Agriculture Journal: Volume-11, Issue-6, June, 2025

Abstract- A line × tester analysis of twenty four hybrids developed by crossing four lines and six testers were carried out under three diverse environments. The components of genetic variance were estimated from the analysis of variances for combining ability of different characters for each environment and pooled also. The analysis of variance for combining ability individual as well as pooled over environments revealed that mean squares due to lines and testers were significant for most the characters, Line × Tester was significant for all the characters except seed yield per plant and estimated genetic variance due to GCA and SCA was non-significant for all the characters in pooled over environments. The ratio of σ2gca/σ2sca was less than unity which revealed the predominant role of non-additive gene action for inheritance of the traits for days to flowering, days to maturity, number of nodes up to primary raceme, effective length of primary raceme, seed yield per plant and 100-seed weight. Therefore, heterosis breeding may be suggested to exploit hybrid vigour and recombinant in F2 and subsequent generations for isolating lines for seed yield and its contributing traits. The line SKP 126 and tester SKI 420 were found as good general combiners for the yield attributing characters in pooled over the environments. Among the crosses, best three specific combiner were SKP 120 × SKI 420, SKP 126 × SKI 357 and SKP 106 × SKI 412 for seed yield per plant and its contributing traits.
Keywords— Combining ability, Gene action, GCA, SCA.

Abstract- Sawan sub-district is one of the sub-districts in Buleleng Regency, part of which is dry land with an area of 3,144.06 ha. Dry land productivity in Sawan Sub-district is vulnerable to decline because land management is still not in accordance with conservation principles. The purpose of the study was to determine the potential for soil damage, the status of soil damage, the distribution of soil damage, and the direction of soil damage management on dry land in Sawan District. The method in this study used a comparative descriptive method. Parameters observed in the field include surface rock and soil solum depth while parameters analyzed in the laboratory are content weight, fraction composition, permeability, total porosity, pH, DHL, number of microbes and C-organic content. Based on the overlay of land use map, rainfall map, slope map, and soil type map using geographic information system, 17 SLH were obtained. The results showed two classes of potential soil damage, namely the potential for mild soil damage in Bebetin Village, Suwug Village, Sekumpul Village with a distribution percentage of 64.7% and the potential for moderate damage in Sudaji Village, Giri Emas Village, Lemukih Village, Bebetin Village and Sekumpul Village with a distribution percentage of 29.4%. Soil damage status classified as light in Bebetin Village, Giri Emas Village, Lemukih Village, Sekumpul Village and Sudaji Village with a distribution percentage of 64.7%, no factors causing soil damage status were found so that it is classified as good. Lightly damaged soil status with limiting factors of permeability is found in Sudaji Village, Suwug Village and Lemukih Village with a distribution percentage of 29.4%. Lightly damaged soil status with limiting factors of content weight, pH, and permeability is found in Bungkulan Village with a distribution percentage of 5.8%. Recommendations for improvement are the addition of organic matter and soil management can be done by planting cover crops or by crop rotation.
Keywords— Potential For Land Damage, Status of Land Damage, Dry Land, Sawan District.

Abstract- Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is an agricultural method that does not require external inputs. This study, based on secondary data, analyses the number of farmers practicing natural farming and the land area under cultivation, as well as the prospects and challenges of ZBNF in Himachal Pradesh. The study reveals that Kangra district had the highest farmer adoption rate (22.33 per cent) under ZBNF, while Lahaul-Spiti had the lowest (0.46 per cent). Mandi had the largest area under ZBNF (24.61 per cent), and Lahaul-Spiti the smallest (0.71 per cent) from 2018-19 to 2022-23. The percentage growth rate of area under ZBNF was observed to be 156.20 per cent, and for the number of farmers, it was 1069.58 per cent from 2018-19 to 2022-23, indicating overall increases in both farmers’ adoption and area expansion for ZBNF practices. A high positive correlation of 0.9681 has been found between the number of farmers and the area under ZBNF. The study underscores the need to target more farmers and expand the cultivation area under ZBNF, as it is crucial for protecting soil fertility, providing healthy and chemical-free food. Therefore, the government and stakeholders should promote ZBNF and offer technical knowledge on best practices.
Keywords— Natural Farming, ZBNF, Sustainable Agriculture, Pillars of ZBNF, Pest Management in ZBNF

