Browsing by Author "Swetha, J"

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    Performance of Ayar nutrient mix on rice grown in coarse sandy soil of Kasaragod
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Colleg e of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2024-12-27) Swetha, J; Binitha, N K
    The study entitled “performance of ayar nutrient mix on rice grown in coarse sandy soil of Kasaragod” was carried out with the objective of characterization of rice growing soils of AEU 2 and modification and standardization of ayar nutrient mix for the rice grown in the coarse sandy soil. A comprehensive soil characterization study was conducted in AEU 2 by collecting 25 geo-referenced soil and plant samples. Bulk density of the collected samples ranges from 1.02-1.81 Mg m-³, particle density in this region had an average of 2.8 Mg m-³and moisture content ranges from 18.85-38.15%. The predominant soil texture recorded in this region was sandy. Soil reaction was acidic and non saline. Organic carbon content ranged from 0.30-1.68%. Soil was deficient in essential nutrients such as available nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and boron, while available phosphorus, sulphur and iron levels were sufficient. Silicon content of the soil was from 55.35 to 130.38 mg kg-1 and aluminum content ranges 198.8-289.5 mg kg-1. On analysis it was found that microbial biomass carbon value ranges 149.88-342.81 µg g-1, dehydrogenase ranges from 1.742-3.82 µmol min-1, phosphatase ranges 3.083-8.921 µmol min-1 and urease ranges from 0.729 1.569 µmol min-1 indicating the low biological activity of the soil. Plant analysis of the study area revealed widespread deficiencies in total nitrogen, manganese and boron, while phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, zinc and copper levels were generally sufficient. Biochemical analysis of grain samples showed total sugar values ranging from 434.2 to 693.76 µg mL-1, vitamin B1 ranging from 2.191 to 5.59 µg mL-1, vitamin B3 from 2.82 to 19.352 µg mL-1and vitamin B5 from 39.564 to 70.146 µg mL-1. The analysis of amino acids such as lysine and glycine were also done and their mean values are 0.057 µg mL-1 and 0.015 µg mL-1respectively. The ayar nutrient mix which had been previously formulated for banana was modified based on the data of nutrient availability in coastal sandy soils and formulated a mixture containing 15% calcium, 7.6% magnesium, 2% sulphur, 1.75% zinc and 1% boron. After one year of airtight storage, the mix showed no change in color or odour changes and remained lump-free. The results of the incubation study proved that treatment T4 (ayar at 30 kg/ha) resulted the highest available calcium, sulphur and boron levels across the four-month study period compared to the control (T1). The value of available magnesium was maximum for treatment T4 during the second and fourth month whereas it was maximum for treatment T3 in the first month. There was no significant change in the available zinc content for the first two months and in the next two months available zinc content was maximum for treatment T4. In the pot culture experiment, there were no significant changes among the various treatment means for the pH and EC of the soil. The organic carbon analysis showed that treatments T2 (KAU POP, 2016) and T6 (T2 + ayar at 25 kg/ha in two equal splits at active tillering and panicle initiation) recorded the highest values. Application of KAU POP and Ayar at 25 kg/ha during active tillering stage led to high levels of available nitrogen, potassium, zinc and aluminum. Treatment T6 was the best treatment with respect to available phosphorus, calcium, boron and silicon, while treatments T7 (T2 + ayar at 30 kg/ha during active tillering stage) and T8 (T2 + ayar at 30 kg/ha in two equal splits during active tillering and panicle initiation stage) were superior with respect to magnesium and sulphur, respectively. The results of the plant analysis during the harvest stage revealed that treatment T7 was superior with respect to total nitrogen, T3 for phosphorus and sulphur, T6 for total potassium and boron and T5 proved to be the best treatment for total calcium, iron and zinc. There was no significant difference among the various treatment means for total magnesium, copper and manganese content in the plant. Treatment T5 exhibited superior performance with respect to growth and yield parameters, including grains per panicle, grain yield, test weight and straw yield. Whereas plant height and leaf length were maximum in treatments T7 and T4, respectively. For the biochemical analysis of the grain treatment T4 had recorded the highest levels of glycine, vitamins B1, B3 and B5. T8 recorded maximum total sugar. Lysine levels showed no significant difference. The salient findings of the study suggest that the application of ayar at 25 kg/ha during the active tillering stage along with KAU POP recommendations (T5) as the best treatment as it improves the nutrient and economical status of the plant. The Ayar nutrient mix proved effective in ameliorating soil fertility constraints, enhancing rice growth and nutritional quality, making it a valuable resource for farmers cultivating rice in challenging coastal sandy soils.