Informatics Publishing Limited

Ravi Mishra ¹, D. K. Pandey ¹, P. Ramesh ¹, Ravi Mishra ², Ajeet Kumar ², Prerna Ramesh ², Kishor K. Gaonkar ², A. Pratap ²

Affiliations
1 National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, (Ministry of Earth Science, GoI), Headland Sada, Vasco-Da-Gama, Goa 403 804, IN
2 National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa, IN

Abstract

Multibeam swath bathymetry survey was carried out in the middle Indus fan region in the eastern Arabian Sea. Using high-resolution bathymetry data, major morphological features such as the Raman seamount and the Laxmi ridge have been mapped. This study also reveals the presence of sinuous channel systems, continuing towards the distal fan. Though there are several reports on the presence of channels in different regions of the Indus fan, we report here the presence of active channels to the east of the Laxmi ridge. The total length of all channels along the channel axis is about 915 km. The individual spreads of the channels vary from 189.8 to 1980.5 m. Most of the channels are shallow with the average depth measuring about 60 m. The longest channel is about 256.3 km long, 702 m wide and about 57 m deep. The channels observed are similar to the land-based fluvial channels. The channels identified are highly sinuous in nature, their meanders and cut-off meanders are similar to the characteristics of fluvial channels. In general, average channel course in the study area is more than twice the straight course.

Keywords

Active Channel Systems, Bathymetry Survey, Morphological Features, Submarine Fan.

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Ajeet Kumar ¹, Ajay Kumar Rai ², Nirmal De ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Regional Research Station, Madhopur, West Champaran (Bihar), IN
2 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (CIAH), Panchmahal (Gujarat), IN
3 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.), IN

Abstract

A field experiment to assess the effect of organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of cabbage was conducted at the Research farm of Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi (U.P.). A Randomized Block Design with four level of FYM replicated three times was used in the experiment. Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 4 per cent was sprayed at the advent of insect pest infestation. In addition to marketable yields, cabbage leaves were digested and analyzed for 11 macro- and micronutrients. Vitamins C and E of mature crops were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography. Soil samples were also taken at harvest, extracted with suitable extractant solution and analyzed for essential nutrients. Application of different level of FYM had varying effects on the growth and yield of cabbage. Effect of FYM was better in both the cabbage variety with respect to their variables measured, i.e. height, marketable head weight, and yield per ha. These findings can be explained in terms of the availability, especially, of the macro-nutrients in each of the treated plots. The impact of irrigation frequency on yield is transparent. We conclude that irrigation frequency had a significant bearing on yield.

Keywords

Organic, Cabbage, Farm Yard Manure, Growth, Irrigation Frequency, Yield, Vitamins.

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Ajeet Kumar ¹, Diwakar Paswan ²

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Station, Madhopur, West Champaran (Bihar), IN
2 Regional Research Station (R.R.S.), Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Among legumes, pea (Pisum sativum L.) is the second most important legume, which is widely used both in human nutrition and as fodder. Currently, pre-sowing inoculation of pea seeds is a promising treatment and is one of agronomic solutions for sustainable agriculture. As per the objective of the research, to determine the effects of Rhizobium inoculation and different levels of nitrogen on the yield potential and growth attributes of pea, the research was conducted in Split Plot Design with 3 replications, at Research farm of RRS, Agwanpur, Saharsa. Nitrogen application had significant effect on the plant height, number of branches, ischolar_main and shoot dry weight, number of nodules, seed yield, biomass yield, harvest index, number of pods, as well as crude protein rate of seeds in both years. Plant height, number of pods, harvest index, number of nodules, crude protein rate and ischolar_main dry weight were higher with application of 20 kg N ha^-1 while seed yield, shoot dry weight and number of branches were higher with application of 60 kg N ha^-1, in the 2 seasons. The lowest values related to these parameters were obtained from the control treatment. Inoculation treatment had also significant effect on the all parameters investigated in both the years. The highest values regarding these parameters were obtained from inoculated plants, whereas the lowest values were obtained from the un-inoculated plants. Interactions of nitrogen and inoculation had significant effects on the all parameters investigated, except for number of nodules in 2009- 2010 and crude protein rate of seeds in both years. The highest seed yield was obtained under treatment 20 kg N ha^-1+ inoculation with 1654.3 and 1625.0 kg ha^-1 in 2009-10 and 2010-11, respectively.

