Laboratory Manual

LABORATORY MANUAL
AGR206
CROP PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY – I (KHARIF CROPS) LABORATORY
(For private circulation only)
Name of student………………………………………
Registration number/Roll no……………………….
Section/Group……………………………………….
School of Agriculture
Session/Term: 2020-21 (Autumn Term)
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General guidelines for the students:
a) A Student is expected to maintain the decorum of the laboratory by maintaining proper

discipline.
b) Student is expected to be punctual in lab, should keenly perform the experiment allotted
to him without moving from one lab to another and even experimental set up should not be left
until it unavoidable.
c) Mobile phones are not allowed in the labs and should be kept in the bags in silent or
switch-off mode.
d) Keep the work area clear of all materials except those needed for your work. Extra
books, purses, bags etc. should be kept in the racks placed in the laboratories.
e) Clean up your work area before leaving.
Dress code:
a) Shorts and sandals should not be worn in the lab at any time. Shoes are required when
working in the laboratories.
b) Students must have lab coat, gloves and mask with them every time.
Compulsory things to be carried by the students in lab:
a) Lab coat, gloves, mask, calculator, butter paper, fractional weights and stationary items.
Safety Guidelines:
a) Do not use any equipment unless you are trained and approved as a user by your
supervisor.
b) Wear safety glasses when working with hazardous materials or use such materials in
fuming hood.
c) Wear gloves when using any hazardous or toxic agent.
d) If you have long hair or loose clothes, make sure it is tied back or confined
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Tables of Contents
Page No.
S. No. Name of Experiment
1 To study nursery bed preparation and transplanting of rice. 4-9
2 To study the sowing of soybean, pigeon pea and Mung bean. 10-14
3 To study the sowing of maize, groundnut and cotton. 15-18
4 To study the effect of seed size on germination and seedling vigour of 19-22
kharif season crops.
5 To study the effect of sowing depth on germination of kharif crops. 23-26
6 To identify different weeds in kharif season crops. 27-32
7 To study the morphological description of kharif season crops. 33-37
8 To study top dressing and foliar feeding of nutrients. 38-42
9 To study crop varieties and important agronomic experiments at 43-46

experimental farm.
10 To study yield contributing characters and yield calculation of kharif 47-50

season crops.
11 To Study the methods of raising different forage crops. 52-55
12 To visit to research centre to know about modern technology for 56-59

raising crops.
References:
1. Manures Fertilizers and Pesticides by A Rakshit, CBS Publishers and Distributors Pvt. Ltd.
2. Practical manual on basic agronomy (with theory) by N R Das, Scientific Publisher.
3
Experiment No. 1
Experiment: To study nursery bed preparation and transplanting of rice.
Equipment required: Spade, hand hoe, rake, measuring tape, seed, water etc.
Materials required: Polythene sheets, plastic tray (nursery type), coco pit mixture, vermiculite,
hand globes, fungicides
Learning Objectives: To get acquaint students about the different techniques of
raising nursery and transplanting method in paddy
Theory/Principle/Background of the topic:
Rice can be either transplanted or sown directly in the field. When the farmer decides for
transplanting, preparation of nursery is the first step. The choice primarily depends on the availability
of water. Nursery area requires 20 cents (800 m2) of land area near to water source for transplanting
one hectare in conventional method.
Outline of the Procedure:

Prior to transplanting, seedlings need to be raised in a nursery. Seedling nurseries usually use 5−10%
of the total farming area. When choosing the appropriate nursing system, consider the availability of
sunlight, water, labour, land, and agricultural implements.
1. Nursery bed preparation for Wet bed: Use this method in areas with sufficient water supply.
Allot 1/10 of the field for the seed bed area, and prepare 40 kg of seed to transplant 1 ha of land.
1. Prepare beds at 1 m wide by convenient length. Raise the soil to 5−10 cm height.
2. Broadcast pre-germinated seeds in thoroughly puddled and levelled soil.
3. Construct drainage canals for proper water removal.
4. Add organic manure (decompose) and a small amount of inorganic fertilizer as basal dressing. This
increases seed vigour and allows easier uprooting for transplanting.
5. Transplant seedlings at 15−21 days old.
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2 .Nursery bed preparation for Dry bed: Prepare the nursery in dry soil conditions. Ensure that the
site is free of shade and has access to irrigation facilities. Allot 1/10 of the field for the seed bed area,
and prepare 60−80 kg of seed to transplant 1 ha of land.
1. Prepare beds at 1 m wide by convenient length. Raise the soil to 5−10 cm in height.
2. Distribute a layer of half burned paddy husk on the nursery bed to facilitate uprooting.
3. Prevent moisture stress by irrigation. Without appropriate moisture, roots may be damaged during
pulling.
4. If nutrient supply is low, apply basal fertilizer mixture and incorporate it between rows.
Seedlings raised in dry-bed are short, strong, and has a longer root system than those raised in wet-
beds.
3. Dapog method: Dapog or mat method is most appropriate for growing short duration varieties, as
seedlings experience less transplanting shock. Compared to other methods, this requires less labour,
and has minimal root damage. Prepare dapog nurseries where a flat firm surface is available and
water supply is very reliable. Allot 100 m2/ha or 1% of the field for the seedbed, and prepare 40−50
kg of seed per ha.
1. Mark out 1 m wide and 10−20 m long plots.