Abstract- Hybrid rice is the primary cereal crop in Southern China, playing a crucial role in national food security. With a yield advantage of 15–20% over inbred varieties, agronomic practices. Planting density including inter-plant spacing and the number of transplanted plants per hill has a fundamental effect on rice production. However, the impact of transplanting plant numbers per hill on the expression of hybrid vigor remains unclear. This study evaluates the effects of different transplanting densities under sparse planting conditions on key physiological and yield-related traits in hybrid rice, its paternal lines, and inbred varieties. Results indicate that transplanting plant numbers per hill significantly influence heterosis, affecting key traits such as better-parent heterosis (BPH), plant height (PH), spikelets per panicle (SPP), seed setting rate (SSR), harvest index (HI), and overall yield. The optimal transplanting density for maximizing yield was 1–2 plants per hill for hybrid rice and 3–4 plants per hill for inbred varieties. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for breeding, high-yield cultivation, and the mechanized adoption of hybrid rice.
Keywords— hybrid rice; heterosis; yield traits; transplanting density; restorer lines.

Abstract- Irish potato is the only tuber crop grown by farmers in Lesotho, particularly in the foothills where environment is conducive for its growth and high yield. Potato seeds are imported from South Africa without verifying for authenticity, fraudulence and intellectual property rights. The objectives of the study were to: (i) estimate genetic distance among potato cultivars using morphological markers, (ii) determine discriminatory power of morphological markers in distinguishing potato cultivars. The study was conducted at National University of Lesotho experimental farm, Roma. Experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. Treatments were cultivars; Mondial, Panamera, Taurus, Tyger, Tyson, Valor, Avalanche and Innovator. Data on 21 markers were collected using potato descriptor, thereafter analyzed using Genstat (Version 17) to perform cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Results of cluster analysis revealed variability among potato cultivars. Cultivars constituted 1 major group, which in turn divided into two sub-group. Two sub-groups further sub-divided three times forming sub-subgroups and outliers. First six principal components contributed 97% of variation among cultivars. Characters with high discriminatory power were marketable tubers, root fresh weight, tuber fresh weight, number of main stems, leaf dry weight, leaf fresh weight and total yield. In conclusion, cluster analysis has group cultivars according to their similarities and principal component analysis revealed characters with high discriminatory power.
Keywords— Cluster Analysis; Genetic Diversity; Principal Component Analysis; Solanum Tuberosum L.

Abstract- Ageratum conyzoides, commonly known as billygoat weed or goatweed, poses a significant threat to agricultural ecosystems, negatively impacting crop productivity and biodiversity. Due to environmental concerns associated with conventional control methods, this comprehensive review critically examines the current state of biological control strategies for A. conyzoides. The study explores three major categories of biological control agents: insects such as the Ageratum gall fly (Procecidochares utilis) and the Ageratum stem-boring weevil (Listronotus setosipennis), which disrupt weed growth through gall induction and stem boring, respectively; fungal pathogens that induce diseases compromising weed vigor; and herbivorous livestock, particularly controlled grazing by goats and sheep, as a natural means of suppression. The review evaluates the efficacy of these agents while considering key environmental factors such as climate and soil characteristics. Special emphasis is placed on minimizing non-target effects through host specificity assessments and optimizing biocontrol implementation strategies. Additionally, challenges including the potential development of resistance in A. conyzoides, the necessity of integrating multiple control measures, and existing knowledge gaps are discussed. This study underscores the importance of continued research and the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) approaches to achieve sustainable and ecologically sound weed control. In conclusion, this review provides valuable insights into eco-friendly weed management practices, contributing to sustainable agricultural production and biodiversity conservation.
Keywords— Ageratum conyzoides, biological control, weed management, insect pests, pathogens, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation.

