Abstract

In a study to investigate different rates of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) application on growth, yield and fiber quality of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), var. Ngwechi-9 and to evaluate the nutrient interactions of N and K in cotton in Pyawbwe Township, Myanmar, two experiments were conducted the first one in pre-monsoon season and the second one in post-monsoon seasons (2015-2016). Four N fertilizer rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha−1) and three K fertilizer rates (0, 62.25, and 124.50 kg K ha−1) were set as factor A and B, respectively, using randomized complete block design in two-factor factorial arrangement with three replications. In both seasons plant height, yield and yield components were the highest at 180 kg N ha−1. Potassium fertilizer application of 124.50 kg K ha−1 produced the highest seed cotton yield and improved fiber quality. The interaction of N × K application was observed in the number of bolls plant−1, boll weight plant−1 and yield. Maximum seed cotton yields were obtained from the treatments combining of 180 kg N ha−1 and 124.50 kg K ha−1 in both seasons. By the application of K fertilizer at 124.50 kg K ha−1, the fiber quality parameters, such as fiber length, fiber strength, fiber fineness and maturity ratio were the best in both seasons. This study suggested that application of K fertilizer at 124.50 kg K ha−1 in combination with 180 kg N ha−1 was the best in seed cotton production and its fiber quality for both seasons.

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer quality in local markets and factors influencing its quality control were assessed in Pyinmana, Tatkone and Taungoo townships of Central Myanmar. This study found that N-based commercial fertilizers in local markets are generally adequate, as only 6% of total inspected fertilizers, primarily nitrogenphosphorus-potassium (NPK) compound fertilizers, were deficient in N content. All urea, ammonium sulfate (AS) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) samples contained the required levels of N. There was excellent agreement between the Yangon laboratory and the University of Melbourne laboratory for N fertilizer analysis. According to a survey of fertilizer inspectors and dealers the main factors influencing the quality of fertilizers were weak control of fertilizer imports at borders, insufficient and under resourced fertilizer inspectors, delays in providing up to date information on fertilizer products, limited knowledge of fertilizer dealers, and slow turnaround times from analytical laboratories.

Abstract

One of the major constraints to the adoption of hybrid rice technology is the unavailability of quality seeds. Among the different factors affecting the success of seed production, obtaining proper synchronization of flowering of the parental lines of hybrid rice is the most important factor. Two times of pot experiments were conducted at Department of Agricultural Chemistry in Yezin Agricultural University to study the flowering response of parental lines of hybrid rice to the application of potassium fertilizer and to observe the optimum potassium fertilizer rate for parental lines to adjust the flowering. It was laid out as factorial arrangement in completely randomized design with three replications. Factor A was parental lines such as Long 4, Long 6 and Long 8 for both seed parents (A lines) and pollen parents (R lines) and factor B was potassium fertilizer rates. The used fertilizer rate for A and R lines were 0, 30, 40, 50 kg KCl ha1 and 0, 10, 20, 30 kg KCl ha-1 respectively. Potassium fertilizer was applied before III stage of panicle initiation (differentiation of the secondary branch primordia and spikelet primordia). Days to initial heading (5% flowering) is more reliable parameter than days to 50% flowering which become more subjective. The flowering response of parental lines was not statistically different but it was numerically different by potassium fertilizer application before III stage of panicle initiation in both seasons. For initial heading (5% flowering) of A lines, Long 4 variety with 50 kg KCL ha-1 flowered 1-3 days earlier than those of other treatments; Long 6 and Long 8 variety with 40 kg KCl ha-1 bloomed 2-5 days earlier than those of other treatments. For initial heading of R lines, Long 4 with 30 kg KCl ha-1 flowered earlier 2 -5 days; Long 6 and Long 8 variety with 30 kg KCl ha-1 flowered 1-3 days earlier than those of other treatments. Based on the findings, 40 kg KCl ha-1 for Long 6 A and Long 8 A lines, 50 kg KCl ha-1 for Long 4 A line and 30 kg KCl ha-1 for all R lines could be applied to adjust the flowering time of parental lines

