Comparative performance of foliar application of urea and nanourea on finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)S

Both as of late actualized genomic approaches and old-style microbiology strategies keep on building up the study of plant-microorganism collaborations. These examinations of plant microbiome have benefitted from sweeping natural on one hand and reductionist automated exposures on the other. The age of immense confine assortments, what’s more, the examination of built microbial gatherings in the mix with plant hereditary resources, will allow us to fill this hole and to coordinate reductionist, theory-driven assessments in logically complex natural settings up to handle tests. These advances can change our appreciation of plant-creature joint efforts in nature and in cultivating and will contribute essentially to the accompanying green transformation. Plant reaction to natural pressure or boosts habitually happens quickly, now and then inside seconds to minutes, by setting off biochemical pathways that can be estimated in this short period of time. Such quick and explicit changes in planta can be trying to recognize and measure. Other ecological boosts trigger more extensive reaction designs causing auxiliary changes in planta coming about in, for instance, differential asset allotment. Such pressure reactions can be checked at the quality level by considering the plant’s transcriptome as evaluated by quality articulation. Following record, interpretation of quality items into useful or nonuseful proteins happens, delivering what is alluded to all things considered as the plant’s proteome. Nonetheless, the guideline of most natural cooperation in the plant framework happens at the metabolite level. Metabolites unmistakably assume a significant part in the elicitation of plant reaction to the earth and can go about as go-between, signal atoms, guard metabolites, or controllers of certain phone capacities.

Wild relatives of plants as sources for the development of abiotic stress tolerance in plants

The abiotic stresses such as unfavorable temperature, drought, flood, salinity, and heavy metal stress are considered as major factors causing a huge impression on crop growth and productivity. The abiotic stresses can reduce as much as 50% of benefits for some important crops in the world through altering the physiological, morphological, biochemical, and molecular process of plants. Therefore, escape, avoidance, and tolerance mechanisms are very important for plants to survive against abiotic stresses. Crop wild relatives (CWRs) are considered as wild plant species of the same genus (mostly with the same gene pool) of a crop, which play a vital role in the development of crop species for various hostile environments. The gene pool CWRs wild relatives is considered in the choice of crops for today, which is simply a selection from vast. The CWRs helped a lot in the domestication of selected species of present day’s crops and played a vital role in feeding the human civilization. Under the present scenario of climate change, CWRs have got a vital dimension in crop improvement for combatting the adverse effects of climatic threats. Therefore, CWRs became more useful in molecular breeding for the sustainability of crop production in the modern era of climate change. In the chapter, we have been discussed on the wild relatives of plants as sources for the development of abiotic stress tolerance in plants.

Bioinoculants—Natural Biological Resources for Sustainable Plant Production

Agricultural sustainability is of foremost importance for maintaining high food production. Irresponsible resource use not only negatively affects agroecology, but also reduces the economic profitability of the production system. Among different resources, soil is one of the most vital resources of agriculture. Soil fertility is the key to achieve high crop productivity. Maintaining soil fertility and soil health requires conscious management effort to avoid excessive nutrient loss, sustain organic carbon content, and minimize soil contamination. Though the use of chemical fertilizers have successfully improved crop production, its integration with organic manures and other bioinoculants helps in improving nutrient use efficiency, improves soil health and to some extent ameliorates some of the constraints associated with excessive fertilizer application. In addition to nutrient supplementation, bioinoculants have other beneficial effects such as plant growth-promoting activity, nutrient mobilization and solubilization, soil decontamination and/or detoxification, etc. During the present time, high energy based chemical inputs also caused havoc to agriculture because of the ill effects of global warming and climate change. Under the consequences of climate change, the use of bioinputs may be considered as a suitable mitigation option. Bioinoculants, as a concept, is not something new to agricultural science, however; it is one of the areas where consistent innovations have been made. Understanding the role of bioinoculants, the scope of their use, and analysing their performance in various environments are key to the successful adaptation of this technology in agriculture.

Impact of phosphorus and sulphur on the growth and productivity of green gram (Vigna radiata)

Cultivation of pulses fit well to various cropping system and show climateresileince.,Pulses are low external input demanding, can fix atmospheric nitrogen biologically and improve soil health. Among different pulses, green gram (Vigna radiata L.) is considered as an important crop in India. The crop responds to exogenous application of phosphorus and sulphur. Considering the above, a field trial was conducted to find the influence of phosphorus and sulphur on growth and productivity of green gram during rabi season of 2019-20 at Bagusala farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management. A split-plot design was considered for the experiment with three replication. The treatments were consisted of four levels of phosphorus (no application, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 /ha) in the main plot and three sulphur levels (15, 30 and 45 kg S/ha) in sub plot. The findings revealed that application at 60 kg P2O5 /ha being statistically at par with 40 kg/ha P2O5 registered more growth parameters and yield attributes than the lower levels. The seed yield (1079.6 kg/ha) and stover yield (2025.1 kg/ha) were also noted with the application of 60 kg P2O5 /ha and it remaind statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5 /ha. However, 30 kg S/ha being statistically at par with 45 kg S/ha resulted in superior growth attributes, yield parameters and seed (979.2 kg/ha) and stover yield (1871.8 kg/ha) to lower levels. Further, the combination of 60 kg P2O5 /ha and 30 kg S/ha produced significantly more grain yield (1211.3 kg/ha) than other treatment combinations. The study concludes that rabi green gram can be grown with 60 kg P2O5 and 30 kg S/ha for a better productivity.

Productivity and Nutrient Balance of an Intensive Rice–Rice Cropping System Are Influenced by Different Nutrient Management in the Red and Lateritic Belt of West Bengal, India

Rice is the lifeline for more than half of the world population, and in India, in view of its huge demand in the country, farmers adopt a rice–rice cropping system where the irrigation facility is available. As rice is a nutrient-exhausting crop, sustainable productivity of rice–rice cropping system greatly depends on appropriate nutrient management in accordance with the inherent soil fertility. The application of an ample dose of fertilizer is the key factor for maintaining sustainable rice yields and nutrient balance of the soil. Considering the above facts, an experiment was conducted on nutrient management in a rice–rice cropping system at the university farm of Visva-Bharati, situated in a sub-tropical climate under the red and lateritic belt of the western part of West Bengal, India, during two consecutive years (2014–2016). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Completely Block Design with 12 treatments and three replications, with different rates of N:P:K:Zn:S application in both of the growing seasons, namely, kharif and Boro. The recommended (ample) dose of nutrients was 80:40:40:25:20 and 120:60:60:25:20 kg ha?1 of N:P2O5:K2O:Zn:S in the Kharif and Boro season, respectively. A high yielding variety, named MTU 7029, and a hybrid, Arize 6444 GOLD, were taken in the Kharif and Boro seasons, respectively. The results clearly indicated that the application of a recommended dose of nutrients showed its superiority over the control (no fertilizer application) in the expression of growth characters, yield attributes, yields, and nutrient uptake of Kharif as well as Boro rice. Out of the all treatments, the best result was found in the treatment where the ample dose of nutrients was applied, resulting in maximum grain yield in both the Kharif (5.6 t ha?1) and Boro (6.6 t ha?1) season. The corresponding yield attributes for the same treatment in the Kharif (panicles m?2: 247.9; grains panicle?1: 132.0; spikelets panicle?1: 149.6; test weight: 23.8 g; and panicle length: 30.6 cm) and Boro (panicles m?2: 281.6; grains panicle?1: 142.7; spikelets panicle?1: 157.2; test weight: 24.8 g; and panicle length: 32.8 cm) season explained the maximum yield in this treatment. Further, a reduction or omission of individual nutrients adversely impacted on the above traits and resulted in a negative balance of the respective nutrients. The study concluded that the application of a recommended dose of nutrients was essential for proper nutrient balance and sustainable yields in the rice–rice cropping system.

Productivity and Profitability of Kharif Rice Are Influenced by Crop Establishment Methods and Nitrogen Management in the Lateritic Belt of the Subtropical Region

Nitrogen management is vital for economic and environmental sustainability. Asynchrony of fertilizer application with crop demand along various nitrogen losses in Eastern India leads to low fertilizer efficiency in Kharif rice. At the same time, direct-sowing is gaining popularity due to water and labor scarcity. In an experiment between 2017–2018 in West Bengal, India, the main plots represented establishment methods: conventional transplanting, TPR; direct-seeded rice, DSR; and drum seeded rice, DRR; while subplots represented nitrogen management options: farmer’s practice (FP), the state-recommended (SR), nutrient expert-based (NE), Green seeker-based (GS) and LCC-based (LCC) in a split-plot design with three repetitions. Plant growth, productivity, and profitability were evaluated. All indicators of growth or production were affected by establishment methods and by N-management options. The yield enhancement of TPR and DSR over DRR was 21.1 and 16.8%, respectively, while it was enhanced by 19.21, 14.71, 6.49, and 2.52% by GS, NE, LCC, and SR, respectively, over FP. The highest net return and return per rupee invested were recorded with DSR, while both GS and NE had better economics. The results suggest that the combination of DSR establishment with GS or NE requires further studies to find climate-smart management techniques in Kharif rice.

Relative Efficacy of Different Weed Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Weed Dynamics in Sunflower

The experiment was conducted during 2020 to evaluate the relative efficiency of the application of herbicides combined with inter cultivation practices for their influence on the growth and productivity of sunflower. Herbicides like pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen, sodium aciflurfen, clodinafop propargyl with intercultivation at different days after sowing and unweeding as control. Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg/ha at 1 DAS followed by Sodium aciflurofen + Clodinafop propargyl @ 125 g/ha at 21 DAS proved to be better in terms of effective weed control, improved crop growth characters, and productivity of sunflower. The performance of Oxyfluorfen @100 g/ha at 1 DAS fb Sodium aciflurofen + Clodinafop propargyl @150 g/ha at 21 DAS was on par with Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg/ha at 1 DAS followed by Sodium aciflurofen + Clodinafop propargyl @ 125 g/ha at 21 DAS with regard to growth, yield attributes and seed yield.

Growth and Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Nitrogen Management Options

Precision nutrient management is the most advanced agronomic strategy for improving crop yields and managing soil and environmental quality. Considering the above, a field experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm, Baghasala of Centurion University of Technology and Management during the rabi season of 2020-21 to find out the impact of nitrogen management options on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was consisted of eight treatments, viz., T1 : control, T2 : 150% RDN, T3 : 125% RDN, T4 : 100% RDN, T5 : 75% RDN, T6 : 50% RDN, T7 : LCC (25 Kg/ha N @basal, 45 Kg/ha N at 21 DAS, 45 Kg/ha N @ LCC<5 at 45 DAS) and T8 : SPAD (75 Kg N/ha @basal, 20 Kg N/ha @SPAD<45 at 21 and 45 DAS). The treatments were laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The maximum values of growth attributes, namely, plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and crop growth rate and yield attributes, such as cob length, cob girth, grains per cob, test weight inclusive of grain yield (6.65 t/ha), straw yield (8.42 t/ha) were obtained with the application of 150% RDN. For expression of crop growth characters, yield attributes and yields application of 150% RDN proved its superiority and it was followed by 125% RDN and 100% RDN at different growth stages. The treatments with precision N management tools like Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) and SPAD meter also resulted in crop performance with close proximity to 150% RDN, 125% RDN and 100% RDN treatments.

