Download - Effect of Integrated Nitrogen Management on Soil ... - Thesis

Effect of Integrated Nitrogen Management on Soil Properties and Performance of Fenugreek

under Typic Ustipsamment

Thesis

Submitted to the

Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural

University, Bikaner

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for

the degree of

Master of Science

In the

Faculty of Agriculture

(Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry)

by

LIKHAMA RAM DHAYAL

2010

Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner

S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner

CERTIFICATE - I

Date : ____2010

This is to certify that Mr. Likhama Ram Dhayal has successfully

completed the comprehensive examination held on 15th March 2010 as

required under the regulation for Master’s degree.

(S.P. MAJUMDAR) Prof. & Head

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry

S.K.N College of Agriculture,

Jobner



CERTIFICATE - II

Date : ____2010

This is to certify that this thesis entitled “Effect of Integrated

Nitrogen Management on Soil Properties and Performance of

Fenugreek under Typic Ustipsamment” submitted for the degree of

Master of Science in the subject of Soil Science and Agricultural

Chemistry embodies bonafide research work carried out by Mr. Likhama

Ram Dhayal under my guidance and supervision and that no part of this

thesis has been submitted for any other degree. The assistance and help

received during the course of investigation have been fully acknowledged.

The draft of the thesis was also approved by the advisory committee on

_______

(S.P. MAJUMDAR) (S.R. SHRAMA) Professor & Head Major Advisor Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry

(G.L. KESHWA) Dean


Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner

CERTIFICATE - III

Date : ____2010

This is to certify that this thesis entitled “Effect of Integrated

Nitrogen Management on Soil Properties and Performance of

Fenugreek under Typic Ustipsamment”, submitted by Mr. Likhama

Ram Dhayal to the Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University,

Bikaner in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of

Science in the subject of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, after

recommendation by the external examiner was defended by the candidate

before the following members of the examination committee. The

performance of the candidate in the oral examination on his thesis has

been found satisfactory. We therefore, recommend that the thesis be

approved.

(S.R. SHRAMA) (K.K. SHARMA) Major Advisor Advisor

(N.L. JAT) (S.C. JAIN) Advisor Dean, PGS, Nominee

(S.P. MAJUMDAR) (G.L. KESHWA) Professor & Head Dean Department of Soil Science S.K.N. College of Agriculture, and Agricultural Chemistry Jobner Approved

Dean, Post Graduate Studies Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner



CERTIFICATE - IV

Date : ____2010

This is to certify that Mr. Likhama Ram Dhayal of the Department of

Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, S.K.N. College of Agriculture,

Jobner has made all corrections /modifications in the thesis entitled “Effect

of Integrated Nitrogen Management on Soil Properties and

Performance of Fenugreek under Typic Ustipsamment” which were

suggested by the external examiner and the advisory committee in the oral

examination held on ________2010. The final copies of the thesis duly

bound and corrected were submitted on ________2010, are enclosed

herewith for approval.

(S.R. SHRAMA) Major Advisor

(S.P. MAJUMDAR) Professor & Head

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry

(G.L. KESHWA) DEAN


Approved

DEAN, Post Graduate Studies Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner

CONTENTS

CHAPTER NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NO

1. INTRODUCTION .........

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE .........

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS .........

4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

.........

5. DISCUSSION .........

6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION .........

BIBLIOGRAPHY .........

ABSTRACT IN ENGLISH .........

ABSTRACT IN HINDI

.........

APPENDICES

.........

LIST OF TABLES

Table No.

Particulars Page

No.

3.1 Weekly meteorological observations recorded during

the crop season Rabi-2008-09

……......

3.2 Physical and chemical properties of experimental soil ……......

3.3 Cropping history of the experimental field ……......

3.4 Composition of irrigation water used for irrigating the

experimental crop

……......

3.5 Nutrient present in DAP, FYM, VC, PM and NC ……......

3.6 Treatments and their symbols ……......

3.7 Schedule of pre and post sowing operations followed

during experimentation

……......

3.8 Method followed for soil and plant analysis ……......

4.1 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on number

of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod

4.2 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on total

number and effective nodules, fresh and dry weight of

nodules of crop

……......

4.3 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on seed

yield, straw yield and seed index of crop

……......

4.4 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of crop

……......


nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake of crop

……......

4.6 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on protein

content in fenugreek seeds

............

Conti….

Table No.

Particulars Page

No.

4.7 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil at harvest of crop

............

4.8 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on organic carbon, bulk density and cation exchange capacity

............

4.9 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on percent moisture retention at -0.33 and -15 bar

............

4.10 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on bacterial population (x 1010 kg-1 soil) at 45 DAS and at harvest

............

4.11 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on net returns and B:C ratio

............

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure

No.

Particulars Between Page No.

3.1 Weekly meteorological observations recorded

during the crop season (Rabi, 2008-09)

............

3.2 Layout of the experiment ............

4.1 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on total

number and effective nodules, fresh and dry weight

of nodules per plant

............

4.2 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on seed

and straw yield of crop

............


nitrogen uptake of crop

............


phosphorus uptake of crop

............


potassium uptake of crop

............


protein content in fenugreek seeds

............


bacterial population at 45 DAS and at harvest

............

4.8 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on net

returns

............

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix No.

Particulars Page No.

I Analysis of variance for number of pod per plant

and number of seeds per pod

..........

II Analysis of variance for total number and effective

nodules, fresh and dry weight of nodules per plant

..........

III Analysis of variance for seed yield, straw yield and

seed index

..........

IV Analysis of variance for nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium content

..........

V Analysis of variance for nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium uptake

..........

VI Analysis of variance for protein content ..........

VII Analysis of variance for available nitrogen,

phosphorus and potassium in soil at harvest of crop

..........

VIII Analysis of variance for organic carbon, bulk density

and cation exchange capacity in soil at harvest of

crop

..........

IX Analysis of variance for moisture retention at -0.33

and -15 bar

..........

X Analysis of variance for bacterial population at 45

DAS and at harvest

..........

XI Analysis of variance for net return and B:C ratio ..........

XII Common cost of cultivation of fenugreek crop ..........

XIII Relative economics of different treatment

combinations for fenugreek crop

..........

Effect of Integrated Nitrogen Management on Soil Properties and Performance of Fenugreek under Typic Ustipsamment

Likhama Ram Dhayal* Dr. S.R. Sharma** (Scholar) (Major Advisor) Abstract

A field experiment to study the “Effect of integrated nitrogen

management on soil properties and performance of fenugreek under Typic

Ustipsamment” was conducted at Agronomy farm S.K.N. College of

Agriculture, Jobner (Jaipur) during rabi 2008-09. The treatments were

consisting 14 combinations of Farm yard manure, Poultry manure,

Vermicompost, Neem cake and DAP were applied as soil application to

fenugreek (var. RMt-351) crop and replicated three times in randomized

block design.

Results showed that application of 100% RD of N through FYM

significantly decreased the bulk density and increased the organic carbon

content of soil, cation exchange capacity and bacterial population over

control, whereas, a significant increase in the yield attributes, effective and

total number of nodules per plant, dry and fresh weight of root nodules per

plant, seed yield, straw yield, content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus

and potassium in seed and straw, protein content in seed and NPK status

of soil at harvest were recorded with the application of 75% RD of N

through vermicompost + 25% N through DAP over control. The highest net

return and B:C ratio were also recorded under the application of 75% RD of

N through vermicompost + 25% N through DAP.

* A Post Graduate Student, Department of Soil Science and

Agricultural Chemistry, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner.

** M.Sc. (Ag.) thesis submitted to Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University,

Bikaner, for partial fulfillment of the requirement of degree under the supervision of

Dr. S.R. Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural

Chemistry, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner.

Acknowledgement

It is a great pleasure for me to express sincere and deepest sense of gratitude and indebtedness to my esteem major advisor Dr. S.R. Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan) for suggesting and planning the present investigation, valuable guidance, carrying attitude and constant encouragement, moral support keen interest throughout the course of investigation and preparation of this manuscript.

A kaleidoscopic bouquet of hearty thanks to members of my advisory committee Dr. K.K. Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Dr. N.L. Jat, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Agronomy, Dr. S.C. Jain, Assistant Professor (Dean, PGS nominee), Department of Plant Pathology for rendering help as and when needed.

I am highly grateful to Dr. S.P. Majumdar, Professor and Head, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, for providing necessary facilities and valuable suggestion during the course of investigation.

I express my sincere thanks to Dr. G.L. Keshwa, Dean, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner for providing necessary facilities in this venture.

Words can hardly acknowledge the help rendered by Dr. B.L. Yadav (Assoc. Professor), Dr. B.L. Kumawat (Assoc. Professor), Dr. R.S. Manohar (Assoc. Professor), Sh. K.S. Manohar (Asstt. Professor) and T.R. Boori (AAO) for providing necessary encouragement and help during my study and period of investigation. Thank of are also due to other non-teaching members of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry.

I am also thankful to my colleagues, Gajanand Jat, J.K. Bana, Arvind, Mukesh, Dhansi, Sewa Ram, Bhoop Singh and Pradeep for their regular support, motivation and inspiration.

I take privilege to express my deep honour to my father Late Sh. Hanuman Ram Dhayal and mother Smt. Ratani Devi whose inspiration and blessings makes me more energetic at every step of my life for success.

My vocabulary falls short to express heartiest regards to uncle Sh. Sharwan Lal, Aunty Smt. Manni Devi, Sh. Gopal, Dhanna, Radhyshyam, Jagnath, Ranjeet and Mangal, elder brother Sh. Babu Lal and Bhabhiji Smt. Sajana Devi, younger brother Late Jagdish, Sunil, Sushil, Anil, Rajendra, Vishal, Vikas, Abhishek, nephew Gopal, Vijay, Mahendra, Mamaji Goma Ram Ji and Masaji Dayal Ji and all my family members whose consistent encouragement and blessing are beyond my expression

that brought me here up to dream without which it could not have been sketched.

I have no word to express my deep sense of love to my spouse Mrs. Bimla for her devoted cooperation and sacrifice various movements of troubles as well as enjoyment in my life.

I am grateful to Mr. R.K. Bana (Shivam Computer‟s & Training Centre) for the speedy and sincere devotion in typing this manuscript on computer.

Last but not least I appreciate with thanks to help rendered to me during the period to my study by all those whose name could not be mentioned here.

Place : Jobner Date : _____2010

(Likhama Ram Dhayal)

1 Introduction

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) commonly known as

“methi” and is belongs to family leguminoaceae, which is an important seed

spices crop used for leafy vegetables, condiment, medicinal purposes and

for fodder also. India and Morocco are the major reporter with the most

important market being the middle east. The major importers of India

fenugreek are Saudi Arabia, Japan, Malaysia, USA, UK, Singapore and Sri

Lanka.

Fenugreek is an annual herb, native of south eastern Europe and

west Asia, crop grown in northern India during winter (rabi) season. The

seed contain protein (27.7-38.6 per cent) and vitamins. The seeds also

contain alkaloids “trigonellina” (0.12-0.38 pr cent) choline “essential oil

(< 0.02 per cent), fatty oil (6.8 per cent) with foetid odour and bitter taste. It

contains 3-hydroxy 4-5 dimethyl 2 (SH)-furnon which gives a characteristic

aroma to the fenugreek seeds.

India is a dominant producer and exporter of fenugreek seeds,

accounting more than 60 per cent of the world trade. Its high market price

and fair salinity tolerance attracts the farmers to include this crop in their

cropping strategy, particularly in areas having salinity problems.

The major districts growing fenugreek in Rajasthan are Sikar,

Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Pali, Nagaur, Jhalawar and Alwar. In Rajasthan the

area under fenugreek is 49,797 ha with production of 48,914 tonnes and

the productivity is 882 kg ha-1 (Anonymous, 2007-08).

As a medicinal plant, it is traditionally been considered to be a

carminative, demuleent, expectorant, laxative and stomachic. It has also

been employed against brounchitis, fevers, sore throats, wounds, diabetes,

ulcers and in the treatment of cancer. It is used to the achieved through its

galactogogic action (increasing the flow of milk). It have also been utilized

as an aphrodisiac (Alaoui, 2000). It has immense medicinal value as

prevention of constipation, removal of indigestion, stimulation of spleen and

it act as a divretics and appetizing agent. The fenugreek seeds

substantially contain the steroidal substances (diosgenin) which helps in

the synthesis of hormone.

The main active substance of the seeds is dysgenic, a steroid

saprogenic, which is the starting compound for over 60% of the total steroid

production of the pharmaceutical industries. Other sapogenins are also

found in fenugreek seed which includes Jam-ogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin

and heotigogens. The sapogenin content is as diosgenin and in seed. It

varies from 0.8-2.2%, (expressed on moisture free basis). Other

constituents of fenugreek include mucilage matter and essential oil, the

amount of which is very less then 0.02% (Alaoui, 2000). The maple aroma

and flavour of fenugreek has led to its use of many baked goods, chutneys,

confections and imitation maple syrup. It is an important constituent of curry

powder. Young seedlings and other parts of the fresh plant material are

eaten as a vegetable. It is also used cosmetically in skin-nourishing face-

masks. Fenugreek is also used as livestock feed.

