Volume 9, No. 2 (December, 2024)
1. VEDPAL SINGH* [An overview of chemical fertilizers and their use in crops]. Farming & Management 9 (2): 53-62 (2024). Gaurav Publications, # 17, Ground Floor, Om Shopping Complex Old Area Udeypurian Street, Behind Main Post Office, Hisar-125 001 (Haryana), India *(e-mail: cropresearch1@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Chemical fertilizers are the essential ingredients in raising crops and increasing food production. Due to environmental changes and increasing food grains demand, chemical fertilizers are becoming one of the critical and scarce factors for assured crop production. The basic level of knowledge about chemical fertilizers needed by agricultural graduates, farmers and other concerned people has not been fulfilled so far although there have been many forays in this direction. The author hopes that this article succeeds in its mission of illustrating the basic information on chemical fertilizers to agriculture students, teachers, researchers, extension workers, farmers and all those related to agriculture.
2. MAHESH VAJA, KINJAL KULSHRESTHA* AND HARDIK LAKHANI [Natural farming in India: A sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural practices]. Farming & Management 9 (2): 63-65 (2024). Center for Excellence in Biotechnology Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388110 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail: kinjal.kulshrestha@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
This article explores the transition from conventional farming practices to natural farming in India as a sustainable solution to the environmental and health challenges posed by intensive chemical- based agriculture. Conventional farming, reliant on synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides, has led to significant soil degradation, water pollution, and health concerns. In response, natural farming has gained prominence, drawing upon traditional agricultural practices and indigenous knowledge systems. Emphasizing principles such as ecological balance, diversity, and self-sufficiency, natural farming advocates for practices like minimal soil disturbance, enhancing soil fertility, promoting biodiversity, and integrated pest management. The adoption of chemical-free natural farming practices, including the application of Jivamreet, Bijamreet, and Aachhchhadan, offers benefits including soil conservation, biodiversity preservation, and safer food production. Moreover, it empowers local communities and aligns with India’s agricultural heritage. By investing in natural farming, India can foster resilient, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive food systems for the future.
3. TASNEEM MUBARAK*, INTIKHAB A JEHANGIR AND AABID H LONE [Impact of micronutrients on food and nutritional security: A review]. Farming & Management 9 (2): 66-76 (2024). Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC) Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology Srinagar, Kashmir-192101 (J. & K.), India *(e-mail: drtasneem.mubarak@skuastkashmir.ac.in)
ABSTRACT
Soils of our agricultural farms are becoming deficient in micronutrients due to continuous cropping over the years and without supplementing the trace elements in majority of the cases. These deficiencies are not only limiting yields but also creeping into the consumers of food which is low in micronutrient density. That is why micronutrient application is now becoming increasingly important in agriculture. In this article we discuss the role of micronutrients, their deficiency symptoms, causes of deficiency, corrective majors and impact on crop yield and quality in terms of nutrient density in edible parts. This review suggests that rational use of fertilizers, supplying trace elements along with adaptation of good management practices like application of organic manures, use of soil amendments and proper water management will help in attaining higher yields, improve quality of produce and thus help both in food and nutritional security.
4. ANAM, KUSUM YADAV, T. K. SHRIVASTAVA, PUSHPA SINGH* AND R. K. SINGH [Navigating sugarcane’s growth matrix for yield maximization through Ethrel and GA3: Beyond traditions]. Farming & Management 9 (2): 77-91 (2024). ICAR- Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research Lucknow-226002 (Uttar Pradesh), India *(e-mail: parampushpa@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Sugarcane crop growth matrix is restricted by high temperature and limited growth period. This causes considerable reduction in crop and sucrose yields. Temporal invigoration of growth during the crop cycle for yield maximization is therefore need of the hour in Indian sub tropics. This study hypothesises that foliar applications of growth regulators, specifically Ethrel and gibberellic acid (GA3), can effectively address common constraints in sugarcane cultivation, such as poor germination, low tillering, and suboptimal ratoon yields. The study employed a comprehensive approach to evaluate the effects of Ethrel and GA3 on sugarcane growth and yield. It dealt with higher shoot population, increased leaf area index and stalk elongation during the growth period, both induced through Ethrel soaking and Gibberellic acid applications, and were positively associated with increased dry matter and sucrose contents. Field trials (2021-2023) were conducted to measure their influence on cane growth, sucrose accumulation, and overall yield. Foliar application of growth hormones has mitigated constraints in sugarcane cultivation by influencing biological processes, gene expression, and yield components. Ethrel and Gibberellin (GA3) are significant players in sugarcane agriculture, impacting cane. This current article reviews the roles of these chemicals in regulating sugarcane growth and development and provides insights into fundamental mechanisms and practical implications. By examining the effects of Ethrel and GA3 on overcoming limitations and enhancing obtainable yield potential (OYP) against theoretical yield potential (TYP), this article contributes to a deeper understanding of plant growth regulators utilization in sugarcane cultivation.
