Influence of Pusa Hydrogel and Foliar Nutrient Spray on Rainfed Soybean in Northwest Himalayan Region

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In India, it is cultivated on an area of 12.2 million hectares with a production of 13.5 million tons and productivity of 1.5 tons ha-1 (Directorate of Economics and Statistics, 2022). The national productivity of soybean (1.5 ton ha-1) is quite lower followed the world average (5.56 ton ha-1). (FOASTAT, 2022). One of the reasons for low productivity in soybean cultivation can also be attributed to insufficient soil moisture and erratic distribution of rainfall being experienced on account of global climate change. The other reason for soybean yield losses is an inadequate supply of nutrients . To provide a solution to the problems of the present dryland Agriculture, water-saving materials need to be used besides being the assured supply of nutrients. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate combined effect of Pusa hydrogel (an indigenous product that was created to increase crop productivity per unit of available nutrients and water, especially in agriculture under moisture stress) and foliar nutrient sprays to increase productivity and conserve available soil moisture. Application of Pusa hydrogel level H3 5.0 kg ha-1 and F4 Thiourea 500ppm recorded significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of leaves , number of branches , leaf area index (LAI) while with respect to yield and yield attributing characters Pusa hydrogel H3 5.0 kg ha-1 and F5 Vermiwash (1:10) ratio resulted significantly higher seed yield of soybean Foliar nutrient sprays Moisture conservation Pusa hydrogel Soybean Thiourea Vermiwash Water deficits Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Introduction Soybean [ Glycine max L. Merrill], is an important oilseed crop in the world, belongs to the family Leguminosae, with genome 2n=40. Due to high nutritional value and economic importance, it is recognized as a Golden bean (Chishi et al ., 2022) . It is the cheapest source of protein and vegetable oil (Derbyshire et al ., 1976) . Soybean contains about 40-42% high-quality protein, 18-20% oil with polyunsaturated fatty acid (Omega 6 and Omega 3), balanced amino acids, 6-7% total mineral, 5-6% crude protein, and 17-19% carbohydrate (Chauhan et al ., 2005). Since natural resources are degrading day by day and are posing great challenges to crop production. Water is one of the most important natural resources and is very critical input for the crop growth & development which ultimately tells us about the production and profitability of a particular crop. Globally only 3% of the world’s water is freshwater, it is being projected that as many as 87 countries to become water-scare by 2050. Although India has 16% of the world’s population, the country possesses only 4% of the worlds freshwater resource(Dhawan, Vibha., 2020) Approximately 82% of the rural Indian population lives in rainfed portions of the country, and India ranks 41 st out of 181 countries in terms of water stress (Fan and Hazzel., 2000). In recent times, the water crises in India have become very critical which has a significant impact on crop production as biggest demand will be from agriculture for sustaining the food security to a burgeoning population. The impact of water scarcity on agriculture has become more noticeable in the context of climate change, because agriculture utilises the most water (85%), followed by industry (10%) and the domestic sector (5%) (Kalhapure et al ., 2016) . Growing water scarcity across various sectors has increased the need for improving water use efficiency in agriculture. With the passage of time various strategies have been employed to conserve the precious resource that is water. In this context, chemists all over the world have focused attention on developing super-absorbent polymers (Sahacht et al ., 2004). Super-absorbent Polymers are the organic materials possessing high to very high swelling capacity in aqueous medium with an ability to release this water slowly. Indian scientists after realizing the potential of SAP’s initiated research which culminated in the development of an indigenous semi-synthetic super-absorbent polymer ‘Pusa Hydrogel’( Indian Agricultural Research Institute,2012 ). Foliar spray of nutrients is the fastest way to boost up crop growth because the nutrients are available to plants quickly in the initial and critical stages of crop (Jamal et al ., 2006). Flower Senescence and poor pod filling are the major drawbacks in soybean, which can be managed through foliar application of nutrient (Kumar et al ., 2013). In order to mitigate the effects of both water scarcity and unavailability of nutrients present study was investigated to study the combined response of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays. Experimental details Field experiment was carried out at Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology Kashmir, India during Kharif 2022 under rainfed conditions. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD with three levels of Pusa hydrogel (H 1 0 kg ha -1 , H 2 2.5 kg ha -1 , H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 ) and five levels of foliar nutrient sprays (F 1 control/ no spray , F 2 water spray 500 l ha -1 , F 3 2% Urea , F 4 Thiourea 500ppm , F 5 Vermiwash 1:10 ratio ). Shalimar soybean- 2 variety was sown with a row spacing of 45cm. Materials And Methods The experiment was conducted at agronomy farm of Sher-e-Kashmir university of agricultural sciences and technology of Kashmir , Faculty of Agriculture, wadura which is situated at a latitude of 34 o 21' N, longitude of 74o 23' E and an altitude of 1590 m above mean sea level during kharif 2022 under rainfed conditions. The experimental site falls in temperate zone of northwestern Himalayas. During the period of study relevant weather data was collected from Metrological observatory located at Shalimar. The data noted revealed that the weekly minimum and maximum temperature ranged from 19.34 0 C and 32.64 0 C respectively, with 448mm of rainfall was received during the season, as shown in figure 1. The soil was silty clay loam in texture having pH near neutral , organic carbon 0.75% , 357 kg ha -1 of available nitrogen, 17.2 kg ha -1 of available P and 190 kg ha -1 exchangeable K. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD of three levels of Pusa hydrogel (H 1 0 kg ha -1 , H 2 2.5 kg ha -1 , H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 ) and five levels of foliar nutrient sprays (F 1 control/ no spray , F 2 water spray 500 l ha -1 , F 3 2% Urea , F 4 Thiourea @ 500ppm , F 5 Vermiwash (1:10) ratio). Shalimar soybean- 2 variety was sown with a row spacing of 45cm. Pusa hydrogel was applied at the time of sowing and foliar spray of nutrients was done at the start of flowering. Results And Discussion Growth parameters: Plant Height Pusa hydrogel had a substantial impact on the crop growth parameters. Plant height Marked a significant variation with the levels of hydrogel and and maximum plant height was recorded with H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 115.4 cm at harvest which was at par with the application of hydrogel level H 2 2.5 kg ha -1 109.2 cm however, both the treatments recorded significantly higher values of plant height than control H 1 ( no hydrogel application).Higher plant height due the application of Pusa hydrogel might be due the adequate availability of moisture which might have helped the plant to maximize nutrient uptake which led to the significant difference in the plant growth parameters. Similar results have been reported by Al-Harbi et al ., (1996) in cucumber. However, among the foliar nutrient’s sprays treatment F 4 thiourea 500ppm recorded significantly highest plant height at harvest viz., 120.9 cm followed F 3 (2% urea) , F 2 ( water spray) and F 1 (control) respectively, however it was at par with F 5 (vermiwash) 116.0 cm (Table 1 ). Application of thiourea increased plant height greatly due to the presence of two key elements, nitrogen and sulphur, which encourage plant vegetative development. Nitrogen, as a necessary component of genetic material and other key macromolecules, promotes plant growth. It also increases the synthesis of hormones such as auxin and cytokinin, which aid in cell development and division, resulting in a rise in plant height. Thiourea's sulphur content aided in protein production and influenced the growth of the treated plants. These findings endorse those