Productivity and competitive ability of rabi maize and legumes intercropping system

The intercropping system involves two or more crops coexist for some period of their cycles and ensure multifaceted benefits. As maize is a widely spaced crop, it offers enough scope for adoption of intercropping and legumes are known as good companions in intercropping. Considering the facts, an experiment was carried out at Bagusala Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management on intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) with legumes, namely, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and green gram (Vigna radiata L.). Paired row maize was sown during first week of January 2020 and in between two pairs of maize rows, one, two and three rows of groundnut and green gram seeds were sown. The results revealed that the grain and straw yields of maize were not influenced significantly by intercropping system. However, total biomass yield was differed among the treatments and maize + groundnut (2 : 3) produced maximum biomass yield and it was closely followed by maize + groundnut (2 : 2) and maize + green gram (2 : 3). The land equivalent ratio (LER) clearly showed advantages of intercropping and maximum LER was obtained with maize + groundnut (2 : 1) and it was followed by maize + green gram (2 : 3). But maximum area time equivalent ratio (ATER) was noted with maize + groundnut (2 : 3). Aggressivity values indicated that maize was more aggressive compared to legumes. Maize equivalent yield (MEY) was maximum with maize + groundnut (2 : 3) and it was followed by maize + groundnut (2 : 2). The results suggest that intercropping of maize + groundnut either in 2 : 2 or 2 : 3 proportions can be adopted under south Odisha conditions for greater productivity than pure stand of maize.

Influence of nutrient levels on productivity and nutrient uptake by finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) varieties

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) is one of the tropical crops having potential to produce considerable quantity of nutritious food grains under suboptimal resource and management conditions. During recent years, researches on crop improvement result in development of improved cultivars producing higher yield and respond well to applied nutrients. However, there is a need for evaluation of the varietal performance for nutrient response under given agroclimatic conditions. Considering the above, an experiment was conducted at Bagusala Farm, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha during rabi season of 2019-20. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design (SPD) comprising of main plot treatments (three varieties, namely, Arjuna, KMR 204 and VL Mandua 352) and subplot treatments (four nutrient levels, control, 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 100% RDF and 150% RDF) with a total treatment combination of 12. The recommended dose of fertilizer was 40:20:20 kg N:P2O5 : K2O /ha. The results indicated that the variety Arjuna expressed significantly greater values in terms of yield attributes and grain, straw and biological yields. More quantity of nutrients (N, P and K) uptake was also noticed with the variety Arjuna. Application of 150% RDF recorded significantly superior yield attributes, grain, straw and biological yields and uptake of primary nutrients than other nutrient doses. The study revealed that for obtaining higher yield of finger millet and nutrient recovery, the variety Arjuna may be cultivated with a nutrient dose of 150% RDF in low fertile soil conditions of South Odisha.

The Productivity and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Rice–Rice–Black Gram Cropping Sequence Are Influenced by Location Specific Nutrient Management

Nutrient management is critical for rice farming because the crop is grown under diverse conditions, and in most cases, the existing nutrient management practices fail to achieve an attainable yield target. During recent years site specific nutrient management gained importance for a target yield with maximum nutrient use efficiency. Sufficient research work has not been carried out in this direction so far in the rice–rice–pulse (black gram) sequential cropping system under the red and lateritic belt of West Bengal, India. A multi-locational field experiment was conducted from July 2013 to June 2015 at three different locations, namely, Guskara (Burdwan district) and Benuriya (Birbhum district) villages in farmers’ fields and at the university farm of Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal, India. The performance of nutrients was tested by providing ample doses of N, P, K, S, and Zn compared to the omission of these nutrients. The growth parameters, such as crop biomass production, leaf area index, and number of tillers, and yield attributes and yield were influenced by nutrient management treatments. Application of 100% of N, P, K, S, and Zn resulted in its superiority to other nutrient management options studied, and a similar trend was also noted with the treatment in the expression of nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and nutrient response (NR). The available N, P, K, S, and Zn contents in soil increased steadily due to the increase in fertilizer application. The study concluded that optimization of NPK in the rice–rice–pulse cropping system on target yield along with need-based S and Zn application was beneficial for higher productivity.

Intercropping—A Low Input Agricultural Strategy for Food and Environmental Security

Intensive agriculture is based on the use of high-energy inputs and quality planting materials with assured irrigation, but it has failed to assure agricultural sustainability because of creation of ecological imbalance and degradation of natural resources. On the other hand, intercropping systems, also known as mixed cropping or polyculture, a traditional farming practice with diversified crop cultivation, uses comparatively low inputs and improves the quality of the agro-ecosystem. Intensification of crops can be done spatially and temporally by the adoption of the intercropping system targeting future need. Intercropping ensures multiple benefits like enhancement of yield, environmental security, production sustainability and greater ecosystem services. In intercropping, two or more crop species are grown concurrently as they coexist for a significant part of the crop cycle and interact among themselves and agro-ecosystems. Legumes as component crops in the intercropping system play versatile roles like biological N fixation and soil quality improvement, additional yield output including protein yield, and creation of functional diversity. But growing two or more crops together requires additional care and management for the creation of less competition among the crop species and efficient utilization of natural resources. Research evidence showed beneficial impacts of a properly managed intercropping system in terms of resource utilization and combined yield of crops grown with low-input use. The review highlights the principles and management of an intercropping system and its benefits and usefulness as a low-input agriculture for food and environmental security.

Consequences and Mitigation Strategies of Abiotic Stresses in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under the Changing Climate

Wheat is one of the world’s most commonly consumed cereal grains. During abiotic stresses, the physiological and biochemical alterations in the cells reduce growth and development of plants that ultimately decrease the yield of wheat. Therefore, novel approaches are needed for sustainable wheat production under the changing climate to ensure food and nutritional security of the ever-increasing population of the world. There are two ways to alleviate the adverse effects of abiotic stresses in sustainable wheat production. These are (i) development of abiotic stress tolerant wheat cultivars by molecular breeding, speed breeding, genetic engineering, and/or gene editing approaches such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas toolkit, and (ii) application of improved agronomic, nano-based agricultural technology, and other climate-smart agricultural technologies. The development of stress-tolerant wheat cultivars by mobilizing global biodiversity and using molecular breeding, speed breeding, genetic engineering, and/or gene editing approaches such as CRISPR-Cas toolkit is considered the most promising ways for sustainable wheat production in the changing climate in major wheat-growing regions of the world. This comprehensive review updates the adverse effects of major abiotic stresses and discusses the potentials of some novel approaches such as molecular breeding, biotechnology and genetic-engineering, speed breeding, nanotechnology, and improved agronomic practices for sustainable wheat production in the changing climate.

The Omics Strategies for Abiotic Stress Responses and Microbe-Mediated Mitigation in Plants

An abundance of metabolomics information on the plant stress reactions has been collected and countless metabolic pathways are proposed to be directed in different abiotic stresses. Be that as it may, there are fewer evidences that metabolites and pathways tentatively demonstrated to work in abiotic stress resilience. A profile of metabolites doesn’t predict precisely whether there is any related metabolic pathway which can be upregulated or downregulated since both the responses can prompt the buildup of a metabolite. Those may be illuminated by contrasting the information on the metabolomics that can be derived from either transcriptomic or proteomic or both investigation and exercises of explicit proteins. Quality to metabolite administrative systems of glucosinolate blend and essential digestion under sulfur-and nitrogen-restricted conditions were likewise finished up. Furthermore, the guidelines of the information on the omics pathway in different abiotic stresses have been summerized. The examinations utilizing proteomics along with secretomics and metabolomics are moderately uncommon in the reaction field of plant stress. A portion of the varieties communicated as alterations of cytogenetical and phenotypical in plants was recovered from the culture by callus tissue. Cell culture and tissue culture conditions can limit or boost the degree of somaclonal varieties. Throughout the years, numerous varieties as changes in the genomes of plants have been normally advanced.

Thermotolerant Soil Microbes and Their Role in Mitigation of Heat Stress in Plants

A growing worldwide population, urbanization and industrialization are expanding the pace of transformation of arable land into no-man’s land. Providing food to an ever-expanding populace is perhaps the greatest test that agriculturalists and plant researchers are now facing. Ecological anxieties make this circumstance much graver. In spite of the enlistment of a few resilience components, touchy plants regularly neglect to make due under natural limits. New mechanical methodologies are basic. Customary rearing techniques have a restricted potential to improve plant genomes against ecological pressure. As of late, hereditary building has contributed hugely to the advancement of hereditarily altered assortments of various harvests, for example, cotton, maize, rice, canola and soybean. The distinguishing proof of pressure responsive qualities and their resulting introgression or overexpression inside delicate yield species is presently being broadly done by plant researchers. The design of significant resilience pathways, similar to cell reinforcement chemicals, osmolyte amassing, layer limited transporters for effective compartmentation of harmful particles and aggregation of fundamental components and opposition against irritations or microorganisms is additionally a territory that has been seriously investigated. In this chapter, the role of microbial biotechnology for mitigation of heat stress in plants are discussed.

Zinc Biofortification in Food Crops Could Alleviate the Zinc Malnutrition in Human Health

Micronutrient malnutrition is a global health issue and needs immediate attention. Over two billion people across the globe suffer from micronutrient malnutrition. The widespread zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils, poor zinc intake by humans in their diet, low bioavailability, and health consequences has led the research community to think of an economic as well as sustainable strategy for the alleviation of zinc deficiency. Strategies like fortification and diet supplements, though effective, are not economical and most people in low-income countries cannot afford them, and they are the most vulnerable to Zn deficiency. In this regard, the biofortification of staple food crops with Zn has been considered a useful strategy. An agronomic biofortification approach that uses crop fertilization with Zn-based fertilizers at the appropriate time to ensure grain Zn enrichment has been found to be cost-effective, easy to practice, and efficient. Genetic biofortification, though time-consuming, is also highly effective. Moreover, a Zn-rich genotype once developed can also be used for many years without any recurring cost. Hence, both agronomic and genetic biofortification can be a very useful tool in alleviating Zn deficiency.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under red and lateritic belt of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under red and lateritic belt of West Bengal. The study was laid out during 2014-15 and 2015-16 at Bahadurpur, Birbhum district of west Bengal which consists of 14 treatments and carried out in randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that treatment T10: 80% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 20% through vermicompost + biofertilizer exhibited highest growth attributes i.e. plant height (43.3 cm), leaf area index (4.42), dry matter accumulation (583.45 g m-2 ) and crop growth rate (18.38 g m-2 day-1 ) followed by treatment T11: 80% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 20% through mustard oil cake + biofertilizer and T9: 80% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 20% through FYM + biofertilizer. This treatment T10: 80% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 20% through vermicompost + biofertilizer also showed highest total number of tubers per plant (9.05 tubers plant-1 ), tuber weight per plant (517.8 gm) and tuber yield (32.05 t ha-1 ) of potato and the tubers yield was 55% higher over 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer (T1). The higher tuber yield achieved in 80% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 20% through vermicompost + biofertilizer might be due to the integration of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers might have improved the physico-chemical conditions of the soil.

Advantages of Cotton Based Intercropping System: A Review

Intercropping provides ample scope to incorporate at least two or more crops at a time in same piece of land aiming at higher productivity from unit land area through optimized utilization of available resources. Selection of crops, planting geometry and optimum stand and crop maturity are important factors influencing success of intercropping system. Upland cotton, being a moderately long duration and widely spaced crop and having moderate growth rate during early stage, offers suitability for adoption of intercropping. Previous research indicates that under cotton-based intercropping system there is efficient use of resources resulting in not only high productivity from unit area but also in high profitability. The current review article highlights the advantages of cotton-based intercropping system based on previous research findings.