Abstract- To optimize sowing time, spacing and topping schedule for quality mesta seed production, an experiment with three dates of sowing [21st May (D1), 5th June (D2) and 21st June (D3)], three spacing treatments [30 x 10 cm (S1), 45 x 10 cm (S2) and 60 x 10 cm (S3)] and two topping schedules [30 DAS (T1) and 45 DAS (T2)] were laid out in split-split-plot arrangements with three replications. Different yield attributing characters and seed yield of roselle was significantly influenced by date of sowing and spacing arrangements.
It was observed that sowing dates influenced different growth parameters as well as yield significantly. D2 sown crop recorded maximum seed yield (6.4q ha-1) and statistically at par with D3 (6.17q ha-1).Similarly spacing arrangements also had a significant impact seed yield of roselle, with highest seed yield of 6.4q ha-1 obtained under 45×10 cm spacing followed by 60×10 cm spacing (6.28q ha-1).Topping done at 45 DAS resulted in 5.3% higher yield than that of 30 DAS. Yield attributing characters were not significantly influenced by topping schedules. Maximum net return of above Rs 27,000/ha was obtained, when the crop was sown on 5th June, with 45cmX10cm spacing and topping scheduled on 45 DAS with a B:C ratio of 1.76.Hence, it can be suggested that, sowing of mesta (roselle) during 1st week of June to third week of June with 45 x 10 cm and topping at 45 DAS should be recommended to harvest maximum quantity seeds in east and south eastern coastal plain zone of Odisha.
Keywords— Roselle, topping, seed yield, sowing time, spacing.

Abstract- Environmental sustainability is a key component of resilient agricultural systems, particularly in integrated dairy-based farming where livestock interacts closely with the ecosystem. This study assesses environmental sustainability through nine indicators: animal health, housing conditions, calf raising, use of dung, water management, drought preparedness, disposal of packaging, urine management, and animal carcass disposal. Based on responses from 100 dairy farmers, findings show that while indicators such as animal health and dung use scored high, weaknesses were noted in drought preparedness, water management, and waste disposal. The Environmental Sustainability Index (EnSI) for the farms ranged from 0.22 to 0.84, with the majority categorized as moderately sustainable. These results underline the importance of targeted interventions to enhance sustainability in dairy-based systems.
Keywords— Environmental sustainability, Indicators, Dairy farming, Kumaon, Uttarakhand.

Abstract- During the ginning of seed cotton, the seeds can be broken and mixed into the fibers. The number of seed coat particles passing into the fibers and the amount of neps caused by the seed coat is an important factor that negatively affects the yarn quality and creates problems in dyeing. In this study, 200 different cotton genotypes were evaluated in terms of 100-seed weight, seed coat ratio, seed coat thickness and seed coat resistibility. As a result of the study, it was determined that 100-seed weights of genotypes varied between 7.23 - 15.43 g, seed coat ratios between 15.53 - 38.27%, seed coat thickness between 0.41 - 1.00 mm and seed coat resistibility between 41.07 - 107.21 newton. TxNo:142 genotype had the highest seed coat resistibility. In addition, it was determined that there was a positive and significant relationship between seed coat resistibility and 100-seed weight. In principal components analysis, two out of 4 principal components were selected with Eigen value >1. The two principal components contributed 59.3% towards variability. In cluster analysis, 200 genotypes were allocated in five clusters. Cluster II was the largest by having 90 genotypes while cluster V, cluster III, cluster I and cluster IV having 54, 28, 20 and 8 genotypes, respectively.
Keywords— Cotton, seed traits, seed coat.

Abstract- The widespread use of agrochemicals, including fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and plant growth regulators, has greatly enhanced agricultural productivity worldwide. However, their long-term impact on human health and the environment has become a major concern. This paper investigates the health risks associated with agrochemical exposure, such as neurological disorders, cancer, endocrine disruptions, and cardiovascular diseases. It also explores exposure pathways, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification. Case studies, including the Endosulfan tragedy in India and the link between glyphosate and cancer risk, underscore the urgent need for stricter regulations and safer farming practices. The study highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture, organic alternatives, and increased awareness among farmers and consumers to reduce health risks while ensuring food security.
Keywords— Agrochemicals, Pesticide exposure, Human health risks, Bioaccumulation, Sustainable agriculture.

Abstract- This study investigates the effect of varying levels of macro nutrients on the growth and development of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two varieties: Sindhi and English spinach. Conducted during 2024, the experiment utilized a total of six nutrient combinations, including control, NPK (3g/L, 4g/L, 5g/L), and Calcium Nitrate (1g/L), applied to two per pot across replicated treatments. Parameters such as seed germination percentage, germination index, plant height, leaf metrics, root characteristics, and chlorophyll content were assessed. Results indicated a significant enhancement in growth metrics with NPK (3g/L) plus Calcium Nitrate (1g/L), particularly for Sindhi spinach, where it exhibited a germination rate of 95.16% and an increase in chlorophyll to 64.86. Conversely, higher concentrations of NPK negatively affected germination and growth in both varieties, suggesting that balanced nutrient application is crucial for optimal spinach development. This investigation underscores the importance of macro nutrients in enhancing spinach yield, contributing valuable insights for growers aiming to maximize crop productivity.
Keywords— Spinach, Macro Nutrients, growth, Development.

