Variation in Yield,Phosphorus Uptake,and Physiological Efficiency of Wheat Genotypes at Adequate and Stress Phosphorus Levels in Soil

Genetic differences among crop genotypes can be exploited for identification of genotypes more suited to a low‐input agricultural system. Twenty wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes were evaluated for their differential yield response, phosphorus (P) uptake in grain and straw, and P‐use efficiency at the zero‐P control and 52 kg P ha^?1 rates. Substantial and significant differences were obvious among genotypes for both grain and straw yields at stress (8 mg P kg^?1 soil, native soil P, no P addition) and adequate (52 kg P ha^?1) P levels. Genotype 5039 produced maximum grain yield at both P levels. Relative reduction in grain yield due to P‐deficiency stress [i.e., P stress factor (PSF)] ranged between none and 32.4%, indicating differential P requirement of these genotypes. Pasban 90, Pitic 62, Rohtas 90, Punjab 85, and line 4943 did not respond to P application and exhibited high relative yield compared to those at adequate P level. FSD 83 exhibited the best response to P with maximum value for PSF (32.4%). Genotypes were distributed into nine groups on the basis of relationship between grain yield and total P uptake. Rohtas 90 and lines 4072 and 5039 exhibited high grain yield and medium P uptake (HGY‐MP). However, line 5039 with high total index score utilized less P (12.2 kg P ha^?1) than line 4072 and Rohtas 90 (13.5 and 13.6 kg P ha^?1, respectively). Moreover, this genotype also had greater P harvest index (PHI, %) and P physiological efficiency index (PPEI) at stress P level. Pasban 90, Pitic 62, and Pak 81 had the greatest total index score (21), mainly due to high total P uptake, but yielded less grain than lines 5039 and 4072 under low available P conditions. Line 6142 had minimum total index score (15) and also produced minimum grain yield. A wide range of significant differences in PPEI (211 to 365 kg grain kg^?1 P absorbed at stress and 206 to 325 kg grain kg^?1 P absorbed by aboveground plant material at adequate P) indicated differential utilization of absorbed P by these genotypes for grain production at both P levels. It is concluded from the results that wheat genotypes differed considerably in terms of their P requirements for growth and response to P application. The findings suggest that PSF, PHI, and PPEI parameters could be useful to determine P‐deficiency stress tolerance in wheat.     

Differential Growth Performance of 15 Wheat Genotypes for Grain Yield and Phosphorus Uptake on a Low Phosphorus Soil Without and With Applied Phosphorus Fertilizer

ABSTRACT

Two field experiments were conducted to compare 15 wheat genotypes at two phosphorus (P) levels (zero-P control or low P level—without application of P fertilizer on soil with 8 mg extractable P kg^?1, and adequate P level—with P fertilizer applied at 52 kg P ha^?1) for yield, P uptake, and P utilization efficiency (P efficiency ratio—PER, P harvest index—PHI, and P physiological efficiency index—PPEI). On the average of two experiments, substantial and significant differences were observed among wheat genotypes for both grain and straw yields at both P levels. Grain yields ranged from 2636 to 4455 kg ha^?1 in the zero-P control, and from 2915 to 4753 kg ha^?1 at adequate P level. Genotype 5039 produced the maximum grain yield, while 6529-11 had the minimum grain yield at both P levels. Relative reduction in grain yield due to P deficiency stress (PSF) ranged from none to 32%, indicating differential P requirements of genotypes. Genotypes 4943, Pasban 90, Inqlab 91, PB 85, Lu 26s, 4770, Chakwal 86, 4072, 6544-6, and 5039 had little or no response to P application. Phosphorus responsive genotypes included FSD 83, Kohinoor 83, Parvaz-94, Pak 81, and 6529-11. A non-significant correlation (r = ?0.466, P > 0.05) between grain and PSF in zero-P control treatment also indicated the least effect of P deficiency on some wheat genotypes. A wide range of PPEI (270–380 kg grain kg^?1 P absorbed in grain + straw at control P level, and 210–330 kg grain kg^?1 P absorbed in grain + straw at adequate P level) indicated differential utilization of absorbed P by the genotypes for grain production. This indicated that wheat genotypes differed considerably in their P requirement for growth and responsiveness to P application. The findings also suggested that PPEI was a better parameter for measuring P efficiency than other parameters, and can be used for selecting P efficient genotypes, because it relates to the internal concentration of a nutrient and genetic makeup of plant. It is concluded that genotypes having ability to produce relatively high grain yield, good command to tune P within plant and high PPEI are suited to low P soil conditions. Genotypes 4072, Inqlab 91, 4943, Pak 81 and 5039 were P efficient and had above mentioned abilities, while genotypes FSD 83, 6544-6, and 6529-11 were P inefficient. It should be noted that traits related to P efficiency are inheritable and can be used to improve P use efficiency of a genotype through back cross breeding programs.     