Keywords

Pea, Rhizobium, Nitrogen, Nodulation, Yield.

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Ajeet Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Station, Madhopur, West Champaran (Bihar), IN

Abstract

The soils samples (0-30 cm depth) were collected from ten block of Saharsa district. The study of macro- and micro-nutrients of some soils of the district was carried out to assess the soil fertility and micro- nutrient status and their relationship with each other. Soils were analyzed for DTPA extractable Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and hot water extractable B in relation to chemical properties of soils. The mean values for DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and hot water extractable B were 2.36, 1.52, 113.93, 766.03 and 0.10 mg kg^-1, respectively. The mean values of available N, P₂O₅, K₂O and SO₄-S were 382.04, 38.31, 208.86 and 22.65 kg ha^-1, respectively. Distribution of micronutrients cations were influenced positively by pH, EC and organic carbon content of the soil. Results indicated that the micro- nutrient cations were significantly correlated with each other, suggesting about the dynamic equilibrium among them.

Keywords

Soil Fertility, Macro- and Micro-Nutrients, Soil Reaction, DTPA.

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Ajeet Kumar ¹, Ashwini Choudhary ²

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Station, Madhopur, West Champaran (Bihar), IN
2 Department of Agricultural Economics, Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Vegetables are the integral part of the balanced diet of human since time immemorial. Globally, the role of vegetables has been recognized in solving the problem of food and nutritional security. A survey conducted to assemble baseline information on farming practices to cabbage production in peri-urban area of Saharsa district.Structured questionnaires used to elicit information from cabbage farmers, where cabbage is intensively produced. The level of education among the growers was low as only 6.67 per cent had secondary education. Majority of the growers (68%) did not own the lands, thus, resulting in approximately 65 per cent of them cultivating less than one acre of cabbage. Majority of cabbage farmers (61.67 %) planted cabbage on raised beds. Cabbage production was characterized by high use of inorganic fertilizer (NPK). Seventy-three per cent farmers employed the watering cans in cabbage production. Farmers in their quest to mitigate the high insect pest infestation and problems such as wilting of plants, leaf curl and leaf spots resorted to high frequency of pesticides application. The information gathered from this study would form the basis for the formulation of an integrated pest management (IPM) as well as integrated nutrient management (INM) strategy to enhance environmentally sustainable production of cabbages. This would reduce environmental degradation and ensure maximum protection for human well being.

Keywords

Constraints, Cabbage, Pests, IPM.

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Ajeet Kumar ¹, Diwakar Paswan ¹

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Station, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Among legumes, pea (Pisum sativum L.) is the second most important grain legume, which is widely used in human nutrition. The yield potential of cultivars is one of the major factors that determine the use of vegetable pea. Currently, pre-sowing inoculation of pea seeds is a promising treatment and is one of agronomic solutions for sustainable agriculture development. The research was based on the precise field experiment, conducted in three replicates and carried out in the experimental field. The examined inoculants were applied during sowing. The presented results of the studies on the symbiotic nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilizers by leguminous plants indicate that the productivity of pea was positively affected by the application of microbial inoculants. The supplementation of live inoculums of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in the rhizosphere of pea can significantly enhanced the biomass accumulation and yield (27 - 55 %) as compared to uninoculated control. The degree of influence was found to be dependent on variety and preference of genotypes for biofertilizer. A steady increase in ischolar_main, shoot and leaf biomass accumulation from seedling stage to flowering was evidenced in all the three variety. The shredding of leaf biomass was highest irrespective of varieties followed by shoot biomass at pod formation stage, thereafter up to senescence the leaf and shoot biomass was static. A preference to PSB for arkel and rhizobium plus free N fixers for Azad P₁ and Azad P₃ in terms of accumulation of partitioned biomass were noticed which suggested the use of low cost biofertilizers for higher productivity in pea.

