Nitrogen Uptake by Malting Barley Grown under Conditions Found in Buenos Aires Province,Argentina

Abstract

There is a lack of data associated with applications of nitrogen (N) fertilizer to increase yield while not increasing seed protein to levels exceeding those acceptable for malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina. The effect of rates and timing of N application on yield and grain N concentration of malting barley was evaluated at eight sites in 1999 and 2000. Aboveground dry matter accumulation and N‐uptake pattern through the growing season were evaluated. Dry matter production and N-uptake were measured at four sampling times: tillering, head emergence, grain filling, and maturity. The N fertilizer increased grain yield, but its response varied between sites. Under appropriate conditions, the yield increased and maintained the grain N concentration within a desirable range for malting barley. Split applications were as effective in increasing grain yield as one addition at emergence, but they invariably increased grain N concentration. The season affected the yield response to N fertilizer and its levels in the grain, but the nitrogen harvest index was not affected by the rate of N application.     

Chlorophyll meter as nitrogen management tool in malting barley

Abstract

Variable precipitation in many regions makes it difficult to predict yield goals and nitrogen (N) rates for malting grade barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). During years with below normal growing season precipitation, barley fertilized at the recommended rate often exhibits grain protein concentrations exceeding what is acceptable for malting. A study was conducted to evaluate the chlorophyll meter as a N management tool. Barley was grown under several N rates in the field. Chlorophyll meter readings and N additions were made at the Haun 4 to 5 growth stage, and grain yield and protein concentrations were evaluated at maturity. Chlorophyll meter readings, normalized as meter reading from treatment plot divided by that from a plot receiving a full N treatment at the Haun 4 to 5 growth stage, were correlated with grain yield (r²=0.67). Stands having normalized chlorophyll meter readings below 95% responded to N additions with yields equivalent to the fully fertilized stand and grain protein concentrations acceptable for malting. A N management strategy is proposed whereby 40 to 50% of the N calculated for the yield goal is applied at planting and a fully fertilized reference strip is included for each variety or soil type. At the Haun 4 to 5 growth stage, chlorophyll meter readings are taken in the reference strip and in the field. Normalized chlorophyll meter readings below 95% of the reference strip indicate a need for additional N fertilizer. This strategy will provide producers with additional time (up to a month) to evaluate growing season conditions before investing in additional crop inputs and will improve the likelihood that a barley crop acceptable for malting will be produced.     

Placement of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium fertilizers by drilling in spring barley grown for malt without use of pesticides

Abstract

The increasing consumer demand for food products that are produced without the use of pesticides are reflected in action plans to reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture. Most of the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) produced is used for pig feed but some is used for malting – the primary step in the production of beer. The effects of fertilizer application method, type and rate on yield and grain quality were investigated in a malting barley crop without the use of pesticides. Twelve treatments where single and multiple nutrient fertilizers were either broadcast or placed in bands by drilling, were compared in a field experiment at two sites in Denmark during 1993–96. Weeds were controlled mechanically in all treatments, and chemical control of foliar fungal diseases and insects was only carried out in two treatments.

The placement of a compound NPK-fertilizer increased the grain yield and the quality parameters grain size and grading when weeds are controlled mechanically by harrowing. The effect of fertilizer placement on grain yield and quality decreased in the order NPK > NP > N>P. Herbicide-free growing of malting barley may be possible using fertilizer placement, but the use of chemical control of foliar fungal diseases and insects may be critical when pests exceed certain thresholds as they significantly reduce grain yield, grain size and grading. The aim of growing malting barley satisfactorily without the use of pesticides was only partly met.     

Phosphorus relationships in no‐till small grains

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) fertilizer recommendations for no‐till small grain production are poorly defined. These studies were conducted to determine small grain‐P response relative to the Olsen‐P soil test and compare P‐fertilizer placements with the seed and banded below and to the side of the seed under no‐till field conditions. Phosphorus rates of 0 to 26 kg P/ha were evaluated on seven spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), 11 spring wheat, and six winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) locations in central and northcentral Montana between 1986 and 1990. Grain yield, grain protein, test weight, above‐ground crop yield, plant P concentration at maturity, and P uptake were measured. One winter wheat location had a significant yield response to P; all other locations had non‐significant yield responses. Grain protein, test weight, P concentration, and P uptake were all unaffected by P rate or P placement. Both the ANOVA and paired t‐test were used to analyze the P‐placement data and were all nonsignificant. Slopes of grain yield response (grain yield for each P rate minus the grain yield without P), P concentration, and P uptake versus P rate were analyzed with the t‐test; none of the P‐response slopes were greater than zero. The P responses by individual crop were regressed against P rate, Olsen‐P soil test, available soil water at planting, and pH. Phosphorus rate was not a significant factor in any of the equations. Significant and useful predictive equations for grain yield response could not be generated; however, equations predicting P concentration and P uptake were developed. The Cate‐Nelson graphical analysis was unsuccessful in estimating an Olsen‐P soil test critical level. All attempts failed to relate grain yield or grain yield response to the Olsen‐P soil test and/or P rate. When P soil tests are higher than 12 mg/kg, no‐till grain growers should consider applying a maintenance level of P fertilizer, about 5 to 10 kg P/ha either banded below or with the seed, to maintain soil P levels.     