5. RUSHI P. PANDYA, I. B. KAPADIYA*, M. L. PATEL AND V. C. GADHIYA [Chitosan applications in plant disease control: A mini review]. Farming & Management 9 (2): 92-101 (2024). Wheat Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University Junagadh-362 001 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail: ibkapadiya@jau.in)
ABSTRACT
Agriculture is the future. However, for increasing production of food grain, farmers are using pesticides discriminate, which is harmful to environment as well as human and animal’s health. So, in favors of a sustainable agriculture, many plant protection products currently in use, will be replaced with lower environmental impact substances. Chitosan-based molecules are largely used as safe and environmental-friendly tools to ameliorate crop productivity and conservation of agronomic commodities. Thus, chitosan compounds are strongly recommended to be used in the management strategies against phytopathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. Chitosan has high antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antinematode activity.
6. MEET C. DUDHATRA*, A. M. BHARADIYA, JENISH D. MAKANI, PRIYEN J. PATEL AND DHARNAT K. RAVALIYA [Screening of different groundnut genotypes/varieties against Spodoptera litura (Fab.)]. Farming & Management 9 (2): 102-105 (2024). Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh-362001 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail: meetdudhatra1515@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted at the Main Oilseeds Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, India in 2023 during the kharif season to screen different groundnut genotypes/varieties against Spodoptera litura (Fab.). The field screening of 30 different genotypes/varieties of groundnut against S. litura revealed that JVB-2597 exhibited the lowest number of larvae (0.55 larvae/plant), while JVB-2577 showed the highest infestation level (2.01 larvae/plant). From the categorization, it was revealed that JVB-2597, JSSP-76, JB-1572, J-108 and JVB-2607 are resistant to S. litura, with infestation ranging from 0.53 to 0.90 larvae per plant. Conversely, JSSP-69, JB-1585, J-118, J-111 and JVB-2577 are susceptible, by recording infestation levels between 1.75 to 2.01 larvae per plant.
7. P. M. BAVALIYA, J. R. TALAVIYA*, K. D. SHAH, V. A. SAVALIYA AND S. V. LATHIYA [Effectiveness of systemic fungicides against tomato early blight (Alternaria alternata)]. Farming & Management 9 (2): 106-109 (2024). Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh- 360 201 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail: jrtalaviya@jau.in)
ABSTRACT
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most remunerative and widely grown vegetables in the world. This crop is affected by major fungal pathogens (viz., early blight, late blight, wilt, collar rot, damping off and powdery mildew), among them early blight (Alternaria alternata) is considered as most important one. Among the fungicide tested, the majority were found effective in inhibiting the radial growth of test fungus and highest inhibition was observed in propiconazole 25 EC at 250 and 500 ppm concentration; difenoconazole 25 EC and tebuconazole 25.9 EC at 500 ppm concentration which were equally effective and completely inhibited the mycelial growth and proved significantly superior over rest of the treatments.
8. P. M. BAVALIYA, J. R. TALAVIYA*, K. D. SHAH, V. A. SAVALIYA AND S. V. LATHIYA [Effectiveness of plant extracts against Alternaria leaf blight (Alternaria alternata) infecting tomato]. Farming & Management 9 (2): 110-113 (2024). Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh- 360 201, Gujarat, India *(e-mail: jrtalaviya@jau.in)
ABSTRACT
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most remunerative and widely grown vegetables in the world. This crop is affected by major fungal pathogens (viz., early blight, late blight, wilt, collar rot, damping off and powdery mildew), among them early blight (Alternaria alternata) is considered as most important one. Among the phyto-extracts tested, the majority were found effective in inhibiting the radial growth of test fungus and highest inhibition was in neem, garlic and turmeric extracts at 10 % concentration which recorded 80.86, 79.34 and 75.24 % inhibition, respectively.
9. AAMRAPALI BHIMTE* [A mini review on climate change impacts on goat farming]. Farming & Management 9 (2): 114-120 (2024). Department of Veterinary Physiology & Biochemistry College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (NDVSU) Mhow-453446 (Madhya Pradesh), India *(e-mail: aamrapalibhimte@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Heat stress due to climate change has had a big effect on ecosystem systems, which affect the overall production of goats. Among all livestock species goats are considered more climates resilient. Area of interest for the researcher is to understand effect of high ambient temperatures on the overall health and production performance of goat. Increase in the average environmental temperature during the hot humid season can have a significant influence on the basic physiology of the rumen, thereby affecting the nutritional status of the animals. Goat species have browsing behavior to a changing climate than other ruminant species. They are the important source of income and as food to many poor and marginal farmers around the world. Goats are also the major means of employment and income source for women in rural areas. Source of income from goat sector mainly include milk, meat, manure, wool and skin. In the entire livestock animals, goat farming is more beneficial, compare to other farming, because it needs low resources and gives more income to farmers. Goat’s milk and meat protein is important feed supplement for rural communities. Goats have adaptation capacities to maintain their production under adverse climate conditions. They have excellent browsing behavior as well as an efficient digestion, allowing them to remain productive in difficult environmental circumstances. Due to these characteristics features goat breeding is vital to minimizing and adapting to the negative consequences of climate change.
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