Volume 8, No. 2 (December, 2023)
1. MASINA SAIRAM, SAGAR MAITRA*, CHABOLU VENKATA RAGHAVA, TADIBOINA GOPALA KRISHNA, DINKAR J. GAIKWAD, UPASANA SAHOO AND SUMIT RAY [Efficient crop residue management under conservation agriculture for improving soil quality: A review]. Farm. Manage. 8 (2): 59-71 (2023). Department of Agronomy and Agroforestry M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha-761211, India *(e-mail: sagar.maitra@cutm.ac.in)
ABSTRACT
The intensification of cropping system is mandatory for a populus country like India. However, the enhancement of the cropping intensity simultaneously generates a huge quantity of crop residues. Presently, improper management of crop residues as well as in-situ burning of the same has become a prominent issue for adversely affecting the environment and loosing valuable plant nutrients. The conservation agriculture (CA) has shown a proven path where crop residues can be effectively utilized for improvement of the soil quality. Based on the above facts, an initiative has been taken to focus on efficient use of crop residues for improving soil quality vis-à-vis soil health. There are versatile uses of crop residues, however, they are equally potential in advancement of soil health. One of the main principles of CA is the inclusion of crop residues on the crop field as soil cover along with crop diversification and minimal soil disturbance. The inclusion of crop residues is potentially important for the improvement of physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Moreover, after decomposition, they add nutrients to the soil leading to enhanced soil fertility and crop productivity. Long-term application of crop residues under CA practices, more particularly with reduced and zero tillage, has been identified as an approach to increase soil productivity, increase the C-pool and promote the improved agroecosystem. The review article has focused on the inclusion of crop residues on improvement of soil physical, chemical and biological properties.
2. Mukti Ram Poudel*, Madhav Prasad Neupane, Harikala Paudel, Radhakrishna Bhandari, Shivalal Nyaupane, Anjali Dhakal and Binod Panthi [Agromorphological analysis of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under combined heat and drought stress conditions]. Farm. Manage. 8 (2): 72-80 (2023). Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Tribhuvan University, Paklihawa Campus, Nepal *(e-mail: muktipoudel8@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Wheat production in the world has been limited by climate change and global warming. The gradual rise in atmospheric temperature along with uneven precipitation had become a serious threat to poor production of wheat. Agro-morphological parameter of wheat is greatly influenced by abiotic stresses such as heat waves and moisture stress. To assess the correlation and direct and indirect effect of yield-attributing traits on yield for the selection of high-yielding wheat genotypes under drought at late sown conditions, a field experiment was carried out at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa campus, Nepal during 2021/22. The experiment was laid out in alpha lattice design with twenty wheat genotypes under five blocks replicated twice. Results revealed that Bhrikuti (3322.8 kg/ha) was highest-yielding genotype whereas, NL 1179 (1883.4 kg/ha) was lowest-yielding genotype. Correlation and Path coefficient analysis showed plant height (Ph), and spike length (SL) had a significant positive correlation and direct positive effect, respectively with the grain yield (GY).Taller genotypes with longer spike length would produce more under combined heat and drought stress conditions. The cluster analysis classified the genotypes into four clusters where NL 1376 and BL 4919 lies with Bhrikuti,best commercial check variety, which could further be evaluated to release as a variety.
3. Rajan Manchal*, Tuyishime Venuste and Sanjeet Raj Verma [Vermicomposting, a key to sustainable agriculture: A review]. Farm. Manage. 8 (2): 81-93 (2023). Department of Agriculture, Maharishi Markandeshwar University (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana-133203, India *(e-mail: rajanmanchal00099@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Vermicomposting, the process of using earthworms to convert biodegradable material into nutrient-rich vermicast, stands as a fundamental practice in sustainable agriculture. Rich in growth-promoting hormones, enzymes, and microorganisms, vermicast significantly boosts plant growth and enhances resistance to diseases. Given the staggering global annual production of organic waste, expected to increase from 1.3 billion to 2.2 billion tons by 2025, vermicomposting emerges as an eco-friendly and organic fertilizer production method. Earthworms, historically revered as “natural ploughmen” by Charles Darwin, contribute to soil health, influencing microbial communities and nutrient availability while mitigating the effects of heavy metals. The application of vermicompost results in higher crop yields and improved fruit quality, emphasizing the need for careful nutrient balance. Vermicomposting positively influences soil structure, reducing bulk density, enhancing water retention, and mitigating nitrate leaching, thereby promoting environmental sustainability. Its favourable impact on soil biology, including microbial biomass and enzyme activity, fosters a healthier soil ecosystem. In conclusion, vermicomposting presents a precise and effective solution for organic waste management, playing a pivotal role in the future of agriculture and contributing significantly to environmental conservation.