of Amin et al ., (2014), Anitha et al ., (2006), and Bangar et al ., (2019). Dry matter Accumulation The levels of Pusa hydrogel had a positive impact with the dry matter accumulation. Significantly higher dry matter accumulation was observed with the application of treatment Pusa hydrogel level H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 (55 q ha -1 ) at harvest which was at par with Pusa hydrogel level H 2 2.5 kg ha -1 , however both the H 2 and H 3 recorded significantly higher value than control (H 1 ). Increased dry matter production due to Pusa hydrogel application might be due to the better utilization of resources and light interception. El-Salmawi (2007) demonstrated that increased dry matter was attributed to an increase in protein, carbohydrate, and amino acid, particularly when highly absorbent polymers were used. This increase in protein , carbohydrate and amino acids might be due to the adequate availability of nutrients particularly N , P and K. The availability of important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium is increased by hydrogel. Nitrogen facilitates nutrient absorption, resulting in rapid foliage development, enhanced photosynthate accumulation, and ultimately improved plant growth. Phosphorus is an important component of ATP, the molecule that gives energy to plants for processes including photosynthesis, protein synthesis, nutrient translocation, nutrient uptake, and respiration. Phosphorus is essential for plant growth because it promotes root development, tillering, and early flowering, among other things. Unlike nitrogen and phosphorus, potassium is not an essential component of plant constituents. It promotes increased cell division, elongation, and expansion as a result of proper enzymatic activity in plants that have a sufficient K concentration. This might be attributed to rapid meristematic cell division and cell elongation due to adequate soil moisture and nutrient availability. Similar results were confirmed by Silberbush et al ., (1993) in maize, Wang et al ., (2001) in canola, Akhter et al ., (2004) in barley and wheat, Yazdani et al ., (2008) in soybean. Among the foliar nutrient sprays ,treatment F 4 @ thiourea500 ppm recorded significantly the highest 59.9 q ha -1 values of dry matter accumulation at harvest followed F 3 (2% urea) , F 2 (water spray) and F 1 (control) respectively, however it was at par with F 5 (vermiwash) 57.4 q ha -1 (Table 2). Plant dry matter accumulation correlates positively with plant height, hence the treatment effect that raised plant height must have an essential role in enhancing plant dry matter accumulation. Nitrogen application via thiourea increased chlorophyll content, and along with sulphur, nitrogen may have aided in increasing protein production, resulting in better plant growth and increased dry matter accumulation under the influence of foliar thiourea application (Bangar et al . (2019). Similar results were confirmed by Garg et al ., (2006), Jagetiya et al ., (2006), and Premaradhya et al ., (2018). Number of Branches Levels of Pusa hydrogel had a marked difference with respect to number of branches. Significantly the highest number of branches was recorded in H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 24.64 at harvest which was at par with Pusa hydrogel 2.5 kg ha-1 (H 2 ), however both the treatments recorded significantly higher values than the control(H 1 ). Pusa hydrogel has been used as a water retention polymer in this study because it retains a high amount of water when incorporated in soil and releases it slowly, more, or less matching plant requirements, leading to better growth. (Fidelis et al ., 2018). Due to retention of moisture availability of plant nutrients increased which might increase the activity of cell division, cell expansion and cell elongation, ultimately leading to an increased number of branches. These results are in conformity with Al-Harbi et al ., (1996) in cucumber. Treatment F 4 thiourea 500ppm had significantly highest number of branches 23.89,28.27 and 29.46 at 90, 120 DAS and at harvest respectively followed F 3 2% urea, F 2 water spray and F 1 control respectively, however it was at par with F 5 vermiwash 26.24 (Table 3). As it is evident from the literature that application of thiourea increases chlorophyll content, net rate of photosynthesis , starch, and reductase activity.(Sahu et al ., 1993), (Garg et al ., (2006). So it could be due to the increased chlorophyll content which might lead to high production of photosynthates and eventually increased number of branches. Number of leaves and leaf area index (LAI) Both number of leaves and leaf area index(LAI) increases up to 90 DAS thereafter decreases up to harvest. Significantly the highest number of leaves was observed in the treatment H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 (64.03), which was at par with Pusa hydrogel level H 2 2.5 kg ha -1 , however both the treatments recorded significantly higher values of control (H 1 ). Increase in the number of leaves might be due to the high retention of moisture in soil and nutrient availability in the root zone of crop which helped to enhance cell activity causing increase in number of leaves per plant. The result is in conformity with the results of Al-Harbi et al .,(1999), Anon.,(2016). Foliar nutrient sprays had a significant effect on the number of leaves with maximum number of leaves recorded with treatment F 4 (thiourea 500 ppm) 76.30 at 90 DAS and followed by F 3 2% urea , F 2 water spray and F 1 control respectively, however it was at par with F 5 vermiwash 71.25. (Table 4) . Similarly highest leaf area index was recorded in H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 (6.93) and similar effect was recorded with respect to foliar nutrient sprays with maximum LAI recorded in treatment F 4 thiourea 500ppm (Table 5). Leaf area index(LAI) gives a fair estimate of photosynthetic capacity of a plant, whenever plant faces water stress leaf area declines. Keeping the water retaining ability of Pusa hydrogel into consideration , it shows positive correlation with the levels of Pusa hydrogel. Pusa hydrogel maintains sufficient amount of water inside the cell as per the crop need thus causing increase in leaf area. (Al-Harbi et al ., 1999 and Yazdani et al ., 2007). The maximum leaf area due to the application of thiourea 500ppm might be due to the presence of nitrogen which could help the plant to have substantial vegetative growth. This result is in conformity with the Solanki(2002). Table :01 Effect of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient spray on growth parameters of soybean at harvest Treatment Plant height(cm) Dry matter accumulation( q ha -1 ) No. of branches No. of leaves Leaf area index (LAI) Pusa Hydrogel (kg ha -1 ) H1: 0 100.8 48.6 19.66 57.81 4.16 H2: 2.5 109.2 53.3 23.22 61.75 5.12 H3: 5.0 115.4 55.0 24.64 64.03 5.45 SEm± 1.7 1.08 0.83 1.21 0.18 CD (p≤0.05) 5.1 3.12 2.39 3.51 0.53 Foliar nutrient spray F 1 : Control 97.7 44.5 19.66 54.14 3.94 F 2 : Water 99.8 47.4 23.22 55.62 4.04 F 3 : 2% Urea 107.8 52.2 24.64 60.26 4.85 F 4 :Thiourea@ 500 ppm 120.9 59.9 0.83 70.47 6.11 F 5 : Vermiwash 116.0 57.4 2.39 65.49 5.61 SEm± 2.3 1.39 19.66 1.56 0.23 CD (p≤0.05) 6.5 4.03 23.22 4.53 0.68 Yield Parameters: Data pertaining to yield parameters are presented in table 2. Pusa hydrogel had significant impact on the yield parameters of the soybean crop. With increase in the levels of Pusa hydrogel the yield parameters showed a positive trend. Pods plant -1 , seeds pod -1 , seeds plant -1 , showed significant differences with the levels of Pusa hydrogel and all these parameters increase with increase in the levels of Pusa hydrogel. Significantly higher pods per plant was recorded with treatment H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 (22.11) per plant however it was at par with treatment H 2 2.5 kg ha ‑1 (21.51). Our results depicts that there was 10.85% increase of pods per plant from control treatment to treated plot. Among the foliar nutrients sprays treatment F 5 vermiwash(1:10) recorded significantly maximum number of pods plant -1 (24.37) followed by F 4 thiourea 500 ppm (22.69), F 3 2% urea(20.88), F 2 water, F 1 control in a decreasing order as F 5 > F 4 > F 3 > F 2 >F 1 . Similarly seeds pod -1 and seeds plant -1 recorded similar response with maximum seeds pod -1 and seeds plant -1 with treatment H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 (2.22) and (46.65) respectively. Both having non- statistical