Browsing by Author "Raghavendra Singh"

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Change in malnutrition among under-5 children in Mali: a comparative analysis of 2012–13 and 2018 and exploration of determinants
(Springer Nature, 2024) Kamalesh Kumar Patel; Jang Bahadur Prasad; Raghavendra Singh; Mukesh Kumar
Backgrounds: Malnutrition is a severe problem in Africa and South East Asia. Mali is one of the countries where 0–59-month-old children suffer from acute malnutrition. Hence, to monitor the health and health services, this study is aimed at identifying the change in malnutrition in under-5 children and its determinants. Materials and methods: Recent two rounds of data for Mali country were extracted from the demographic and health surveys (DHS) website (https://dhsprogram.com/data/) to study the change in nutritional status and determinants. Both round data were analyzed by using bi-variate, z-test, and binary logistic regression techniques. Results: In Mali, stunting, wasting, and underweight children were found to be 26.7%, 8.9%, and 18.5%, respectively. In addition, significant change in socio-demographic and health predictors was seen in stunting and underweight from 2012–13 to 2018. Change in the prevalence of wasting was significant in all groups of selected predictors except in the group of size and weight at birth. The education level of the mother, institutional delivery, antenatal care, mother’s anemia, tetanus injection, birth interval, mother’s body mass index (BMI), currently breastfeeding, type of residence, toilet facility, and wealth index were significantly associated with chronic malnutrition. Conclusion: Mother and social factors were the major cause of malnutrition in the country. Hence, there is a need a policy actions with a better monitoring system for improving accessibility and availability of health services at different social classes and economic levels. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.
Conservation tillage and organic nutrients management improve soil properties, productivity, and economics of a maize-vegetable pea system in the Eastern Himalayas
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2021) Raghavendra Singh; Subhash Babu; Ravi Kant Avasthe; Ram Swaroop Meena; Gulab Singh Yadav; Anup Das; Kamal Prasad Mohapatra; Sanjay Singh Rathore; Amit Kumar; Chandu Singh
Soil quality restoration and sustainable crop production in the rainfed ecosystem of the Indian Himalayas can be achieved through effective conservation tillage and organic management. Hence, a six-year (2013 to 2019) study was conducted to quantify the effect of tillage and organic nutrient management on soil properties, productivity, and profitability of the maize-vegetable pea (Pisum sativum) system. Three tillage practices [conventional (CT), reduced (RT), and no-till (NT)] and four organic nutrients management practices [(ONM)-farmyard manure @ 8 Mg ha−1 farmers practice (ONM1), 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through manures (ONM2), 75% RDN through manures + maize/vegetable pea stover in either of the crops (ONM3), and 50% RDN through manures + maize/vegetable pea stover in either of the crops (ONM4)] were tested. The results indicated that the NT had higher soil organic carbon (SOC, 16.49 g kg−1), available N (354.5 kg ha−1), and lesser bulk density (1.31 Mg m−3) and penetration resistance (1.85 MPa) in comparison with that of CT at 0–10 cm depth. The system productivity under NT was 9.6% higher than that obtained under CT. The ONM3 had higher SOC content, plant-available N, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) than ONM1. The integration of RT-ONM2 enhanced SMBC, DHA, maize, and vegetable pea yield by 27.2%, 35.7%, 38.0%, and 60.3%, respectively, over CT-ONM1. Thus, the study suggested that the adoption of effective conservation tillage with adequate organic nutrient management has the potential to advance the soil properties and productivity of maize-vegetable pea system in the Himalayan Region. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of cultivars and weed management practices on weeds, productivity and profitability in zero-till direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa)
(Indian Council of Agricultural Research, 2019) Animesh Singh; Yashwant Singh; Raghavendra Singh; Pravin Kumar Upadhyay; Rakesh Kumar; Rajiv Kumar Singh
