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The rice-wheat cropping system is the largest cereal-based agricultural production system in India. It provides considerable significance to national food, nutrition, and livelihood security. However, the extensive use of resources under rice-wheat system has resulted in significant issues, including a decline in groundwater levels, indiscriminate use of fertilizers, the burning of rice residues, increased emissions of greenhouse gases, and the development of herbicide-resistant weeds which led to stagnant crop productivity and reduced profitability. This study was conducted at the research farm of ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal, India, to evaluate the combined effects of conventional and nano urea on productivity, profitability, and efficient nitrogen management strategy in wheat under rice-wheat system. The study evaluated eight treatment combinations of nitrogen application through conventionally applied urea (46% N) and foliar applied nano urea (4% N). The results of the study showed that the application of 150 kg N/ha in three equal splits as basal and just before 1st and 2nd irrigation, either alone (T2) or along with a spray of nano urea (T5), resulted in the highest grain yield and profitability. Top dressing of urea just before irrigation with a dose of nitrogen 150 kg/ha applied in three equal splits (T2) resulted in 420 kg/ha additional grain yield over top dressing at 7-10 days after irrigation with same dose (T3). Treatment T5 recorded the highest gross and net returns with 2492.5 and 1804.0 US $/ha. The study's findings suggest that efficient nitrogen management is essential for sustainable wheat production in India. The application of 150 kg N/ha in three equal splits, either alone or along with a spray of nano urea, is a promising strategy for improving wheat productivity and profitability in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant genotype and agroecology influence the composition and functionality of seed endophytic bacterial communities. Taxonomic analysis of 123 wheat seeds endophytic bacteria classified these into 23 genera predominantly under Firmicutes followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Genus Bacillus was most abundant (30.7%) followed by Streptomyces (18.4%) with other representative genera such as Stenotrophomonas, Paenibacillus, Mixta, Enterobacter, Micrococcus, Pantoea, Alkalihalobacillus, Cortiobacterium, and more. Across agroecologies, the core microbiota of seeds consists of Bacillus, Streptomyces, Paenibacillus, and Stenotrophomonas, with maximum diversity and abundance observed in seeds of the North Western Plain Zone of India. Seed endophytic bacteria had PGP traits; nitrogen fixation (n = 101), production of IAA (n = 65), siderophores (n = 43), ammonia (n = 82) and solubilization of phosphate (n = 47), potassium (n = 37), and zinc (n = 8). The isolates produced HCN and hydrolytic enzymes and displayed antagonism against fungal pathogens. Overall, the information generated on wheat seeds' endophytic bacterial taxonomy and beneficial traits may pave the path for the development of novel bioinoculants. Key message Wheat seeds from various agro-ecologies of India harbor diverse endophytic bacteria. Firmicutes were dominant followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Genus Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Streptomyces, and Paenibacillus were core endophytic bacteria in different agro-ecologies. The endophytic bacterial strains were displaying diverse functional traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on mitigation of arsenic (As) in As-contaminated soils with wheat (variety – HD 2967) as the test crop. Soil inbulk was collected from Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar,India farm with physicochemicalproperties to conduct a pot experiment using three doses of As (5, 10, 20 mg L−1) and application of Glomus mossaea inoculation (no inoculated, 5 g/pot, and 10 g/pot). Result indicated that the treatment spiked with As 5 ppm and Glomus mossaea @1 g kg−1 showedthe lowest available As (21.80 µg kg−1 soil) and lowest total As (2.533 mg kg−1soil) as compared to all othertreatments. The As content in different parts of plants are found in the orderof roots > shoots> leaves > grain parts in wheat crop. As uptake in grain was found to be positively correlated with available (r = 0.883, p <.001) and total As content in soil (r = 0.869, p <.001) as well. The application of AM fungi @10.0 g kg−1 soil significantly (p <.005) reduced the As content in grain under all the applied treatments. As content ingrain was found to be negatively correlated with total glomalin content of soil(r = –0.430, p <.005), colonization by AM fungi (r = –0.261) and available phosphorus (P) content of soil (r = –0.864, p <.001). The study noticeably indicated that the mycorrhizal inoculation can reduce the As content in the various parts of the wheat in As-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and energy crisis, rising temperature and subsequent changes in climate result in calamitous loss of wheat productivity due to adverse effect on plant growth and development. Plateauing yield trends and declining total factor productivity compel for alternative water and energy-efficient conservation practices supporting sustainable wheat productivity in humid tropics. Present investigation tested the hypothesis stating that the alternate wheat establishment methods and inter-culture practices would economize energy and water requirement with enhanced productivity. Different wheat establishment methods viz., conventional tillage, reduced tillage, zero tillage and raised bed landforms of 40/20 and 60/20 cm and two inter-culture practices, i.e. conoweeding and alternate ridging on spring wheat were evaluated for two years at Pantnagar in Uttarakhand, India. Zero and reduced tillage depicted better economic viability with benefit cost ratio of 2.86 and 2.84, respectively, which was statistically at par with conventional tillage. Alternate ridging and raised bed (60/20 cm) recorded 13.3 and 41.7% saving of irrigation water, respectively. Highest energy use efficiency was observed in raised bed 60/20 cm with 22.4% less energy consumption compared to conventional method. Thus, adoption of conservation practices with improved inter-culture operations holds potential for sustainable, water and energy-efficient and profitable wheat productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low availability of manganese (Mn) induces its deficiency in wheat grown particularly in course textured soil. Growing Mn efficient and responsive genotypes on light textured soils is sustainable approach to higher Mn accumulation in wheat grain. For this, sixteen wheat genotypes viz. bread, durum and triticale, were investigated for two years with foliar application of Mn. Diverse wheat genotypes responded differently toward yield and quality parameters. Maximum increment in grain and straw yield was observed in PDW314 (39.3%) and TL2908 (26.1%), over control. On the other hand, Mn concentration in grain and straw increased to maximum in PDW 274 (51.3%) and PBW621 (51.2%), over control. Among bread, durum and triticale genotypes, PBW343U (61.8%), PDW274 (91%) and TL2969 (37.8%) strongly responded to Mn application and supported by higher Mn accumulation. Average grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) and Mn accumulation efficiency index (MAEI) were 89.0 and 71.7, respectively. Due to higher yield and higher Mn accumulation than GYEI and MAEI, the genotypes HD2967, PBW725, PBW677, PBWZn1, TL2969, PDW233 were categorized as efficient and responsive, which may prove beneficial for wheat production at large scale under Mn deficient soil. Additional supply of Mn also significantly improved the phenolic content, flavonoids content and total antioxidant activity, while reducing the tannins and phytate content in all genotypes. Based on obtained results, PBW677, PBWZn1 and TL2969 were screened as most desirable genotypes as they possess high GYEI, MAEI, high antioxidant activity and low antinutrient content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the implications of long-term farm yard manure (FYM) use on chemical and microbial properties of Inceptisol in the North-Western Plain Zone of India, and their correlation with yield and protein content of wheat grains. FYM was used at four different doses (0, 10, 20, 30 t ha−1) with recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) as standard practice before sowing of both rice and wheat under rice-wheat cropping system. Application of FYM at 30 t ha−1 significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity (36.36%), nitrogen (29.79%), phosphorus (216.75%), potassium (280.15%), zinc (186.90%), copper (24.23%), organic carbon (130.77%), organic matter (132.43%), operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of top 30 bacterial classes (82.27%), genera (73.95%), plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB, 86.00%) and lignocellulose degrading bacteria (LDB, 109.14%) over recommended NPK at p value of 0.05. Significantly high plant biomass (14.21 t ha−1) and grain yield (5.69 t ha−1) were obtained in recommended NPK treatment, followed by 30 t ha−1 FYM treatment, whereas significantly higher grain protein was obtained in 30 t ha−1 FYM treatment at p value of 0.05. The abundance of top 30 bacterial classes was