difference with H 2 2.5 kg ha -1 however, both H 2 and H 3 recorded higher values than control treatment (H 1 ). With respect to foliar nutrient sprays treatment F 5 @ vermiwash(1:10) recorded significantly highest seeds pod -1 (2.20) and seeds plant -1 (55.1) respectively followed F 4 thiourea 500ppm, F 3 2% urea, F 2 water , F 1 control in a decreasing order as F 5 > F 4 > F 3 > F 2 >F 1 . Seed index(g) show non-significant difference both with the levels of hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays. This increase could be due to the sufficient availability of moisture and nutrients which invigorate the biomass per plant which eventually leads to increased growth and physiological parameters of plant. In addition to this sufficient availability of moisture and indirectly nutrients leads to better translocation of nutrients, water and photosynthates which increases yield attributing parameters. Similar results were recorded by Sivapalan (2006) in soybean ,Yazdani et al ., (2007) in soybean and Mondal (2011) in pigeon pea. Increase in yield due to foliar application of vermiwash which contains major and micronutrients resulted in translocation of photosynthates towards the seeds and eventually lead to increase in yield and yield attributes. In addition to this vermiwash contain enzymes and growth regulators which enhance the yield of plant. Vermiwash contains micro and macro nutrients, hormones which promote plant growth and yield (Sharma et al ., 2005) Table: 2 Effect of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient spray on yield attributes of soybean at harvest Treatment Pods plant -1 Seeds pod -1 Seeds plant -1 Seed index Pusa Hydrogel (kg ha -1 ) H 1 : 0 19.71 1.48 33.6 20.44 H 2 : 2.5 21.51 2.03 43.1 21.96 H 3 : 5.0 22.11 2.22 46.7 22.17 SEm± 0.41 0.07 1.91 0.52 CD (p≤0.05) 1.19 0.22 5.53 NS Foliar nutrient spray F 1 : Control 18.64 1.61 30.8 20.62 F 2 : Water 18.98 1.65 31.9 20.52 F 3 : 2% Urea 20.88 2.01 39.9 21.64 F 4 : Thiourea@ 500 ppm 22.69 2.09 47.9 22.21 F 5 : Vermiwash 24.37 2.20 55.1 22.64 SEm± 0.53 0.10 2.47 0.68 CD (p≤0.05) 1.53 0.28 7.14 NS Yield (q ha -1 ) Seed yield (q ha -1 ) , stover yield(q ha -1 ) and biological yield(q ha -1 ) all showed positive results with respect to the levels of Pusa hydrogel and significantly maximum seed yield, stover yield and biological yield was recorded with treatment H 3 5.0 kg ha -1 (22.67 q ha -1 ) , (42.28 q ha -1 ), (64.95 q ha -1 ) respectively which was at par with H 2 2.5 kg ha -1 , however, both the treatments H 2 and H 3 recorded significantly higher values then the control treatment (H 1 ). The impact of foliar nutrient sprays shows significant difference. Among the foliar nutrient spray’s treatment F 5 vermiwash (1:10) recorded maximum seed yield of (24.68 q ha -1 ), which was at par with F 4 thiourea 500ppm (23.07 q ha -1 ) followed by F 3 2 % urea while the application of water spray was at par with control, however with respect to stover and biological yield treatment F 4 thiourea 500ppm recorded highest stover and biological yield (44.68q ha -1 ) , (67.75 q ha -1 ) respectively (Table 2) . Stover yield and biological yield showed a different pattern with respect to foliar nutrient spray. The maximum value for stover and biological yield recorded with thiourea followed by vermiwash. This increase might be due to excessive vegetative growth. It has been observed that thiourea application increases chlorophyll content of leaves hence net rate of photosynthesis , starch synthesis and eventually the growth of plant (Garg et al ., 2006). Table - 3 Effect of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient spray on yield of soybean at harvest. Treatment Seed yield (q ha -1 ) Stover yield (q ha -1 ) Biological yield (q ha -1 ) Pusa hydrogel(kg ha -1 ) H 1 : 0 19.81 36.44 56.25 H 2 : 2.5 21.76 40.99 62.75 H 3 : 5.0 22.67 42.28 64.95 SEm± 0.40 1.00 1.17 CD (p≤0.05) 1.16 2.89 3.40 Foliar nutrient sprays F 1 : Control 18.80 35.03 53.82 F 2 : Water 19.25 36.45 55.70 F 3 : 2% Urea 21.28 40.30 61.58 F 4 : Thiourea@ 500 ppm 23.07 44.68 67.75 F 5 : Vermiwash 24.68 43.05 67.73 SEm± 0.52 1.29 1.52 CD (p≤0.05) 1.49 3.73 4.39 Conclusions Based on the findings of the present study, an impactful discovery has been made regarding the application of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays. Specifically, it was observed that the utilization of Pusa hydrogel at level H 3 (5.0 kg ha -1 ) combined with thiourea at 500ppm led to a significantly enhanced vegetative growth. Moreover, in terms of yield parameters, the application of Pusa hydrogel at 5.0 kg ha -1 alongside vermiwash at a ratio of 1:10 resulted in the attainment of maximum yield and yield parameters. These results not only highlight the efficacy of utilizing Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays but also underscore the importance of optimizing application levels and combinations to achieve optimal growth and yield outcomes in agricultural practices. Such findings hold great promise for farmers and agricultural practitioners, offering them valuable insights into maximizing crop productivity and enhancing overall agricultural efficiency. Furthermore, the practical implications of these findings are substantial, as they provide farmers with actionable strategies to improve crop yield and quality, thereby potentially increasing their profitability and sustainability. As agriculture continues to face challenges such as climate change and resource limitations, the implementation of innovative techniques like the ones uncovered in this study becomes increasingly crucial. Overall, the combination of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays presents an attractive proposition for enhancing agricultural productivity, with the potential to revolutionize farming practices and contribute to global food security efforts. References Akhter, J., Mahmood, K., Malik, K. A., Mardan, A., Ahmad, M., Iqbal, M.M. 2004.Effects of hydrogel amendment on water storage of sandy loam and loam soils and seedling growth of barley, wheat, and chickpea. Plant soil environment 50 (10):463-469. Al-Harbi, A.R., Al-Omran, A. M., Wahdan, H. and Shalaby, A.A. 1999. Impact of irrigation regime and addition of a soil conditionar on tomato seedling growth. Arid land Research Management 8 (3):223-224. Al-harbi, A.R., Al-Omran, A.M., Shalaby, A.A., Choudhary, M.I.1996. 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Impact of super Absorbent polymer on yield and growth analysis of Soybean ( Glycine max L.) under drought stress condition. Pakistan journal of biological science 10: 4190-4196. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. 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of Kashmir","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tahir","middleName":"Ahmad","lastName":"Sheikh","suffix":""},{"id":339199378,"identity":"793dc846-a835-4a34-80eb-fcf6952c9de8","order_by":5,"name":"Faheem Wani","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Faheem","middleName":"","lastName":"Wani","suffix":""},{"id":339199379,"identity":"199ed8d1-62b6-46d5-a190-2d16c28a44d5","order_by":6,"name":"Khalid Rasool","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Khalid","middleName":"","lastName":"Rasool","suffix":""},{"id":339199380,"identity":"20adc0c3-3960-4858-83f9-def3a7719658","order_by":7,"name":"Raihana Habib","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of 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Kashmir","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Bisma","middleName":"","lastName":"Jan","suffix":""},{"id":339199384,"identity":"1409d56c-f6ac-474c-acaf-863dd7336742","order_by":11,"name":"Bisma Nazir","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Bisma","middleName":"","lastName":"Nazir","suffix":""},{"id":339199387,"identity":"1c7ad019-e7bb-4d4d-9df7-a6786b5a8519","order_by":12,"name":"Marifa Gulzar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Marifa","middleName":"","lastName":"Gulzar","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-08-12 05:09:36","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4897663/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4897663/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":64188183,"identity":"69d753a4-e62d-4817-98ea-98b36dc5ee63","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-09 16:58:44","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":80022,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMean weekly metrological parameters during