Organic Agriculture, Ecosystem Services and Sustainability: A Review

Intensive agriculture enhanced agricultural productivity to a large extent by using high energy inputs, improved seeds and cultivars, assured irrigation and mechanization. After some decades, the ill effects of mentioned technologies were pronounced on agro-ecosystem and these created hindrances in achieving agricultural sustainability. During the end part of the previous century, the thought of agricultural sustainability became an important concern. Organic agriculture was also started to flourish during the same period with some promises of ecofriendly concept as well as Ecosystem Services (ES). Greater Ecosystem Service (ES) is related to agricultural sustainability and thus organic agriculture has a huge potential to ensure agricultural sustainability by mitigating adverse impacts of intensive agriculture on agroecosystem. The article focuses on scope and positive effects of organic agriculture on ES vis-à-vis sustainable agriculture.

Nutrient Management in Foxtail millet: A Review

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.), like other small millets belongs to the family Poaceae, is drought tolerant crop grown in drylands under rainfed conditions with higher CO2 abatement opportunities. In the present context of temperature rise and ill effect of climate change, the low input demanding and ecologically sound foxtail millet can automatically be chosen for agricultural sustainability in drylands. Foxtail millet is nutritionally superior to other cereals. Recently developed varieties of foxtail millet respond well to added nutrients and proper nutrient management is essential for production sustainability. In the present paper, the available literature on different options of nutrients application to foxtail millet for sustainable productivity is reviewed. Application of nitrogen in the soils with low available nitrogen is beneficial for enhancing productivity. Nitrogen in combination with phosphorus or recommended dose of balanced fertilizer can boost the yield of foxtail millet. For sustainable production of foxtail millet, integrated nutrient management can be adopted. As there is insufficiency in research and the crop is having nutritional and ecological importance, there is ample scope for future research towards precision nutrient management.

Growth and Productivity of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management

Millets have been re-recognized during recent times as nutri-cereals because of their nutritional qualities. Among different small millets, finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) is having enough importance in India in terms of acreage and production. The crop responds well to added nutrients to enhance yield and integration of different sources of nutrients is considered as the best option for sustainable production. Considering the above fact, an experiment was conducted in south Odisha conditions at Bagusala Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management to study the effect of biofertilizer Azospirillum and graded levels of chemical fertilizer on growth and yield of finger millet. The results of above research clearly indicated that application of 100% RDF was beneficial for increasing growth parameters like plant height, number of tillers, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index of finger millet. Grain and straw yield of finger millet were also increased by application of 100% RDF. The impact of biofertilizer application was not observed on growth and productivity.

A Review on Effect of Phosphorus and Sulphur on Growth, Productivity and Nutrient Uptake of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) is one of the important pulses grown in different seasons in India. For satisfactory yield, nutrients management is essential in green gram. As a legume species it can fix nitrogen biologically and so nitrogen demand is less compared to other macronutrients. Phosphorus (P) is a crucial element in the production and metabolism of pulses and it is also a significant limiting nutrient in most of the Indian soils. In all soil types, phosphorus deficiency is typically the main factor in the seed yield of pulse crops. Phosphorus promotes early root development, improves rhizobia activity enhancing root nodules for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Phosphorus is the integral element of ATP, the plant energy unit. Another important microelement is sulphur which takes part in protein synthesis. Further, sulphur is an essential constituent of cystine, cysteine, and methionine. To obtain greater yield and quality of green gram, fertilization of P and S is crucial. This article gives an information on the effect of phosphorus and sulphur on various growth and yield attributes and productivity of green gram.

A Review on Precision Nutrient Management in Maize

Maize is considered as a nutrient exhaustive crop, requiring high amounts of nutrients for its proper growth, production and yield. Proper nutrient management strategies can help in maintain the nutrient requirement of maize crop. The implementation of precision agriculture technologies like LCC, SPAD, and VRA can help in better prediction and application of nutrient sources to the maize crop. This article focuses on the various primary and micro nutrients required and different precision nutrient management strategies and tools that can be utilized to increase the nutrient use efficiency of maize crop.

Influence of Nutrient Management on the Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Wheat (Triticum aestivum. L) in Lateritic Belt of West Bengal

The present investigation entitled to evaluate the effect of nutrient management on the growth and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the red and lateritic belt of West Bengalwas carried out during rabi season of 2011-12 at Agricultural farm of Palli Siksha Bhavana, VisvaBharati, Sriniketan (West Bengal). Integrated use of biofertilizers in combination with the chemical fertilizer and their proper management for better productivity and economics is very essential. Keeping, these facts in perspective, the present investigation were taken up. The experiment consisted of the five levels of fertilizer i.e. control, 50 % RDF, 75 % RDF, 100 % RDF and 125 % RDF and four levels of biofertilizers viz. no biofertilizers, Azotobacter, Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and combined application of Azotobacter and PSB thus making twenty treatment combinations which were replicated thrice and was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD). The Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 100:50:50 kg/ha of N: P2O5 :K2O. The maximum values for growth parameters like plant height, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index were observed in 125 % RDF and Azotobacter +PSB and similar effect was observed yield attributes and yield. The total nutrient uptake of wheat was recorded highest in the 125% RDF + Azotobactor + Phosphate Solubilizing and The lowest value in recorded in Control. This indicated that the wheat crop responded upto 125 % RDF and combined application of Azotobacter and PSB proved superior over application of Azotobacter only but was statistically at par in most of the cases with application of PSB alone.

Agronomic Management of Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) in India for Production Sustainability: A Review

Since ancient period, different small millets are in use as food and animal feed. But during last few decades, fine cereals and their value-added products were promoted in India and millets were neglected. Recently, small millets are recognized as nutri-cereals due to their nutritional values. These crops are ecologically sound, can enrich agro-diversity, check erosion in arid regions, sequester carbon and assure food and nutritional security to smallholders in drylands. But productivity of small millets is less compared to other cereals. Like other small millets, foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is also rich in nutrients and as a short duration crop it fits to different cropping systems. Sufficient research work has not been carried out on agronomic management targeting higher productivity. An initiative has been taken to gather information from available literature on improved agronomic management of foxtail millet and presented in the article. Further, the article highlighted the future scope of research on the crop.

Energetics of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) Cultivation as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management

Finger millets ((Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) is one of the important small millets cultivated in India under subsistence farming in drylands. Though it is low demanding crop energy involvement is there in profitable raising of finger millet. Increase in energy use in agriculture production at a faster rate in India because of mechanization and enhancing chemical usage. To study the energy use in finger millet cultivation, a field trail was conducted at Bagusala Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and ten treatments. The treatment comprises of T1: control, T2: FYM @ 4 t ha-1,T3: FYM @ 8 t ha-1, T4: 100% RDF (40:20:20 kg ha-1 of N: P2 O5 : K2 O), T5: 50% RDF + 4 t FYM, T6, 75% RDF + 2 t FYM, T7: FYM 4 t ha-1 + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1, T8: FYM 8 t ha-1 + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1, T9: 50% RDF + 4 t FYM + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1 and T10: 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1. The results revealed that all the energy parameters except energy productivity were significantly influenced by different treatments. The highest maximum energy input, gross energy output, net energy and energy intensity in term of economics were recorded maximum with application of 100% RDF and maximum energy use efficiency and energy productivity was noticed with application of FYM 8 t ha-1 + Azospirillum.

Growth, Productivity, Nutrient uptake and Economics of Hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Precision Nutrient Management

The field experiment was carried out at the farmer’s field in Chella Kamarpara village, Chella G.P, Chella Mouza of Illambazar Block, Birbhum, West Bengal which is situated at 23o 37.374’ latitude and 87o 37.170’E longitudes with an average altitude of 58.9 m above mean sea level under sub-humid, sub-tropical belt under the prevailing climatic conditions of West Bengal during the Kharif season of 2013. The experiment consisted of the five levels of nutrient management i.e., N1 : State recommendation (150:75:75), N2 : Nutrient expert (NE) recommendation (120:34:51), N3 : Farmers practices (80:40:40), and N4 : Basal application of 50:75:75 with split N application on basis of LCC (leaf colour chart), N5 :control and two level of varieties viz. V1 : Sona and V2 : Rajkumar, the total number of treatment combinations are ten, which were replicated thrice and was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD). To evaluate the effect of nutrient management on the growth, productivity and economics of hybrid maize cultivation. Nutrient management has played an important role in achieving sustainability of grain production. The chemical fertilizer consumption coupled with their limited production, fertilizer cost, soil health and pollution have given rise to interest in precision nutrient management tools. It was the found that the Growth, productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by precision nutrient management which was significantly affected by different level of nutrient management and varieties. Whereas, LCC based application of fertilizer gave better result than all other treatment but it was also statistically at par with Nutrient expert based recommendation.

Productivity, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency of summer rice (Oryza sativa) as influenced by integrated nutrient management practices

Rice is the staple food crop of India and for sustainable production of rice integrated nutrient management is advised. In this regard, a field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2019-20 at Bagusala Farm (23o 39’N latitude and 87o42’E longitude) of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Gajapati, Odisha under sandy clay loam soil conditions. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replication and eight treatments. The treatments were 100% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen), 75% RDN+25% N through vermicompost, 75% RDN+25% N through FYM (farmyard manure), 50% RDN+50% N through vermicompost, 50% RDN+50% N through FYM, 50% RDN+25%N through vermicompost+25% N through FYM, 25% RDN+ 25% N through vermicompost + 50% N through FYM, control (no fertilizer).The rice variety RNR 15048 was used. The treatments with 75% RDN along with 25% vermicompost recorded better results in terms of yield attributes, namely, number of panicle/m2 (213.3), panicle length (24.5 cm), number of spikelets/ panicle (140.7), number of filled grain/ panicle (123.3) and grain and straw yields (5.18 t/ha and 7.31 t/ha respectively).The uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K)by rice was more (85.6, 28.1 and 128.7 kg/ha respectively) with 75% RDN+25% N through vermicompost and the treatment also showed maximum value of N (255.0 kg/ha), P (16.7 kg/ha) and K (144.0 kg/ha) in postharvest soil. From the present study it may be recommended that integrated nutrient management in summer rice in south Odisha involving application of 75% RDN with 25% N through vermicompost can be opted for improving productivity and sustainability.

Growth, Yield and Quality of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) responds well to added nutrients and technocrats suggest to adopt integrated nutrient management with a suitable combination of all possible sources. Though finger millet is a traditional crop of south Odisha, there is lack of sufficient information on nutrient management in finger millet. Hence the present experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2018 at Bagusala Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi,Gajapati, Odisha to study the effect of integrated nutrient management in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) on growth, yield and quality under south Odisha conditions. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, slightly acidic in reaction, medium in organic carbon, and low in available nitrogen, medium in phosphorous and medium in potassium. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design having ten treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments were: T1 : control, T2 : FYM @4 t ha-1, T3 : FYM @8 t ha-1, T4 : 100% RDF (40:20:20 - N: P2 O5 : K2 O kg ha-1), T5 : 50% RDF + 4 t FYM, T6 : 75% RDF + 2 t FYM, T7 : FYM 4 t ha-1+ Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1, T8 : FYM 8 t ha-1 + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1, T9 : 50% RDF + 4 t FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1, T10: 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1. Application of 100% RDF resulted the highest growth attributes such as plant height, number of tillersplant-1, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index at different stages. Similar trend was noted in grain and straw yield of finger millet with 100% RDF which was followed by application of 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum (T10) and 75% RDF + 2 t FYM (T6 ). However, there was no significant difference among treatments in expression of N, P and K content of finger millet. The results suggest that finger millet may be grown in south Odisha conditions during kharif season with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers. However, considering the long-term productivity and improvement of soil fertility, the crop may be cultivated with 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1.

