Organic manures in combination with biochar might improve efficacy of biochar in improving soil functions related to hydro-physical properties and a field experiment was conducted over the course of two years with two levels of biochar @ 0 and 2tha −1 and four levels of compost (100% recommended dose of N through farm yard manure, 100% recommended dose of N through vermicompost, 50% recommended dose of N through farm yard manure, and vermicompost each, and unfertilized control). Each treatment was replicated three times in factorial randomized block design (RBD). The objective of this research was to determine the effects of biochar and compost on soil hydro-physical properties, water use efficiency, monetary returns and yield of knolkhol ( Brassica oleracea var. gongyloides L.) under sub-tropics of North West India. Compared with no-biochar, application of biochar significantly increased knolkhol yield by 7.8% and soil properties (infiltration rate, aggregate stability, maximum water holding capacity and hydraulic conductivity). Similarly, integration of compost significantly enhanced the soil water retention, aggregate stability, hydraulic conductivity and crop yield and gave highest infiltration rate, water retention, hydraulic conductivity and crop yield under M3 (50 % N through farm yard manure, +50 % N through vermicompost) treatment. Furthermore, synergetic positive effect of biochar and compost were noted for soil infiltration rate (4–38%), water retention (0.9–13.7%), aggregate stability (6–10.7%) and yield (6–11.9%) over the sole application of compost. Combined use of farm yard manure, and vermicompost accompanied by biochar resulted in highest net returns and B:C ratio. Biochar in combination with farm yard manure, and vermicompost can enhance soil hydraulic properties resulting in increased crop yield and maximum monetary returns under subtropical conditions.

Performance of liquid insecticides applied to foliage was evaluated in small plot trials on pretassel corn near Crookston, Minn. Plots of 2 rows (5 ft) by 50 ft were established 10 Jul in a commercial field planted 4 May. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Insecticides were applied with a CO2-powered backpack sprayer delivering 17 gal water/acre through Zytel LF-3-80 nozzles at 40 psi. Light winds (<2 mph) and warm temperatures (89°F) prevailed during application, but IV2 inches of rain began to fall within 6 h after application. Insecticide performance was evaluated 19 Aug by dissecting 10 plants/plot and counting all damage sites (tunnels in stalk, ear shank, and ear).

Granular insecticides are commonly regarded as better than liquid insecticides for control of first-generation ECB larvae. The purpose of this small-plot trial was to evaluate the efficacy of liquid insecticides and to compare granular and liquid formulations of selected insecticides. Plots of 2 40-ft-long rows (30-inch row spacing) were located in a commercial production field near Red Wing, Minn., planted on 2 May. Insecticide treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Liquid insecticides were applied in 17 gal water/acre with a CO2-powered backpack sprayer through 8002 nozzles operating at 40 psi. Granular formulations of selected insecticides were applied with a one-row, electrically driven Gandy applicator manually pushed through the plots. The treatments were applied on 23 Jun when temperatures ranged from 75 to 82°F and there little to no wind (<2 mph). Efficacy was evaluated on 5 Aug by dissecting 10 infested plants/plot and counting the number of tunnels.

Performance of liquid insecticides as rescue treatments against BCW was evaluated with artificial infestations at the Rosemount Experiment Station, Rosemount, Minn. Plots measured 4 rows (30-inch spacing) × 50 ft, were established in corn planted on 12 Jun. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. When corn reached about 2-leaf stage, a central portion of each plot (2 rows × 20 ft) was enclosed by an aluminum barrier buried 3-4 inches into the soil that projected 4 to 5 inches above soil level. Each plot was infested with a mixture of 40 third and fourth instar BCW larvae at dusk on 25 Jun. Before spraying, stand was counted in each plot and any plants with BCW feeding were marked with a painted stake to exclude them from the study. Liquid insecticides were then broadcast on 26 Jun a.m. using a CO2-powered backpack sprayer calibrated to deliver 20 gal/acre through 8002 nozzles at 19-inch spacing. During application, air temperature averaged 78°F with winds still to 3 mph. After spring, plots were examined every 2-3 days for leaf feeding and cutting. Cut plants were marked with a plastic stake to avoid misses or recounts as undamaged plant on later visits. On 9 Jul (13 DAT), each plot was censused with the number of injured plants and cut plants recorded.

Performance of granular and liquid insecticides against BCW was evaluated with artificial infestations at the Rosemount Experiment Station, Rosemount, MN. Treatment plots, each measuring 4 rows (30-inch spacing) × 50 ft, were established in corn planted on 2 Jun. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Granular insecticides were applied in a 7-inch band ahead of the presswheel or in furrow at planting with modified Noble applicators mounted on a John Deere 7100 MaxiMerge planter. When corn reached the 2-leaf stage a central portion of each plot (2 rows × 15 ft) was enclosed by an aluminum barrier buried 3-4 inches into the soil that projected 4 to 5 inches above soil level. Plant population within the barriers was thinned to 23,900 plants/acre. Liquid insecticides were broadcast on 15 Jun am using a CO2-powered backpack sprayer calibrated to deliver 21 gal/acre at 25 psi through 8002 nozzles. During application, air temperature averaged 77°F and winds ranged from still to 2 mph. Each plot was infested with a mixture of 40 third and fourth instar black cutwork larvae on the evening of 15 Jun and early morning of 16 Jun. Plots were examined every 2-3 d for leaf feeding and cutting. Cut plants were marked with a plastic stake to avoid misses or recounts as undamaged plant on later visits. On 27 Jun (11 d after infestation), each plot was censused with the number of injured plants and dead plants recorded. Before analysis, percentage data were subjected to an arcsine transformation.