Kharif-2022\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4897663/v1/1fa09d6484be8ddfa026ea16.png"},{"id":64188181,"identity":"800a83d5-7c91-482a-8f5d-ce757d71a19d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-09 16:58:44","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":40033,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ea : Effect of Pusa hydrogel on number of leaves\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eb: Effect of foliar nutrient sprays on number of leaves\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4897663/v1/3cbd390961b171780535de25.png"},{"id":64188182,"identity":"547bd595-9938-4efa-9d37-41b7d1605b9d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-09 16:58:44","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":49929,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ea: Effect of Pusa hydrogel on LAI\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eb : Effect of foliar nutrient sprays on LAI\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4897663/v1/50b218fc1350d2dbe9d19039.png"},{"id":67997135,"identity":"1384566e-a29d-4629-9460-2dfce21efe62","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-01 07:10:48","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":849685,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4897663/v1/18affd3c-2818-41d0-926a-5f6d98888560.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Influence of Pusa Hydrogel and Foliar Nutrient Spray on Rainfed Soybean in Northwest Himalayan Region","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eSoybean [\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e L. Merrill], is an important oilseed crop in the world, belongs to the family Leguminosae, with genome \u0026nbsp; 2n=40. Due to high nutritional value and economic importance, it is recognized as a Golden bean (Chishi \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2022) . It is the cheapest source of protein and vegetable oil (Derbyshire \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 1976) . Soybean contains about 40-42% high-quality protein, 18-20% oil with polyunsaturated fatty acid (Omega 6 and Omega 3), balanced amino acids, 6-7% total mineral, 5-6% crude protein, and 17-19% carbohydrate (Chauhan \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2005). Since natural resources are degrading day by day and \u0026nbsp;are posing great challenges to crop production. Water is one of the most important natural resources and \u0026nbsp;is very critical input for the crop growth \u0026amp; development which ultimately tells us about the production and \u0026nbsp;profitability of a particular crop. Globally only 3% of the world\u0026rsquo;s water is freshwater, it is \u0026nbsp;being projected that as many as 87 countries to become water-scare by 2050. Although India has 16% of the world\u0026rsquo;s population, the country possesses only 4% of the worlds freshwater resource(Dhawan, Vibha., 2020) \u0026nbsp;Approximately 82% of the rural Indian population lives in rainfed portions of the country, and India ranks 41\u003csup\u003est\u003c/sup\u003e out of 181 countries in terms of water stress (Fan and Hazzel., 2000). In recent times, the water crises in India have become very critical which has a significant impact on crop production as biggest demand will be from agriculture for sustaining the food security to a burgeoning \u0026nbsp; population. The impact of water scarcity on agriculture has become more noticeable in the context of climate change, because agriculture utilises the most water (85%), followed by industry (10%) and the domestic sector (5%) (Kalhapure \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2016)\u0026nbsp;. Growing water scarcity across various sectors has increased the need for improving water use efficiency in agriculture. With the passage of time various strategies have been employed to conserve the precious resource that is water. In this context, chemists all over the world have focused attention on developing super-absorbent polymers (Sahacht \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2004). Super-absorbent Polymers are the organic materials possessing high to very high swelling capacity in aqueous medium with an ability to release this water slowly. Indian scientists after realizing the potential of SAP\u0026rsquo;s \u0026nbsp;initiated research which culminated in the development of an indigenous semi-synthetic super-absorbent polymer \u0026lsquo;Pusa Hydrogel\u0026rsquo;( Indian Agricultural Research Institute,2012\u0026nbsp;).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliar spray of nutrients is the fastest way to boost up crop growth because the nutrients are available to plants quickly in the initial and critical stages of crop (Jamal \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2006). Flower Senescence and poor pod filling are the major drawbacks in soybean, which can be managed through foliar application of nutrient (Kumar \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2013). In order to mitigate the effects of both water scarcity and unavailability of nutrients \u0026nbsp;present study was investigated \u0026nbsp;to study the \u0026nbsp; combined response of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperimental details \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eField experiment was \u0026nbsp; carried out at Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology Kashmir, India during \u003cem\u003eKharif\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e2022 under rainfed conditions. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD with three levels of Pusa hydrogel (H\u003csub\u003e1 \u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e, H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; 2.5 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e , H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; 5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) and five levels of foliar nutrient sprays (F\u003csub\u003e1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003econtrol/ no spray , F\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e water spray \u0026nbsp;500 l ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e, F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; 2% Urea , F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; Thiourea \u0026nbsp; 500ppm , F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; Vermiwash 1:10 ratio ). Shalimar soybean- 2 variety was sown with a row spacing of 45cm.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials And Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe experiment was conducted at agronomy farm of Sher-e-Kashmir university of agricultural sciences and technology of Kashmir , Faculty of Agriculture, wadura which is situated \u0026nbsp;at a latitude of 34 o 21\u0026apos; N, \u0026nbsp;longitude of 74o 23\u0026apos; E and an altitude of 1590 m above mean sea level during kharif 2022 under rainfed conditions. The experimental site falls in temperate zone of northwestern Himalayas. During the period of study relevant weather data was collected from Metrological observatory located at Shalimar. The data noted revealed that the weekly minimum and maximum temperature ranged from 19.34\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eC and 32.64\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eC respectively, with 448mm of rainfall was received during the season, as shown in figure 1. \u0026nbsp;The soil was silty clay loam in texture having pH near neutral , organic carbon 0.75% , 357 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eof \u0026nbsp;available nitrogen, 17.2 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1 \u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eof available P and 190 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1 \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eexchangeable K. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD of three levels of Pusa hydrogel (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e, H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e 2.5 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e , H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e 5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) and five levels of foliar nutrient sprays (F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;control/ no spray , F\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;water spray \u0026nbsp;500 l ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e, F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; 2% Urea , F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; Thiourea @ 500ppm , F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; Vermiwash (1:10) ratio). Shalimar soybean- 2 variety was sown with a row spacing of 45cm. Pusa hydrogel was applied at the time of sowing and foliar spray of nutrients was done at the start of flowering.