Abstract- A field experiment was conducted in Kharif season of 2024–2025 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Himalayan University, Jollang, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam and loamy sandy in texture with pH ranges from 4 to 6. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments each replicated thrice three. The treatments which are T1: Control, T2: Sulphur level 40kg/ha + Goat Manure 14 ton/ha.+ intercropping (2:1), T3: Sulphur level 40kg/ha + Goat Manure 14 ton/ha. +intercropping (2:2), T4: Sulphur level 40kg/ha.+ Goat Manure 15 ton/ha.+ Intercropping (2:1), T5: Sulphur level 40kg/ha. + Goat Manure 15 ton/ha + intercropping (2:2), T6: Sulphur level 40kg/ha + Goat Manure 16 ton/ha + intercropping (2:1), T7: Sulphur level 40kg/ha. + Goat Manure 16 ton/ha.+ Intercropping (2:2). The results showed maximum morphological of plant height (103cm), number of branches (7.90), dry weight (19.40) were recorded significantly higher in the treatment T7 which is Sulphur level 40kg/ha. + Goat Manure 16 ton/ha.+Intercropping (2:2).The Physiological and yield attributes the maximum number of capsule/plant (81.00), capsule length (3cm), seeds/capsule (78.53), test weight (3.37g), seed yield (0.46t/ha), biological yield (0.398t/ha), harvest index (1.01%) were recorded in the treatment T7 as compared to all other treatments.
Keywords— Sesame, Sulphur, Goat manure, Intercropping, Morph-physiological traits and yield.

Abstract- A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Farm, Himalayan University, Jollang, to investigate the Impact of Vermicompost and Intercropping on the Morphophysiological and Yield Performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).
The study was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments replicated thrice. Sesame variety INDO US-5 and green gram variety KANIKA were evaluated at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS). Among the treatments, T7 (100% RDF + Vermicompost 6 t/ha + Intercropping 2:2) consistently recorded superior results in terms of plant height (84.3 cm), number of leaves (67.6), number of branches (5.0), were observed during 60–90 DAS in T7. Moreover, T7 showed significant improvement in yield attributes such as capsule number (45.6), seed per capsule (38.6), capsule length (3.6 cm), test weight (3.7 g), biological yield (1.22 t/ha), and economic yield (0.46 t/ha). The highest harvest index (37.50%), were also recorded in T7. These results highlight the potential of integrated nutrient management and intercropping in enhancing sesame productivity and profitability.
Keywords— Sesame, Vermicompost, Intercropping, Organic manure, physiological traits, Agronomic traits.

Abstract- This study explores the impact of combining farmyard manure (FYM) with legume intercropping on sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) yield, and economics under rainfed conditions in Arunachal Pradesh. The experiment included 7 treatments that is T1 (control), T2 (FYM6t +Intercropping 2:1), T3 (FYM6t+intercropping 2:2), T4 (FYM7t+Intercropping 2:1), T5 (FYM7t +Intercropping 2:2), T6 (FYM8t + Intercropping 2:1) and T7 (FYM 8t +, Intercropping 2:2). The layout used was Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications. Results showed that FYM at 8 t/ha with a 2:1 sesame-to-black gram intercropping pattern (T6) recorded highest yield attributes of number of capsule per plant (33.00), number of seed per capsule (25.33), capsule length (3.07 cm), test weight (2.90 g), seed yield (0.39t/ha), straw yield (1.29t/ha) and harvest index (22.57%) as compared to all other treatments. It was also observed that the treatment T6 (FYM8t + Intercropping 2:1) recorded highest cost of cultivation (₹33,000), gross return (₹117,000), net returns (₹84,000/ha), and B.C ratio (3.55) as compared to all other treatments.
This study confirms that integrating FYM and legume intercropping improves sesame performance while supporting ecological sustainability.
Keywords— Sesame, Farmyard Manure, Intercropping, Rainfed Agriculture, Yield, cost of cultivation, gross return, net return and B.C ratio.