The increasing use of NPK fertilizers generally devoid of micro

nutrients, had no doubt remarkably increased the food production but it

brought with it a host of problems related to micro nutrient deficiencies by

depleting their resources in soil. In recent years continuous and imbalanced

use of chemical fertilizers with little or no incorporation of organic manure

and simultaneously. Loss of organic matter whether by erosion or high

temperature in the rain fed agro-ecosystem, adds to impoverishment of soil

resources of several elements, essential for plant growth. A decline in

organic matter multiples nutrient deficiencies, its fall by the two-third

symbolizes a serious suppression in nutrient availability (Stangel, 1991).

A proper and economically justified recycling of crop residues in the

form of FYM, compost, green manure etc (Tandon, 1992) and the use of

biofertilizers may provide a substantial supply of nutrients to the system

(Dixit and Gupta, 2000). India is endowed with the enormous potential for

plant nutrients locked up in biological wastes with an estimated amount of

875 mt which is equivalent to 18.45 mt nutrients annually. Recycling of

these would not only supply macro nutrients but also take care of micro-

nutrients which are otherwise limiting the growth and yields in many

intensively cultivated areas (Singh, 1999; Masood Ali and Mishra, 2000).

Incorporation of organic residues directly or indirectly also improves the

physical properties of soil and as such helps in sustaining the crop

production (Swarup and Wanjari, 2000). Generally, light texture soils are

low in organic carbon and prone to be deficient in nitrogen. Hence, a proper

amount of available N level is required to be maintained. Therefore, present

study entitled “Effect of integrated nitrogen management on soil properties

and performance of fenugreek under Typic Ustipsamment” has been under

taken with following objectives.

i. To evaluate the effect of integrated nitrogen management on the

yield, nodulation, nutrient content and uptake of crop.

ii. To find out the effect of integrated nitrogen management on soil

physico-chemical properties and soil fertility.

iii. To find out the economic viability of different treatment

combinations under investigation.

2 Review of literature

The literature on work done pertaining to the „Effect of integrated

nitrogen management on soil properties and performance of fenugreek

under Typic Ustipsamment‟ and related crops has been reviewed in this

chapter.

2.1 Effect of nitrogen fertilizer (DAP), FYM, VC, PM, NC on

yield attributes and yield

Bhutia and Singh (1990) noted that the application of nitrogen @ 50

kg N ha-1 as 50 per cent as urea + 50 per cent as FYM to wheat increased

plant height, number of tillers and leaf area over the sole application of

nitrogen through FYM.

Meena (1995) reported that application of 60 kg N + 5 t FYM ha-1

significantly increased the grain and straw yield and yield attributes of

barley over 30 kg N + 10 t FYM and lower levels of nitrogen.

Talashikar and Chavan (1996) observed that application of N and P

through DAP in combination with FYM significantly increased the pod yield

of groundnut by 17 per cent over control.

Zarate et al. (1997) observed that application of poultry manure @

14 tonnes ha-1 significantly increased the lettuce cv. Grand yield (20 t ha-1)

over control.

Vadiraj et al. (1998) reported that the herbage yield of coriander was

maximum (6075.5 kg ha-1) at 60th day after sowing in plots treated with 15 t

ha-1 vermicompost. The study also indicated that application of

vermicompost @ 15-20 t ha-1 not only increased herbage and seed yield

but also test weight of seed. Cisse (1998) reported an increase in

groundnut dry matter production by 60% with the application of @10 t

manure ha-1 over control. A significantly increase in yield of soybean with

application of FYM on sandy loam soil of IARI, New Delhi was also

reported by Vimje and Seth (1988).

Khiriya et al. (2001) recorded significantly higher plant height, dry

matter accumulation and seed yield of fenugreek with the application of

FYM up to 15 t ha-1.

Yadav (2001) noted that application of nitrogen (25 per cent N

through urea + 75 per cent N through FYM) significantly increased all the

growth parameters, yield and yield attributed of isabgol compared with 50

per cent N through urea + 50 per cent N through FYM, 75 per cent N

through urea + 25 per cent through FYM.

Rajkhowa et al. (2002) reported that vermicompost alone or in

combination with different levels of fertilizer have significantly influenced

the yield and yield components of green gram. The number of pods plant-1,

seeds pod-1, 100 seed weight were also higher under the treatment

receiving vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 along with recommended dose of

fertilizer.

Singh and Verma (2002) recorded significantly higher plant height,

braches plant-1, pods plant-1and 100 seed weight along with grain yield of

french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) with the application of FYM @ 10 t ha-1

and cane compost in combination with inorganic 75% RDF compared to

their individual effects and over control. Combined application of FYM @

20 t ha-1 + 100% recommended dose of fertilizer + Azotobacter spp. +

Pseudomonas striata registered significantly higher yields of pod and

haulm of groundnut (Kachot et al., 2001).

Netwal (2003) reported during pot experiment that an application of

FYM (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) and vermicompost (0, 2.5 and 5 t ha-1) significantly

increased the grain yield of cowpea to the extent of 13.54, 27.97 and 32.28

per cent, over control respectively.

Mathur et al. (2003) observed significantly higher number of pods

per plant, grain, stover and biological yield of green gram over control.

Rajkhowa et al. (2003) observed that application of vermicompost @

2.5 t ha-1 being at par with 2.5 t FYM ha-1 significantly increased the

number of pods per plant, seeds per pod and 1000 grain weight of green

gram over control.

Yadav et al. (2003) opined that integration of compost or FYM @ 10

tonnes ha-1 with 90 kg N ha-1 results maximum grain and straw yields of

wheat.

Khoja (2004) found that application of nitrogen in integrated manner

(FYM (N30) + urea (N30) + Azotobacter) produced the highest number of

umbels plant-1, umbellets umbel-1 and seeds umbellet-1and seed (15.32 q

ha-1) and straw yields (29.94 q ha-1) of coriander.

Patil et al. (2004) found that application of recommended dose of

nitrogen through FYM with chemical fertilizers in the ratio of 1:1 gave

significant improvement in the yield attributes (umbels plant-1, umbellets

plant-1, seeds umbellet-1) as well as in seed yield (769 kg ha-1) of cumin

over individual application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (746 kg ha-1) and

FYM (670 kg ha-1).

Singh and Meena (2004) observed significant increase in siliquae

plant-1, seed siliquae-1, seed and stover yield of mustard with increasing

levels of N up to 80 kg /ha over control.

Kumar and Gautam (2004) noticed that the application of FYM +

fertilizer N and FYM + BF + fertilizers N brought out a significant variation in

all growth components and yield of pearl millet. The combined application

of FYM, biofertilizer and chemical fertilizers was found significantly superior

over other treatments.

Kumar et al. (2005) reported that the total grain production (110.5 q

ha-1) was higher when both the crops maize and gobhi sarson in system

were fertilized with 150% of recommended dose of NPK. The production of

the both crops were 28 and 26% higher over recommended dose of

fertilizer application, respectively. Application of 10 tonnes FYM along with

100% NPK either to one crop or both crops increased the systems

productivity by 7.7% over 100% NPK application alone.

Roul and Sarawgi (2005) conducted a field experiment on sandy

loam soil to study the effect of different integrated nitrogen nutrition

techniques on yield, N content, N uptake and N use efficiency of rice and

found that the grain yield, straw yield, N content and uptake were

significantly higher under 100% RDN + 5 tonnes FYM over other

treatments.

Jat et al. (2006) reported that highest seed and straw yield of

fenugreek with the application of 100% inorganic N + Rhizobium @ 1.5

kg/ha + 5 tonnes FYM /ha.

Jat (2006) found that the increasing levels of FYM significantly

increased the number of siliquae plant-1, number of seeds siliquae-1, test

weight, seed and stover yield of the mustard crop over lower levels.

Laxminarayana and Patiram (2006) reported that combined use of

organics (green manure/FYM/ poultry manure/pig manure) along with

inorganic fertilizers produced highest and sustainable rice yield and

enhanced use efficiency of added fertilizers as well as fertility of soil.

Ramesh et al., (2006) reported that among different sources, of

nutrient application chemical fertilizers registered higher number of pods

plant-1 in pigeonpea which were at par with cattle dung application.

significant of vermicompost, phospho-compost and poultry manure showed

superiority over control but remain at par with each other.

Gowda et al. (2008) conducted an field experiment on wheat and

reported that application of vermicompost @ 3.8 t ha-1 + poultry manure @

2.45 t ha-1 gave significantly higher plant height, number of leaves, number

of tillers, test weight, straw and seed yield as well as protein content in

seed as compared to control.


content and uptake of NPK

Saran and Sharma (1994) postulated that conjunctive use of 6 t ha-1

FYM and fertilizer N and P (N20P13) was most effective in increasing uptake

of N, P, K and S by soybean crop.

Dosani et al. (1999) recorded highest uptake of NPK 170.83 kg ha-1,

17.38 kg ha-1 and 67.87 kg ha-1, respectively in groundnut with the

application of poultry manure @3+ ha-1

Kachot et al. (2001) reported that N, P and K content and uptake

were significantly influenced in groundnut crop with the combined

application of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 + 100% recommended dose of fertilizer +

Azotobacter spp +Pseudomonas striata.

Subramanian and Kumar (2001) recorded highest concentration of N

(1.22%), P (0.11%) and K (1.46%) in the plant tissue of coriander with the

application of 100% N (20 kg ha-1) with Azospirillum seed inoculation.

Jain and Tiwari (2001) observed that application of 6 t FYM ha-1 + 60

kg P2O5 ha-1, significantly increased the N, P and K content of soybean

over control.

Rubapathi et al. (2002) observed that application of nitrogen

through combined sources (875 kg FYM with 40 kg N + biofertilizer) gave

higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake over the sole

application of organic or inorganic source of nutrients in sorghum + red

gram + coriander cropping system.

Khiriya et al. (2003) observed significantly enhanced NPK content

and uptake in seed and straw of fenugreek with the application of FYM up

to 15 t ha-1.

Rajkhowa et al. (2003) reported significantly increase in uptake of N

and P in green gram with the application of vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1

alongwith 100 to 75% fertilizer over control.

Vasanthi and Subramanian (2004) reported highest N, P and K

concentration and uptake in black gram under the treatment that received

vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 along with 100 % recommended dose of N, P

and K.

Singh and Rai (2004) reported higher uptake P and K in soybean

crop with the application of NPK fertilizer, FYM and bio-fertilizers.

Chaturvedi and Chandel (2005) reported highest total uptake of N,

P, and K under the treatments receiving recommended NPK + FYM @ 10

tonnes/ ha in soybean crop.

Singh et al. (2005) reported that highest N, P and K uptake in rice

was recorded with the application of 60 kg N ha-1 plus Azolla treatment.

Jat et al. (2006) reported highest nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in

fenugreek with the application of 100% inorganic N and Rhizobium @ 1.5

kg/ha + 5 tonnes/ha.

Choudhary (2007) conducted an field experiment on greengram and

found that N, P and K uptake in seed and straw and organic carbon content

in soil at harvest increased significantly with an increasing levels of

vermicompost.

The response of organic manure and fertilizers on yield and nutrient

uptake of ginger was studied by Dharade et al. (2009) and reported that the

use of 50 per cent N through RD + 25 t FYM t ha-1 fertilization of the crop

was beneficial in terms of net returns. The highest uptake of N was

recorded remain to application of RDF + 50 per cent N through poultry

manure whereas the uptake of P and K were highest under the treatment

having RDF + 25 t FYM ha-1 followed by the application of 50 per cent N

through RDF + 50 per cent N through either poultry manure or

vermicompost.

2.3 Effect of nitrogen fertilizer (DAP), FYM, VC, PM, NC on soil

properties

Singh et al. (1997) reported that incorporation of poultry manure @

10 t ha-1 significantly increased the organic carbon and available N at

harvest of sesamum crop. Significant improvement in soil pH, organic

carbon and available N, P and K in soil at harvest of the crop have also

been noticed with the incorporation of FYM (30 Mg ha-1) over control by

Ismail et al. (1998).

Bellaki et al. (1998) observed a significant lower bulk density with

the application of various organic materials to meet out 50 per cent nitrogen

along with 50 per cent NPK whereas application of vermicompost to soil

resulted in increased N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, organic carbon content and

CEC values and decreased bulk density of soil.

Nethra et al. (1999) reported an improvement in soil pH towards

neutrality with vermicompost application. The maximum available nitrogen

content (493.31 kg ha-1) was observed in the plot receiving the application

of vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and 10 % N, P and K by China aster.

Bellakki and Badanur (2000) showed that the use of chemical

fertilizer alone gave comparatively higher bulk density than that of stubbles

with nitrogen application. Babulkar et al. (2000) reported that the bulk

density of soil decreased significantly with the application of FYM @ 75 Mg

FYM ha-1 along with 50% dose of N and P.

Sharma et al. (2000) observed a significant reduction in bulk density

with significant improvement in WHC, CEC, available N, P and S status of

soil with addition of crop residue and FYM.

Nehra and Grewal (2001) reported that the application of

vermicompost @ 15 t ha-1 increased organic carbon content, available N, P

and K in soil significantly.

Prakash et al. (2002) concluded from two years study that FYM is

superior than vermicompost, processed city waste and oil cake pellets in

terms of improvement in soil chemical properties (available N, P, K, organic

carbon, CEC and dehydrogenase activity) at latenritic sandy loam soil.

Netwal (2003) conducted a pot experiment on cowpea and observed

that the increasing levels of organic manures (FYM and vermicompost) was

increased the available NPK and organic carbon content of soil and

decreased the ECe, pH and ESP of the experimental soil.