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results And Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth parameters:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Height\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePusa hydrogel had a substantial impact on the crop growth parameters. Plant height Marked a significant variation with the levels of hydrogel and \u0026nbsp;and maximum plant height was recorded with H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e 5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1 \u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e115.4 cm at harvest \u0026nbsp;which was at par with the application of hydrogel level H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e 2.5 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e 109.2 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003ehowever, both the treatments recorded significantly higher values of plant height than control H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e ( no hydrogel application).Higher plant height due the application of Pusa hydrogel might be due the adequate availability of \u0026nbsp;moisture which might \u0026nbsp; have helped the plant to maximize nutrient uptake which led to the significant difference in the \u0026nbsp;plant growth parameters. Similar results have been reported by Al-Harbi \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (1996) in cucumber. \u0026nbsp;However, among the foliar nutrient\u0026rsquo;s sprays treatment F\u003csub\u003e4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003ethiourea 500ppm recorded significantly highest plant height at harvest viz., \u0026nbsp;120.9 cm \u0026nbsp; followed \u0026nbsp;F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e (2% urea) , F\u003csub\u003e2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e( water spray) and F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e (control) respectively, however it \u0026nbsp;was at par with F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e (vermiwash) 116.0 cm \u0026nbsp;\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e(Table 1 ). Application of thiourea increased plant height greatly due to the presence of two key elements, nitrogen and sulphur, which encourage plant vegetative development. Nitrogen, as a necessary component of genetic material and other key macromolecules, promotes plant growth. It also increases the synthesis of hormones such as auxin and cytokinin, which aid in cell development and division, resulting in a rise in plant height. Thiourea\u0026apos;s sulphur content aided in protein production and influenced the growth of the treated plants. These findings endorse those of Amin \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2014), Anitha \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2006), and Bangar \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2019).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDry matter Accumulation\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe levels of Pusa hydrogel had a positive impact with the dry matter accumulation. Significantly higher dry matter accumulation was observed with the application of treatment Pusa hydrogel level H\u003csub\u003e3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e (55 q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) at harvest which was at par with Pusa hydrogel level H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e 2.5 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e , however both the \u0026nbsp;H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e recorded significantly higher value than control (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e). Increased dry matter production due to Pusa hydrogel application might be due to the better utilization of resources and light interception. El-Salmawi (2007) demonstrated that increased dry matter was attributed to an increase in protein, carbohydrate, and amino acid, particularly when highly absorbent polymers were used. This increase in protein , carbohydrate and amino acids might be due to the adequate availability of nutrients particularly N , P and K. The availability of important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium is increased by hydrogel. Nitrogen facilitates nutrient absorption, resulting in rapid foliage development, enhanced photosynthate accumulation, and ultimately improved plant growth. Phosphorus is an important component of ATP, the molecule that gives energy to plants for processes including photosynthesis, protein synthesis, nutrient translocation, nutrient uptake, and respiration. Phosphorus is essential for plant growth because it promotes root development, tillering, and early flowering, among other things. Unlike nitrogen and phosphorus, potassium is not an essential component of plant constituents. It promotes increased cell division, elongation, and expansion as a result of proper enzymatic activity in plants that have a sufficient K concentration. This might be attributed to rapid meristematic cell division and cell elongation due to adequate soil moisture and nutrient availability. Similar results were confirmed by \u0026nbsp;Silberbush \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (1993) \u0026nbsp; in maize, Wang \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2001) \u0026nbsp; in canola, Akhter \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2004) in barley and wheat, Yazdani \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2008) in soybean. \u0026nbsp;Among the foliar nutrient sprays ,treatment F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e @ thiourea500 ppm recorded significantly the highest 59.9 q ha \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003evalues of dry matter accumulation at harvest followed F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e (2% urea) , F\u003csub\u003e2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e(water spray) and F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e (control) respectively, however it was at par with F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e (vermiwash) 57.4 q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e (Table 2). Plant dry matter accumulation correlates positively with plant height, hence the treatment effect that raised plant height must have \u0026nbsp;an essential role in enhancing plant dry matter accumulation. Nitrogen application via thiourea increased chlorophyll content, and along with sulphur, nitrogen may have aided in increasing protein production, resulting in better plant growth and increased dry matter accumulation under the influence of foliar thiourea application (Bangar \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2019). Similar results were confirmed by \u0026nbsp;Garg \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2006), Jagetiya \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2006), and Premaradhya \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2018).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Branches\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLevels of Pusa hydrogel had a marked difference with respect to number of branches. Significantly the highest number of branches was recorded in H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e 5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1 \u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e24.64 at harvest which was at par with Pusa hydrogel 2.5 kg ha-1 (H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e), however both the treatments recorded significantly higher values than the control(H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e). Pusa hydrogel has been used as a water retention polymer in this study because it retains a high amount of water when incorporated in soil and releases it slowly, more, or less matching plant requirements, leading to better growth. (Fidelis \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2018). Due to retention of moisture availability of plant nutrients increased which might increase the activity of cell division, cell expansion and cell elongation, ultimately leading to an increased number of branches. These results are in conformity with Al-Harbi \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (1996)\u0026nbsp;in cucumber.