• Authors:
    • Silva Junior, A.
    • Alves, M.
    • Muraishi, C.
    • Souza, Z.
  • Source: ACTA SCIENTIARUM-AGRONOMY
  • Volume: 33
  • Issue: 3
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: This study was conducted at the Experimental Station belonging to UNESP Engineering University, Ilha Solteira Campus, based in Selviria, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, with the aim of evaluating chemical alterations in an Oxisol after being managed for two years with organic and/or chemical fertilization and different tillage systems during the agricultural years of 2004/2005 and 2005/2006. The treatments were: conventional-tillage; chisel tillage and no-tillage; the fertilization treatments were: control (no fertilization); chemical fertilization (300 kg ha -1 from the 20-00-20); organic fertilization (cattle manure - 20 Mg ha -1); organic+1/2 the recommended chemical fertilization for the used crop; 20 and 30 Mg ha -1 of sewage sludge. Soybean was used in the first year and sorghum in the next year, evaluating the soil chemical attributes in four layers. The soil chemical attributes were changed in the first year; the organic fertilization, sewage sludge and organic+chemical fertilization were efficient to change the chemical attributes; the sewage sludge was more efficient in soil P recuperation and, the no-tillage system contributed to soil K increase.
  • Authors:
    • Nedunchezhiyan, M.
  • Source: Indian Journal of Agronomy
  • Volume: 56
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: Field experiments were conducted at Dumduma, Bhubaneswar, for three consecutive years (2006-2008) to assess the sweet potato based strip intercropping systems with respect to productivity, nutrient uptake, competition and economic parameters. Sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L.)+pigeonpea [ Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] strip intercropping system recorded significantly higher root equivalent yield (13.53 t/ha) compared to other cropping systems except sole sweet potato. The total yield gain in sweet potato+pigeonpea system was 28.8% and 24.7% over sweet potato+rice ( Oryza sativa L.) and sweet potato+ragi ( Eleusine coracans L.) strip intercropping system. Root equivalent yield of sole sweet potato was significantly higher than the sole stand of other crops and strip intercropping systems except sweet potato+pigeonpea. Competition indices like land equivalent ratio (LER), area time equivalent ratio (ATER), aggressivity (A) and monetary advantage index (MAI) values were higher for sweet potato+pigeonpea strip intercropping system. Sweet potato appears more competitive than companion crops like rice or ragi. Partial competition ratio value of companion crops like maize ( Zea mays L.) and pigeonpea had an edge over sweet potato in sweet potato+maize and sweet potato+pigeonpea strip intercropping systems. The uptake of N, P and K were observed to be more when sweet potato, maize and pigeonpea were included in the strip intercropping systems. The root equivalent yield and competition indices and economic parameters indicated that the strip intercropping of sweet potato with pigeonpea is biologically sustainable and economically viable.
  • Authors:
    • Okonmah, L.
  • Source: Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue: 6
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: A study was carried out during the 2005, 2006 and 2007 cropping seasons at the Research and teaching Farm of the Agronomy Department of the Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba Nigeria to evaluate the effects of populations (0, 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 population/ha) and fertilizer levels (0, 200 and 400 kg/ha) on the yield of three low growing crops (groundnut, egusi-melon and sweet potato) with a view to recommending the crop(s) with the highest yield to farmers in the area. The experiment was a split-split factorial experiment fitted into a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. The results showed that the three low growing crop grown in NPK treated soils performed significantly (P≤0.05) higher when compared with the control sub-plots without fertilizer treatment. The yield followed this trend sweet potato
  • Authors:
    • Bergamaschine, A.
    • Ulian, N.
    • Araujo, F.
    • Andreotti, M.
    • Azenha, M.
    • Pariz, C.
  • Source: PESQUISA AGROPECUARIA BRASILEIRA
  • Volume: 46
  • Issue: 10
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: The objective of this work was to evaluate the dry matter yield and chemical composition of forage in crop-livestock integration, according to different sowing dates. A randomized experimental block design in a 4*3 factorial scheme was used, with four forage plants (palisadegrass, Urochloa brizantha; fox millet, Setaria italica; pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum; and sorghum, Sorghum bicolor) sowed on three dates, in two season (winter/spring and summer/autumn), in succession to soybean. The pearl millet and sorghum produced the highest amount of dry matter in all sowing dates, at both growing seasons and, contrary to palisadegrass and fox millet, it did not reduce the amount of total digestible nutrients. Crude protein levels decreased with the advancement of sowing dates in winter/spring and increased in summer/autumn, except for palisadegrass and pearl millet. Sorghum showed the lowest concentrations of neutral detergent fiber in the second and third sowing dates in winter/spring, and in the first sowing date in summer/autumn. In the second and third sowing dates in winter/spring, sorghum showed the lowest content of acid detergent fiber. In relation to the cell wall components, only the hemicellulose contents did not change in the forages due to sowing dates, at both seasons.
