AGRONOMIC PRACTICES FOR BETTER YIELD

Ashoka , P*. and Sunil, C.M.**

*Junior Scientist (Agronomist), UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka
** Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Agronomy, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru. Karnataka

In growth analysis, growth related to yield and their components can be analyzed. In
cereals the structural analysis of yield indicates how the grain yield per ha is normally the
product of population, ear number, grain number and individual grain weight. However, the yield
components contributing for major variations in yield of economic portion of crop produce varies
with the crops and varieties. The physiological analysis of growth indicates the pattern of
production of dry matter and then its distribution into the economic portion i.e., grain. The size of
the photosynthetic system (Source) as measured by leaf area index (LAI) and its duration (LAD),
decides the quantum of dry matter produced. The photosynthetic efficiency (NAR or ‘C’) at
particular stages (especially at floret differentiation and grain development stages) is generally
related to the rate of dry matter Tran located into the sink (grain). These growth and yield
parameters are inter-related in a complex way being influenced by the plant growth and its
degree of variability decides the final grain yield per unit area of land.
These parameters and variations depend on the genetic manifestation of the variety,
season, agronomic and other factors. Hybrids and high yield generally out-yield earlier or local
varieties because they possess faster growth of leaves initially resulting in early attainment of
higher leaf area and their functioning for longer period. These evidently result in higher dry-
matter production. Further, better photosynthetic efficiency causes higher distribution of dry-
matter into grains. These influence the yield components and so finally the grain yield per ha.
Thus in our crop production system it is not desirable to grow out-dated or local varieties.
It always pays to grow a better one on the same piece of land with the same effort. May be with
the hybrids, expenses would be slightly more, but it is compensated. With a given variety much
is needed to develop better crop production i.e., agronomic practices to obtain better yield.
a) Sowing / Planting Time :-
This indicates the period’s during which the crop would perform best for maximum
yields. It is important that the date of planting should be so adjusted that the crop attains
vegetative growth rapidly and the foliage does not allow for wastage of solar energy of a longer
period during seedling growth. This will have a favourable impact on the reproductive growth
phase of the crop and in turn ultimately the yield grain yield per ha. Variations in growth due to
seasonal drift, influence leaf area expansion an its active period, photosynthetic efficiency,
relative growth rate and results in variation in dry matter production, its distribution and
translocation to grain considerably and therefore the final grain yield.
Higher temperature and light intensity favour early emergence of leaves, faster crop
growth, dry matter production and translocation to grain. As such, the performance of a summer
crop is comparatively better as compared to monsoon and winter crops. Due to low temperature
winter yield are lower except in known winter crops varieties. Further, higher relative humidity
favours the incidence of pests and diseases to crops. Thus is better to choose a proper time for
planting keeping in tune with the season and adjustability of crop.
b) Seed size and Planting Methods :-
A high quality seed with proper certification and source of an average size is very
important obtaining desired field stands leading to better yield. However, larger seeds help in
early emergence and greater seedling vigour. This in turn helps for obtaining larger
photosynthetic area during the early crop growth. Thus bigger seed size results in the advantage
of increases in grain yield.
c) Seeding Rate and Direction :-
Basically the seed rate depends on plant stature and structure, leaf disposition, the growth
habit of the crop, its duration, size of the seeds, irrigated or dry land cropping, purpose for which
crop is grown, spacing between crop rows, etc. Seedling rate is also determined by the
germination and emergence potential of the seeds. The factors like the season, soil moisture and
soil fertility status are equally important in deciding proper density of plants. Optimum plant
populations generally provide conditions for better utilization of land space, soil moisture,
nutrients and for maximum light interception right from the early periods of crop growth.
Variation in plant population influences greatly the performance of the individual plant.
More than required plant population in a given area creates more competition among
plants and plants become lanky. Sometimes it leads to bareness of crop due to mutual shading
and competition. The grain yielding efficiency will be affected. Further, one has to consider
proper direction of seeding / planting. Under dry land farming principles while sowing / planting.
d) Fertilizer Management :-
Each crop has its own nutrient requirement. The ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash
etc. and also the total dose varies. This depends on the purpose of the crop, duration, soil type as
well as response need of variety, and balanced fertilizer application of Nitrogen, Phosphorous,
Potash and required micro nutrients in conjunction with the organic manure certainly has great
impact on plant growth and yield. For each crop the way the fertilizers are applied depends on its
rooting pattern, planting and cultivation requirements. The nutrients supplied thus influences
better root growth, early emergence and expansion of leaf canopy and increases photosynthetic
efficiency which results in greater dry-matter production. These eventually lead to the formation
and development of larger sink where the food material accumulates like grains, tuber, etc., and
ultimately provides higher grain yield.
The knowledge of the crucial stages of floral initiation and floret differentiation, say in
grain crop plants lead to beneficial adjustments to be followed in nutrient supply and
management for better production. In crops like sorghum, maize, rice, wheat, finger millet, bajra,
etc. the periods of top dressings of nitrogen for better nutrition for the crop should be at most
active and vital stages of floral initiation and floret differentiation, so as to aid in the
development of large sink to accumulate carb-hydrates produced at later stages. Proper nutrients
management leads to increased photosynthetic efficiency as the plants advance in age eventually
helping in better development of grains.
The recent advances concerning the use of slow release nitrogenous fertilizers have a vital
place in nitrogen management of crops considering their growth phases. Even phosphate and
potash nutrients in small quantities are used under some special conditions.
e) Moisture Supply :-
Adequate soil moisture should be there before planting or sowing. If there is improper
soil moisture, germination or establishment of plants in the field will be hampered. The growth
pattern of the crops is generally known to get smoothened by adequate moisture supply
especially at the vital growth phases. The crops grown under inadequate moisture conditions
normally develop shallow root systems and will show lesser degree of drought tolerance. Crop
stature and growth will not be satisfactory. Shortage of water at particular crop growth stage say
at tillering, before flowering and after, greatly reduces the yield. Limitation in moisture supply
hinders the leaf growth limiting the photosynthetic source dry matter production considerably
and ultimately the yield. When the crop plants are fully stressed for want of moisture there will
be no growth and also grain formation. However, following irrigation at right stage the
resumption of growth depends on the stage of moisture stress.
Moisture stress at floral differentiation stage affects the spikelet formation and thus
reduces sink size. At heading, if the crop suffers from moisture stress, it damages the floral
pollination and this minimizes grain setting. The moisture shortage at grain-filling or dough stage
affects the translocation of carbohydrates fro the photosynthetic sources to the sink, thereby
affecting the grain filling and the course of development of grains. However, if the crop is
provided with normal moisture at all these critical stages, the yield level obtained would be
comparable to that obtained from the normally irrigated crop.
f) Weed Control :-
Weeds are perennial menace to crop at all stages having grained control on land. Yet their
beneficial effects could be reduced. The weed competition during early stages of crop growth
lowers the yield more than the weed competition during later stages of crop growth. Therefore,
eliminating the competition by weeds for nutrient, moisture and light at the early stages of crop
growth favours better yield. Weeds besides using the nutrients, compete with crops for light,
space, and thus minimize the growth and reduce the yield. Under extreme condition of severe
competition during the early periods, primordial initiation and its development will be affected to
great extent. Due to reduced growth of the crop on account of weed competition during the early
growth stages, the crop will not favourably utilize the inputs extended during later period of crop
growth. This will minimize the sink capacity as well as the size due to the reduce translocation of
photosynthates as a result of lowered efficiency of plant system. Therefore, the crop should be
made free of competition with the weeds during the early growth stages.