Assignment
on
Abstract with its extended summary
COURSE:- AGRON 608
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION ETHICS (2+0)
Submitted to
Dr. H. K. Patel
Assistant Research Scientist,
Main Forage Research Station,
AAU, Anand-388110
Submitted by
Bhavsar Arjun Nalinbhai
Ph.D. Agri. (Agronomy)
2nd Semester
Registration No. 1010124003
B. A. COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, ANAND – 388110
2025
Effect of different nutrient management practices on growth,
yield and quality of groundnut .
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2023 at the Agronomy
Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, to assess the
effects of various nutrient management practices on the growth, yield, and quality of
groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Ten different treatments involving combinations of
organic, inorganic, and natural farming inputs such as FYM, vermicompost, castor cake,
and Jivamrut were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design. Among all treatments, the
combination of 50% N through inorganic fertilizer + 50% N through FYM (T5) significantly
outperformed others in terms of pod yield (2875 kg/ha), haulm yield (7456 kg/ha), root
nodulation, and pod characteristics. Although oil and protein content were unaffected
across treatments, organic treatments like Jivamrut significantly improved microbial
populations and organic carbon in the soil. The highest net return (₹1,35,259/ha) and
benefit-cost ratio (3.03) were also achieved with T5. The study concludes that integrated
nutrient management with partial use of FYM or natural formulations can enhance
productivity and profitability in groundnut cultivation under middle Gujarat conditions.
Extended Summary
Introduction
Groundnut is a major oilseed and export crop in India, known for its high oil (≈50%) and
protein content (21–36%). With rising fertilizer costs and environmental concerns due to
chemical overuse, integrated nutrient management (INM) is gaining attention. The study
aimed to evaluate how different nutrient sources—including inorganic fertilizers, organic
manures, and natural farming practices—affect groundnut performance.
Materials and Methods
Location: Plot 30 (A), Agronomy Farm, Anand Agricultural University (Middle Gujarat,
AES-III zone)
Soil: Loamy sand, medium in organic carbon and phosphorus, low in nitrogen, high in
potassium
Design: Randomized Block Design (10 treatments, 3 replications)
Treatments Included:
T1: Control (12-25-00 NPK kg/ha)
T2–T4: 100% N through FYM, Vermicompost, Castor cake
T5–T7: 50% N through inorganic + 50% N from organic sources (FYM, Vermicompost,
Castor cake)
T8–T10: Jivamrut and Bijamrut combinations with different intervals and straw mulch
Observations Recorded
Growth Parameters: Plant height, number of branches, plant population
Yield Attributes: Number of pods, mature pods, root nodules, pod weight
Quality Parameters: Protein and oil content
Soil and Plant Analysis: Nutrient content and uptake, pH, EC, organic carbon
Microbial Analysis: Colony-forming units in soil
Economics: Net realization and benefit-cost ratio (BCR)
Results
1. Growth Performance:
T7 had the tallest plants at 60 DAS (27.8 cm) due to sustained nitrogen release from castor
cake.
T5 had the tallest plants at harvest (52.21 cm) due to synergistic effect of FYM and
inorganic N.
2. Yield Attributes and Yield:
T5 outperformed in:
Root nodules (56.3)
Pod weight (56.8 g)
Pods per plant (44.2)
Mature pods (28.6)
Pod yield: 2875 kg/ha
Haulm yield: 7456 kg/ha
3. Quality Parameters:
No significant difference in oil or protein content across treatments.
4. Soil and Nutrient Status:
T10 showed the highest organic carbon (0.40%) due to repeated Jivamrut application.
T7 had the highest P₂O₅ uptake (15.53 kg/ha).
No significant differences in N, K uptake, pH, or EC.
5. Microbial Count:
T10 had the highest microbial count (9.70 × 10⁹ CFU/g), confirming the role of Jivamrut in
microbial enrichment.
6. Economic Analysis:
T5 yielded the highest net return (₹1,35,259/ha) and BCR of 3.03.