  • Authors:
    • Amanullah, A.
    • Islam, M.
    • Bashar, M.
    • Ahmed, T.
    • Rahman, M.
  • Source: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Technology
  • Volume: 7
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: A field experiment was conducted during 2008 to 2009 cropping season at Panchbibi upazilla of Joypurhat district in Bangladesh to study the productivity of sugarcane with five selected winter crops as first and sesame as second intercrop in paired row planting system under Tista Meander flood plain soils of Bangladesh. Five different winter crops namely, lentil, onion, mustard, potato, garlic as first intercrops followed by sesame as second intercrop were grown with sugarcane variety Isd 26. The highest tiller (212.49*10 -3 ha -1), highest millable cane (108.32*10 -3 ha -1) and highest cane yield (103.98 t ha -1) were obtained in T5 (T1+Potato-sesame) treatment. The highest second intercrop sesame yield found in T4 (T1+Mustard-sesame) treatment (0.44 t ha -1). The highest equivalent cane yield was as intercrop (82.09 t ha -1) and the highest total adjusted cane yield (186.07 t ha -1) were found in T5 (T1+Potato-sesame). The highest Brix (%) was obtained in T1 (paired row cane) treatment (20.30%). The highest total production cost T5 (T1+Potato-sesame) treatment (Tk. 95,000.00 ha -1). The highest gross return and highest gross margin were obtain in T5 (T1+Potato-sesame) treatment (Tk. 3,28,971.76 ha -1) and (Tk. 2,33,971.76 ha -1), respectively. The highest benefit cost ratio (3.46) was found in T5 (T1+Potato-sesame) treatment and lowest (2.38) in T1 (paired row cane only) treatment. It is concluded that the potato as first and sesame as the second intercrop grown in paired row transplanted sugarcane seems to be profitable intercropping combinations for sugarcane farming.
  • Authors:
    • Chernchom, P.
    • Wetayaprasit, P.
    • Somboonsuke, B.
    • Pacheerat, K.
  • Source: Kasetsart Journal, Social Sciences
  • Volume: 32
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: The rubber agroforestry system is an alternative agriculture practice for rubber smallholders to enhance the ecological integrity and crop diversity. The data collection for the study of diversification of smallholding rubber agroforestry system (SRAS) included 300 rubber farms of 21 systems in the south, east, and northeast of Thailand. The project results revealed that there are a multitude of 21 rubber farming systems in Thailand. These systems can be classified into three main types: (1) the intercropping rubber-food crop system, growing short-lived plants, for example, pineapple, chili, banana, rice, sweet potato, long bean and corn, for a rubber period, no longer than 36 months; (2) the rubber-fruit crop system, growing multicrop within the rubber area during the rubber productive period. The most common fruit crops that have been grown in Thailand are guava, gnetum, long kong, salacca, mangosteen, durian, and levistona, etc., and (3) the rubber-timber species system, normally yielding higher income to rubber smallholders since the sales of both rubber and wood products are at the same time and this is coupled with the presently high value of wood. The important timber varieties in the rubber area are neem and teak. As for profitability of Smallholding Rubber Agro forestry System (SRAS), it was noted that pineapple, chili, salacca, and gnetum are highly profitable. However, in the rubber-pineapple system which yields the highest income, the cost of investment is the highest too, when compared to the rubber-gnetum system which requires minimal input and low cost of production and management. The main conditions for decision-making in the rubber intercropping system are as follows: (1) farm household labor requirement, (2) knowledge and experience, (3) extension and policy implication, (4) marketing opportunity, (5) consistent capability of local communities, and (6) land topography and sustainability. For SRAS development strategy in the southern Thailand, improvement should be made on pricing and marketing of agroforestry products, appropriate technology for higher productivity, greater farm efficiency and risk reduction at farm level, and more synchronized co-ordination among stakeholder agencies at the regional level.
  • Authors:
    • Arvadia, M.
    • Patil, P.
    • Surve, V.
  • Source: Madras Agricultural Journal
  • Volume: 98
  • Issue: 10/12
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: Field experiment was conducted during summer 2007 at Navsari campus on clay in textured soils with different cereal-legume fodders under sole and intercropping systems for getting higher fodder yield and economics. Green and dry fodder yields of sorghum/maize, cropping systems either sole sorghum or sorghum+cowpea in the ratio of 2:1 were equally good and superior to rest of the systems. The intercropping of sorghum with cowpea in a row ratio of 2:1 recorded maximum land-equivalent ratio (1.51), gross (Rs 60744/-ha -1) and net (Rs 50031/-ha -1) return along with higher benefit: cost ratio (5.67).
  • Authors:
    • Hore, J. K.