4. Manju S., Kombiah P. and Alagusundaram P.* [Impact of Parthenium hysterophorus methanolic extract on earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) and soil microbes (Azotobacter chroococcum)]. Farm. Manage. 8 (2): 94-99 (2023). Department of Zoology, PMT College (Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli) Melaneelithanallur-627 953, Tenkasi District, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail: alagusundaram143@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Due to the increasing use of synthetic chemical pesticides, controlling insect pests presents a significant ecological concern. Furthermore, it endangers people’s health by bringing on diseases linked to human poisoning as well as those disorders. Plants are thought to be significant sources of bioactive compounds and potentially replace insecticides due to their perceived advantages. The purpose of the current investigation is to ascertain the acute toxicity of monocrotophos, a methanolic extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L., against the soil bacterium and Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg). Soxhlet apparatus was used for organic solvent extraction. The LC50 of P. hysterophorus methanolic extract (219.621 ppm) and monocrotophos (20 ppm) for 24 and 48 hours caused the earthworm mortality observed in laboratory condition by Contact filter paper test .Artificial soil test (AST), which tested for earthworm resistance in a methanol extract of P. hysterophorus at LC50 (219.621 ppm) and monocrotophos (20 ppm), were analysed after 7 and 14days in total cell viable count assay, Azotobacter chroococcum (Beijerinck) treated with monocrotophos (20 ppm), methanol extract of P. hysterophorus (219.621 ppm).Data obtained from the toxicity tests were evaluated using the Probit Analysis Statistical Method. This study showed a significantly higher cell viable count when compared monocrotophos, less toxic to non-target organisms (A. chroococcum, E. eugeniae) than monocrotophos. These findings indicated that the methanol extract of P. hysterophorus has no toxic effect on E. euginae and A. chroococcum (non-target organisms).
5. V. P. SINGH1,* AND R. K. MAITI [A review on the use of biotechnology in sorghum crop improvement]. Farm. Manage. 8 (2): 100-113 (2023). Gaurav Publications (Regd.) Systematic Printers, Near Video Market, Hisar-125 001 (Haryana), India *(e-mail: cropresearch1@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The article describes advances in the use of biotechnology in sorghum crop improvement. Tissue culture technique has been effectively utilized in selection of genotypes tolerant to stress factors and in the propagation of sorghum plants. Biotechnological tools are very useful to understand the basic principles of cell genetics and mechanisms of resistance of sorghum genotypes for tolerance to various biotic factors, such as insects, diseases, weeds, and abiotic stress factors such as drought, high temperature, salinity etc. A good advance has been achieved in gene mapping related to various basic genetics and stress resistances.
6. Jafar Tijjani Umar*, Vijesh P. V., Anupama A. and Joseph M. K. [Cultivating knowledge: A comprehensive Scientometrics analysis of millet research trends in Sub-Saharan African nations using the Web of Science database]. Farm. Manage. 8 (2): 114-126 (2023). Library, Nigerian Army University Biu Borno State, Nigeria *(e-mail: jafartijjani2@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Millets, small-seeded grasses with a rich history as a vital food source in Sub-Saharan African Countries, have declined in cultivation and consumption in recent years, primarily due to the growing popularity of rice and wheat. To gauge the state of millet research in Sub Saharan African countries, a comprehensive Scientometrics analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database from 2013 to 2023. A total of 271 publications were meticulously analyzed using the biblioshiny software. The study delved into various facets of millet research, including annual scientific publications, average citations per year, the most relevant sources, prominent authors, affiliations, corresponding author’s countries, prevalent keywords, emerging trends, influential institutions, and more. This study offers valuable insights that can pave the way for advancements in millet research, policy formulation, and the promotion of millet cultivation and utilization in Sub-Saharan African Countries. By contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture, nutrition, and food security, the research on millets aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It can potentially address the challenges posed by the region’s shift towards rice and wheat.
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