Phosphorus uptake and use efficiency in different varieties of bread wheat (Triticum Aestivum L)

Thirty spring wheat varieties were evaluated and classified into eight different groups on the basis of their grain yield performance and phosphorus (P) uptake using Metroglyph analysis. Significant variability was observed for grain and biomass yield, plant height, P content in grain and straw, total P uptake and phosphorus harvest index and P use efficiency traits. Varieties WH 711 and PBW 343 exhibited high grain yield as well as high P uptake (HGY-HP). WH 283 and UP 2425 with high index score of 19 and 16 respectively, constituted the high grain yield-medium P uptake (HGYMP) group. Both these varieties, though had similar grain yield of 5348 kg/ha, but WH 283 (12.64 kg/ha) utilized much lower P as compared to UP 2425 (16.94 kg/ha). Moreover, WH 283 (81.64) also showed higher values for phosphorus harvest index (PHI) than UP 2425 (67.88%). P uptake of WH 283 was comparable with that of Raj 3765 (10.78 kg/ha) and grouped into high grain yield and low P uptake (HGY-LP) group. The grain yield performance of these two varieties with a relatively low P uptake is reflected in their high index score for P use efficiency thus, earmarking them for low P regimes. Variety HW 2006, despite low grain yields of 4665 kg/ha had high index score of 16 due to its higher value for Phosphorus Biological (PBER) and Economic Yield (PEER) Efficiency Ratio as it has effected least (7.18 kg/ha) P mobilization. In addition high P translocation in the grain was also observed for this variety. Inter-mating of genotypes like HW 2006, UP 2338 and HW 2016 with those belonging to HGY-HP (PBW 343 and WH 711) and HGY-LP (Raj 3765 and WH 283) would be an ideal strategy to develop the cultivars for efficient phosphorus use.     

Yield and Yield Components of Dry Bean Genotypes as Influenced by Phosphorus Fertilization

Dry bean is an important legume for South American population, and phosphorus (P) deficiency is the most yield-limiting nutrient for crop production in South American soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating influence of P fertilization on grain yield and yield components of 30 dry bean genotypes. The P levels used were 0 mg P kg^?1 (natural level of the soil) and 200 mg P kg^?1 applied with triple superphosphate fertilizer. Yield and yield components were significantly influenced with P as well as genotype treatments. The P?×?genotype interactions were significant for yield as well as yield components, indicating different responses of genotypes at two P levels. Root dry weight and maximum root length were also significantly increased with the addition of P fertilization. There were also significant differences among the genotypes in the growth of root system. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as P efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient. Among 30 genotypes, 17 were classified as efficient, 12 were classified as moderately efficient, and 1 was classified as inefficient. Yield components such as pods per plant and seeds per pod were having significant positive association with grain yield. In addition, grain harvest index (GHI) was also having significant linear association with grain yield. Hence, it is possible to improve grain yield of dry bean in Brazilian Oxisol with the addition of adequate rate of P fertilization as well as use of P-efficient genotypes.     

Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Upland Rice Genotypes Under Field Conditions

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors for crop production in South American soils. Upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop in South American cropping systems, including Brazil. A field experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate 20 upland rice genotypes for phosphorus (P) use efficiency. The P rate used was low (0 kg P ha^?1) and high [87 kg P ha^?1 or 200 kg phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) ha^?1]. Plant height, shoot dry weight, grain yield, panicle number, 1000 grain weight, spikelet sterility, and grain harvest index were significantly influenced by P and genotype treatments. The P X genotype interaction was significant for grain yield, indicating that genotypes responded differently under two P rates. Overall, grain yield increased by 12% with the addition of P fertilization. Based on grain yield efficiency index, genotypes were classified into efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient group. The genotypes that were classified as efficient in P use were BRA032048, BRA042094, BRA02601, BRA032051, BRA032033, BRA052015, BRA042156, BRA01600, BRA01506, BRA052023 and BRA042160. The inefficient genotypes in P us efficiency were BRS Primavera, BRA052045, BRA01596, and BRS Sertaneja. Grain harvest index had a significant positive association with grain yield and spikelet sterility had a significant negative association with grain yield, as expected. Average, P-use efficiency of five genotypes was about 17 kg kg^?1 (kg grain yield per kg P applied).     

Selection Criteria for Genotypes and Identification of Plant Characteristics for Phosphorus-Efficient Wheat

Most genetic analyses of wheat crops concentrate on elucidating the mode of inheritance of plant characteristics. However, it is equally important to study the genetic relationship between different characteristics so that the consequences of selection for one characteristic on the performance of another can be predicted. Three field experiments with 15 wheat genotypes were conducted at two sites with similar soil types and agroecological conditions (two experiments at site 1 and one experiment at site 2) to evaluate wheat genotypes through correlation and path analyses for identification of plant characteristics responsible for high grain yield at low phosphorus (P) (7.86–8.23 mg P kg^?1 soil; control, no application of P) and adequate P (52 kg P ha^?1) in soil. On the average of the three experiments, the genotypic and phenotypic coefficients in correlation analysis agreed closely in each case. Relatively high values of genotypic coefficient showed a masking influence of genetic factors in the grain production. Grain yield correlated significantly with P-uptake parameters, such as P uptake in grain and straw. Integration of P in grain formation varied among wheat genotypes because of differences in their abilities to absorb, translocate, distribute, accumulate, and utilize P. The integrated effect of these physiological processes appeared in the form of end product (i.e., grain). The yield potential of a genotype to produce grain can be measured directly from absolute grain yield, but when selection was made through the involvement of plant factors such as harvest index, it proved to be a good predictor of grain yield. Positive relationship of harvest index with grain yield indicated an increase in grain yield. Because grain production is an outcome of the integrated effect of many P-related physiological processes, P efficiency was measured by P harvest index, P efficiency ratio, and P physiological efficiency index. The P physiological efficiency index was found to be an appropriate measure of P-use efficiency. When the selection was made through path analysis, it was observed that the genotypes that had high harvest index, absorbed more P, accumulated more P in grain, and produced more grain per unit of absorbed P were efficient in P use and produced high grain yield under low available soil P field conditions. Wheat genotypes ‘Inqlab 91,’ ‘Pak 81,’ ‘4072,’ ‘4943,’ and ‘5039’ were capable of producing high grain yield under low soil P field conditions in this study.     

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY IN UPLAND RICE GENOTYPES

Nitrogen (N) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients in upland rice growing regions word wide. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate nineteen upland rice (Oryza sativa. L.) genotypes for N use efficiency. The soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol and two N levels used were without N application (low level) and an application of 400 mg N kg^?1 of soil (high level). Grain yield and yield components and N uptake parameters were significantly affected by N and genotype treatments. Regression analysis showed that plant height, shoot dry weight, number of panicles per pot, number of grains per panicle, grain harvest index, N uptake in shoot and grain were having significant positive relation with grain yield. Nitrogen concentration of 6.4 g kg^?1 in the shoot is established as deficient level and 9.5 g kg^?1 as sufficient level at harvest. Agronomic efficiency of N (grain yield/unit of N applied) and N utilization efficiency (physiological efficiency X apparent recovery efficiency) were significantly different among genotypes. These two N use efficiencies were having significant quadratic relationship with grain yield. Soil pH, exchangeable soil Ca and base saturation were having significantly positive association with grain yield. However, soil extractable phosphorus (P), potassium (K), hydrogen (H⁺), aluminum (Al) and cation exchange capacity were having significantly negative association with grain yield.     