Abstract

EM technology is based on the use of mixed cultures of beneficial microorganisms as inoculants that can increase the microbial diversity of agricultural soils. Mineral nutrition of cotton, various optimum conditions in soil required for cotton cultivation and the contributions made by several soil microorganisms have been critically reviewed in this experiments. The experimental results indicated that neither seed cotton yield nor soil fertility can be sustained if no action is taken against soil degradation in consecutive cotton cropping at Lungyaw Farm. Application of chemical fertilizers significantly improved cotton yields, but soil fertility deterioration in terms of chemical and physical properties of soil under such farming practices were observed. Applications of EM were found to magnify the positive effects of various soil basal treatments on the seed cotton production and soil fertility under consecutive seed cotton croping at Lungyaw Model Cotton Farm.

Abstract

Abstract

With increasing costs of chemical fertilizers, using organic amendments is an alternative method for the improvement of crop production and soil fertility maintenance. This study aimed to determine the effects of different organic amendments on soybean plant growth and grain yield. The eight treatments were arranged in an RCB design with three replications. Treatments were a combination of chemical fertilizer (16-20-0) 60 kg ha-1and extracts of jatropha 20 cc, chitosan 60 cc and fish waste 40 cc in 20 l of water; chicken manure 3 ton ha-1; jatropha cake 3 and 6 ton ha-1; chemical fertilizer (16-20-0) 180 kg ha-1 and control (no application). The field experiment was conducted at the National Corn and Sorghum Research Center, on a site with Pakchong series soils during the dry season in 2007 (DS) and the wet season in 2008 (WS). In DS, soybean applied with chemical fertilizer produced the highest grain yield (1755 kg ha-1). In WS, however, amendment with 3 ton of jatropha cake substantially increased grain yield (5410.83 kg ha-1) over other treatments, followed by jatropha cake 6 ton (4331.67 kg ha-1) and chemical fertilizer (4190.83 kg ha-1). Other organic extract applications produced similar grain yield production as the control. Key words: organic amendments, jatropha extracts and cake, chitosan extracts, fish waste extracts

Abstract

Pot experiments for two seasons (dry and wet) were carried out in the screen house at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Yezin Agriculture University, Nay Pyi Taw, during 2012 and set on three specific objectives: (1) to evaluate the effect of water regimes and nitrogen levels on growth and yield of hybrid rice; (2) to investigate the water use efficiency of hybrid rice; (3) to develop water management techniques with suitable N levels for hybrid rice (Palethwe-2) production. Three water regimes I1- continuous flooding (CF), I2- alternate wetting and drying (AWD) during the whole cropping season, I3- alternate wetting and drying in the vegetative phase (AWDv), followed by continuous flooding until maturity and four levels of nitrogen application rate (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg N ha-1) were laid out in two factor factorial arrangement in completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. In this experiment, the highest hybrid rice yield was observed in AWD for dry season. CF produced the maximum yield although there was no significant difference in grain yield for wet season. The maximum value of water use efficiency (WUE) was observed in AWD for both seasons. The application of 225 kg N ha-1 level produced the highest grain yield, dry matter production and WUE in both seasons. About 31 % and 23 % more grain yield were recorded for N4 (225 kg N ha-1 ) than N1 (control) during dry and wet seasons. According to the significant positive linear relationship(R2 = 0.9451 and R2 = 0.9583) between hybrid rice yield and nitrogen application levels, it would increase in 20.75 kg ha-1 and 5.15 kg ha-1of grain yield when 1 kg Nha-1 was applied in hybrid rice production for dry and wet seasons. Water saving was negatively correlated with tiller numbers, dry matter production and yield of hybrid rice in both seasons. AWD in wet season would save 21 % more water than other water regimes.