2. Cover the surface with banana leaves, plastic sheets, or any flexible material from penetrating the
bottom layer of the soil. Cemented floors may also be used as base. Form the boundary with bamboo
splits or banana sheath.
3. Cover the seedbed with about 1 cm of burned paddy husk or compost.
4. Sow pre-germinated seeds on the seedbed. Maintain a thickness of 5−6 seeds (1 kg per 1.5 m2).
5. Sprinkle water to the seeds after sowing, and then press down by hand or with a wooden flat board.
6. Prevent water stress by irrigation.
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8. 4. Modified mat nursery: The modified mat nursery uses less land and requires fewer seeds and
inputs (i.e., fertilizer and water). Allot 100 m2/ha for the seedbed, and prepare 18−25 kg of good
quality seeds.
1. Cover the surface of 4 cm layer soil mix with banana leaves, plastic sheets, or any flexible material
from penetrating the bottom layer of the soil.
2. Sow pre-germinated seeds on the seedbed, then sprinkle with water. Maintain a thickness of 2−3
seeds.
3. Water the nursery 2 times a day for 5 days.
4. Transplant seedlings at 15−21 days old, when seedlings reach the four-leaf stage.
Transplanting: Manual transplanting can be done in two methods:
(a) Random Method: In random method, seedlings are transplanted without a definite distance or
space between plants. When transplanting is done at random, equal distances between hills are
difficult to determine but it is essential that the estimated distances should not be too close or too
wide (not less than 10 cm and not more than 25 cm) to complement control of weeds through
early shading by rice canopies
(b) Straight-row Method: This method follows uniform spacing or pattern. Intercultural operations
will be easy and convenient as compared to random method
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Results: Methods of nursery preparation and transplanting in rice
Scope of the result: Students will acquaint the with basics techniques of nursery preparation.
Results required: Understanding of different nursery preparation techniques.
Cautions:
a. Seed should be placed at appropriate depth.

b. Before sowing seed treatment should be done with recommended dose of fungicide.
c. Seed bed should be free from weeds, pebbles and clods.
d. Bed should be raised by 20 cm from soil surface to provide good drainage
Suggested reading:
Books:
a. Introduction to Crops in India by NR Das, Scientific publishers, India, 1st Edition

(2007)
b. Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops by Singh C, Singh P and Singh R,

Agrobios, 2nd Edition (2004)
Weblinks: http:// www.knowledgebank.irri.org.
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Worksheet of the student
Date of Performance: Registration No:
Aim:
Observation:
Results and Discussion:
8
Learning Outcomes (what I have learnt): To be written by the students
in 50-70 words.
To be filled in by faculty:
S.No. Parameter (Scale from 1-10, 1 for Marks Obtained Maximum Marks
very poor and 10 for excellent)
1. Understanding of the student about 20
the procedure/ apparatus
2. Observations and analysis including 20
learning outcomes
3. Completion of experiment, 10
Discipline and Cleanliness
Signature of Faculty 50
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Experiment No. 2
1. Experiment: To study the sowing of soybean, pigeon pea and mung bean
Equipment required: Seed driller
Materials required: Seed samples of soybean, pigeonpea and Mung bean.
2. Learning Objectives:
To get the students well acquainted with the different method of sowing in
soybean, pigeonpea and Mung bean.
3. Theory/Principle/Background of the topic:

Sowing refers to the process of planting seeds in the prepared soil. Good seeds are
first selected on the basis of their quality and health. They are then sowed in the fields
with the help of seed drills and funnel shaped tools. Seeds are put in the funnel and seeds
go into the soil through long pipe which is carried over in the field with help of ploughs.
4. Outline of the Procedure:

a. Sowing of soybean:
Soybean seeds used for sowing must be from authentic source. Genetic purity
is an important factor in selecting sowing seeds. Avoid diseased, immature, hard,
damaged, shrunken seeds. Seeds selected for sowing should also be vigorous for good
field stand. Sowing in soybean farming should be done in lines 45cm-60cm apart with the
help of seed driller or behind the plough. Plant to plant distance can be kept from 4cm to
5cm the sowing depth of soybean seed should not be more than 3-4cm under ideal
moisture conditions
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Seed cum fertilizer box
Ground wheeler
Seed-cum-fertilizer driller
Behind the plough
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b. Sowing of pigeonpea:
In the rain fed and dry area pigeonpea are sown with the onset of the monsoon.
Earlier sowing gives higher yields in India. When sowing extra early and early maturing
varieties in the 1st first night of June, the field is available for post rainy season crops by
the end of November. Therefore, sowing should not be delayed beyond June. The sowing
of medium and late maturing varieties under rainfed conditions should be done during
June or July at onset of the monsoon. This should be preferable before the 2nd week of
July. Late sowing causes considerable reduction in yield due to photoperiodicity and
excessive soil moisture stress which coincides with the reproductive growth. In sowing
later than 15 October yields drastically decline. Significant reduction in grain yield with
delay in sowing beyond June 15 was due to reduction in plant height, pods per plant and
total dry matter production.
c. Sowing of mung bean:
Dibble the green gram seeds making a space of 30cm x 10 cm in farming. In case
of bund crop, dibble the seeds with 30 cm spacing.
5. Results: Different method of sowing in soybean, pigeonpea and Mung bean.
6. Scope of the result: Students will acquaint different method of sowing in traditional
method and using modern implements
7. Cautions: Select only good and healthy seeds for better germination and crop
establishment.
9. Suggested Reading:
a. . Practical manual on basic agronomy (with theory) by N R Das, Scientific Publisher.
b. Weblinks: http://agriinfo.in/?page=topic&superid=1&topicid=337
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Aim:
Observation:
13
in 50-70 words.
learning outcomes
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Experiment No. 3
1. Experiment: To study the sowing of maize, groundnut and cotton
Equipment required: Seed driller
Materials required: Seed samples of maize, groundnut and cotton.
To get the students well acquainted with the different method of sowing in maize,
groundnut and cotton.
Sowing is placing of a specific quantity of seeds in the soil for germination and
growth. Heavy and bold seeds produce vigorous seedlings. Optimum depth of sowing
ranges from 2.5-3cm. Depth of sowing depends on seed size and availability of soil
moisture. They are then sowed in the fields with the help of seed drills and funnel shaped
tools.

