Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Interna onal Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
Copyright © Zohdi Publisher
ISSN: 2305‐7246
Abstract
The physical indices of the soil are major contributor in growth and yield of the crops. Soil texture is a stable
soil physical characteristic that has an indirect impact on the crop growth. Present study aims to evaluate the
impact of different textures along with organic amendments on root extension of maize that ultimately affect
maize growth. Pot study comprises two soils from Faisalabad and Gujranwala origin that are sandy loam and
clay loam, respectively, along with application of farm manure at 0, 5, 10 and 15 Mg ha-1. Recommended dose
of NPK at 120: 60: 40 was applied in each treatment pot. A significant difference for plant growth parameters
shoot (length, fresh weight and dry weight), root (length, fresh weight and dry weight) and 1000 grain weight
was observed for application of organic amendment at different rates under different textures. It was observed
that as the organic matter increased there was increase in every plant parameter but upto 10 Mg ha-1 and then a
significant decrease was observed. It was also observed that crop performed better under sandy loam texture as
compared to clay loam.
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
107
leaching of nutrients and evaporation losses Two soil textures, i.e. sandy loam and clay loam
(Malival, 2001). Organic manure play an important were used for this study. These soil was taken from
role in the maintenance of soil fertility as it release surface layer (0-15 cm) of University research field
balance nutrient slowly and improve soil physical and from Nandipur near Gujranwala air dried,
properties (Singh et al., 1980). Pakistani soils have ground, well mixed and passed through a 2 mm
less than 1 % organic matter (Azad and Yousaf, sieve and analyzed for different pre-sowing soil
1982). Organic farming is preferred curing characteristics according to the analytical methods
technique of nutrient depleted and physically described by US Salinity Lab. Staff (1954). Particle
degraded soils in the whole world (Delate and size analysis of these samples was carried out using
camberdella, 2004). Soil organic matter improve hydrometer method (Gee and Bauder 1986) and
soil nutrient availability and increase level of C and soil textural class was determined by following the
N (Adrien, 2006). Baldi et al. (2010) evidenced International textural triangle (Moodie et al., 1959)
enhanced root growth with compost application and results are presented in table 1 and table 2.
than mineral fertilization. Organic manure
improves soil physical, chemical and biological
characteristics resulting into higher yield and
quality of crop (Yolcu et al., 2010). Addition of
organic matter eliminate the problem of soil
compaction that improve development and growth
of crop depending upon soil type, amount and
nature of organic matter added and soil moisture
content (Mamman et al., 2007). Organic materials
after complete decomposition improve soil
structure, hydraulic conductivity and aggregate
stability of soil reducing compaction (Gupta et al.,
1987).
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
108
10 kg soil was added to each pot with polythene germination. Irrigation and plant protection
lining and was treated with farm manure at 0, 5. 10 measures were carried out as and when required.
and 15 Mg ha-1. Mineral fertilizer was added at Crop was harvested at maturity and plant yield and
120: 60: 40 kg ha-1 N: P: K. Total dosage of growth parameters were recorded and treatment
phosphorus and potassium was as basal but means were compared using least significant
nitrogen was applied in three splits. 8 seeds were difference test (Steel and Torrie, 1980).
sown in each pot that were thinned to 5 after
S1 S2
Sand % 53 39
Silt % 26 24
Clay % 21 37
EC e dS m -1 1.45 1.43
pH 7.9 8.1
Na + me L -1 3.58 2.98
Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ me L -1 10.15 8.99
CO 3 2- me L -1 0.72 0.98
Cl - me L -1 4.80 5.23
SO 4 2- me L -1 0.78 0.81
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
109
Results and discussion ISES following CRD under factorial arrangement.