A field study was carried out during the two consecutive kharif seasons of 2012 and 2013 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, to evaluate the effect of cultivars and weed management practices on weed dynamics, yield attributes, yields and economics in zero-till direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). The dominant weed flora were Echinocloa colona, Echinocloa crus-galli, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus iria, Caesulia auxillaries and Eclipta alba. Among rice cultivars, Arize-6129 had minimum weed density (425.9 and 480.1/m) and dry weight (76.7 and 86.4 g/m 2 ), and maximum of grain yield (4.29 and 4.12 t/ha) during both the years, respectively. Among the weed management practices, application of bispyribac sodium + azimsulfuron (25 g +35 g/ha) + 0.25% NIS (post-emergence) at 15-20 DAS proved to be most effective in minimizing the weed density, weed dry weight and increased rice grain yield (4.33 and 4.16 t/ha, respectively). Arize-6129 produced maximum net returns (`40402 and 37804/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.61 and 1.51) and economic efficiency (`316 and 298/ha day), respectively during both the years. Among weed management practices, application of bispyribac sodium + azimsulfuron (25 g +35 g/ha) + NIS (0.25%) was the most economical and efficient. © 2019 Indian Council of Agricultural Research. All Rights Reserved.
Effect of fertility levels and bioinoculants on growth, productivity and economics of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)
(Indian Council of Agricultural Research, 2014) Animese Singh; N.L. Jat; Raghavendra Singh; Suresh Pal; Amitesh Kumar Singh; B.A. Gudade
A field experiment was conducted at research farm of SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan to assess the effect of fertility and bioinoculants on growth, yield and economics of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.). The results revealed that application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer along with Rhizobium inoculation recorded higher growth (plant height, branches/ plant, dry matter accumulation/plant and nodules/plant); yield attributes (pods/plant, seeds/pod and 1000-seed weight) seed and stover yields, gross returns (25.05 × 103 Rs./ha), net returns (13.63 × 103 Rs./ha) and B:C ratio (1.19) as compared to control and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) inoculation and remained at par with all other treatment combination. So, it was concluded that use of 75% RDF along with Rhizobium may be recommended for obtaining the higher yield of Cluster bean in the region.
Effect of fertility levels and bioinoculants on productivity, profitability, quality and nutrient acquisition of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)
(Indian Society of Agronomy, 2014) Animesh Singh; N.L. Jat; Raghavendra Singh; Suresh Pal
A field experiment conducted during the rainy (kharif) season 2008 at Jobner, Rajasthan, to evaluate that effect of fertility and bioinoculants on productivity, nutrient uptake and quality of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.]. The application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer along with seed inoculation with Rhizobium significantly resulted in more number of effective nodules/plant (19.4), nodules dry weight/plant (17.8 mg), clusters/ plant (17.5), seed (1.10 t/ha) and stover yield (2.99 t/ha) and profitability over seed inoculation of PSB, Rhizobium and control. Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by seed and stover were also significantly higher with 75% recommended dose of fertilizer along with Rhizobium over PSB, Rhizobium and control. Significantly higher protein content (27.81%) was recorded with application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer along with Rhizobium over PSB, Rhizobium and control. Gum content (29.20%) was also higher with application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer along with Rhizobium. © 2014, Indian Society of Agronomy. All rights reserved.
Effect of graded fertility levels and silicon sources on crop yield, uptake and nutrient-use efficiency in rice (Oryza sativa)
(2006) P.C. Sudhakar; J.P. Singh; Yogeshwar Singh; Raghavendra Singh
A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2001 and 2002 on sandy clay-loam soil (Ustochrept), to assess the influence of graded fertility levels and silicon sources on yield and nutrient uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L.). Graded fertility levels up to 160-80-80-32-0.75 kg N-P 2O5-K2O-S-Zn-EDTA/ha significantly increased grain and straw yields of rice. Similarly, all the yield-attributing characters were also significantly increased up to same (F3) fertility level but it remained at par with F4 fertility (200-100-100-40-1.0 kg/ha) level. On the other hand, the highest nutrient uptake was associated with the highest fertility level of 200-100-100-40-1.00 kg N-P2O 5-K2O-S-Zn EDTA/ha. Among silicon sources, basic slag was superior to other sources as well as the control for yield and nutrients uptake.