Keywords

Biofertilizers, Pea Varieties, Biomass, Yield.

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Diwakar Paswan ¹, Anjana Arun ¹, Ajeet Kumar ¹, C. S. Choudhary ¹

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Station, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Maximum N uptake in wheat crop was obtained with successive increase in level of fertilizer, plant population and organic manure application. The maximum N-uptake of 137.64 kg/ha was recorded at harvest with the application of highest does of nitrogen i.e., 180 kg/ha. Application of higher level of fertilizer and organic manure and higher plant population increase the P uptake. The maximum phosphorus uptake of 17.19 kg/ha were recorded at harvest with the application of 75 kg phosphorus/ha. The same way K uptake was also observed to increase with increase in level of fertilizer, plant population and organic manure application.

Keywords

NPK Uptake, Growth Stages, Wheat, Yield.

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Ajeet Kumar ¹, C. S. Choudhary ¹, Diwakar Paswan ¹, Brijesh Kumar ², Anjana Arun ¹

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Station, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN
2 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Phosphorus is the second important key element after nitrogen as a nutrient in terms of quantitative plant requirement. Although phosphorus is abundant in soils (organic and inorganic forms), its availability is restricted as it occurs mostly in insoluble forms. The phosphorus content in soil is about 0.05 per cent (w/w) but only 0.1 per cent of the total phosphorus is available to plant because of poor solubility and its fixation in every type of soil. An adequate supply of phosphorus during early phase of plant development is important for laying down the primordia of plant parts. It plays significant role in ischolar_main ramification, thereby imparting vitality to plant. It also helps in seed formation and in early maturation of crops. Poor availability or deficiency of phosphorus markedly reduces plant size and growth. Phosphorus accounts about 0.2 - 0.8 per cent of the plant dry weight. To satisfy crop requirements, phosphorus is usually added to soil as chemical fertilizer, however, synthesis of chemical fertilizer is highly energy intensive processes, and has long term impacts on the environment in terms of eutrophication, soil fertility depletion, carbon footprint. Moreover, plants use only a small amount of phosphorus, because about 80-90 per cent of added phosphorus is precipitated by metal-cation complexes, and rapidly fixed in soils. Such environmental concerns have led to the search for sustainable way of phosphorus nutrition of crops. In this regards phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms have been seen as best eco-friendly means for phosphorus nutrition of crop. Although, several bacterial (Pseudomonas and Bacilli) and fungal strains (Aspergillus and Penicillium) have been identified as PSM. Their performance under in situ conditions is not reliable and therefore, needs to be improved by using co-inoculation techniques. This review focuses on the diversity of PSM, mechanism of P solubilization, role of various phosphatase, impact of various factors on solubilization, the present and future scenario of their use and potential for application of this knowledge in managing a sustainable agricultural system.

Keywords

Soil Phosphorus, PSM, Solubilization, Biodiversity, Biofertilizers, Siderophores, TCP, Organic Acids.

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Ajeet Kumar ¹, Diwakar Paswan ¹, C. S. Choudhary ¹, Brijesh Kumar ¹, Anjana Arun ¹

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Station, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

The paper attempts to explore research findings focusing on the climate change impact on organic agriculture and its impact on climate change through scientific literature review. This review reveals that climate change and agriculture are closely linked and interdependent. Compared to conventional agriculture, organic agriculture is reported to be more efficient and effective both in reducing GHGs (CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O) emission mainly due to the less use of chemical fertilizers and fossil fuel. Organic agriculture also reported to be climate change resilience farming systems as it promotes the proper management of soil, water and biodiversity by acting as a good options for adaptation to climate change. But, due to lack of proper research, the contribution of organic agriculture for climate change adaptation and mitigation is yet to be known. It is argued that organic agriculture positively contributes to offset negative impacts of climate change, but there is inadequate systematic data to substantiate this fact.

