Navnit Kumar

@rpcau.ac.in

Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist, Department of Agronomy, Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa, Bihar, India
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar

Navnit Kumar


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https://researchid.co/navnitsri
Dr. Navnit Kumar is working as Assistant Professor-cum- Scientist since 2007 in the Department of Agronomy, Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. Prior to this he worked as Training Associate at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sabour, Bhagalpur from 31.8. 2007 to 11.11.2007 and Leave Reserve Officer in the Office of the Joint Director, Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Patna Division, Patna since 21.3.2005 to 30.8.2007. He did B.Sc. (Ag.), M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph. D degree from RAU, Pusa, Bihar. He has the experience for over 17 years in the field of extension, teaching and research. He is the recipient of many society awards in the field of teaching and research. He guided eight M.Sc. (Ag.) students as Major Advisor and many students as Co- Advisor. He published 56 research papers in national and international journals, 71 popular articles in farmer’s friendly magazine, 17 book chapters, 6 authored book, 6 edited book and 25 folders.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Sugarcane Based Cropping System, Nutrient Management, Water Management
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Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Integrated management of genotype, row spacing and fertiliser application can lead to sustainable sugarcane production in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India
    K Navnit, R Lalita, S Sumit, K Sunil
    Plant Science Today, 2026
    A poor nutrient management strategy leads to an imbalance in the soil nutrient status, which could have a long-term negative influence on crop output. Keeping this in view, a field experiment was conducted at Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University, Pusa, Samastipur Bihar, to assess performance of early maturing sugarcane genotypes with two row configurations (90 and 120 cm) under two levels of macronutrients (NPK) i.e. N150 + P37.1 + K49.8 and N187.5 + P46.4 + K62.3 kg/ha on soil nutrient equilibrium sugarcane crop during 2018–19. Genotype CoP 13437 recorded a significantly higher tiller population and number of millable canes (169.7 and 114.9 × 103/ha) while genotype CoSe 95422 showed the highest B:C ratio (2.33). Maximum cane yield was observed in 90 cm row spacing with the increased NPK level and the increase in cane yield under N187.5 + P46.4 + K62.3 kg/ha was to the tune of 27.5 %. Genotype CoSe 95422 produces a higher cane yield (102.6 t/ha) of sugarcane, followed by CoP 13437 (101.5 t/ha). The uptake of macronutrients increased when more fertiliser was applied (280, 27.3 and 318.2 NPK kg/ha). With increasing fertility levels (N187.5 + P46.4 + K62.3 kg/ha), a net gain of NPK was observed. Therefore, balanced nutrient management combined with appropriate genotype selection and row spacing significantly enhanced sugarcane productivity and improved soil nutrient status for sustainable cultivation.
  • Effects of nutrient sources and weed management on yield and weed suppression in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)
    M K Shraddha, R Lalita, K Navnit, P Biswajit, S Sumit, K Ajeet, P Jyostnarani, K Rajan, K Mukesh, K Suruchi
    Plant Science Today, 2026
    Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a climate-resilient and nutritious crop; however, imbalanced nutrient application and inadequate weed management can limit productivity. A field experiment conducted at Pusa Farm, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University , Samastipur, Bihar, during kharif 2024. The experiment conducted in a split plot design with two nutrient sources (N1: 100 % Recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) via chemical fertilizer, N2: 75 % RDN + 25 % RDN via farmyard manure (FYM)) as main plot factor and four weed management practices (W₁: Butachlor at 1.0 kg ha-1 (Pre-emergence (PE)) followed by 2,4-D at 0.5 kg ha-1 (Post-emergence (PoE)); W₂: Oxyfluorfen at 0.1 kg ha-1 (PE) followed by 2,4-D at 0.5 kg ha-1, W3: Weedy check and W4: Weed free as sub-plot factor. Results showed that 100 % RDN increased plant height (101.79 cm), dry matter accumulation (897.8 g m-2) and no. of tillers (5.18 plant-1). Weed-free plots exhibited more tillers (5.76 plant-1) and accumulation (827.1 g m-2). The weed-free plots suppress weed by 75.4 %. In weed-free plots, nitrogen, phosphate and potassium consumption rose 19.4, 16.8 and 18.7 %, respectively. Application of oxyfluorfen (0.1 kg ha-1) fb 2,4-D (0.5 kg ha-1) resulted in highest net returns Rs. 88881 ha-1 with benefit-to-cost ratio (2.61). This 1 season study supports long-term experimentation, but it shows that 75 % RDN along with 25 % FYM and oxyfluorfen at 0.1 kg ha-1 (PE) followed by 2,4-D at 0.5 kg ha-1 (PoE) can boost finger millet productivity and profitability.
  • Sugarcane Plant–Ratoon System with Traditional and Advanced Nutrient Approach
    Navnit Kumar, Lalita Rana, Sumit Sow
    Sugarcane Production Environmental Impacts and Socioeconomic Issues, 2026
    Sugarcane is cultivated across a wide range of agro-climatic regions, and the use of fertilizers is recommended to ensure proper development. The intrinsic fertility of soil and efficient utilization of various nutrients via fertilizers have an extensive impact on sugarcane productivity. This chapter explores global conventional and advanced nutrient management strategies in sugarcane. Ensuring equilibrium between organic and inorganic amendments is paramount to preserving the desirable soil physicochemical characteristics and supplying sustenance for its microbial community. Restoring the nutrients depleted by crops via intercropping, green manuring, appropriate recycling of crop residues and factory wastes, biofertilizers, and bio-compost constitutes sustainable sugar productivity. Soil fertility and crop nutrition must be understood to guide fertilizer application using the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system, soil test crop response, and composition nutrient diagnosis. Additionally, precise nutrient management using crop canopy sensors and unmanned 174aerial vehicles can enhance nutrient use efficiency in the sugarcane plant– ratoon system. Machine learning and deep learning algorithms can be employed for real-time crop nutrition management in sugarcane, reducing the need for conventional measurements of chlorophyll content. Hence, the adoption of integrated and advanced nutrient management techniques holds the potential for improving soil health, enhancing cane productivity and farmers’ income.
  • Integration of Next-Generation Breeding Approaches to Enhance Crop Adaptability Under Adverse Climatic Conditions
    Raj Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, Shambhavi Kumari, Mukul Kumar Gandhi, Yogesh Dashrath Naik, Navnit Kumar, Sanjay Kumar
    Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Crop Production New Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies, 2026
    Climate change adversely impacts the quantity and quality of agricultural products, posing a serious threat to global food security, sustainable development, and poverty reduction. If left unaddressed, it could lead to a 20% increase in hunger and malnutrition by 2050. Enhancing agricultural adaptation to extreme climatic conditions is therefore essential. However, conventional breeding, which depends on existing genetic diversity and 238phenotypic selection, can be time-consuming and costly. To accelerate crop improvement and bolster food security, integrating traditional breeding with modern approaches is essential. Genomic advancements are driving more sustainable agriculture and increasing crop resilience to climate-related stresses. Next-generation breeding techniques—such as high-throughput phenotyping, advanced sequencing, trait mapping, genomic-assisted breeding, gene editing, and speed breeding—support the development of superior crop varieties capable of withstanding biotic and abiotic stresses. Artificial intelligence further aids agricultural research by analyzing large datasets and optimizing breeding strategies, enhancing precision phenotyping and minimizing errors. This chapter reviews the major constraints posed by climate change and their effects on agriculture. It also explores the role of multi-omics approaches—including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics—in understanding the molecular and physiological adaptations in tolerant crop varieties, offering insights for advancing climate-resilient agriculture.
  • Nanomaterials in Biomass Conversion for Sustainable Bioenergy Generation
    Lalita Rana, Manish Kumar, Sumit Sow, Jaya Sinha, Shivani Ranjan, Navnit Kumar, Muhammad Yousuf Jat Baloch, Sukamal Sarkar, Gangadhar Nanda, Rajan Kumar
    Nanomaterials for Sustainable Bioenergy Production, 2026
    The rise in worldwide consumption of energy, combined with the depletion of fossil fuels and the urgent need to address climate change, has accelerated the development of sustainable and renewable energy alternatives. Among these, bioenergy derived from biomass is gaining popularity due to its potential as a carbon-neutral energy source. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have created transformative opportunities in biomass conversion, establishing nanomaterials as critical enablers in the transition to environmentally friendly bioenergy generation. Nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, and mesoporous nanostructures play critical roles in enhancing the kinetics and selectivity of thermochemical processes like pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal liquefaction during biomass conversion to bioenergy. In biochemical routes, nanoscale carriers and supports improve enzyme immobilization, enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis and saccharification efficiency. Moreover, nanocatalysts used in conversion process of biomass reduce reaction temperature, minimize energy input, and improve the yield and quality of biofuels. The integration of nanomaterials also supports process intensification and lifecycle sustainability by enabling green synthesis pathways and reducing environmental footprints. This chapter explores the applications, mechanisms, and emerging innovations of nanomaterials in biomass-to-bioenergy conversion, while addressing challenges in scalability, regulatory safety, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Nexus between photosynthesis and radiation use efficiency towards achieving sustainability in the era of climate change: an overview
    Ritwik Sahoo, Dinabandhu Samanta, Sumit Sow, Shivani Ranjan, Dibyajyoti Nath, Souvik Sadhu, Navnit Kumar, Lalita Rana, Adyant Kumar, Dhirendra Kumar Roy, Dharminder, Rajan Kumar, Babu Lal Raigar, Shubranil Das, Rakesh Panday
    Discover Environment, 2025
    In the era of climate change, optimizing both photosynthesis and radiation use efficiency (RUE) is essential to meet the growing global food demand and minimizing environmental impacts. Climate change poses significant challenges to photosynthesis and RUE through increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and elevated atmospheric CO 2 levels. These changes can disrupt plant metabolic processes, reduce water availability, and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, thereby affecting crop productivity. However, there is a lack of comprehensive documentation on the understanding of relationship between photosynthesis and RUE in this era of climate change. Peer-reviewed electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Science Direct were used for relevant articles in order to address this gap through desk research. Out of 252 initially identified articles, 127 were deemed pertinent, focusing primarily on the relationship and strategies to improve photosynthesis and RUE for better growth and development of agricultural crops. Taking into account research findings worldwide, we found that several strategies such as climate-resilient crop varieties, optimizing canopy architecture, employing precision agriculture techniques etc. can improve the ability of plants to harness solar radiation effectively. Integrating these insights with sustainable agricultural practices can promote resource-use efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance food security. This review article underscores the critical role of optimizing photosynthesis and RUE in developing sustainable agricultural systems that are resilient to climate change, ultimately contributing to global sustainability goals.
  • Unlocking higher productivity and nutrient use efficiency in cereals through nano-fertilizers
    Shivani Ranjan, Sumit Sow, Souvik Sadhu, Ritwik Sahoo, Dibyajyoti Nath, Dinabandhu Samanta, Muhammad Nazim, Navnit Kumar, Lalita Rana
    Crop Design, 2025
    The rapid increase in global demand for cereals has led to excessive use of conventional fertilizers. While these fertilizers enhance crop yields, they are also associated with environmental degradation, soil and water pollution, and health concerns. In response to these issues, nanotechnology has been introduced as a revolutionary approach in agriculture, offering improvements through advanced practices. Nano-fertilizers, including nano NPK, nano iron, HAP-modified urea nanoparticles, and nano zeolite composite fertilizers, have been studied for their potential benefits. This review examines the application of these nano-fertilizers in three major cereal crops—wheat, maize, and rice. The comparative studies reveal that the biological yield of wheat can be increased by 20–55 ​%, maize by 20–40 ​%, and rice by 13–25 ​% with the use of nano-fertilizers. Furthermore, the overall grain yield of wheat has been found to increase by 20–55 ​%, maize by 22–50 ​%, and rice by 30–40 ​%. It is emphasized that careful management of nano-fertilizer concentrations is essential to avoid any adverse effects on plant health. The review highlights the significant improvements in cereal productivity and nutrient use efficiency offered by nano-fertilizers as a sustainable alternative to conventional methods along with limitations and way forward.
  • Zinc fertilization and bud chip transplanting: Effects on zinc fractions, uptake and sugarcane productivity in calcareous soils
    Navnit Kumar, Lalita Rana, Vipin Kumar, Sumit Sow, Gangadhar Nanda
    European Journal of Agronomy, 2025
  • Suitable Planting Material with Integrated Nutrient Management Can Enhance Productivity, Nutrient Use Efficiency and Profitability of Sugarcane
    Sumit Sow, Navnit Kumar, Lalita Rana, A. K. Singh, Vipin Kumar, Harendra Singh, Kavita, Shailesh Kumar
    Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2025
  • Scope and future prospectus of third-generation bioenergy fuel
    Dinabandhu Samanta, Shivani Ranjan, Sumit Sow, Dibyajyoti Nath, Mainak Ghosh, Navnit Kumar, Lalita Rana
    Forage Crops in the Bioenergy Revolution from Fields to Fuel, 2025
  • IMPACT OF NITROGEN LEVELS AND VARIETIES ON GROWTH AND FODDER YIELD OF MAIZE
    Rahul Banik, Navnit Kumar, Gangadhar Nanda, Barsha Mansingh, Pranjeet Kalita Kalita, Sumit Sow, Shivani Ranjan, Mahmoud F Seleiman, Muhammad Nazim Nazim
    Bangladesh Journal of Botany, 2025
  • Trash Amended with Trichoderma Effects on Cane Yield, Soil Carbon Dynamics, and Enzymatic Activities under Plant–Ratoon System of Sugarcane in Calcareous Soil
    Navnit Kumar, Sumit Sow, Lalita Rana, Shivani Ranjan, A. K. Singh
    Sugar Tech, 2025
  • Preface
    Grain Legumes Towards Sustainable Agrifood Systems, 2025
  • Grain Legumes Towards Sustainable Agrifood Systems
    Grain Legumes Towards Sustainable Agrifood Systems, 2025
  • Nanotechnology: A Sustainable Approach for Combating Climate Change
    Nanotechnology for Agriculture A Potential Tool for Abiotic Stress Tolerance, 2025
  • Photosynthetic Parameters, Productivity and Plant Macronutrient Acquisition in Sugarcane as Affected by Potassium Salt of Active Phosphorus (PSAP) Under North Central and Eastern Zones of India
    Navnit Kumar, Lalita Rana, Jyotish Kumar, A. K. Singh
    Sugar Tech, 2024
  • Nexus between nanotechnology and agricultural production systems: challenges and future prospects
    Lalita Rana, Manish Kumar, Jitendra Rajput, Navnit Kumar, Sumit Sow, Sarvesh Kumar, Anil Kumar, S. N. Singh, C. K. Jha, A. K. Singh, Shivani Ranjan, Ritwik Sahoo, Dinabandhu Samanta, Dibyajyoti Nath, Rakesh Panday, Babu Lal Raigar
    Discover Applied Sciences, 2024
  • Artificial Intelligence for Maximizing Agricultural Input Use Efficiency: Exploring Nutrient, Water and Weed Management Strategies
    Sumit Sow, Shivani Ranjan, Mahmoud F. Seleiman, Hiba M. Alkharabsheh, Mukesh Kumar, Navnit Kumar, Smruti Ranjan Padhan, Dhirendra Kumar Roy, Dibyajyoti Nath, Harun Gitari, Daniel O. Wasonga
    Phyton International Journal of Experimental Botany, 2024
  • Optimizing nutrient application and nitrogen transformation to maximize the growth and productivity of bud chip transplanted sugarcane
    Navnit Kumar, Vipin Kumar, Kaushal Kishor, A. K. Singh
    Journal of Plant Nutrition, 2024
  • Revolutionising Crop Management Practices for Ensuring Food Security
    Revolutionising Crop Management Practices for Ensuring Food Security, 2024
  • Agroforestry and Soil Carbon Sequestration: A Nexus for System Sustainability
    Sumit Sow, Shivani Ranjan, Smruti Ranjan Padhan, Dibyajyoti Nath, Navnit Kumar
    Agroforestry Solutions for Climate Change and Environmental Restoration, 2024
  • Sustainable fodder production in South Asia through silvopastoral systems
    Sumit Sow, Shivani Ranjan, Navnit Kumar, Nilanjaya, Harun I. Gitari, et al.
    Current Science, 2024
  • Soil test crop response based integrated nutrient management for enhancing agronomic performance of sugarcane with different planting materials
    Sumit SOW, Navnit KUMAR, Lalita RANA, Harendra SINGH, Vipin KUMAR, KAVITA, Shailesh KUMAR, Anil K. SINGH
    Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj Napoca, 2024
  • Advanced and Emerging Techniques in Soil Health Management
    Sunita K. Meena, Ajeet Kumar, Khem R. Meena, Sanjeew K. Sinha, Lalita Rana, Navnit Kumar, Anil K. Singh, Hanuman P. Parewa, Vijay S. Meena
    Microorganisms for Sustainability, 2024
  • Productivity, water use efficiency and soil properties of sugarcane as influenced by trash mulching and irrigation regimes under different planting systems in sandy loam soils
    Navnit Kumar, Sumit Sow, Lalita Rana, Vipin Kumar, Jyotish Kumar, Biswajit Pramanick, A. K. Singh, Lamya Ahmed Alkeridis, Samy Sayed, Ahmed Gaber, Akbar Hossain
    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2024
  • Precise macronutrient application can improve cane yield and nutrient uptake in widely spaced plant-ratoon cycles in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India
    Navnit Kumar, Lalita Rana, A. K. Singh, Biswajit Pramanick, Ahmed Gaber, Amnah Mohammed Alsuhaibani, Milan Skalicky, Akbar Hossain
    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2023
  • Diversification of Rice-Based Cropping System for Improving System Productivity and Soil Health in Eastern Gangetic Plains of India
    Bharati Upadhaya, Kaushal Kishor, Vipin Kumar, Navnit Kumar, Sanjay Kumar, Vinod Kumar Yadav, Randhir Kumar, Ahmed Gaber, Alison M. Laing, Marian Brestic, Akbar Hossain
    Agronomy, 2022
  • Production Potential and Nitrogen Fractionation of Sugarcane-Based Cropping System as Influenced by Planting Materials and Nitrogen Nutrition
    Navnit Kumar, Vipin Kumar
    Sugar Tech, 2020
  • Enhancing Sugarcane Plant–Ratoon Productivity Through Bud Chip Transplanting Geometry
    Navnit Kumar
    Sugar Tech, 2020
  • Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels on sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) varieties under upland rainfed conditions of bihar
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2018
  • Effect of planting method on productivity and economics of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) varieties under waterlogged condition
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2018
  • Enhancing crop productivity and soil health from intercropping coriander with autumn sugarcane through scheduling of fertilizer and irrigation
    Navnit Kumar, Geeta Kumari, Vipin Kumar
    Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, 2017
  • Influence of manuring and irrigation scheduling on system productivity, resource use efficiency, nutrient uptake and incidence of early shoot-borer (Chilo infuscatellus) in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) and garlic (Allium sativum) intercropping system
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2016
  • Optimizing nutrient and irrigation requirement of sugarcane (saccharum species hybrid complex) and french bean (phaseolus vulgaris) intercropping system
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2015
  • Response of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) varieties to various planting geometry
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2014
  • Nutrient uptake, sugarcane yield and economics of high sugar early genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum sp hybrid complex) under various planting seasons and fertility levels in Bihar
    NAVNIT KUMAR, HARENDRA SINGH, RAKESH KUMAR, GEETA KUMARI
    Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2014
  • Productivity and water-use efficiency of spring-planted sugarcane (Saccharum sp. hybrid complex) under various planting methods and irrigation regimes
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2013
  • Long term effect of fertilizer, manure and lime on yield sustainability and soil organic carbon status under maize (Zea mays)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in Alfisols
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2013
  • Productivity and profitability of different genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) as affected by fertility levels and planting seasons
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2012
  • Productivity, quality and nutrient balance in spring sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid complex) under organic and inorganic nutrition
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2012
  • Changes in yield parameters of sugarcane due to fungicides against top rot disease by Fusarium moniliforme sheldon and its management
    Annals of Biology, 2008
  • Studies on factors influencing the growth and sporulation of top rot pathogen of sugarcane
    Annals of Biology, 2008
  • Response of spring-planted sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) to phosphorus and sulphur application
    Indian Journal of Agronomy, 2008