulted in the highest soil organic carbon (i.e., 135% increment over the control) and microbial biomass carbon (24%), whereas the same application (i.e., AMF + biochar + RT) in Z. mays had the maximum reduction in microbial (32%) and soil (44%) respiration. On the other hand, enhanced occurrence of glomalin activity (98%) was noted in Z. mays cropping for all the sites. Significant negative correlation between soil respiration and glomalin activity under AMF + biochar + RT (−0.85), AMF + RT (−0.82), and biochar + RT (−0.62) was an indication of glomalin’s role in the reduced rate of soil respiration. The research results proved that the combined application of AMF + biochar + RT was the best practice for enhancing soil quality while reducing respiration. Therefore, the development of suitable packages of integrated agronomic practices is essential for agricultural sustainability.

Effect of 10 years of biofertiliser use on soil quality and rice yield on an Inceptisol in Assam, India

Soil Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smrita Buragohain ◽  
Banashree Sarma ◽  
Dhruba J. Nath ◽  
Nirmali Gogoi ◽  
Ram S. Meena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Inorganic N ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
North East India ◽  
North East ◽  
Total P

In the present study, field experiments were performed over 10 consecutive years (2006–15) to assess the effects of biofertiliser and enriched biocompost on soil quality, total organic carbon (TOC) and rice yields in an Inceptisol. Experiments were conducted in a randomised block design with four replicates and five treatments: unfertilised control (T1); recommended doses of inorganic fertiliser (T2); biofertiliser with reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers (T3); reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 1 t ha–1 enriched biocompost (T4); and reduced (75%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 2 t ha–1 enriched biocompost (T5). T3 improved soil chemical and biological properties with enhanced soil quality index (40%), total P (23%), total K (42%) and fungal (38%) and bacterial (44%) colony counts. T5 significantly improved the carbon pool index (29%) and available nutrients (N, P and K at rates of 37%, 22% and 10% respectively) and increased soil pH (11%), resulting in a higher sustainable yield index (39%) of rice. Fraction 2 (labile carbon) of TOC, total P, available K, microbial biomass carbon and phosphate-solubilising bacteria were key indicators to assess the suitability of these fertilisers in rice cultivation in north-east India.

The influence of soil fertility on carbon cycling and storage in temperate tree bioenergy crops

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leigh-Anne Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Soil Respiration ◽  
Carbon Cycling ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Bioenergy Crops ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
And Storage

<p>LA Kemp, Supervisors: A. Karley, A. Bennett, A. Taylor, N. McNamara, E.J Sayer</p><p>Short – rotation woody perennials such as Populus and Salix are often selected for bioenergy crops in temperate climates. In conjunction with providing a renewable crop, bioenergy crops can improve carbon storage in previously degraded soils and associate with beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. Applying nitrogen fertilizers to bioenergy crops can increase yield and carbon sink but may also increase CO2 emissions through increased soil respiration and N2O through increased microbial activity which alter population and community dynamics.</p><p>Changing environmental conditions due to climate change such as prolonged droughting and increasing intensity of rewetting are also impacting plant-soil interactions. However, there are gaps in the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for plant responses to changing abiotic conditions. Therefore, the scale of future carbon cycling, CH4 and N2O emissions by temperate tree species are still very unclear.</p><p>To address this my experiment, focuses on two temperate tree species used in bioenergy production known to associate with mycorrhizal fungi. The study will run over two growing seasons, using a randomized block design with four fungal treatments, four nutrient treatments and then implementing two abiotic treatments during the second growing season. I aim to determine how soil nutrient availability influences: i) plant – mycorrhiza associations, ii) plant carbon cycling and storage, iii) soil respiration rates, iv) plant and soil GHG emission rates. v) carbon cycling and GHG emissions under different climate controls.</p>

scholarly journals Cotton is a promising crop for soil sustainability

2020 ◽  
pp. 810-815
Author(s):  
Emanoel Costa Alves ◽  
Mayara Andrade Souza ◽  
Alberício Pereira Andrade ◽  
Nair Helena de Castro Arriel ◽  
Fábio Aquino Albuquerque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Soil Macrofauna ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Cotton Crop ◽  
Soil Sustainability ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Abundance And Diversity ◽  
Taxonomic Groups ◽  
Land Use And Management