Effect of nutrient management on growth, productivity and economics in rice based cropping system in lateritic soil of West Bengal

The experiment was conducted during 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 at farmers’ field situated at Binuria village (23 o40’N and 87 o37’E) of Birbhum district of West Bengal under the red and lateritic belt of West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replication and twelve treatments in both during kharif and boro season. The plot size was 5m x 4m and the treatment combinations are T1-N80P40K40Zn25S20, T2-N40P40K40Zn25S20, T3-N0P40K40Zn25S20, T4-N80P20K40Zn25S20, T5-N80P0K40Zn25S20, T6-N80P40K20Zn25S20, T7-N80P40K0Zn25S20, T8-N80P40K40Zn12.5S20, T9- N80P40K40Zn0S20, T10-N80P40K40Zn25S10, T-11,N80P40K40Zn25S0 and T12 -Control where as in boro season the treatment combinations are T1-N120P60K60Zn25S20, T2-N60K60Zn25S20, T3-N0K60Zn25S20,T4- N120P30K60Zn25S20,T5-N120P0K60Zn25S20, T6-N120P60K30Zn25S20, T7 N120P60K0Zn25S20, T8- N120P60K60Zn12.5S20,T9-N120P60K60Zn0S20,T10-N120P60K60Zn25S10,T11-N120P60K60Zn25S0, and T12- Control. The high yielding varieties (HYV) rice during Kharif season was MTU 7029 (Swarna) and hybrid variety used in Boro season was Arize 6444 GOLD. The study concludes that application of N80P40K40Zn25S20 (T1) during kharif and N120P60K60Zn25S20 (T1) in boro season during the two season of experimentation was essential for improving growth attributes, yield components and productivity of high yielding variety (HYV) and hybrid rice. The treatments positively influenced the crop efficiency factors, improved physico-chemical properties and fertility status of the soil and paid highest gross and net returns from the rice cultivation. The study suggests the application of ample dose of fertilizer for better growth, higher productivity, profit and sustainability of rice in the lateritic soil of west Bengal

Potential and Advantages of Maize-Legume Intercropping System

ntercropping provides enough scope to include two or more crops simultaneouslyin same piece of land targeting higher productivity from unit area. Maize, a cerealcrop of versatile use, as planted in wide rows offers the opportunity for adoption ofintercropping. The intercropping system with maize and legume is beneficial in mul-tifaceted aspects. The success of maize-legume intercropping system largely dependson choice of crops and their maturity, density, and time of planting. Advantage ofmaize-legume combination of intercropping system is pronounced in the form ofhigher yield and greater utilization of available resources, benefits in weeds, pestsand disease management, fixation of biological nitrogen by legumes and transfer ofN to associated maize, insurance against crop failure to small holders, and control oferosion by covering a large extent of ground area. Though maize-legume intercrop-ping system exhibits limitations like less scope of farm mechanization, dependenceon more human workforce, and chance of achieving less productivity from maize,the system implies more advantages for small holders in developing countries wherehuman workforce is not a constraint. The chapter has focused on beneficial impactsof maize-legume intercropping system.
(3) (PDF) Potential and Advantages of Maize-Legume Intercropping System. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340162199_Potential_and_Advantages_of_Maize-Legume_Intercropping_System [accessed Nov 04 2022].

Potential and Advantages of Maize-Legume Intercropping System

Intercropping provides enough scope to include two or more crops simultaneously in same piece of land targeting higher productivity from unit area. Maize, a cereal crop of versatile use, as planted in wide rows offers the opportunity for adoption of intercropping. The intercropping system with maize and legume is beneficial in multifaceted aspects. The success of maize-legume intercropping system largely depends on choice of crops and their maturity, density, and time of planting. Advantage of maize-legume combination of intercropping system is pronounced in the form of higher yield and greater utilization of available resources, benefits in weeds, pests and disease management, fixation of biological nitrogen by legumes and transfer of N to associated maize, insurance against crop failure to small holders, and control of erosion by covering a large extent of ground area. Though maize-legume intercropping system exhibits limitations like less scope of farm mechanization, dependence on more human workforce, and chance of achieving less productivity from maize, the system implies more advantages for small holders in developing countries where human workforce is not a constraint. The chapter has focused on beneficial impacts of maize-legume intercropping system.

Cultivation of Gerbera in Polyhouse

Protected cultivation of high-value cut flower is catching up in India. Among different cut flowers grown under protected cultivation, gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) is important because of its flower colour, long vase-life and market demand. In tropical and subtropical climate, gerbera is grown in greenhouses to produce quality flower. To obtain satisfactory yield and superior quality of flowers, standard package of practices should be followed. In the chapter, suitable technologies of gerbera cultivation in greenhouse including post-harvest care have been described.

Growing of Dendrobium Orchids in Greenhouse

Protected cultivation of high value cut-flowers has become attractive because of more income from unit area. Orchids are attractive flowers with greater diversity and commercial importance. Among different orchids, Dendrobiums can be grown under different climatic conditions even in open ventilated greenhouses in tropics and subtropics. For production of quality flowers of Dendrobium, suitable package of practices should be adopted which includes choice of cultivars, providing congenial environment, media preparation, planting and establishment, care of crops and harvest and post-harvest technologies. The chapter focuses on suitable technologies for production of quality flowers of Dendrobium in greenhouses.

Cultivation of Cucumber in Greenhouse

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a very common and important crop cultivated in worldwide and often raw or eaten vegetable without cooking. It has been growing as a food or medicinal since ancient time in India. The seed of cucumber used for extraction of oil which is excellent for brain and body. Cucumber contains around 96% of water, which is good for summer season. Ployhouse cucumber cultivation is very famous in many countries of the world. Sandy loam soil containing high organic matter with good drainage facility and having electric conductivity less than 2 dS/m and range of pH from 6.5-7.5 are considered ideal for cultivation of cucumber. Moderately warm climate is requiring for better growth. The plants are large in size, hairy leaves, triangular shape and yellow coloured flower. Cucumber is an excellent source of molybdenum, vitamin and potassium and also used to cure of skin problems, kidney, heart problem and used as alkalizer. Protected cultivation of cucumber ensures higher productivity and superior quality than open cultivation.

Future of Precision Agriculture in India

The yield and quality of crops depends on various biotic, abiotic and management related parameters. In conventional agriculture the farmers relied on their experiences. Due to human perception often there is uncontrolled use of resources and inputs resulting in not only natural resources wastage and environmental pollution but also financial loss of farmers. Precision agriculture uses technology such GPS, sensors, Internet of Things, robotics, drones, machine learning al decision support systems etc. to optimize the use of natural resources and farm inputs for a specified yield and quality of crops. The future of precision farming is moving towards extensive use of machine learning techniques and image analysis. However, the major constraints are loss of job, data security, lack of motivation, training and so on.

Evaluation of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) Cultivars for Growth, Yield and Flower Quality under Protected Cultivation

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.), a high-value cut flower of the family Asteraceae is used as fresh and dry flower, aesthetic decoration, making of bouquet with high demand in the domestic as well as export market. In topical and sub-tropical environment it is grown under protected cultivation. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of six cultivars of gerbera, viz., Stanza, Dana ellene, Intense, Dune, White House and Artist for growth, productivity and floral quality under forced ventilated polyhouse with fan-pad cooling system and micro-climate managed by internet of things (IoT). The present investigation was carried out during 2018-2019 at the Protected Cultivation Unit of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha. The experiment was placed in Randomized Block Design and replicated four times. Among the cultivarsconsidered, there was significant difference interms of vegetative growth, floral characteristics and yield. The maximum plant height (45 cm) was found with Stanza and the cultivar White House recorded the highest number of leaves (30.3) during 100 days after planting. But the cultivar Dana ellene showed its superiority in terms of floral characters like stalk length (62.3 cm), basal girth of the stalk of flower (0.70 cm) and flower diameter (12.8 cm) with more yield.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Content and Economics of Summer Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field trial was performed during summer season of 2019 at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Paralakhemundi, Odisha. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments which are replicated thrice. Treatments are 100% RDN (T1), 75% RDN+25% N through vermicompost (T2), 75% RDN+25% N through FYM (T3), 50% RDN+50% N through vermicompost (T4), 50% RDN+50 % N through FYM (T5), 50% RDN+25% N through vermicompost+25% N through FYM (T6), 25% RDN+25% N through vermicompost+50% N through FYM (T7) and Control (T8). The rice variety used in the trial was RNR 15048. The integrated nutrient management (INM) expressed significantly better results on growth, yield, nutrient content and economics of summer rice. The treatments with 75% RDN along with 25% vermicompost (T2) and 75% RDN along with 25% FYM (T3) recorded enhanced growth, nutrient content and productivity which were at par with 100% RDN and the lowest results are found with control (no fertilizer).

Assessment of Energetics of Summer Rice with Irrigation Regimes and Staggered Transplanting in South Odisha

The experiment was carried out during summer season at Agriculture Research Farm, Bagusala, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha in 2018-19. The experimental soil was sandy clay loam in texture, acidic in reaction with low in available nitrogen and high in both phosphorus and potassium. The twelve treatments with combination of irrigation regime and dates of transplanting were tested in split-plot design with three replications. In main plot, the treatments were consisted of three irrigation regimes namely continuous ponding, continuous soil saturation and saturation after hair crack. Four different transplanting dates such as 23rd and 31st January and 6th and 13th February were assigned in sub plots. The experiment results revealed that all the energy parameters like gross energy output, net energy, energy productivity, energy use efficiency and energy intensity in term of economics were significantly influenced by irrigation regimes, dates of transplanting and their interaction effect. The highest value of energy input, gross energy output and net energy were noticed with continuous ponding while energy use efficiency and energy productivity were recorded under saturation after hair crack. The energy intensity in term of economics was enhanced on continuous soil saturation. Transplanting of rice on 31st January produced maximum all energetic parameters over other dates of transplanting.

Effect of seaweed extracts on the growth, yield and nutrient uptake of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) in the red and lateritic belt of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural farm of Visva-Bharati University, Birbhum, West Bengal during Pre-kharif (Summar) season of 2012, to study the effect of foliar spray of seaweed extracts (prepared from Kappaphycus alvarezii & Gracilaria crassa) on the growth and productivity of black gram. The foliar spray was applied thrice at different concentrations (0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0% v/v) of seaweed extracts. Foliar applications of seaweed extracts significantly enhanced the growth and yield attributes. The highest grain yield was recorded with applications of 15% Kappaphykus + recommended dose of fertilizer which at par wth 15% Gracilaria extracts + RDF resulting in an enhanced by 51 and 44% grain yield, respectively compared to the water applied plots. The highest straw yield was also achieved with the application of 15% seaweed extracts. The nutrient uptake (N, P and K) which influenced due to the application was also with seaweed extract.

Influence of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield attributes of summer rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The experiment was conducted during 2015-16 at farmers’ field of Binuria (23 o 40’N and 87 o39’E) village of Birbhum, West Bengal, under the red and lateritic belt. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications for assessing the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of summer rice. The plot size was 5 x 4 m and the treatment combinations were : T1 : Control, T2 : 25% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN)+75% poultry manure, T3 : 50% RDN+50% poultry manure, T4 : 75% RDN+25% poultry manure, T5 : 100% RDN, T6 : 25% RDN+75% farm yard manure (FYM), T7 : 50% RDN+50% FYM and T8 : 75% RDN+25% FYM. The rice variety IR-36 showed positive influence on integrated nutrient management and resulted in significantly greater values of growth and yield attributes and yield of summer rice. The recommended dose of nutrients was 120 : 60 : 60 kg/ha of N : P2O5 : K2O of summer rice, respectively. The treatments with 75% RDN+25% poultry manure (T4) and 75% RDN+25% FYM (T8) recorded better performance compared to other treatments.

