An Asian Journal of Soil Science

R. Singaravel ¹, D. Elayaraja ¹, K. Viswanathan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram (T.N.), IN

Abstract

To increase the production of medicinal senna in sandy soils of coastal agro ecosystem, integrated nutrient management treatments involving inorganic fertilizers, organic manures namely FYM, vermicompost, humic acid and microbial consortium were evaluated. The intial soil was typic udipsamments and represented sandy texture and non-saline nature. In Completely Randomized Design, the following treatments were evaluated with three replications using senna as test crop. T₁ - Absolute control, T₂ - Recommended NPK, T₃ - FYM alone @ 12.5 t ha^-1, T₄- Vermicompost alone @ 4.0 t ha^-1, T₅- 75 % NPK + FYM @ 12.5 t ha^-1, T₆ - 50 % NPK + FYM @ 12.5 t ha^-1, T₇ - 75 % NPK + vermicompost @ 4.0 t ha^-1, T₈ - 50 % NPK + vermicompost @ 4.0 t ha^-1, T₉ - T₅+ ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 + humic acid foliar spray @ 0.3 %, T₁₀-T₆ + ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 + humic acid foliar spray @ 0.3% , T₁₁ - T₇+ ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 +Humic acid foliar spray @ 0.3% , T₁₂ - T₈+ ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 + humic acid foliar spray @ 0.3% . Bio inoculants, Azospirillum and phosphobacterium were applied to all the treatments excluding absolute control and recommended NPK. The results of the study indicated that the application of INM significantly improved the growth and yield of senna in coastal sandy soil. Among the treatments, application of 75 % NPK fertilizer + vermicompost @ 4.0 t ha^-1 + ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 with humic acid foliar spray ranked best in recording the higher growth character, leaf and pod yield of senna and available soil nutrients.

Keywords

Senna, Integrated Nutrient Management, Sandy Soil.

Full Text

     

R. Singaravel ¹, D. Elayaraja ¹, K. Viswanathan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram (T.N.), IN

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University during Feb.-April, 2015. The initial characteristics of experimental soil revealed the saline nature having pH 8.02 and EC 4.26 dS m^-1. The available NPK status were low and DTPA extractable Zn and Mn were below the critical limit. The design of experiment was Completely Randomised Design and the treatments were: T₁ - NPK (35: 23: 23 kg N: P₂O₅: K₂O ha^-1), T₂- NPK + ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 + MnSO₄ @ 5 kg ha^-1, T₃ - T₂ + FYM @ 12.5 t ha^-1, T₄- T₂+ vermicompost @ 4 t ha^-1, T₅- T₂+ humic acid @ 20 kg ha^-1. Growth regulator sea weed extract was applied as 0.5 per cent foliar at vegetative and flowering stage for all the treatments except control. The treatments were replicated four times and sesame var TMV- 3 was grown as test crop. The results of the study revealed that among all the treatments, T₅, the application of recommended NPK +ZnSO₄+ MnSO₄ with humic acid application accounted for a significant increase in growth character, yield components and yield of sesame. This treatment also significantly improved the soil nutrient availability.

Keywords

Sesame, INM, Growth,Yield, Coastal Sandy Soil.

Full Text

     

D. Elayaraja ¹, R. Singaravel ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram (T.N.), IN

Abstract

Zinc deficiency associated reduction of yield is well known in coarse textured sandy soils. A pot experiment was carried out in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University with groundnut var. VRI 2 during June-September 2006, to evaluate different levels of zinc on the yield and nutrients uptake by groundnut in coastal sandy soil. The experimental soil was sandy, taxonomically classified as Typic udipsaments with pH-8.39; EC-1.61 dS m^-1 and represented low status of organic carbon and zinc. The following treatments studied: T₁- NPK; T₂- NPK + ZnSO₄ @ 20 kg ha^-1; T₃- NPK + ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1; T₄- NPK + ZnSO₄ @ 30 kg ha^-1 and T₅- NPK + ZnSO₄ @ 35 kg ha^-1. All the treatments received a common organic addition of composted coirpith @ 12.5 t ha^-1. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The experimental results revealed that, the application of NPK + ZnSO₄ @ 30 kg ha^-1 was significant in increasing the nutrients uptake and yield of groundnut. The percentage yield increase recorded with ZnSO₄ application @ 30 kg ha^-1 along with CCP was 15.25 percentage of pod and 15.81 percentage of haulm yield as compared to control.