Soil texture is an important soil physical property The results of experiment are described below.
and is indicator of other soil physical properties
like aeration, porosity, water and nutrient holding Shoot Length (cm)
capacities. It affects root penetration, proliferation Shoot length is generally considered as indication
and ultimately growth of plants. Manure not only of plant growth. Data pertaining to the effect of
improves organic matter and nutrient carrying different textured soils and manure rates on shoot
capacity of soil but indirectly improves plant length of maize is given in (Fig. 1). Which clearly
growth by improving soil structure. A pot indicates that application of manure rates with
experiment was conducted to assess the role of soil increasing level has significant effect on plant
textural classes and organic matter levels on root height.
proliferation and growth of maize at wire house
c
80 d
d
70
e
60 f
g
50
40
0 Mg ha-1 5 Mg ha-1 10 Mg ha-1 15 Mg ha-1
Treatment
Sand loam clay loam
Fig. 1: Effect of soil texture and different manure rates on shoot length (g)
Maximum shoot length was observed where farm length with increasing manure levels due to
yard manure was applied at rate of 10 Mg ha-1 enhanced availability of moisture for more
followed by 5 Mg ha-1, followed by 15 Mg ha-1 and evapotranspiration with enhanced plant growth.
minimum shoot length was observed in 0 Mg ha-1. Siddique and Hassan (1991) reported maximum
As regard different soil textural classes, maximum shoot length in sandy clay loam and sandy loam
shoot length was observed in Sand loam soil and soils than fine textures.
minimum in Clay loam soil. Interaction of various
farm yard manure levels with soil texture was Shoot Fresh Weight (g)
significant. Our results are in close agreement with Maize is also used as fodder of the livestock.
those reported by (Aziz et al., 2002; Lucas et al., Increase in the shoot weight means increased
1987) who found that soil textural classes and rates fodder yield. The amendment used to enhance
of farm yard manure have significant effect on fodder yield is necessary to fulfill the livestock
shoot length of plants. Ohu et al., (2001) supported requirement and due to that increased size the
our results by reporting the same results of photosynthesis increased. Data regarding shoot
enhancement in plant height with manure fresh weight showed that different farm yard
application as compared to that of control. manure levels and soil textural classes have
Mamman et al., (2007) pointed out more shoot significant effect on shoot fresh weight (Fig. 2).
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
110
90 b
c
80 d
d
70
e
60 f
g
50
40
0 Mg ha-1 5 Mg ha-1 10 Mg ha-1 15 Mg ha-1
Treatment
Sand loam clay loam
Fig. 2: Effect of soil texture and different manure rates on shoot fresh weight (g)
Data regarding farm manure levels 10 Mg ha-1 trees being cut for this purpose. Data regarding
presented maximum fresh weight of shoot followed shoot dry weight showed that different farm yard
by 5 Mg ha-1 and 15 Mg ha-1 with minimum shoot manure levels and soil textural classes have
fresh weight in 0 Mg ha-1. In case of soil textural significant effect on shoot dry weight (Fig. 3). Data
classes, sandy loam soil produced more shoot presents maximum shoot dry weight in treatments
weight than clay loam texture. Interaction of fertilized with 10 Mg ha-1 farm manure followed by
various farm yard manure levels with soil texture 5 and 15 Mg ha-1, respectively, that are
was significant. Our results are in close agreement significantly higher than control. When texture was
with those reported by (Baldi et al., 2010; Yolcu et taken in account then sandy loam performed better
al., 2010) who found that soil textural classes and than clay loam. Interaction of various farm yard
rates of farm yard manure have significant effect manure levels with soil texture was significant. Our
on shoot fresh weight of plants. (Aziz et al., 2002; results are in close agreement with those reported
Lucas et al., 1987) favored our findings presenting by (Iqbal et al., 1999; Hegde, 1998) who found that
more shoot growth and weights with application of soil textural classes and rates of farm yard manure
manure. have significant effect on shoot dry weight of
plants. (Aziz et al., 2002; Lucas et al., 1987)
Shoot Dry Weight (g) favored our findings presenting more shoot growth
Maize shoot is chopped and used as livestock feed and weights with application of manure.
