<div>Background: After harvesting of kharif crops, lack of sufficient soil moisture availability limit the cultivation of rabi crops in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. So a huge area remains fallow during the rabi season mainly because of infrastructure to harvest and to utilize the bountiful rains of the monsoon. So, agronomic measures to conserve the soil moisture are very suitable for the region because of their low cost and capability to reduce soil erosion. In this region, maize stalk are not used as fodder for animals and are usually burnt or kept outside the field. Similarly, during rainy season, there is plenty of water hyacinth and paddy straw found around cultivated areas. Retention of crop residues and weed biomass on the soil surface in combination with zero tillage initiates process that lead to improve soil quality and overall enhancement of resource use efficiency. 
 
Methods: The trials were conducted for consecutive two years (2017-18 and 2018-19) in split plot design with three main plot treatments as cropping system after Maize, viz, i) Maize-chickpea (CS1) ii) Maize-lentil (CS2) iii) Maize-lathyrus (CS3); with five sub-plot treatments as mulching i) No-mulching (Residue Removal) (M0) ii) In-situ Maize stalk mulching (M1) iii) In-situ maize stalk mulch + Water hyacinth (5 t/ha) (M2) iv) In-situ maize stalk mulch + Paddy straw (5 t/ha) (M3) v) In-situ maize stalk mulch + Water hyacinth (2.5 t/ha) + Paddy straw (2.5 t/ha) (M4) but the individual rabi crop&rsquo;s data were analyzed in randomized block design (RBD) as the individual crops have different growth characteristics. 
 
Result: Experiments result revealed that mulching with M3- In-situ maize stalk mulch + Paddy straw (5 t/ha) is the best practice for growing pulses under zero-till condition after Maize in Maize-legume cropping system. Growing of pulses in different cropping system under zero-till condition not only will increase the cropping intensity and production of pulses in the country but also will increase the fertility of the soil.</div>

<div>Performance of Zero-till Bio-mulching on Different Pulses under Maize-legume Sequence</div>

Background: Farmers&rsquo; conventional tillage and residue removal practices in rice-maize-greengram systems in India are input-intensive, costly and soil degradative. A number of soil quality issues have emerged due to continuous cropping and burning of residues threatening the sustainability of rice based cropping systems for the last more than four decades. Nevertheless, the in-situ or in-field decomposition of crop residue using microbial inoculum is rarely studied. This necessitated the use of microbial consortia developed by a combination of potent strains of fungi which can perform harmoniously for rapid decomposition of crop residues. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted during 2020-21 and 2021-22 with eight residue-management treatments and three fertility levels to zero till maize at college farm, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU using strip plot design and the residual effect on the succeeding greengram was studied. 
 
Result: Greengram growth and yield were significantly higher under residual effect of incorporation of residues treated with microbial consortia consisting of Trichoderma viridae, Aspergillus awamori and Phanerocheate spp. along with 300:100:100 kg ha-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O (125% RDF) and P supplied in the form of single super phosphate (SSP) under zero tillage during summer, 2021 and 2022. Growth parameters like plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production and yield attributes like number of pods plant-1, pod length and number of seeds pod-1 in greengram were higher under residue incorporated plots compared to residue burning, removal and retention plots with 125% RDF.

Residual Effects of Microbial Treated Paddy Residues Applied to Zero Till Maize on Growth and Yield of Summer Greengram