highest under 30 t ha−1 FYM (100117), while lowest under recommended NPK treatment (54928). This treatment also witnessed highest presence of all beneficial bacterial classes, top 30 bacterial genera, PGPB and LDB. Highest up-regulated bacterial genes in recommended NPK, and superior soil quality parameters (nutrient profile and microbial diversity) in 30 t ha−1 FYM, indicate that sustainable yields and quality are achievable by using a balanced amount of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight integrated crop management (ICM) practices were evaluated for six years consecutively, which are ICM1&2: 'business-as-usual' (conventional transplanted rice fb flatbed wheat), ICM3&4: conventional direct seeded rice (DSR) fb furrow irrigated raised-bed wheat without residues, ICM5&6: conservation agriculture (CA)-based zero-tilled (ZT) DSR fb ZT wheat with the wheat and rice residues and ICM7&8: CA-based ZTDSR fb ZT wheat with the wheat, mungbean and rice residues. ICM7-8 produced 9.6–16.4% and 9.4–9.9% greater system rice equivalent yield (REY) than the ICM1-4 and ICM5-6, respectively. Residue-retained CA-based ICM5-8 had 23.2% and 58.5% greater N and P balance, respectively, than the residue removed (ICM1-4); subsequently, negative K balance (–53 to –115.5 kg ha−1) was recorded in ICM1-4. ICM5-8 consumed ~60-78% of total energy and produced the highest energy output (Eo) in rice (11.5–12.6%)/wheat (7.3–13%) than ICM1-4. In contrast, ICM1-4 had a greater energy use efficiency (EUE) compared to ICM5-8 due to lesser energy input (EI) through indirect renewable sources. At a soil depth of 0.0–0.45 m, the ICM5-8 contributed 7.9% and 20.2% greater active and passive OC pools over the ICM1-4. Thus, CA-based ICM in rice-wheat rotation (RWR) could be a possible substitute for the positive nutrient balance, system yields and energy and carbon dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The procurement of food grains from farmers and their transportation to regional level has become decisive due to increasing food demand and post-harvest losses in developing countries. To overcome these challenges, this paper attempts to develop a robust data-driven supply chain model for the efficient procurement of food grains in India. Following the data collected from three leading wheat producing Indian regions, a mixed-integer linear programming model is formulated for minimising total supply chain network costs and determining number and location of procurement centres. The NK Hybrid Genetic Algorithm (NKHGA) is employed to cluster the villages, along with a novel density-based approach to optimise the supply chain network. Sensitivity analysis indicates that policymakers should focus on creating an adequate number of procurement centres in each surplus state, well before the start of the harvesting season. The study is expected to benefit food grain supply chain stakeholders such as farmers, procurement agencies, logistics providers and government bodies in making an informed decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer-use efficiency (20 − 50%) is low in wheat fields in India. Coated urea can increase N-use efficiency in wheat, but a desirable coating for use with urea is not widely accepted yet. Therefore, to study the efficacy of coated urea on productivity and economics of wheat, an experiment was conducted at Research Farm of SKUAST-J, India, during winter season of 2017 − 2018 and 2018 − 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 11 treatment combinations, replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of various doses of different types of coated urea viz prilled urea, Neem coated urea (NCU), Zinc coated urea (ZnCU), and Neem + Zinc coated urea (NCU + ZnCU). Different doses of coated urea fertilizers showed significant effect on the growth, yield, economics, and nutrient uptake of wheat crop. Application of 100% of recommended (Rec.) nitrogen (N) through ZnCU + Rec. Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Zinc (Zn) (T8) showed significantly better growth, yield attributing characters and grain and straw yield, during both the years of study and remained statistically at par with the application of 85% of Rec. N through ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T7), 100% of Rec. N through NCU + ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T11), 85% of Rec. N through NCU + ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn(T10) and 100% of Rec. N through NCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T5).Similarly, nutrient uptake (N, K and Zn), net returns, and B:C ratio were also observed to be significantly higher with the application of 100% of Rec. N through ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn than other treatments. However, maximum mean Agronomic use efficiency (AUE) and Recovery use efficiency (RUE) of 36.2% and 30.0%, respectively, were found with the application of 85% of Rec. N through ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T7) over the application of100% of Rec. N through urea + Rec. P, K, & Zn(T2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity is a primary cause of the development of unattractive dark brown discoloration of wheat-based end products. The present study aims to evaluate a set of 41 diverse wheat genotypes grown at three different locations in India for grain phenol color reaction, PPO activity and molecular marker-based characterization of alleles of PPO genes. Relationships among these parameters were analyzed along with the effects of grain PPO activity on dough and chapati color at different time intervals. The mean PPO activity ranged from 7.42 to 27.57 min−1 g−1 10−3 among the genotypes and it showed a significant negative correlation with color brightness (L*) of dough rested for 0 min (r = -0.406), 15 min (r = -0.406), 2 h (r = -0.502) and 4 h (r = -0.551) and whole wheat flour-derived chapati rested for 2 h (r = -0.267) and 4 h (r = -0.424). The overall quality color score was negatively correlated with PPO activity (r = -0.863) and showed a positive correlation with both dough and chapati visual color measured at different time intervals. PPO activity in the genotypes carrying different alleles was found to be Ppo-A1a>Ppo-A1b; Ppo-B2d>Ppo-B2a; and Ppo-D1b>Ppo-D1a. The allelic constitution Ppo-A1bPpo-B2aPpo-D1a and Ppo-A1bPpo-B2dPpo-D1 was found to produce the lowest PPO activity, and thus these alleles are recommended to be used in marker assisted breeding for low PPO activity genotypes to minimize the discoloration of wheat-based end-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming, as a result of climate change, may destructively affect wheat yield potentially increasing food insecurity and poverty. The field experiments were laid out during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2016–17 and 2017–18 at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, to enhance wheat growth, quality, and productivity. The present experiment consisted of three sowing at different thermal environments (22°C, 20°C and 18°C) in main plot and eight foliar sprays of bio-regulators (control, water spray, salicylic acid @ 100 ppm, salicylic acid @ 200 ppm, thiosalicylic acid @ 100 ppm, thiosalicylic acid @ 200 ppm, thioglycolic acid @ 100 ppm, and thioglycolic acid @ 200 ppm) in subplot were set in a split-plot design with four replications. The pooled data indicated that crops are sown at 20°C (D2) attained maximum growth parameters i.e. (total number of tillers per square meter and plant height), heat indices (GDD and CTD), quality parameters (chlorophyll content of flag leaf stage, crude protein content in grain and protein yield), and yield (grain, straw and biological), also proved significantly superior over D1 (sowing at 22°C) and D3 (sowing at 18°C). The data further indicated that the above parameters were measured significantly higher in B4 (SA @ 200 ppm), which excelled over rest of the treatments. Therefore, enhancement in yield requires improved agronomic practices i.e. application of SA @ 200 ppm along with crop sowing at 20°C temperature in order to sustain enhanced productivity under heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensor-based irrigation scheduling in field crops like wheat for achieving optimum yield with minimum use of water needs investigation under different amendment practices. The present study was thus conducted to investigate the effect of four irrigation regimes i.e., soil moisture indicator (red level of indication, SMI), tensiometer (35 k Pa), IW/Pan-E 0.9, and IW/Pan-E 0.6 in main plots and four organic amendments i.e., farm yard manure (FYM), rice straw mulch, hydrogel and without amendments in subplots on soil physical properties and wheat productivity. The field experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications during rabi 2020–21 at Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, PAU, Ludhiana. The use of SMI shows promising results in respect of scheduling irrigation in wheat as similar biological yield with same amount of water was achieved as that observed for recommended practice i.e., IW/PAN-E = 0.9. The results further indicate that the use of amendments, particularly FYM, leads to reduction in soil bulk density by 4%, while the soil moisture content at field capacity and water-holding capacity by 14% and 9.3%. It is, thus, concluded that scheduling irrigation based on SMI along with FYM in wheat is a suitable practice for