Bhattacharya et al. (2004) conducted a long term fertility experiment

to study the effect of fertilizer and manuring on soil properties under

soybean-wheat cropping sequence and reported that the application of

NPK + FYM increased soil organic carbon, water retention and decreased

the bulk density of soil.

Selvi et al. (2005) observed that continuous application of balanced

fertilizers along with organic significantly reduced the bulk density of soil

over the unfertilized plots. Although bulk density of experimental soil was

also decreased significantly under NPK and FYM treatments but it did not

varied significantly among the treatment of NPK levels. Increasing levels of

fertilizers significantly increased the hydraulic conductivity. Combined

application of FYM and NPK also resulted in significantly higher hydraulic

conductivity than NPK application alone. The total porosity of soil ranged

from 50.2 to 58.9% and it was significantly higher in the plots fertilized with

NPK in combination of FYM over unmanured control.

Varalakshmi et al. (2005) observed that application of 100%

recommended dose of fertilizer NPK + 7.5 t FYM ha-1 significantly

improved the organic carbon, available N, P and K content of soil.

Bajpai et al. (2006) reported that the organic carbon content of the

surface soil increased significantly with the incorporation of organic

materials with chemical fertilizers as well as with 100% NPK fertilizers

treatment over control. The highest (7.03g kg-1) organic carbon content was

observed in 50% N through GM + 50% through chemical fertilizers. A

significant reduction in bulk density (1.43 Mg m-3) was also recorded under

the treatment having 50% N through green manure + 50% N through

fertilizer as compare to other treatments. The organic matter like FYM and

GM with inorganic fertilizers was also laid beneficial effect on increasing the

nitrogen and phosphorus availability of the soil.

Tripathi and Tiwari (2006) showed that the continuous application of

organics alone or with inorganic fertilizers decreased bulk density; the

lowest being recorded in treatment receiving 33% N (40 kg ha-1) from each

organics. Soil organic carbon of the plot receiving 100% N as urea with 2 t

ha-1 pressmud differed significantly from rest of the treatments, except 25%

N as urea with 25% from each organics.

Singh and Yadav (2007) concluded from a field experiment that

incorporation of organic materials decrease the pH and ESP of soil and

increase the ECe, organic carbon status and exchangeable cations of soil


nodulation

Lopes et al. (1996) reported that an increase in level of

vermicompost upto 10 t ha-1 significantly increased nodulation and dry

matter yield of cowpea over rest of the treatments.

Mathur (2000) observed that the application of 70 kg N ha-1 through

vermicompost significantly increased growth of summer green gram in the

form of plant height, dry matter, LAI, number and dry weight of nodules per

plant over rest of the treatments.

Das et al. (2002) reported that the application of 100 per cent

recommended dose of NPK through vermicompost to greengram

significantly produced taller plants, higher nodules number and more dry

matter as compared to control.

Rajakhowa et al. (2003) reported that the application of

vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 + 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers

significantly increased the number of nodules per plant of greengram over

control.

Shikha et al. (2004) studied the effect of 50, 75, 100 or 125 % of the

recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers and RRF 20 and 100 kg K2O in

conjunction with FYM 10 t ha-1, poultry manure 2.5 t ha-1 or biofertilizers on

the performance of soybean under soybean-wheat cropping system. All

treatments significantly enhanced the number of root nodules per plant,

plant height and yields of the crops and the highest number of root nodules

at 50 DAS was obtained under 125% RRF with FYM, poultry manure or

biofertilizers over control.

Choudhary (2007) conducted a field experiment and found that

application of vermicompost @ 2 t/ha significantly increased fresh and dry

weight of root nodules per plant, leaf area index, leghemoglobin content in

root nodules at pre-flowering stage, number of branches per plant, plant

height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight,

seed and straw yield of greengram.


protein content

Field experiment conducted on red sandy loam soil at Bangalore

revealed that seed yield, oil yield, protein content and uptake of N, P and K

of soybean showed increasing trend with increase level of organic matter

from 0 to 10 t ha-1 (Rammamurthy and Shivashankar, 1995).

Mathur (2000) observed significantly higher N, P and K uptake and

protein content was observed in green gram with the application of 20 kg N

ha-1 through vermicompost over rest of the treatments.

Kachot et al. (2001) observed that application of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 +

100% RDF + biofertilizers gave significantly higher protein content and oil

yield of groundnut crop over control.

Rao and Shaktawat (2001) conducted a field experiment on

groundnut and found that application of FYM @ 10 t ha-1 and poultry

manure @ 5 t ha-1 significantly increased oil and protein content of

groundnut over control.

A significant increase in protein content was also observed in

fenugreek with the application of FYM upto 15 t ha-1 by Khiriya et al., 2003.

Singh and Rai (2004) reported that the protein content and oil

contents in soybean seed was strongly influenced with the application of

NPK + FYM + Biofertilizers.

Vasanthi and Subramanian (2004) conducted a field experiment on

black gram and found highest crude protein, N, P and K concentration and

uptake of crop plant under the treatments those received vermicompost @

2 t ha-1 along with 100% recommended level of NPK over 100% NPK

through different combinations of chemical fertilizers.

Ramesh et al. (2006) conducted a field experiment at Bhopal

applying different organic manures (cattle dung 4 t /ha, vermicompost 3 t

/ha and poultry manure 2 t /ha) to pigeonpea and reported highest protein

content in seed with the application of cattle dung (21.25%) followed by

vermicompost (20.90%) and poultry manure (20.87%).

Gowda et al. (2008) conducted an field experiment on wheat and

found that application of vermicompost @ 3.8 t ha-1 + poultry manure @

2.45 t /ha gave significantly higher protein content in seed as compared to

control.


moisture

Bellakki and Badanur (1997) reported that application of FYM or

sunhemp alone or in combination with fertilizers significantly increased the

soil aggregates, porosity, field capacity and maximum WHC under dryland

condition of soil. Continuous application of organics increased the CEC and

organic carbon content of surface and sub-surface soils.

Sharma et al. (2000) observed a significant reduction in bulk density

with significant improvement in WHC, CEC, available N, P and S status of

soil with addition of crop residue and FYM.

Ghuman and Sur (2006) found that application of FYM and green

manure decreased the pH of the surface layer, whereas, infiltration rate

increased by 25-69% and soil moisture storage by 21-65 per 1.8 m depth,

respectively over control.

Bajpai et al. (2006) provoked that the incorporation of organic

sources considerably improve the soil properties as decrease in bulk

density and increase in infiltration rate and available NPK status of the soil.

Laxminarayana and Patiram (2006) observed that the water holding

capacity of the soil was progressively improved with the application of

organic manure as compared to inorganic fertilizers. The moisture retention

at field capacity (33 kPa) was recorded as highest with the addition of FYM,

followed by poultry manure and pig manure, whereas, the moisture content

(at 1.5 Mpa) was found to be highest under organics and it was relatively

low with inorganic sources more over. Application of 100% NPK + FYM @

15 t ha-1 was registered highest organic carbon (8.2 g kg-1) over the rest of

treatments.


bacterial population of rhizosphere

Sharma et al (1983) studied the effect of continuous application of

fertilizers, FYM and lime on microbial population of an acidic red loam soil

and observed that the bacteria, actinomycetes, azotobacter, cellulose

decomposers and phosphate solubilizers increased under the treatments of

FYM, FYM+lime+PK and lime + NPK, fungi and beijerinckia proliferated

under N, NP and NPK treatments. Microbial population in the wheat

rhizosphere was invariably higher then that in the non-rhizosphere but FYM

application alone or in combination with the inorganics and lime supported

greater population of bacteria and actinomycetes.

Patil and Varade (1998) reported that population of fungi, bacteria

and actinomycetes was affected significantly with different rates of fertilizer

treatments at all the crop growth stages. Fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes

proliferated under NPK and FYM. Increasing trend of microbial population

was noticed after 30 days of sowing and it declined at harvesting stage.

Selvi et al (2004) reported that population of bacteria, fungi and

actinomycetes was affected significantly with different treatments consisting

in all the three crops (finger millet, maize, cowpea fodder ) of the cropping

system. Bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes proliferated well under

continuous applications of NPK and FYM treatments. The application of

100% N alone fertilizer and control recorded lower value of microbial

population. Higher microbial population were recorded by the application of

10 t FYM/ha along with 100% NPK.


organic carbon

Sharma (1992) observed significant improvement in organic carbon

content and available NPK status of soil with the application of FYM.

Reddy et al (1995) studied the effect of vermicompost on soil

properties and green gram nutrition and concluded that vermicompost

application significantly increased the organic carbon content of soil,

availability and uptake of different nutrients compared to FYM.

Saxena and Chandel (1997) recorded significant increase in N2-

fixation and organic carbon balance with application of FYM @10 t/ha over

other treatments.

Sinha et al. (1997) showed the possibility of increasing organic

carbon and cation exchange capacity of soils by incorporation of organic

manure.

Vasanthi and Kumarswamy (1999) reported that the organic carbon

content of the soil was increased significantly with the application of

vermicompost over control.

Srikanth et al. (2000) reported that incorporation of various

composts resulted in a significant increase in organic carbon content of soil

over control. Reduction in soil pH at the harvest of the crop was also

recorded under the soils amended with compost and inorganic fertilizers

treatment.

Nehra and Grewal (2001) reported that the application of

vermicompost @ 15 t ha-1 was increased significantly the organic carbon,

available N, P and K content of soil over control.

Akbari et al. (2002) reported that application of FYM @ 10 t ha-1

significantly improved the organic carbon content and available P2O5 of soil

over control.

Bajpai et al. (2006) reported that the organic carbon content of the

surface soil increased significantly with the incorporation of organic

materials with chemical fertilizers as well as with 100% NPK fertilizers

treatment over control. The highest (7.03g kg-1) organic carbon content was

observed under the treatment having 50% N through GM + 50% through

chemical fertilizers. Significant reduction in bulk density (1.43 Mg m-3) was

also recorded under the treatment having 50% N through green manure +

50% N through fertilizer as compared to other treatments. The organic

matter like FYM and GM with inorganic fertilizers was also laid beneficial

effect on increasing the nitrogen and phosphorus availability.

3 Materials and Methods

The investigation entitled “Effect of integrated nitrogen management on soil properties and

performance of fenugreek under Typic Ustipsamment ” was carried out at the Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of

Agriculture, Jobner (Raj.) during rabi season of 2008-09. The details of materials used and experimental

techniques followed during the course of investigation are described in this chapter.

3.1 Location of experimental site

The Agronomy farm is situated at 750 28‟ East longitude and 260 08‟

North latitude and 427 m above mean sea level.

3.2 Climate and weather conditions

The climate of the area is typically semi-arid characterized by the

aridity of the atmosphere, scarcity of water with extremity of temperatures

both during summer and winter. Maximum temperature in summer ranges

between 300 to 46 0C, whereas, in winter temperature falls down to as low

as –3 0C. The average rainfall varies between 400 to 500 mm and most of

which is received in rainy season from July to September. Wells are the

only source of irrigation and water table is quite deep (about 25-30 m).

3.3 Meteorological observations

The mean weekly weather parameters of the crop season recorded

at the college meteorological observatory have been presented in Table 3.1

and diagrammatically represented in Fig 3.1.

3.4 Soil of the experimental field

In order to ascertain the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil,

soil samples were collected from different spots of the experimental field

randomly from 0-15 cm soil depths and representative composite sample

were subjected to physical and chemical analysis separately. The physico-

chemical characteristics of the soil of experimental field along with the

methods followed for analysis are given in Table 3.2 and 3.8 respectively

3.5 Cropping history of experimental field

The previous cropping history of the experimental field is presented

in Table 3.3

Table 3.3 Cropping history of the experimental field

Years Season

Kharif Rabi

2005-06 Bajra Fennel 2006-07 Fellow Coriander 2007-08 Bajra Cumin 2008-09 Fellow Fenugreek*

* Experimental crop.

3.6 Quality of irrigation water

The experimental crop was irrigated by an open well. The results of

the chemical analysis of irrigation water are being given in Table 3.4.

Table 3.4 Composition of irrigation water used for irrigating the

experimental crop

S.No. Characteristics Value

1. Soluble cations (meL-1) i. Ca2+ + Mg2+ 6.2 ii. Na+ 9.4 iii. K+ 0.1

2. Soluble anions (meL-1) i. Cl- 3.1 ii. CO3

2- 3.3 iii. HCO3

- 7.8 iv. SO4

2- 1.5 3. PH 8.3 4. EC (dSm-1 at 25°C) 1.57 5. SAR 7.87 6. SSP 60.06 7. RSC (meL-1) 4.9 8. Class (USSL)* C3S1

* United State Salinity Laboratory, Riverside California. May 1953. Though the well water was little saline sodic but it could be safely used in light textured soil to irrigate the crop.

3.7 Nutrient content of sources of nitrogen

The nutrient content of DAP, FYM, VC, PM, and NC, used in field

experiments are presented in Table 3.5.

Table 3.5 Nutrient present in DAP, FYM, VC, PM and NC

Sources of nitrogen Nutrients present (%)

N P K

DAP 18 46 -

FYM 0.5 0.24 0.5

VC 1.72 2.10 0.68

PM 1.96 1.80 1.20

NC 5.2 1.0 1.4

3.8 Experimental details

3.8.1 The different treatments and their symbols used are given in

Table 3.6.