Abstract

KHIN HNIN YU, University of the Philippines Los Baños, December 2016. “Growth and Productivity of Maize Cultivars as Affected by Different Planting Dates Under Los Baños Condition” Major Professor: Dr Pompe C. Sta Cruz The study evaluated four maize (Zea mays) cultivars (Supersweet, IES Glutinous-4, MMSU and Sweet Jubilee-209) that were established in four planting dates (9th Feb, 9th Mar, 9th Apr, and 9th May) under Loas Banos condition. The effect of varying growing environments imposed through different planting dates on maize cultivars were evaluated in terms of growth, yield components and yield. Planting date had significant effect on phenological durations of the maize cultivars. The February planting with high cumulative solar radiation had longest growth period. The April planting shortened the phenological stages of the maize cultivars. The February planted maize crops due to high solar radiation had the highest grain yield (3928.21kg ha-1) with more leaves, taller stature, high leaf area index that contributed to high crop growth rates and high dry matter accumulation. The April planting with low solar radiation with high rainfall on the other hand, produced the lowest grain yield (2159 kg ha-1) with least number of leaves, shortest stature, low leaf area index that contributed to low crop growth rates and low total dry matter accumulation with low cumulative solar radiation and high rainfall. MMSU cultivar produced the highest yield in four planting dates in which February planting date was also the best for MMSU cultivar and had the highest average yield (4160.41 kg ha1). Within the February to May planting window, the February planting date is recommended for growing maize crop under Los Baños condition. The MMSU cultivar performs well under Los Baños condition, particularly in February planting. Keywords; maize, planting daes, cultivars, yield, climate, solar radiation, rainfall

Abstract

This study is concentrated on the farmers who were affected by cyclone Nargis in Myanmar 2nd May 2008. Besides infrastructures, farmers have lost their families, draught animals, machineries and other farms aids during cyclone. This study aims to assist them for their food security and later on development of their living standard. First of all, overview economic structure, land situation, soil situation, and constraints of crop production have been studied. The study area is divided into three portions, northern portion, middle portion and southern portion. There are three steps in this study. Firstly, assessment of their family size, education standard, their income generation, resources availability and their cropping practices has been done with the aids of SPSS model and excel. Secondly, their resources availability, land, labor and capital, and percentages of these resources exploited presently have been analyzed. Finally, resources requirement for alternative farming systems and possible income from each have been estimated. Due to sea water intrusion, yields of rice have been decreased severely. Amount of reduced crop productions for two growing seasons and price fluctuations of rice for 10 years have been mentioned. At the moment, farmers are suffering from both of reduced yields and decreased price of rice. According to the literature review, sea water affected soil should be washed out with fresh water. Crop rotation with pulses and utilization of salt tolerance varieties are recommended. In fact, some areas in the region can not be washed out flooded sea water because of low lands level. Crop rotation and using suitable varieties can be taken into consideration for particular situations. After analyzing data, it was found that lands were not being used full potential. In addition, labor requirement was high only in the harvesting time and seeding time. Apart from these periods, labors were surplus depending on their farm sizes and family labors sizes. Surplus labors and surplus land resources could be applied in other businesses. Six alternative farming systems have been proposed in this study and estimated cost and benefit of each crop. Incomes from each farming system have been calculated. Crop rotations of monsoon rice with pulses, sunflower, groundnut or sesame are included in these farming systems. Among these cropping patterns rice - rice and rice - pulses are recommended for sea water affected region. From economic point of view, rice- rice or rice – pulses cropping patterns with duck farming can give higher income. In addition, labors are still surplus for some groups of farmers for these farming systems. These surplus labors can work in Dani production station as daily workers. It can provide some amount of money depending on the availability of family labors.

Abstract

Abstract

The paper analyses factors influencing the agricultural adaptation practices in embankment and non-embankment areas of lower Ayeyarwady delta based on the information collected through a survey of 240 sampled households mostly practicing rice farming. Farmers in both areas have adopted several agronomic practices to adapt with rainfall variability and soil and water salinization due to sea level rise. A multivariate probit model employed to estimate the simultaneous interdependent decisions by farm households explained the factors influencing the adaptation of rice farmers to respond to the rainfall variability and salinity. Irrespective of correlation signs, the most significant determinants in adaptations of non-embankment area are farm size, farm income, non-farm income, training and lowland followed by educational level, family agricultural labor, land ownership, farming experience and the institutional credit. In the embankment area, five variables out of 12; namely, farm size, farm income, training frequency, credit and lowland are most influential on the adoption of agricultural adaptation practices. The poor linkage of extension and training programs reflected the poor lowland soil condition and cultural practices. Although double cropping of rice in monsoon and summer has provided higher cropping intensity and farm income, it has promoted the soil salinity and environmental unsustainability. Policy instruments are therefore suggested for an effective implementation of soil conservation and integrated farming system in lowland rainfed rice-based cropping system.