Effect of level and time of silicon application on growth, yield and its uptake by rice (Oryza sativa)
(2006) Kalyan Singh; Raghavendra Singh; J.P. Singh; Yogeshwar Singh
A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 1999-2002 at the Varanasi to study the effect of silicon nutrition on growth, yield and silicon content as well as its uptake by 'Swarna' rice (Oryza sativa L.). Increasing level of Si up to 120 kg/ha significantly increased dry matter, flag leaf effectivity, yield attributes and yield of rice over its lower dose of 60 kg Si/ha except test-weight that improved up to 180 kg Si/ha. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents in grain and straw significantly increased due to Si application up to 180 kg Si / ha. While significant improvement in potassium and zinc concentrations were recorded up to 120 kg Si / ha. Si application relatively reduced Fe and Mn concentrations in the crop. Significant response from silicon application up to 180 kg / ha was found towards Si contents and its uptake at different growth stages as well as at harvest. Use of full quantity of Si as basal was superior to other Si application time with respect to growth, yield attributes, yield, nutrient uptake and benefit: cost ratio in rice.
Effect of organic nitrogen sources and biofertilizers on production potential and energy budgeting of rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems
(Indian Society of Agronomy, 2013) S.K. Yadav; Subhash Babu; Y. Singh; G.S. Yadav; Kalyan Singh; Raghavendra Singh; Harvir Singh
A field experiment was conducted during 2005-06 and 2006-07 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to find out the effect of organic nitrogen sources and biofertilizers on system productivity and energy budgeting of rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based cropping system. Rice-potato [Solanum tubersoum (L.)]-onion [Allium cepa (L.)] system recorded significantly higher production efficiency (97.5 kg/ha/day), land-utilization efficiency (91.4%), economic efficiency (738/ha/day), energy input (61.08×103MJ/ha) and energy output (187.09×103MJ/ha). The lowest (39.4 × 103MJ/ ha) energy intensiveness was recorded in rice-table pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense)-cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping system. However, the organic nutrition with biofertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria) had the highest rice-equivalent grain yield (35.3 t/ha), production efficiency (96.7kg/ha/ day), land utilization efficiency (89.8%), economic efficiency (803 ha/day) and energy-use efficiency (3.15) of system, followed by organic nitrogen sources alone (3.0). Recommended dose of N @100% through organic nitrogen sources alone was the next best treatment resulting in higher productivity and system efficiency. Rice-potato-onion cropping system was found most productive, profitable and energy efficient with application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through organic sources along with biofertilizers. © 2013, Indian Society of Agronomy. All rights reserved.
Effect of organic nutrient sources on yield, nutrient uptake and soil biological properties of rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping sequence
(2013) S.K. Yadav; Subhash Babu; Yogeshwar Singh; M.K. Yadav; G.S. Yadav; Suresh Pal; Raghavendra Singh; Kalyan Singh
A field experiment was carried out at Varanasi for two years (2005-2007) to study the effect of organic nutrient sources on yield, nutrient uptake and soil properties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) based cropping sequence. Seven rice-based cropping sequences viz. rice-potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)-onion (Allium cepa L); rice-green pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense)-onion; rice-potato-cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis); rice-green pea-cowpea; rice-rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)-onion; rice-rajmash-cowpea and rice-maize (Zea mays L.)-cowpea were assigned to main plots and three treatments of nitrogen application viz. control; organic manure; organic manure + biofertilizer were allotted to sub plots. Highest rice equivalent yield (35.57 t/ha), monetary net returns (268.7×103/ha), production efficiency (96.81 and 98.11 kg/ha/day) and irrigation efficiency (504.8 and 511.6 kg/ha-cm) were found under rice-potato-onion cropping sequence. Among the organic treatments, the highest rice equivalent yield (35.3 t/ha), production efficiency (95.7 and 97.8 kg/ha/day), irrigation efficiency (515.7 and 527.4 kg/ha-cm) and soil biological indictors like dehydrogenase activities, urease activities, soil microbial biomass carbon and soil microbial biomass nitrogen were obtained under organic nutrient management combined with biofertilizers.