Sowing of maize:
Furrows are made in the beds at a distance of 70 cm and depth of 7.5 -10 cm. The
manures and basal dose of fertilizers are applied in the furrows and mixed well with the
soil. Seeds are then sown in these furrows in lines, at a distance of 20 cm (8 inches) and
covered over with soil.
Sowing of Groundnut
Although groundnut is a deep-rooted crop but looking to it’s underground pod

forming habit, deep ploughing should be avoided. Because deep ploughing encourages
development of pods in deeper layers of soil which makes harvesting difficult. One
ploughing with soil turning plough followed by two harrowing would be sufficient to
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achieve a good surface tilt up to 12-18 cm depth. One or two summer cultivations will
minimize weeds and insect-pests to a great extent in problem areas
Sow the rainfed crop with the advent of monsoon in the last week of June or in
the first week of July. Complete the sowing as early as possible as delayed sowing causes
progressive reduction in the yield. Where irrigation facilities are available, sow
groundnut around 20th June or 10-12 days before the onset of monsoon with a pre-
sowing irrigation. This helps in best utilization of monsoon by the crop because all the
germination will take place before rains start which ultimately result in a higher yield. It
will also help in getting the field vacated in time for the sowing of Rabi crops. In
southern part of the country where groundnut is sown in Rabi season also, it should be
sown in the month of November and December.
Sowing of Cotton
Drilling method: For straight varieties; Dibbling method: For hybrids (wider
spacing). Normal as well as paired row cropping pattern of sowing for cotton gave
similar yields hence either planting pattern can be adopted. For rainfed intra-hirsutum
hybrids two plants per hill produced significantly higher kapas yield than one plant per
hill. Sowing of deshi and American cotton to the direction of North-south or East-West
was not found beneficial in increasing the yield of seed cotton under rainfed condition.
5. Results: Different method of sowing in soybean, pigeonpea and Mung bean.
6. Scope of the result: Students will acquaint different method of sowing in traditional
method and using modern implements
7. Cautions:
a. Select only good and healthy seeds for better germination and crop establishment.
b. Weblinks: http://agriinfo.in/?page=topic&superid=1&topicid=337
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Aim:
Observation:
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in 50-70 words.
learning outcomes
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Experiment No. 4
Experiment: To study the effect of seed size on germination and seedling vigour of kharif
season crops.
Materials required: Seed samples of kharif crops
Learning Objectives:
To get the students acquaint with effect of seed size on germination of Kharif crops
For a successful crop production, the use of good quality seed is very essential which increase
the yield by 15-20%. The extent of this increase is directly proportional to the quality of seed that
is being sown. Seed size is an important physical indicator of seed quality that affects vegetative
growth and is frequently related to yield, market grade factors and harvest efficiency. Genetic
variation is the cause for variation in size of seed between varieties. Based on size, the seeds are
classified as very large, large, medium, small and very small. This variation is due to flow of
nutrients into the seed at the mother plant. Since seed coat and embryonic axis are the first to
develop in a seed within a pod and accumulation of food reserve is occur later one. This variation
is exerted in size, later on, on mobilization of food reserve to growing seedling. It has been
reflected in many crop species and many varieties. A wide array of different effects of seed size
has been reported for seed germination, emergence and related agronomic aspects in many crop
species. Generally, large seed has better field performance than small seed.
.
Outline of the Procedure:
EFFECT OF LARGE SEED ON SEEDLING VIGOUR:

Seed size is positively correlated with seed vigour: larger seeds tend to produce more vigorous
seedlings, higher plant height, number of leaves and stem girth in plants raised by large size
followed by medium compared to small seeds. Large seeds produced vigorous seedling growth
due to a lower ion accumulation under Na Cl stress
Germination rate and seedling vigour index values increased with the increase of seed size
suggesting the selection of larger seeds for good stand establishment.
Germination percentage , seedling length, seedling vigour index, dry weight and field
emergence in large size seeds is higher as compared to small seeds.
Bigger seeds germinate quicker and would take lesser duration when compare to that of smaller
ones have recorded higher seed germination and seedling vigour by using bigger sized
seeds. Larger seeds were capable of emerging from greater planting depths and showed an
enhanced ability to penetrate ground cover and survive burial by litter. Higher and quicker
germination in bigger sized seeds could be due to the presence of higher amount of
carbohydrates and other nutrients than in medium and small sized seeds
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EFFECT OF LARGE SEED ON SEED YIELD
Seed size not only influence emergence and establishment but also affected yield
components and ultimately grain yield. The size of seed has a strong influence on germination as
well as growth and biomass increment of a plant. With increasing seed size spike production and
density, number of tillers, main stem length, thousand kernel mass, test mass, seed vigour and
yield increased. Large seeds have more food storage for embryo growth and development which
lead to vigorous growth of the seedling before weeds can emerge and create competition. Crop
growth rate at the beginning of the growth cycle was higher in plants originating from large
seeds. Smallest seed size had lowest emergence therefore, it is assumed that plants grown from
small seed had less fertile tillers than those grown from large seed.
EFFECT OF SMALL SEEDS ON SEEDLING VIGOUR
Small seeds to medium sized ones produced better germination and seedling vigour than those of
bigger ones. Small seeds germinated faster and grew higher under saline conditions and that they
could be preferred for use in saline soils to achieve better stands. Small seeds had better
germination uniformity and getting reserves more and faster than larger ones .
Results: Students will learn about effect of seed size on germination and seedling vigour for
kharif crops.
Scope of the result: It will enable the students to select bold and healthy seed for better
germination and plant population.
Suggested Reading:
b. Weblinks: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.4141/cjps81-048
c. https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=rjss.2014.31.38#17653_op
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Aim:
Observation:
21
in 50-70 words.
learning outcomes
22
Experiment No. 5
1. Experiment: To study the effect of sowing depth on germination of kharif crops
Materials required: Seed sample of kharif-crops.
To aware the students about the sowing depth on germination of kharif crops. . .