but on a minor level. Majorly maize shoot is used
as fuel of the hearth in villages of Pakistan saving
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
111
15 b
b
13
c
11 cd
cd
9 de
e
7
5
0 Mg ha-1 5 Mg ha-1 10 Mg ha-1 15 Mg ha-1
Treatment
Sand loam clay loam
Fig. 3: Effect of soil texture and different manure rates on shoot dry weight (g)
Root Length (cm) reported by (Tagar and Bhatti, 1996; Siddique and
Root is the vital organ of plant for nutrient Hassan, 1991; Baldi et al., 2010; Yolcu et al.,
absorption. More the length of root higher will be 2010) who found that root penetration of crop is
its nutrient uptaking capability increasing plant affected by soil texture as well as subsoil. Root
growth. So the factors that enhance root growth are penetration is recorded more in sandy soil as
responsible for more plant growth. Fig (4) present compare to fine textured soil in which it is
root penetration data giving idea that pots treated relatively restricted. Use of organic manure affect
with 10 Mg ha-1 farm manure supported roots to root growth by increasing inorganic ions and humic
extend than 5 and 15 Mg ha-1 that are also substances (Canellas et al., 2002) which induce
significantly longer than control. In case of textural proliferation of lateral roots and root hairs and
class sand loam soils provided less resistance for cause higher differentiation rate of root cells (Rose
penetration to root yielding longer roots than clay et al., 2001).
loam. Our results are in close agreement with those
35 b bc
Root length (cm)
c
30 d
e
25 f
f
20
15
0 Mg ha-1 5 Mg ha-1 10 Mg ha-1 15 Mg ha-1
Treatment
Sand loam clay loam
Fig. 4: Effect of soil texture and different manure rates on root length (g)
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
112
Root Fresh weight (g) levels with soil texture was significant. Our results
More the length of root there will be higher are in close agreement with those reported by
weights. Root weight is also indication of growth (Tagar and Bhatti, 1996 ; Mamman et al., 2007)
of the plant because plant will be healthier if its who found that soil textural classes and rates of
root is providing it with proper nutrition which is farm yard manure have significant effect on root
possible when root is in close interaction with the fresh weight of plants. Manure increase root
soil solution. Fig (5) presents data about the growth by enhanced inorganic ions and humic
variation in root weights with application of substances that induce root proliferation resulting
different amendments. If farm manure is into more weights (canellas et al., 2002). Rose et
considered then the pot treated with 10 Mg ha-1 al. (2001) supports our results by presenting more
yielded more root weight than 5, 15 and 0 Mg ha-1. root growth due to addition of organic matter that
While sand loam texture also allow more root act as buffer in soil providing favorable
penetration than clay loam resulting into more environment for root establishment.
weights. Interaction of various farm yard manure
35 b
c c
30 d
25 e
f
f
20
15
0 Mg ha-1 5 Mg ha-1 10 Mg ha-1 15 Mg ha-1
Treatment
Sand loam clay loam
Fig. 5: Effect of soil texture and different manure rates on root fresh weight (g)
Root dry Weight (g) was significant. Our results are in close agreement
Root weight is also indication of growth of the with those reported by (Tagar and Bhatti, 1996 ;
plant because plant will be healthier if its root is Mamman et al., 2007) who found that soil
providing it with proper nutrition which is possible textural classes and rates of farm yard manure have
when root is in close interaction with the soil significant effect on root fresh weight of plants.
solution. Fig (6) presents data about the variation in Manure increase root growth by enhanced
root weights with application of different inorganic ions and humic substances that induce
amendments. If farm manure is considered then the root proliferation resulting into more weights
pot treated with 10 Mg ha-1 yielded more root (canellas et al., 2002). Rose et al. (2001) supports
weight than 5, 15 and 0 Mg ha-1. While sand loam our results by presenting more root growth due to
texture also allow more root penetration than clay addition of organic matter that act as buffer in soil
loam resulting into more weights. Interaction of providing favorable environment for root
various farm yard manure levels with soil texture establishment.
