<div>Background: Farmers are facing the challenges to providing adequate availability of feed and fodders to livestock during dry period (lean period) which poses a major threat in livestock productivity. This study delineates, pelleting of feed and fodder helps to meet out the fodder requirement during lean period consequently improving the livestock productivity. 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted at Forage Pelleting Unit, Department of Forage Crops in Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu from March 2020 to June 2022 to identify the best suitable dry fodder crops for quality pellets production. The laboratory experiment was conducted and laid out in completely randomized block design with 11 treatments and three replications. The treatment consists of D1: Rice straw, D2: Maize stover, D3: Maize husk, D4: Sorghum straw, D5: Ragi straw, D6: Pearl millet stover, D7: Wheat straw, D8: Groundnut haulms, D9: Groundnut shells, D10: Sugarcane tops, D11: Blackgram husk were selected and produced into individual dry fodders pellets. Then, the selected dry fodders were harvested with the help of fodder harvester cum chaffer. The chaffed material was then dried using a solar drier at 70&deg;C for one day to attaining the ideal moisture of 12%. Then, dried materials were grinded by fodder pulverizer and then grinding material was conveyed through conditioning with passing the steam at 60 to 70&deg;C. Then, the conditioning material was passes through a pelletizer with 6 mm die diameter. 
 
Result: The observation on macro minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium) and micro minerals (cobalt, zinc, manganese) were analyzed by using an Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Emission Spectroscopy. The unpelleted and pelleted dry fodders showed a significant variation in the major and minor nutrients. In this regards, the calcium content recorded higher in groundnut haulms (D8) with 1.027 per cent and whereas ragi straw (D5) were recorded higher magnesium and potassium contents with 0.433 per cent and 2.178 per cent respectively. The minor nutrients like cobalt, manganese and zinc contents varied significantly due to pelleting process. From this study, rice straw (D1) recorded higher cobalt content with 0.378 per cent and whereas, ragi straw (D5) recorded higher zinc content (16.45 per cent) and while, manganese contents were registered higher in pearl millet straw (D6) with 54.88 per cent.</div>

The Nutrient Dynamics of Major and Minor Nutrients on Pelleted and Unpelleted Dry Fodders

<div>Background: Sustainable maize (Zea mays L.) production demands nutrient management strategies that not only boost crop production but also maintain the soil health. Integrated nutrient management (INM), combining both organic and inorganic nutrient sources, plays a vital role in achieving these goals. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the both Kharif (2024) and Rabi (2024-2025) seasons at Experimental Farm of School of Agriculture, SR University, Warangal, Telangana, India. The study was conducted in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and eight treatments viz: T1- Control, T2- 100% RDF, T3- 100% RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-&sup1;, T4- 100% RDF + poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-&sup1;, T5- 100% RDF + pressmud @ 12.5 t ha-&sup1;, T6- 75% RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-&sup1;, T7- 75% RDF + poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-&sup1; and T8- 75% RDF + pressmud @ 12.5 t ha-&sup1;. 
 
Result: Among the INM treatments, 100% RDF combined with poultry manure at 2.5 t ha-1, proved to be the greatest effective in significantly enhancing the growth parameters and physiological indices, including crop growth rate (CGR), absolute growth rate (AGR) and relative growth rate (RGR). This integrated nutrient management approach also led to improved nutrient uptake, superior yield attributes and recorded the highest grain yield (7201.6 kg ha-&sup1;) and stover yield (13,201.1 kg ha-&sup1;). Moreover, it exhibited the highest nitrogen efficiency ratio (211.2 kilogram grain kg-&sup1; N) and economic nitrogen use efficiency (2.2 kilogram grain ₹-&sup1;).</div>

Optimizing Maize Yield and Nutrient Dynamics Through Integrated Nutrient Management in CP 858 Hybrid under Warangal Region of Telangana

Background: Chemical fertilizers in integration with organic manures must be used in order to promote sustainability. Using chemical fertilizers in addition to FYM slows down the deterioration of soil health and improves soil quality for upcoming needs. The present research aims to study yield parameters of chickpea and uptake of essential nutrients supplied through residual effect of integrated nutrient management. 
 
Methods: The present research consisting twelve treatment combinations with three replications was conducted in split plot design (SPD). The four levels of RDF (Control, 50, 75 and 100% RDF ha-1) in main plot and three levels of FYM (Control, 5 and 10 t ha-1) in sub plot were taken. 
 
Result: The investigation indicated that residual effect of 100% RD of inorganic fertilizers performs better among all RDF levels and FYM @ 10 t ha-1 showed better impact over all FYM levels on yield attributes, yield, nutrient concentration and nutrient uptake of Chickpea. The results of this experiment showed that chickpeas responded more favourably to residual effects of both inorganic fertilizers and FYM levels.