Keywords

Coastal Sandy Soils, Zinc, Nutrients Uptake, Yield, Groundnut.

Full Text

     

D. Elayaraja ¹, R. Singaravel ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram (T.N.), IN

Abstract

In determining the yield and quality of groundnut, the role of Zn and B is much pronounced. Restricted availability of these nutrients in sandy soil greatly impairs the yield of groundnut. A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of micronutrients viz., Zn and B on the yield and nutrients uptake by groundnut in coastal sandy soil. The experiment was carried out in a farmer's field at Ponnanthittu village in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu during December-March 2007. The initial fertility status of experimental soil was pH 8.39, EC-1.61 dSm^-1, organic carbon 2.7g kg^-1 and represented low status of micronutrients. The various treatments included were T₁- Control, T₂- 100% NPK, T₃- 150% NPK, T₄- 150% NPK + ZnSO₄ @ 30 kg ha^-1, T₅- 150% NPK + Borax @15 kg ha^-1, T₆- 150% NPK + ZnSO₄ @ 30 kg ha^-1 + Borax @15 kg ha^-1 along with composted coirpith @ 12.5 t ha^-1. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications, using groundnut variety VRI 2 as test crop. The results clearly indicated that, T₆- 150% NPK + ZnSO₄ @ 30 kg ha^-1 + Borax @ 15 kg ha^-1 along with composted coirpith application significantly increased the yield and nutrients uptake by groundnut. This treatment recorded the highest pod yield of 2466 kg ha^-1 and haulm yield of 3354 kg ha^-1 which represented 31.31 and 25.95 per cent increased in pod and haulm yield, respectively over 100 per cent NPK application.

Keywords

Zinc, Boron, Groundnut, Coastal Sandy Soil.

Full Text

     

R. Singaravel ¹, K. Suhatiya ¹, G. Vembu ¹, S. Kamaraj ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (T.N.), IN

Abstract

An experiment was carried out at the farm of Annamalai University during summer 2006 to investigate the effect of different liquid biofertilizer on the nutrient content and uptake by okra. Symbion N and P were liquid formulation of Azospirillum and phosphobacter, respectively, supplied by T. Stanes and Co., Pvt. Ltd. The experimental results revealed that soil application of both Symbion N and Symbion P significantly increased the nutrient content and uptake by okra besides improving the yield.

Keywords

Liquid Biofertilizer, Nutrient Content, Nutrient Uptake.

Full Text

     

R. Singaravel ¹, K. Suhatiya ², G. Vembu ², S. Kamaraj ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram (T.N.), IN
2 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (T.N.), IN

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of liquid biofertilizer Symbion N (Azospirillum) and Symbion P (Phosphobacter) on the growth and yield of okra. The experiment was laid out in Annamalai University experimental farm in clay loam soil during summer 2006. The treatments studied were T₁-Symbion N (foliar), T₂-Symbion P (soil), T₃-Symbion-N (foliar)+Symbion P (soil), T₄-Symbion N+Symbion P (soil) and T₅-control. All the treatments were replicated three times in RBD. A fertilizer schedule of 40:50:30 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha was applied to all the treatments. The foliar application of Symbion N was followed @ 250 ml/ha and sprayed at 10 days after sowing and another at flowering. The soil application of liquid formulations was carried out @ 250 ml/ha applied one at 10 days after sowing and another at flowering. Okra variety Parbani Kranti was sown as test crop. The results of the study indicated that application of liquid bio-fertilizer both Symbion N and Symbion P significantly increased the growth character, yield character and yield of okra. Among various treatments, Symbion N and Symbion P both applied in soil was significantly superior in increasing the growth and yield of okra. This treatment recorded the highest okra yield of 6280 Kg ha^-1.

Keywords

Liquid Biofertilizer, Foliar and Soil Application, Okra.