northwest India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the sustainability of the rice-wheat cropping system in Indo-Gangetic Plains is facing many problems in various fronts viz., agricultural, ecological, environmental and economical. Therefore, to ensure long-term sustainability, the rice-wheat cropping system needs to be diversified. The present study was conducted to identify an alternative cropping system for Indo-Gangetic Plains region of India by diversifying and intensifying the current rice-wheat cropping system. Ten treatments (rice-wheat = control, rice-wheat-green gram, rice-potato-green gram, rice-wheat-cowpea fodder, rice-potato-cowpea fodder, rice-berseem fodder-maize fodder, rice-berseem fodder-cowpea fodder, rice-mustard-sudan grass fodder, rice-mustard-cowpea fodder and rice-cabbage-cowpea fodder) were compared consecutively two years in randomized block design with three replications. Diversification of rice-wheat cropping system with rice-potato-green gram resulted in increase in system productivity (142.35%), gross returns (99.57%), net returns (130.34%), profitability (130.96%), relative production efficiency (142.53%), relative economic efficiency (130.79%) and labour employment (55.73%). The inclusion of legume crops in cropping sequences was found better in improving the soil quality parameters. Our results revealed the significance of diversification and intensification of rice-wheat cropping system under irrigated ecosystem of IGP as it enhanced system productivity, profitability and soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Indo-gangetic plains, the continuous cultivation of rice-wheat cropping system in light-textured soils has aggravated a manganese (Mn) deficiency. Wheat is sensitive to Mn availability in soil and its deficiency has become one of the major constraints in sustaining its productivity on soils cropped with rice. Thus, field experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of tank-mixed formulations of manganese sulfate (MnSO4·7H2O) and urea (CO(NH2)2) at critical growth stages. The experiment comprised of six different treatments of MnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) and tank-mixed formulation of MnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) and CO(NH2)2 (1%) sprayed 35, 50 and 70 days after sowing (DAS). The results revealed that for biofortification, tank mixed formulation of MnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) with and without CO (NH2)2 (1.0%) at different growth stages resulted in significantly higher yield and Mn accumulation over control. The protein content, micronutrient concentrations (Zn, Fe and Mn) and accumulation in wheat were highest in the treatment having tank-mixed formulation of MnSO4·7H2O and CO(NH2)2 at 35, 50 and 75 DAS stages. However, it was statistically at par with tank-mixed formulation of MnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) and CO(NH2)2 (1.0%) sprayed at 35 and 50 DAS. The net return and B:C ratio were maximum (Rs 75,671 ha−1 and 2.97) in the treatment having tank-mixed formulation of MnSO4·7H2O plus CO(NH2)2 applied at 35 and 50 DAS. The results of the study concluded that the tank-mixed formulation is the appropriate combination for higher accumulation of Mn in wheat grains through biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present field experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal on a clayey soil (Typic Haplusterts) during 2012–13 and 2013–14. The performance of soybean (Glycine max, cv. JS 335)–wheat (Triticum durum, cv. HI 8498) cropping system in terms of yield, nutrient uptake and economics under different organic and inorganic nutrient was assessed. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments in four replications. The treatments involved different nutrient inputs viz. organic manure (OM) (T1); biodynamic preparation (BD) (T2); OM + panchagavya (OM + PG) (T3); OM + BD (T4); OM + PG + BD (T5); control (T6); and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (T7). Cattle dung manure on N equivalent basis to soybean in kharif and cattle dung manure (CDM) + vermicompost (VC) + poultry manure (PM) (1:1:1 on N equivalent basis) to wheat were applied as organic manure whereas nutrients were supplied in the form of chemical fertilizers in RDF treatment. The yield of soybean and wheat crops obtained with organic combinations were found comparable and even better (5–13% higher) with those obtained under RDF which enhanced nutrient removal by soybean and wheat crops. The soybean–wheat sequence registered an increment of 2–11% and 11–26% in total N and P uptake, respectively over RDF. The net returns obtained under organic treatments were found statistically at par with those obtained under RDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ongoing long-term experiment started since 1967, were selected during rabi season of 2014–2015 at Research Farm of Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment consisting combination of two level of FYM (0 and 15 t/ha) and three mode of application (kharif, rabi, and both kharif and rabi) in main plots whereas, two level of nitrogen (0 and 120 kg/ha) and two weed control treatment (weed free and weedy check) in subplots was laid out in split-plot design. Based on the research investigation, it was observed that highest wheat yield and nutrient uptake by crop were significantly higher where FYM 15 t/ha was applied in both rabi and kharif season as compared to other treatments. Similarly, application of 120 kg N/ha significantly increased crop yield as compared to treatment where no nitrogen was applied. Weed density of A. arvensis and M. indicus decreased with increasing fertility level, whereas, density of C. didymus, R. dentatus, and miscellaneous weeds, total dry matter of weeds along with uptake and content of NPK in weeds increased with increasing fertility level. Gross returns, net returns and B:C were maximum under application of 15 t/ha in both rabi and kharif season along with 120 kg N/ha under weed free conditions. The combined application of FYM 15 t/ha in both rabi and kharif season along with 120 kg N/ha under weed free conditions gave significantly higher value of growth and yields of wheat and its economic returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability of cereal-based cropping system is important for the livelihood and food security in semi-arid regions. The present study explores the impact of long-term organic and inorganic nutrients and integrated fertilization practices of soil test crop response (STCR) approach of inductive-cum-targeted yield model on soil physical properties and its correlation with soil organic carbon (OC) under pearl millet–wheat in sandy-loam soils of semiarid north-west regions of India. Results showed that OC in the soils significantly increased in farm yard manure (FYM) and integrated treatments up to a maximum of 135% and 148%, respectively, in a period of 8 years over the control in surface soils (0–15 cm). The increase in OC significantly increased the infiltration rate (IR), hydraulic conductivity (HC), soil water retention at all suctions, water stable aggregates (WSA) (> 0.25 mm) and mean weight diameter of the soil aggregates, while decreased the bulk density (BD) and penetration resistance (PR) both at surface and subsurface soil layers. Soil OC also showed a negative correlation with BD (r = −0.955) and PR (r = −0.820). The hydraulic properties of the soil, viz., soil water retention, showed a high positive correlation with field capacity (r = 0.973), 0.922 for permanent wilting point (r = 0.922), HC (r = 0.938), IR (r = 0.973), and WSA (r = 0.979) with OC. Thus, long-term application of organic material in conjunction with NP improved soil physical health, provided better environment to grow crops through improved nutrient concentration and its translocation that ultimately helps to achieve yield target through STCR (Soil Test Crop Response) approach of inductive-cum-targeted yield model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In scarce-irrigated areas of India, pearl millet-wheat cropping system is depleting soil quality, system productivity and resources. The objective of study was to restore soil quality and sustain productivity. It was considered necessary to diversify cereal through legume-based wheat system and shift of traditional to conservation technologies. A field experiment was assessed the rainy season cereal crop pearl millet (PM) and three legumes- pigeon pea (PP), green gram (GG) and cluster bean (CB)-based winter wheat (W) systems under two land levelling methods viz. traditional (TLL) and precision laser assisted (PLL), and three establishment methods- traditional tillage (TT), zero tillage (ZT) and permanent broad bed- furrow (PBBF) on various parameters. Results of PLL and PBBF crop establishment was significantly enhanced the soil quality parameters, growth characters, less plant mortality of rainy season crops and lodging of wheat compared with traditional practices. Overall improvement in soil quality, system- and water productivity (WP) and net returns were in ordered: PP-W > CB-W > GG-W > PM-W and PBBF > ZT > TT. Results indicated that PBBF crop establishment in PLL conditions can be made more sustainable productive, economic profitable, ameliorate soil quality and save resources in scarce/canal support irrigation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year after the rice