Abstract

Southern Shan State is an important and the largest potato production area of Myanmar. Kalaw Township occupies about 25% of total cultivated area of the Southern Shan State. The research deals with the assessment of potato-based cropping system contribution in household income of the Southern Shan State. The major objectives of this research were to identify the current farming practices and socio-economic situation of the farmers, to identify the productivity and profitability of current potato-based cropping system in the study area and to study constraints of the crop production through assessing farmer’s knowledge and practices in farming. Data collected from a randomized sample of 74 households in two villages in the Kalaw Township area. The data were tabulated and analysed by using descriptive statistics. Economic analysis as cost and return analysis was used to expose farm income and profitability of selected crop and cropping pattern. The study was carried out to identify socio-economic situation, farming practices, productivity, profitability and constraints in potato-based cropping system. About 97% of household income was from on farm income. Potatoes were the highest gross margin provides in comparison with 11 other crops. Summer potato gives the highest profit among the three growing seasons. Besides, potato (summer)- lowland rice was the highest profit provides in the six predominant cropping patterns. This research showed that the crop management practices of summer potato in lowland (le land) and monsoon potato in upland (Yar land). Low price of product, high input prices, inadequate funds, nonavailability of good quality seed, disease and insect attack and limit of technology were the production and marketing constraints for potato cultivation in the study area. The research concluded that potato is the second most important food and cash crop after rice in Kalaw Township. Growing potato is a costly farming practice with sufficient income if the reasonable price of the output is prevailing in the market. Summer potatobased cropping pattern was the highest profit maker and can be practiced in lowlands under irrigation. However, most of the potato in Kalaw is produced in mountains under rainfed condition and those farmers usually confront with mainly the low price of product due to seasonal production. Keywords: socio-economic, cropping pattern, productivity, profitability and constraints.

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of balanced fertilizers and straw residue management on the the changes of soil organic carbon and nitrogen, yield and agronomic components, total water use (WU) and water use efficiency (WUE) of black gram, the experiments were conducted at the fields of Maubin township (pH - 5.84, silty clay soil) and Daik U township (pH - 4.34, silt loam soil) in winter season, 2015 as a second crop after rice. The experiments were set up 2×5 factorial randomized complete block design with three replications involving without rice straw mulching (M0) or with rice straw mulching (M1) and balanced fertilizers methods. In this investigation, 3 ton ha-1 of rice straw was mulched and F0= non-fertilizer application, F1= 14- 0- 0 NPK kg ha-1 , F2= 14- 19- 0 NPK kg ha-1 , F3= 14- 19- 32 NPK kg ha-1 , F4= 14- 19- 32 NPK plus 0.025 ammonium molybdate kg ha-1 were applied as balanced fertilization. Based on the two strong investigations, changes of soil C in Maubin was varied from slightly decrease 9 % in M0F0 to significantly increase to 61 % in M1F3 whereas in Daik U was from greatly decrease 22 % in M0F4 to merely increase to 9 % in M1F3 and increment of soil nitrogen to 10 % under M1F3. In terms of N changes in Maubin township, balanced fertilizers application and rice straw mulching has a great influence on increment of soil nitrogen as 11% under M1F4 and it also produces the maximum seed yield (758.48 kg ha-1) indicating the high performance of pod number plant-1 , seed number pod-1 , 100 seed weight, total dry matter, maximum WUE (5.02 kg ha-1mm-1 ) and higher water was used in without mulching treatments. However, in Daik U township, the best results showing maximum yield (1273.90 kg ha-1) and its high agronomic performance were observed in M1F3. It also gave the maximum WUE (8.66 kg ha-1 mm). In addition, more soil moisture (28.72 and 16.23 mm) at the end of crop was stored under balanced fertilizer application with rice straw mulching in both regions. From this study, mulching with rice straw in black gram cultivation for both regions is the appropriate management practice for improving yield, water use efficiency and residual soil moisture whereas different balanced fertilizer recommendations could be applied for both.

