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| Journal of Agricultural and
Biological Science
September 2006 | Vol.1 No.3 |
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Title: |
Influence of applied
calcium-boron ratio on the solubility of nutrient-elements in soil |
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Author (s): |
M. Tariq and C. J. B. Mott |
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Abstract: |
The present study was
based on the hypothesis that the concentration of certain nutrients in
soil solution can be used as a mirror for plant nutrients, with regard
to the effect of applied Ca/B ratios in soil. Results revealed that the
concentrations of phosphorus, sodium, copper and iron in soil solution
were not significantly altered, while rest of the nutrient-elements
significantly changed due to applied Ca/B ratios in soil. Results also
indicate that almost all nutrient-elements correlated to Ca/B ratios in
soil solution as well as in applied terms, though with a variable
statistical significance. For example, phosphorus, iron, boron and
molybdenum showed negative and rest of the nutrient-elements such as
nitrogen (NH4+NO3), potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc,
manganese and copper showed positive correlation. Moreover, Soil pH
showed a significantly negative correlation to Ca/B ratios in soil
solution. The present study suggests that both Ca/B ratios either in
soil solution or in applied terms are significant, in determining the
nutrients response in soil-plant system and liking the plant nutrition
to soil fertility. |
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Title: |
Response of maize to planting methods
and fertilizer N
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Author (s): |
Jehan Bakht, Shakeel Ahmad, Mohammad
Tariq, Habib Akber and Mohammad Shafi |
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Abstract: |
A field experiment was
conducted at Malakandher Research Farm, NWFP Agricultural University,
Peshawar, Pakistan to study the response of maize to planting methods
and fertilizer N levels during spring 2004. Two planting methods (ridge
and flat) and five levels of nitrogen (0, 80, 120, 160, and 200kg N
ha-1) were applied. The experiment was laid out in well prepared field
using RCBD design with split arrangement having four replications.
Sowing methods were allotted to main plots while nitrogen levels were
allotted to split-plots. Days to 50% tasseling and silking were
significantly affected by planting methods and nitrogen levels. Maximum
days to 50 % tasseling and 50 % silking were recorded in the treatment
of 200kg N ha-1 when compared with other treatments. Maximum number of
leaves plant-1, number of cobs plant-1, number of grains cobs-1 , taller
plants, grain and biological yield was recorded in ridge planting and
application of 200kg N ha-1 when compared with other treatments. It can
be concluded from these results that ridge planting method and
fertilizer N at the rate of 200kg ha-1 produced economical crop of maize
under climatic conditions of Peshawar valley. |
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Title: |
Effect of different growing media on the
rooting of Ficus binnendijkii ‘Amstel Queen’ cuttings |
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Author (s): |
Muhabat Shah, Abdul
Mateen Khattak and Noor ul Amin |
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Abstract: |
Ficus binnendijkii
‘Amstel Queen’ is a very attractive plant and a new addition to the
landscape industry of the area. To optimize the propagation technology
for this important plant, a study was conducted to see the effect of
rooting media on the root initiation and development in two different
types of cuttings (hardwood and softwood). Five different rooting media
were used including silt, sawdust, rice husk, leaf mold and control
(soil + silt + FYM at 1:1:1 ratio). It was surprising that the hardwood
cuttings did not produce roots in any media. The data recorded on the
softwood cuttings revealed that the quickest sprouting (16.7 days)
occurred in cuttings that were planted in sawdust. The cuttings grown in
leaf mold produced maximum leaves (7.0), which were the longest (20cm
leaf length) with maximum leaf area (84.7cm2) and maximum roots (15).
However, the leaf mold produced minimum root length (12.7cm) and weight
(1.7g) and took comparatively longer time (22 days) to sprout. Plants
grown in silt produced longest (23.7cm) roots and maximum root weight
(5.3g) but they also resulted in minimum leaf number (3.3) and shortest
leaves (13cm). |
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Title: |
Pollution load in industrial effluent
and ground water of Gadoon Amazai Induatrial Estate, Swabi, NWFP |
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Author (s): |
Nasrullah, Rafia Naz,
Hamida Bibi, Mudassar Iqbal and M.
Ilyas Durrani |
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Abstract: |
A study was conducted
for the analysis of pollution load in industrial effluent and ground
water of Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate, Swabi, NWFP in April 2004.