<div>Background: Field experiments/ On Farm Trial (OFT) were conducted at Farmers field in village Hasanchak and Agwanpur under the ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barh, Patna during the winter season (Rabi). The basic aim of experiment was to find out the effective method of weed control in Zero- tilled wheat through the application of herbicide.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was laid in Randomized Block design (RBD) in 2014-2015, replicated 4 times (Farmers field) with 5 treatments viz., 2,4-D, ethyl ester 2.00 kg ha-1 at 25 days after sowing (DAS) fb one hand weeding (Conventional tillage-Farmer practices) at 55 DAS, Sulfosulfuron 75% WP 25 g ha-1, Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 20 g ha-1 at 25 DAS, Sulfosuluron 75% WP + Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 40 g ha-1 at 25 DAS and control (Unweeded).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Sulfosuluron 75% WP + Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 40 g ha-1 at 25 days after sowing provided effective control of grassy and broadleaf weeds and recorded less dry weight and highest (91%) weed control efficiency (WCE). Herbicide Sulfosulfuron 75% WP 25 g ha-1 and Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 20 g ha-1 controlled only grassy and broadleaf weeds, respectively. 2,4-D, ethyl ester 2.00 kg ha-1 fb one hand weeding (Conventional tillage-Farmer practices) recorded higher weed dry weight and less weed control efficiency (WCE). Significantly higher grain yield (4280 kg ha-1) was recorded under Sulfosuluron 75% WP + Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 40 g ha-1 at 25 days after sowing followed by Metsulfuron 20% WP 20 g ha-1, Sulfosulfuron 75% WP 25 g ha-1, 2,4-D, 2.00 kg ha-1 fb one hand weeding (Farmer practices). Significantly higher net return (Rs. 48145 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.93) were recorded under Sulfosuluron 75% WP + Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 40 g ha-1 at 25 days after sowing.</div>

Efficacy of Herbicides on Weed Control in Zero-tilled Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Eastern Indo-gangetic Plains

<div>Background: The excessive usage of chemical fertilizers and the negligence on soil health regarding the conservation and use of organic sources of nutrients have not only caused the exhaustion of soil nutrient reserves but also resulted in soil health problems which is not conducive to achieving consistent increase in agricultural production. The beneficial influence of organic matter on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil is well known, the full appreciation of the same remains which is unfortunately ignored in modern agriculture. The regular recycling of organic wastes in the soil is the most efficient method of maintaining optimum nutrient reserves of soil and nutrient uptake by the plant. The Present Study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient status of soil under integrated usage of organic and inorganic sources. 
 
Methods: A field experiment entitled &ldquo;Nutrient Management Interventions in Rice-Ragi Sequence&rdquo; was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 on sandy loam soil of the Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla. The seven treatments consisted of T1: 100% RDF (100-60-40 kg N-P-K ha-1); T2: 100% RDF + Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1; T3: 125% RDF+Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1; T4: 75% RDF + Poultrymanure&nbsp; @ 0.82 t ha-1 + Soil application of ZnSO4 50 kg ha-1; T5: 75% RDF + FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 + Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1; T6:50% RDF + Poultrymanure @ 1.6 t ha-1 + Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 and T7: 50% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1. The experiment was laidout in randomized block design with seven treatments and replicated thrice during kharif rice and in rabi each kharif treatment was subdivided into four sub treatments (S1: Nofertilizer, S2: 100% RDF, S3:75% RDF and S4:50% RDF) and hence, The split plot design was adopted in rabi. Total No.of plots per each replication in the rabi was 28 (7x4=28).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Nutrient content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc have increased significantly with the fertility levels and organics. 50% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 recorded the highest nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc contents and uptakes in grain and straw of rice. In no till rabi ragi, N, P, K, Zn and calcium content and uptake in grain and straw were found to be significantly superior with 100% RDF (S2) to the rest of the treatments in both the years and in pooled data.</div>

Effect of Nutrient Management Interventions on Nutrient Uptake of Rice-zero Till Ragi under Coastal Lands

Background: With the SDG goals of using the generated output of one season on other season for managing the resource potential so to unlock the crop productivity is being the best alternative that need to be looked out in present climate change scenario. So, the present trial is focuses on the lines of residue management of legumes on maize sequence with nitrogen as the driving gradient in 2021-22 and 2022-23.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment is laid out in split-plot design with 18 treatments consisted of C1N1: groundnut100% RDN-maize, C1N2: groundnut75% RDN-maize, C2N1: soybean100% RDN-maize, C2N2: soybean75% RDN-maize, C3N1: greengram100% RDN-maize, C3N2: greengram75% RDN-maize as main-plots and 3 subplots viz.100% RDN, 125% RDN, 150% RDN (kharif and rabi respectively) during two years of study.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Among the different cropping systems, the preceding kharif greengram with 100% RDN on rabi zero-till maize showed higher growth parameters i.e. plant height, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD reading), dry matter at 30,60,90 DAS and at harvest and yields in both years. However, with respect to nitrogen levels, application of 150% RDN to rabi maize showed significantly higher growth and yields followed by 125% RDN and lowest was seen in 100% RDN in rabi respectively. On the other hand, the interaction effect was found significant at only 60 DAS in both years.