Abstract

The field experiments were conducted in Myanmar Rice Research Center, Hmawbi Township, in Yangon region during dry and wet seasons to compare the effect of two sources of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on growth and yield of rice, to observe the effect of the combination of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on rice and to examine nutrient use efficeiency of each fertilizer. The experimental design was 3x3 factorial arrangements in randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments were nitrogen (N) sources; N0- nitrogen omission, N1- prilledurea (PU) (80 kg N ha-1) and N2- urea super granule (USG) (80 kg N ha-1) andphosphorus (P) sources; P0- P omission, P1- triple super phosphate (TSP) (22 kg P ha-1) and P2- diammonium phosphate (DAP) (22 kg P ha-1). In both seasons, USG significantly increased plant height, total dry matter, number of panicles hill-1, number of spikelets panicle-1 leading to more yield as compared with PU. The application of USG increased yield by 26% and 25% over PU in dry and wet seasons respectively. In the tested P sources, DAP fertilizer gave the better yield by 7% in dry season and6% in wet season than TSP fertilizer. When PU combined with any tested P sources, the combination of DAP resulted not only in higher grain yield by 16% in dry season but also in saving 25% PU fertilizer than that of TSP. In the case of USG combining with any P sources, USG with DAP gave the greater grain yield by 8% and 5% than USG with TSP in dry and wet seasons respectively. In both seasons, the best nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was obtained by using DAP among treatments and the higher NUE value was obtained from USG than PU fertilizer. Moreover, application of USG with any tested P sources gave the higher NUE than PU combination in dry season. Even though non-significant difference, the higher phosphorus use efficiency (PUE was obtained by using DAP alone or combining with any tested nitrogen fertilizers than using TSP. Nutrient use efficiency were superior in combined application of any tested N and P fertilizers when compared with applying N or P fertilizer alone. The use of USG and DAP fertilizers resulted the best growth parameters, yield components, yield, NUE and PUE. It can be concluded that using the combination of USG and DAP fertilizers was efficient and effective for Sinthukha rice production. Key words: Prilled Urea, Urea Super Granule, Triple Super Phosphate, Diammonium Phosphate, Rice Yield, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Phosphorus Use Efficiency

Abstract

Abstract

Cassava is an important food crop in small-holder farming systems in DR. Congo. Due to the limited use of organic and inorganic inputs, soil fertility becomes a major problem in cassava production systems. Inorganic inputs for small-holder farmers are often too expensive to apply at optimal rates and combining use of organic and inorganic fertilizer inputs is a suitable management principle for small-holder farmers. A study involving 15 households was carried out in DR. Congo with the following objectives: (ii) to determine the effect of an improved variety and fertilizer on agronomic efficiency in cassava or groundnut monocropping, (iii) to establish the effect of the combined use of inorganic and organic inputs on fertilizer response in cassava intercropping and (iv) to evaluate the influence of agronomic practices on the productivity of cassava-legume intercrops. Field trials were conducted to determine the use of improved variety and fertilizers at different rates on agronomic efficiency in the pure cassava or groundnut, the effect of combined application of inorganic and Chromolaena inputs, the effect of three legumes on yields in the cassava intercrops, the optimal cowpea spacing in the cassava-cowpea intercrop and the optimal cassava planting time in the cassava-groundnut intercrop in the two study sites. Data on rainfall, biomass, grain and root yields were collected. Significance differences between yields and varieties or soil types were tested using univariate analysis of variance. The CROSSTAB procedure using Pearson Chi Square analysis was used to test for significance effects of varieties on yields and farmer fertility score within site. Yield data were subjected to ANOVA and means separated using LSD (P < 0.05). Different soil types did not influence cassava root yields while different cassava varieties influenced cassava root yield in all surveyed sites. The use of improved variety and fertilizer application significantly (P = 0.017 and P = 0.016) increased crop yields by 48 to 173% and 58 to 156%, respectively over the control in both pure cassava and groundnut in both sites. Sole NPK, sole Chromolaena or combined use of NPK and Chromolaena significantly (P = 0.013, P = 0.003 and P = 0.03) increased casssava yields by about 45%, 43% and 77%, respectively relative to the controls in both sites. Cassava intercropping with soybean or cowpea was significantly (P < 0.001) superior over the pure cassava in terms of cassava tubert yield and the net benefits in both sites. Closer intra-row spacing of cowpea (30 cm) significantly (P =0.02) increased the net benefits by about 101% over the wider spacing (50 or 70 cm). Cassava planted 3 weeks after the groundnuts significantly (P = 0.042) decreased cassava tuber yields by 48 to 60% relative to cassava planted at the same time as groundnut. The results of this study showed that farmers should use an improved variety and apply fertilizer to improve the cassava and groundnut monocropping systems. Sole fertilizer or Chromolaena and the combined use of fertilizer and Chromolaena increased the yields and profitability of a cassava groundnut intercrop. Cassava intercropped with soybean or cowpea has benefits in the cassava intercropping systems. The closer spacing (30 cm) of cowpea gave a higher income than the wider spacing (50 or 70 cm) in a cassava-cowpea intercrop. Cassava should be intercropped with groundnut within 2 weeks after sowing of groundnut. This study recommended that to improve cassava-based production systems, famers should use improved varieties and apply both organic and inorganic fertilizer, legume intercrop, space and plant at times when optimum yields are obtained as per the findings of this study.