Growth, Yield and Quality of Summer Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as Affected by Graded Levels of Phosphorous

India is the largest importer of vegetable oils in the world. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the important oilseeds of India. There is enough scope for improvement of productivity of oilseeds through adoption of scientific technologies and the crop responds well to added nutrients. Considering the importance of phosphorus among nutrients, a field experiment was carried out at the Bagusala Farm (23? 39? N latitude and 87? 42? E longitude) of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha on medium land with good irrigation and drainage facilities. The soil was a typical brown forest soil and sandy loam in texture having moderate water holding capacity. The percentage of sand, silt and clay were 71.5, 16.2 and 12.3, respectively. The experimental soil was with 0.73% organic carbon, 230 kg N ha-1, 32.1kg P2 O5 ha-1 and 346 kg K2 O ha-1. The treatments were comprised of seven levels of phosphorus namely, P0 : control (no P2 O5 ), P1 : P2 O5 @ 20 kg ha-1, P2 : P2 O5 @ 40 kg ha-1, P3 : P2 O5 @ 60 kg ha-1, P4 : P2 O5 @ 80 kg ha-1, P5 : P2 O5 @ 100 kg ha-1 and P6 : P2 O5 @ 120 kg ha-1,allotted randomly in 4 replications. The variety of groundnut was K6. The experimental results revealed that the treatment P5 (P2 O5 @ 100 kg ha-1) recorded the maximum plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and crop growth rate. The highest pod, kernel, haulm and biological yields and harvest index were noted by P5 (P2 O5 @ 100 kg ha-1). The higher doses of P2 O5 application enhanced N, P and K content of kernel and haulm and crude protein content of kernel and established their superiority to control.

Agronomic management in little millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) for enhancement of productivity and sustainability

Effect of Crop Geometry and Age of Seedlings on Productivity and Nutrient Uptake of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)

Crop geometry is an important factor to achieve higher production by better utilization of resources and in turn higher production of photosynthates. The ideal crop geometry can assure healthy and uniform stand in the main field and ensure higher productivity. Proper age of seedlings has a tremendous influence on the tiller production, grain formation and other yield contributing characteristics. In view of the above, a field experiment was conducted during kharif season (June to October) of 2018 at Bagusala Farm (23o 39’ N latitude, 87o 42’ E longitude) of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha to find out the effect of crop geometry and age of seedlings on yield attributing characters, yield and nutrient uptake of finger millet (cv. Vakula) in sandy loam soil. The experiment revealed that transplanting of 20 days old seedlings at 25 cm x 25 cm spacing registered superior performance in expression of yield attributes like effective tillers m-2, number of grain ear head-1, number of fingers ear head-1, test weight and length of the fingers; grain and straw yield and nutrient uptake. It may be concluded that to obtain higher productivity of finger millet during kharif season in sandy loam soils of south Odisha, 20 days old seedlings may be transplanted with a spacing of 25 cm × 25 cm.

Present Status and Future Prospects of Maize Cultivation in South Odisha

Maize is considered as a unique cereal crop for its diversified use and suitability under various cropping systems. In India it is the third largest cereal crop in terms of acreage. In the country, more than threefourths of the area to maize production is contributed by eight states, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The country produces 21.81 million tonnes of maize from 8.69 m ha of area with a productivity of 2509 kg/ha. The composite high yielding varieties (HYVs) and hybrids are having more production potential than national average. The crop is produced under various climatic conditions, land situations and cropping systems. Though Odisha is not a traditional maize growing state of the country, during recent times the cereal cultivation has been caught up. In Odisha maize is mainly produced during kharif season in southern districts which fulfill the need of agro-based industries of the state and even neighboring states. The productivity of maize in Odisha (2785 kg/ha) is more than the national average but no doubt it’s less than the potential yield of high yielding varieties (HYVs) and hybrids. In this article, the present situation of maize cultivation in India vis-à-vis Odisha and more particularly in south Odisha has been investigated and the limitations, technological recommendations and future scope of study have been narrated for production sustainability and livelihood security of the farmers which may be helpful to the researchers and policy makers.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)

EFFECT OF NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON YIELD ATTRIBUTES AND YIELDS IN RICE BASED CROPPING SYSTEM

A field experiment was conducted during 2015 & 2016 at farmers’ field is situated at latitude and longitudes location of Binuria village (23 o 40.392’N and 87 o 37.654’E) of Birbhum district of West Bengal under the red and lateritic belt of West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replication and twelve treatments in both during boro season rice.the plot size was 5 m x 4 m and the treatment combinations are T1- N120P60K60Zn25S20, T2-N60K60Zn25S20, T3N0K60Zn25S20, T4-N120P30K60Zn25S20, T5- N120P0K60Zn25S20, T6-N120P60K30Zn25S20, T7-N120P60K0Zn25S20, T8-N120P60K60Zn12.5S20, T9- N120P60K60Zn0S20, T10-N120P60K60Zn25S10, T11-N120P60K60Zn25S0, and T12- Control. The hybrid rice of boro season was Arize 6444 GOLD which show positive influence on application of the ample dose of nutrient and recorded significantly better effect on the yield parameters and yield of boro rice.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN RICE-RICE BASED CROPPING SYSTEM ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF LATERITIC SOIL OF WEST BENGAL

A field experiment was conducted during 2014 &2015 at farmers’ field is situated at latitude and longitudes location of Binuria village (23 o 40.392’N and 87 o 37.654’E) of Birbhum district of West Bengal under the red and lateritic belt of West Bengal .The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replication and twelve treatments in both during kharif and boro season rice.the plot size was 5 m x 4 m and the treatment combinations are T1- N80P40K40Zn25S20,T2- N40P40K40Zn25S20, T3-N0P40K40Zn25S20, T4- N80P20K40Zn25S20,T5-N80P0K40Zn25S20,T6-N80P40K20Zn25S20, T7-N80P40K0Zn25S20, T8- N80P40K40Zn12.5S20, T9-N80P40K40Zn0S20, T10-N80P40K40Zn25S10, T11-N80P40K40Zn25S0 and T12- Control. The HYV rice of Kharif season was MTU 7029 which show positive influence on application of the ampled dose of nutrient gave significantly better effect on the growth parameters of Kharif rice, viz., plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and tiller/m2 . The grain and straw yields at maturity stage of the crop were recorded to evaluate the effect of different treatments, besides the soil properties after harvest of each crop season. Key words: Ample dose, grain yield, rice, nutrient management, High yielding rice

Assessment of molecular diversity in Elite Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osback) accessions using RAPD markers

Effect of Sea Weed Extracts on the Growth, Yield Attribute and Nutrient Uptake of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the summerseason at Agriculture farm in 2011-12 to study the effects of seaweed saps on growthand nutrient uptake of sesame in red lateritic soil of West Bengal. The foliar spray was applied thrice at seedling, pre-flowering and flowering stages with different concentrations (5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0%) of seaweed extracts (namely Kappaphycus and Gracilaria). Foliar applications of seaweed extract significantly enhanced the growth and nutrient uptake. The maximum plant height, dry matter, LAI and CGR was also achieved with the application of 15% seaweed extract. The highest dry matter production, seed yield nutrient uptake was recorded with applications of 15% Gracilaria sap+recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), followed by 10% and 15% Kappaphykus sap+RDF extract resulting in an increased percentage of growth and nutrient uptake by the plant, respectively compared to the control. A wide range of beneficial effects have been reported from the use of liquid seaweed extracts, including increased crop yields, increased uptake of inorganic constituents from the soil. Hence this simple practice of application of eco-friendly seaweed liquid fertilizers to crops may be useful for the growers for attaining better growth and yield parameter. Findings of this work are useful to further research to evaluation the plant vigour and yield. Integrated use of sea weed liquid fertilizer in combination with the chemical fertilizer and their proper management for better growth and yield.

Relevance of Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea L.) Cultivation and Agronomic Management for Production Sustainability

Design Principles and Architectures for Its Application in Various Domains

In recent days, the necessity of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) using Internet of Things (IoT) has been developing all over the world. The things that are connected to internet will operate in a way where their functioning will be sensed by using intelligent devices like sensors. Since these intelligent devices are directly integrated with an online environment, it is possible for all users to check the functionality of each device in their remote place itself. Even this IoT-based technology can be applied to all fields which include agriculture, transportation, education, medicine, industries and smart grid environments where all electrical and electronic appliances can be automatically controlled. It can be recognized that in the future, the world will be changed to an automated environment and all people will relocate themselves in smart cities. The consumer applications market is developing daily and in the future IoT-based intelligent technologies will make the process easier and the people could also travel in their day-to-day life in an automated secured environment. To analyze the procedure of IoT applications, basic parametric values like energy consumption, distance, temperature, cost and sensitivity will be monitored by a secured online software called Things Speak and their performance analysis will be visualized in MATLAB®.

The Role of Gibberellin against Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants

Phytohormones are small molecules that regulate growth and development of plants in addition to responding to various changes in the environment. Modification, synthesis, distribution and/or signal transduction of phytohormones coordinate with growth and developmental processes inclusive of stress tolerance to support the survival of plants. Gibberellin (GA), one of the most important classes of plant growth-promoting hormone against abiotic stress, is reported to play an important role. Levels of GA and its signalling pathway influence on plant growth restriction of plants under different stress conditions like temperature, osmotic stress, and salinity. Increased GA biosynthesis and signal transduction promote growth in plants to combat against shading and submergence. It has been reported that GA signalling is also related to tolerance of different types of abiotic stresses. The regulation at the transcriptional level of GA metabolism is important in the regulation of the GA pathway, but there is enough evidence that depicts the interrelationship of the GA signalling molecule DELLA with others, and it indicates that GA signalling crosstalks with different hormonal signalling pathways to react to various abiotic stresses. The chapter focusses on the evidence for the importance of GA as a plant growth regulator and the regulation of the signal transduction pathway of GA when exposed to abiotic stress. The GA signalling mechanisms for regulation of stress tolerance are also discussed.

Medicinal and Aroma-therapeutic Use of Plants

Different civilizations witnessed use of various plants for medicinal and therapeutic uses, food additives and preservatives; and these are commonly known as medicinal and aromatic plants. These are also commonly known as herbs and spices and in use since ancient time as folk medicine and food preservatives. They contain many biologically active compounds and essential oils (EOs) which have medicinal and therapeutic values. During recent time, there is the rising attention of consumers in materials of natural origin by replacing unsafe synthetic additives has caused enhanced use of aromatic plants and their derivatives. As ingredients of aromatherapy, EOs extracted from medicinal and aromatic plants are fetching high demand because of gradual increase of market size. The present chapter enumerates the various health benefits of some important plants highlighting their medicinal and aroma-therapeutic importance.

Standardization of in vitro rooting and ex vitro hardening in traditional banana cultivars of Kovvur Bontha (ABB) and TellaChakkeraKeli (AAA)

Banana is most important crop in India and fetching more foreign money in international trade. Banana and plantain are important staple foods that are critical to nutritious and economic well-being of millions of people across the globe. Banana cv. TellaChakkeraKeli (AAA) is choicest table variety in Andhra Pradesh and popular in Godavari districts. Banana cv. Kovvur bontha (ABB) is highly popular in AP and other southern districts mostly used for culinary purpose. Disease free high yielding planting is major constraint for commercial production of both these native genotypes. Poor in vitro root induction and ex vitro survival are the major hindrance for its large scale commercial production. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation was to develop an efficient culture media for in vitro rooting and ex vitro performance of both the genotypes. Among the different treatments evaluated, micro-shoots cultured on ½ MS media supplemented with two kinds of auxins (NAA and IBA at lower concentration) were proved to be good in terms of highest root induction in banana cv. TellaChakkerakeli and Kovvur Bontha. Among the different treatments, shoots cultured on ½ MS media supplemented with 0.5 mg l-1 NAA gave 100 % rooting, increased girth (2.23, 2.01 mm), pseudostem height (6.09, 5.77 cm), leaf area (7.60, 7.53 cm2 ) and no. of leaves per shoot (5.60, 5.23) in both TellaChakkerakeli and Kovvur Bontha respectively. Under ex vitro hardening 100 % survival was obtained on the ½ MS media supplemented with 0.5 mg l -1 NAA (for cv. TellaChakkerakeli) and on 0.5 mg l-1 IBA (for cv. Kovvur Bontha) which are proved to be the best treatments accordingly for most of the characters in both the cultivars.

