Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) study was conducted during 2010-11 for autumn rice under integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) in Inceptisols (Aeric Endoaquepts) in Jorhat district of Assam. The basic parameters were computed from the STCR data, and the fertilizer prescription equations were developed for recommending fertilizer doses in autumn rice. The nutrient requirement (NR) for producing one quintal of autumn rice was found to be 2.40 kg, 0.84 kg and 2.25 kg of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively. The percent contribution of nutrients from soil (CS), fertilizer (CF) and FYM (CO) were calculated as 12.49, 45.31 and 32.92 for N, 13.42, 28.52 and 11.84 for P2O5 and 21.99, 47.58 and 29.76 for K2O, respectively. These equations were validated in farmers&rsquo; fields during 2012 and the variation between actual yield and targeted yield ranged from +1.36 to +5.33.The fertilizer estimates under STCR-IPNS for 3000 and 4000 kg ha-1 targeted yield recorded maximum response ratio and economic benefit in the field trial and confirmed the validity of proposed fertilizer prescription equations for autumn rice.

Targeted yield based fertilizer prescriptions for autumn rice (Oryza sativa L.) in inceptisols of Assam, India

<div style="text-align: justify;">A field experiment was conducted at Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13 during autumn season of 2015 to study the nutrient management of direct seeded autumn rice under various irrigation schedules. The experiment consisted of four irrigation schedules viz., I1(No irrigation), I2(Irrigation at tiller initiation (TI) + boot leaf stage (BL)), I3(Irrigation at TI + panicle initiation (PI) + BL), I4 (Irrigation at TI + PI + Grain filling stage(GF)) and three nutrient management practices viz.,F1(100 % RDF +2t/ha FYM), F2(50 % RDF +1.5 t/ha enriched compost), F3(50 % RDF + 1.5 t/ha Vermicompost). The trial was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The soil was sandy loam. Inglongkiri rice variety was used in the experiment. &nbsp;Results revealed that irrigation schedule I3(Irrigation at TI + PI + BL) recorded significantly the highest growth characters of rice in terms of plant height, number of leaves per plant, and dry matter accumulation. Different nutrient management practices brought about significant differences in plant population per and dry matter accumulation. The highest of these parameters were recorded under application of 50% RDF along with 1.5 t/ha enriched compost and this was statically at par with F1 (100% RDF +2 t/ha FYM).</div>

Growth parameters of autumn rice under various irrigation schedules and nutrient management

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of this study was to assess the effect of modified housing system on physiological parameters like rectal temperature, skin temperature, plasma cortisol level, respiration rate and pulse rate (counts/min) of Murrah buffaloes during autumn and winter seasons. A total of 14 lactating Murrah buffaloes were randomly selected and divided into two groups, on the basis of age, body weight (BW) and parity (P). T1=First group (n=7; BW=544.86kg; P=2.14) of buffaloes was housed under existing loose housing system and T2=Second group (n=7; BW=547.71kg; P=2.28) of buffaloes was housed under modified shed. In the present study, in autumn and winter season the mean rectal temperature were (T1=101.56&plusmn;0.06 vs. T2=100.94&plusmn;0.12&ordm;F and T1=100.71&plusmn;0.10 vs. T2=100.22&plusmn;0.08&ordm;F), skin temperature were (T1=95.19&plusmn;0.61 vs. T2=93.01&plusmn;0.57 &ordm;F and T1=90.27&plusmn;0.23 vs. T2=89.06&plusmn;0.27 &ordm;F) and plasma cortisol level (T1=4.04&plusmn;0.23 vs. T2=3.31&plusmn;0.21 and T1=3.19&plusmn;0.12 vs. T2=2.70&plusmn;0.14 ng/ml) respectively. These parameters were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in buffaloes housed under T2 as compared to T1 in autumn season, respiration rate (T1=37.39&plusmn;1.02 vs. T2=30.99&plusmn;1.21 and T1=26.56&plusmn;0.84 vs. T2=23.81&plusmn;0.66 counts/min.) was significantly lower in autumn (P&lt;0.01) and winter season (P&lt;0.0) and pulse rate (T1=60.91&plusmn;1.17 vs. T2=52.52&plusmn;1.44 and T1=55.01&plusmn;0.52 vs. T2=51.27&plusmn;0.53 counts/min) was significantly (P&lt;0.01) lower in buffaloes housed under T2 as compared to T1 in both seasons. The Murrah buffaloes housed under modified shed were improved physiological reactions during the autumn and winter seasons.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effect of modified housing system on physiological parameters of Murrah buffaloes during autumn and winter season&nbsp;</div>

