December 2023 VOLUME: 5 ISSUE-2

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES & ALLIED INDUSTRIES JOURNAL

Precision Nitrogen Management in Maize and Wheat Using Sensor-Based Technologies

Sarvesh Kumar and Mandeep Kumar

  • Pages: 1-9
    • <p>Efficient nitrogen (N) management is critical for sustainable cereal production because nitrogen is the most yieldlimiting nutrient in intensive agricultural systems. Conventional blanket fertilizer recommendations often fail to address spatial and temporal variability in crop nitrogen demand, resulting in low nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE), increased production costs, and environmental pollution. Precision nitrogen management using sensor-based technologies has emerged as a modern approach to optimize fertilizer application in Maize and Wheat production systems. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of sensor-guided nitrogen management using chlorophyll meters, canopy reflectance sensors, NDVI-based systems, and variable-rate nitrogen application technologies in maize and wheat. A field experiment comprising twelve treatment combinations involving conventional nitrogen management, SPAD meter-based application, GreenSeeker-based nitrogen scheduling, drone-assisted monitoring, and integrated sensor-guided nutrient management was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that sensor-based nitrogen management significantly improved plant growth, grain yield, nitrogen uptake, nitrogen-use efficiency, and economic returns compared with conventional fertilizer practices. The highest grain yield in maize (8.62 t ha?&sup1;) and wheat (6.94 t ha?&sup1;), along with maximum NUE and reduced nitrogen losses, were recorded under integrated sensor-guided variable-rate nitrogen application. Sensorbased technologies reduced nitrogen fertilizer use by 20&ndash;35% while sustaining or improving yields. The study demonstrates that precision nitrogen management is an effective climate-smart strategy for improving productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability in cereal-based systems</p>

A Study on Climate-Smart Agricultural Extension: Strategies for Building Resilient Farming Systems in India

Dr. Anuj Tiwari

  • Pages: 1-5
    • <p>Climate change has emerged as one of the most significant challenges facing global agriculture. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, increased frequency of droughts, floods, pest outbreaks, and extreme weather events are adversely affecting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Agricultural extension systems play a critical role in helping farmers adapt to climate variability and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Climate-Smart Agricultural Extension (CSAE) focuses on promoting technologies and practices that enhance productivity, improve resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This review paper examines the concept, principles, importance, challenges, and future prospects of climate-smart agricultural extension in India. It highlights the role of extension agencies in disseminating climate information, promoting adaptive farming practices, strengthening risk management strategies, and facilitating sustainable agricultural development under changing climatic conditions.</p>

Nanotechnology in Agriculture: Current Status, Applications and Future Opportunities

Kartikay Bisen, Vinay J Silas, Aneeta Yadav

  • Pages: 1-7
    • <p>Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative technology with significant potential to address the growing challenges of modern agriculture, including food security, declining soil fertility, environmental degradation, and climate change. The application of nanomaterials in agriculture has led to the development of innovative products such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanosensors, and nano-enabled delivery systems that enhance agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Nanofertilizers improve nutrient-use efficiency through controlled nutrient release, enhanced nutrient uptake, and reduced losses caused by leaching, volatilization, and fixation. Similarly, nanopesticides provide targeted pest and disease management, increased stability of active ingredients, and reduced chemical application rates, thereby lowering environmental contamination. Despite the considerable advantages of nano-enabled agricultural technologies, concerns regarding environmental fate, toxicity, bioaccumulation, regulatory frameworks, and long-term sustainability remain important challenges. This review summarizes the current status of nanotechnology in agriculture, with particular emphasis on nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and their effects on soil&ndash;plant systems. Furthermore, future opportunities, research priorities, and challenges associated with the safe and sustainable implementation of nanotechnology in agriculture are discussed.</p>

Precision Weed Detection and Site-Specific Herbicide Application Using Artificial Intelligence and Drone Technology