Plant analysis diagnostic indices for phosphorus nutrition of sunflower,mungbean, maize,and sorghum

Abstract

The relationship between nutrient concentration and yield of plant forms the basis of using plant analysis to assess nutrient status of plants. This study determined critical levels of phosphorus (P) in diagnostic plant parts of four grain crops. The crops were grown in greenhouse using a P‐deficient Typic Ustochrept fertilized with 0, 10, 30, 90, and 270 mg P/kg soil. Crop sensitivity to P deficiency was: sorghum > maize > sunflower > mungbean. Fertilizer requirements (mg P/kg soil) for near‐maximum grain yield were: sunflower, 89; and maize and mungbean, 74. Fertilizer requirement of sorghum was much greater than the other species. Critical P concentrations in whole shoots (≤30 cm tall) were: mungbean, 0.30%; sunflower, 0.29%; and maize, 0. 24%. Equivalent values for diagnostic leaves were: mungbean, 0.33%; sunflower, 0.31%; and maize, 0.26%. Critical P concentrations in mature seeds were: mungbean, 0.34%; maize, 0.29%; and sunflower, 0.20%.     

Potassium-Use Efficiency in Upland Rice Genotypes

Potassium (K) uptake is greatest among essential nutrients for rice. Data related to yield, yield components, and K-use efficiency by upland rice genotypes are limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate influence of K on growth, yield and yield components, and K-use efficiency by upland rice genotypes. Potassium levels applied to an Oxisol were zero (natural K level) and 200 mg K kg¹ of soil and 20 upland rice genotypes were evaluated. Plant height, shoot dry weight, grain yield, 1000-grain weight, and spikelet sterility were significantly affected by K and genotype treatments. Genotypes Primavera and BRA 1600 were the most efficient and genotype BRAMG Curinga was most inefficient in producing grain yield. Plant growth (plant height and shoot dry weight) and yield components (panicle number, grain harvest index, 1000-grain weight, and panicle length) were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. However, spikelet sterility was significantly and negatively correlated with grain yield.     

Nutrient Uptake in Dry Bean Genotypes

Dry bean is an important legume for human consumption in South America. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate uptake and use efficiency of macro- and micronutrients by six dry bean genotypes at two P levels (25 and 200 mg kg^?1 soil). Shoot dry weight and grain yield varied significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with increasing phosphorus (P) levels. Grain harvest index (GHI) and 100-grain weight also differ significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with the increasing P levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as efficient and inefficient. The most efficient genotype was CNFP 10104, and inefficient genotypes were CNFP 10103 and CNFP 10120. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod increased significantly with the addition of 200 mg P kg^?1 of soil compared to the low level of P (25 mg P kg^?1). Similarly, nitrogen (N), P, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentrations and uptake in the shoot and grain also significantly varied among genotypes. Uptake of macro- and micronutrients was greater under the greater P rate compared to the low P rate. This may be related to greater shoot or grain yield at 200 mg P kg^?1 soil compared to 25 mg P kg^?1 of soil.     

DRY BEAN GENOTYPES EVALUATION FOR GROWTH,YIELD COMPONENTS AND PHOSPHORUS USE EFFICIENCY

Dry bean along with rice is a staple food for the population of South America. In this tropical region beans are grown on Oxisols and phosphorus (P) is one of the most yield limiting factors for dry bean production on these soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate P use efficiency in 20 elite dry bean genotypes grown at deficient (25 mg P kg^?1 soil) and sufficient (200 mg P kg^?1) levels of soil P. Grain yields and yield components were significantly increased with P fertilization and, interspecific genotype differences were observed for yield and yield components. The grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) was having highly significant quadratic association with grain yield. Based on GYEI most P use efficient genotypes were CNFP 8000, CNFP 10035, CNFP10104, CNFC 10410, CNFC 9461, CNFC 10467, CNFP 10109 and CNFP 10076 and most inefficient genotypes were CNFC 10438, CNFP 10120, CNFP 10103, and CNFC 10444. Shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, 100-grain weights and number of seeds per pod was having significant positive association with grain yield. Hence, grain yield of dry bean can be improved with the improvement of these plant traits by adopting appropriate management practices. Soil pH, extractable P and calcium (Ca) saturation were significantly influenced by P treatments. Based on regression equation, optimum pH value in water was 6.6, optimum P in Mehlich 1 extraction solution was 36 mg kg^?1 and optimum Ca saturation value was 37% for dry maximum bean yield.     