Cultivation of Cucumber in Greenhouse

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a very common and important crop cultivated in worldwide and often raw or eaten vegetable without cooking. It has been growing as a food or medicinal since ancient time in India. The seed of cucumber used for extraction of oil which is excellent for brain and body. Cucumber contains around 96% of water, which is good for summer season. Ployhouse cucumber cultivation is very famous in many countries of the world. Sandy loam soil containing high organic matter with good drainage facility and having electric conductivity less than 2 dS/m and range of pH from 6.5-7.5 are considered ideal for cultivation of cucumber. Moderately warm climate is requiring for better growth. The plants are large in size, hairy leaves, triangular shape and yellow coloured flower. Cucumber is an excellent source of molybdenum, vitamin and potassium and also used to cure of skin problems, kidney, heart problem and used as alkalizer. Protected cultivation of cucumber ensures higher productivity and superior quality than open cultivation.

Energetics Study on Integrated Nutrient Management of Summer Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under South Odisha Conditions

A field trial was carried outat Bagusala Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha during summer season of 2019-20 in sandy clay loam soil study the energetics of integrated nutrient management (INM) of summer rice. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. There were eight treatments, namely, 100% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen), 75 % RDN+25% N through vermin compost, 75% RDN+25% N through FYM (farmyard manure), 50% RDN+50%N through vermin compost, 50% RDN + 50%N through FYM, 50% RDN+25%N through vermin compost + 25% N through FYM, 25% RDN+ 25% N through vermin compost + 50%N through FYM, control (no fertilizer).The rice variety RNR 15048 was used. The treatments with 75% RDN along with 25% vermin compost recorded better results in terms of energy indices like energy output, energy productivity and net energy of(167.16 GJ ha-1 ), (569.69Kg GJ-1 )and (145.29 GJ ha-1 ). The practice of use of 75% RDN along with 25% vermin compost has recorded highest energy output (167.16 (GJ ha-1 ), energy productivity (569.69Kg GJ-1 ).

Growing of Dendrobium Orchids in Greenhouse

Protected cultivation of high value cut-flowers has become attractive because of more income from unit area. Orchids are attractive flowers with greater diversity and commercial importance. Among different orchids, Dendrobiums can be grown under different climatic conditions even in open ventilated greenhouses in tropics and subtropics. For production of quality flowers of Dendrobium, suitable package of practices should be adopted which includes choice of cultivars, providing congenial environment, media preparation, planting and establishment, care of crops and harvest and post-harvest technologies. The chapter focuses on suitable technologies for production of quality flowers of Dendrobium in greenhouses.

A Review on Productivity of Maize Intercropping Systems

The greatest challenge of the twenty first century in many developing countries is to maximize the production of basic necessities namely food, fodder, fuel and fiber to fulfill the needs of the increasing human and animal population. The availability of land for agriculture is shrinking day by day and it is converting for non-agricultural purposes. Under this situation, one of the important strategies to increase agricultural output is development of high intensity cropping systems by adopting intercropping. Inter cropping systems found to have more advantages than sole cropping as related to income and soil health and other environmental factors. Further, cereal-legume combination of intercropping mostly shows advantages in terms of more productivity, utilization of available resources and soil health improvement. Maize is widely spaced crop and chosen as cereal component to accommodate legumes in a better manner in the space between maize rows. The article focuses on enhancement of productivity of crops and advantages of maize-legume intercropping system.

Future of Precision Agriculture in India

The yield and quality of crops depends on various biotic, abiotic and management related parameters. In conventional agriculture the farmers relied on their experiences. Due to human perception often there is uncontrolled use of resources and inputs resulting in not only natural resources wastage and environmental pollution but also financial loss of farmers. Precision agriculture uses technology such GPS, sensors, Internet of Things, robotics, drones, machine learning al decision support systems etc. to optimize the use of natural resources and farm inputs for a specified yield and quality of crops. The future of precision farming is moving towards extensive use of machine learning techniques and image analysis. However, the major constraints are loss of job, data security, lack of motivation, training and so on.

Growth and Productivity of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management

Millets have been re-recognized during recent times as nutri-cereals because of their nutritional qualities. Among different small millets, finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) is having enough importance in India in terms of acreage and production. The crop responds well to added nutrients to enhance yield and integration of different sources of nutrients is considered as the best option for sustainable production. Considering the above fact, an experiment was conducted in south Odisha conditions at Bagusala Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management to study the effect of biofertilizer Azospirillum and graded levels of chemical fertilizer on growth and yield of finger millet. The results of above research clearly indicated that application of 100% RDF was beneficial for increasing growth parameters like plant height, number of tillers, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index of finger millet. Grain and straw yield of finger millet were also increased by application of 100% RDF. The impact of biofertilizer application was not observed on growth and productivity.

Growth, Yield and Quality of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) responds well to added nutrients and technocrats suggest to adopt integrated nutrient management with a suitable combination of all possible sources. Though finger millet is a traditional crop of south Odisha, there is lack of sufficient information on nutrient management in finger millet. Hence the present experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2018 at Bagusala Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi,Gajapati, Odisha to study the effect of integrated nutrient management in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) on growth, yield and quality under south Odisha conditions. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, slightly acidic in reaction, medium in organic carbon, and low in available nitrogen, medium in phosphorous and medium in potassium. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design having ten treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments were: T1 : control, T2 : FYM @4 t ha-1, T3 : FYM @8 t ha-1, T4 : 100% RDF (40:20:20 - N: P2 O5 : K2 O kg ha-1), T5 : 50% RDF + 4 t FYM, T6 : 75% RDF + 2 t FYM, T7 : FYM 4 t ha-1+ Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1, T8 : FYM 8 t ha-1 + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1, T9 : 50% RDF + 4 t FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1, T10: 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1. Application of 100% RDF resulted the highest growth attributes such as plant height, number of tillersplant-1, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index at different stages. Similar trend was noted in grain and straw yield of finger millet with 100% RDF which was followed by application of 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum (T10) and 75% RDF + 2 t FYM (T6 ). However, there was no significant difference among treatments in expression of N, P and K content of finger millet. The results suggest that finger millet may be grown in south Odisha conditions during kharif season with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers. However, considering the long-term productivity and improvement of soil fertility, the crop may be cultivated with 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1.

Various Approaches for Nutrient Management in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice is the most important food crop, providing one in three people on earth with a daily diet. The production of rice in India is a significant food safety factor. Rice has been very important for successful nutrient management since along with high levels of rice production. Blanket usage of the fertiliser contributes to over fertiliser or to an insufficient nutrient balance for their soils, as well as adverse environmental effects such as nutrient mining or surface and groundwater contamination due to variable indigenous nutrient supply in the different areas. Identification of proper nutrient management practise is the foremost need to improve the production of rice and increase farm profitability in case of rice farmers. The review shows different approaches of nutrient management for production sustainability of rice.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Growth, Productivity and Quality of Oats with Special Emphasis on Zinc & Boron

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2011-12 at agricultural research farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal to study the effect of nutrient management on seed production of oats with special emphasis on zinc & boron. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design having twelve treatments with each treatment replicated thrice. The use of 100% NPK + FYM @ 10t / ha + ZnSO4 @ 20 kg / ha + Borax @10 kg/ha showed the highest growth attributes such as no. of tillers/ plant, dry matter accumulation. This was at par with the application of 100% NPK+FYM @ 10 t/ ha+ ZnSO4 and Borax at their lower levels (@ 10 kg and 5 kg per ha, respectively). Yield components like number of filled grains /panicle, percent filled grains and test weight of oats seeds were non-significant except number of panicles/ m2 . Application of 100% NPK+FYM@ 10 t/ ha+ ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ ha+ Borax @ 10 kg/ ha produced the highest no. of panicles /m2 which was significantly higher than all other treatments. The highest grain yield, straw yield and biological yield were achieved from the treatment with 100% NPK+FYM@ 10 t/ ha+ ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ ha+ Borax @ 10 kg/ ha. With respect to seed quality of oats, combined application of ZnSO4 and Borax at their higher rates (20 Kg and 10kg / ha, respectively) along with 100% NPK+FYM@ 10 t/ha exhibited the highest nitrogen content (%) and crude protein percent. This treatment produced significantly higher crude protein yield than other treatments. Length, breadth and length: breadth ratio of oats was not influenced significantly by the treatments, it was found that combined application of ZnSO4 and Borax at their higher rates i.e., 20 Kg and 10 kg / ha, respectively along with 100% NPK and FYM@ 10t/ha showed the highest content of N.

Influence of Sea Weeds Extracts on the Growth, Quality and Productivity of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) in the Red and Lateritic Belt of West Bengal

An experiment was carried out during pre-kharif season of 2012 at Agricultural farm of Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal. The experiment consisted of thirteen treatment combinations comprising of four concentrations of liquid extracts of two different sea weed species namely Kappaphycus (K) and Gracilaria (G) combined different levels of fertilizer which were replicated thrice and was laid out in complete randomized block design (CRBD). The Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 80:40:40 kg/ha of N:P2 O5 :K2 O. The plant growth, yield and economics were significantly improved by application of the Gracilaria extract over that of the water applied plots. The application of seaweed extract along with 100% recommended dose through fertilizers also paid higher gross and net returns, return per rupees invested from summer sesame cultivation. So, use of seaweed extract proved beneficial in terms of improved growth, quality and economics of summer sesame cultivation in red and lateritic soil of West Bengal.

Evaluation of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) Cultivars for Growth, Yield and Flower Quality under Protected Cultivation

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.), a high-value cut flower of the family Asteraceae is used as fresh and dry flower, aesthetic decoration, making of bouquet with high demand in the domestic as well as export market. In topical and sub-tropical environment it is grown under protected cultivation. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of six cultivars of gerbera, viz., Stanza, Dana ellene, Intense, Dune, White House and Artist for growth, productivity and floral quality under forced ventilated polyhouse with fan-pad cooling system and micro-climate managed by internet of things (IoT). The present investigation was carried out during 2018-2019 at the Protected Cultivation Unit of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha. The experiment was placed in Randomized Block Design and replicated four times. Among the cultivarsconsidered, there was significant difference interms of vegetative growth, floral characteristics and yield. The maximum plant height (45 cm) was found with Stanza and the cultivar White House recorded the highest number of leaves (30.3) during 100 days after planting. But the cultivar Dana ellene showed its superiority in terms of floral characters like stalk length (62.3 cm), basal girth of the stalk of flower (0.70 cm) and flower diameter (12.8 cm) with more yield.