Abstract

Paddy rice is the most important staple food for many countries that can contain high amounts of the toxic element arsenic (As) in some conditions. Though a beneficial effect of silicon (Si) supply in rice plants have been long known, it was recently discovered that application of Si to the nutrient solution can reduce total arsenic uptake in rice. Suberized cell walls of rice roots have barrier properties against the entering of water and toxic ions. In current study, the role of silicic acid supply on suberization in root exodermis and endodermis was investigated in rice grown in both nutrient solution and quartz sand. Microscopic examinations revealed that the silicic acid application could enhance the suberization in root exodermis and endodermis of rice grown in nutrient solution. In contrast, no effect of Si on suberization in root was observed in rice grown in quartz sand. The effect of silicic acid supply on suberization in both root exodermis and endodermis might need at least 48 h. Moreover, silicic acid application could reduce the oxidation power of rice root. The effect of Si supply on uptake of arsenite by roots with and without lateral roots was examined. The inhibitory effect of Si on arsenite uptake and arsenic content in both root types was clearly shown. This implied that silicic acid supply affected both arsenite uptake rate and total arsenic concentration in roots due to the higher degree of suberization and lower expression of arsenite transporters in rice roots. However, no difference of arsenite uptake and arsenite content between roots with and without lateral roots. The younger zone of both roots grown with and without silicic acid supply had a higher arsenite uptake rate and contained more arsenic than the older root zone. This study demonstrated that silicic acid supply to the nutrient solution plays a role in enhancing the suberization in roots and decreasing the oxidation power as well as arsenite uptake rate of rice roots.

Abstract

The field experiments were conducted in Kyunpyar Village, Minbu Township, Magway Region, in Central Dry Zone during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, 2017, to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on yield and yield contributing characters of green gram, to investigate the combined effect of Zn and B on yield and yield components of green gram and to find out the optimum dose of Zn and B for increasing yield of green gram in the experimental area. The experimental design was 4 x 3 factorial arrangements in randomized completed block design (RCBD) with three replications. There were 12 treatments comprising of four levels of zinc (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 kg ha-1) and three levels of boron (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 kg ha-1) along with a recommended dose of N20 P40 K40 kg ha-1. The tested variety was Yezin-14. The results indicated that single application of 3.0kg Zn ha-1 and boron 1.0kg B ha-1produced the greatest yield in both seasons. Combined application of Zn and B treatment T12 (3.0kg Zn ha-1+ 1.0kg B ha-1) gave the maximum yield (1690 kg ha-1) in monsoon season, which was statistically similar to T6 (1.0kg Zn ha-1+ 1.0kg B ha-1) treatment. Tallest plant height (40.73cm), greatest number of seeds per pod (12.80) and maximum harvest index (0.46) were obtained from treatment T6 in monsoon season. In post-monsoon season, T12 showed the greatest number of seeds per pod (11.46), 100seed weight, highest number of pods per plant, total dry matter and the yield (557 kg ha-1). From this investigation, it can be concluded that the treatment T6 was the optimum dose for monsoon season and the treatment T12 was the suitable dose for post-monsoon season to get the maximum yield of green gram cultivation in the experimental area. Key words: Zinc, Boron, Green gram, Yield and yield contributing characters