Table: 3.6 Treatments and their symbols

S.No. Treatments Symbols

(i) Control T0

(ii) 100% RD of N through DAP T1

(iii) 100% RD of N through FYM T2

(iv) 100% RD of N through PM T3

(v) 100% RD of N through VC T4

(vi) 100% RD of N through NC T5

(vii) 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP T6

(viii) 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP T7

(ix) 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP T8

(x) 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP T9

(xi) 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP T10

(xii) 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP T11

(xiii) 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP T12

(iv) 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP T13

3.8.2 Design and layout of experiment

The experiment having 14 treatment combinations and three

replications with 42 plots in total was laid out in Randomized Block Design

(RBD). The treatments were randomly allotted to different plots using

random number table (Fisher and Yates, 1963). The plan of layout of

experiment with allocation of treatments and other details have been shown

in Fig 3.2.

3.9 Details of crop raising

The schedule of pre and post sowing operations carried out in the

field during the crop season are given in Table 3.7 and details of the crop

raising are described as under:

3.9.1 Field preparation

Experimental field was irrigated on dated 17.10.2008 ploughed by

tractor driven moldboard plough followed by two cross harrowing and

planking. Layout was done as given in Fig. 3.2.

3.9.2 Allocation of treatment

The FYM, PM and NC were applied before 20 days of sowing

whereas DAP and VC were applied prior to sowing.

3.9.3 Seed rate and sowing

Seeds of fenugreek RMt-351 @ 25 kg ha-1 were sown on

12.11.2008 in rows spaced at 30 cm apart with the help of bullock drawn

„deshi‟ plough.

Table 3.7 Schedule of pre and post sowing operations followed during

experimentation

S.No Particulars Date Remarks

1. Ploughing 20.10.2008 Tractor drawn disc plough and cross harrowings followed by planking

2 Layout 21.10.2008 Broadcasting

3. Application of FYM, PM, and NC

22.10.2008 Manually

4. Pre sowing irrigation 09.11.2008 Manually

5. Application of DAP and VC 10.11.2008 Broadcasting

6. Sowing 12.11.2008 Manually (By bullock drawn plough)

7. Final layout 13.11.2008 Manually

8. Harvesting 20.04.2009 Manually

9 Threshing and winnowing 29.04.2009 Manually

3.9.4 Irrigation

Five irrigations were given manually to crop.

Irrigation Remarks

Palewa 17.10.2008 Manually

09.11.2008 Manually

I 27.11.2008 Manually

II 18.12.2008 Manually

III 26.01.2009 Manually

IV 24.02.2009 Manually

V 18.03.2009 Manually

3.9.5 Harvesting, threshing and winnowing

The crop was harvested on 20-04-2009 from a net plot size of 03 x

1.8 = 5.4 m2 separately, tied in bundles, tagged and sun dried. Thereafter,

threshing was done by beating the plants with plants. The pods and stover

were separated by manual winnowing and their yield was recorded.

3.10 Treatment evaluation

3.10.1 Nodule study

3.10.1.1 Number of nodules and weight of nodules at flowering

Five plant randomly selected from each plot, uprooted carefully, the

soil mass embodying the roots of the plants was washed off with water and

total nodules and effective nodules, dry and fresh weight (g) of nodules

were counted separately and the mean value was recorded as number of

total nodules and effective nodules, dry weight and fresh weight of nodules

per plant.

3.10.2 Yield attributing characters

3.10.2.1 Number of pods per plant

The pods of 5 plants of each plots were counted at harvest and the

mean was recorded as number of pods per plant.

3.10.2.2 Number of seeds per pod

The seeds of five randomly selected pods from each plot were

counted and the mean was recorded as number of seeds per pod.

3.10.2.3 Yield

The harvested material from net area of each plot was thoroughly

sun dried and weighed with the help of spring balance.The weight was

recorded as biological yield (kg) per plot.

3.10.2.4 Seed yield

After threshing and winnowing, the clean seeds obtained from each

plot were weighed and the weight recorded as seed yield kg per plot and

than computed as quintal per hectare.

3.10.2.5 Straw yield

The straw yield kg per plot was obtained by subtracting the seed

yield from biological yield per plot which was recorded earlier.

3.10.2.6 Test weight (g)

The 1000 seeds from the seed plots were collected and weighed on

an electronic balance. The weight was recorded as test weight (g).

3.10.3 Plant Analysis

3.10.3.1 Collection of plant samples

Plant samples of grain and straw were taken from each plot of

experimental field at the time of threshing.

3.10.3.2 Protein content in seed

The crude protein content in seed was calculated by multiplying

percent nitrogen content of seed with a factor 6.25 as suggested by Gupta

et al. (1972).

3.10.3.3 Nutrient content

The plant samples at harvest from each plot were collected separately and dried in oven at constant

temperature of 70 0C, until they obtained constant weight. The dried samples were powdered in a grinder having

stainless steel blades to avoid contamination of micronutrients and these samples were used for analysed of

estimation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content. The results were expressed as per cent content of

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium using standard method as per Table 3.8.

3.10.3.4 Nutrient uptake

The uptake these nutrients were calculated by following formula

given by and the content were expressed in kg ha-1.

Nutrient (N, P, K) uptake (kg ha-1) =

Nutrient content (%)

x

Yield (kg ha-1)

100

3.10.4. Soil analysis

The soil samples at harvest of the crop was collected in cotton bags

from each plot upto the depth of 15 cm and dried and sieived through 2 mm

mash and organic carbon, available N, P, K were analysed using standard

method as per Table 3.8.

3.11 Statistical analysis

The experimental data recorded were subjected to statistical

analysis using analysis of variance as outlined by Panse and Sukhatme

(1967). The critical difference for the treatments comparison were worked

out wherever the „F‟ test were found significant at 5 per cent level of

significance.

3.12 Economics

The economics of a treatment is the most important consideration

before making any recommendation to the farmer for its adoption. In order

to determine the effectiveness and economics of the treatment, the

additional costs involved due to application of Inorganic fertilizer (DAP),

farmyard manure, poultry manure, vermicompost, and neem cake, N, P

and K were taken into account. The net returns from each treatment were

calculated so as to decide the most effective and remunerative treatment.

Table 3.8 Method followed for soil and plant analysis

S.No. Determination Method followed References

A. Soil analysis

A. Physical properties

1. Mechanical composition International pipette method Piper (1950)

i. Coarse sand (%)

ii. Fine sand (%)

iii. Silt (%)

iv. Clay (%)

v. Textural class

2.

Particle density

Relative density bottles method

USDA Hand Book No. 60

Richards

(1954)

3. Bulk density (Mg m-3

) Undisturbed core sampler method Majumdar

and Singh

(2000)

4 Field capacity (% moisture

at 1/3 bar suction)

Using pressure plate membrane

apparatus method

Richards

(1954)

4 Field capacity (% moisture

at 15 bar suction)

Using pressure plate membrane

apparatus method

Richards

(1954)

6 Available nitrogen (kg ha-1

) Alkaline permanganate method Subbiah and

Ashija (1956)

7 Available phosphorus

(kg ha-1

)

0.5 M NaHCO3 (pH 8.5) extractable

P2O5

Olsen et al.

(1956)

8 Available potassium

(kg ha-1

)

Neutral 1N ammonium acetate K

using flame photometer

Metson

(1956)

9 CEC (Cmol (p+) kg-1

) Schollen Berger‟s method using

neutral normal ammonium acctate

Metson

(1956)

10 Organic carbon (%) Walleley and Black‟s rapid titration

method

Piper (1950)

11 EC2 at 250C (dSm

-1) Conductometrically using 1:2 soil

water suspension

Piper (1950)

12 pH2 Electrometerically using glass

electrode

Piper (1950)

B. Plant analysis

1 Nitrogen content N was estimated by colorimetric

method on spectronic-20 after

development of colour with

Nesseler‟s reagent

Snell and

Snell (1949)

2 Phosphorus content Phosphorus was estimated on

spectronic-20 by using Vando-

molybdo phosphoric yellow colour

method in nitric acid system

Jackson

(1973)

3 Potassium content Analysis of suitable aliquot of

digested material-II was done with

the help of flame photometer

Richards

(1954)

4 Soil microbial population Dilution method Sharma

(1996)

Table 3.2 Physical and chemical properties of experimental soil

S.No. Characteristic Value

A. Physical properties

1. Mechanical composition

i. Coarse sand (%) 25.4

ii. Fine sand (%) 58.3

iii. Silt (%) 8.9

iv. Clay (%) 6.9

Textural class Loamy sand

2. Particle density 2.61

3. Bulk density (Mg m-3) 1.485

4. Moisture content (%)

(a) at 33 kpa 10.86

(b) at 1500 kpa 2.65

B. Chemical properties

1. Available nitrogen (kg ha-1) 112.65

2. Available phosphorus (kg ha-1) 17.34

3.. Available potassium (kg ha-1) 104.16

4. CEC (Cmol (p+) kg-1) 6.21

5. CaCO3 (%) 0.19

6. Organic carbon (%) 0.21

7. EC2 at 250C (dSm-1) 0.17

8. pH2 8.1

Table 3.1: Weekly meteorological observations recorded during the crop season Rabi-2008-09

SMW = Standard Metorological Week

SMW Period Temperature (0C) Relative humidity (%) Totalrainfall (mm)

From To Max. Min. RH(max) RH(min)

46 12.11.08 18.11.08 29.9 11.2 61 23 00.0

47 19.11.08 25.11.08 27.0 07.7 78 24 00.0

48 26.11.08 02.12.08 29.7 09.1 61 24 0.00 49 03.12.08 09.12.08 30.0 10.9 67 25 00.0 50 10.12.08 16.12.08 25.8 07.5 76 28 00.0 51 17.12.08 23.12.08 24.0 08.4 78 37 00.0 52 24.12.08 31.12.08 25.5 03.5 81 28 00.0 1 01.01.09 07.01.09 21.9 05.3 81 42 00.0 2 08.01.09 14.01.09 20.6 06.0 76 43 00.0 3 15.01.09 21.01.09 23.2 09.3 82 33 00.0 4 22.01.09 28.01.09 24.8 05.0 75 31 00.0 5 29.01.09 04.02.09 25.6 06.5 74 29 00.0 6 05.02.09 11.02.09 24.4 07.2 74 28 00.0 7 12.02.09 18.02.09 25.3 07.8 71 30 00.0 8 19.02.09 25.02.09 28.3 09.6 67 26 00.0 9 26.02.09 04.03.09 31.7 09.7 66 22 00.0

10 05.03.09 11.03.09 31.4 11.0 54 24 00.0 11 12.03.09 18.03.09 32.0 11.8 47 21 00.0 12 19.03.09 25.03.09 31.5 15.7 67 21 04.8 13 26.03.09 01.04.09 30.7 15.0 61 20 00.0 14 02.04.09 08.04.09 33.6 15.5 49 19 00.0 15 09.04.09 15.04.09 36.4 16.5 52 21 00.0 16 16.04.09 22.04.09 38.5 18.9 41 16 00.0 17 23.04.09 29.04.09 38.8 18.5 37 13 00.0

4 EXPERIMENTAL rESULTS

Results of field experiment entitled “Effect of integrated nitrogen management on soil properties and performance of

fenugreek under Typic Ustipsamment” conducted at Agronomy farm, S.K.N College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan), during rabi

season of 2008-09 are presented in the chapter. The data relating to various criteria used for treatment evaluation were analyzed

statistically using standard statistical methods to test their significance. The analysis of variance for data have been presented in

the appendices at the end. The data recorded for important characters have also been presented graphically for elucidation of the

important trends wherever, necessary.

The experimental findings are presented in under the following appropriate sub headings.

4.1 Yield attributes and yield

4.2 Nutrient content, uptake and quality

4.3 Soil fertility

4.4 Economics


4.1.1 Number of pod per plant

The perusal of data (Table 4.1) revealed that the application of organic sources of nitrogen (FYM, VC, PM, and NC,) and

DAP significantly increased the number of pods per plant over control. The maximum number of pods (23.70 per plant) were

recorded under the treatments T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N through DAP) which was 30.43 per cent higher over

control. The data also indicated that the combined application of N+FYM, N+PM,N+VC, N+NC in the ratio of 75% and 25% or

50% RD of N +50% + 50% and organic source gave significant increase over control, whereas, individual application of organic

and inorganic sources of nitrogen had influenced significantly the number of pods over control .The treatment T8 also remained at

par with T6, T7, T9, T10, T11 and T12.

4.1.2 Number of seeds per pod

The data (table 4.1) showed that the application of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen (FYM, VC, PM, NC, and DAP)

increased number of seeds per pod over control. but values are not sufficient to show significant improvement in number of

seeds per pod.

4.1.3 Total number of nodules and number of effective nodules per plant

The data (Table 4.2 and Fig. 4.1) showed among the treatments having individual application of, poultry manure and

vermicompost (T3 and T4) and combined application of organic sources of nitrogen with DAP significant increased the number of

total and effective nodules per plant over control. The number of total and effective nodules per plant were ranged between (15.64

to 25.90, and 11.54 to 18.54), respectively. The maximum number of effective (25.90) and total nodules (18.54) were recorded

under the treatment T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N through DAP) which was 65.60 and 60.65 per cent higher over

control, respectively. Whereas it (T8) remain at par with the treatment T6, T7 T9 and T12.