Studies on integrated nutrient management in productivity and economics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under red and lateritic belt of West Bengal

Field experiment was conducted with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) during winter (rabi) seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study on integrated nutrient management in productivity and economics of potato under red and lateritic belt of West Bengal. The study was laid out at Bahadurpur, Birbhum district of west Bengal which consists of 14 treatments and carried out in randomized block design with three replications. Among all the treatments, maximum yield (12.85 t ha-1 and 14.15 t ha-1 , respectively) of larger size tubers i.e. grade A (>100 g) tubers and medium size i.e. grade B (50-99 g) tubers was recorded with treatment T10-80% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 20% through vermicompost + biofertilizer. However, maximum (8.79 t ha-1) yield of grade C (<50 g) tubers was recorded with the treatment T2-80% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 20% through Farm Yard Manure (FYM). Crop receiving treatment T10 also showed highest total tuber yield (32.05 t ha-1) of potato. The higher tuber yield with T10 treatment could be attributed to increased availability of nutrients including micro nutrients in the soil which led to enhanced absorption of nutrients by the crop resulting in increased tuber production. An increase in tuber yield with the combined application of vermicompost and biofertilizers might be positive impact of vermicompost due to its richness in both macro and micronutrients. Similarly gross return (224315 ? ha-1 ), net return (132659 ? ha-1 ) and return per rupee invested (? 2.45) was recorded highest with treatment T10 followed by treatment T11, which was statistically at par with each other.

Growth, Yield and Quality of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) as Influenced by Crop Geometry and Age of Seedlings

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2018 at Bagusala farm, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture under Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha. The experimental soil was sandy loamy texture with pH 6.5, OC (0.41), and low in available N (73.4 kg ha-1), high in available P (30.2 kg ha-1) and medium in available K (152.4 kg ha-1). This experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with nine treatments comprising of T1: transplanting of 15 days old seedling at 20 cm × 20 cm, T2: transplanting of 15 days old seedling at 25 cm × 25 cm, T3: transplanting of 15 days old seedling at 30 cm × 30 cm, T4: transplanting of 20 days old seedling at 20 cm × 20 cm, T5: transplanting of 20 days old seedling at 25 cm × 25 cm, T6: transplanting of 20 days old seedling at 30 cm × 30 cm, T7: transplanting of 25 days old seedling at 20 cm × 20cm, T8: transplanting of 25 days old seedling at 25 cm × 25 cm and T9: transplanting of 25 days old seedling at 30 cm × 30 cm. The treatments were replicated thrice with Vakula variety at seed rate of 5 kg ha-1. The results of the field experiment showed that finger millet performed well in sandy loam soils of South Odisha at a spacing of 25 cm × 25 cm with 20 days old seedlings in terms of growth and productivity, but these agronomic management did not influence the quality parameters.

Growth, Yield and Economics of Summer Maize (Zea mays) as Influenced by Nitrogen Management Options

Maize an important cereal is highly influenced by nitrogen application. Moreover, non-judicious use of nitrogenous fertilizer is not only costly but also harmful to agro ecosystem. Considering the above facts, a field experiment was designed at the Agriculture Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India during summer of 2020-21 to find out the impact of nitrogen management on growth and productivity of maize. The experiment was consisted of eight treatments, namely, 150% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), 125% RDN, 100% RDN, 75% RDN, 50% RDN, leaf colour chart (LCC) based application and Control. The treatments were laid out in completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replications. The maize hybrid considered was Bioseed 9544.The treatment with 150 % RDN recorded superior results in terms of yield attributes, viz.,plant height (184.3 cm),dry matter accumulation (1841.4 g/m) at harvest and leaf area index (5.68) at 90 DAS. Also, the treatment showed better results in terms of grain yield (7.95 t/ha), Cost of cultivation (42847 Rs. ha-1) Gross return (106240 Rs. ha-1), Net return (63393 Rs. ha-1) and B:C Ratio (1.4).The treatment comprised of LCC based nitrogen application also resulted in better performance in expression of all the parameters, but it was statistically at par with150% RDN,100% RDN and 125% RDN. The results clearly indicate that nitrogen optimization in maize can be done by using precision tool(LCC) to obtain optimum growth, yield and economics by the crop.

Crop Diversification and its Importance in Agriculture: A Review

In agriculture crop diversification has a remarkable influence on the social and economic condition and helps to increase resource of the poor population dependent on farming. It provides employment and earning to the youth population throughout the year thus it is beneficial for the farmers. It gives more importance on the use of local resources. Crop diversification is basically a shift from low profitable cropping system to high profitable cropping system. It is a mix of several components like different cropping system along with aquaculture, horticulture, and other non-farm inputs of rural agriculture. After the market globalization, crop diversification has become one of the most important components to increase the quality and quantity of the production and obviously earning from the production. Crop diversification has different approaches. Different government policies and strategies has been taken for crop diversification. There are some constraints in crop diversification but its present need and future thrust has made it more impactful to be implemented.

Effect of Cultivars and Planting Variables on Yield Performance of Some Deep-Water Rice Cultivars in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

Spacing treatments were made deep-water rice cultivars though a large number of deep-water rice cultivars are now available in the world wide to find out optimum time of transplanting and depth of planting with several other deep–water rice cultivar. An investigation was carried out at Instructional Farm, Jaguli, B.C.K.V., Nadia, West Bengal, situated at 22?56? N latitude, 88?32? E longitude and at an elevation of 9.75 m above the mean sea level during the kharif season of 2006, regarding studies on the effect of planting variables on some deep-water rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal. The soil of the experimental site was endowed with typical Gangetic Alluvium (Entisol) having sandy loam texture with medium fertility. The experimental site falls under sub-tropical humid. The average maximum temp was 34.15?C and minimum was 21.31?C. The rainfall was 0.04 mm to 326.6 mm. The relative humidity was 53.53% (minimum) to 98.84% (maximum). The experiment was laid out in the split plot design with five different deep-water cultivars viz., V1 (Sabita), V2 (Bhagirathi), V3 (CN1231-11-6), V4 (Jaya cross) and V5 (CN-1039-9) in the main plots along with four different planting variables viz., S1 (20 cm × 15 cm spacing with 5 seedlings hill-1), S2 (20 cm × 15 cm spacing with 3 seedlings hill-1), S3 (30 cm × 20 cm spacing with 5 seedlings hill-1) and S4 (30 cm × 20 cm spacing with 3 seedlings hill-1) in sub plots randomly allocated and replicated thrice. The gross plot area size 3m ? 2m. The findings revealed that growth attributes and yield attributes differed significantly due to the deepwater rice cultivars and planting variables. Among the five deep-water rice cultivars (Sabita, Bhagirathi, CN-1231-11-7, Jaya cross and CN-1039-9), CN-1039-9 was the best. Planting variable S1 (20 cm ? 15 cm spacing with 5 seedlings hill-1) recorded better growth attributes whereas planting variable S3 (30 cm ? 20 cm spacing 5 seedlings hill-1) recorded better yield attributes in semi-deep water situation in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal.

Impact of Precision Nitrogen Management on Growth and Productivity of Rabi Maize

Performance of Deep-Water Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars as Influenced by Different Planting Variables for Growth and Productivity in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

The field experiment was carried out at Instructional Farm, Jaguli, B.C.K.V., Nadia, West Bengal, situated at 22?56? N latitude, 88?32? E longitude and at an elevation of 9.75 m above the mean sea level during the kharif season of 2006,The soil of the experimental site was endowed with typical Gangetic Alluvium (Entisol) having sandy loam texture with medium fertility. The experimental site falls under sub-tropical humid. The average maximum temperature was 34.15?C and minimum was 21.31?C. The rainfall was 0.04 mm to 326.6 mm. The relative humidity was 53.53% (minimum) to 98.84% (maximum).The Performance of Some deep-water rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars as influenced by different planting variables for growth and productivity in new alluvial zone of west Bengal. The experiment was laid out in the split plot design with five different deep-water cultivars viz., V1 (Sabita), V2 (Bhagirathi), V3 (CN1231-11-6), V4 (Jaya cross) and V5 (CN-1039-9) in the main plots along with four different planting variables viz., S1 (20 cm × 15 cm spacing with 5 seedlings hill-1), S2 (20 cm × 15 cm spacing with 3 seedlings hill-1), S3 (30 cm × 20 cm spacing with 5 seedlings hill-1) and S4 (30 cm × 20 cm spacing with 3 seedlings hill-1) in sub plots randomly allocated and replicated thrice. The gross plot area size 3m ? 2m. The findings revealed thatgrowth attributes and yield attributes differed significantly due to the deepwater rice cultivars and planting variables. Among the five deep-water rice cultivars (Sabita, Bhagirathi, CN-1231-11-7, Jaya cross and CN-1039-9), CN-1039-9 was the best. Planting variable S1 (20 cm ? 15 cm spacing with 5 seedlings hill-1) recorded better growth attributes whereas planting variable S3 (30 cm ? 20 cm spacing 5 seedlings hill-1) recorded better productivity in semi-deep water situation in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal.

Yield, Nutrient Content and Uptake of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) as Influence by Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels

Greengram(Vigna radiate L.) is a source of quality protein which content nearly 25% protein in it. The seed of greengram consumed as both in spittedor whole form as dal, sprouted seed and as well as snack. Further, it also maintains soil health by fixation of atmospheric nitrogen to the soil.The nutrient management plays a vital role in the growth and development where not only primery but secondry nutrient also have emphases on plant. In view of the above, an experiment carried outat the farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bagusala during 2019-20.to study the influence of phosphorus and sulphur levels on yield and nutrient content and uptake of green gram.The significantly higher seed (979.2 kg ha-1) and stover yield(1871.8 kg ha-1), was produced by 60 kg P2O5 ha-1over 30kg S ha-1. However, the interaction effect of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 30 kg S ha-1 produced significantly more grain yield (1211.3 kg/ha) than other treatment combinations. The application of 60kg P2O5 ha-1 and 30 kg S ha-1 found to be higher nutrient content and uptake in the seed and stover of greengram which was closly followed by 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 and45 kg S ha-1respectively. Further, in the case of uptake of P and S of seed, the interaction effect of P x S was found to be significant. Similarly, the highest uptake of P and S were recorded with the nutrient levels of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 30 kg S ha-1 .

Effect of Straw Mulching and Nitrogen Doses on Nutrient Status, Yield and Economics of Rabi Maize

At experimental farm of M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India, an experiment was conducted to know the effect of nitrogen doses and mulching on nutrient status, yield and economics of maize during the rabi season of 2021-22. The hybrid maize seed (Hybrid variety 4226) was sown in a spilt plot design with three levels of mulching in main plot and four doses of nitrogen in sub-plot. The grain yield, nutrient composition of maize seeds and stover, N, P, K status of pre-harvest soil were increased significantly in combination of nitrogen and mulching. Application of straw mulch significantly increased the N content of grain and stover as well as the N uptake by grain and stover as compared to no mulch treatment. It also influenced the protein content of seeds. Application of higher dose of N significantly increased the N content of grain and stover as well as the N uptake by grain and stover over the control and also influenced the NPK status of soil and protein content of the seeds. Maximum values of grain and stover yield (7.26 and 9.21t ha-1 respectively) were recorded from 5 t ha-1mulchand 150% RDN (N:P2O5:K2O = 120:60:60) plot. Whereas this interaction effect (5 t ha-1 and 150% RDN) significantly increased the N content of seeds (1.40 %), stover (0.47 %), and protein content of seeds (8.76 %). After decomposition of straw mulch in soil with additional application of nitrogen increased the available N (195.43 kg ha-1 ) over low level of nitrogen dose with no mulching. The combined application of mulching @ 5 t ha-1 with 150% RDN resulted highest net return (?76,365/- ha-1 ) with maximum B:C ratio (1.29).