Nitrogen Gradient Optimization with Kharif Legumes on Agronomic Parameters in Zero-till Rabi Maize

Background: Root morphology acts as a dynamic pull-push mechanism for nutrient uptake, supporting growth above and below ground. Root architecture evolves in tandem with plant development, facilitating efficient nutrient absorption throughout each growth stage. From sowing to harvest, roots adapt to the soil substrate, optimizing nutrient availability. This synergy between root growth and nutrient dynamics is crucial for overall plant health and productivity. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The research trail was planned focusing on root development and nutrient uptake at MRC-ARI, Rajendrangar, Hyderabad during two seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The trail was designed with split-plot comprising of 6 main treatments C1N1: groundnut100%&nbsp;RDN-maize, C1N2: groundnut75%&nbsp;RDN-maize, C2N1: soybean100%&nbsp;RDN-maize, C2N2: soybean75%&nbsp;RDN-maize, C3N1: greengram100%&nbsp;RDN-maize, C3N2: greengram75%&nbsp;RDN-maize and 3 sub-plots viz.&nbsp;100% RDN, 125% RDN, 150% RDN during 2021-22 and 2022-23. 
&nbsp; 
Result: In legume-based maize cropping systems, greengram with 100% RDN demonstrated higher root length, root volume, root density and higher N, P and K uptakes over soybean and groundnut from 30 DAS to harvest in both years. Besides to nitrogen levels, rabi maize treated with 150% RDN had noticeably better root morphology and plant nutrient uptake than 125% and 100% RDN across all crop growth stages. Conversely, the interactive effect (biomass residues x nitrogen gradient levels) in zero-till rabi maize was found to be non-significant in both 2021-22 and 2022-23. 
&nbsp;

Analysing Root Architecture and Nutrients Uptake in Zero-till Rabi Maize with Kharif&nbsp; Legumes and Nitrogen Gradient Levels

Background: After rice harvest, the majority of farmers in Manipur leave their land fallow without planting anything, despite the fact that it has a great deal of potential for growing a second crop in the rabi season with the remaining moisture and nutrients. One of the most crucial options for Manipur&rsquo;s farmers is green pea, which not only boosts their revenue but also makes use of the nutrients and residual moisture in the soil. The current fertilizer&nbsp; application system ignores the carryover effect of the manure or fertilizer applied to the&nbsp; previous crop and instead bases its decisions on the nutritional requirements of the specific crop. Applying organic sources of nutrients to the previous crop greatly benefits the following crop. In light of the aforementioned considerations, an experiment was set up to determine whether the foliar application of nano fertlizers and organic source of nitrogen in the previous kharif rice crop had any lasting effects on the productivity of the following green pea crop. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif and rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Hiyanglam Mayai Leikai in the Kakching district of Manipur, in order to research the residual effect of foliar application of nano fertlizers and organic source of nitrogen on the productivity and economics of zero tilled green pea in rice- green pea cropping sequence. A factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications was used to set up the experiment. 
 
Result: The pooled data showed that vermicompost @100% RDN had the highest growth and yield characterictics over the vermicompost @ 75% RDN and 50% RDN. The&nbsp; combinations of nano NPK @ 1.5% + 100% RDN through vermicompost resulted in the&nbsp; highest increase growth and yield attributing characters of green pea and lowest was observed&nbsp; in the control + @ 50% RDN treated plot.

Residual Effect of Foliar Application of Nano Fertlizers and Organic Source of Nitrogen on the Productivity and Economics of Zero Tilled Green Pea in Rice-green Pea Cropping Sequence