Samples were collected from eight different industrial units including
chemical, marble, soap and oil, textile, ghee and steel industries and
main drain and were analyzed for various physical and chemical
parameters like pH, EC, TSS, TDS and heavy metals content. Samples of
ground water were collected from three different tube wells. The pH of
the samples of the industrial effluents ranged from 6.47 to 8.48,
temperature ranged from 26.9-30.2˚C, EC ranged from 0.258-0.865dSm-1,
TSS 140.5-1670.8mgL-1, TDS from 143-1050mg L-1 and BOD was in range from
72.9- 463.7mg L-1. The results of the ground water samples showed pH
values ranging from 6.82-7.9˚C with EC 0.351-0.511dSm-1, temperature was
found from 26.0-26.7oC, TSS was 1.78-2.09mgL-1, TDS ranged from 139-513
mgL-1 and BOD of ground water was in range from 0.294-0.802mgL-1. The
results obtained from heavy metals determination in Industrial effluents
showed that the concentration of Ni ranged from 0.009 to 0.794 mgL-1, Cd
concentration was from 0.003 to 0.043 mgL-1, Pb ranged from 0.20 to 2.84
mgL-1, Cr was found 0.004 to 0.28 mgL-1, Cu ranged from 0.381 to 1.136
mgL-1, Zn, Fe, and Mn was in range from 0.003 to 0.097 mgL-1, 0.008 to
4.5611 mgL-1 and 0.014 to 0.163 mgL-1 respectively. Most of the results
were in permissible limits of National Environmental Quality Standards.
The results of the heavy metal content in ground water samples showed
that the concentration of Ni was 0.030 to 0.066 mgL-1, Cd and Pb was
found 0.007 to 0.025 mgL-1 and 0.21 to 1.20 mgL-1, respectively, Cr was
found from 0.017 to 0.111 mgL-1, Cu and Zn ranged from 0.780 to 0.893
mgL-1 and 0.007 to 0.066 mgL-1 respectively, Fe ranged from 0.004 to
0.037 mgL-1 and Mn from 0.059 to 0.164 mgL-1. All the results of ground
water were compared with US-EPA and WHO standards, from the findings it
was concluded that all ground water samples were safe for drinking
purpose. |
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Title: |
Performance of various hybrids of
sunflower in Peshawar valley |
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Author (s): |
Jehan Bakht, Shakeel Ahmad, Mohammad
Tariq, Habib Akber and Mohammad Shafi |
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Abstract: |
An experiment on the
“Performance of various hybrids of sunflower under Peshawar valley
conditions” was conducted at Malakandher Research Farms, NWFP
Agricultural University Peshawar during spring 2004. Ten hybrid of
sunflower (G-101, Hysun-38, Mehran-11, SF-187, DKS-4040, Hysun-33,
FH-106, FH-315, Bemisal-205, Parsun-2) were included in the trail which
was sown on 5th March 2004. The experiment was laid out in Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) having four replications; with each sub
plot size of 4x3 m2. Statistical analysis of the data showed significant
differences for all the parameters except days to flower initiation,
days to flower completion and head diameter. It was observed that
maximum days to emergence were recorded in the hybrids FH-315 while
minimum days to emergence were noted in the hybrids Mehran-11. Highest
number of plants m-2 was produced in plots sown with hybrids Mehran-11
and Hysun-38 while Bemisal-205 and FH-315 showed less number of plants
m-2. Days to maturity were more in hybrids DKS-4040, FH-187 and Hysun-38
whereas hybrids FH-315 and Bemisal-205 recorded minimum days to
maturity. Taller plants were attained by plots sown with hybrids
Mehran-11, Hysun-38, whereas dwarf plants were noted in FH-315 and
FH-106. Among the ten hybrids highest number of seed head-1 was produced
by plots seeded with hybrids G-101 and Mehran-11 whereas hybrids SF-187
and FH-106 recorded lowest number of seed head-1. Seeds were heavier in
hybrids DKS-4040 and Hysun-33 while Hysun-38 and Mehran-11 noted lowest
hundred seed weight. Significant variation was also observed in grain
yield among the various hybrids under study. Maximum grain yield was
produced by hybrid DKS-4040 while hybrids FH-315, Hysun-38 and Parsun-2
showed minimum grain yield. It is concluded that the hybrids DKS-4040,
Hysun-38, and G-101 showed high productivity and were best adapted to
the climatic conditions of Peshawar valley. |
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Title: |
Economics of tobacco production in
district Swabi, NWFP |
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Author (s): |
Waheed Qamar, Noor Payo Khan, Ashfaq, Mian
Furqan Ahmad and Muhammad Idress |
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Abstract: |
A research study was
conducted to estimate net revenue from tobacco crop in district Swabi,
NWFP. Four villages were selected through purposive sampling. The sample
includes hundred farmers selected through random sampling process, who
were interviewed through a well-designated questioner. The area of the
sampled respondents was 1327.5 acres total in kharif and rabi seasons
with an average of 13.275 acres. Tobacco was grown on 656 acres with an
average of 6.56 acres. The average total cost of tobacco production was
Rs. 24080.99 per acre. On average, rent of land for tobacco crop was Rs.