Abstract- A field experiment was conducted in Kharif season of 2024–2025 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Himalayan University, Jollang, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam and loamy sandy in texture with pH ranges from 4 to 6. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments each replicated thrice three. The treatments which are T1: Control, T2:Bone meal at 70 kg/ha.+ intercropping (2:1), T3: Bone meal at 70 kg/ha. +intercropping (2:2), T4: Bone meal at 70 kg/ha.+ Intercropping (2:1), T5: Bone meal at 70 kg/ha. + intercropping (2:2), T6: Bone meal at 70 kg/ha.+ intercropping (2:1), T7: Bone meal at 70 kg/ha.+ Intercropping (2:2). The results showed maximum productivity of were recorded significantly higher in the treatment T7 which is Bone meal at 70 kg/ha.+Intercropping (2:2), number of capsule/plant (.33.67), capsule length (3.5cm) , seeds/capsule (78), test weight (3.2g), economic yield (0.3 t/ha), biological yield (2 t/ha), but in harvest index T1: Control has shown maximum result i.e., (19.19) and maximum quality of oil content in sesame (6.35%) and in protein content (35.06%) were recorded in the treatment T7 as compared to all the other treatments.
Keywords— Bone meal, Intercropping, Sesame, Yield and quality.

Abstract- A field experiment entitled ―Effect of Soil and Foliar application of micronutrients on Yield parameters of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) (K-6) in Red Sandy Loamy Soils was conducted during rabi’2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) and replicated thrice with ten treatments. The treatments consisted of T1(Control), T2(RDF + FYM@ 10 t ha-1), T3 (RDF+ soil application of ZnSO4@ 16 kg ha-1 as a basal), T4(RDF + soil application of FeSO4@ 10 kg ha-1 as a basal), T5(RDF + soil application of borax @ 10 kg ha-1asabasal),T6 (RDF + soil application of ZnSO4@ 16kgha-1 + FeSO4@ 10kgha-1+ borax @ 10 kg ha-1 as a basal),T7FoliarApplication ofZnSO4@0.2 % at 30DAS and 60 DAS, T8 Foliar application ofFeSO4@0.5% at30and 60 DAS, T9 Foliar application of borax @0.25 % at 30and 60 DAS,T10Foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.2 % + FeSO4 @ 0.5 % + borax @0.25% at 30 and 60 DAS. The results indicated that application of each and combined micronutrients through soil methods significantly influenced the Yield parameters and quality parameters of groundnut crop. The yield Parameters and yield viz. number of pods plant-1(12.93), pod yield (2506 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (3339 kg ha-1) of groundnut were recorded with application of RDF + FYM @10 t ha-1 and found significant over control (T1). From the findings it can be concluded that Application of FYM and combined soil application of all micronutrients followed by individual micronutrient application alone found better than foliar application of each micronutrient alone. The highest Yield parameters were obtained with the combined soil application of all micronutrients.
Keywords— FYM, Micro Nutrients, Foliar Application, Yield Parameters.

Abstract- The study was conducted to know trends in growth rate of area, production and productivity of sugarcane in India and performance of sugarcane crop production of Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The study was based on secondary source of data. Simple statistical tools like compound annual growth rate, percentage methods were used in this study. The study reveals that compound annual growth rate in case of area, production and Productivity showing a positive sign. The compound annual growth rate in area, production and productivity in India is reported an increase of 0.80 percent, 1.73 percent, and 0.92 percent. The compound annual growth rate in area, production and productivity in Uttar Pradesh is reported an increase of 0.43 percent, 1.51 percent, and 1.06 percent, respectively. The compound annual growth rate in area, production and productivity in Kushinagar district is reported that -0.15 percent, 2.72 percent, and 2.87 percent, respectively. The area and production of crop is showing a fluctuating trend because there are many factors which is responsible sugarcane cultivation like monsoon conditions, government price polices etc.
Keywords— Trends, Compound annual growth rate, Production, Productivity, Sugarcane.