4.1.4 Weight of fresh and dry nodules.

The data pertaining to the fresh and dry weight of nodules (Table 4.2 and Fig. 4.1) indicated that the application of FYM,

VC, PM, NC, and DAP significantly increased the fresh and dry weight of nodules of fenugreek crop over control. Except dry

weight of nodules under 100% RD of NPK (T1). The maximum fresh and dry weight of nodules (5.16 and 2.31 g plant-1)

respectively were observed under treatment T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N through DAP) while the minimum

weights (2.20 and 0.84 g plant-1) were recorded under control T0. The treatment T8 registered significant superiority over rest of

the treatment in increasing fresh and dry weight of nodules but remain at par with T6 T7 and T9 in increasing fresh weight of

nodules and T6 and T7 increasing dry weight of nodules.

4.1.5 Seed yield

The data given in table 4.3 and fig. 4.2 indicated that the individual and combined application of FYM, VC, PM, NC, and

DAP. significantly influenced the seed yield of the crop over control. The treatment T8 registered significant superiority over rest of

the treatment by producing highest seed yield 18.65 q ha-1. Which was 53.87 per cent higher over control, but remain at par with

the treatments with T6, T7, T9, T11 and T12

4.1.6 Straw yield

The data related to straw yield presented in table 4.3 and fig. 4.2 showed that the use of FYM or VC or PM, and combined

application of FYM or PM or VC or NC with DAP significantly increased the straw yield of the crop over control. The highest

straw yield 32.14 q ha-1 was recorded under treatment T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N through DAP) which was

20.50 per cent higher over control and the minimum straw yield 26.67 q ha-1 was recorded under control T0. The treatment T8 was

also recorded at par with T6, T7, T9, T10, T11, T12 and T13.

4.1.7 Seed index

An examination of data in Table 4.3 revealed that the application of nitrogen through FYM, VC, PM, NC and DAP individual

in conjoint application of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen increased seed index over control. But values were not

sufficient to show significant improvement in seed index of seed.

4.2 Nutrient content, uptake and quality

4.2.1 Nutrient content of seed and straw

4.2.1.1 Nitrogen

The experimental data (Table 4.4) indicated that the nitrogen content of seed and straw was significantly increased with the

combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen (FYM, VC, PM, and DAP). The highest values of nitrogen

content (3.83 and 1.16 per cent) in seed and straw were respectively recorded under T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N

through DAP), whereas lowest value of nitrogen (2.97 and 0.83 per cent) in seed and straw, respectively was noticed under the T0

(control). Which were 28.95 and 39.75 per cent higher over control respectively. The treatment T8 also remain at par with T7,T9,

,T11, and T12 in increasing nitrogen content in seed and T6,T7,T9T10,T11,T12, and T13 in increasing nitrogen content in straw.

4.2.1.2 Phosphorus

The data in Table 4.4 showed that the combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen used to

supplement 75% or 50% RD through organic sources only with 25% or 50% RD through DAP Significantly increased the

phosphorus content of seed and straw over control. The phosphorus content of seed and straw ranged between 0.368 to 0.482

per cent and 0.136 to 0.188 per cent respectively. Which were 30.97 and 38.23 per cent higher over control . The treatment T8

also remain at par with T6,T7, T9, T10, T11, T12, T13 and T6, T7, T9, T10, T11, T12 in increasing phosphorus content in seed and straw

both, respectively.

4.2.1.3 Potassium

The data related to potassium content of seed and straw (Table 4.4) revealed that the influence of individual and combined

application of organic and inorganic source of nitrogen (FYM, VC, PM, NC, and DAP) were found to be non-significant in

increasing potassium content of both seed and straw of the crop. Although application of FYM, VC, PM, NC, and DAP show

increasing trend of potassium content in both seed and straw but the values were not sufficient to reach up to the level of

significant in both seed and straw. The potassium content in seed and straw were ranged between 1.37 to 1.47 per cent and 1.88

to 2.15 per cent, respectively.

4.2.2 Nutrient uptake

4.2.2.1 Nitrogen

Nitrogen uptake by fenugreek seed was significantly influenced with the application of FYM, PM, VC, NC, and (Table 4.5

and Fig. 4.3) combined application of organic sources with DAP applied in all ratios. Sole application of VC, and NC and

combined application of organic and inorganic sources used to supply recommended dose N in the organic and inorganic sources

respectively in the ratio of 75% : 25% or 50% :50% significant increased N uptake of straw. The increase in values of N uptake of

seed and straw were recorded 100.30 and 66.15 per cent higher over control under T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N

through DAP) treatment. The values of N uptake of seed and straw were ranged between 35.92 to 71.95 kg ha-1 and 22.34 to

37.12 kg ha-1, respectively . The highest N uptake in both seed and straw were recorded under treatment T8. The treatment T8 also

remain at par with T7T9, and T5, T6, T7, T9, T12 in increasing nitrogen uptake in seed and straw both.

4.2.2.2 Phosphorus

The data in Table 4.5 and Fig. 4.4 showed that the application of 100% RD of N through either FYM, PM, VC, NC or

combined application of FYM, PM, VC, NC with DAP significantly increased phosphorus uptake of seed whereas only 100% RD of

N through PM (T3) and VC (T4) or combined application of any organic sources with DAP significantly increased phosphorus

uptake of straw. The maximum P uptake 8.95 and 6.03 kg ha-1, in seed and straw respectively were recorded under the treatment

T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N through DAP) while minimum P uptake in seed and straw 4.45 and 3.62 kg ha-1

respectively were noticed under T0 (control). The increase in P uptake by seed and straw were 101.12 and 65.57 per cent higher

over control. The treatment T8 also remain at par with T6,T7,T9,T10, T11,T12 for seed and T6,T7,T9,T10, T11 for straw.

4.2.2.3 Potassium

Data (Table 4.5 and Fig. 4.5) indicated that all treatment application of organic or inorganic source of nitrogen FYM, VC,

PM, NC, and DAP individual and in combination significantly increased K uptake of seed and straw of fenugreek over control.

except K uptake straw under T1,T2, and T3 (100% RD of N through DAP or FYM or PM) The highest values of K uptake by seed

and straw were observed 27.39 and 69.10 kg ha-1 under the treatment T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% Rd of N through DAP)

which were 65.30 and 37.77 per cent higher over control. The treatment T8 also remain at par with T6,T7,T9,T11, and T12 in

increasing potassium uptake in seed and T6,T7,T9,T10,T11,T12, and T13 in increasing potassium uptake in straw.

4.2.3 Protein content

Experimental data (Table 4.6 and Fig. 4.6) revealed that application 75% RD of N through organic sources (PM, VC and

NC) + 25% of inorganic fertilizer (DAP) or 50% RD of N through any organic sources + 50% N through DAP have significantly

increased the protein content of seed of fenugreek over control. The highest values of protein content 23.94 per cent was

recorded under T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N through DAP) whereas as lowest value of protein 18.56 per cent of

seed respectively was noticed under the to control. The per cent increase in protein content of seed was 28.98 higher over

control. Further more only combined application of organic sources of nitrogen with DAP showed significant effect in increasing

protein content of seed. The treatment T8 was also remain at par with T7,T9,T11, and T12.

4.3 Soil fertility

4.3.1 Available nitrogen

Available nitrogen content of the soil at harvest of the crop was increased significantly with the application of vermicompost

and combined application of organic sources of nitrogen with DAP supplemented dose of nitrogen the fenugreek crop over

control. (Table 4.7) The maximum available nitrogen 142.33 kg ha-1 at harvest of the crop was observed under treatment T8 (75%

RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N through DAP) whereas the minimum available nitrogen 112.65 kg ha-1 was found under T0

(control). The treatment T8 over rest of the treatments and the per cent increase in available N content was 26.34 per cent higher

over control at harvest of the crop. The treatment T8 also remain at par with T6,T7.T9,T10,T11,T12 and T13 in increasing available

nitrogen of soil at harvest of crop.

4.3.2 Available phosphorus

Data (Table 4.7) indicated that the treatment having FYM, VC, PM, NC, and DAP significantly increased the available

phosphorus content of the soil at harvest of the crop over control except T1 (100% RD of N through DAP) The maximum available

phosphorus (26.58 kg ha-1) was observed under T8 (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of N through DAP) and the per cent

increase in P content of soil at harvest of the crop was recorded as 53.28 per cent higher over control, whereas minimum

available phosphorus 17.34 kg ha-1 was registered under control. The treatment T8 was also recorded at par with T6 T7 T9T10 and

T11 .

4.3.3 Available potassium

Available potassium content of the soil at harvest of the crop was increased significantly with the application 100% RD of N

through vermicompost (T4) and 75% RD of N through organic sources + 25% of N through DAP and 50% RD of N through organic

sources + 50% of N through DAP (Table4.7).over control. The highest available potassium content in soil at harvest of crop was

133.37 kg ha-1 recorded under treatment (75% RD of N through VC + 25% RD of n through DAP) T8 and lowest values of

available potassium content 104.16 kg ha-1 was recorded under T0 (control) which was 28.04 per cent higher over control. The

treatment T8 also observed at per with T3,T4,T6,T7,T9,T10, T11, and T12 in increasing available potassium of soil at harvest of crop.

4.3.4 Organic carbon

The data presented in Table 4.8 revealed that the highest organic carbon content of the soil 2.88 g kg-1 was recorded under

treatment T2 (100% RD of N through FYM) at harvest of the crop whereas it was lowest organic carbon 1.90 g kg-1 was recorded

under T0 (control). The per cent increase in organic carbon content of soil at harvest of the crop was recorded as 51.57 per cent

higher over control. The treatment T2 also remain at per with T4, T6, and T10, in increasing organic carbon of soil at harvest of crop.

4.3.5 Bulk density

A critical examination of data (Table 4.8) revealed that the individual and combined application of any organic sources

(FYM, PM, VC, NC ) with DAP significantly decreased the bulk density of soil at harvest of fenugreek. The bulk density of soil

varied between 1.538 to 1.453 Mg m-3 respectively. Highest significant decrease in bulk density (5.53%) over control was

recorded with the application of FYM used to supplement 100% RD of (T2) to the crop. The treatments T2 also remained at par

with T3,T4, T5,T6,T7,T8 and T10.

4.3.6 CEC

CEC of the of soil at harvest of the crop increased significantly with the individual and combined application of organic and

inorganic sources of nitrogen supplemented to provide recommended dose of nitrogen in the fenugreek crop over control except

100% RD of nitrogen through DAP (T1) and 50% of RD of N through NC + 50% of RD of N through DAP (T13) (Table 4.8). The

maximum CEC 11.76 cmol (p+) kg-1 was observed under treatment T2 (100% RD of N through FYM) whereas the minimum CEC

6.21 cmol (p+) kg-1 was found under T0 (control). The treatment T2, T3 and T4 also recorded at par.

4.3.7 Available moisture (0.33 bar and –15 bar)

The data indicated that the available moisture of soil at harvest of the crop (Table 4.9) were increased with the application

of FYM, VC, PM, NC, and DAP but the values of available moisture at harvest of the fenugreek crop were not sufficient to record

significant differences over control.

4.3.8 Bacterial population at 45 DAS and at harvest

Counts of the bacterial population are presented in Table 4.10 and Fig. 4.7. The application of nitrogen through organic

sources of nitrogen individually or with DAP significantly increased the bacterial population of the soil at 45 DAS and at harvest of

the crop. The maximum value of bacterial population 22.40 x 1010 kg-1 soil at 45 DAS and 20.30 x 1010 kg-1 soil at harvest

recorded under treatment T2 (100% RD N through FYM) whereas minimum values of bacterial population 7.40 x 1010 and 6.0 x

1010 kg-1 soil were recorded under the treatment T1 (10% RD of N through dap ) at 45 DAS and at harvest of the crop respectively.

4.4 Economics

The Table 4.11 and Fig. 4.8 clearly indicated that the application of nitrogen individually and in combination of organic

sources with the DAP significant effect on net returns of fenugreek. Highest net return and B:C of Rs. 41983 were and 2084 were

recorded under the treatment T8 (75% RD of N through VC+ 25% RD of N through DAP) respectively and followed by T7 (75% RD

of N through VC + 25% RD of N through DAP) by obtaining the net return values and B:C ratio Rs. 38405 and respectively.

5 DISCUSSION

During the course of presenting the results of the experiment entitled “Effect of integrated nitrogen management on soil

properties and performance of fenugreek under Typic ustipsamment ” in the preceding chapter, significant variations in the criteria

used for treatment evaluation have observed and are being discussed in this chapter.

5.1 Effect of FYM, VC, PM, NC, and DAP on nodules

Number of total nodules and effective nodules weight of fresh and dry nodules (Table 4.2 and Appendix-II) were

significantly influenced with application of poultry manure (T3), vermicompost (T4) and combined application of organic sources of

nitrogen with DAP. Significantly highest number of total and effective nodules, weight of fresh and dry nodules, were observed

under the treatment T8 (75% RD of N through vermicompost +25% RD of N through DAP .

Legumes are known to have symbiotic association with heterotrophic soil bacteria and contribute towards the nitrogen

nutrition of legumes host plant especially at later stage of crop growth after the nodules have developed and are functional. The

infection of bacteria and subsequent development of effective nodules as the results of several consecutive physiological and

metabolic interactions. One of the foremost important requirement to have successful infection is the presence of sufficient number

of viable infective cells of rhizobia for infection to root hairs, which depends on the physical and chemical properties of soil,

presence of cells in the soil, their viability and multiplication in the Rhizophere after the germination of seed and are governed by

physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The level of success of infection also depends on the competitive ability of

inoculated strain and the health of host.

The application of vermicompost or FYM might have enhanced the population of desired microbes in the root zone during

early stage of infection. Higher population of the desired organisms will always have greater possibilities of infection.