This was due to higher yields with moderate input costs
Conclusion
Integrated application of 50% inorganic N + 50% FYM (T5) offers the best combination
for improving groundnut growth, yield, and profitability in middle Gujarat. Natural
farming treatments with Jivamrut (T9 and T10) also enhanced soil health and microbial
activity but had slightly lower economic returns. Thus, INM practices blending organic
and inorganic sources are recommended for sustainable groundnut production.
Enhancing Sorghum Nutrition Through Agronomic Fortification
with Zinc and Iron
Abstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of agronomic fortification using zinc (Zn) and
iron (Fe) in enhancing their content and uptake in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.
Moench). Conducted during the summer season of 2022 at the College Farm, Navsari
Agricultural University, the experiment utilized a randomized block design (RBD) with
nine treatments and three replications. The treatments included soil and foliar
applications of ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ along with a recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF).
Results revealed significant improvement in Zn and Fe content and uptake in both grain
and straw. Notably, treatment T5 (5 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹ soil + 0.5% ZnSO₄ foliar spray)
yielded the highest Zn content, while T6 (5 kg FeSO₄ ha⁻¹ soil + 0.5% FeSO₄ foliar
spray) provided the highest Fe content. The combined foliar spray of ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄
at 30 and 45 DAS (T9) led to maximum Zn and Fe uptake. These findings underline the
potential of micronutrient fortification as a practical approach to improve sorghum
nutritional quality and combat micronutrient deficiencies in agriculture and human
health.
Extended Summary
Introduction
Sorghum is a vital cereal crop known for its resilience to drought and its role in
ensuring food security, especially in semi-arid and arid regions. It serves as a staple for
over 500 million people worldwide and is cultivated across 40 million hectares. Despite
its importance, sorghum often suffers from micronutrient deficiencies—particularly
zinc and iron—both critical for human and plant health.
Zinc plays a crucial role in chlorophyll production, protein synthesis, and
overall plant metabolism, while iron is essential for processes like photosynthesis,
respiration, and DNA synthesis. Their deficiencies in crops directly affect human
nutrition. Agronomic fortification, i.e., applying micronutrients through soil and foliar
means, offers a fast and effective method to address these deficiencies.
Objectives
The study aimed to evaluate:
The impact of Zn and Fe fortification on their content and uptake in sorghum grain and
straw.
The effect of different combinations of Zn and Fe applications on sorghum yield and
nutritional quality.
Materials and Methods
Location: College Farm, N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University,
Gujarat.
Design: Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments and 3 replications.
Crop: Sorghum variety GNJ-1
Fertilizers: RDF ([Link] NPK kg ha⁻¹) applied to all treatments.
Treatments: Included various combinations of ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ applied through soil
and foliar spray at different stages (30 and 45 DAS).
Data Collection: Zn and Fe content was measured using Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry. Nutrient uptake was calculated from dry matter and elemental
content.
Results
Zinc Content & Uptake:
T5 (5 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹ soil + 0.5% ZnSO₄ spray) recorded the highest Zn content in grain
(29.48 mg kg⁻¹) and straw (22.27 mg kg⁻¹).
T9 (foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO₄ + FeSO₄ at 30 and 45 DAS) showed the highest Zn
uptake (grain: 99.90 g ha⁻¹, straw: 107.66 g ha⁻¹).
Iron Content & Uptake:
T6 (5 kg FeSO₄ ha⁻¹ soil + 0.5% FeSO₄ spray) had the highest Fe content in grain (53.29
mg kg⁻¹) and straw (114.97 mg kg⁻¹).
T9 again proved superior in Fe uptake (grain: 181.11 g ha⁻¹, straw: 568.23 g ha⁻¹).
Statistical Significance: All significant differences were tested at 5% probability using
ANOVA. T9 consistently performed best across all parameters.
Conclusion
The combined foliar application of zinc and iron (T9) significantly enhanced
micronutrient content and uptake in sorghum, along with the highest yield. Agronomic
biofortification through integrated soil and foliar methods offers a simple, effective
strategy to improve the nutritional value of crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture
and public health.