Full Text

     

S. Kamaraj ¹, R. Singaravel ¹, G. Vembu ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (T.N.), IN

Abstract

In an incubation experiment, the changes in physio-chemical properties and the periodical release of nutrients with fortified organic manures to a coastal saline sodic soil was studied. The experimental soil was collected from the farmer’s field at Sillankuppam village, Cuddalore district. The FeSO₄+ZnSO₄ fortified green leaf manure and coir pith significantly exerted a favourable effect on reducing the salinity and sodicity and increasing the availability of major and micronutrients in soil. Among the organics, micronutrients fortified green manure was associated with the greatest improvement in physio-chemical properties and nutrient availability.

Keywords

Fortified Organic Manures, Nutrient Availability.

Full Text

     

G. Vembu ¹, R. Singaravel ¹, S. Kamaraj ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (T.N.), IN

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted at the Department of Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry, Annamalai University, Tamilnadu during 2008-2009 to study the fertilizer requirement of Catharanthus roseus in coastal sandy soil. The soil was classified as typic Udipsaments and had deficient level of N, P and K. The growth parameters of Catharanthus rose us viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant were influenced favorably with increasing level of NPK application. A reduction in NPK application reduced the yield parameters and leaf yield significantly. The result revealed that the application of NPK @ 30: 40: 40 kg ha^-l proved to be optimum as it recorded the maximum growth characters like plant height (97.50 cm), number of branches per plant (10.75) and dry weight of leaves (24.54 g/plant) and dry weight of ischolar_main (8.46 g/plant).

Keywords

Catharanthus roseus, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash, Productivity.

Full Text

     

S. Kamaraj ¹, R. Singaravel ¹, D. Elayaraja ¹, G. Vembu ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar (T.N.), IN

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of organic manure fortified with micronutrients viz., ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ on the growth and yield of rice in coastal saline soil. The experiment was conducted in farmers field at Sillankuppam village in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu during October-January 2009. The initial fertility status of experimental soil was pH-8.88, EC-2.16 dS m^-1 and OC-0.22 g kg^-1 and represented low status of micronutrients. The treatments were T₁–Recommended level NPK, T₂-NPK+ZnSO₄+FeSO₄ @ 25 Kg ha^-1, T₃-NPK+Green manure fortified ZnSO₄+FeSO₄ @ 75% RL, T₄-NPK+Green manure fortified ZnSO₄+FeSO₄ @ 100% RL, T₅-NPK+Green manure fortified ZnSO₄+FeSO₄ @ 125% RL, T₆-NPK+Coir pith fortified ZnSO₄+FeSO₄ @ 75% RL, T₇-NPK+Coir pith fortified ZnSO₄+FeSO₄ @ 100% RL, T₈-NPK+Coir pith fortified ZnSO₄+FeSO₄ @ 125% RL. The results showed that, micronutrients fortified composted green leaf manure significantly increased the growth and yield parameters of rice as compared to other treatments.

Keywords

Micronutrient Fortified Organic Manure, Coastal Saline Soil, Rice.

Full Text

     

S. Sivagnanam ¹, R. Singaravel ¹, K. Coumaravel ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (T.N.), IN
2 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, P.J.N. College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, Puducherry (U.T.), IN

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field at Ponnanthittu village in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu to find out the influence organic manure and NPK on the soil properties and yield of groundnut in coastal sandy soil. Different organic manures viz., Control, Farm yard manure @ 12.5 t/ha, Composted coir pith (CCP) @ 12.5 t/ha, Casuarina leaves @ 10.0 t/ha and Dhaincha @ 10.0 t/ha were applied as main treatments and different NPK levels viz., 75 per cent, 100 per cent, 150 per cent and 200 per cent of recommended NPK for groundnut was studied as sub treatments in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Groundnut var. VRI 2 was grown as test crop. The results of the study indicated that application of different organics significantly reduced the pH, salinity and increased the nutrient availability of soil. Among different treatments, application of 150 per cent NPK along with 12.5 t/ha of composted coir pith significantly increased the growth and yield of groundnut.

Keywords

Organic Manures, NPK, Coastal Soil, Groundnut.

Full Text