Infection, release of bacterial cells in the cortex, induction of nodule development, synthesis of leghaemoglobin etc. are at

different stages and depend on the genetic and physiological stages of crop plants. Presence of any limiting factor will have

bearing on the nodule mass (Lakshminarayan and Sharma, 1994). Similar findings have also been reported by Negi et al (2007),

and Kausale et al (2009), These results are in agreement with findings of Sharma et al. (2000), and Singh et al (2010) also

reported increased nodulation with improved fertility.


The nitrogen supplementation through organic sources and DAP individually and in combinations were significantly

increased number of pods per plant and seed yield whereas straw yield significantly influenced with conjoint application of FYM or

VC or PM or NC and DAP. The application of nitrogen @ 75% RD of N through vermicompost+25% RD of N through DAP gave

maximum yield attributes and seed and straw yield of the crop and proved superior to rest of the treatments.

Beneficial effect of organic manures on yield might be due to balanced supply of macro and micro nutrient through out of

the growth period improvement in physical and biological properties of soil (Datt et al 2003).

Such increase in the yield attributes and yield have also reported to be associated with release of macro and

micronutrients during the course of microbial decomposition (Singh and Ram, 1992) Negi et al (2007), and Kausale et al (2009).

Organic matter also source of energy for soil microflora which bring about the transformation of inorganic nutrients present in soil

or applied fertilizers in the readily utilizable form by growing plants (Sharma, 2001). The beneficial response of FYM/

vermicompost on yield attributes and yield might also be attributed to the availability of sufficient amounts of plant nutrients

throughout the growth period and especially at critical growth periods of crops resulting in better uptake, plant vigour and superior

yield attributes (Brar and Pasricha, 1998; Surender Rao and Sitaramaya, 2000 ). These findings corroborate with the results of

Sharma (2001), Singh et al (2005). Subash Chand and D.Ram (2007), Availability of several macro and micro nutrients along

with better physical environment for root growth from these organic sources have also been reported by Satyajeet and

Nanwal,R.K. (2007), Bhat et al, (2007), Sharma et al (2009), and Singh et al. ( 2010 ).

5.3 Nutrient content and uptake of NPK

The experimental data (Table 4.4 & 4.5, Appendix - IV & V) indicated that the nitrogen and phosphorus content and

uptake of seed and straw were significantly increased with the combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen

(FYM, VC, PM, NC and DAP). Both nutrient concentration and their uptake are important parameters for judging the capacity of

soil to supply available nutrients. However, uptake is more precise parameter as it takes into account the dry matter yield and is

also an indicator of nutrient requirement of the crop and the level of depletion that is being caused (Sharma, 2001).

Increase in N, P and K uptake in seed and straw with combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen

might be due to enhanced supply of plant nutrients by direct addition and through atmospheric nitrogen fixation (Kaminvar and

Rajagopal, 1993) and solublization of native phosphorus and potassium content of soil (Das et al., 1992) and also by increasing

nutrient use efficiency and better absorption and utilization of nutrient (Lakpale et al., 1999).

The uptake of N and P may also be due to increase in biological yield with the use of vermicompost, poultry manure

and increased microbial population under favorable condition of soil for multiplication.

It is well known fact that the influence of application of one nutrient on the availability of applied nutrients will shift in

equilibrium towards the greater availability in soil solution while the availability of other nutrients depends on factors like

interactions between nutrients, synergistic or antagonistic, changes in rhizosphere conditions and its impact on the nutrient

transformations (More and Ghonsikar, 1988 and Dhillon and Dhillon, 1991).

Increased N and P content might be due to the solubilization effect of organic manures on native nutrients. Solubilization

and releasing of nutrients for longer duration might be reasons for greater availability. Apart from supply of nutrients organic

manures might have increased the availability of these nutrients to the plant as well as improved the soil environment which

encouraged well developed root system resulting in better absorption of water and nutrients and thus resulted into higher yields.

Higher N and P content and their uptake with the use of various organic manures have also been reported by Satyajeet and

Nanwal (2007). Similar findings have also been reported by Kachot et al. (2001), Mesish et al. (2001), Rao et al. (2002), Basu et

al. (2006) Kumar et al (2007), Bhat et al, (2007), and Kumar et al, (2008)

5.4 Protein content

Data presented in Table 4.6 and Appendix-VI shows that protein content of the fenugreek was increased significantly with

the combined application of organic sources of nitrogen (FYM, PM, VC, NC) with DAP. The increase in protein content might be

due to better availability of desired and required quantity of nitrogen in root zone of the crop resulting from its solubilization caused

by the organic acids produced from the decaying of organic matter since protein content is a function of N content in seeds. The

increased uptake of nutrient by fenugreek roots may also be due to mycorrhizal infection, or increased number of effective

nodules which causing increase in the ascribing absorbing area of roots, increased availability of nitrogen resulted from the

integration of inorganic source of nitrogen with organic sources (Ranjit Singh and Ravi, 2004), and enhanced synthesis of protein

facilitated by the supply of growth principles like enzymes and growth regulators received from the manure (Vasanthi and

Subramanian, 2004). The beneficial effect of organic material on protein content was also reported due to increased nitrogen

content in seed by Khiriya et al. (2003) Bhat et al. (2007) Kumar et al, (2007) and Singh et al. (2010). The similar results were also

observed by Chawala et al. (1995) and Negi et al (2009).

5.5 Soil fertility

5.5.1 Available nitrogen

The data presented in Table 4.7 and Appendix-VII show that the available nitrogen content of soil was significantly

influenced with the application of organic source of nitrogen and DAP. Application of 75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25%

RD of N through DAP gave highest significant increase in the available nitrogen content of soil. This might be ascribed due to the

fact that the addition of mineral nitrogen along with organic sources narrowed the C:N ratio of organic manures which enhanced

the role of mineralization and resulted in rapid release of nutrients from the organic carbon (Sheeba and Chellamuthu, 1999),

Kumar et al (2008) and Singh et al (2010).

The results have also indicated that the fenugreek crop might have helped in the increase of available nitrogen content in

the soil at harvest of the crop by atmospheric nitrogen fixation and addition of organic matter on decay of nodules, which degrades

after flowering of the crop. Similar results were also reported by Badanur et al. (1990), Sharma. (2001) and Rao. (2003). Increase

in available nitrogen with the application of vermicompost or farm yard manure might be attributed due to direct addition of

nitrogen to the available pool of the soil nitrogen reported by Sharma et al.(2009)

5.5.2 Available phosphorus

The available phosphorus content in soil influenced significantly (Table 4.7 and Appendix-VII) with the application all

sources of nitrogen and combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen where as highest significant increase in

available phosphorus content of soil was noticed under the treatment of 75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD of N

through DAP. This was might be attributed due to the enhanced mobility of phosphorus (Varalakshmi et al., 2005). The addition

of phosphorus through vermicompost might have reduced the fixation of phosphorus through the chelation of Ca+2 (Gupta et al.,

1988) and mineralization of organic phosphorus contributing towards its accumulation in the soil and also due to its possible effect

on solublization of organic phosphorus (Yaduvanshi, 1988). The increase in available P content of soil due to the incorporation of

organic manures may be attributed to the direct addition of P as well as solubilization of native P through release of various

organic acids (Sharma et al. 2009) and due to reduced capacity of soil minerals to fix P and increased availability through release

of organic acids (Singh et al 2010) Similar improvement in available P status due to integrated use of manures and fertilizers had

also been noted by (Sharma et al 2005), Similar results have also been reported by Varalakshmi et a, (2005), Kumar et al, (2008),

Singh et al (2008), and Singh et al, (2010) .

5.5.4 Available potassium

Data presented in Table 4.7 and Appendix-VII show that the individual application of VC, and NC and combined application

of organic sources of nitrogen with DAP had significant effect on increasing the available K content of the soil. This is well known

fact that application of organic manures with inorganic fertilizers give better results in improving availability of nutrients. The

application of vermicompost may be ascribed to the reduction of K fixation and release of K due to the interaction of organic

matter with clay besides the direct addition of potassium to available pool of the soil (Tandon, 1987). The beneficial effect of

vermicmpost and farm yard manure on available K status may be ascribed due to direct addition of potassium in the potassium

pool of the soil (Sharma et al., 2009) Similar findings were also reported by Balaguravaiah et al. (2005) Kumar et al. (2008), Singh

et al. (2008) and Singh et al. (2010).

5.5.4 Organic carbon

The organic carbon content of soil (Table 4.8 and Appendix-VIII) increased significantly with the application of FYM, PM,

VC, NC, and DAP. The treatment T2 (100% RD of N through FYM) gave highest significant build up of organic carbon .The

significant increase under organic carbon content in the manurial treatment could be attributed due to the direct addition of the

organic matter in the soil (Swarup, 1991). which might have stimulated the growth and activity of micro-organisms (Babulkar et al.,

2000) and better root growth (Varalakshmi et al., 2005). These results are in line with the findings of Subramanian and Suresh

(2000), Sharma (2001), Yaduvanshi (2001), Sharma et al, (2007), and Sharma et al. (2009) who advocated that application of

FYM is highly essential to apply FYM to maintain higher levels of organic carbon and to reduce apparent density of soil.

5.5.5 Bulk density

The application of nitrogen through organic sources (FYM, PM, VC, NC) and individually in combination of DAP

significantly decreased the bulk density of surface soil at harvest of fenugreek. The application of 100% N through FYM recorded

maximum decrease in the soil bulk density (Table 4.8 and Appendix-VIII). The decrease in the bulk density with the application of

FYM in light textured soils could be due to the fixing of the low density material with dense mineral fraction of the soil (Srikanth et

al., 2000) and also might be due to structural changes and improved pore size (Larson and Clapp, 1984) and good soil

aggregation (Selvi et al., 2005). Decrease in bulk density, increase in porosity and better water conductivity properties of the soil

may also be mainly due to action of gum compounds, polysaccharides and fulvic acid compounds of organic matter on the soil

structure (Manickam, 1993). The findings corroborates with the results of Maheswarappa et al. (1999) and Shrikanth et al. (2000).

5.5.6 Cation exchange capacity

The application of nitrogen through organic sources of (FYM, PM, VC) and conjoint application of organic sources and

DAP used for nitrogen supplementation Table 4.8 and Appendix-VIII were laid significant effect on increasing the CEC of soil. The

significant increase in CEC of the soil might be due to the increase in water holding capacity of a soil which might have provided

higher availability of water to plants and solubility of the nutrients. The increase in solubility of nutrients might have resulted in to

increased CEC of soil (Epstein, 1997). Similarly, Prakash et al. (2002), Sharma (2007) also reported that the organic manured plot

had a relatively higher cation exchange capacity as compared to inorganic fertilized plot.

5.6 Effect of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on bacterial population

Data presented in Table 4.10 and Appendix-X shows that bacterial population of the soil at harvest of the fenugreek were

increased significantly with the application of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen (FYM, PM, VC, NC, and DAP).This

increase in bacterial population of the soil at harvest of the experimental crop might be due to favorable condition of soil

generated with application of organic sources of nitrogen and DAP (Kamlesh et al., 1991, Patil and Varade 1998).

The addition of organics coupled with nitrogen fertilizer might have also exerted a stimulating influence on the

preponderance of bacteria in soil. The importance of easily degradable carbonaceous compounds for the proliferation of

bacteria population in soil were also reported by Mukherjee et al (1990). Similar findings were also reported by Selvi et al

(2004)

5.7 Economics

Application of nitrogen through farm yard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure, neem cake and DAP significantly

increased the net return of fenugreek (Table 4.11 and Appendix-XI). Application of 75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD

of N through DAP (T8) to fenugreek crop gave highest net return. The increase in net return of the crop with the conjoint

application of FYM/ PM/ VC/ NC and DAP might be due to better root proliferation under favourable soil environment, which in

turned into higher uptake and efficient utilization of added nutrients. Balanced and continuous supply of nutrients through out the

crop growth period, might have also resulted into higher production of the fenugreek crop. Besides this, the incorporation of

vermicompost in addition to DAP in nutritional schedule could have been reduced the cost of input. The similar results have also

be reported by Dikshit and Khatik (2002), Kumpawat (2004) and Jat et al. (2006).

6 Summary and conclusion

Results of the field experiment entitled “Effect of integrated nitrogen management on soil properties and performance

of fenugreek under Typic Ustipsamment” presented and discussed in preceding chapter are being summarized and concluded in this

chapter.


6.1.1 The application of FYM, PM, VC, NC and DAP gave significant increase in the yield attributes, but the application of T8

(75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD of N through DAP) were found significantly superior in increasing the

number of pods per plant. The treatment T8 remained at par with T6, T7, T9, T10, T11 and T13,

6.1.2 The application of treatment of 75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD of N through DAP was found significantly

superior in increasing the total number and number of effective nodules, fresh and dry weight of nodules of the crop over

rest of treatments.

6.1.3 The treatment application of T8 (75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD of N through DAP) gave significant

increase in seed and straw yield of the crop over rest of the treatment, but also remained at par with treatment T6, T7, T9,

T11, T12 and T6, T7, T9, T10, T11, T12, T13 both seed and straw.

6.2 Nutrient content, uptake and protein content

6.2.1 The individual and combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen gave significantly higher nitrogen

content and uptake in seed and straw over rest of the treatment.

6.2.2 The highest content and uptake of phosphorus in seed and straw were recorded with the application of treatment T8 (75%

RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD of N through DAP) over rest of the treatment.