Abstract

The field experiments were carried out at Yezin Agricultural University farm during monsoon season and post-monsoon season, 2021–2022, to study the effect of boron and molybdenum application on growth, yield and yield attributes of mungbean and to investigate optimum dosage of boron and molybdenum for attaining maximum yield of mungbean. The experimental design was 3 x 3 factorial arrangements in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in which three levels of boron (B) (0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 kg ha-1) and three levels of molybdenum (Mo) (0.0, 1.0 and 1.5 kg ha-1) were arranged along with a blanket dose of 20:40:40 kg N: P: K ha-1 at basal. The tested mungbean variety was Yezin-14. In monsoon season, only boron application: 2 kg B ha-1 produced highest plant height, seed yield, pod length, number of pods per plant and 100 seeds weight and only molybdenum application: 1.5 kg Mo ha-1 produced the highest growth, yield and yield attributes of mungbean compared to other treatments. Combined application of boron and molybdenum treatments; B2Mo2 (2.0 kg B ha-1 + 1.5 kg Mo ha-1) gave the maximum yield (1245.10 kg ha-1), the highest plant height (54.73 cm), the maximum number of branches per plant (2), the longest pod length (9.54 cm), the maximum number of pod per plant (24), the maximum number of seeds per pod (12) and the maximum harvest index (0.32) in the monsoon season. In post-monsoon season, the results revealed that only boron application 1 kg B ha-1 produced the maximum plant height, number of branches per plant, 100 seeds weight, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod while only molybdenum application; both 1 and 1.5 kg Mo ha-1 produced maximum growth, yield and yield attributes of mungbean. Combined application of boron and molybdenum treatment B1Mo1 (1.0 kg B ha-1 + 1.0 kg Mo ha-1) produced the maximum seed yield (1850 kg ha-1), the highest plant height (39.97 cm), the maximum number of branches per plant (3), the longest pod length (8.43 cm), maximum number of pods per plant (20), the maximum number of seeds per pod (12) and the maximum value of 100 seeds weight (6.59 g). Therefore, the treatment B2Mo2 was the suitable dose for monsoon season and the treatment B1Mo1 was the optimum dose for post-monsoon season to attain the maximum yield of mungbean cultivation in the experimental area. In conclusion, combined application of B and Mo was more effective than application of B or Mo alone in mungbean, but followed by basal application of N, P, K fertilizers. Key words: boron, molybdenum, mungbean, growth, yield and yield attributes

Abstract

The pot experiments were conducted at the Department of Soil and Water Science, Yezin Agricultural University during the dry and wet seasons of 2020 to study the effects of rice husk biochar and nitrogen fertilizer application on growth, yield, and yield components of rice plants and to evaluate the optimum combination of rice husk biochar and nitrogen fertilizers for rice production. A split plot design with three replications was used in which the main plots were arranged with biochar, (0, 6, 12 ton ha-1) and sub plots were levels of nitrogen fertilizer, (0:30:60:90) kg N ha-1. In both seasons, there were no statistically significant effects of biochar applications on growth and yield parameters. However, biochar application produced higher tiller numbers, spikelets panicle-1, panicle length, and filled grain and total dry matter than without biochar application. The application of nitrogen fertilizer had a highly significant effect on the number of panicle hill-1 and grain yield in both seasons. The maximum grain yield was observed at 90 kg N ha-1 in both seasons. There was no interaction effect on growth and yield parameters of rice in both seasons, except for spikelets panicle-1 and panicle length in wet seasons. However, the combination of biochar and nitrogen, B2N3, numerically produces higher grain yield than other combinations in a dry season. In the wet season, the maximum grain yield was observed in B1N3 and B2N3. According to the results, 90 kg N ha-1 could be the optimum N dosage for Sin Thu Kha rice variety that is grown in sandy clay loam soil. Due to effect of biochar on rice growth and yield, it should be used for the long term for improving soil fertility, particularly in smallholder farming systems where inorganic fertilizers are limited. Key words: rice, biochar, nitrogen fertilizer, growth, yield