Energy budget and carbon footprint in a no-till and mulch based rice–mustard cropping system
(Elsevier Ltd, 2018) Gulab Singh Yadav; Anup Das; Rattan Lal; Subhash Babu; Ram Swaroop Meena; Poulami Saha; Raghavendra Singh; Mrinmoy Datta
The increase in emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) due to anthropogenic perturbation in both the agricultural and natural eco-systems are degrading the environmental quality. Conventional tillage (CT) and residue burning/removal exacerbates the land degradation and GHG emission, and the impacts are much more in the upland ecosystem than valley lands. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the energy budget, and carbon footprint (CF) of no-till (NT) and mulches under the upland rice (Oryza sativa)–mustard (Brassica campestris var. toria) cropping system over CT based system to develop a clean production technology for improving the environmental quality and conservingnatural resources. The novelty of the study is that integrated effect of NT, diverse mulches and cropping system effect has been considered together as a conservation measure for sustainable and clean agricultural practice over those of CT based technologies. The experiment comprised of two tillage systems as the main-plot and four mulch types as the sub-plot treatments under a split-plot design. Two tillage systems included: 1. CT-RI: CT with 100% residue incorporation (RI), and 2. NT-RR: NT with 100% residue retention (RR). Four mulch types included: 1. rice straw mulch (SM), 2. green manure (GM) - Gliricidia sp. (a leguminous shrub) mulch, 3. brown manuring (BM) mulch [cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) grown as an intercrop and killed with a spray of 2, 4-D, 40 days after sowing (DAS)] and 4. no mulch (NM) control. The adoption of NT-RR significantly (p = 0.05) reduced the energy use (16,727 MJ/ha) and the cost of production (INR 54,271/ha, 1 US$ = 64.46 INR) compared with those under CT-RI (27,630 MJ/ha and INR 76,903/ha, respectively). Thus, NT-RR also increased the energy use efficiency (EUE), energy productivity (EP), net returns, and reduced CF of the system compared with those under CT-RI. Use of different mulches also increased the energy use efficiency, system productivity, and net returnscompared with those under NM. The total CO2-e emission (CF) was higher under CT-RI (2307 kg CO2-e/ha) as compared to those under NT-RR (2013 kg CO2-e/ha). The savings of fossil fuel from less number of tillage operations and also low emissions associated with energy consumed in manufacture, transport, repair and use of machines contributed to the lowest GWP under NT-RR. Thus, the study supports and recommended that the NT-RR with BM is an environmentally safe and clean production technology for enhancing the energy use efficiency, reducing the CF and cost of production of direct-seeded upland rice-mustard cropping system in India and similar agro-eco-regions elsewhere in the rice based cropping system in the world. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
Growth, yield and economics of rice (Oryza sativa) as influenced by level and time of silicon application
(2005) A.K. Singh; Raghavendra Singh; Kalyan Singh
A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 1999 and 2000 at Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Banaras Hindu Univeristy, Varansi, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of level and time of silicon application on growth, yield and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Different silicon levels led to significant increase in plant height, dry-matter production, panicles/m2, filled grains/panicle, test weight and yield of rice. The maximum grain yield (6,588 kg/ha) was recorded with highest level of silicon, i.e. 180 kg Si/ha. However, the maximum response was observed at 127 kg Si/ha and thereafter decreased with increase in silicon level. Highest net returns and benefit: cost ratio were recorded when silicon was applied @ 120 kg Si/ha full as basal. The apparent silicon recovery and agronomic efficiency were higher at the lowest silicon level (60 kg Si/ha) and decreased with increasing silicon levels. However, the highest nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and silicon uptake was associated with 180 kg Si/ha. Among the application time, full basal application of silicon at the time of transplanting significantly increased the growth, yield attributes, yield and uptake of nutrients compared with the other time of silicon application.