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
113
9 b
8 bc
7 cd
6 de
5 e e
4 e
3
0 Mg ha-1 5 Mg ha-1 10 Mg ha-1 15 Mg ha-1
Treatment
Sand loam clay loam
Fig. 6: Effect of soil texture and different manure rates on root dry weight (g)
1000 Grain Weight (g) from results that sandy loam produced significantly
Most important thing that is needed by the farmer higher yields than clay loam. Interaction of various
is grain of the crop that is used as diet. So income farm yard manure levels with soil texture was
that is gained from crop is by selling grain. 1000 significant. Our results are in close agreement with
grain weight is most important indicator of crop those reported by (Tagar and Bhatti, 1996;
yield. Data regarding 1000 grain weight showed Siddique and Hassan, 1991; Baldi et al., 2010;
that different farm yard manure levels and soil Yolcu et al., 2010) who found that soil textural
textural classes have significant effect on 1000 classes and rates of farm yard manure have
grain weight (Fig. 7). Maximum 1000 grain weight significant effect on 1000 grain weight of plants.
was observed in pot where farm manure was Our data is confirmed from the results report of
applied at of 10 Mg ha-1, followed by 5, 15 Mg ha-1 (Zhang et al. 2008) of 13.86% more 1000-grain
and minimum 1000 grain weight was observed in 0 weight in organic manure treatment in comparison
Mg ha-1. Textural class also affected yield with the control.
efficiency of the crop significantly which is evident
210 b b
200 c
d
190 e
180 f
170 g
160
150
140
0 Mg ha-1 5 Mg ha-1 10 Mg ha-1 15 Mg ha-1
Treatment
Sand loam clay loam
Fig.7: Effect of soil texture and different manure rates on 1000 grain weight (g)
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
114
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014
115
management in nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium concentration, uptake and
productivity in pearl millet. Journal of
Maharastra Agricultural Universities, 32:
186 - 188.
Siddique, G. and A. Hassan. 1991. Growth
response of "Mazenta"(fodder) to N-sources
and rates in different textured saline-sodic
soils. Pak. J. Agri. Sci. 28( I): 8286.
Singh, L., R.N.S.Verma, and S.S. Lohia. 1980.
Effect of continuous application of farmyard
manure and inorganic fertilizers on some
chemical properties of a semi-arid soil of
India.Journal of Indian Society of Soil
Science, 28: 170 – 172.
Steel, R.G.D. and I.H. Torrie. 1980. Principles and
Procedures of Statistics. McGraw Hill Book
Co. Inc., New York, USA.
Tagar, S. and A. Bhatti. 1996. Physical properties
of soil. P.113-144. In: E. Bashir and R.
Bantel. (Eds.). Soil Science.National Book
Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Tagne, A., T.P. Feujio and C. Sonna. 2008.
Essential oil and plant extracts as potential
substitutes to synthetic fungicides in the
control of fungi. International Conference
Diversifying crop protection, 12-15 October
La Grande-Motte, France.
Tolera, A, Tam ado, T. and Part, L. M. (2005)
grain yield and LER or Maize climbing
been intercropping as affected by organic
and population density in Western Oromia.
Ethiopia Asian journal of plant sciences 4
(5) 458-465.
U. S. Salinity Laboratory Staff. 1954. Diagnosis
and improvement of saline and alkali Soils.
USDA Hand Book No. 60. Washington, DC, USA.
Yolcu, H., A. Gunes, M. Dasci, M. Turan, Y.
Serin, 2010. The effects of solid, liquid and
combined cattle manure applications on
yield, quality and mineral contents of
common vetch and barley intercropping
mixture. Ekoloji, 19: 71-81.
Zhang, Q., Y. Chen, G. Jilani, I.H. Shamsi and Q.
Yu, 2008. Model AVSWAT apropos of
simulating non-point source pollution in
Taihu lake basin. J. Haz. Mat., 174: 824-830.
International Journal of Modern Agriculture, Volume 3, No 4, 2014