The coloured cotton crop is the best agroecological alternatives for farmers in semi-arid of Northeasthern region. Cultivation of BRS Verde cotton has been a success on productivity in this region. The practice of monoculture in cotton crop has caused loss of soil quality over the years. The organisms present in the soil are sensitive to changes of land use and management. They are excellent environmental bio indicators, representing important tool to evaluate impacts on ecosystems. In this context, the aim of this research was to evaluate the abundance and diversity of edaphic macrofauna under different management systems in the cotton crop. The design was a randomized complete block design with four replicates with five treatments in 5 collection seasons. The plots consisted of 8 lines spaced 1.0 x 0.30 m for all crops. Three PROVID traps were distributed to capture soil organisms, totally 12 samples/treatments. We identified taxonomic groups, density of organisms, ecological indexes of diversity and wealth of groups. In view of the results, we concluded that the cotton + maize consortium favoured increase of individual’s abundance and richness of faunistic groups. This cotton + maize consortium showed to be a promising alternative for better management and sustainability of the system. We also showed that soil macrofauna is a good indicator of soil quality in different cotton growing systems.

scholarly journals Effect of Biochar on Soil Properties, Soil Loss, and Cocoyam Yield on a Tropical Sandy Loam Alfisol

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aruna Olasekan Adekiya ◽  
Taiwo Michael Agbede ◽  
Adeniyi Olayanju ◽  
Wutem Sunny Ejue ◽  
Timothy A. Adekanye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Soil Aggregates ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Infiltration Rate ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Soil Sustainability

Among agricultural soil amendment that can enhance crop productivity and soil sustainability is biochar. Hence, two-year field experiments were conducted on a sandy loam Alfisol at Owo, southwest Nigeria, to evaluate the effects of biochar produced from hardwood on soil physical and chemical characteristics, erosion potential, and cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) yield. The study was a 2 × 4 factorial experiment with two years (2017 and 2018) and four biochar levels (0 (control), 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that biochar application significantly in both years improved yield of cocoyam and soil physical (bulk density, porosity, moisture content, mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates, dispersion ratio, and infiltration rate) and chemical (soil organic matter, pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and CEC) properties and erosion resistance. Soil characteristics and cocoyam yield improved with level of biochar from 0–30 t ha−1. When 2018 is compared with 2017 in term of soil loss, in the amended plots, 2018 reduced soil loss by 7.4, 20, and 73.5%, respectively, for 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1biochar, whereas there was an increase of 2.7% soil loss in the control plot in 2018 compared with 2017. Therefore, application rate of 30 t ha−1 biochar is considered as suitable for severely degraded soil because this application rate efficiently improves cocoyam yield and soil properties and reduces soil loss.

scholarly journals High aerosol loading over mega city Delhi in the western Indo-Gangetic plain : Optical characteristics

MAUSAM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 609-618
Author(s):  
S. D. ATTRI ◽  
V. K. SONI ◽  
S. TIWARI ◽  
A. K. SRIVASTAVA ◽  
SHANI TIWARI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North India ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Gangetic Plain ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Angstrom Exponent ◽  
Aerosol Loading ◽  
Post Monsoon ◽  
Ångström Exponent ◽  
Indo Gangetic Plain ◽  
Ångstrom Exponent