<div>Background: Geographical and botanical origins of honeys are determined by melissopalynological analysis. Pollen contents of 12 autumn honeys collected from Indian honey bee, Apis cerana F. hives located in different localities of Kullu hills of Himachal Pradesh were analysed. Kullu hills having varied geography, climatic condition with diversified and rich flora is ideal for apiculture. So, it is of utmost importance to study the floral richness of the area and preferences of honey bees for nectar and pollen in order to obtain maximum production of a good quality of honey. Thus, the present work was carried out to determine the critical analysis of honey samples and to identify the different pollen types which are major plant sources that contribute to the increase of yield of honey. 
 
Methods: Melissopalynological studies were conducted between 2009 to 2012. Reference pollen slides of honey samples were prepared and identified. Quantative analysis is done with the help of a haemocytometer and pollen spectra, absolute pollen count as well as percentage of pollen types were calculated. Reference slides were also prepared. 
 
Result: Microscopic analysis yielded that in honey samples, 5 pollen types were present as predominant; 17 were secondary, while, 38 were important minor and minor pollen sources. Out of 12 honey samples analysed, 5 were unifloral, whereas, 7 were multifloral. In the unifloral honeys, the predominant sporomorphs were: Prunus cerasoides, Eriobotrya japonica, Prinsepia utilis, Plectranthus sp. and Solidago sp. Forty four pollen types were necteriferous, while, 6 were nectarless represented by Cannabis sativa, Juglans regia, Rumex nepalensis, Polygonum sp. and Zea mays. Among different plant families, Lamiaceae (8), Asteraceae (7), Rosaceae (7), Fabaceae (4), Polygonaceae (3) and Apiaceae (2) highly contributed for nectar and pollen sources of honey bee. Twenty five botanical families with 50 different pollen taxa were identified indicating the various plants visited by honeybees and the sources of nectar used in the production of honey. The high concentration and diversity of pollen types showed that the samples were of botanical origin.</div>

<div>Melissopalynological Determination of Pollen Density and Botanical Origin of Autumn Honeys of Kullu Hills, Himachal Pradesh, India</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">A field experiment was conducted during autumn, 2014 at ICR Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam to compare three different direct seeded upland rice varieties along with different integrated weed and nutrient management practices. The experiment was carried out in factorial randomized block design replicated thrice with 15 treatments involving 3 varieties: Inglongkiri, Maizubiron and Rasi along with 5 treatments of weed and nutrient management, i.e. 20-10-10 kg/ha N-P2O5-K2O + &nbsp;pretilachlor @ 750 g/ha followed by grubber 30 DAS (W1), 30-15-15 kg/ha N-P2O5-K2O + pretilachlor @ 750 g/ha followed by grubber 30 DAS (W2), &nbsp;10-5-5 kg/ha N-P2O5-K2O &nbsp;+ pretilachlor @ 750 g/ha followed by grubber 30 DAS + Vermicompost @ 1 t/ha &nbsp; (split equally at sowing &amp; 30 DAS) + Sesbania (Sesbania aculeata) green mulch (up to 30 days) (W3), &nbsp;10-5-5 kg/ha &nbsp;N-P2O5-K2O + pretilachlor @ 750 g/ha followed by grubber 30 DAS with intra-row spacing 15cm (W4), &nbsp;and 20-10-10 kg/ha N-P2O5-K2O + Weedy check (W5). The predominant weed floras observed in the experimental field were Ageratum conyzoides, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus iria. Treatment W3 resulted significantly lowest weed population at all growth stages. Weed dry weight was significantly lowest with application of 30-15-15 kg/ha N-P2O5-K2O along with pretilachlor @ 750 g a.i./ha and grubber 30 DAS at 20, 60 DAS and at harvest of rice crop. The results revealed an increase in yields as evident by higher grain and straw yield for all the three varieties with pre-emergence application of pretilachlor (750g a.i./ha) + grubber 30 days after sowing + 30-15-15 kg/ha of N-P2O5-K2O.&nbsp;</div>

Weed dynamics and yield of direct seeded upland autumn rice (oryza sativa l.) Varieties as influenced by integrated weed and nutrient management practices

