Search

The study investigates the impact of different nitrogen management practices and microbial decomposition of rice residue on microclimate, heat utilization efficiency and productivity of Happy Seeder sown wheat. Two locations, i.e.Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and University Seed Farm (USF), Ladhowal, Punjab, with different soil textures, were selected for the study during the rabiseasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19. The experiment consisted of six nitrogen management techniques (kg ha−1) in main plots and four treatments of in situ microbial decomposition in sub-plots laid out in split plot design with three replications. The cumulative growing degree days (GDD) and heliothermal units (HTU) were found to be maximum in the treatment where nitrogen was applied @ 150 kg ha−1preceded by 3% urea spray on in situ rice residue after paddy harvest (N5). Combined inoculation of Aspergillussp. + Delftiasp. as consortia (M4) too cumulated maximum GDD and HTU. Minimum canopy temperature, maximum normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), yield attributing traits and grain yield prevailed in treatments N5and M3(Delftiasp.). Treatment N5produced 45.6% and 41.6% higher grain yield over control (N1) at Ludhiana and Ladhowal, respectively. Proper nitrogen management and role of microbial culture in enhancing decomposition of rice residue and the strong correlation between grain yield; and GDD and HTU hold the key to improve resilience in wheat crop for sustainable production under changing climatic scenarios.

In order to meet the changing global economy and nutritional demand of the world, high-value vegetable crops can be extremely important for enhancing living standard of marginal farmers, as well as their consumption of high-quality foods and the continuity of the food supply chain and nations’ economy. With a major share under smallholder across different agroecologies, it is imperative to come up with a low-cost climate smart technology to address the vulnerable agroeco matrix. Reduced soil fertility, decreased crop productivity, and ecosystem impairment are the result of the conventional cropping systems with larger carbon footprint and lower net return complicated the issue. Most of the high-value vegetable crops are energy-intensive crop, making it a difficult option for inclusion in sustainable agriculture for smallholder farmers. Before advocating sustainability, techniques must comply with low carbon and water footprint requirement. Additionally, to lessen the reliance on synthetic agrochemicals and energy-intensive methods to feed a growing population, acceptance, adaptability, and adoption of seed biopriming among smallholder farmers are crucial. This review deals with biopriming as a potential supplementing the existing integrated plant nutrition system that could enhance plant growth and reduce abiotic stresses while increasing production and food quality with little additional energy use. In order to boost their revenue and contribute to the UNSDGs, smallholder farmers should be advocated to employ this feasible option which mimic nature.