Impact of no-till and mulching on soil carbon sequestration under rice (Oryza sativa L.)-rapeseed (Brassica campestris L. var. rapeseed) cropping system in hilly agro-ecosystem of the Eastern Himalayas, India
(Elsevier B.V., 2019) Gulab Singh Yadav; Anup Das; Rattan Lal; Subhash Babu; Mrinmoy Datta; Ram Swaroop Meena; Somanagouda B. Patil; Raghavendra Singh
Decline in soil organic carbon (SOC) and low biomass production in sloping uplands are of growing concern for sustainable agriculture worldwide. This concern is in general in the Eastern Himalayan regions (EHR) of India in particular. A field experiment was conducted with the objectives to generate additional biomass and sequester more C in coarse-textured sloping lands. This experiment is done for four consecutive years in the EHR, India. The rice (Oryza sativa L.)–rapeseed (Brassica campestris L. var. rapeseed) cropping system was practiced during the first two years (2012-13 to 2013-14) and rice–rapeseed–cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) system during the two following years (2014-15 to 2015-16) of the study under different tillage and mulch systems. The tillage system included: 1) CT-RI: conventional tillage (CT) with 100% residue incorporation (RI) and 2) NT-RR: no-till (NT) with 100% residue retention (RR). The mulches included 1) rice straw mulch (SM), 2) Gliricidia sp. mulch (GM), 3) brown manuring mulch (BM)–cowpea grown as intercrop with rice up to 40 days after sowing (DAS), killed with 2,4-D and 4) no mulch (NM). The cowpea, as a cover crop was introduced during 2014 and 2015 as pre-rainy season crop before the sowing of rice to generate additional biomass in the system. The four year total above ground biomass yield of rice and rapeseed didn't vary significantly between CT-RI (31.93 and 17.40 Mg ha −1 ) and NT-RR (31.86 and 17.46 Mg ha −1 ), respectively. However, the total above ground biomass yield of cowpea was more under NT-RR (10.75 Mg ha −1 ) when compared to that under CT-RI (9.79 Mg ha −1 ). The amount of total biomass (above + below ground) and C added into the soil was more under NT-RR than that under the CT-RI. After 4 cropping cycles, the NT-RR had higher SOC concentration, pool (29.9 vs. 29.1 Mg ha −1 ), sequestration rate (450 vs. 265 kg ha -1 yr −1 ) and C retention efficiency (7.7 vs. 4.6%) than those under the CT-RI at 0–30 cm depth. The mulched plots produced more crop biomass (both above and below ground), recycled more C in soils with a trend of relatively more SOC pool (29.7–29.8 vs. 29.0 Mg ha −1 ), sequestration rate (391–428 vs. 221 kg ha -1 yr −1 ) and C retention efficiency (6.64–6.94% vs. 4.66%) than those of NM treatment. These results were seen despite difference among the mulch treatments (SM, GM and BM) which were statistically non-significant after 4 cropping cycles. Inclusion of cowpea as cover crop during pre-rainy season in the system doubled the rate of C sequestration (478 kg C ha -1 yr −1 ). Therefore, the data supports the recommendation of cultivation of the rice–rapeseed system under NT-RR along with cowpea intercropping up to 40 DAS (BM) in rice. Besides this, the inclusion of pre-rainy season cowpea before rice could generate additional biomass and enhance SOC sequestration on upland and sloping hills in the EHR of India and in similar conditions elsewhere. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.