LOWLAND RICE GENOTYPES EVALUATION FOR PHOSPHORUS USE EFFICIENCY IN TROPICAL LOWLAND

Lowland rice is a staple food for more than 50% of the world's population and phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the main constraints in rice production in tropical lowlands. A field experiment was conducted for two years consecutive with the objective to evaluate 12 lowland rice genotypes for P use efficiency. The P rates used were 0, 22, 44, 66, and 88 kg P ha^?1 (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1) applied to an Inceptisol. The genotypes used were BRS Jaçanã, CNAi 8860, BRS Fronteira, CNAi 8879, CNAi 8880, CNAi 8886, CNAi 8885, CNAi 8569, BRSGO Guará, BRS Alvorada, BRS Jaburu and BRS Biguá. There were significant and quadratic responses of genotypes to phosphorus fertilization. Adequate P rates for maximum grain yield varied from genotype to genotype. However, across 12 genotypes, maximum grain yield was obtained with the application of 54 kg P ha^?1. Genotype BRS Jaçanã was most efficient and genotype CNAi 8569 was most inefficient in P use efficiency. Shoot dry weight and panicle number was also increased significantly and quadratically with increasing P rates in the range of 0 to 88 kg P ha^?1. These two plant parameters were positively associated with grain yield. Agronomic efficiency (kg grain produced per kg P applied) was significantly decreased with increasing P rates in the range of 22 to 88 kg P ha^?1.     

UPLAND RICE GENOTYPES EVALUATION FOR PHOSPHORUS USE EFFICIENCY

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors in crop production in Brazilian Oxisols. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate 20 upland rice genotypes at low (25 mg P kg^?1) and high (200 mg P kg^?1) P levels applied to a Brazilian Oxisol. Grain yield and yield components were significantly influenced by P level and genotype treatments. There was a significant interaction between P level and genotype treatments in relation to grain yield, indicating genotypes responded differently under two P levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified into efficient, moderately efficient and inefficient groups. The efficient genotypes in utilizing P were ‘BRA052053’, ‘BRS Primavera’, ‘BRA052015’, ‘BRA052023’, ‘BRA01506’, ‘BRA052045’, ‘BRA032033’, ‘BRA01596’ and ‘BRA052034’. Remaining genotypes were classified as moderately efficient in P use efficiency. None of the genotypes were fall into inefficient group. Grain yield was significantly and positively related with shoot dry weight, panicle number, grain harvest index, 1000-grain weight and had a negative and significant correlation with spikelet sterility. Grain weight was having maximum contribution in total rice plant weight comparing to root and shoot, indicating improvement in harvest index of modern Brazilian upland rice cultivars by breeding.     

Yield and Yield Components and Phosphorus Use Efficiency of Lowland Rice Genotypes

Phosphorus deficiency is main constraints for lowland rice production in various rice producing regions of the world. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using lowland (Inceptisol) soil with the objective to determine response of seven lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes to phosphorus fertilization and to evaluate their phosphorus (P) use efficiency. Phosphorus treatments included control (0 mg P kg^?1) and 200 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Plant height and shoot dry weight were significantly (P < 0.001) influenced by P treatments. Phosphorus X genotypes interaction was significant for shoot dry weight, indicating different response of genotypes under two P levels. At low P level, none of the genotypes produced grain yield, indicating original P level in the soil was too low for lowland rice yield. However, genotypes differed significantly in grain yield at high P level. Panicle number, panicle length, and thousand grains weight had a significant quadratic association with grain yield. However, spikelet sterility had a significant linear negative association with grain yield. The P use efficiency expressed as agronomic efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency (PE), agro-physiological efficiency (AP), apparent recovery efficiency (ARE), and utilization (UE) were significantly different among genotypes. These efficiencies were having significantly positive association with grain yield, with exception to ARE, indicating improving grain yield with improved P use efficiencies in rice.     