harvest, some 2.5 million farmers in northwest India burn the remaining stubble to prepare their fields for the subsequent wheat crop. Crop residue burning causes massive air pollution affecting millions of people across the Indo-Gangetic Plains. We examine different tillage practices to provide urgently needed empirical evidence on how profitable it is for farmers to adopt no-burn technologies, especially the 'Happy Seeder' (HS) which is capable of sowing wheat directly into large amounts of crop residue. Apart from analysing the cost of rice residue management and wheat sowing under conventional-tillage and zero-tillage, we identify factors influencing the adoption of the HS and quantify its impact on wheat yields and –production costs. While we do not find any evidence of a yield penalty, our analysis reveals significant savings in wheat production costs, amounting to 136 USD ha–1. In addition, our analysis shows that the HS saves water and facilitates timely wheat sowing. We conclude that the private benefits of HS use combined with its societal benefits of reducing air pollution and enhancing agricultural sustainability justify particular policy support for its large-scale diffusion, to be supplemented by a stricter enforcement of the ban on residue burning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to compare the carbon sequestration potential, carbon emission, and cost benefit ratio of wheat varieties under open farming and poplar based agroforestry system. Field experiment was carried out at Agroforestry Research Center, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India. The experimental plots were laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with two associate farming systems, open farming and poplar based agroforestry system, and four varieties of wheat, PBW-373, PBW-343, UP-262 and VL-907, with three replications. Above ground, below ground and total biomass, carbon stock, carbon sequestration, carbon credit, and carbon price all were significantly higher in wheat under poplar based agroforestry system (22.949, 2.753, 25.702, 11.460, 42.049 tonnes/ha, 40.049 and $744.270/ha) while net emission was significantly lower (−40.998 tonnes/ha) in two years, as compared to open farming (−37.263 tonnes/ha). Net return and Benefit Cost (B:C) ratio ($876.29/ha and 1.83) was also higher in agroforestry system than open farming system ($700.91/ha and 1.82). Among wheat varieties VL-907 recorded maximum net return and B:C ratio ($914.52/ha and 2.12) followed by PBW-343. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice–wheat (RW) cropping system in India is a major source of N2O emissions. In such system, defining N rates that deliver minimal N2O emissions and economically optimum yield would benefit both food production and the environment. We measured yield and N2O fluxes from RW systems in Northwest IGP under two tillage systems and five N rates (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg N ha−1) for both rice and wheat using static chamber method. Seasonal pattern of N2O emission was mainly influenced by fertilizer and water application events with no significant effect of tillage systems. Mean annual N2O emission from RW system was 1.49 kg N ha−1 in N75 plot and 2.97–3.04 in the plots receiving ≥150 kg N ha−1. On average, the yield-scaled N2O emissions of rice and wheat were 0.25 and 0.52 kg N2O–N mg−1, respectively. Our finding suggests that N rates between 120–200 kg N ha−1 in rice and 50–185 kg ha−1 in wheat provide the most economical returns and application rates beyond these ranges would be both economically and environmentally unsustainable. Within the range of N rate studied, fertilizer-induced N2O-EF for rice and wheat were 0.41% and 0.79%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional agricultural practices that rely heavily on blanket fertilizer recommendation, eventually leading to deteriorated partial factor productivity and N use efficiency. We investigated the effect of SPAD-based N-management on productivity and N use efficiency of rice and wheat in eastern India. Here, in the experiment three SPAD thresholds (34, 36 and 38 in rice and 38, 40 and 42 in wheat) using three N levels (15, 25 and 35 kg N ha−1) in split were incorporated as real-time N management (RTNM), one fixed-time N management (FTNM), farmers' fertilizer practice (FFP) and control (No fertilizer) were introduced in wet and dry seasons for rice and wheat, respectively, during the years 2010 to 2012. Topdressing with 25 kg N ha−1 at medium SPAD (S36 in rice and S40 in wheat) increased soil N availability, leaf N content and grain yield of rice (5215 kg ha−1) and wheat (4483 kg ha−1) over the grain yield recorded under a low rate of N topdressing at low SPAD. While saving 33.3% N in rice and 18.8% N in wheat, the agronomic N use efficiency (58.5% in both rice and wheat) and nitrogen recovery efficiency (32.2% in rice and 15.1% in wheat) can be increased when compared with conventional FTNM. The SPAD-based management strategy showed great promise in efficient management of N fertilizer, and we estimated the optimal SPAD threshold for rice and wheat as 37.5 and 41.8, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of DNDC (DeNitrification-DeComposition) and RothC (Rothamsted Carbon model) in simulating soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in soils under rice (Oryza sativa L.) – wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.) – wheat and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) – wheat cropping systems was evaluated on field and regional scale. Field experiments consisted of N, NP, NK, PK, NPK, FYM, N + FYM, NPK + FYM, and control (UF) treatments. DNDC and RothC over-estimated SOC storage by 0.35–1.16 Mg C ha−1 (6–21%) in surface layer with manure application, compared with inorganic fertilizer treatments by 1.01–1.16 Mg C ha−1 (14–18%). Although RothC only slightly over-estimated SOC stocks, DNDC provided a better match for measured versus simulated SOC stocks (R2 = 0.783*, DNDC; 0.669*, RothC, p <.05). Model validation on independent datasets from long-term studies on rice–wheat (R2 = 0.935**, DNDC; R2 = 0.920**, RothC, p <.01) and maize–wheat (R2 = 0.895** for DNDC and R2 = 0.967** for RothC, p <.01) systems showed excellent agreement between measured and simulated SOC stocks. On a regional scale, change in SOC storage under Scenario 1 (NPK) was significant up to 8 years of simulation, with no change thereafter. In Scenario 2 (NPK + FYM), DNDC simulated SOC storage after 10 years was 2.0, 0.4, and 1.4 Mg C ha−1 in three systems, respectively. Amount of C sequestered in silt + clay fraction varied between 0.31 and 0.97 kg C 10 years−1 (Mg silt + clay)−1 under Scenario 1, and between 0.78 and 2.67 kg C 10 years−1 (Mg silt + clay)−1 under Scenario 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted for 2 years in sandy loam soil, to study the direct effect of organic manures i.e. sewage sludge (SS), vermicompost (VC) and sesbania (SB) and chemical fertilizers on rice (Oryza sativa) and their residual effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in sequence in winter (Rabi) and summer (Kharif) season during 2015–2016 to 2016–2017 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Residual effect of organic sources of nutrients as SS, VC and SB were monitored up to fourth crop (II wheat) in sequence applied in conjunction with 75% recommended dose of fertilize (RDF). Among the nutrient sources, the maximum grain yield in I rice (4.89 t ha−1), II rice (4.95 t ha−1), was recorded in treatment T3 (100% RDF with S, Zn, B) whereas in I wheat (4.68 t ha−1) and II wheat (4.59 t ha−1), it was recorded in T4 (customized fertilizer). The maximum straw yield during all four crops was recorded in T3 (100% RDF with S, Zn, B) in rice and T4 (customized fertilizer) in wheat crop, which showed 25, 32, 23 and 28% increase over 100% RDF (T2). Application of 100% RDF along with S, Zn, B and customized fertilizer increased the total uptake of N, P, K, S and B and also in net returns and B:C ratio followed by organic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) release in 18 soil-water suspensions after their equilibration for 24 and 240 h periods at 25°C was studied in a laboratory experiment. Total dissolved Mn released into the soil solution was observed to increase from a range of 0.03-0.41 mg L−1 (mean = 0.13 mg L−1) to a range of 0.45-44.44 mg L−1 (mean = 22.40 mg L−1) with the increase in incubation periods from 24 to 240 h, respectively. The increase in Mn released was observed to be related with the redox potential (pe) induced by incubation conditions. After 24 h of equilibration period, pe of soil-water suspension ranged from −1.75 to 0.77 (mean = −0.24). Increasing the incubation period to 240 h, pe of soil-water suspensions declined in the range of −4.49 to −2.74 (mean = −3.29). Laboratory results of redox pe and corresponding dissolved manganese concentrations of some soil-water equilibrated systems were compared with the leaf Mn content in wheat and rice plants grown in the fields, from where soil samples were collected for laboratory experiment. These results demonstrated that decline in pe due to longer equilibration period (240 h) of soil-water systems in the laboratory experiment or keeping standing water for a couple of weeks in the fields for cultivation of rice crop results in higher release of Mn and eventually its higher uptake in rice than in wheat plants. Leaf