Keywords

Adaptation, Climate Change, Greenhouse Gases Mitigation, Organic Agriculture.

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Ritu Dogra ¹, Baldev Dogra ², Ajeet Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 School of Renewable Energy Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab), IN
2 Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab), IN

Abstract

The effect of radius of curvature and spading frequency on various dependent variables, i.e. weighted mean clod size, soil bulk density, cone index and cone index ratio were studied. The experiments were conducted in soil having 15.7 per cent clay, 53.6 per cent silt, and 30.7 per cent sand. During experimentation, moisture content of soil was maintained between 13 and 14 per cent. The radius of curvature used were C1 (Flat), C2 (15 cm) and C3 (30 cm). Four levels of bite lengths viz., 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm at travel speed of 18.47 cm/sec were selected for the study. These corresponded to four levels of spading frequencies namely F1 (1.85 cycles/s), F2 (2.31 cycles/s), F3 (3.08 cycles/s) and F4 (4.62 cycles/s). The spading frequency was determined by dividing the travel speed by the bite length. The dependent variables decreased with increase in radius of curvature and spading frequency. Weighted mean clod size, soil bulk density and soil cone index decreased with increase in spading frequency and radius of curvature. However, it increased with increase with blade width.

Keywords

Spading Machine, Tillage, Radius of Curvature, Spading Frequency, Pulverization, Bulk Density, Cone Index.

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Ajeet Kumar ¹, Mukul Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Station, Madhopur, West Champaran (Bihar), IN
2 Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

An explorative experimental trial was conducted to study the effect of different levels of phosphorus on the yield and yield components of maize in North-East Alluvial plains of Bihar, was conducted at Regional Research Station, Agwanpur, Saharsa (India). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications having a plot size of 5.40 m×6.7 m with row to row distance of 0.75 m and plant to plant distance of 0.25 m. The levels of phosphorus were 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha^-1. Results indicated that the different levels of phosphorus significantly affected maize plant height, number of cobs plant^-1, number of grains cob^-1 and grain yield, however, the effect was non-significant on number of plants m^-2, thousand grain weight and biological yield of maize. Application of phosphorus at the rate of 100 kg ha^-1 resulted in maximum plant height (161 cm), number of cobs plant^-1 (1.25), number of grain cob^-1 (343), thousand grain weight (253 g), grain yield (2535 kg ha^-1) and biological yield (8398 kg ha^-1) as compared to the minimum values in control plots i.e. 148cm, 0.88, 290, 197 g, 1370 kg ha^-1 and 6041 kg ha^-1, respectively. It is concluded that phosphorus should be applied at the rate of 100 kg ha^-1 for best grain yield in the agro-climatic conditions of Bihar.

Keywords

Phosphorus, Zea mays L., Plant Height, Grain Yield.

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Ajeet Kumar ¹, Ashwini Choudhary ², Mukul Kumar ³

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Station (RRS), Madhopur, West Champaran (Bihar), IN
2 Department of Agricultural Economics, Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN
3 Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Sugarcane is a climate sensitive crop; its spatial distribution on the globe is restricted as per the suitability of various climatic parameters. The climate change is now accelerated due to natural, as well as enormous human activities disturbing the composition of atmosphere. The predications of various climatic models for probable rise in temperature, rainfall, sea level show an alarming condition in forthcoming decades. As the sugarcane is very sensitive to climatic parameters therefore, a significant effect on its production and sugar yield is expected in future. Sugarcane is one of the precious crops of the world and its end products i.e. sugar and ethanol has a continuous growing demand. Hence, the studies on good production of sugarcane in changing climate has become front line area of research and is a major concern of sugarcane scientist. An advance agronomic practice seems to be the effective measures for obtaining high production of sugarcane with good quality juice.

Keywords

Sugarcane, Climate Change, Agronomy, Soil.

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