水磷耦合对小麦耗水特性和子粒产量的影响

在低磷地力、沙质壤土条件下,选用强筋小麦品种济麦20,设置全生育期不灌水(W0),灌底墒水+拔节水+开花水,每次灌水30 mm （W1）、60 mm（W2）、90 mm （W3） 4个灌溉处理;每个灌溉处理下设置不施磷(P0)、施P2O5105 kg/hm2（P1）、210 kg/hm2（P2）3个施磷量处理,研究了水磷耦合对麦田耗水特性、产量及水分利用率的影响。结果表明,1）在同一磷素水平下,随灌水量增加,小麦总耗水量增大,降水量和土壤供水量占耗水量的比例降低。综合考虑耗水量、产量、收获指数、水分利用率等指标,最优处理为P1W2处理,其次为P1W1处理,其总耗水量分别为435.5 mm、366.0 mm,灌水量、降水量和土壤供水量占耗水量的比例分别为41.3%、39.3%、19.3%和24.6%、46.8%、28.6%;开花至成熟阶段的耗水量占小麦全生育期耗水量的36.9%～43.3%,此阶段两处理的日耗水量、耗水模系数分别为4.6 mm、3.6 mm和42.3%、39.3%。2）施用磷肥,各处理的干物质积累量增加,子粒产量表现为W2、W3W1W0,W2、W3处理之间差异不显著;与不施磷肥的处理比较,显著提高了土壤供水量占总耗水量的比例。3）收获指数和水分利用率均为W1W2W3,P2水平下W1、W2、W3处理的收获指数和水分利用率均低于P1水平。以上结果表明,在本试验条件下,施磷（P2O5）105 kg/hm2(P1)、灌水180 mm(W2)的处理获得高产和较高的水分利用率;施磷（P2O5）105 kg/hm2（P1）、灌水90 mm（W1）的处理获得较高的产量,水分利用率显著高于上述处理,耗水量则显著低于上述处理,可供生产中水资源不足的情况下参考。     

Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Lowland Rice Genotypes under Field Conditions

Rice is staple food for more than 50% of the world's population. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for lowland rice production around the world. Two field experiments were conducted at two locations for two consecutive years to evaluate N-use efficiency of 12 lowland rice genotypes. Growth, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N as well as genotype treatments. Location?×?year?×?genotype and location?×?year?×?N interactions were significant for most of the growth, yield, and yield components, indicating influence of these factors on yield and yield components. Overall, the most N-efficient genotypes measured in terms of grain yield were BRA 031032, BRA 031044, and BRA 02654 and the most inefficient genotypes were BRS Jaçana, BRS Fronteira, and BRA 02674. Genotypes had linear and quadratic responses to added N in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha^?1. Nitrogen significantly influenced plant height, shoot dry weight, panicle number, and 1000-grain weights. Nitrogen-use efficiency (kg grain per kg N applied) varied from 33 to 49 kg grain per kg N applied, with an average value of 40 kg grain per kg N applied. The genotype BRA 031044 produced the greatest N-use efficiency, and the lowest N-use efficient genotype was BRS Fronteira. There was a significant linear association between N-use efficiency and grain yield.     

Influence of summer legume residue recycling and varietal diversification on productivity,energetics, and nutrient dynamics in basmati rice–wheat cropping system of western Indo-Gangetic Plains

A field experiment was conducted on summer mungbean residue recycling (SMBRR) and basmati rice–wheat cropping system (BRWCS) at New Delhi, India. The SMBRR enhanced the system productivity and net returns by ～19.1% and 22.1% compared to summer fallow (SF) with highest magnitude under genotypic sequence of P 2511/HD 2967. Two genotypes each in basmati rice (PB 1 and P 2511) and wheat (HD 2967 and HD 2733) responded well to SMBRR with respect to grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) ≥ 1.0. SMBRR also registered ～13.5% higher microbial biomass carbon (MBC) than SF. Soil organic carbon (SOC) storage also increased by ～6.8% in 0–30 cm soil layer. The rice–wheat–summer mungbean system produced significantly highest energy efficiency compared to the rice–wheat–summer fallow system with highest values under genotypic sequence of P 2511/HD 2967 as a result of better yield expression. Overall, SMBRR with suitable genotypic sequence improved the system productivity, profitability, and nutrient dynamics in BRWCS, which are vital for long-term sustainability of this system.     