Mandeep Kumar, Vinay J Silas, Aneeta Yadav

  • Pages: 1-7
    • <p>Weed infestation is one of the major constraints limiting agricultural productivity worldwide. Conventional blanket herbicide application often results in excessive chemical use, increased production costs, environmental contamination, and the development of herbicide-resistant weed populations. Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), drone technology, and precision agriculture have enabled site-specific weed management through accurate weed detection and targeted herbicide application. The present study evaluated twelve weed management treatments involving conventional spraying, drone-based application, AI-assisted weed detection, and site-specific herbicide application. Results indicated that AI-assisted drone spraying significantly reduced herbicide consumption while improving weed control efficiency and crop productivity. Treatment T11 (AI-based drone detection + sitespecific herbicide application at recommended dose) recorded the highest weed control efficiency (92.8%), grain yield (6.85 t ha?&sup1;), and benefit-cost ratio (2.45), while reducing herbicide use by 48% compared to conventional blanket spraying. The study demonstrates the potential of AI-integrated drone technology for sustainable weed management.</p>

A Study on Digital Agricultural Extension Services and Their Role in Transforming Indian Agriculture

Dr. Anuj Tiwari

  • Pages: 1-5
    • <p>Agricultural extension has undergone significant transformation with the emergence of digital technologies. Traditional extension systems often face challenges such as inadequate manpower, limited outreach, delayed information dissemination, and poor accessibility among remote farming communities. Digital Agricultural Extension Services (DAES) have emerged as innovative solutions to bridge these gaps by utilizing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), mobile applications, digital advisory platforms, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, social media, and e-extension systems. These technologies facilitate timely dissemination of agricultural information, improve decision-making, enhance productivity, and strengthen market linkages. The Government of India has launched several digital initiatives including Digital Agriculture Mission, Kisan Call Centers, e-NAM, mKisan Portal, and AgriStack to support farmers. Despite remarkable progress, challenges related to digital literacy, internet connectivity, affordability, language barriers, and technological adoption continue to hinder the effectiveness of digital extension services. This review paper examines the evolution, importance, opportunities, challenges, and future prospects of digital agricultural extension in India and highlights strategies for strengthening digital advisory systems for sustainable agricultural development</p>

Potato Early Blight: Disease Etiology, Epidemiology, Yield Losses and Recent Management Strategies

Jitendra Kumar

  • Pages: 1-7
    • <p>Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important vegetable and food crops cultivated worldwide due to its high nutritional value and economic significance. However, potato production is severely constrained by several diseases, among which early blight caused primarily by Alternaria solani is one of the most destructive foliar diseases. The disease affects leaves, stems, and tubers, resulting in significant reductions in yield, tuber quality, and market value. Yield losses may range from 20% to 80% under favorable environmental conditions. Continuous dependence on fungicides for disease management has resulted in environmental concerns and the development of fungicide-resistant pathogen populations. Therefore, sustainable disease management approaches involving resistant cultivars, biological control agents, botanicals, forecasting systems, and integrated disease management strategies have gained considerable attention. Recent advances in molecular biology, multi-omics studies, remote sensing technologies, and microbial-based disease control have opened new avenues for effective management of potato early blight. This review discusses the etiology, symptoms, disease cycle, epidemiology, economic importance, and recent developments in the management of potato early blight.</p>

Apple Scab: A Review of Etiology, Epidemiology, and Management Strategies

Vinay Silas, Sarvesh Kumar, Raghvendra Singh & Syed Quatadah

  • Pages: 1-4
    • <p>Apple scab is one of the most destructive diseases affecting apple production worldwide. Caused by the fungal pathogen Venturia inaequalis, the disease significantly reduces fruit quality and yield, resulting in substantial economic losses. The pathogen infects leaves, fruits, and young shoots, causing characteristic olive-green to black lesions. Environmental conditions, particularly moisture and temperature, play a crucial role in disease development and spread. This review examines the taxonomy, life cycle, symptoms, epidemiology, economic importance, and integrated disease management strategies of apple scab. Current advances in host resistance breeding and sustainable disease management practices are also discussed.</p>
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