Abstract- Healthy soil is the crucial factor required to meet the global demands for food and fibre for the burgoining population. However, global food security is threatened by climate change impacts. Climate change, variability, and mismanagement or misuse of resources lead to soil degradation and vulnerability. Hence, sustainable soil management aims for the services of soil to be maintained without significantly impairing the soil functions that enable those services or biodiversity. Sequestering higher carbon in soils will help the soil increase its resilience to climate change in the long run. Therefore, every step towards sustainable soil health management in the climate change scenario should focus on soil carbon sequestration. The soils under different land use systems have various carbon sequestration potential. Adoption of the best management practices like conservation tillage (minimum, zero/no-till), balanced fertilization, green mulching, crop residue management, cover cropping, organic manures and in-situ soil and moisture conservation measures in agricultural lands can improve the carbon sequestration potential. The amount of carbon stored in forest soils is often greater than aboveground in living and dead plant biomass. Managing forests to optimize carbon sequestration is also essential to increase the carbon in forest soils. Carbon sequestration is the global mission achieving this is possible only through local vision involving the farmers, researchers and common public as agricultural/ forest soils and trees have the tremendous potential to sequester atmospheric carbon. Focus on soil health management to mitigate the climate change impacts is indispensable to have a sustainable ecosystem with high biodiversity.
Keywords— climate change, soil health, soil degradation, soil carbon sequestration, sustainable soil management, land use systems, soil organic carbon, carbon loss, conservation tillage.

Abstract- The major purpose of this study is to determine the abundance golden apple snail in rice duck pig farming system. Weekly mean abundance of golden apple snail on the rice field fluctuates during the first four weeks of the experiment, gradually decreased during the succeeding weeks until the final week of the experiment. The graphical representation of each weekly mean per treatment shows the obvious decreasing significance of the golden apple snail in the rice field. Stocking densities of ducks decreased every week starting from week 4 of the experiment. The cause is not clear, but the weather can be considered as one of its causal factors since the experiment was done during rainy season. However, even if the stocking densities of ducks decreased, the abundance of golden apple snail decreased during the final weeks. The presence of duck in the rice field is effective in minimizing the abundance of golden apple snail. Distributed ducks in the rice field fed on the golden apple snails that are present in the soil which resulted to the decrease and elimination of the snails. Through this event, the field doesn’t need the application of any type of insecticides because the pests were reduced.
Keywords— Golden Apple Snail, Rice-Duck-Pig Farming System, Stocking Density.

Abstract- Corncob is a readily available agricultural byproduct, is often underutilized despite its abundance and potential in animal nutrition. This study evaluates the effect of solid-state fermentation on the nutritional composition of corncob to enhance its value as a feed ingredient, particularly for monogastric animals such as poultry and swine. Results indicated that fermentation markedly reduced crude fiber and anti-nutritional factors like phytates, improving digestibility and phosphorus bioavailability. These enhancements indicates that fermented corncob could be an alternative feed resource to conventional feed stuffs, contributing to sustainable livestock production, reduced feed costs, and better utilization of agro-industrial waste. Its incorporation into animal diets aligns with circular agriculture practices and supports resource-efficient feed development. However, the analysis also resulted in reductions in crude protein, fat, and ash content, while calcium levels remained low before and after fermentation, indicating the need for either improved fermentation methods or dietary supplementation to ensure balanced nutrition.
Keywords— Agricultural byproducts, Digestibility, Fermentation, Nutrient composition, Sustainability.

Abstract- The field experiment was carried out during Kharif, 2024 at Instructional FarmB1 Block (Agronomy), Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur. The experiment laid out under Factorial RBD design with three replications. The two factors were soil and foliar application of zinc sulphate heptahydrate. Soil application of zinc sulphate included 4 levels i.e. control, 6.25 kgha-1, 12.5 kg ha-1 and 25 kgha-1 and 4 levels of foliar application i.e. control ,0.25% ZnSO4.7H2O, 0.50% ZnSO4. 7H2O and 0.75% ZnSO4.7H2O. The major challenge of was that how supply the balance diet to rural people and mitigate the problem of micronutrient deficiency in soil. Soil and foliar utilization of zinc increased significantly yield and Yield Attributes but the harvest index was found non-significant. The Protein content and chlorophyll content also increased significantly. The highest values were found with soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4.7H2O and foliar application of 0.75% ZnSO4.7H2O which was further at par with 12.5 kg ZnSO4.7H2O and 0.5% ZnSO4.7H2O respectively. Judicious soil and foliar application of zinc increase the Zinc status in soil as well as in grain of maize.
Keywords— Maize (Zea mays L.), Soil and foliar application, Yield attributes, Zinc sulphate, Quality parameters.