Agronomic Evaluation of Dry Bean Genotypes for Potassium Use Efficiency

Dry bean is an important legume worldwide, and potassium (K) deficiency is one of the important constraints for bean production in most of the bean growing regions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate fifteen dry bean genotypes grown on a Brazilian lowland (Inceptisol) United States Soil Taxonomy classification and Gley humic Brazilian Soil Classification system), locally known as “Varzea” soil. The K rate used was 0 mg kg^?1 (low, natural soil level) and 200 mg kg^?1 (high, applied as fertilizer). Straw yield, seed yield, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, and seed harvest index were significantly increased with the addition of K fertilizer. These traits were also significantly influenced by genotypic treatment. Similarly, root length and root dry weight were also influenced significantly by K and genotype treatments. The K X genotype interactions for most of these traits were also significant, indicating variation in these traits with the variation in K level. Based on seed yield efficiency index (SYEI), genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in K use efficiency. Maximum grain yield was obtained with 74 mg K kg^?1 extracted by Mehlich 1 extracting solution. Similarly, K saturation required for maximum grain yield was 1.1%.     

Phosphorus Nutrition of Lowland Rice in Tropical Lowland Soil

Rice is a main food crop for about half of the world's population, and phosphorus (P) is the main limiting nutrient in rice production in tropical lowlands. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate P requirements of lowland rice grown on a lowland soil (Inceptisol). Dry matter, grain yield, and yield-attributing characteristics were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by P fertilization. Based on quadratic response, maximum shoot dry weight and grain yield were obtained with the application of 190 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Maximum panicle, tiller number, and plant height were obtained with the application of 177 192, and 175 mg P kg^?1 of soil, respectively. Mehlich 1–extractable P for maximum grain yield was 15.6 mg kg^?1 of soil. Variability in grain yield with plant growth and yield parameters was in the order of tiller > shoot dry weight > panicle number > spikelet sterility > plant height > grain harvest index > panicle length > weight of 1000 grains. Phosphorus uptake in shoot and concentration and uptake in grain significantly (P < 0.01) increased grain yield. However, variability in grain yield was greater with concentration and uptake of P in the grain. Similarly, P harvest index was also significantly associated with grain yield. Agronomic P-use efficiency, apparent P-recovery efficiency, and P-utilization efficiency decreased quadratically with increasing P rates, whereas physiological P-use efficiency increased quadratically and agrophysiological P-use efficiency decreased linearly with increasing P rates. Agrophysiological and utilization P-use efficiencies had significant positive correlation with grain yield.     

Response of Soybean to Phosphorus Fertilization in Brazilian Oxisol

Soybean is an important grain crop for Brazil, and phosphorus (P) plays an important role in improving yield of this crop in Brazilian Oxisols. Data are limited on influence of P sources and rate on soybean yield, yield components, and P-use efficiency. A field experiment was conducted for 3 consecutive years to determine response of soybean to three fertilizers (single superphosphate, Yoorin, and Arad) with 0, 17.5, 35, and 52.5 kg P ha^?1 (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1). Grain yield was significantly influenced by phosphorus fertilization. Overall, maximum grain yield was produced by application of single superphosphate, followed by Yoorin and Arad. Number of grains per pod and 100-grain weights were also influenced significantly by P fertilization. Shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, and grain harvest index had a significant positive association with grain yield. Phosphorus uptake in grain was about six times more than uptake in shoots, and P uptake in grain had a significant positive association with grain yield. Phosphorus-use efficiency (kg grain/kg P applied or uptake) decreased with increasing P rate, and it was greater for single superphosphate than for Yoorin and Arad sources of P fertilization. However, P-utilization efficiency (kg grain plus straw yield / P uptake in grain plus straw) was greater under Yoorin treatment compared to the two other sources of P.