6.2.3 The highest uptake of potassium in seed and straw were recorded under the treatment T8 (75% RD of N through

vermicompost + 25% RD of N through DAP) over rest of the treatment.

6.2.4 The application of 75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD of N through DAP (T8) was gave significantly higher

protein content in seed of the fenugreek crop over the treatment but remained at par with T7, T9, T11 and T12,

6.3 Soil fertility

6.3.1 Significantly higher available nitrogen content of the soil was recorded under the treatment T8 (75% RD of N through

vermicompost + 25% RD of N through DAP) at harvest of crop at par with T6, T7, T9, T10, T11 T12 and T13.

6.3.2 Application of treatment T8 (75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD of N through DAP) was significantly increased

was available phosphorus content of the soil at harvest of crop and followed by T6, T7, T9, T10 and T11.

6.3.3 The highest potassium content of soil was recorded under the treatment T8 (75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD

of N through DAP) over rest of the treatment but it was remained at par with treatment T3, T4, T6, T7, T9, T10, T11 and T13.

6.3.4 The highest organic carbon build up of soil was recorded under the treatment T2 (100% RD of N through FYM) over rest of

the treatment but it was remained at par with treatment T4, T6 and T10.

6.3.5 The treatment application of T2 was decreased significantly the bulk density of soil and remained at par with T3, T4, T5, T6,

T7, T8 and T10.

6.3.6 The significantly higher CEC of soil at harvest of the crop were recorded with application of 100% RD of N through FYM

(T2) but remained at par with treatment T3 and T4.

6.3.7 Application of T2 (100% RD of N through FYM) was significantly increased the counts of the bacterial population of

rhizosphere at 45 DAS and at harvest of crop.

6.4 Net return

6.4.1 The highest net return was recorded under the treatment T8 (75% RD of N through vermicompost + 25% RD of N through

DAP) with B:C ratio of 2.84.

Conclusion

Based on the results summarized above, it is concluded that fenugreek crop needs combined application of organic

sources of nitrogen with DAP. The application of 75% RD of N through vermicompost coupled with 25% RD of N through

DAP has substantial improvement in yield and net return of the crop.

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Table 4.1 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod

Treatments NUMBER OF POD PER PLANT

PER CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE

NUMBER OF SEEDS PER POD


T0 Control 18.17 - 16.80 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 19.63 8.04 17.00 1.19

T2 100% RD of N through FYM 20.40 12.27 17.77 5.77

T3 100% RD of N through PM 20.73 14.09 17.93 6.73

T4 100% RD of N through VC 21.23 16.84 18.13 7.92

T5 100% RD of N through NC 20.43 12.44 17.40 3.57

T6 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 23.50 29.33 18.73 11.49

T7 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 23.50 29.33 18.80 11.90

T8 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 23.70 30.43 19.30 14.88

T9 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 22.40 23.28 18.63 10.89

T10 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP 21.90 20.53 18.40 9.52

T11 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP 22.17 22.01 18.37 9.35

T12 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP 22.37 23.12 18.53 10.30

T13 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP 21.50 18.33 18.23 8.51

S.Em.+ 1.13 - 0. 87 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 3.26 - NS -

Table 4.2 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on total number and effective nodules, fresh and dry weight of nodules per plant

Treatments TOTAL NODULES PER PLANT


EFFECTIVE NODULES PER PLANT


FRESH WEIGHT OF NODULES PER PLANT (G)


DRY WEIGHT OF NODULES PER PLANT (G)


T0 Control 15.64 - 11.54 - 2.20 - 0.84 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 17.05 9.02 12.48 8.15 3.74 70.00 0.99 17.86

T2 100% RD of N through FYM 18.36 17.39 13.51 17.07 4.06 84.55 1.31 55.95

T3 100% RD of N through PM 20.49 31.01 14.96 29.64 4.14 88.18 1.46 73.81

T4 100% RD of N through VC 21.02 34.40 15.34 32.93 4.21 91.36 1.55 84.52

T5 100% RD of N through NC 17.36 11.00 12.74 10.40 3.81 73.18 1.24 47.62

T6 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 23.59 50.83 17.12 48.35 4.71 114.09 2.07 146.43

T7 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 24.20 54.73 17.55 52.08 4.74 115.45 2.15 155.95

T8 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 25.90 65.60 18.54 60.66 5.16 134.55 2.31 175.00

T9 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 23.36 49.36 16.92 46.62 4.66 111.82 2.00 138.10

T10 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP 22.23 42.14 16.21 40.47 4.35 97.73 1.73 105.95

T11 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP 22.54 44.12 16.40 42.11 4.45 102.27 1.81 115.48

T12 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP 23.13 47.89 16.78 45.41 4.52 105.45 1.95 132.14

T13 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP 21.45 37.15 15.56 34.84 4.31 95.91 1.66 97.62

S.Em.+ 0.96 - 0.74 - 0.20 - 0.08 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 2.97 - 2.15 - 0.59 - 0.24 -

Table 4.3 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on seed yield, straw yield and seed index of crop

Treatments SEED YIELD (Q HA-1)


STRAW YIELD (Q HA-1)


SEED INDEX (G)


T0 Control 12.12 - 26.67 - 1.05 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 15.31 26.32 28.71 7.65 1.09 3.81

T2 100% RD of N through FYM 16.01 32.10 29.34 10.01 1.11 5.71

T3 100% RD of N through PM 16.06 32.51 29.57 10.87 1.12 6.67

T4 100% RD of N through VC 16.12 33.00 30.32 13.69 1.12 6.67

T5 100% RD of N through NC 15.90 31.19 30.16 13.09 1.10 4.76

T6 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 16.95 39.85 31.61 18.52 1.18 12.38

T7 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 17.00 40.26 31.65 18.67 1.18 12.38

T8 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 18.65 53.88 32.14 20.51 1.21 15.24

T9 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 16.92 39.60 31.62 18.56 1.16 10.48

T10 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP 15.62 28.88 30.77 15.37 1.13 7.62

T11 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP 16.80 38.61 31.07 16.50 1.12 6.67

T12 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP 16.85 39.03 31.27 17.25 1.14 8.57

T13 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP 16.20 33.66 30.45 14.17 1.12 6.67

S.Em.+ 0.77 - 1.34 - 0.05 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 2.24 - 3.87 - NS -

NS=Non-significant

Table 4.4 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of crop

Treatments NITROGEN CONTENT (%) PHOSPHORUS CONTENT (%) POTASSIUM CONTENT (%) SEED PER CENT

IN INCREASE /DECREASE

STRAW


SEED PER CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE

STRAW


SEED


STRAW


T0 Control 2.97 - 0.832 - 0.368 - 0.136 - 1.37 - 1.88 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 3.03 2.02 0.885 6.37 0.392 6.52 0.141 3.68 1.38 0.73 1.92 2.13

T2 100% RD of N through FYM 3.04 2.36 0.912 9.62 0.398 8.15 0.143 5.15 1.40 2.19 1.94 4.26

T3 100% RD of N through PM 3.27 10.10 0.935 12.38 0.402 9.24 0.145 6.62 1.41 2.92 1.96 5.32

T4 100% RD of N through VC 3.28 10.44 0.942 13.22 0.422 14.67 0.160 17.65 1.42 3.65 1.98 5.85

T5 100% RD of N through NC 3.03 2.02 0.905 8.77 0.396 7.61 0.142 4.41 1.39 1.46 1.94 3.19

T6 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 3.37 13.47 1.073 28.97 0.472 28.26 0.181 33.09 1.46 6.57 2.12 2.13

T7 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 3.61 21.55 1.105 32.81 0.478 29.89 0.182 33.82 1.46 6.57 2.13 13.30

T8 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 3.83 28.96 1.155 38.82 0.482 30.98 0.188 38.24 1.47 7.30 2.15 14.36

T9 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 3.56 19.87 1.014 21.88 0.462 25.54 0.179 31.62 1.44 5.11 2.09 11.17

T10 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP 3.38 13.80 0.976 17.31 0.456 23.91 0.176 29.41 1.43 4.38 2.03 7.98

T11 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP 3.53 18.86 0.973 16.95 0.449 22.01 0.173 27.21 1.43 4.38 2.05 9.04

T12 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP 3.53 18.86 0.996 19.71 0.438 19.02 0.167 22.79 1.43 4.38 2.07 10.11

T13 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP 3.35 12.79 0.962 15.63 0.427 16.03 0.161 18.38 1.42 3.65 2.01 6.91

S.Em.+ 0.15 - 0.04 - 0.019 - 0.007 - 0.06 - 0.09 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 0.44 - 0.12 - 0.055 - 0.020 - NS - NS -

NS = Non-significant

Table 4.5 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake of crop

Treatments NITROGEN UPTAKE (KG/HA) PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE (KG/HA) POTASSIUM UPTAKE (KG/HA) SEED PER

CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE

STRAW PER CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE


STRAW



STRAW


T0 Control 35.92 - 22.34 - 4.45 - 3.62 - 16.57 - 50.13 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 46.42 29.23 25.48 15.64 6.01 34.94 4.08 12.71 21.23 28.13 55.12 11.03

T2 100% RD of N through FYM 48.89 36.08 26.76 20.87 6.44 44.79 4.20 15.95 22.41 35.22 56.92 14.76

T3 100% RD of N through PM 52.50 46.15 27.68 24.95 6.46 45.09 4.29 18.52 22.65 36.69 57.96 17.08

T4 100% RD of N through VC 52.93 47.33 28.64 29.55 6.83 53.36 4.82 33.24 22.95 38.49 60.04 19.88

T5 100% RD of N through NC 48.36 34.62 27.29 23.22 6.29 41.27 4.28 18.18 21.97 32.60 58.51 16.79

T6 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 56.89 58.37 34.02 53.32 8.05 80.84 5.69 57.12 24.69 49.00 67.01 20.57

T7 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 61.51 71.22 34.96 58.53 8.13 82.64 5.76 59.21 24.68 48.97 67.39 34.79

T8 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 71.95 100.28 37.12 66.97 8.95 101.12 6.03 66.53 27.39 65.31 69.10 37.77

T9 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 60.08 67.25 32.10 45.11 7.84 76.18 5.64 55.83 24.30 46.66 66.17 31.62

T10 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP 53.07 47.73 30.05 36.60 7.16 60.85 5.38 48.70 22.45 35.49 62.49 24.07

T11 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP 59.33 65.16 30.21 36.58 7.55 69.55 5.38 48.56 24.03 45.05 63.66 27.35

T12 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP 59.49 65.60 31.40 40.67 7.38 65.84 5.22 44.29 24.10 45.43 65.26 29.38

T13 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP 54.33 51.23 29.32 32.42 6.92 55.57 4.91 35.58 23.03 38.97 61.27 22.45

S.Em.+ 4.20 - 2.14 - 0.54 - 0.23 - 1.40 - 3.02 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 12.16 - 6.21 - 1.57 - 0.67 - 4.05 - 8.75 -

Table 4.6 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on protein content in fenugreek seeds

Treatments PROTEIN CONTENT (%) PER CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE

T0 Control 18.56 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 18.94 2.02

T2 100% RD of N through FYM 19.00 2.36

T3 100% RD of N through PM 20.44 10.10

T4 100% RD of N through VC 20.50 10.44

T5 100% RD of N through NC 18.94 2.02

T6 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 21.06 13.47

T7 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 22.56 21.55

T8 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 23.94 28.96

T9 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 22.25 19.87

T10 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP 21.13 13.80

T11 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP 22.06 18.86

T12 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP 22.06 18.86

T13 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP 20.94 12.79

S.Em.+ 0.95 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 2.71 -

Table 4.7 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil at harvest of crop

Treatments Nitrogen (kg ha

-1)


Phosphorus (kg ha

-1)


Potassium (kg ha

-1)


T0 Control 112.65 - 17.34 - 104.16 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 120.17 6.68 20.01 15.40 104.30 8.77

T2 100% RD of N through FYM 126.46 12.26 20.91 20.59 116.79 12.13

T3 100% RD of N through PM 128.46 14.03 22.61 30.39 117.85 13.14

T4 100% RD of N through VC 132.15 17.31 22.69 30.85 118.94 14.19

T5 100% RD of N through NC 121.00 7.41 20.31 17.13 115.50 10.89

T6 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 139.80 24.10 24.88 43.48 128.64 23.50

T7 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 141.60 25.70 24.90 43.60 130.28 25.08

T8 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 142.33 26.35 26.58 53.29 133.37 28.04

T9 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 139.54 23.87 24.78 42.91 126.74 21.68

T10 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP 134.15 19.09 24.33 40.31 120.78 15.96

T11 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP 137.16 21.76 23.89 37.77 121.67 16.81

T12 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP 138.64 23.07 23.46 35.29 125.56 20.55

T13 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP 133.96 18.92 22.96 32.41 119.94 15.15

S.Em.+ 5.50 - 0.96 - 5.09 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 15.95 - 2.77 - 14.74 -

Table 4.8 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on organic carbon, bulk density and cation exchange capacity

Treatments OC (G KG-1)


BD (MG M-3)


CEC [CMOL (P+) KG-1]


T0 Control 1.90 - 1.538 - 6.21 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 2.03 6.84 1.510 -1.82 6.98 12.40

T2 100% RD of N through FYM 2.88 51.58 1.453 -5.53 11.76 89.37

T3 100% RD of N through PM 2.45 28.95 1.468 -4.55 10.98 76.81

T4 100% RD of N through VC 2.61 37.37 1.467 -4.62 10.70 72.30

T5 100% RD of N through NC 2.22 16.84 1.474 -4.16 9.00 44.93

T6 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 2.80 47.37 1.465 -4.75 9.82 58.13