Optimum depth of sowing ranges from 2.5-3 cm. Depth of sowing depends on
seed size and availability of soil moisture, deeper sowing delays field emergence and this
delays crop duration. Deeper sowing sometimes ensures crop survival under adverse
weather and soil conditions mostly in dry lands.
Deep seed sowing has a number of effects on seedling growth. For instance, there
may be an increase in the time between seed germination and seedling emergence as
found which largely determines the ranking of seedlings in the competitive hierarchy for
growth resources. An increase in hypocotyl or epicotyl length, as noted in deep seeding,
will reduce the probability of the seedlings being capable of overcoming soil strength and
render the seedlings more susceptible to attack by pathogens.
Very shallow seeding can lead to a high incidence of spider roots which develop
horizontally just below the soil surface and which are of very low quality. However,
provided the radicle of the germinating seed penetrates the soil, the seedling will develop
normally with a tap root; such seedlings will have contractile roots which ensures that the
rhizome and the perennating bud are kept below the soil surface to prevent freeze
damage.
5. Results: Effect of sowing depth on germination of kharif crops
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6. Scope of the result: It will acquaint the students with the effect of sowing for
better crop establishment.
7. Suggested reading:
Books:
a Introduction to Crops in India by NR Das, Scientific publishers, India, 1st Edition
(2007)
b Modern Techniques of Raising Field crops by Singh C, Singh P and Singh R,
Agrobios, 2nd Edition (2004)
Web: www.ijries.org/administrat/com/com_jresearch/files/publications/IJAIR_1889_FINAL.pdf
24
Aim:
Observation:
25
in 50-70 words.
learning outcomes
26
Experiment No. 6
1. Experiment: To identify different weeds in kharif season crops
Materials required: Fresh weeds, Slides, Images, Poster
a. To get the students well acquainted with the different weeds in major kharif
crop field.
b. To get the students acquaint with unique weed that differ from plant characters.

Correct identification is the foremost step in working out strategy for controlling
weeds. There are approximately 250,000 species of plants in the world. However, less
than 250 plant species, about 0.1% are troublesome enough to be called universally
throughout the world. It is surprising that relatively few plant species make up the
majority of agricultural weed problems worldwide.
After locating different types of weeds, study their habitat, morphology and mode
of propagation. As you get a weed plant, make a visual observation and understand its
basic characteristics
Observations
Make a list of all weeds and note down the salient characteristics given below:
(I) Morphology of the plant
(i) Leaf: Color, size, shape, arrangement
(ii) Stem: Color, size, nature (erect, prostrate, angular trailing etc.) nodes
and internodes, solid, hollow, woody, tender
(iii) Branches: Branched, unbranched, pattern and arrangement
(iv) Flowers: Color, size, type of inflorescence
(v) Roots/under: Shallow, deep, tap root, adventitious, root color, rhizomes.
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Table: Most common weeds in crop fields of India
Monocot species Dicot species
Common name Scientific name Common name Scientific name

Annuals Annuals
Barnyard grass Echinocloa crusgalli Goat weed Ageratum conyzoides
Crab grass Digitaria sp. Pig weed Amaranthus sp.
Foxtail Sataria sp. Black jack Bidens pilosa
Sandbur Cenchrus sp. Cockscomb, Celosia argentia
Wild oat Avena fatua Bathua Chenopodium album
Goose grass Eleusine indica Wild carrot weed Parthenium sp.
Crowfoot grass Dactyloctenium Horse purslane Trianthum
aegyptium Portulacastrum
Perennials Perennials
Bermuda grass Cyanodon dactylon Canada thistle Circium arvense
Cogon grass Imperata cylindrica Day flower Commelina
Benghalensis
Couch Grass Agropyron repense Field bind weed Convulvulus arvensis

White horse
Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus nettle Solanum elaeagnifolium
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5. Results: Identification of different weeds, habitats and its distribution.
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6. Scope of the result:
Students will enable to identify weed and also acquaint them with their
specific botanical characters.
7. Results required:
Identification and taxonomic description of weed.
8. Cautions:
a. Handle weeds samples carefully because some of the weeds are allergic
to humans.
a. Weed Management Principles and practices by O. P. Gupta, Agro bios India

b. Web links: http://www.dwr.org.in
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Aim:
Observation:
31
in 50-70 words.

