Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science       ISSN 1990-6145
 
 
 

 
Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science                      September  2006 | Vol.1  No.3

 
Title:

Influence of applied calcium-boron ratio on the solubility of nutrient-elements in soil

Author (s): M. Tariq and C. J. B. Mott
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
Author (s): Jehan Bakht, Shakeel Ahmad, Mohammad Tariq, Habib Akber and Mohammad Shafi
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
Author (s):

Muhabat Shah, Abdul Mateen Khattak and Noor ul Amin

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

Author (s):

Nasrullah, Rafia Naz, Hamida Bibi, Mudassar Iqbal and M. Ilyas Durrani

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
Author (s): Jehan Bakht, Shakeel Ahmad, Mohammad Tariq, Habib Akber and Mohammad Shafi
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
Author (s): Waheed Qamar, Noor Payo Khan, Ashfaq, Mian Furqan Ahmad and Muhammad Idress
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
Author (s): Muhammad Zubair, Gohar Ayub, Faridullah Khan Wazir, Munir Khan and Zafar Mahmood
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
Author (s): Syed Baber, Mian Furqan Ahmad and Amanullah Bhatti
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
Author (s): Hamayun Khan, Fida Muhammad, Riaz Ahmad, Gul Nawaz, Rahimullah and Muhammad Zubair
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
Author (s): Habib Akbar, Mohammad Idrees, Mian Furqan Ahmad, Mohammad Arif and Mohammad Zakirullah
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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