An Asian Journal of Soil Science

Jagmohan Singh ¹, N. S. Dhaliwal ¹

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (P.A.U.), Muktsar (Punjab), IN

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study surface and profile distribution of total and diethylenetriamine penta acetic acid (DTPA)-extractable zinc, copper, manganese and iron in some reclaimed salt affected soils of southwest Punjab. The Southwestern zone of Punjab is deficient in available micronutrients, but has large reserve of micronutrients. These soils were originally salt affected and were found in relatively low-lying terraces at varying stages of deterioration. During the last 20-25 years, these soils have been reclaimed by the application of gypsum followed by heavy irrigation (flooding) to leach down soluble salts from the solum. In order to study DTPA-extractable and total micronutrients and their association with soil properties, four pedons representing different categories of reclaimed salt affected soils were taken from the Southwest Punjab. Total and DTPA-extractable micronutrients were higher in surface horizons and decreased in subsurface horizons. The total content varied from 26 to 76 mg/kg for zinc, from 9 to 42 mg/kg for copper, from 300 to 475 mg/kg for manganese and from 1.99 to 3.82 per cent for iron. The total content of micronutrients increased with increase in clay content and cation exchange capacity (CEC), whereas DTPA-extractable micronutrient increased with increase in organic carbon content and CEC, and decreased with increasing pH and sand content. The total reserve of Zn and Cu showed an influence on availability of these respective micronutrients.

Keywords

DTPA-Extractable, Micronutrients, Reclaimed, Solum, Leached.

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N. S. Dhaliwal ¹, Gurdarshan Singh ², Karamjit Sharma ³, Jagmohan Singh ⁴

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (P.A.U.), Muktsar (Punjab), IN
2 Department of Horticulture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (P.A.U.), Muktsar (Punjab), IN
3 Department of Extension Education, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (P.A.U.), Muktsar (Punjab), IN
4 Department of Soil Science, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (P.A.U.), Muktsar (Punjab), IN

Abstract

The present study was conducted across 20 villages in Muktsar district of South-Western Punjab with the objectives to study the difference between demonstrated package of practices viz-a-viz, practices followed by the local farmers in gram crop and the effect of FLDs on production performance of gram. The primary data were collected from the selected farmers with the help of interview schedule and interpreted and presented in terms of percentage, the qualitative data were converted into quantitative form and expressed in terms of per cent increased yield. Thus, a total sample size comprised of 45 respondents from 20 villages across Muktsar district wherein, FLDs were conducted by KVK Muktsar. Forty five frontline demonstrations were conducted by KVK Muktsar from the year 2005-06 to 2009-10. The results of the study revealed that the average yield of gram under FLD plots varied between 13.26 to 16.99 q/ha, whereas, under the farmers' practice, it varied between 11.66 to 15.65 q/ha. The FLD plots recorded 11.27 to 18.5 per cent increase in yield, with sole exception of year 2009-10, which recorded a decrease in per cent yield of 8.31 per cent in demonstrated plots over the farmers' practice. It was due to the fact that the performance of desi gram variety GPF-2 under the farmers' practice was better than Kabuli gram variety BG-1053 under demonstration due to its' better tolerance to high pH soils of Muktsar district. The increment in yield of gram crop under front line demonstrations was due to dissemination of improved and latest technology viz., HYV, recommended seed rate, fertilization and plant protection measure.

Keywords

Frontline Demonstartion, Farmers’ Practice, HYV, Latest Technology.

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Gurdarshan Singh ¹, N. S. Dhaliwal ¹, Jagmohan Singh ², Karamjit Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (P.A.U.), Muktsar (Punjab), IN
2 Department of Soil Science, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (P.A.U.), Muktsar (Punjab), IN

Abstract

The productivity of mustard in India is quite low owing to adoption gaps in recommended technologies and application of critical inputs. It is imperative to demonstrate high yielding mustard varieties with resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses to increase the overall production and productivity under close supervision of the scientists. KVK Muktsar conducted front line demonstrations on mustard during 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 to compare the yield levels of mustard under farmers’ practice and FLD fields and to collect feedback information for further improvement in research and extension programmes. The results obtained from five years data revealed that average yield of mustard varieties under FLDs was 14.33 q/ha as against 12.13 q/ha observed under farmer's practice, thereby recording an average yield increase of 17.87 per cent under FLDs as compared to farmers’ practices.

Keywords

Front Line Demonstrations, Mustard, Productivity, Adoption Gaps.

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