ss
learning outcomes
32
Experiment No. 7
1. Experiment: To study the morphological description of kharif season crops
Materials required: Fresh plants/plant parts, paper sheets etc
a) To get the students well acquainted with the different morphological features of plants
b) To get the students acquaint with different plant characters
Identification of crop plants is an essential part in understanding the basics of cultivation

of crop plants. Plants can be categorized into two major groups; monocot and dicots.
Plants can be identified on the basis of morphology of different plant parts such as of
leaves, stems, roots and flowers.
a) Identification of plants along with plant parts like leaf size, leaf shape and stem size,
nodes
and inter nodes, tillers, tassels, leaf blade etc.
b) Different stages can be identified by observing the complete life cycle of plants.
33
5. Results: Identification of different crop plants and their parts.
6. Scope of the result: Students will enable to identify crop plants and also
acquaint them with their specific botanical characters.
7. Results required: Identification and taxonomic description of crop plants.
a) Plant material should be examined thoroughly.
b) Plant samples must be preserved with appropriate conditions
c) Colour, Size and shape of same crop may vary according to different varieties.
9.Suggested Reading:
a) Introduction to Crops in India by NR Das, Scientific publishers, India, 1st Edition,

(2007).
34
b) Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops by Singh C, Singh P and Singh R,
Agrobios, 2nd Edition, (2004)
Web links: http:// www.wikihow.com
35
Aim:
Observation:
36
in 50-70 words.
learning outcomes
37
Experiment No. 8
Experiment: To study top dressing and foliar feeding of nutrients
Materials required: Urea, phosphorus, potassium, zinc.
Learning Objectives: To aware the students about the top dressing and foliar feeding of
nutrients.
Theory/Principle/Background of the topic: Applying fertilizer with the seed at planting is one
successful soil management practice that has long been recognized as a means to improve crop
yields. Correct dose of fertilizer and adequate seed rate play a key role in the growth and
development of crops. The students will be acquainted with the top dressing and foliar feeding of
nutrients.
Outline of the Procedure: Method of application varies according to the spacing of crop, type
of fertilizer material, time of application, etc. So top dressing and foliar feeding are one of the
methods of fertilizer application.
Top dressing: Spreading of fertilizer in standing crops is termed as top dressing without
considering the crop rows but when the crop rows are taken into account and the material is
dropped on the ground surface near the crop rows, then it is called as side dressing. It is the
broadcasting of fertilizers particularly nitrogenous fertilizers in closely sown crops like paddy
and wheat, with the objective of supplying nitrogen in readily available form to growing plant.
Foliar feeding: In this method of fertilizer application, urea, micro-nutrients and other required
materials are dissolved in water, filtered and sprayed over the crop foliage by the help of a
suitable sprayer. This method is preferred to other methods because it needs very little quantity
of materials, the crop plants respond within 24 hours of application, soil reaction, topography
and soil textures have no adverse effect on the nutrient availability and fertility status of the soil,
however, uneven spraying and improper concentration of the solution may lead to hazardous
effect over the crop. It is an effective method for correcting soil deficiencies and overcoming the
soil’s inability to transfer nutrients to the plant. Tests have shown that up to 90 percent of a foliar
fed nutrient solution can be found in the smallest root of a plant within 60 minutes of application.
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The effectiveness of bio based foliar applied nutrients is determined by (1) The condition of the
leaf surface, in particular the waxy cuticle. The cuticle is only partially permeable to water and
dissolved nutrients and, as a result, it can limit nutrient uptake.
(2) The length of time the nutrient remains dissolved in the solution on the leaf's surface.
3 .Diffusion, the movement of elements from a high concentration to a low concentration. For
diffusion to occur, the nutrient must dissolve
(4) The type of formulation. Water-soluble formulations generally work better for foliar
applications as they are more easily absorbed when compared to insoluble solutions. Water
insoluble formulations are generally slow acting because they must dissolve before they can be
absorbed and are more applicable for soil applications.
The best time to foliar feed is late evening to early morning. These are the times when the
stomata (the small opening on the leaves) are open.
5. Results:
Top dressing and foliar feeding of nutrients of kharif crops

It will acquaint the students with the top dressing and foliar feeding of nutrients of
kharif crops
7. Cautions:
a) Use standard nutrient composition if not given
b) Some nutrient can be supplied from multiple sources
39
Introduction to Crops in India by NR Das, Scientific publishers, India, 1st Edition,