\u0026nbsp;Treatment F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e thiourea 500ppm had significantly highest number of branches 23.89,28.27 and 29.46 \u0026nbsp;at 90, 120 DAS and at harvest respectively \u0026nbsp;followed F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e 2% urea, F\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e water spray and F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e control respectively, however it was at par with F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e vermiwash 26.24 (Table 3). As it is evident from the literature that application of thiourea increases chlorophyll content, net rate of photosynthesis , starch, and reductase activity.(Sahu \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 1993), (Garg \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2006). \u0026nbsp;So it could be due to the increased chlorophyll content which might lead to high production of photosynthates and eventually increased number of branches.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of leaves and leaf area index (LAI) \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth number of leaves and leaf area index(LAI) increases up to 90 DAS thereafter decreases up to harvest. Significantly the highest number of leaves was observed in the treatment H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e 5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e (64.03), \u0026nbsp;which was at par with Pusa hydrogel level H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e 2.5 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e, however both the treatments recorded significantly higher values of control (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e). Increase in the number of leaves might be due to the high retention of moisture in soil and nutrient availability in the root zone of crop which helped to enhance cell activity causing increase in number of leaves per plant. The result is in conformity with the results of Al-Harbi \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e.,(1999), Anon.,(2016).\u0026nbsp;Foliar nutrient sprays had a significant effect on the number of leaves with maximum number of leaves recorded with treatment F\u003csub\u003e4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e(thiourea 500 ppm) 76.30 \u0026nbsp;at 90 DAS and followed by \u0026nbsp;F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;2% urea , F\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e water spray and F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; control respectively, however it was at par with F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e vermiwash 71.25. (Table 4) . Similarly highest leaf area index was recorded in H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e 5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e(6.93) and similar effect was recorded with respect to foliar nutrient sprays with maximum LAI recorded in treatment F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e thiourea 500ppm (Table 5). Leaf area index(LAI) gives a fair estimate of photosynthetic capacity of a plant, whenever plant faces water stress leaf area declines. Keeping the water retaining ability of Pusa hydrogel into consideration , it shows positive correlation with the levels of Pusa hydrogel. Pusa hydrogel maintains sufficient amount of water inside the cell as per the crop need thus causing increase \u0026nbsp;in leaf area. (Al-Harbi \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 1999 and Yazdani \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2007). The maximum leaf area due to the application of thiourea 500ppm might be due to the presence of nitrogen which could help the plant to have substantial vegetative growth. This result is in conformity with the Solanki(2002). \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable :01 \u0026nbsp; Effect of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient spray on growth parameters\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof soybean at harvest\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\" width=\"703\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTreatment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant height(cm)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDry matter accumulation( q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo. of branches\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo. of leaves\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf area index (LAI)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\" colspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePusa Hydrogel\u0026nbsp;(kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH1: 0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100.8\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48.6\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.66\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57.81\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.16\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH2: 2.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e109.2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.22\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61.75\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.12\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH3: 5.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e115.4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.0\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.64\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64.03\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.45\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.7\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.08\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.83\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.21\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.18\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCD (p\u0026le;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.12\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.39\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.51\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.53\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\" colspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFoliar nutrient spray \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: Control\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e97.7\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.5\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.66\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54.14\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.94\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: Water\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99.8\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47.4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.22\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.62\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.04\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 2% Urea\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107.8\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52.2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.64\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60.26\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.85\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e:Thiourea@ 500 ppm\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120.9\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59.9\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.83\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70.47\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.11\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e: Vermiwash\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e116.0\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57.4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.39\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65.49\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.61\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.39\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.66\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.56\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.23\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.76813655761024%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCD (p\u0026le;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.65149359886202%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.5\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.069701280227594%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.03\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.35846372688478%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.22\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.37126600284495%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.53\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.780938833570413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYield Parameters:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData pertaining to yield parameters are presented in table 2. Pusa hydrogel had significant impact on the yield parameters of the soybean crop. With increase in the levels of Pusa hydrogel the yield parameters showed a positive trend. \u0026nbsp;Pods plant\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e, seeds pod\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e, seeds plant\u003csup\u003e-1 \u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e, showed significant differences with the levels of Pusa hydrogel and all these parameters increase with increase in the levels of Pusa hydrogel.\u0026nbsp;Significantly higher pods per plant was recorded with treatment H\u003csub\u003e3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e(22.11) per plant however it was at par with treatment H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e 2.5 kg ha\u003csup\u003e‑1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e (21.51). Our results depicts that there was 10.85% increase of pods per plant from control treatment to treated plot. Among the foliar nutrients sprays treatment F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e vermiwash(1:10) recorded significantly \u0026nbsp;maximum number of pods plant\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026nbsp; (24.37) followed by F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e thiourea 500 ppm (22.69), F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e 2% urea(20.88), F\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e water, F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; control in a decreasing order as F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026gt; F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e \u0026gt; F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026gt; F\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026gt;F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e. Similarly seeds pod\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e and seeds plant \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e recorded similar response with maximum seeds pod\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eand seeds plant\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003ewith \u0026nbsp;treatment H\u003csub\u003e3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e5.0 kg ha \u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e (2.22) \u0026nbsp;and (46.65) respectively. Both having \u0026nbsp;non- statistical difference with H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; 2.5 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e however, \u0026nbsp;both H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e recorded higher values than control treatment (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e). With respect to foliar nutrient sprays treatment F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e @ vermiwash(1:10) recorded significantly \u0026nbsp;highest \u0026nbsp;seeds pod\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e (2.20) and seeds plant\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e (55.1) respectively followed F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e thiourea 500ppm, F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; 2% urea, F\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e water , F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e control in a decreasing order as F\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026gt; F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e \u0026gt; F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026gt; F\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026gt;F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e. Seed index(g) show non-significant difference both with the levels of hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays. \u0026nbsp; This increase could be due to the sufficient availability of moisture and nutrients which invigorate the biomass per plant which eventually leads to increased growth and physiological parameters of plant. In addition to this sufficient availability of moisture and indirectly nutrients leads to better translocation of nutrients, water and photosynthates \u0026nbsp; which increases yield attributing parameters. Similar results were recorded by Sivapalan (2006) in soybean ,Yazdani \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2007) in soybean and Mondal (2011) in pigeon pea. Increase in yield due to foliar application of vermiwash which contains major and micronutrients resulted in translocation of photosynthates towards the seeds and eventually lead to increase in yield and yield attributes. In addition to this vermiwash contain enzymes and growth regulators which enhance the yield of plant. Vermiwash contains micro and macro nutrients, hormones which promote plant growth and yield (Sharma \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2005)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable: 2\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEffect of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient spray on yield attributes\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof soybean at \u0026nbsp; harvest\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\" width=\"688\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTreatment \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePods plant\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds pod\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds plant\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed index\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\" colspan=\"5\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePusa Hydrogel (kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: 0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: 2.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 5.0\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCD (p\u0026le;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\" colspan=\"5\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFoliar nutrient spray\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: Control\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: Water\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 2% Urea\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e: Thiourea@ 500 ppm\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e: Vermiwash\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCD (p\u0026le;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.971014492753625%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.115942028985508%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYield (q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed yield (q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) , stover yield(q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e) and biological yield(q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e) all \u0026nbsp;showed positive results with respect to the levels of Pusa hydrogel and significantly maximum seed yield, stover yield and biological yield \u0026nbsp;was recorded with treatment \u0026nbsp;H\u003csub\u003e3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e 5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e (22.67 q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) , \u0026nbsp;(42.28 q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e), (64.95 q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) \u0026nbsp;respectively which was \u0026nbsp;at par with