T7 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 2.39 25.79 1.478 -3.90 9.58 54.27

T8 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 2.56 34.74 1.481 -3.71 9.11 46.70

T9 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 2.18 14.74 1.482 -3.64 8.90 43.32

T10 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP 2.72 43.16 1.480 -3.77 8.32 33.98

T11 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP 2.30 21.05 1.492 -2.99 8.07 29.95

T12 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP 2.53 33.16 1.495 -2.80 7.88 26.89

T13 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP 2.11 11.05 1.504 -2.21 7.17 15.46

S.Em.+ 0.10 - 0.010 - 0.37 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 0.28 - 0.028 - 1.07 -

Table 4.9 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on per cent moisture retention at -0.33 and -15 bar

Treatments -0.33 BAR PER CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE

-15 BAR PER CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE

T0 Control 10.86 - 2.65 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 11.18 2.95 2.78 4.91













S.Em.+ 0.48 - 0.12 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) NS - NS -

NS=Non-significant

Table 4.10 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on bacterial population (x 1010 kg-1 soil) at 45 DAS and at harvest

Treatments 45 DAS PER CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE

AT HARVEST PER CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE

T0 Control 8.10 - 6.20 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 7.40 -8.64 6.00 -3.23













S.Em.+ 0.62 - 0.66 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 1.79 - 1.92 -

Table 4.11 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on net returns and B:C ratio

Treatments NET RETURN (RS./HA)


B:C RATIO PER CENT IN INCREASE /DECREASE

T0 Control 25033 - 1.92 -

T1 100% RD of N through DAP 32954 31.64 2.33 21.39

T2 100% RD of N through FYM 35270 40.89 2.55 32.74

T3 100% RD of N through PM 35551 42.02 2.59 34.77

T4 100% RD of N through VC 34563 38.07 2.30 19.69

T5 100% RD of N through NC 30737 22.79 1.69 -12.25

T6 75% RD of N through FYM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 38187 52.55 2.75 42.94

T7 75% RD of N through PM + 25 % RD of N through DAP 38405 53.42 2.78 44.54

T8 75% RD of N through VC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 41983 67.71 2.84 47.60

T9 75% RD of N through NC + 25 % RD of N through DAP 34808 39.05 2.02 5.30

T10 50% RD of N through FYM + 50% RD of N through DAP 34353 37.23 2.46 27.90

T11 50% RD of N through PM + 50% RD of N through DAP 37649 50.40 2.70 40.68

T12 50% RD of N through VC + 50% RD of N through DAP 37174 48.50 2.55 32.71

T13 50% RD of N through NC + 50% RD of N through DAP 33655 34.44 2.08 8.26

S.Em.+ 1597 - 0.10 -

C.D. (P = 0.05) 4631 - 0.28 -

APPENDIX - I

Analysis of variance for number of pod per plant and number of seeds per pod

Source of variation d.f.

Mean sum of square

Number of pod per plant

Number of seed per pod

Replication 2 8.734 1.200

Treatment 13 7.522** 1.494

Error 26 3.798 2.273

** Significant at 1 per cent level of significance

APPENDIX - II

Analysis of variance for total number and effective nodules, fresh and dry weight of nodules per plant

Source of variation

d.f.

Mean sum of square

Total nodules per plant

Effective nodules per plant

Fresh weight of nodules per plant

Dry weight of nodules per plant

Replication 2 0.817 0.728 0.066 0.021

Treatment 13 27.595** 13.294** 1.446** 0.583**

Error 26 2.773 1.650 0.125 0.020


APPENDIX - III

Analysis of variance for seed yield, straw yield and seed index

Source of variation

d.f. Mean sum of square

Seed yield Straw yield Seed index

Replication 2 0.947 12.075 0.0043

Treatment 13 6.099** 6.353** 0.0051

Error 26 1.765 5.349 0.0085


APPENDIX - IV

Analysis of variance for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content

Source of variation

d.f.

Mean sum of square

Nitrogen Phosphorous Potassium

Seed Straw Seed Straw Seed Straw

Replication 2 0.0172 0.0071 0.0004 0.00001 0.0001 0.0041

Treatment 13 0.1993** 0.0233** 0.0040** 0.00098** 0.0027 0.0219

Error 26 0.0700 0.0054 0.0011 0.00014 0.0107 0.0256

APPENDIX - V

Analysis of variance for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake

Source of variation

d.f.

Mean sum of square

Nitrogen Phosphorous Potassium

Seed Straw Seed Straw Seed Straw

Replication 2 30.126 32.216 0.470 0.336 2.022 59.011

Treatment 13 213.825** 46.668** 3.688** 1.682** 17.363** 84.196**

Error 26 52.817 13.768 0.884 0.160 5.774 27.615


APPENDIX - VI

Analysis of variance for protein content

Source of variation d.f. Mean sum of square

Replication 2 0.671

Treatment 13 7.786**

Error 26 2.732


APPENDIX - VII

Analysis of variance for available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil at harvest of crop

Source of variation

d.f. Mean sum of square

Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

Replication 2 1.375 0.025 1.587

Treatment 13 247.928** 18.078** 174.892**

Error 26 90.885 2.737 77.590


APPENDIX - VIII

Analysis of variance for organic carbon, bulk density and cation exchange capacity in soil at harvest of crop

Source of variation

d.f.

Mean sum of square

Organic carbon

Bulk density

Cation exchange capacity

Replication 2 0.0001 0.0005 0.0085

Treatment 13 0.0026** 0.0014** 7.6359**

Error 26 0.0003 0.0003 0.4064


APPENDIX - IX

Analysis of variance for moisture retention at -0.33 and -15 bar


Mean sum of square

Moisture retention

-0.33 bar -15 bar


Treatment 13 0.138 0.037

Error 26 0.686 0.045


APPENDIX - X

Analysis of variance for bacterial population at 45 DAS and at harvest


Mean sum of square

Bacterial population

45 DAS At harvest


Treatment 13 56.317** 53.338**

Error 26 1.145 1.318


APPENDIX - XI

Analysis of variance for net return and B:C ratio

Source of variation d.f. Mean sum of square

Net return B:C ratio

Replication 2 935850 0.002

Treatment 13 47718853** 0.375**

Error 26 7660172 0.028


APPENDIX - XIII

Relative economics of different treatment combinations for fenugreek crop

Treatment combination

Treatment cost

(Rs ha-1

)

Common cost

(Rs ha-1

)

Total cost

(Rs ha-1

)

Seed yield

(q ha-1

)

Straw yield

(q ha-1

)

Gross returns (Rs ha

-1)

Net returns (Rs ha

-1)

B : C ratio

T0 0 13025 13025 32724 5334 38058 25033 1.92

T1 1100 13025 14125 41337 5742 47079 32954 2.33

T2 800 13025 13825 43227 5868 49095 35270 2.55

T3 700 13025 13725 43362 5914 49276 35551 2.59

T4 2000 13025 15025 43524 6064 49588 34563 2.30

T5 5200 13025 18225 42930 6032 48962 30737 1.69

T6 875 13025 13900 45765 6322 52087 38187 2.75

T7 800 13025 13825 45900 6330 52230 38405 2.78

T8 1775 13025 14800 50355 6428 56783 41983 2.84

T9 4175 13025 17200 45684 6324 52008 34808 2.02

T10 950 13025 13975 42174 6154 48328 34353 2.46

T11 900 13025 13925 45360 6214 51574 37649 2.70

T12 1550 13025 14575 45495 6254 51749 37174 2.55

T13 3150 13025 16175 43740 6090 49830 33655 2.08

APPENDIX - XII

Common cost of cultivation of fenugreek crop

S.No. Particulars of operation Units ha-1 Rate

units (Rs)

Cost Rs

ha-1

A. Common cost of cultivation

1. Land preparation

(a) Ploughing Once 1200 1200

(b) Harrowing Once 800 800

(c) Planking Twice 200 400

(c) Layout and bed preparation 10 mandays 100 1000

2. Cost of seed 25 kg 50 1250

3. Seed treatment (Bavistin) 75 g 10/10 g 75

4. Sowing of seed - 600 600

5. Irrigation including labour 9 charge

(including pre sowing irrigations)

7 600 4200

6. Hoeing, weeding and thinning 10 man days 100 1000

7. Harvesting 10 man days 100 1000

8. Threshing and winnowing 10 man days 100 1000

9. Miscellaneous - - 500

Total - - 13025

B. Treatment cost per unit

Treatments Cost (Rs per unit)

Fertilizers nitrogen through DAP 5.50 per kg

Farm yard manure 20.00 q-1

Vermicompost 70.00 q-1

Poultry manure 200 q-1

Neem cake 1300 q-1

Value of produce

Fenugreek seed 2700 q-1

Fenugreek straw 200 q-1

Fig. 4.1 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on total number and effective nodules, fresh and dry weight of nodules per plant

Treatments TOTAL NODULES PER PLANT

EFFECTIVE NODULES PER PLANT

FRESH WEIGHT OF NODULES PER PLANT (G)

DRY WEIGHT OF NODULES PER PLANT (G)

T0 15.64 11.54 2.20 0.84

T1 17.05 12.48 3.74 0.99

T2 18.36 13.51 4.06 1.31

T3 20.49 14.96 4.14 1.46

T4 21.02 15.34 4.21 1.55

T5 17.36 12.74 3.81 1.24

T6 23.59 17.12 4.71 2.07

T7 24.20 17.55 4.74 2.15

T8 25.90 18.54 5.16 2.31

T9 23.36 16.92 4.66 2.00

T10 22.23 16.21 4.35 1.73

T11 22.54 16.40 4.45 1.81

T12 23.13 16.78 4.52 1.95

T13 21.45 15.56 4.31 1.66

Fig. 4.2 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on seed yield and straw yield of crop

Treatments SEED YIELD

STRAW YIELD

T0 12.12 26.67

T1 15.31 28.71

T2 16.01 29.34

T3 16.06 29.57

T4 16.12 30.32

T5 15.90 30.16

T6 16.95 31.61

T7 17.00 31.65

T8 18.65 32.14

T9 16.92 31.62

T10 15.62 30.77

T11 16.80 31.07

T12 16.85 31.27

T13 16.20 30.45

Fig. 4.3 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake of crop

Treatments NITROGEN UPTAKE (KG/HA)

PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE (KG/HA)

POTASSIUM UPTAKE (KG/HA)

SEED STRAW SEED STRAW SEED STRAW

T0 35.92 22.34 4.45 3.62 16.57 50.13

T1 46.42 25.48 6.01 4.08 21.23 55.12

T2 48.89 26.76 6.44 4.20 22.41 56.92

T3 52.50 27.68 6.46 4.29 22.65 57.96

T4 52.93 28.64 6.83 4.82 22.95 60.04

T5 48.36 27.29 6.29 4.28 21.97 58.51

T6 56.89 34.02 8.05 5.69 24.69 67.01

T7 61.51 34.96 8.13 5.76 24.68 67.39

T8 71.95 37.12 8.95 6.03 27.39 69.10

T9 60.08 32.10 7.84 5.64 24.30 66.17

T10 53.07 30.05 7.16 5.38 22.45 62.49

T11 59.33 30.21 7.55 5.38 24.03 63.66

T12 59.49 31.40 7.38 5.22 24.10 65.26

T13 54.33 29.32 6.92 4.91 23.03 61.27

Fig. 4.4 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on protein content in fenugreek seeds

Treatments PROTEIN CONTENT (%)

T0 18.56

T1 18.94

T2 19.00

T3 20.44

T4 20.50

T5 18.94

T6 21.06

T7 22.56

T8 23.94

T9 22.25

T10 21.13

T11 22.06

T12 22.06

T13 20.94

Fig. 4.5 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on bacterial population (x 1010

kg-1

soil) at 45 DAS and at harvest

Treatments 45 DAS AT HARVEST

T0 8.10 6.20

T1 7.40 6.00

T2 22.40 20.30

T3 17.80 15.80

T4 19.90 17.70

T5 17.10 15.20

T6 17.00 15.10

T7 15.10 13.30

T8 16.70 14.60

T9 14.30 12.50

T10 14.20 11.70

T11 11.10 9.10

T12 13.10 10.30

T13 10.20 8.70

Fig. 4.6 Effect of integrated nitrogen management on net returns

Treatments NET RETURN (RS.)

T0 25033

T1 32954

T2 35270

T3 35551

T4 34563

T5 30737

T6 38187

T7 38405

T8 41983

T9 34808

T10 34353

T11 37649

T12 37174

T13 33655

Fig. 3.2 : Layout of the experiment

29.5 m

Net plot size = 5.4 m

2 Gross plot size = 12.0 m

2

4 m R1 R2 R3

3.0m T8

Sub I

rrig

atio

n C

hann

el

T1 1.0 m T5

Sub I

rrig

atio

n C

hann

el

T12 1.0 m T0

Sub I

rrig

atio

n C

hann

el

T2

T10 T9

PA

TH

T9 T7

PA

TH

T13 T10

T0 T5 T1 T6 T4 T12

1.0m T13 T11 T4 T0 T9 T1

23 m

T4 T2 T11 T3 T6 T8

T3 T12 T2 T13 T11 T3

T7 T6 T8 T10 T5 T7

0.5M 1.0 M

N

Treatment combination = 14 Replication = 3 Total plot = 42