Precision Nutrient Management for Enhancement of Nutrient use Efficiency

Precision nutrient management is an important aspect of agriculture that accurately defines key factors for productivity improvement, sustainability, profitability and climate change. Improved grain production but do not improve the efficiency of certain nutritious foods. Assessment of plant nutrient needs much very effective for plant growth and development at different stage of crops which help to supply nutrient from different sources and a measure of the reliability of their availability. Inexpensive and nutrient decision tools are gaining popularity. Precision nutrient management designed to maximize long-term performance, particularly aimed increase crop production and profit with judicious use and proper nutrient balance and minimizing impacts on wildlife and the environment. The systematic implementation of good practices in a site-specific management system provides a good opportunity to build a sound and sustainable agricultural system. Resource management right time, right method and right place are the best practice. Various technologies are available to make decisions making tools related to nutrient management.

Intensive Farming: It’s Effect on the Environment

Intensive farming system is commonly followed in modern day agriculture owing to rise in population to meet the high food demand. In intensive farming, the farmer need high economic input and knowledge for managing the land and crop considering the fast paced crop rotation in the field and high input use. However use of higher amount of chemical inputs, injudicious exploitation of natural resources, poor maintenance of soil health etc. make such intensive agricultural practice unsustainable. Hence, careful management of natural resources that takes care of agricultural sustainability and promoting alternate sustainable practices is the need of the hour.

Medicinal and Aroma-therapeutic Use of Plants

Different civilizations witnessed use of various plants for medicinal and therapeutic uses, food additives and preservatives; and these are commonly known as medicinal and aromatic plants. These are also commonly known as herbs and spices and in use since ancient time as folk medicine and food preservatives. They contain many biologically active compounds and essential oils (EOs) which have medicinal and therapeutic values. During recent time, there is the rising attention of consumers in materials of natural origin by replacing unsafe synthetic additives has caused enhanced use of aromatic plants and their derivatives. As ingredients of aromatherapy, EOs extracted from medicinal and aromatic plants are fetching high demand because of gradual increase of market size. The present chapter enumerates the various health benefits of some important plants highlighting their medicinal and aroma-therapeutic importance.

Nutrient optimization on growth and productivity of rice in the red and lateritic belt of West Bengal.

Relevance of Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea L.) Cultivation and Agronomic Management for Production Sustainability

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea L.) is an important minor millet crop due its nutritional quality and adaptability to wide range of climatic conditions. Moreover, the crop has a considerable range of tolerance to drought and high temperature which enhanced during the present scenario of climate change which imposed more relevance of cultivation of eco-friendly and climate smart crops. During last few decades small millets gained their importance due to relook into their nutritional quality and wider adaptability in adverse climatic conditions. Barnyard millet has enough potential to sustain under the change climatic scenario as well as to produce nutritional gains under resource poor soils. Considering the importance of the crop, an initiative has been taken to draw out the agronomic management practices for barnyard millet for sustaining productivity in fragile ecological conditions vis-à-vis production of nutritional grains for food security in drylands.

A Review on Effect of Phosphorus and Sulphur on Growth, Productivity and Nutrient Uptake of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) is one of the important pulses grown in different seasons in India. For satisfactory yield, nutrients management is essential in green gram. As a legume species it can fix nitrogen biologically and so nitrogen demand is less compared to other macronutrients. Phosphorus (P) is a crucial element in the production and metabolism of pulses and it is also a significant limiting nutrient in most of the Indian soils. In all soil types, phosphorus deficiency is typically the main factor in the seed yield of pulse crops. Phosphorus promotes early root development, improves rhizobia activity enhancing root nodules for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Phosphorus is the integral element of ATP, the plant energy unit. Another important microelement is sulphur which takes part in protein synthesis. Further, sulphur is an essential constituent of cystine, cysteine, and methionine. To obtain greater yield and quality of green gram, fertilization of P and S is crucial. This article gives an information on the effect of phosphorus and sulphur on various growth and yield attributes and productivity of green gram.

Biofertilizers: Role in Crop Production and Soil Fertility Improvement

Potential and Advantages of Maize-Legume Intercropping System

Intercropping provides enough scope to include two or more crops simultaneously in same piece of land targeting higher productivity from unit area. Maize, a cereal crop of versatile use, as planted in wide rows offers the opportunity for adoption of intercropping. The intercropping system with maize and legume is beneficial in mul-tifaceted aspects. The success of maize-legume intercropping system largely depends on choice of crops and their maturity, density, and time of planting. Advantage of maize-legume combination of intercropping system is pronounced in the form of higher yield and greater utilization of available resources, benefits in weeds, pests and disease management, fixation of biological nitrogen by legumes and transfer of N to associated maize, insurance against crop failure to small holders, and control of erosion by covering a large extent of ground area. Though maize-legume intercrop-ping system exhibits limitations like less scope of farm mechanization, dependence on more human workforce, and chance of achieving less productivity from maize, the system implies more advantages for small holders in developing countries where human workforce is not a constraint. The chapter has focused on beneficial impacts of maize-legume intercropping system.

Prediction of the Effect of Nutrients on Plant Parameters of Rice by Artificial Neural Network

ice holds key importance in food and nutritional security across the globe. Nutrientmanagement involving rice has been a matter of interest for a long time owing to the uniqueproduction environment of rice. In this research, an artificial neural network-based prediction modelwas developed to understand the role of individual nutrients (N, P, K, Zn, and S) on different plantparameters (plant height, tiller number, dry matter production, leaf area index, grain yield, andstraw yield) of rice. A feed-forward neural network with back-propagation training was developedusing the neural network (nnet) toolbox available in Matlab. For the training of the model, dataobtained from two consecutive crop seasons over two years (a total of four crops of rice) were used.Nutrients interact with each other, and the resulting effect is an outcome of such interaction; hence,understanding the role of individual nutrients under field conditions becomes difficult. In the presentstudy, an attempt was made to understand the role of individual nutrients in achieving crop growthand yield using an artificial neural network-based prediction model. The model predicts that growthparameters such as plant height, tiller number, and leaf area index often achieve their maximumperformance at below the maximum applied dose, while the maximum yield in most cases is achievedat 100% N, P, K, Zn, and S dose. In addition, the present study attempted to understand the impact ofindividual nutrients on both plant growth and yield in order to optimize nutrient recommendationand nutrient management, thereby minimizing environmental pollution and wastage of nutrients.
(18) (PDF) Prediction of the Effect of Nutrients on Plant Parameters of Rice by Artificial Neural Network. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363337936_Prediction_of_the_Effect_of_Nutrients_on_Plant_Parameters_of_Rice_by_Artificial_Neural_Network [accessed Nov 08 2022].

Small Millets: The Next-Generation Smart Crops in the Modern Era of Climate Change

Effect of nutrient omission on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.)

Performance of Finger Millet on Residual Soil Nutrient Status ofPreceding Leguminous Crops under Integrated Nutrient Management

1761.2022.025Comparative performance of foliar application of urea and nanourea on finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)S

Growth and productivity of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) asinfluenced by spacing and nitrogen levels

ndia is a leading producer of oilseeds and importer of vegetable oil in the world.To ensure self-sufficiency in oilseeds production, the country needs to enhanceproduction and productivity through adoption of improved technologies. Among differentedible oilseeds, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) grows well during different seasons undervarious cropping systems and the productivity can be increased by efficient nutrientmanagement and plant stand. Based on the above facts, a field trial was conductedduring summer season of 2021 at Experimental Farm of Centurion University of Technologyand Management, Odisha by adopting split plot design comprising of three main factorsas spacing (30 cm × 15 cm, 40 cm × 15 cm and 50 cm × 15 cm) and four sub factors asnitrogen levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N/ha). The branches/plant (4.2), capsules/plant(31.8), number of seeds/capsule (38.1), and 1000-seed weight (2.60g) were more withwider spacing of 50 × 15 cm and it was closely followed by 40 cm × 15 cm and, both thetreatments were significantly superior to a closer spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm. However,the maximum seed, stover and biological yields of sesame were realized with a spacingof 40 cm × 15 cm (481, 2261 and 2742 kg/ha) and it was because of optimum spacing withthe treatment. Among different nitrogen levels, 90 kg N/ha resulted in superiorperformance in expression of various growth and yield attributes and seed (525 kg/ha),stover (2372 kg/ha) and biological yields (2898 kg/ha) than other levels. The interactioneffect indicated that a spacing of 40 cm × 15 cm along with 90 kg N/ha resulted in seed(619 kg/ha), stover (2756 kg/ha) and biological yields (3375 kg/ha) of sesame. Theexperiment concluded that to obtain higher growth and productivity of sesame, thespacing of 40 cm × 15 cm can be adopted along with 90 kg N/ha
(18) (PDF) Growth and productivity of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as influenced by spacing and nitrogen levels. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361414650_Growth_and_productivity_of_sesame_Sesamum_indicum_L_as_influenced_by_spacing_and_nitrogen_levels [accessed Nov 09 2022].

Influence of sesame and groundnut intercropping system on productivity and competitive ability of crops

The demand supply gap between production of edible oilseeds and domestic need for edible oils warrants increase in production of edible oilseeds in India. Hence, there is a scope for adoption of appropriate cropping systems with improved agronomic practices. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) are two important oilseeds that can be cultivated during different cropping systems under limited resource conditions. Based on the above, a field experiment on intercropping sesame + groundnut was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. Reduction of proportion of an individual crop species reduced the productivity over their respective pure stands. Among intercropping combinations, the treatment T 5 : sesame + groundnut (1:3) produced more oil yield (594 kg/ha). The study clearly indicated that 50 percent or above population of groundnut recorded considerably higher oil yield under the intercropping sesame + groundnut. The land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient and monetary advantage was advantageous with the treatments T 3 : sesame + groundnut (1:1), T 4 : sesame + groundnut (1:2), T 5 : sesame + groundnut (1:3), T 7 : sesame + groundnut (2:2), T 8 : sesame + groundnut (2:3) and T 11 : sesame + groundnut (3:3). The study concluded that sesame can be intercropped in groundnut with a proportion of 50% or more of legumes (groundnut) to achieve the benefits of intercropping during summer season in south Odisha conditions.

Weed Management and Crop Establishment Methods in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Influence the Soil Microbial and Enzymatic Activity in Sub-Tropical Environment

Role of Legumes in Cropping System for Soil Ecosystem Improvement

Seed Priming: low-cost technology for tolerance to abiotic stress and enhancement of crop productivity

Bioleaching Approach for Enhancing Sewage Sludge Dewaterability

Emerging Nutrient Recovery Technologies in Sewage Sludge Management

Legumes for nutrient management in the cropping system

Plant Nutrient Management by Organic Inputs

Application of Remote Sensing in Agriculture

Performance of different gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) cultivars under protected cultivation in south Odisha conditions

Climate change impact on plants: Plant responses and adaptations

Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture and Allied Sector

Effect of plant growth regulators on crop production

Perspectives on Conservation Agriculture for Sustainable Crop Production

Agriculture is the backbone of any civilizations throughout the world. For past years many countries, including India, practised conventional farming. It is otherwise called industrial agriculture. In this farming technology usage of high fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and heavy tillage operations, injudicious water application are practiced. These practices create entirely ecosystem imbalance and less farm income by decreasing soil fertility and several other problems created by conventional agriculture. For the sustainability of future generations, practice of conservation agriculture is more reasonable compared to conventional agriculture. It maintains species diversification in an ecosystem. By conserving agriculture, we protect the soil, water, and weather etc. by boosting natural processes and biodiversity in above ground and below ground. Conservation agriculture (CA), opens food security windows for the under developed countries. It can balance every unjustified act done by conventional agricultural practices until now. Facilitation of integration of trees, animals and pastures into agricultural landscapes has opened sustainable intensification of agriculture. Adoption of conservation agriculture is on a rise throughout the globe bringing the hope of a better future.

Nutrient optimization and yield intesification of mojor cereal system of eastern india.