5000 per acre, nursery raising cost for one acre was Rs. 1005, tillage
cost was Rs. 973.66 per acre, fertilizer and pesticide cost was Rs.
3771.95 per acre, cultural practices, topping and irrigation cost was
Rs. 1302.73 per acre, and loading barn, curing and marketing cost were
Rs. 16743.44 per acre. The average gross revenue from tobacco was Rs.
53145.77 per acre. While net revenue was Rs. 29064.78 per acre. |
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Title: |
Effect of potassium on preflowering growth
of Gladiolus cultivars |
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Author (s): |
Muhammad Zubair, Gohar Ayub, Faridullah
Khan Wazir, Munir Khan and Zafar Mahmood |
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Abstract: |
The experiment was
conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture,
NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar during 2003-05. Eight cultivars
of gladiolus namely Deciso, Hong Kong, Jessica, Jester Ruffled, Madonna,
Peters Pears, Rose Supreme and White Friendship were used to study the
influence of potassium levels (0, 100 and 200kg K ha-1). All growth
parameters except plants corm-1 studied during the experiment were
significantly affected by the two experimental years. Plants emergence
(Sprouting), spike emergence, first floret and full spike opening were
earlier in first year (2003-04). Number of plants corm-1 was more in
first year whereas plant height was higher in second year (2004-05).
Potassium levels significantly affected days to spike emergence and
first florets opening. Spike emergence was earlier at 100kg ha-1 and
first floret opening was delayed with an increase in potassium levels.
Cultivars irrespective of years and potassium levels were significantly
different in preflowering growth characteristics. Similarly years X
cultivars interaction resulted in significant differences in
preflowering growth characteristics. Cultivars X potassium interaction
significantly influenced spike emergence and days to first florets
opening. Days to spike emergence were significantly affected by an
interaction among years, phosphorus levels and cultivars. Rose Supreme
and Jessica and potassium @100kg ha-1 are recommended for commercial
cultivation of gladiolus in Peshawar, Pakistan. |
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Title: |
The effect of Eucalypts Camaldulensis on
soil properties and fertility |
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Author (s): |
Syed Baber, Mian Furqan Ahmad and
Amanullah Bhatti |
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Abstract: |
Laboratory
investigations on the physico-chemical characteristic of a soil under
agro forestry at two depths (0 to15cm and 15 to 45cm), were carried out
in the Soil and Environmental Sciences Laboratory, NWFP Agricultural
University, Peshawar during April 2003. Samples were collected at a
distance of 5, 10, 15, and 20m from the Eucalyptus trees. Soil samples
were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (O.M.),
P, K and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn). All samples were analyzed
separately for each property according to standard methods. Laboratory
investigations showed that soil pH of both depths were alkaline. EC of
the samples ranged form 0.08 to 0.35dSm–1. The organic matter content
was low in both the depths. In micronutrients, Zn was deficient at both
depths, Cu was marginal at 0-15cm and adequate at 15-45cm, Fe was
deficient at both depths; Mn was deficient at 0-15cm and marginal at
15-45cm. The effect of distance on various soil properties, pH, EC, O.
M., P and K decreased with distance from the trees in the surface soil,
while in the subsoil, O.M. and P decreased with distance pH, EC and K
increased. In case of micronutrients, Zn, Cu and Fe decreased with
distance in the surface soil while Mn increased. In the sub-soil, all
the four micronutrients had positive correlation with distance. It is
concluded that defecting response for nutrients, alkaline and high pH
and low O.M. were found in all soil samples. Soil organic and inorganic
fertility may be recorded to avoid yield reduction and soil amended for
reduction of pH and soil nutrients availability. |
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Title: |
Relationship of body weight with linear
body measurements in goats |
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Author (s): |
Hamayun Khan, Fida Muhammad, Riaz Ahmad,
Gul Nawaz, Rahimullah and Muhammad Zubair |
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Abstract: |
The present research
work was conducted at Livestock Research and Development Station Surezai,
Peshawar. Data was collected on 86 goats of different age groups. 44
were male and 42 were female. The mean bodyweight of male in four age
groups (04-12,13-18,19-24, 24-36 months and above) were observed as
18.60 ± 1.81, 25.25 ± 2.76, 29.86 ± 1.28 and 41.47 ± 1.63kg,
respectively while that of female in the same age groups were noted as
14.50 ± 1.19, 21.0 ± 3.47, 24.00 ± 1.25, 33.95 ± 4.97kg, respectively.