  • Source: The Jackfruit
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: Jackfruit is popularly known as poor man's fruit in eastern and southern parts in India. The tree can be cultivated on marginal land and does not require intensive management to provide a good crop. The jack fruit is adopted only to humid tropical and near-tropical climates. It thrives from sea level to an altitude of 1600 m. It is grown on a variety of soils, deep alluvial, sandy loam, or clay loam of medium fertility, calcareous or lateritic soil, shallow limestone or stony soil with a pH of 5.0-7.5. The tree exhibits moderate tolerance to saline soils and poor drought and flood tolerance. The jack flourishes in rich, deep soil of medium or open texture, sometimes on deep gravelly or laterite soil. The best time for planting grafts or seedlings is June to August but with irrigation facilities it may be extended upto November. Pits of 1.0 m cube are dug at least 10 days before planting at a spacing of 8*8 m to 10*10 m. About 30 kg well-rotted farm yard manure, 500 g superphosphate and 250 g. muriate of potash are mixed with the top soil of the pit and refilled. Spraying of gibberellic acid (25-200 ppm) enhances both shoot and root growth. The young trees must be kept weed few during first three to four years. A 5-10 cm mulch will be good for suppression of weeds as well as to maintain soil moisture, particularly during the dry period. Regular punning of weak, dead and diseased branches at the end of rainy season is recommended. Fruit thinning is also recommended to prevent damage to branches due to heavy fruit load. Based on the firmness of flesh cultivated types are of two general groups (i) soft flesh - the pulp of ripe fruit is very juicy and soft, (ii) firm flesh - the flesh pulp is firm and crispy at ripe and can be preserved for several months. Some types are available with their common names viz., Gulabi, Hazari, Champaka, Rudrakshi, Singapore etc. The trees need good nutrition to promote regular and good bearing. The quantity of fertilizer required depends on vigour and age of trees and fertility of soil. The quantity of FYM varied from 20-50 kg/plant. The NPK dose (g/plant/year) for mature plant is 750:400:500 in Tamil Nadu, 800:480:1050 in Madhya Pradesh, 600:300:240 in Karnataka and 210:160:1000 in Assam. The yearly amount should be applied in two splits i.e., at the beginning of rainy season and after the rainy season is over. Manures and fertilizers should be applied in the drip zone i.e. 10 m wide circular basin, leaving 50 cm, around tree trunk. The Jackfruit is not normally irrigated. The trees are sensitive to drought and respond well to irrigation between flowering and fruiting. Since jackfruit takes about 8-10 years to attain full bearing, intercropping with vegetables like tomato, brinjal, chilli, cabbage, bhindi etc. and leguminous crops like cowpea, gram, kalai etc. will benefit the farmer. Seedling trees start bearing from 7th to 8th year onwards while the grafted ones from third year. The tree attains its peak bearing stage in about 15-16 years of planting. Period of fruit development is February to June. The optimum stage of harvesting has been reported to be 90-110 days after appearance of the spike. The fruit matures towards the end of summer in June. A tree bears upto 250 fruits annually, weighing about 3 kg to 25 kg with yield variation of 50-80 tonnes of fruit/ha.
  • Authors:
    • Mahajanashetti, S. B.
    • Kunnal, L. B.
    • Basavaraja, H.
    • Acharya, S. P.
    • Bhat, A. R. S.
  • Source: Agricultural Economics Research Review
  • Volume: 24
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: The nature and extent of crop diversification in the Karnataka state has been analyzed by collecting secondary data for a period of 26 years from 1982-83 to 2007-08. Composite Entropy Index (CEI) and multiple linear regression analysis have been used to analyze the nature and extent of crop diversification in the state. The CEI for different crop groups has shown that almost all the crop groups have higher crop diversification index during post-WTO (1995-96 to 2007-08) than during pre-WTO (1982-83 to 1994-95) period, except for oilseeds and vegetable crops. There has been a vast increase in diversification of commercial crops after WTO. Crop diversification is influenced by a number of infrastructural and technological factors. The results have revealed that crop diversification influences production. The study has suggested that the creation of basic infrastructural facilities like sustained supply of irrigation water, markets, fertilizer availability, proper roads and transportation is an essential pre-requisite for creating enabling conditions for fostering the process of agricultural development and crop diversification, as most of these parameters are found to influence the nature and extent of crop diversification.
  • Authors:
    • Kalamkar, S. S.
  • Source: Agricultural Economics Research Review
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: District-wise growth and the reasons behind stagnation in the productivity of important agricultural crops in Maharashtra are considered. Secondary data for the period 1960/61 - 2004/05 is used to analyse the growth pattern of production and productivity, and the regional variations of stagnation for cereals, pulses, oilseeds, cotton and sugarcane. Agricultural growth constraints are identified and district-level interventions to overcome the problems of stagnation are suggested. Measures for growth in TFP are recommended that include watershed development and rainwater harvesting, the supply of good quality inputs, greater research into increasing crop yields, and flexible credit facilities. Greater horticultural production and irrigation, and the development of drought-resistant, high yielding variables more suited to the agro-climate of the State are also suggested.