(2007).
b) Weblinks: http:// www.lawnfertilizers.com/info/lawnrates.html
40
Aim:
Observation:
41
Learning Outcomes (what I have learnt): To be written by the
students in 50-70 words.
learning outcomes
42
Experiment No. 9
Experiment: To study crop varieties and important agronomic experiments at experimental
farm
Material required: How to draw a farm layout and learning field experiments design.
Planning and preparation of field layout is necessary for successful crop production. Different
crops require different spacing and plant geometry. Besides this, crops can be intercropped under
different systems of layout. The students will be acquainted with the basic knowledge of field
layout planning and preparation of different crop plants. Any designing of experiments involves
three major steps:
Outline of the procedure:
Basic Principles of Experimental Designs
The basic principles of experimental designs are randomization, replication and local control.
These principles make a valid test of significance possible. Each of them is described briefly in
the following subsections.
(1) Randomization. The first principle of an experimental design is randomization, which is a
random process of assigning treatments to the experimental units. The random process implies
that every possible allotment of treatments has the same probability. An experimental unit is the
smallest division of the experimental material, and a treatment means an experimental condition
whose effect is to be measured and compared. The purpose of randomization is to remove bias
and other sources of extraneous variation which are not controllable. Another advantage of
randomization (accompanied by replication) is that it forms the basis of any valid statistical test.
Hence, the treatments must be assigned at random to the experimental units.
(2) Replication. The second principle of an experimental design is replication, which is a
repetition of the basic experiment. In other words, it is a complete run for all the treatments to be
tested in the experiment. In all experiments, some kind of variation is introduced because of the
fact that the experimental units such as individuals or plots of land in agricultural experiments
cannot be physically identical. This type of variation can be removed by using a number of
experimental units. A replication is used to:
i) Secure a more accurate estimate of the experimental error, a term which represents the
differences that would be observed if the same treatments were applied several times to the same
experimental units;
(ii) Decrease the experimental error and thereby increase precision, which is a measure of the
Variability of the experimental error; and
(iii) Obtain a more precise estimate of the mean effect of a treatment,.
(3) Local Control. . The main purpose of the principle of local control is to increase the
efficiency of an experimental design by decreasing the experimental error. The point to
remember here is that the term local control should not be confused with the word control. The
word control in experimental design is used for a treatment which does not receive any treatment
when we need to find out the effectiveness of other treatments through comparison.
Types of experimental design:
1. A completely randomized (CRD) design, which is the simplest type of the basic designs,
may be defined as a design in which the treatments are assigned to experimental units completely
at random. That is, the randomization is done without any restrictions. The design is completely
flexible, i.e.,
any number of treatments and any number of units per treatment may be used. Moreover, the
number of units per treatment need not be equal. A completely randomized design is considered
43
to be most useful in situations where (i) the experimental units are homogeneous, (ii) the
experiments are small such as laboratory experiments, and (iii) some experimental units are
likely to be destroyed or fail to respond.
2 Randomized Complete Block Designs: Randomized complete block designs differ from the
Completely randomized designs in that the experimental units are grouped into blocks according
to known or suspected variation which is isolated by the blocks.
3. Latin square design: square array which contains n different elements with each element
Occurring n times but with no element occurring twice in the same column or row and which is
used especially in the statistical design of experiments (as in agriculture)
Results: Students will learn about layout designs and crops growing patterns.
Scope of the result: It will enable the students to plan field experiments.
Suggested reading:
Books:
1. Introduction to Crops in India by NR Das, Scientific publishers, India, 1st Edition, (2007).
2. Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops by Singh C, Singh P and Singh R, Agrobios, 2nd
Edition, (2004)
Web links: http:www.agric.gov.in
https://www.emathzone.com/tutorials/basic-statistics/completely-randomized design.
Suggested reading:
Books:

(2007).
b) Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops by Singh C, Singh P and Singh R,

Agrobios, 2nd Edition, (2004)
Weblinks: http:www.agric.gov.in
44
Aim:
Observation:
45
in 50-70 words.
learning outcomes
46
Experiment No. 10
Experiment: To study yield contributing characters and yield calculation of kharif season crops
Materials required: Plant sample of Kharif crops, polythene bags, harvesting equipment like
sickle, knife, etc., Balance and gunny bags or baskets, pans, etc.
Learning Objectives: To get acquaint students about yield contributing characters and yield
calculation of kharif crops.
Theory/Principle/Background of the topic. : Yield is the ultimate objective of cultivating
agricultural plants. Yield potentials of crops/varieties can be assessed on the basis of yield attributes.
Different crops have different yield attributing characters. These observations help farmers to choose
a suitable crop or variety for cultivation Different plant parts constitute the economic yield in
different crops, like grain in cereals, pulses and oil seeds, vegetative parts or fruits in vegetable
crops; bark or out growth in fibre crops (jute, cotton); and the entire plant in fodder crops. The yield
per unit area (per m2 or ha) is the product of yield per plant multiplied by the number of plants per
unit area. It is, therefore, essential to know the yield components per plant as well as per unit area.
Some of the examples are:
Eg.1. Find out the yield of cotton in terms of seed-cotton, cotton seed, lint and ginning percentage
if following data are provided:
(i) Plant spacing -90 cm x 60 cm
(ii) Average no. of sympodial branches/plant -5
(iii) Average no. of bolls/branch -4
(iv) No. of locules/boll -4
(v) Average no. of seeds/ locules -8
(vi) Seed to lint ratio -2.5 : 1
(vii) Test weight of cotton seed -140 g.
(viii) Area under crop -one hectare
Solution
Formulae of Yield of cotton seed (q/ha) =
Area x test wt (g) x No.of sympodial branches x No. of boll/branch x locules/boll x seeds/locules
47
Spacing x 1000 x1000 x100
10000x 140 x 5 x4 x 4 x 8
= 16.6 q/ha
0.9 x 0.6 x 1000 x 1000 x 100
Yield of lint in q/ha=

Yield of cotton seed in q/ha
Seed to lint ratio = 16.6 x1 / 2.5 = 6.64 q/ha
Yield of seed cotton = Yield of cotton seed + yield of lint = 16.6 + 6.64 = 23.24 q/ha
Ginning percentage =
Yield of lint in q/ha
= 6.64 x 100/ 23.24 = 28.45 %

Yield of seed cotton in q/ha
Example2:Calculate the expected yield of maize grain in t/ha from the following details :
(1) Spacing-75 cm x 30 cm
(2) Average no. of cobs/plant-2
(3) Average no. of grain rows/cob-10
(4) Average no. of seeds/grain row-25
(5) Test weight of seeds-250g. Solution
Solution: Formulae of Yield of maize grains in t/ha=