Measurements of aerosol optical properties were carried out at an urban mega city Delhi, which is situated in the western Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) region in north India using an automatic sun/sky radiometer during 2006-2008. The present study revealed high aerosol loading over the station, which could be due to its topography surrounded by different natural and anthropogenic emission sources, and may have major implications towards health, air quality and climate system. Results show a large variability in AOD during the study period, with nearly equal values during winter (0.67 ± 0.06) and summer (0.71 ± 0.11). The Ångström exponent (AE) values were found to be relatively higher during winter (1.19 ± 0.07, suggests dominance of fine-mode aerosols) and lower during summer (0.74±0.06, suggests dominance of coarse-mode aerosols). A slight decrease in single scattering albedo (SSA) was observed during the study period, with a mean value of ~0.9. SSA was found to be about 0.93 during post-monsoon and 0.96 during the winter period whereas during summer and monsoon, SSA was about 0.95. The estimated monthly absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) values over the station varied from 0.11 to 1.87, which were found to be less than 1.0 by ~55% time (mostly during winter and monsoon), and greater than 1.0 by ~45% time (mostly during summer and post-monsoon).

scholarly journals COMPARATIVE PROFITABILITY OF MANAGING MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA ON THE VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF CUCUMBERS (CUCUMIS SATIVUS L.) USING ROOT GROW (MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI) AND BROILER DROPPINGS

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 596-620
Author(s):  
Oluwatoyin E. Bello ◽  
Nkechi B. Izuogu ◽  
Oluwasesan M. Bello
Keyword(s):  
Cucumis Sativus ◽  
Meloidogyne Incognita ◽  
Vegetative Growth ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Root Knot Nematode ◽  
Cucumis Sativus L ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Screen House

Screen-house and field experiments were carried out to evaluate and compare the activities of Root grow (mycorrhiza fungi) and broiler droppings (singly and both) on root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infecting Cucumber, Cucumis sativus (L). The experiment was designed as a 2 by 5 factorial fitted into a Complete Randomised Design (CRD) and Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) for screen house and field experiments respectively. Two levels each of the two treatments were evaluated both in the screen house and on the field. Root-grow (mycorrhiza fungi) was evaluated at the rate of 0.5 g and 1.0 g while broiler droppings were evaluated at the rate of 50 g and 100 g. The effects of treatments on vegetative growth as well as nematode damage and population were determined both in the screen house and on the field. All data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and where treatment means were significant, multiple comparisons of treatments were done using Tukey’s honesty significant difference at a 5 % level of significance. Broiler droppings at 100 g and 50 g were more effective in controlling nematode than the two levels of Root grow (mycorrhiza fungi). Plant growth was best with broiler droppings at 100 g followed by broiler droppings at 50 g. Nematode population was reduced in all plant treated and were less galled compared with the control. The results showed that broiler droppings and mycorrhiza fungi can be used in controlling root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on cucumber

Bio-efficacy of post emergence herbicides in boro rice nursery as well as main field and their residual effects on non-target microorganisms

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-210
Author(s):  
Rajib Kundu ◽  
Mousumi Mondal ◽  
Sourav Garai ◽  
Ramyajit Mondal ◽  
Ratneswar Poddar
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Resistance Index ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Main Field ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Similar Treatment

Field experiments were conducted at research farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal, India (22°97' N latitude and 88°44' E longitude, 9.75 m above mean sea level) under natural weed infestations in boro season rice (nursery bed as well as main field) during 2017-18 and 2018-19 to evaluate the herbicidal effects on weed floras, yield, non-target soil organisms to optimize the herbicide use for sustainable rice-production. Seven weed control treatments including three doses of bispyribac-sodium 10% SC (150,200, and 250 ml ha-1), two doses of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC (500 and 625 ml ha-1), one weed free and weedy check were laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated thrice. Among the tested herbicides, bispyribac-sodium with its highest dose (250 ml ha-1) resulted in maximum weed control efficiency, treatment efficiency index and crop resistance index irrespective of weed species and dates of observation in both nursery as well as main field. Similar treatment also revealed maximum grain yield (5.20 t ha-1), which was 38.38% higher than control, closely followed by Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (625 ml ha-1) had high efficacy against grasses, sedge and broadleaf weed flora. Maximum net return (Rs. 48765 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (1.72) were obtained from the treatment which received bispyribac-sodium @ 250 ml ha-1. Based on overall performance, the bispyribac-sodium (250 ml ha-1) may be considered as the best herbicide treatment for weed management in transplanted rice as well as nursery bed.

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