manganese content in rice ranged from 94 to 185 mg kg−1, which was markedly higher than its range from 25 to 62 mg kg−1 found in the wheat grown at 10 different sites. Pourbaix diagrams were drawn for different soil-water systems containing carbonate, phosphate, or sulfate along with manganese. The presence of carbonate and phosphate anions along with manganese oxides minerals in the soil-water systems of all soils results in its precipitation as MnCO3 and MnHPO4, respectively, in both oxidized and reduced soil field environment. In Punjab, wheat and rice crops are generally cultivated on soils heavily fertilized with P fertilizers. The presence of phosphate anion with manganese oxides minerals in the soil-water systems of all soils results in the precipitation MnHPO4 in both oxidized and reduced soil field environment. Thus, in P-fertilized soil, MnHPO4 compound is even more predominant than aqueous Mn2+ and its solubility actually controlled the availability of Mn2+ to plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon (C) mineralization of crop residues is an important process occurring in soil which is helpful in predicting CO2 emission to the atmosphere and nutrient availability to plants. A laboratory experiment was conducted in which C mineralization of residues of rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), maize (Zea mays), mungbean (Vigna radiata) and their mixtures was applied to the soil surface or incorporated into an Alfisols from Northwest India. C mineralization was significantly affected by residue placement and type and their interactions. Rice residue had a higher decomposition rate (k = 0.121 and 0.076 day−1) than wheat (0.073 and 0.042 day−1) and maize residues (0.041 day−1) irrespective of placements. Higher decomposition rates of rice and wheat were observed when placed on soil surface than incorporated in the soils. Additive effects of the contribution of each residue type to C mineralization of the residue mixture were observed. When mungbean residue was added to the rice/wheat or maize/wheat mixture, decomposition of the residue mixture was enhanced. Crop residues with low N and high C/N ratio such as maize, wheat, rice and their mixtures can be applied on the soil surface for faster C and N mineralization, thereby helping to manage high volumes of residues under conservation agriculture-based practices in northwest India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed data from a long-term rice-wheat cropping sequence to evaluate the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on yield trends and sustainability, nutrient balance and soil fertility of the system. After 30th cycle, grain yield of both the crops significantly declined under control and highest rice and wheat grain yields were obtained when 50% N supplied through green manure and farm yard manure, respectively. The magnitude of yield slope under INM was found considerably higher than 100% recommended fertilizer (RDF). Sustainable yield index (SYI) for both the crops were found lower in control but considerably higher with the 100% RDF and under INM. The soils under all the treatments suffered an apparent loss of K and N (except where organics replacing 50% N). Correlation study also reveals K is the sole factor for the yield sustainability as apparent K balance was negatively correlated with SYI and yield slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment on the effect of primary biomethanated spentwash (PBSW) on soil properties, nutrient uptake and yield of wheat on sodic soil was carried out at a research farm of Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra state, India, during the post-monsoon season. The experimental soil was sodic calcareous having Sawargaon series of isohyperthermic family of Vertic Haplustepts. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of varying doses of PBSW (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 m3 ha−1), absolute control, farmyard manure (FYM) 5 t ha−1+ RDF-AST (recommended dose of fertilizer as per soil test), FYM 5 t ha−1 + 50% GR (gypsum requirement) + RDF-AST and FYM 5 t ha−1 + 100% GR + RDF-AST. The results revealed that the physical properties, namely bulk density and hydraulic conductivity, were improved in sodic soil due to the application of increased doses of PBSW. A significant reduction in pH, calcium carbonate and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and an increase in organic carbon, cation-exchange capacity (CEC) and electrical conductivity (EC) were observed in the soil, due to the addition of PBSW. The available soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and micronutrient iron, manganese, copper and zinc (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) content after the harvest of wheat was the highest in the 500 m3 ha−1treatment compared with all the other treatments. The exchangeable calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) increased significantly and exchangeable Sodium (Na+) reduced significantly with increased doses of PBSW. The saturation paste extract analysis also showed the same trend. A significant increase in the EC of the saturation paste of extract of the soil was observed in all PBSW treatments and it was the highest (4.75 dS m−1) in PBSW application @ 500 m3 ha−1. The application of PBSW @ 500, 400, 300 and 200 m3 ha−1resembled the treatments of FYM + gypsum @ 100 GR + RDF-AST, FYM + gypsum @ 50 GR + RDF-AST and FYM + RDF-AST, respectively, regarding the biological properties of sodic soil. The PBSW application @ 500 m3 ha−1had recorded the highest grain (47.33 q ha−1) and straw (72.72 q ha−1) yield and the maximum total uptake of N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn by wheat, which was at par with the treatment of FYM (5 t ha−1) + gypsum @ 100% GR + RDF-AST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat forms the basic ingredient for various bakery and traditional products. Wheat-based flat breads are one of the traditional products prepared in different parts of the world. Different regions of the world have inherited different preparation methods since time immemorial, which has led to the existence of traditional flat breads’. Being traditional, only a few have been extensively studied scientifically. India, being the second largest producer of wheat, has a great saga of traditional flat breads with different tastes and texture. This review is a compiled information related to the research studies carried out on some of the wheat-based traditional flat breads of India namelychapati, puri, tandoori roti, parantha(whole-wheat flour based)and parotta, naan, bhatura, kulcha(refined wheat flour based) which indicates the magnitude of attention they have drawn among the food scientists. The review delves upon the developments and improvements brought about in the storage stability and realization of large-scale production of few of these flat breads which has helped considerably to cater to the growing demand in the domestic as well as international markets. The review also indicates the possibility and the tremendous scope available for technological developments for traditional flat breads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of agriculture crop-residue burning (ACRB) was studied on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of 50 healthy subjects (13–53 years). Human subjects with no previous history of lung disease were residents of five sampling sites. Investigations were carried out from February 2007 to January 2010 using spirometry. Simultaneously, concentration levels of suspended particulate matter (PM) and fine particulates (PM2.5 and PM10) were monitored using high volume sampler and Anderson Cascade Impactor, respectively. The PFTs show a significant (p < 0.05) decrease, while PM shows momentous increase during exhaustive burning of wheat and rice crop residues. Effect of ACRB on the peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) is more than that on force expiratory flow (FEF25–75%). The PEF and FEF25–75% recovered to some extent on completion of burning period, while PFTs like force vital capacity and force expiratory volume did not show a significant improvement. Due to greater concentration of fine particulates during rice crop-residue burning (CRB) than wheat CRB, there was a greater effect on pulmonary functions. The ACRB, in general, poses more effect on the lower and upper age groups in comparison to the middle age group subjects. All the analyses are well supported with large significant levels (p < 0.05) obtained by using the paired t-test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistence of fenoxaprop ethyl {Ethyl (RS)-2-[4-(6-chloro-1,3-benzoxazol-2-yloxy) phenoxy] propionate} herbicide and its active metabolite fenoxaprop acid was investigated in soil and wheat crop. Fenoxaprop acid was prepared by alkaline hydrolysis of fenoxaprop ethyl. A HPLC method was developed in which fenoxaprop ethyl herbicide and its acid metabolite showed sharp single peak at 6.44 and 2.61 min respectively. The sensitivity of the method for ester and acid was 2 and 1 ng respectively with limit of detection of 0.1 and 0.05 μg mL−1. The recovery of fenoxaprop ethyl and fenoxaprop acid from soil, wheat straw and grain ranged between 73.8–80.2%. In a field experiment fenoxaprop ethyl (Puma super® 10 EC) when applied to wheat crop at the rate of 120 g and 240 g a.i. ha-1as post emergence spray, fenoxaprop ethyl converted to fenoxaprop acid. Residues of fenoxaprop ethyl and acid dissipated in soil with a half-life of 0.5 and 7.3 days, respectively. At harvest no detectable residues of fenoxaprop ethyl or acid were observed in soil, wheat grain and straw samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted on a farmer's field near Bhavnagar (Gujarat, India) during theRabiseason of 2008–2009 to study the effect of foliar applications ofKappaphycus alvareziiandGracilaria edulissap on growth and yield response of wheat var. ‘GW 496’. Three foliar sprays of both saps were applied at the rate of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0% (v/v) along with water as a control at different stages of the crop. It was found that yield of grain was increased significantly by 19.74% and 13.16% for plants receiving 7.5% and 5.0% concentrations ofK. alvareziiandG. edulissap, respectively, over control. The increase in yield was attributed to increases in the number of spike, spike weight, spike length and 100 seed weight. Foliar applications ofK. alvareziisap at 7.5% increased nutrient contents in grains from 7.91% (K) – 31.82% (S) whereasG. edulissap increased nutrient content 5.72% (N) – 37.54% (Mg). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on a research related to effect of cropping systems and crop residue on productivity and soil properties in organic ecosystem. It mentions that in field trials conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, the effect of rice-wheat (RWVS) and rice-wheat-mungbean (RWMVS) cropping systems on protein yield, energy output and soil properties was analyzed. It informs that RWMCS exhibited higher productivity, energy output and protein yield as compared to RWCS.

A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of zinc (Zn) on biofortification of 10 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties in the Zn-deficient soil of Lucknow. Treatments consisted of 0 and 20 mg Zn kg−1 as a basal dose and 20 mg Zn kg−1 basal dose with two foliar sprays of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) 0.5%. Foliar sprays of Zn were applied twice at the preflowering stage and 7 days after flowering. Results from the present study revealed that poor growth of plants grown in soil without Zn applications (0 mg Zn kg−1) were improved by applications of Zn (20 mg Zn kg−1) more when Zn was applied with two foliar sprays. Application of Zn (20 mg Zn kg−1) with two foliar sprays also proved beneficial for maximizing Zn concentrations of grains and other plant parts. Wheat varieties NW 1076, K 3827, NW 2036, and UP 262 appeared highly responsive to the treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The status of available macronutrients [phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)] and soil organic carbon (SOC) of the surface soil under a rice–wheat cropping system was studied in 40 districts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. The soil samples were collected from the farmers' fields in four transects (Trans-, Upper, Middle, and Lower Gangetic Plains) of the IGP. The selection of farmers, villages, blocks, and districts within an agro-climatic zone (ACZ) was done on the basis of a multistage statistical approach. The available macronutrients were characterized as low, medium, and high. In Trans-Gangetic Plains, SOC, available P, and available K were in the ranges of 0.06–0.86%, 6.7–85.1 kg ha−1, and 50–347 kg ha−1, respectively. In Upper Gangetic Plains, the respective values were in the ranges of 0.05–2.55%, 4.5–155.0 kg ha−1, and 45 to 560 kg ha−1. Similarly, in Middle Gangetic Plains, these values were in the ranges of 0.04–2.01%, 4.7–183.7 kg ha−1, and 72–554 kg ha−1, respectively. In Lower Gangetic Plains, respective values were 0.12–1.78%, 2.2–112.0 kg ha−1, and 83–553 kg ha−1. In Trans-Gangetic plains, the majority of the soils in the midplains ACZ representing intensively cultivated rice–wheat system area were low to medium in SOC and available P, whereas available K status was medium to high. Irrespective of the agroclimatic variations, more than 90% of the soils were low to medium in SOC and available P with a marginal deficiency of K. The majority of the coarse-textured soils in Shiwaliks were found to have low to medium SOC and available P, whereas less intensively cultivated arid zone soils were high in SOC, available P, and available K. In Upper and Middle Gangetic Plains, the majority of the soils tested medium for SOC and medium to high in available P and K. The dominance of medium status of available P in these soils could be due to mining of soil P by the rice–wheat cropping system practiced in these regions for more than 300 years. In Lower Gangetic Plains, the SOC was medium to high in most of the soils, whereas available P and K were high. Recent introduction of the rice–wheat system on intensive scale in these traditionally rice-growing areas resulted in less mining of SOC, P, and K. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Applying the momentum-threshold autoregressive (M-TAR) model due to Enders and Granger (Enders, W. and Granger, C.W.J. (1998) Unit root tests and asymmetric adjustment with an example using the term structure of interest rates. Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, 16(3), pp. 304–311), this article examines the relationship between the various prices of wheat quoted at different market centres in four Indian states. We find evidence of M-TAR asymmetric adjustments of wheat prices, indicating that price signals within states are transmitted over time in an asymmetric manner. This type of price adjusting behaviour is consistent as to how price differentials may respond to poor dissemination of knowledge regarding market conditions and high transactions costs. The results offer important policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Diversification of rice-wheat cropping system may improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural production in the Indo-Gangetic plane region (IGPR), but the choice of alternative sequences to be used requires integrated assessment of various crop sequences. A long-term field experiment was initiated during 2000-01 on sandy loam soil at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India to assess 10 rice-based cropping sequences - rice-wheat, rice-chickpea, rice-wheat-green gram, rice-wheat-Sesbania (green manure), rice-mustard-green gram, rice-lentil-cowpea (fodder), rice-pea, rice-lentil + mustard (3:1)-cowpea (fodder), rice-maize (cob) + vegetable pea (1:1)-cowpea (fodder) and rice-potato-green gram in randomized block design with four replications. The data contained in this paper are for the year 2002-03 and 2003-04. Substitution of rice-wheat with 300% intensity cropping sequences particularly with rice-potato-green gram resulted in maximum production cost but gave the highest system productivity, net return, benefit:cost ratio, production efficiency, profitability and energy productivity. Inclusion of summer grain/fodder legume or Sesbania for green manuring improved the content of soil organic matter. The soil P status was positively affected in all the sequences and particularly those with summer crops. Decline in soil available K in all the sequences indicated inadequacy of present recommended rate of fertilizer K to all the component crops in different sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulching is highly beneficial for resource conservation under rainfed conditions, but non-availability of organic biomass and easy availability of fertilizers and herbicides has led to a gradual discontinuation of this practice. Various vegetative materials, including some troublesome weedy perennials, are available locally, which can be recycled for enhanced soil moisture and nutrient conservation. A field experiment was conducted at Dehradun, India, from 2001-2004 to study the effect of mulching with kudzu (Peuraria hirsuta), wild sage (Lantana camara), and subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) applied at 30 and 60 days of growth of maize (Zea mays), maize harvest, and sowing of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Application of 10 t/ha (fresh biomass) added 1.6-2.3 t dry matter through Peuraria, 2.5-3.2 t through Lantana, and 2.9-3.9 t/ha through Leuceana, which contributed 47.7-60.9 kg N, 58.4-70.9 kg N, and 118.4-148.4 kg N/ha, respectively. All mulching materials were beneficial and improved productivity of maize significantly by 16.6-20.6% over no mulching. Wheat yield also increased because of mulching in previous maize (+11.2%), and the beneficial effect was relatively greater (12.4-25.1%) when mulching was done at maize harvest or wheat sowing. Mulching showed improvement in organic C and total N status, and a decrease in bulk density associated with an increase in infiltration rate across three cropping cycles. Wheat gave three to five times more net profit than maize, and the net benefit-cost ratio of the system was the highest (1.34-1.35) when mulching was done at 60 days of maize growth with Peuraria and Leucaena. It was concluded that mulching with available vegetative materials in standing crop of maize or after harvest was beneficial for improving moisture conservation, productivity, and profitability of a maize-wheat cropping system under Doon valley conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-angular narrowband compact high-resolution imaging spectrometer (CHRIS) on-board the project for