1000xcobs/plant x grain rows/cob x grains/row x test .wt. in Spacing in sq.m. x
1000x1000x100x10 = 10000x2x10x25x2500.75x0.30x1000x1000x100x10 = 5.56 t/ha
Yield of Maize grain would be 5.56 t/ha.
Example3.What would be the yield of rice grains, if
(a) The average ear head density/m2 - 260
(b) Average no of filled grains/panicle - 136
(c) Test weight - 20 g
48
Solution Formulae:
Yield of rice t/ha = 10000 x ear head/m2 x no. of filled grains/ear head x test wt. 1000 x 1000 x 100 x
10
= 10000x260x136x201000x1000x100x10 = 7.08 t/ha

= Yield of rice would be 70.8q/ha
Yield estimation of Kharif crops
Procedure
(a) Single plant yield
1. Harvest 50 to 100 random single plants separately.
2. Count the number of branches or tillers, if any, for each plant.
3. Thresh the seed or economic produce separately from each branch or tiller or from the entire
plant, as the case may be. Weigh the seed from each branch or tiller in grain crops and economic
produce in vegetables, fodder and fibre crops and record it.
4. Determine average number of branches/tillers per plant, yield per branch/tiller.
(b) Yield per unit area

1. Mark out 10 plots of 1 m randomly in the field.
2. Count the total number of plants per plot. Harvest each plot separately.
3. Thresh the material at the appropriate stage. Record yield from each plot separately.
Observations
Single plant yield
Number of productive branches or tillers per plant, average number of branches or tillers per
plant, weight of seeds per branch or tiller, average weight of seeds for each branch or tiller in g,
average weight of seeds per plant in g, weight of 1000 seeds in small grains and 100 seeds in big
grains in g.
Yield per unit area
Average number of plants per plot, yield per plot of 1.0 sq. m( g),average yield per plot of 1 sq. m(
g)
Calculations
Calculate the yield per hectare through the single plant yield method and yield per unit area method.
Yield per ha = Wt. of seeds per plant x No. of plants per ha. or
Yield per plot of 1.0 sq. m x 10,000
Results: Students will learn about yield and its characters of Kharif crops.
Scope of the result: It will enable the students to understand yield contributing characters of
crops.
Suggested Reading:
(a) Introduction to Crops in India by NR Das, Scientific publishers, India, 1st Edition,
(2007)
Web links: http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/208485/2/7924-28921-1-PB.pdf
49
Worksheet for the students:
Problems
1. Find out the yield of jute fibre in (q/ha) from the following details
(a) Spacing- 25 cm x 10 cm
(b) Average wt. of matured plant- 75 g (at green stage)
(c) Extractable fibre --- 8% (Ans- 24 q/ha)
2. What would be the yield of jute seed if the following details are given:
(i) Spacing- 25 cm x 10
cm (ii) Test wt. of seed- 6
g
(iii) Average no. of seed/plant-
170 ( Ans-4.08 q/ha)
3. Estimate the yield of groundnut pods, kernels and oil from the following data:
(i) Spacing- 45 cm x 20 cm
(ii) Average no. of matured pods/plant-24
(iii) No. of kernels/pod-2
(iv) Test weight of kernels-620 g
(v) Shelling percentage-70
(vi) Percentage of oil in kernels- 45
(Ans- 30.6 q/ha kernels, 42.9 q/ha unshelled pods, 13.77q/ha )
4.Estimate the seed yield(q/ha) of mung bean based on following data:
i. Spacing --- 30 cm x 12 cm
ii. Average no. of pods/plant - 25
iii. Average no. of seeds/pods - 6
iv. Test wt. -- 32 g (Ans -13q /ha).
50
Learning Outcomes (what I have learnt): To be written by the students in 50-70
words.
learning outcomes
51
Experiment No. 11
1. Experiment: To Study the methods of raising different forage crops.
Materials required: Berseem, Lucerne, Oat and important forage crops.
To get acquaint students about the different methods of raising different
forage crops.

Establishment of an excellent, uniform stand of forage in a short period of time is
important. Several methods and types of machines have been developed over the years to
plant the seeds of different forage crops — from an individual who walks the land with a
container of seed and broadcasts the seeds by hand to very sophisticated precision planters.

There are two methods for sowing of berseem i.e. dry and wet bed. For
satisfactory germination and good plant stand, wet method is better. Seed should be sown
in beds of convenient size by broadcast method after flooding the beds with 5-6 cm deep
water. Before sowing seeds, the water in the beds should be stirred thoroughly with the
help of puddler or rake so as to break the clods and capillary to avoid leaching during
successive irrigations. The crop should be re-irrigated after 5-6 days of sowing when
germination is complete. The seed rate depends upon method of sowing and type of the
crop, i.e. pure or mixed stands. In case of broadcast method, a seed rate of 20-25 kg/ha
should be used while line sowing needs only 12-15 kg/ha but in case of intercropping, it
requires only 6-12 kg/ha. Like berseem, seed treatment with Rhizobium culture
52
beneficial. Line sowing is preferred over broadcasting. Like berseem, 10–20 m long beds
should be made along with slope with irrigation channels 4-5 m apart. Water-soaked seed is
sown in shallow furrows at row distance of 30 cm by seed drill or kaira at sufficient soil
moisture
5. Results: Methods of raising different forage crops
Students will able to acquaint methods of raising different forage crops
Suggested reading:

(2007)
Weblinks: http://www.icar.org.in/files/forage-and-grasses.pdf
53
Date of Performance: Registration No.
Aim:
Observation:
54
in 50-70 words.
learning outcomes
55
Experiment No. 12
Aim: To visit to research centre (Farm) to know about modern technology for raising field crops.
Learning Objectives: To get the students acquaint modern technology in farming system by
visiting to nearest centre
A field trip provides an opportunity to students to acquaint themselves with the important crops
of the locality. They are able to know the climate, soil type, irrigation methods, farm and field
operations, implements, latest varieties under cultivation, improved and indigenous implements,
etc. They also come to know about the various steps involved in seed production in case this is
one of the activities of the farm. Similarly, they can observe other activities going on at the farm.
Materials Required
(i) Notebook
(ii) Ball point pen or pencil
Procedure
 Carry all the necessary things and reach the college in time.
 Get briefing on the visit from the teacher and leave the institution at the scheduled time
so that you arrive well within time at the farm.
 After arrival at the site, contact the Farm Manager or Incharge of the farm or the person
deputed for the purpose.
 Introduce yourself and discuss the purpose of your visit.
 Note down special facilities available at the farm.
 Seek clarification on any aspects or doubts, if required.
Observations
(a)Area of the farm ha
(b)Under cultivation ha
(c)Single crop area ha
(d)Double crop area ha
(e)Under building, roads, channels, threshing floor etc _ ha
(ii)Characteristics of the soil
(a) Texture
56
(b) pH
(c) Colour
(d) Bulk density
(e) N Content
(f) P205 Content
(g) K20 Content
(iii) Source of irrigation

(iv) Area under irrigation ha
(v) Crop rotations followed .
(vi) List of equipment/farm machinery
(vii)Area under rainfed crop
Crop area(ha)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(viii) Area under fodder production
Name of the crop Area ( ha)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(ix) Area under seed production
Name of the crop Variety Area ( ha)
(a)
(b)
( c)
(x) Crop-wise seed rate used
Name of the crop Seed rate ( kg/ha)
57
(a)
(b)
(c)
(xi). Crop wise fertilizer dose applied
Name of crop
(a)
(b)
(c)
(xii). Crop wise pesticide application schedule
(xiii) . Stage of crop growth at the time of visit
(ix) Name of crop stage
(xiv). Average yield (kg/ha)
Name of the crop Grain Fodder
(a)
(b)
(c)
(xv). Meteorological data
(a)Average rainfall mm
(b)Maximum temperature °C.
(c) Minimum temperature °C.
Suggested reading:
a) Introduction to Crops in India by NR Das, Scientific publishers, India, 1st

Edition, (2007)
Web: http://www.icar.org.in/en/node/7798
58
Learning Outcomes (what I have learnt): To be written by the students in 50-70 words.
Parameter
S.No. (Scale from 1-10, 1 for Marks Obtained Maximum Marks
learning outcomes
59

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LABORATORY MANUAL

Registration number/Roll no……………………….

Session/Term: 2020-21 (Autumn Term)

a) A Student is expected to maintain the decorum of the laboratory by maintaining proper

e) Clean up your work area before leaving.

Compulsory things to be carried by the students in lab:

c) Wear gloves when using any hazardous or toxic agent.

3 To study the sowing of maize, groundnut and cotton. 15-18

5 To study the effect of sowing depth on germination of kharif crops. 23-26

6 To identify different weeds in kharif season crops. 27-32

7 To study the morphological description of kharif season crops. 33-37

8 To study top dressing and foliar feeding of nutrients. 38-42

9 To study crop varieties and important agronomic experiments at 43-46

10 To study yield contributing characters and yield calculation of kharif 47-50

11 To Study the methods of raising different forage crops. 52-55

12 To visit to research centre to know about modern technology for 56-59

2. Practical manual on basic agronomy (with theory) by N R Das, Scientific Publisher.

Outline of the Procedure:

1. Mark out 1 m wide and 10−20 m long plots.

Results required: Understanding of different nursery preparation techniques.

a. Seed should be placed at appropriate depth.

a. Introduction to Crops in India by NR Das, Scientific publishers, India, 1st Edition

b. Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops by Singh C, Singh P and Singh R,

Weblinks: http:// www.knowledgebank.irri.org.

Date of Performance: Registration No:

Results and Discussion:

very poor and 10 for excellent)

1. Understanding of the student about 20

the procedure/ apparatus

2. Observations and analysis including 20

Discipline and Cleanliness

Materials required: Seed samples of soybean, pigeonpea and Mung bean.

3. Theory/Principle/Background of the topic:

4. Outline of the Procedure:

Behind the plough

c. Sowing of mung bean:

5. Results: Different method of sowing in soybean, pigeonpea and Mung bean.

a. . Practical manual on basic agronomy (with theory) by N R Das, Scientific Publisher.

Date of Performance: Registration No:

Results and Discussion:

very poor and 10 for excellent)

1. Understanding of the student about 20

the procedure/ apparatus

2. Observations and analysis including 20

Discipline and Cleanliness

4. Outline of the Procedure:

Although groundnut is a deep-rooted crop but looking to it’s underground pod

a. . Practical manual on basic agronomy (with theory) by N R Das, Scientific Publisher.

Date of Performance: Registration No:

Results and Discussion:

very poor and 10 for excellent)

1. Understanding of the student about 20

the procedure/ apparatus

2. Observations and analysis including 20

Discipline and Cleanliness

EFFECT OF LARGE SEED ON SEEDLING VIGOUR:

a. . Practical manual on basic agronomy (with theory) by N R Das, Scientific Publisher.

Date of Performance: Registration No:

Results and Discussion: