Delaying senescence of wheat with fungicides has interacting effects with cultivar on grain sulphur concentration but not with sulphur yield or nitrogen:sulphur ratios

Winter wheat was grown in three field experiments, each repeated over two or three seasons, to investigate effects of extending flag leaf life by fungicide application on the concentration, kg ha⁻¹ and mg grain⁻¹ of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) as well as N:S ratio and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) sedimentation volume. The experiments involved up to six cultivars and different application rates, timings and frequencies of azoxystrobin and epoxiconazole. For every day the duration to 37% green flag leaf area (m) was extended, N yield was increased by 2.58 kg ha⁻¹, N per grain by 0.00957 mg, S yield by 0.186 kg ha⁻¹ and S per grain by 0.000718 mg. The N:S ratio decreased by 0.0135 per day. There was no evidence that these responses varied with cultivar. In contrast, the relationship between flag leaf life and N or S concentration interacted with cultivar. The N and S concentrations of Shamrock, the cultivar that suffered most from brown rust (Puccinia recondita), increased with the extension of flag leaf life whereas the concentrations of N and S in Malacca, a cultivar more susceptible to Septoria tritici, decreased as flag leaf senescence was delayed. This was because the relationships between m and N and S yields were much better conserved over cultivars than those between m and thousand grain weight (TGW) and grain yield ha⁻¹.     

Fertilisation of irrigated maize with pig slurry combined with mineral nitrogen

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a very important crop in many of the irrigated areas of the Ebro Valley (NE Spain). Intensive pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) production is also an important economic activity in these areas, and the use of pig slurry (PS) as a fertiliser for maize is a common practise. From 2002 to 2005, we conducted a field trial with maize in which we compared the application of 0, 30 and 60 m³ ha⁻¹ of PS combined with 0, 100 and 200 kg ha⁻¹ of mineral N at sidedress. Yield, biomass and other related yield parameters differed from year to year and all of them were greatly influenced by soil NO₃⁻-N content before planting and by N (organic and/or mineral) fertilisation. All years average grain yield and biomass at maturity ranged from 9.3 and 18.9 Mg ha⁻¹ (0 PS, 0 mineral N) to 14.4 and 29.6 Mg ha⁻¹ (60 m³ ha⁻¹ of PS, 200 kg ha⁻¹of mineral N), respectively. Grain and total N biomass uptake average of the studied period ranged from 101 and 155 kg ha⁻¹ (0 PS, 0 mineral N) to 180 and 308 kg ha⁻¹ (60 m³ ha⁻¹ of PS, 200 kg ha⁻¹of mineral N), respectively. All years average soil NO₃⁻-N content before planting and after harvest were very high, and ranged from 138 and 75 kg ha⁻¹ (0 PS, 0 mineral N) to 367 and 457 kg ha⁻¹ (60 m³ ha⁻¹ of PS, 200 kg ha⁻¹of mineral N), respectively. The optimal N (organic and/or mineral) rate varied depending on the year and was influenced by the soil NO₃⁻-N content before planting. For this reason, soil NO₃⁻-N content before planting should be taken into account in order to improve N fertilisation recommendations. Moreover, the annual optimal N rates also gave the lowest soil NO₃⁻-N contents after harvest and the lowest N losses, as a consequence they also could be considered as the most environmentally friendly N rates.     

Monitoring nitrogen forms in soil/plant systems under different fertilizer managements. A preliminary investigation

A field experiment was carried out on maize (Zea mays, L.) to study the effects of different fertilizer management on nitrogen status in soil and plant response. Three different fertilizers, mineral (MN), mineral plus buffalo manure (MN + BM) and organo-mineral with peat (OMP), were added at the usual (140, 61 and 116 kg ha⁻¹) and the reduced (70, 31 and 58 kg ha⁻¹) rates of N, P and K. respectively. Soil samples were analyzed for N by both the Kjeldahl method and the electro-ultrafiltration technique (EUF). The soil Kjeldahl-N concentrations were scarcely affected by the different fertilizer treatments, while the EUF-N concentrations were closely correlated with the amounts of N added. The EUF also discriminated between the NO₃-N and the sum of the ammonium and the easily extractable organic N forms (EUF-N_org + NH₄). The largest proportions of EUF-Norg + NH₄ were found in the untreated plots and in the plots treated with buffalo manure. The different fertilizer treatments significantly affected grain yield, which ranged from a minimum of 6.3 t ha⁻¹ from the untreated plots, to a maximum of 11.9 t ha⁻¹ from those supplied with 140 kg N, 61 kg P and 116 kg K ha⁻¹ by OMP fertilizer. The highest agronomic efficiency index for N was exhibited in the OMP treatment at the reduced rate. The grain yield was closely correlated with the total extractable EUF-N, but different relationships were found between the rate of N added, the level of EUF-NO,-N in soil and grain yield for the different fertilizer treatments.     

Effect of preceding crop combination and N fertilization on yield of six oil-seed rape cultivars (Brassica napus L.)

Information about the effect of the cropping history on the seed yield of oil-seed rape is extremely scarce. In 1992/93 and 1994/95, the effects of different preceding crop combinations (winter barley and winter wheat as preceding crops, oil-seed rape and wheat as pre-preceding crops) on the yield of six double low oil-seed rape cultivars were examined in a field trial at Hohenschulen Experimental Farm, north-west Germany. In addition, eight nitrogen treatments (different amounts and distribution patterns) were tested for their potential to reduce negative effects of the preceding crops. Following the cropping sequence of oil-seed rape then wheat, oil-seed rape yielded only 3.12 t ha⁻¹; after oil-seed rape then barley, the yield was 3.43 t ha⁻¹ compared with 3.77 t ha⁻¹ following wheat then barley and 3.71 t ha⁻¹ following wheat then wheat. The number of seeds per m² showed a similar pattern, whereas the thousand-seed weight partly compensated for the reduced seed number. It was highest if oil-seed rape was grown 2 years previously. The cultivars differed significantly in their yield potential. Express (3.79 t ha⁻¹) yielded 0.6 t ha⁻¹ more than Falcon (3.18 t ha⁻¹). Increasing amounts of fertilizer-N (80–200 kg N ha⁻¹) increased the seed yield from 3.21 t ha⁻¹ to 3.84 t ha⁻¹. Changes in the distribution pattern within one fertilizer amount had no effect on seed yield. In addition, no interactions between preceding crop combination and the different cultivars or N treatments occurred. It is concluded that crop management cannot totally eliminate the negative effects of an unfavourable cropping history on the seed yield of oil-seed rape.     

Tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen fertilization effects on soil nitrogen and cotton and sorghum yields

Sustainable soil and crop management practices that reduce soil erosion and nitrogen (N) leaching, conserve soil organic matter, and optimize cotton and sorghum yields still remain a challenge. We examined the influence of three tillage practices (no-till, strip till and chisel till), four cover crops {legume [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth)], nonlegume [rye (Secaele cereale L.)], vetch/rye biculture and winter weeds or no cover crop}, and three N fertilization rates (0, 60–65 and 120–130 kg N ha⁻¹) on soil inorganic N content at the 0–30 cm depth and yields and N uptake of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. A field experiment was conducted on Dothan sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic, Plinthic Paleudults) from 1999 to 2002 in Georgia, USA. Nitrogen supplied by cover crops was greater with vetch and vetch/rye biculture than with rye and weeds. Soil inorganic N at the 0–10 and 10–30 cm depths increased with increasing N rate and were greater with vetch than with rye and weeds in April 2000 and 2002. Inorganic N at 0–10 cm was also greater with vetch than with rye in no-till, greater with vetch/rye than with rye and weeds in strip till, and greater with vetch than with rye and weeds in chisel till. In 2000, cotton lint yield and N uptake were greater in no-till with rye or 60 kg N ha⁻¹ than in other treatments, but biomass (stems + leaves) yield and N uptake were greater with vetch and vetch/rye than with rye or weeds, and greater with 60 and 120 than with 0 kg N ha⁻¹. In 2001, sorghum grain yield, biomass yield, and N uptake were greater in strip till and chisel till than in no-till, and greater in vetch and vetch/rye with or without N than in rye and weeds with 0 or 65 kg N ha⁻¹. In 2002, cotton lint yield and N uptake were greater in chisel till, rye and weeds with 0 or 60 kg N ha⁻¹ than in other treatments, but biomass N uptake was greater in vetch/rye with 60 kg N ha⁻¹ than in rye and weeds with 0 or 60 kg N ha⁻¹. Increased N supplied by hairy vetch or 120–130 kg N ha⁻¹ increased soil N availability, sorghum grain yield, cotton and sorghum biomass yields, and N uptake but decreased cotton lint yield and lint N uptake compared with rye, weeds or 0 kg N ha⁻¹. Cotton and sorghum yields and N uptake can be optimized and potentials for soil erosion and N leaching can be reduced by using conservation tillage, such as no-till or strip till, with vetch/rye biculture cover crop and 60–65 kg N ha⁻¹. The results can be applied in regions where cover crops can be grown in the winter to reduce soil erosion and N leaching and where tillage intensity and N fertilization rates can be minimized to reduce the costs of energy requirement for tillage and N fertilization while optimizing crop production.     

Wheat productivity in the Mediterranean Ebro Valley: Analyzing the gap between attainable and potential yield with a simulation model

Water deficit is an important constraint for wheat yield generation under Mediterranean environments. However, nitrogen (N) availability could limit yield in a more important way than poor water conditions. The aim of the work was to analyze, using the Ceres-Wheat crop simulation model, to what degree N fertilization constitutes a tool for reducing the gap between attainable and potential yield. Firstly, the model was calibrated and validated under a wide range of N and water conditions for the region of the Ebro Valley (NE Spain). Anthesis and maturity date were adequately predicted by the model. Predictions of yield tended to be quite accurate in general, though under severe water deficits precision was lower. We then assessed the gap between attainable and potential yield considering different N availabilities at sowing taking into account a weather database of 17 years for the location of Agramunt (NE Spain), representative of cereal growing conditions of the Mediterranean Catalonia. Potential yield ranged between 3.5 and 8.1 Mg ha⁻¹. Variations in potential yield were explained by the duration of the period from sowing to anthesis and by the level of incident radiation during the period immediately previous to anthesis. Average attainable yield was 1.8 Mg ha⁻¹ for N availability of 50 kg_N ha⁻¹; but increased to 2.8 Mg ha⁻¹ for higher N availabilities (100–250 kg_N ha⁻¹). In the 25% of the worst years there was no effect of N availability on attainable yield. Increasing N availability beyond 100 kg_N ha⁻¹ generated a gain in yield only in 6% of the years. Variations between years in attainable yields were mainly explained by rainfall during the period from sowing to anthesis, whereas differences in attainable yield between N treatments increased with increases in rainfall. The gap between potential yield and attainable yield was higher in years with higher potential yield. On the other hand, the higher the attainable yield, the lower the gap. Thus, the proportion of the yield gap ascribed to N availability varied depending on the conditions of the growing season. In the high-yielding potential years, the main restriction for growth was water shortage, and fertilizing only slightly reduced the gap. Conversely, in rainy years characterized by low potential yields and mild water stresses, N management may constitute a simple tool for effectively reducing yield gap under rain-fed conditions.     

Biomass yield and energy balance of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) cropped in central Italy as related to different management practices

In order to evaluate the possibility of reducing energy input in giant reed (Arundo donax L.) as a perennial biomass crop, a field experiment was carried out from 1996 to 2001 in central Italy. Crop yield response to fertilisation (200–80–200 kg ha⁻¹ N–P–K), harvest time (autumn and winter) and plant density (20,000 and 40,000 plants per ha) was evaluated. The energy balance was assessed considering the energy costs of production inputs and the energy output obtained by the transformation of the final product. The crop yield increased by +50% from the establishment period to the 2nd year of growth when it achieved the highest dry matter yield. The mature crop displayed on average annual production rates of 3 kg dry matter m⁻², with maximum values obtained in fertilised plot and during winter harvest time.

Fertilisation mainly enhanced dry matter yield in the initial period (+0.7 kg dry matter m⁻² as years 1–6 mean value). The biomass water content was affected by harvest time, decreasing by about 10% from autumn to winter. With regard to plant density, higher dry matter yields were achieved with 20,000 plants per ha (+0.3 kg dry matter m⁻² as years 1–6 mean value).

The total energy input decreased from fertilised (18 GJ ha⁻¹) to not fertilised crops (4 GJ ha⁻¹). The higher energetic input was represented by fertilisation which involved 14 GJ ha⁻¹ (fertilisers plus their distribution) of total energy costs. This value represents 78% of total energy inputs for fertilised crops.

Giant reed biomass calorific mean value (i.e., the calorific value obtained from combustion of biomass sample in an adiabatic system) was about 17 MJ kg⁻¹ dry matter and it was not affected by fertilisation, or by plant density or harvest time. Fertilisation enhanced crop biomass yield from 23 to 27 dry tonnes per ha (years 1–6 mean value). This 15% increase was possible with an energy consumption of 70% of the overall energy cost. Maximum energy yield output was 496 GJ ha⁻¹, obtained with 20,000 plants per ha and fertilisation. From the establishment period to 2nd–6th year of growth the energy production efficiency (as ratio between energy output and energy input per ha) and the net energy yield (as difference between energy output and energy input per ha) increased due to the low crop dry biomass yield and the high energy costs for crop planting. The energy production efficiency and net energy yield were also affected by fertilisation and plant density. In the mature crop the energy efficiency was highest without fertilisation both with 20,000 (131 GJ ha⁻¹) and 40,000 plants per ha (119 GJ ha⁻¹).     

Response of Weed Communities to Legume Living Mulches in Winter Wheat

In order to obtain information about the impact of legume cover crops on the weed community in organic farming, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was directly drilled in rows 0.1875 and 0.3750 m apart in living mulches that consisted of Trifolium repens L. (TRFRE), T. subterraneum L. (TRFSU), Medicago truncatula Gaertner (MEDTR), and Lotus corniculatus L. (LOTCO). A control treatment without cover crops (NAT, the site‐specific weed community) was also established. The vegetation between the wide rows was either mulched or left undisturbed. The effect of liquid farmyard manure (60 m³ ha⁻¹) was also tested. TRFRE, TRFSU, and LOTCO effectively suppressed Poa annua L. and Matricaria recutita L. at site 1 and P. annua, Capsella bursa‐pastoris (L.) Med., and Stellaria media (L.) Vill. at site 2 when compared with NAT. MEDTR, which died during the winter, provided little weed suppression. Mulching significantly suppressed dicotyledonous weed species, but favoured Poa trivialis L. No manure effect was observed. Winter hardy legume cover crops contribute to weed suppression in winter wheat. However, careful evaluation of cover crop × weed × management interactions is necessary to understand the risk for the establishment of problematic weeds.     

Morphology and yield response to weed pressure by corn hybrids differing in canopy architecture

Recently, corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids accumulating more leaf area above the ear, maturing earlier, yielding better in narrower row spacings and tolerating higher population densities than conventional hybrids have been developed. However, no research has been conducted to assess their ability to compete with weeds. The objective of this study was to quantify morphological and grain yield responses of hybrids with differing canopy architectures to the presence and absence of weeds. Field experiments were conducted in 1996, 1997, and 1998 at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec and in 1996 at Ottawa, Ontario. Three hybrids, leafy reduced-stature (LRS), late maturing big leaf (LMBL), and conventional Pioneer 3979 (P3979), were evaluated at two population densities (normal and high), row spacings (38 and 76 cm) and weed pressure levels (weed-free and weedy). Weed pressure reduced the plant height of LRS less (only 4 cm) than the tall hybrids (average reduction of 26 cm). The overall grain yield of the LMBL hybrid was much greater (12.7 mg ha⁻¹) than the LRS (9.6 mg ha⁻¹) and P3979 (11.0 mg ha⁻¹) hybrids in the absence, but not in the presence (LRS, 6.5; LMBL, 6.7; and P3979, 6.8 mg ha⁻¹), of weeds. The yield of early-maturing LRS and P3979 (especially LRS) hybrids, were least affected by weed pressure, suggesting better tolerance of, and competition with, weeds. However, further research with more LRS hybrids is needed, as is the development of better yielding LRS hybrids, before they can be recommended over conventional hybrids.     

Uptake and partitioning of sludge-borne copper in field-grown maize (Zea mays L.)

Accumulation of sludge-borne copper (Cu) by field-grown maize and its distribution between the different plant organs was studied in detail in a long-term sewage sludge field trial. Since 1974, field plots on a coarse sandy soil have been amended each year with farmyard manure (FYM) at a rate of 10 t dry matter (DM) ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and with sewage sludge at the two levels of 10 t DM ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ (SS 10) and 100 t DM ha⁻¹ per 2 years (SS 100). All field plots have been cropped annually with maize. In 1993, five replicate plants per treatment were examined at six different growth stages from seedling to grain maturity. Each plant was separated into at least 12 different parts and the Cu content of each was determined. Regarding growth parameters, no visible deleterious effects on plant development due to the different soil treatments could be observed, although the dry matter yield of roots and stalks of SS 100-treated plants was significantly reduced. Significantly increased Cu concentrations of up to 60 mg Cu kg⁻¹ DM in the roots of young SS 100-grown maize plants and of up to 20 mg Cu kg⁻¹ DM in the upper leaves at silage stage were found. No critical Cu amounts were reached in the grains until harvest.     

The effect of lupins as compared with peas and oats on the yield of the subsequent winter barley crop

New high yielding early maturing cultivars of lupins have been introduced in north-west Europe as grain protein crops in crop rotations. This paper reports on a comparative study of lupins with peas and oats, and of their effect on yield of subsequent winter barley crops. These crops were given five levels of N under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions on sand and loam. Under rain fed conditions the grain yield of pea, oat and lupin varied between 24–36, 34–53 and 18–37 hkg DM ha⁻¹, respectively. Supplemental irrigation raised grain yield of oat to 50–60 hkg DM ha⁻¹, while grain yield in pea was not affected and grain yield in lupin in most cases decreased due to gray mould attack and excessive vegetative growth in the indeterminate lupin variety. Under rain fed conditions, the grain nitrogen content of pea, oat and lupin varied between 137–172, 61–80 and 189–226 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively, and was significantly higher in lupin as compared with pea. On sandy soil, similar low-root densities were found for pea, oat and lupin below 30 cm depth. On sand, at final harvest the residual soil-N of lupin and pea, as measured in a subsequent winter barley crop not supplied with N fertilizer, was 15 and 8–10 kg N ha⁻¹ higher than in winter barley following oat, respectively. The nature of the probably more N-root residues of lupin is discussed. On loam, the residual N of lupin and pea was similar, 18–27 kg N ha⁻¹. On sand, under rain fed conditions preceding lupin and pea as compared with oat, increased the barley grain yield at zero N-application 77 and 49%, respectively; the effect of lupin was significantly higher than that of pea until the highest N-level 120 kg N-application ha⁻¹. On loam under rain fed conditions preceding lupin and pea increased the barley grain yield at zero N-application by 36 and 62%, respectively, as compared with oat; at N-application>60 kg N ha⁻¹ the grain yield was similar after all three crops. For both soil types the same level of effect was found under irrigated conditions. Conclusions: Supplemental irrigation might result in lower grain yield in lupin due to gray mould attack and excessive growth if indeterminate lupin varieties are used. Grain nitrogen yield of lupin is significantly higher than that of pea. On sand, the effect of lupin on the subsequent winter barley grain yield is significantly higher than that of pea, probably due to greater N-root nitrogen residues. On loam, lupin and pea have similar effects on the subsequent winter barley crop.     

Management alternatives for improved durum wheat production under supplemental irrigation in Syria

In the Mediterranean zone, efforts to optimize combinations of supplemental irrigation (SI), improved varieties, nitrogen (N) and sowing dates aim to improve and stabilize cereal yields and maintain quality, especially for durum wheat. Thus, a 4 year field study (1992/1993 to 1995/1996) on a deep clay soil in northern Syria assessed the impact of SI (rain-fed, 1/3, 2/3 and full SI) combined with variable N application rates (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha⁻¹) and sowing date (early, normal, late) for four improved durum wheat varieties adapted to rain-fed and irrigated conditions. As rainfall and evapotranspiration varied over the 4 years, the amount of SI water required also varied. Yields varied with the season, and the main factors, except variety, were significant. Delaying sowing from November to January reduced yields and response to both SI and N. With irrigation, crop responses were generally significant up to 100 N ha⁻¹, whereas the optimum response for rain-fed conditions occurred with 50 kg N ha⁻¹. Limited SI (1/3) significantly increased yields, but almost maximum yields were obtained by 2/3 of full SI. Water- and N-use efficiencies were greatly increased by SI, with little variation among varieties. However, irrigation and delayed sowing decreased grain protein levels, which were partially compensated for by added N. A similar effect was observed for kernel vitreousness. Models developed from the response data can facilitate the potential transfer of these findings. Thus, in most growing seasons, minimum irrigation during the winter growing season, combined with appropriate fertilization, can enhance wheat output and yet maintain grain quality.     

密度与行距对玉米‘协玉3号’穗部性状及产量的影响

为研究种植密度与行距对玉米产量、穗部性状以及通过穗部性状对产量的影响,寻求最佳种植行距与密度,为实现玉米超高产栽培创建提供技术依据。以玉米品种‘协玉3号’为材料,设置3个行距[50 cm等行距、60 cm等行距与40 cm+60 cm宽窄行]、3个种植密度[60000、67500、75000株/hm²],随机区组设计,3次重复,共27个小区,每小区行长6 m,行宽3 m,面积18 m²。50 cm等行距与宽窄行为6行区,60 cm等行距为5行区。结果表明,行距对‘协玉3号’的产量影响达到了极显著水平,而且不同行距配置中穗重、穗行数、穗粗以及穗粒重差异显著,不同密度间穗重、穗行数、百粒重与穗粒重差异显著,多个作用大小不一的穗部性状间的交互作用共同影响决定玉米产量。‘协玉3号’在密度为75000株/hm²和60 cm等行距模式下产量最高,可达16646.70 kg/hm²。因此,在山西中部水浇地条件下采用紧凑型玉米品种‘协玉3号’,适当扩大种植行距、缩小株距、增加种植密度是提高玉米产量的重要途径。     

Residual nitrogen effect of clover-ryegrass swards on yield and N uptake of a subsequent winter wheat crop as studied by use of N methodology and mathematical modelling

The residual effect of 2-year-old swards of clover-ryegrass mixture and ryegrass in monoculture on yield and N uptake in a subsequent winter wheat crop was investigated by use of the ¹⁵N dilution method and by mathematical modelling. The amount of N in the wheat crop, derived from clover-ryegrass residues was 25–43% greater than that derived from residues of ryegrass which had been growing in monoculture. Expressed in absolute values, the N uptake in the subsequent winter wheat crop was 23–28 kg N ha ⁻¹ greater after clover-ryegrass mixture than after ryegrass in monoculture. Up to about 54 kg N ha⁻¹ of the N mineralised from the clover-ryegrass crop was calculated to be leached, whereas only 11 kg N ha⁻¹ was leached following ryegrass in monoculture.     

Is it possible to forecast the grain quality and yield of different varieties of winter wheat from Minolta SPAD meter measurements?

To optimize wheat segregation for the various markets, it is necessary to add to genotype segregation, a prediction before harvest of the values of yield and grain protein concentration (GPC) for the different fields of the collecting area. Different tools allowing a prediction of crop production exist. Among them, the evaluation of nitrogen concentration by a chlorophyll meter (Soil–Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) readings), classically used to adapt the nitrogen fertilizer application, has been used in few works to foresee grain yield and grain protein concentration. But the relationships between N crop status and SPAD measurements varies among varieties and this genotypic effect has rarely been incorporated in models of forecasting grain quality.

This paper compares several models to forecast yield, nitrogen uptake in grain (NUG) and grain protein concentration from trials carried out in 2001 and 2002 at the INRA experiment station of Grignon (West of Paris). Trials crossed nine varieties by four (2002) or five (2001) nitrogen rates. Input variables of those models are mainly chlorophyll meter measurements (SPAD) on the penultimate leaf at GS65 and on the flag leaf at GS71 Zadoks growth stages and ear number per square meter (NE).

A square root model of yield based on NE × SPAD gave the best fit (RMSE = 0.6 t ha⁻¹ for both stages) if considering three different groups of genotypes. Based on the same variable, NE × SPAD, a quadratic model for NUG without significant effect of genotypes gave the best fit (RMSE, between 21 and 30 kg ha⁻¹ depending of the growth stage). And, for GPC, considering the same three groups of genotypes, the slope of the linear model with the ratio of predicted grain nitrogen concentration to predicted yield, is the same at both stages and very close to the standard value used to calculate protein concentration from nitrogen concentration (5.7), but the predictive quality of the model is more than 10% higher at GS71 (R² of 0.77) than at flowering (R² of 0.64). Finally, the sensibility of the models to delay in the stage of measurement is discussed.     

Yield and water-use efficiency of water- and nitrogen-stressed wheat crops increase with degree of co-limitation

Availability of water and nitrogen are key constraints to primary productivity in arid and semiarid ecosystems. Theoretically, plant growth is maximised when all resources are equally limiting. This paper tested the hypothesis that for a given amount of available water, the gap between actual and attainable yield of dryland crops in semiarid southern Australia is inversely proportional to the degree of nitrogen and water co-limitation.

Field and simulation experiments were combined in an analysis involving three steps. Step 1 assessed the capacity of a crop simulation model to estimate yield and its responses to water and nitrogen inputs in the semiarid Mallee region. Step 2 derived a boundary function relating grain yield and water availability using simulations with long-term weather records. Step 3 explored the link between degree of co-limitation and deviations between actual yield and the boundary function. Degree of co-limitation (C_WN) was calculated as a function of model-derived nitrogen (NSI) and water stress indices (WSI), i.e. C_WN = 1 − |NSI − WSI|. Stress indices range from zero (no stress) to 1 (maximum stress), and C_WN tends to 1 when both resources impose constraints of similar magnitude to crop growth.

The field experiment combining locations, seasons and management practices generated a range of grain yield from 0.6 to 3.8 t ha⁻¹. Water availability, i.e. seasonal rainfall plus change in soil water content from sowing to harvest, ranged from 127 to 370 mm. Nitrogen fertiliser varied from nil to 36 kg N ha⁻¹ and inorganic nitrogen in the soil profile at sowing ranged from 29 to 497 kg ha⁻¹. For these ranges of conditions, the relationship between simulated and measured yield was statistically undistinguishable from the y = x function.

A factorial modelling experiment combining sites, seasons, initial soil water content and dose of nitrogen fertiliser was used to derive a boundary function which provided an objective and independent upper limit for the field data. Actual yield was below the boundary function in most cases. The difference between actual and attainable yield was inversely proportional to C_WN. This study thus supported the hypothesis that yield and water-use efficiency of water- and nitrogen-stressed crops increase with increasing degree of co-limitation.     

Simulating winter wheat yields under temperate conditions: exploring different management scenarios

This paper describes a methodology for analysing management strategies to find best agronomic practices using a crop simulation model (CERES-Wheat). The study area is the estate of Imperial College at Wye, in the Stour Catchment, Kent, UK, an area highly suited to winter wheat production. The model is validated using historic crop performance data. Yield responses to differing sowing rates (range 200–450 seeds m⁻²), sowing dates and rates of nitrogen application (between 100 and 220 kg ha⁻¹) with soil types of medium to heavy texture were simulated under water-limited conditions using historical daily weather data. In model validation, observed yields ranged between 6.9 and 7.4 t ha⁻¹, while simulated ranges were between 6.9 and 7.8 ha⁻¹. The RSMD of the difference was small (0.24 t ha⁻¹) and non-significant. Optimum management practices (in terms of planting date, seed density and nitrogen application) were thereby defined. Also, simulations of potential yield (i.e. yield with no water and nutrient stress) were run for comparison. Results of this study reveal that the calibrated and validated CERES-Wheat model can be successfully used for the prediction of wheat growth and yield under conditions appropriate to Western Europe.     

Importance of P uptake efficiency versus P utilization for wheat yield in acid and calcareous soils in Mexico

There are large agricultural areas in the world where wheat yields are limited by low phosphorus (P) availability. Breeding for P uptake and P utilization efficiency may reduce this problem. This study was conducted to determine the contribution of P uptake and utilization efficiency to grain yield of selected spring wheat genotypes in different environments. Thirty-eight semidwarf spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes were grown in two experiments in Mexico, each on an acid Andisol under rainfed conditions and on a calcareous Aridisol with irrigation, without (−P) and with 35 kg P per ha fertilized (+P). Without P fertilization, grain yield ranged from 0.8 to 4.6 t ha⁻¹ in the acid soil and from 2.4 to 5.2 t ha⁻¹ in the calcareous soil. With P fertilization, this range was even larger. Under conditions of P deficiency, i.e. in the acid soil at −P and +P (high P adsorption) and calcareous soil at −P (P-depleted soil), P uptake explained 71–100% of the variation in grain yield, and was highly correlated with grain yield (r=0.79–0.95). In contrast, at +P in the calcareous soil, P utilization efficiency explained 60–63% of the variation in grain yield. Here, low grain P concentration was related to high grain yield (r=−0.40 to −0.59). In the calcareous soil, the harvest index was correlated with grain yield, irrespective of the P level. In the acid soil, post-anthesis P accumulation was important. It was positively correlated with grain yield, whereas in the calcareous soil, no post-anthesis-P accumulation occurred. Here, grain P accumulation at maturity was completely determined by translocation of pre-anthesis shoot P. We conclude that the combination of improved P uptake and P utilization efficiency in the same genotypes requires selection under both high and low-P conditions.     

Effects of Mediterranean climate on wheat bread-making quality

The unpredictability of the Mediterranean climate causes a large fluctuation in wheat yield and quality but offers the opportunity for the production of high quality wheats which are lacking in the European Union.

This paper describes the effects of nitrogen fertilization rate and timing on five Triticum aestivum L. cultivars differing in bread-making quality, cultivated in six representative Italian sites (years/locations). Nitrogen was applied at each location at two rates, the first corresponding to the amount estimated to maximize grain yield, the second 30% higher. Three timings of nitrogen applications were tested including a late application at the boot stage. Bread-making quality was evaluated with the Chopin alveograph and each sample was assigned to the following qualitative classes of the Italian market: Class 1, improver wheat; Class 2, for direct bread-making; Class 3, ordinary wheat.

Cultivars differed significantly in all agronomic and qualitative traits. Grain yield was highest in the northern location (7.1 t ha⁻¹) and lowest in the south of the Italian peninsula (2.61 ha⁻¹), while in Sicily abundant rains in both years enabled a yield of 6.41 ha⁻¹ to be obtained. As far as bread-making quality is concerned, the greatest proportion of grain samples belonging to Class 1 was obtained from the northern location. The year of cultivation strongly affected quality, particularly with regard to gluten tenacity, in all locations, though the quality ranking of the cultivars remained substantially stable across locations. Nitrogen applications greater than those considered optimal to maximize yield, combined with a better distribution during the life cycle, significantly improved bread-making quality.

It was concluded that high quality wheats can be obtained in a wide range of growing conditions in the Mediterranean climate. However the likelihood of genotype × environment interactions, statistically significant for both yield and quality, call for a more precise management of nitrogen fertilization in relation to the cultivars chosen and the climatic features of each site.     

Tillage effects on soil physical properties and performance of rice–wheat-cropping system under shallow water table conditions of Tarai, Northern India

This study was conducted for 3 years in silty clay loam (Aquic hapludoll) associated with water tables fluctuating between 0.05 and 0.96 m depths from the surface. Tillage treatments for rice (Oryza sativa L.) were puddling by four passes of rotary puddler (PR), reduced puddling (ReP) for two passes of rotary puddler, conventional puddling (CP) and direct seeding without puddling (DSWP) in four replications. Tillage treatments for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT) superimposed over the plots of rice tillage treatments. Puddling caused a significant reduction in saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), infiltration rate (IR), and specific volume (Rv). The reduction in Ks in the PR plot at 30 days after transplanting was 27 and 46% (3-year average) higher than in the ReP and DSWP plots, respectively, but was statistically at par with that in the CP plot in the surface tilled layer. This indicates that puddling by four passes of rotary puddler and that by conventional method adopted by farmers in those conditions gives the same level of control on percolation rate. Highest rice yield (5607 kg ha⁻¹) was obtained in the PR plot, which was statistically equal to that in the ReP plot. Wheat yield was highest (4020 kg ha⁻¹) in the DSWP plot of rice under CT condition. Total average grain production (rice + wheat) was highest under ReP–CT treatment combination. Results thus show that quality of soil puddle obtained by half the efforts in conventional puddling was sufficient for a significantly high yield of rice with minimum deterioration of soil properties. Similarly, wheat sowing by conventional tillage in such a reduced puddling plots of rice was sufficient for a significantly high yield of wheat.