on-board autonomy (PROBA) data of 18 March 2008 were used in this study to discriminate three different growth stages of wheat crop grown in the Central State Farm of Suratgarh, Rajasthan, India. Results showed that the off-nadir view angles performed better than nadir viewing for crop stage discrimination. Among all the off-nadir viewing angles, -55.37° view angle (in the backward-scattering direction) had the highest normalized distance between the crop stage classes. Based on the analysis, the five best bands were identified as 630, 660, 674, 705 and 712 nm for separating wheat at different stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to recommend locality-specific rodent pest management techniques for sugarcane using acute and anticoagulant rodenticides during the months when maximum damage is inflicted on the crop in Punjab, India. Sugarcane crops were found to be infested with four rodent species namely: Bandicota bengalensis (Gray and Hardwicke); Mus booduga (Gray); Millardia meltada (Gray) and Golunda ellioti (Gray), with B. bengalensis being the most prevalent species (accounting for 69.45-83.36% of the total catch). Surveys in 11 villages of three districts of Punjab (India) revealed 19.12 ± 12.22% rodent damage to the sugarcane crop during the months of December-January. Rodenticide treatments were conducted in farmer's fields in two districts of Punjab from December 2003 to January 2007. The results revealed that, to protect the sugarcane crop from rodent damage during the months of December-January, the rodenticide treatment may be applied either: (1) by double-baiting with 2% zinc phosphide followed by 0.005% bromadiolone after 15d at 1 kg/ha each, or (2) by single-baiting with 0.005% bromadiolone at 2 kg/ha. The impact of rodenticide treatment in canefields was also evident in the adjoining wheat crop fields where the incidence of rodent damage was less (0.97-3.24%) than in the fields surrounding untreated canefields (3.53-6.22%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominant cropping system of rice-wheat (covering 10.5 million hectares) is widely adopted by the farmers of the Indo-Gangetic Plains Region of India, which accounts for 25% and 40% of the total area under rice and wheat, respectively. The yield stagnation of both the crops is due to the monotony of the system, the over exhaustive nature of cereal-cereal crop sequences, and the huge over-exploitation of the natural resource base. Other high value and volume crops can effectively be included in the system replacing wheat, while promoting sustainability and profitability of the system. Results showed that rice (Oryza sativa L.)- potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)- onion (Allium cepa L.) and rice-potato-japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.) crop sequences are statistically at par with each other, produced a significantly higher rice equivalent yield of 288.80 q ha-1 and 266.40 q ha-1, respectively than that obtained under rice-potato-green gram (Vigna radiata L.) (193 qha-1), rice-frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)-Japanese mint (173.5 qha-1), rice-mustard (Brassica compestris L.)-Japanese mint(167.4 qha-1), rice-lentil (Lens esculenta L.)-japanese mint (161.0 qha-1) and rice-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.)-japanese mint (which is the most common farmers' practice) (142.0 q ha-1) crop sequences. The rice-potato-japanese mint and rice-potato-onion crop sequences are more productive and economically viable as they also fetched more net returns per unit area for time invested, and can be a better option for the farmers of the Central Plains Zone of India. These two cropping sequences were also judged as most sustainable by the farmers in their local agricultural production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of pollution produced by wheat-residue burning on respiratory parameters of healthy inhabitants were investigated for two consecutive wheat cultivation periods (February-July in 2007 and 2008) at Patiala city of Punjab, India. A total of 51 selected subjects of the age group 13-53 were selected from five sites of Patiala for pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including force vital capacity (FVC), force expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and force expiratory flow between 25 to 75% of FVC (FEF25-75%) using a spirometer. High volume samplers (HVS) and an Andersen cascade impactor were also used to measure the concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and particulate matter (PM) of size less than 10 μm. PFTs show significant decrease and particulate matter shows a significant increase during the burning period of wheat residue. Decrease in FVC and FEV1 did not recover even after completion of the exhaustive burning period this is a more serious concern then PEF and FEF25-75%. The results showed that the public exposure to relatively high levels of pollutants during the exhaustive burning period of wheat residue influences the PFTs of even healthy inhabitants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Indian Punjab, rice-wheat is a dominant cropping system in four agro-ecosystems, namely undulating subregion (zone 1), Piedmont alluvial plains (zone 2), central alluvial plains (zone 3), and southwestern alluvial plains (zone 4), varying in rainfall and temperature. Static and temporal variabilities in soil physical and chemical properties prevail because of alluvial parent material, management/tillage operations, and duration of rice-wheat rotation. A detailed survey was undertaken to study the long-term effect of rice-wheat rotation on soil physical (soil separates, bulk density, modulus of rupture, saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivities, soil water content, and suction relations) and chemical (organic carbon, pH, electrical conductivity) properties of different textured soils (sandy clay loam, loam, clay loam, and silty clay loam) in these four zones of Punjab. Soil samples (of 0- to 30-cm depth) from 45 sites were collected during 2006 and were analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The results showed that sand content and pH increased whereas silt and organic carbon decreased significantly from zones 1 to 4. Compared to other textures, significantly greater organic carbon, modulus of rupture, and pH in silty clay loam; greater bulk density in clay loam, and greater saturated hydraulic conductivity in sandy clay loam were observed. Irrespective of zone and soil texture, in the subsurface soil, there was a hard pan at 15-22.5 cm deep, which had high soil bulk density, modulus of rupture, more silt and clay contents (by 3-5%) and less organic carbon and hydraulic conductivity than the surface (0-15 cm) layer. These properties deteriorated with fineness of the soil texture and less organic carbon content. Continuous rice-wheat cropping had a deleterious effect on many soil properties. Many of these soils would benefit from the addition of organic matter, and crop yields may also be affected by the distinct hardpan that exists between 15 and 22.5 cm deep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and plant samples were collected from on-going long-term experiment at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi farm to study the distribution of various forms of copper (Cu) and their contribution to availability and plant uptake in maize (Zea mays L.)—wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) sequence. The optimum dose-based treatments selected for the study were nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK), NPK + Farmyard manure (FYM), NPK+ zinc (Zn) and control (no fertilizer or manure). Uptake of Cu by maize and wheat varied from 17.0 to 37.5 and 60.8 to 149.3 g ha-1, respectively, under different treatments. Copper uptake by wheat was significantly higher under 100% NPK + FYM than that with 100% NPK. There was no significant difference among the treatments with respect to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cu in 0-15, 15-30, 30-45, and 45-60 cm soil layers. However, with increasing depth of soil, it showed declining trend under all the treatments. Mean value of total Cu was 28, 32, 25, and 21 mg kg-1 in 0-15, 15-30, 30-45, and 45-60 cm depths, respectively. Major part of the total Cu was present as residual form. Sorbed copper (SORB-Cu) contributed directly towards its availability both in pre-sowing maize and post-harvest wheat soil samples. SORB-Cu and organic matter bound Cu (OM-Cu) contributed directly towards the uptake by the component crops. Copper associated with easily reducible manganese, carbonate, and iron and aluminum oxides were most recalcitrant forms present in soil and their effects on availability and crop uptake were adverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-farm experiments conducted on alluvial soils of Punjab with diverse crop rotations of different water requirement showed that at Nawanshahar, mean yield of wheat was similar for rice-wheat system (RWS; 4.0 Mg/ha) and maize-wheat system (MWS; 4.3 Mg/ha). Mean yield of maize was also similar in the MWS (4.4 Mg/ha) and maize-rapeseed system (MRS; 4.4 Mg/ha). Although output in gross returns (GR) and return on variable expenses (ROVE) were higher for RWS in Nawanshahar district, substituting maize for rice in the monsoon season is preferred because of savings in water. In Faridkot district, the monetary returns were higher