<div style="text-align: justify;">An experiment was conducted during at Varanasi to find out the effect of residue management with Trichoderma application and weed management practices (W1- - Control, W2 &nbsp;-Hand weeding at 30 &amp; 45 DAS, W3 - Isoproturon + 2,4-D (1.0 + 0.5 kg ha-1) at 30 DAS, W4 &nbsp;- Fenoxaprop 120 g ha-1 fb Metsulfuron 4 g ha-1 ) on growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat(Triticum aestvium L.) with weed density, WCE and net returns. The residue retention with Trichoderma application produced significantly higher crop growth, yield attributes, grain and straw yield as compared to residue retention alone and residue removal. Among the weedicide option fenoxaprop fb metsulfuron treatment was found most effective in controlling weed population and produced significantly higher grain (3355.06 and &nbsp;3722.27 kg-1 ha) and straw yields (5050.23 and 5332.77 kg-1 ha) and higher weed control efficiency (74.19 &amp; 75.07 %). Out of herbicides, Isoproturon + 2, 4-D gave the highest net return as compared to fenoxaprop fb metsulfuron followed by hand weeding twice.</div>

Performance of zero-till wheat (Triticum aestvium L.) with residue and weed management techniques under rice-wheat cropping system

The aim of this study was to apply for zero-inflated generalized Poisson regression in the modelling of mite counts that include excess values of zero and overdispersion. The results of, as mean regression, overdispersion and zero-inflated regression, were determined in three stages. It was obtained that 33.33% (120 observations) of the total numbers of mite taken as a dependent variable to model had zero values. The overdispersion parameter range was detected to be quite high. It was determined that zero-inflated data and overdispersion had an important effect on mite counts (P&lt; 0.01). The effects of region, month, year, varieties, temperature and humidity were found to be statistically significant on mite counts (P&lt; 0.01). The number of eggs found in harmful mites (Aculus schlechtendali) in the Starking variety was relatively higher than in the Golden variety. The results displayed that the differences among regions and varieties regarding the number of eggs found in harmful mites were statistically significant (P&lt;0.01). &nbsp; &nbsp;

Modeling the mite counts having overdispersion and excess values of&nbsp;zero using zero-inflated generalized poisson regression

Although Conservation Agriculture (CA) techniques have long been known, they are still rarely applied by farmers in their farming. Three principles of conservation agriculture: 1). zero tillage (ZT), 2). Cover crop used and 3). Crop rotations have spread throughout the world, but in practice, only one or two of the three principles used and vary greatly (The combination of zero tillage and crop residue is more efficient in utilizing rainwater and a more resilient agronomic production system compared to conventional tillage (CT) or zero tillage (ZT) without crop residue application. Not using crop residue in the system can result in decreased production and even yield zero. Zero tillage applications that are not combined with ground cover will result in poor farming performance. In reas with low rainfall, the yields were highest obtained in farms that combined zero treatments and the use of crop residues, whereas in rainfed areas with conventional (CT) systems, when residues were removed from no-till (ZT) systems, wheat and maize yields were drastically reduced. Furthermore, in many small-scale farms, the residue yield is low and has many competing uses. Crop residues are generally burned in the fields or fed to livestock. For successful farming using CA techniques, at least a combination of 2 principles of conservation agriculture is needed, namely the use of crop residues and ZT as soil cover or the use of crop residues as soil cover with crop rotation, can provide better results than only applying one of the three CA principles. 
&nbsp;

Performance of Zero-till Bio-mulching on Different Pulses under Maize-legume Sequence

Residual Effects of Microbial Treated Paddy Residues Applied to Zero Till Maize on Growth and Yield of Summer Greengram

Efficacy of Herbicides on Weed Control in Zero-tilled Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Eastern Indo-gangetic Plains

Effect of Nutrient Management Interventions on Nutrient Uptake of Rice-zero Till Ragi under Coastal Lands

Nitrogen Gradient Optimization with Kharif Legumes on Agronomic Parameters in Zero-till Rabi Maize

Analysing Root Architecture and Nutrients Uptake in Zero-till Rabi Maize with Kharif Legumes and Nitrogen Gradient Levels

Residual Effect of Foliar Application of Nano Fertlizers and Organic Source of Nitrogen on the Productivity and Economics of Zero Tilled Green Pea in Rice-green Pea Cropping Sequence

Performance of zero-till wheat (Triticum aestvium L.) with residue and weed management techniques under rice-wheat cropping system

Modeling the mite counts having overdispersion and excess values of zero using zero-inflated generalized poisson regression

Conservation Agriculture: A Review of Plant Residue use with Zero Tillage and Crop Rotation