To increase the area, production and productivity of sugarcane and legumes/oilseeds for increasing the profit of the farmers&rsquo;, field experiments were conducted at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal during 2005-06 and 2006-07 followed by demonstrations on intercropping of legumes/oilseed with sugarcane at farmers&rsquo; field in Kaithal district during 2009-10 and 2010-11. Cane yield did not reduce significantly due to intercropping except raya during 2005 -06. The percent incidence of pink borer, shoot borer, top borer and root borer remained below economical threshold level (ETL). In all intercropping systems, total land equivalent ratio (LERt) was greater than unity, indicated yield advantage for the intercropped plots. Land equivalent coefficient (LEC) followed the same pattern as LERt. Total area time equivalent ratio (ATERt) values showed an advantage (22-28 %) with all intercropping systems than sole cropping with maximum advantage from sugarcane + chickpea. Sugarcane was more competitive than pea and lentil intercrops, whereas, raya and chickpea were more competitive than sugarcane. Higher competitive ratio values for the intercrops (CRi) indicated that all the intercrops were more competitive than sugarcane. Total values of actual yield loss (AYL) showed an advantage of 22-38% from intercropping compared to sole cropping. Highest monetary advantage index (MAI) value was obtained from sugarcane + pea intercropping system (75779). However, the minimum MAI was obtained from sugarcane + lentil intercropping system (62382). &nbsp;Demonstrations on intercropping at farmers&rsquo; field also resulted in higher gross returns, returns over variable cost and benefit: cost ratio.&nbsp;

Mechanized and profitable intercropping of legumes&nbsp;in autumn planted sugarcane

<div>Background: Historical records and increased scientific consensus provide strong evidence that the global climate is changing. Future climate change would lead to an increase in climate variability and the frequency and intensity of extreme events.&nbsp; Agriculture that is dependent on climate conditions is inherently sensitive to climate changes. Today&rsquo;s world agriculture has gone through challenges from population growth and has adapted to changing economic conditions, technology and resource availabilities. But uncertainty remains concerning the ability of agricultural systems to adapt to climate change. Thus, climate change adaptation of the essence for a resilient food crop production system requires economic transformation by arrangement of institutional and technology. 
 
Methods: This study uses the Ricardian model to examine the economic impact of climate change on agriculture in Kellem Wollega Zone, Ethiopia. The net farm revenue is regressed against climate variable (temperature and precipitation), soil and socio-economic variables to help determine the factors that influence variability in net farm revenues. The study was based on the data from a survey of 400 smallholder farming households interviewed across the zone. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Result: The Ricardian model analysis shows the coefficients of summer, autumn and winter temperature are positive whereas the coefficient of spring temperature is negative. Regarding the precipitation, the coefficients of summer and spring precipitation are positive while coefficients of autumn and winter precipitation are negative. The marginal impact analysis results show an increase in summer and spring temperatures has mostly negative effects on net farm revenues implying that further temperature increases would be harmful to agricultural activities while increases in autumn temperatures increase net farm revenues in the study area. The summer and spring precipitation would increase the net farm revenue but the autumn precipitation reduces the farm revenue. The elasticity results show that net farm revenues are highly sensitive to changes in climate and the elasticity is relatively high for both summer temperature and precipitation. The impacts of climate change under the three special Reports on Emission Scenarios, (Canadian General Circulation Model, Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research and Parallel Climate Model) predicted that by 2100 net farm revenues would decrease across all farms per hectare by US$ 942.83, US$ 1048.16 and US$ 1024.32 respectively. The finding suggests there is a great need for the concerned bodies to provide up-to-date information about climate change and rainfall patterns in the forthcoming season so that the farmers make informed decisions and develop adaptation strategies.</div>

Economic Impact of Climate Change on Food Crop Production using Ricardina Approach: A Case of Kellem Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of potassium humate and rice husk biochar on cherry tomatoes&rsquo; key soil chemical properties, yield and quality parameters.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted in the Can Tho University Department of Soil Science&rsquo;s greenhouse. Experimental soil is alluvial soil collected in Tra On, Vinh Long. Two seasons (Summer-Autumn 2020 and Autumn-Winter 2020) were used for the experiment. The experiment design was completely randomized (CRD), with two factors: 9 treatments (corresponding to 9 fertilizer formulas), 4 replications and 4 plants each. Factor A (FA) is 3 levels of biochar rice husk application: 0 tons/ha (B0), 2.5 tons/ha (B1) and 5 tons/ha (B2). Factor B (FB) is 3 levels of potassium humate: 0 kg/ha (K0), 50 kg/ha (K1) and 100 kg/ha (K2). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Department of Soil Science, Can Tho University, using alluvial soil collected from Tra On, Vinh Long. The study spanned two growing seasons (Summer-Autumn 2020 and Autumn-Winter 2020). A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed with two factors and four replications. Factor A comprised three levels of rice husk biochar application: 0 tons/ha (B0), 2.5 tons/ha (B1) and 5 tons/ha (B2). Factor B consisted of three levels of potassium humate: 0 kg/ha (K0), 50 kg/ha (K1) and 100 kg/ha (K2), resulting in nine treatment combinations. Each replication contained four plants. 
 