for the cotton-wheat system (CWS), which makes judicious use of groundwater as compared to the non-traditional RWS. Soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration at Nawanshahar increased from a mean initial level of 0.44% to 0.50% when both rice and wheat residues were burned; 0.51% when rice straw was incorporated but wheat straw was removed; and 0.57% when both rice and wheat straw were incorporated. At Faridkot site, the SOC concentration increased from a mean initial level of 0.39% to 0.49% when both rice and wheat straw were incorporated. The positive effect of straw incorporation on soil quality was more pronounced in the light-textured soil (sandy loam) at Faridkot than in loamy soil at Nawanshahar. Soil bulk density at the Faridkot site decreased from 1.65 Mg/m3 to 1.58 Mg/m3, and water infiltration rate increased from 6.1 mm/hr to 7.6 mm/hr. Straw incorporation increased soil organic carbon pool at the Faridkot site by 1 Mg/ha in 0-15 cm depth across a two year period. Comparative economics of residue incorporation in RWS across three years showed that, although the GR (Rs/ha) was the same in straw-burned and straw-incorporated treatments, the improvements in soil quality that the straw incorporation brings about for sustainable agriculture in the long-run offset any advantage of burning straw and gave higher net returns and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) in the short-term. Efficient on-farm water management using fertigation technology was demonstrated in a farmer's field for production of vegetables throughout the year. Diversified agriculture in the form of agroforestry and fish culture as alternative land-use options were also demonstrated in farmers' fields. Agroforestry interventions involving poplar trees with a range of intercrops were found to be useful cyclic interventions in the land-use and management strategy for sustainable agriculture in the intensively cultivated alluvial soils of Punjab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased consciousness about agricultural sustainability and health risks associated with agrochemicals has lead organic farming to be a globally emerging alternative farm practice. We report the effect of atmospheric deposition on soil quality and heavy metal contamination of agricultural produce under an organic farming system using wheat and corn as test crops. Data obtained in the open field (OFO) were compared with a plastic-covered glass-house-grown system (OFG). The results showed that depositions of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn increased with time. Soil porosity, water holding capacity, microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), substrate-induced respiration (SIR), alkaline phosphatase, and FDAase activity decreased, whereas the bulk density and contents of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn increased over time in open plots receiving atmospheric deposition. Concentrations of metals in grains in OFO crops exceeded the safe limits of Indian standards and were three to sixfold higher than those recorded in OFG plots. These results indicate that atmospheric deposition of heavy metals can have a destabilizing effect on soil fertility in organic farming and can greatly increase the dietary intake of toxic metals. This may have long-term implications for human health as well as for agricultural sustainability. The data presented here have particular concern for developing countries, where unprecedented urban-industrial growth and consequently increased input fluxes of heavy metals will continue for decades to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of continuous cropping with maize and wheat on soil characteristics and various forms of micronutrient cations in an Incetisol over the years was studied in an ongoing long-term experiment in New Delhi, India. The soil samples collected in the years of 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2004 were analyzed for different fractions of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) by following a sequential extraction procedure. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content of the soil varied from 8.28 to 8.53, 0.40 to 0.43 dSm-1, and 0.92 to 1.05%, respectively. Organic carbon content ranged from 0.38 in the control to 0.67% in 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM). Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Fe and Mn (but not Zn and Cu) in soil declined from their respective initial (1971) values as a result of intensive cropping for more than three decades. It also resulted in a decrease in the concentrations of all the four metallic cations bound to organic matter, in addition to Fe and Zn, associated with carbonates in all the treatments in surface soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A community-based field operational research project was implemented in the Vertisols of Madhya Pradesh (MP), India, to demonstrate the best management practices (BMPs) of land use and soil-fertility management for enhancing productivity. The raised-sunken bed system (RSBS) of land treatment was used to enhance in situ rainwater conservation and minimize soil erosion and nutrient losses. Grain yields of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) were higher in this system than in the flatbed system (FBS) of planting. Soybean (Glycine max) yield increased nearly 100% with the ridge-furrow system (RFS) and about 55% in broad-bed and furrow system (BBFS) compared with the FBS. Adoption of integrated nutrient management (INM) based on soil testing increased soybean and wheat yields by 71% over farmers' practice at Narsinghpur, compared with about 100% for soybean and 187% for wheat at Hoshangabad. Intercropping of soybean with pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in 4:2 ratio produced higher net return (Rs. 27,620/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (3.3:1) than either of the monocropping system. An aquaculture system was a better alternative to traditional monocropping (Haveli system) in the monsoon season. Aquaculture in the ponded water in the bunded field during monsoon season and growing of wheat or chickpeas in the winter season proved successful, and is being adopted in the region. The concepts of 'seed farmers' and 'seed village' were promoted to ensure seed replacement and availability of quality seeds of high-yielding varieties of soybean, chickpea, and wheat. Seed replacement increased mean yield in the participating villages by 30% to 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has had a history of famines because of rainfed agriculture and rapid population growth. After the era of Green Revolution that began in the 1960s, India never experienced a famine-like situation; it did, however, experience a drought of the century in 1987. Northern states (Punjab, Haryana and western UP) with a high level of irrigation are contributing almost all of wheat and two-thirds of rice to the central pool of India. Punjab has the largest area (97%) under irrigation, with a corresponding contribution (60% of wheat and 40% of rice) to the central pool. Large-scale cultivation of rice and its early transplantation facilitated by early (in the month of June) regular supply of electric power to tubewells are currently the major factors responsible for the fall of water table and indebtedness of farmers in Punjab. Shifting rice transplantation from June 10 to June 30 can arrest about two-thirds of the water-table fall. Technologies for making efficient use of irrigation water and enhancing groundwater recharge are available. Shifting of subsidy from input (subsidized power to tubewells) to output (increase in procurement price or bonus on agricultural marketable produce) would encourage farmers to use irrigation water more efficiently. To feed India's projected population of 1.35 billion in 2025, agricultural production would have to be increased by ∼25%. Agricultural production in Punjab, Haryana, and western UP might not be sustainable unless major steps are taken for improved management of groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter deals with estimation of LAI for a wheat crop using physical and semi-empirical BRDF models and IRS-1D LISS-III sensor data. NDVI was computed for both the models with LAI as a free parameter. The model-computed NDVI was compared with corresponding atmospherically corrected LISS-III NDVI. The estimation of LAI was carried out on the basis of a look-up table approach and minimum root mean squared deviation between model computed and observed NDVI. The estimated LAI was validated against field measurements carried out during the months of February and March 2003, at the Central State Farm, Rajasthan, India. It was found that LAI was underestimated in both physical and semi-empirical models. Results show that inclusion of multiple scattering in physical models may not always lead to a more accurate estimation of LAI and that it may be possible to estimate LAI at early stages of crop growth using semi-empirical models. The coefficient of determination (R 2) between model estimated and measured LAI was 0.57 (standard error of estimate (SE) 0.156) and 0.63 (SE 0.187) for semi-empirical and physical models, respectively, in the single scattering approximation, for February data. The corresponding values for March data were 0.57 (SE 0.206) and 0.51 (SE 0.216), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]