The body length of male recorded in these age groups were found to be
59.60 ± 0.74, 64.38 ± 1.39, 69.42 ± 0.29, 78.15 ± 0.60cm while that of
female in these age groups were investigated to be 58.70 ± 0.84, 60.14 ±
0.50, 62.16 ± 0.60, 69.31 ± 1.85cm, respectively. The mean height at
withers in male in four age groups were noted to be 60.30 ± 1.16, 68.25
± 1.42, 72.14 ± 0.67, 82.11 ± 1.02cm while that of female in these age
groups were recorded to be 56.50 ± 1.28, 63.14 ± 0.55, 66.50 ± 1.18 and
71.42 ± 2.31cm, respectively. The mean heart girth in male in these age
groups were recorded to be 59.10 ± 0.86, 66.0 ± 3.19, 70.29 ± 1.19,
79.63 ± 0.96cm, respectively. In case of female mean heart girth was
noted to be 57.60 ± 0.95, 61.29 ± 1.27, 64.00 ± 0.68 and 70.15 ± 1.80cm,
respectively. Bodyweight was correlated with body length (0.49, 0.12,
0.70, and 0.78), height at withers (0.75, 0.54, 0.62, and 0.72) and
heart girth (0.64, 0.55, 0.53, and 0.71), respectively. During present
investigation male were found heavier (p<0.05) and longer (p<0.05) than
female in all age groups. Similarly the heart girth (p<0.05) as well as
height (p<0.05) at withers were also bigger in male than those of the
female. |
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Title: |
Dry weight of Spike at anthesis determines
grain weight of Spike at maturity |
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Author (s): |
Habib Akbar, Mohammad Idrees, Mian Furqan
Ahmad, Mohammad Arif and Mohammad Zakirullah |
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Abstract: |
An investigation
relating to planting geometries i.e. solid, skip under 100, 150kg N ha-1
on dry matter of wheat S.W.10, Bakhtawar and Inqilab varieties were
conducted at Research Farm of NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar
during winter 2002. Planting geometry and N integrated were allotted to
the main plots and wheat varieties to sub-plots in logical structure
Randomized Complete Block (RCB split plots arrangements). Design having
five replications was used. Spike dry weight and leaf dry weight at
anthesis were significantly affected by planting geometries. Maximum
spike dry weight for 10 tillers at anthesis of 5.76g was recorded for
skip geometry followed by 4.94g for solid. Sheath and stem dry weight
were significantly affected by planting geometries and N. Maximum of
5.01g dry sheath weight was recorded for skip geometry where as minimum
of 4.54g observed for solid geometry. For N maximum of 4.93g was noted
for 100kg N ha-1 while minimum of 4.61g was observed for 150kg N ha-1.
Maximum of 15.22g was noted for skip geometry where as minimum of 13.89g
was recorded for solid geometry. Maximum of 15.27g was recorded for
100kg N ha-1 while minimum of 13.83g in 150kg N ha-1. Dry matter of 10
tillers leaves, sheaths and stems weight at maturity showed no response
to planting geometry and N. Spike dry and grain spike-1 weight of 10
tillers at maturity were significantly affected by planting geometry.
Maximum of 28.01g 10 spikes weight including grains at maturity was
recorded for skip geometry followed by 25.13g for solid geometry spike.
Maximum of 20.82g grain spike-1 weight was recorded for skip geometry
while minimum spike grain weight of 18.9g for solid geometry. It is
concluded that after anthesis spike-lengthening spikelets and fertile
florets growth continued besides chaff add to spike weight. Spike grain
weight is approximately 3-4 times greater at maturity than spike weight
at anthesis. Pre and post anthesis leaf lamina and non-leaf structures
of inflorescence continue photosynthesis contribute continuously to
spike dry matter and dry weight up to maturity. Pre and post anthesis
photosynthesis contribute to spike weight. |
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