Result: The experimental results showed that adding rice husk biochar and potassium humate improved soil P. Compared to the control (no biochar, no potassium humate), they significantly and statistically enhanced the amount of accessible nutrients (N, P and K) in the soil. The number of fruits/plants, fruit diameter, fruit yield, and percentage of Brix all significantly increased when cherry tomatoes were continuously monitored for growth, yield, and quality during both growing seasons while being treated with biochar husk and potassium humate. These results were statistically different from those of the control. The analysis of nitrate in tomato fruit showed that the nitrate of fruit was 23.45-24.94 (mg NO3-/kg fresh fruit), not exceeding the allowable threshold of 150 (mg NO3-/kg fresh fruit), and applying rice husk biochar and potassium humate significantly improved soil chemical properties compared to the control treatment. Notably, the soil&rsquo;s availability of essential nutrients (N, P and K) was enhanced. Treatments with biochar and potassium humate throughout both growing seasons resulted in statistically significant improvements in various plant parameters, including fruit number per plant, diameter, total yield, and Brix content compared to the control. Fruit nitrate content ranged from 23.45 to 24.94 mg NO3-/kg fresh weight, remaining well below the regulatory threshold of 150 mg NO3-/kg fresh weight.

Effect of Rice Husk Biochar and Potassium Humate on the Change of Soil Chemical Properties, Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Background: The analysis examined the growth and instability of area, production and productivity of autumn rice, winter rice and summer rice in BTAD.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Data were collected from the Joint Director of Economics and Statistics, BTC. The study used Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and the Cuddy-Della Valle Index to assess growth and instability.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Autumn rice showed positive growth in area, production and productivity in Period I, but area declined in Period II, despite continued gains in production and productivity. Over the full study period, area and production declined, while productivity increased due to greater use of HYV seeds, irrigation and fertilizers. Winter rice showed consistent growth in all aspects, except for a dip in area during Period II. Summer rice achieved growth in production and productivity across all periods, even as area declined, may be because of improved inputs. Overall, low instability across all rice types indicates stable growth. Expanding autumn and summer rice cultivation can help offset winter losses from flooding. Enhancing irrigation will also allow better use of fallow land during dry seasons, boosting total rice output.

Growth and Instability of Area, Production and Productivity of Rice in Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD)

Background: Present experiment was aimed to know the influence of weather on the incidence of thrips, a major sucking pest and potential vector of GBNV in blackgram. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The incidence of thrips complex for consecutive three seasons (spring 2019-20, autumn 2020-21, spring 2020-21) have been recorded from 7 DAS, till to crop maturity and correlated with weather parameters. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The thrips population was observed in the field approximately after 14 DAS. Overall view of thrips incidence in blackgram was more during autumn 2020-2021 (17.35 mean no of thrips per plant) compared to spring 2019-2020 (10.6) and 2020-2021 (10.10). Thrips population has showed a highly significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (0.74), minimum temperature (0.75), as well as with mean temperature (0.819) during rabi 2019. During spring 2020-21 only maximum temperature has shown significant positive correlation, but minimum and mean temperatures have shown positive correlation without any significance. Whereas during autumn 2020-21 temperature has shown positive correlation without any significance. Across the three seasons relative humidity has shown insignificant negative correlation.

Targeted yield based fertilizer prescriptions for autumn rice (Oryza sativa L.) in inceptisols of Assam, India

Growth parameters of autumn rice under various irrigation schedules and nutrient management

Effect of modified housing system on physiological parameters of Murrah buffaloes during autumn and winter season

Melissopalynological Determination of Pollen Density and Botanical Origin of Autumn Honeys of Kullu Hills, Himachal Pradesh, India

Weed dynamics and yield of direct seeded upland autumn rice (oryza sativa l.) Varieties as influenced by integrated weed and nutrient management practices

Mechanized and profitable intercropping of legumes in autumn planted sugarcane

Economic Impact of Climate Change on Food Crop Production using Ricardina Approach: A Case of Kellem Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Effect of Rice Husk Biochar and Potassium Humate on the Change of Soil Chemical Properties, Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Growth and Instability of Area, Production and Productivity of Rice in Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD)

Seasonal Incidence of Thrips a Potential Insect Vector of GBNV in Black Gram