H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e 2.5 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e, however, both the treatments H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; recorded significantly higher values then the control treatment (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e). \u0026nbsp; The \u0026nbsp;impact of foliar nutrient sprays shows significant difference. Among the foliar nutrient spray\u0026rsquo;s treatment F\u003csub\u003e5\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003evermiwash (1:10) recorded maximum seed yield \u0026nbsp;of (24.68 q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e), \u0026nbsp;which was \u0026nbsp; at par with \u0026nbsp;F\u003csub\u003e4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003ethiourea 500ppm \u0026nbsp;(23.07 q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) followed by F\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e 2 % urea while the application of water spray was at par with control, however with respect to stover and biological yield treatment F\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e thiourea 500ppm recorded highest stover and \u0026nbsp;biological yield (44.68q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) , (67.75 q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e) respectively (Table 2) . \u0026nbsp;Stover yield and \u0026nbsp;biological yield showed a different pattern with respect to foliar nutrient spray. The maximum value for stover and biological yield recorded with thiourea followed by vermiwash. This increase might be due to excessive vegetative growth. It has been observed that thiourea application increases chlorophyll content of leaves hence net rate of photosynthesis , starch synthesis and eventually the growth of plant (Garg \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2006).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable\u003c/strong\u003e-\u003cstrong\u003e3 Effect of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient spray on yield of \u0026nbsp;soybean at harvest.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\" width=\"695\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTreatment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed yield\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStover yield\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiological yield\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(q ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\" colspan=\"4\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePusa hydrogel(kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: 0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: 2.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e62.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 5.0\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCD (p\u0026le;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\" colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFoliar nutrient sprays\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: Control\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: Water\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 2% Urea\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e: Thiourea@ 500 ppm\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e: Vermiwash\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.229885057471265%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCD (p\u0026le;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.816091954022987%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.977011494252874%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eBased on the findings of the present study, an impactful discovery has been made regarding the application of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays. Specifically, it was observed that the utilization of Pusa hydrogel at level H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e (5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e) combined with thiourea at 500ppm led to a significantly enhanced vegetative growth. Moreover, in terms of yield parameters, the application of Pusa hydrogel at 5.0 kg ha\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e alongside vermiwash at a ratio of 1:10 resulted in the attainment of maximum yield and yield parameters. These results not only highlight the efficacy of utilizing Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays but also underscore the importance of optimizing application levels and combinations to achieve optimal growth and yield outcomes in agricultural practices. Such findings hold great promise for farmers and agricultural practitioners, offering them valuable insights into maximizing crop productivity and enhancing overall agricultural efficiency. Furthermore, the practical implications of these findings are substantial, as they provide farmers with actionable strategies to improve crop yield and quality, thereby potentially increasing their profitability and sustainability. As agriculture continues to face challenges such as climate change and resource limitations, the implementation of innovative techniques like the ones uncovered in this study becomes increasingly crucial. Overall, the combination of Pusa hydrogel and foliar nutrient sprays presents an attractive proposition for enhancing agricultural productivity, with the potential to revolutionize farming practices and contribute to global food security efforts.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAkhter, J., Mahmood, K., Malik, K. 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Impact of super Absorbent polymer on yield and growth analysis of Soybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e L.) under drought stress condition. \u003cem\u003ePakistan journal of biological science\u003c/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e10:\u003c/strong\u003e4190-4196.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Foliar nutrient sprays, Moisture conservation, Pusa hydrogel, Soybean, Thiourea, Vermiwash, Water deficits","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4897663/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4897663/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"Soybean is an important oilseed crop, cultivated all over the world. In India, it is cultivated on an area of 12.2 million hectares with a production of 13.5 million tons and productivity of 1.5 tons ha-1 (Directorate of Economics and Statistics, 2022). The national productivity of soybean (1.5 ton ha-1) is quite lower followed the world average (5.56 ton ha-1). (FOASTAT, 2022). One of the reasons for low productivity in soybean cultivation can also be attributed to insufficient soil moisture and erratic distribution of rainfall being experienced on account of global climate change. The other reason for soybean yield losses is an inadequate supply of nutrients . To provide a solution to the problems of the present dryland Agriculture, water-saving materials need to be used besides being the assured supply of nutrients. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate combined effect of Pusa hydrogel (an indigenous product that was created to increase crop productivity per unit of available nutrients and water, especially in agriculture under moisture stress) and foliar nutrient sprays to increase productivity and conserve available soil moisture. Application of Pusa hydrogel level H3 5.0 kg ha-1 and F4 Thiourea 500ppm recorded significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of leaves , number of branches , leaf area index (LAI) while with respect to yield and yield attributing characters Pusa hydrogel H3 5.0 kg ha-1 and F5 Vermiwash (1:10) ratio resulted significantly higher seed yield of soybean","manuscriptTitle":"Influence of Pusa Hydrogel and Foliar Nutrient Spray on Rainfed Soybean in Northwest Himalayan Region","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-09-09 16:58:39","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4897663/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"73f365f9-1018-477e-9c2c-59557108b878","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 9th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-11-01T07:09:42+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-09-09 16:58:39","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4897663","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4897663","identity":"rs-4897663","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}