Influence of Residual Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Chickpea Yield and Nutrient Dynamics in Maize-chickpea Cropping Sequence

<div>Background: The present study on the topic &ldquo;Phytomorphology and nutrient dynamics of mulberry leaves&rdquo; revealed high variability among mulberry varieties. Internodes were largest in variety Tr4 (6.06%). Actual leaf area was high in variety S146 (275.57 cm2). Numbers of leaves per meter branch was largest in variety S1531 (20.9). During 5 periodic sampling from sprouting to maturity average fresh and dry leaf weight of 100 leaves was high (197.93g) and (60.24g) respectively during 5th sampling. Average moisture content was high (83.41%) during 1st sampling highest average chlorophyll content (SPAD value) was also observed during 4th sampling (40.01%). Acidity was also high in variety Tr4 during maturity. Sugar content was high in variety T1 (3.66%) during 1st sampling (15 days). Starch and ash content was high in variety S1708 (43.06%) and (32.50%) during 5th sampling. Nitrogen and protein content was highest in variety S1608 (5.02%) and (31.56%) respectively during 1st sampling.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In the field-laboratory investigation was conducted at Division of Sericulture,&nbsp;Division of Biochemistry and Plant Physiology, SKUAST-J, Chatha, during spring 2013. Ten mulberry varieties T1, Tr4, V1, S146, S1708, S799, S1608, S1531, S41 and Sujanpur were evaluated for phytomorphological and nutrient dynamic studies. The experiment was laid in complete randomized block design with three replicates. Each variety was taken as treatment and observations were recorded after 15 days interval upto 75th day after sprouting.&nbsp; 
 
Result: On the basis of current result, parameter observed fluctuations from the date of sprouting till maturity. Varietal response to periodic sampling too varied. Protein decreases age along with sugar, nitrogen. On the contrary starch, biomass, ash, chlorophyll shown a gradual increase. This information can be utilized to harvest a particular type of leaf for a particular age and rearing.</div>

<div>Phytomorphology and Nutrient Dynamics of Mulberry Leaf</div>

<div>Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most versatile and emerging food crop of global importance. Weeds are ubiquitous but their presence in wide spaced and initially slow growing crop like maize acts as an obstacle for plentiful harvest. Nutrient uptake by weeds during the first thirty days of maize growth was 59 kg N, 10 kg P2O5 and 59 kg K2O per ha, which was 7-10 times higher than the nutrient uptake by maize. 
 
Methods: The present field experiment was conducted during Rabi, 2018-19 under irrigated conditions at wetland farm of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati andhra Pradesh, with ten treatments and three replications in a randomized block design. 
 
Result: Lower density and dry weight of weeds with higher weed control efficiency, lower nutrient uptake by weeds and higher nutrient up take by maize at 80 DAS, kernel and stover yield was recorded with hand weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAS, which was statistically at par with atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 as PE fb topramezone 30 g ha-1 or tembotrione 120 g ha-1 as PoE or atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 as PE fb HW at 30 DAS, while these were lowest with weedy check. Higher benefit cost ratio of maize was noticed with both atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 as PE fb topramezone 30 g ha-1 as PoE (T3), which was in parity with atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 as PE fb tembotrione 120 g ha-1 as PoE (T2) and hand weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAS (T9). From the present study it may be concluded that atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 as PE fb topramezone 30 g ha-1 or tembotrione 120 g ha-1 as PoE were considered to be the most effective and economic weed management practices to increase the productivity of Rabi maize at times of labour scarcity.</div>

<div>Weed Dynamics and Nutrient Uptake of Maize as Influenced by Different Weed Management Practices</div>

<div>Background: Palm kernel cake is a high-fibre and medium-grade protein feed available at a cheaper price. Determining the optimum quantity of palm kernel cake inclusion levels could help in designing sustainable livestock-feeding systems. The studies related to its use in buffaloes are scarce. Considering the indispensable role of buffaloes in enhancing the Indian economy, the current study is aimed at finding the optimum level of palm kernel cake inclusion in rations of buffaloes. 
 
Methods: In a 4&times;4 LSD, four graded Murrah buffalo bulls (4 yrs; 329&plusmn;10.4 kg) were fed maintenance rations comprising Super Napier and concentrate mixture. A concentrate mixture with 20% CP was prepared using conventional feed ingredients and is used as control. De-oiled palm kernel cake (DPKC) is incorporated at 0, 15, 30 and 45 per cent level to study the effect of feeding DPKC on nutrient utilization, mineral (calcium, phosphorus and nitrogen) balance and rumen fluid parameters (TVFA and nitrogen dynamics). 
 
Result: The DPKC diets did not affect nutrient intakes; however, decreased the nutrient digestibility coefficients. The nitrogen outgo was higher and the N retention and per cent absorbed was lower for DPKC-included diets. No effects were observed on the calcium and phosphorus balance of diets. A linearly decreased pattern of TVFA and total nitrogen was observed with increased levels of DPKC. Further, the diets did not affect food and protozoal N and residual N of rumen liquor.</div>

Effect of Feeding Deoiled Palm Kernel Cake on Nutrient Utilization, Mineral Balance and Rumen Nitrogen Dynamics of Murrah Buffalo Bulls

<div>Background: Concerning fertilization, the pulse crops are more responsive to organic manures but indiscriminate and continuous use of chemical fertilizers has venomous effects on physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil thereby affecting the sustainability of crop production, besides causing environmental pollution. 
 
Methods: The study aimed at understanding the effect of different organic amendments on nutrient dynamics of black gram (Vigna mungo), which was carried out at the IFS unit, College of Agriculture, Vijayapur, during Kharif-2019 to study the effect of different combinations of organic sources on nutrient availability, nutrient uptake and soil microbial load in black gram.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The application of vermicompost + ghanajeevamrutha @ 100% RDP + Rhizobium + PSB recorded significantly higher soil organic carbon (SOC) (0.70%), soil available nitrogen (291.39 kg ha-1), phosphorus (36.30 kg ha-1) and potassium (580.53 kg ha-1) and significantly higher uptake of nutrients i.e., nitrogen (52.07 and 75.43 kg ha-1), phosphorus (10.12 and 16.08 kg ha-1) and potassium (37.67 and 55.42 kg ha-1) at 45 and 75 DAS compared to all other treatments. Similarly, application of FYM + vermicompost @ 100% RDP + Rhizobium + PSB has recorded the highest microbial count of bacteria [24.40 &times; 106 CFU (Colony Forming Units) g-1], fungi (17.0 &times; 103 CFU g-1) and actinomycetes (7.50 &times; 103 CFU g-1), demonstrating the importance of usage of organics for improving the nutrient availability, uptake and microbial load in black gram.</div>

Effect of Different Organic Sources on Nutrient Dynamics and Microbial Count of Black Gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

Background: A series of field experiments were conducted at the Tapioca and Castor Research Station (TCRS), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Yethapur, Salem from 2022 to 2023. The purpose was to investigate the growth dynamics and economics of short-duration cassava under different nutrient management practices including both integrated and organic approaches.

Methods: Twelve treatments were carried out consisting of various combinations of organic manures, liquid organic foliar sprays, integrated nutrient management treatments and a control treatment (no manures/fertilizers/sprays). The experiments were carried out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications at the same location.

Results: The results revealed that the different nutrient management practices had a significant impact on the physiological response throughout the various stages of plant growth. Based on the average data from two experiments, the INM treatment (FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% recommended dose of fertilizers and cassava booster spray) showed the highest physiological&nbsp;response during the final phase of growth. This treatment showed superior performance in terms of leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), tuber bulking rate (TBR) and mean TBR. The organic treatment (wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 and 3% panchagavya foliar spray) recorded comparable performance to the INM treatment in major parameters such as LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR. However, it followed the INM treatment in terms of mean TBR. Economic analysis revealed that the INM treatment yielded the highest net income and benefit-cost ratio (BCR), followed by the organic treatment. The control resulted in the least returns. In conclusion, the findings highlight the effectiveness of the INM treatment and the promising performance of the organic treatment which can contribute to sustainable and profitable cassava cultivation.

Impact of Organic Nutrient Management Practices on Growth Dynamics and Economics of Short-duration Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.)

<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

The study was conducted in above 50 year old tea plantation in Naharoni, Golaghat district of Assam with the objective to know soil physicochemical properties under long term tea monocropping. A total of 48 soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere zone of tea bush in four seasons namely pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter from three depths i.e.0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm. Soil profile study was also done in non-rhizosphere zone. Soil pH ranged from 4.1 to 4.8 in rhizosphere soils and 4.5 to 5.1 in soil profile. Soils are strongly acidic in reaction. Studied soils were rich in soil organic carbon. In 0-20 cm soil depth of rhizosphere soils organic carbon ranged from 1.32 per cent in monsoon season to 1.82 per cent being highest in winter season. And in subsurface soils it ranged from 0.79-1.25 per cent in 20-40 cm to 0.66-0.78 per cent in 40-60 cm soil depth. In soil profile study it varied between 1.71-0.20 per cent. Irrespective of any season significantly higher concentration of nutrient elements such as N, P and K were recorded in top layer (0-20 cm) of soil. Nutrient elements showed significant seasonal variations. Moderate quantity of available nitrogen was found in all the three depths in rhizosphere soils. Low to medium amount of available nitrogen was recorded in the soil profile of non-rhizosphere soils. Available Phosphorous was recorded high and it ranged between 64.22-71.35 kg ha-1 P2O5 in 0-20 cm soil depth and decreased significantly in the subsurface soils. Medium range of available potassium 185.56-232.68 kg ha-1 K2O was recorded in top soils and it was very low in 20-40 and 40-60 cm soil depth. Cations like exchangeable Ca and Mg were also found in low amount and did not show significant seasonal variation. From the results it can be concluded that the soils are poor to moderate in concentration and availability of major soil nutrients and also there is imbalance in their availability with soil depths and seasons.