Volume-12, Issue-5, May 2026

Abstract

This study examined fertilizer application practices and their association with nutrient concentrations in irrigation water of the Mahayahay–Kitcharao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (KSRIP) in Agusan del Norte, Philippines, during the dry season. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) levels were assessed across upstream, midstream, and downstream locations using a descriptive-comparative design integrating survey data from 64 rice farmers and laboratory water analysis. Survey results showed 78.1% of farmers were ≥50 years old (mean 56.4 years), with average farming experience of 22.3 years; 79.7% were tenants, and 93.8% used only inorganic fertilizers, applied twice per season via broadcast method. Laboratory analysis revealed N concentrations of 0.0075 mg/L (upstream and midstream) and 0.3317 mg/L (downstream). P ranged from 0.1567 to 0.2800 mg/L, and K from 0.7833 to 0.8167 mg/L. Kruskal–Wallis tests showed no significant differences in N, P, or K among sites (p>0.05). All N and P values were within DENR allowable limits for irrigation water (N: 14 mg/L; P: 1 mg/L). Potassium has no established regulatory standard. Despite intensive uniform fertilizer use, dry-season nutrient concentrations remained within regulatory thresholds without significant spatial variation. Continued monitoring and improved fertilizer management are recommended.

Keywords: irrigation water quality, nutrient accumulation, rice farming practices, fertilizer management, agricultural sustainability

References

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-015-0327-1

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Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season (November-April) of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the instructional farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, aimed at evaluating the effects of plant geometry and split nitrogen management on the economic performance of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.). The experimental setup employed a split-plot design with three main plot treatments for plant geometry and five sub-plot treatments for split nitrogen management, with each treatment replicated three times. The main plot treatments included three planting densities and sub-plot treatments contained five different split nitrogen management regimes. Results indicated that among the plant geometry treatments, the PG3 (40 x 20 cm spacing with 125,000 plants ha⁻¹) resulted in the highest cost of cultivation (78,081.49 and 80,865.09 Rs. ha⁻¹), but also achieved the highest gross returns (226,267.9 and 221,563.1 Rs. ha⁻¹), net returns (148,186.38 and 140,998.04 Rs. ha⁻¹), and benefit-cost ratios (2.90 and 2.75) over both years. In contrast, PG1 (60 x 30 cm spacing, 55,555 plants ha⁻¹) showed the lowest economic values, with a cost of cultivation of 73,681.49 and 76,165.09 Rs. ha⁻¹, gross returns of 145,736.7 and 143,451.8 Rs. ha⁻¹, net returns of 72,055.18 and 67,286.66 Rs. ha⁻¹, and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.98 and 1.88 during both years of experimentation. For nitrogen management, the SN5 treatment (10% at basal, 20% at V8, 40% at VT, and 30% at R1) led to significantly higher economic returns, recording gross returns of 193,258.8 and 187,730.6 Rs. ha⁻¹, net returns of 116,961.9 and 108,936.2 Rs. ha⁻¹, and benefit-cost ratios of 2.54 and 2.37. Conversely, the conventional nitrogen management (SN1) yielded the lowest economic outcomes, with gross returns of 173,216.5 and 169,693.3 Rs. ha⁻¹, net returns of 100,329.6 and 94,378.91 Rs. ha⁻¹, and benefit-cost ratios of 2.31 and 2.22 across both years. The study shows that cultivating Quality Protein Maize (QPM) with the VL QPM Hybrid 59, using a dense planting geometry of 40 x 20 cm (125,000 plants ha⁻¹), significantly enhances economic returns for farmers in North Bengal. This setup optimizes land use and productivity. Additionally, a strategic split nitrogen application (10% basal, 20% at V8, 40% at VT, and 30% at R1) aligns nitrogen availability with key growth stages, promoting optimal growth and yield. Together, these practices present an effective agronomic strategy to improve the profitability of maize farming in the region.

Keywords: quality protein maize, plant geometry, split nitrogen application, economics.

References

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Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel, a byproduct of juice extraction, is rich in phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of these bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel extract (PPE). It also evaluated PPE's efficacy in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in a high-unsaturated-lipid system. Total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH scavenging activity (DPPH•-SA) were used as indicators of antioxidant potential. Extraction was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken Design (BBD) to assess the effects of temperature, time, and ethanol concentration. The optimal conditions were set at 65°C for 60 min using 70% ethanol, yielding a TPC = 231.8 mg GAE/g dry weight. The DPPH•-SA of PPE was 91.8%, with an IC₅₀ = 16.92 µg/mL. The antioxidant performance of PPE was validated in refined, bleached, deionized sunflower oil (SFO) using the Rancimat assay. PPE at 250 µg/g extended the SFO induction period from 8.32 to 15.90 h. This resulted in a Relative Stability Index = 1.91 and a Free Radical Scavenging = 91.11%. These findings demonstrate that PPE's antioxidant activity is comparable to synthetic antioxidants like TBHQ and BHT. This makes it a sustainable alternative to synthetic antioxidants and a valuable option for food and healthcare applications.

Keywords: Pomegranate peel extract, Agro-industrial waste, Valorization, Polyphenols, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Sustainable food preservation.

References

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Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Anini, Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, to evaluate the effect of different levels of neem-coated urea (NCU) on productivity of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) cv. VL Mandua 379. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with seven treatments and three replications. Data were analysed via analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment effects were evaluated at 5% level of significance. Application of NCU significantly influenced all yield parameters. The treatment T₂ (100% NCU) recorded superior performance in yield attributes, including number of seeds per finger (428) [F(6,12) = 4.80, p < 0.05], test weight (3.20 g), finger weight (7.77 g) and finger length (9.77 cm). Similarly, biological yield (7.37 t ha-¹) and economical yield (2.85 t ha-¹) were significantly higher under T₂ compared to other treatments. Harvest index also differed significantly among treatments [F(6,12) = 19.77, p < 0.001]. In conclusion, using 100% neem-coated urea increases yield, economical quality and profitability of finger millet. Such a result advocated the use of NCU as a means to improve nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture, although more multi-location testing is desirable.

Keywords: Finger millet, Neem-coated urea, yield.

References

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