Reappraisal of methods of application of nitrogen and phosphorus at sowing on the yield,grain protein content and nitrogen economy of malting barley in Sweden

Abstract

To compare the relative efficiency of different fertilisation strategies, malting barley was fertilised with calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) or compound ammonium nitrate with phosphorus (NP) applied in two ways: broadcast and harrowed into the seedbed before seeding or banded using the Scandinavian combi-drill design, with the fertiliser between every second seed row, and 40 mm below. A fixed nitrogen level (120 kg N ha^?1) was used, giving four fertiliser treatments. Eleven experiments were carried out the years 1992–1994, with latitudes 55° 55′ N as southern and 59° 36′ N as northern limit. Fertiliser-use efficiency, defined as grain yield, or grain nitrogen yield, per unit of applied N, was strongly affected by the treatments: values for combi-drilled were higher than for broadcast fertiliser and higher for NP than for CAN, with the effects being additive. The best treatment, using both banding and NP, resulted, as a mean of all trials, in a grain yield increase of 939 kg ha^?1 at 15% moisture content, or a nitrogen yield increase of 18 kg nitrogen ha^?1 compared with the poorest, using broadcast CAN. The N combi-drill effect was expected to be dependent on water availability, but this could not be confirmed when accumulated rainfall during crop establishment was used as test variable. The combi-drill effect was strongest in places where major extractable cations were abundant, possible explanations for this are discussed. Application of P to the crop and the use of combi-drill are recommended for malting barley fertilisation in Sweden.     

Effects of mineral and biofertilizers on barley growth on compacted soil

Abstract

Biofertilizers are an alternative to mineral fertilizers for increasing soil productivity and plant growth in sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible effects of three mineral fertilizers and four plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains as biofertilizer on soil properties and seedling growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare) at three different soil bulk densities, and in three harvest periods. The application treatments included the control (without bacteria inoculation and mineral fertilizers), mineral fertilizers (N, NP and P) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria species (Bacillus licheniformis RC04, Paenibacillus polymyxa RC05, Pseudomonas putida RC06, and Bacillus OSU-142) in sterilized soil. The PGPR, fungi, seedling growth, soil pH, organic matter content, available P and mineral nitrogen were determined in soil compacted artificially to three bulk density levels (1.1, 1.25 and 1.40 Mg m^?3) at 15, 30, and 45 days of plant harvest. The results showed that all the inoculated bacteria contributed to the amount of mineral nitrogen. Seed inoculation significantly increased the count of bacteria and fungi. Data suggest that seed inoculation of barley with PGPR strains tested increased root weight by 9–12.2%, and shoot weight by 29.7–43.3% compared with control. The N, NP and P application, however, increased root weight up to 18.2, 25.0 and 7.4% and shoot weight by 31.6, 43.4 and 26.4%, respectively. Our data show that PGPR stimulate barley growth and could be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizer. Soil compaction hampers the beneficial plant growth promoting properties of PGPR and should be avoided.     

EFFECTS OF CARBONIZED CHICKEN MANURE ON THE GROWTH,NODULATION, YIELD,NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS CONTENTS OF FOUR GRAIN LEGUMES

The effects of carbonized chicken manure (CCM) on the growth, nodulation, yield, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents of four grain legumes (soybean, cowpea, common bean and adzuki bean) were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. Carbonized chicken manure produced from chicken manure dried in a furnace at 450°C was used in this experiment. The manure was incorporated into the sandy loam soil of each grain legume at two rates (0 kg N ha^?1 and 100 kg N ha^?1) three weeks before sowing. Growth, nodulation and total biomass N and P were evaluated at peak flowering stage of growth. The CCM showed positive effects on nodule number and weight of soybean and cowpea while it depressed nodule number in adzuki bean. Biomass total N content of soybean and cowpea increased with CCM supply while it decreased in adzuki bean. Biomass and seed total P content of soybean, cowpea and adzuki bean all increased in response to CCM application. Soybean and cowpea seed yields increased by 27% and 43% respectively in response to CCM supply. There was a strong positive correlation between seed P content and seed yield of soybean which indicates the importance of elemental P to soybean seed yield. No such phenomenon was observed in adzuki bean. A strong positive correlation was also observed between seed total N content and seed yield of the grain legumes. The results indicate that although common bean had the highest biomass total P content at peak flowering stage both vegetative and reproductive growth were poor due to the unsuitably high day/night temperatures in the greenhouse. Application of CCM slightly depressed yield of adzuki bean due to the reduction in the number of pods per pot and the 100 seed weight. This study shows that CCM is a good source of N and P for the growth, nodulation and yield of some grain legumes particularly soybean and cowpea.     

Cropping sequence and nitrogen fertilizer effects on the productivity and quality of malting barley and soil fertility in the Ethiopian highlands

The productivity and quality of malting barley were evaluated using factorial combinations of four preceding crops (faba bean, field pea, rapeseed, and barley) as main plots and four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 18, 36, and 54 kg N ha^?1) as sub-plots with three replications at two sites on Nitisols of the Ethiopian highlands in 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons. Preceding crops other than barley and N fertilizer significantly improved yield and quality of malting barley. The highest grain yield, kernel plumpness, protein content, and sieve test were obtained for malting barley grown after faba bean, followed by rapeseed and field pea. Nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased yield, protein content, and sieve test of malting barley. All protein contents were within the acceptable range for malting quality. Inclusion of legumes in the rotation also improved soil fertility through increases in soil carbon and nitrogen content. We conclude that to maximize yield and quality of malting barley, it is critical to consider the preceding crop and soil nitrogen status. Use of appropriate break crops may substitute or reduce the amount of mineral N fertilizer required for the production of malting barley at least for one season without affecting its quality.     

Crop stand density enhances competitive ability of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

The aim of the research was to establish weediness, competitive ability and productivity of the crop. The experimental object was agrophytocenoses of spring barley – Hordeum vulgare L. – crop of spring barley ‘Aura’ and unsown soil, and weeds growing in them. The crop was formed sowing 0, 120, 200 and 280 kg ha^?1 (0, 2.7, 4.5 and 6.2 million seeds per ha^?1 respectively) seeds of spring barley ‘Aura’. Spring barley crop was not harrowed and herbicides were not applied. In the field experiment estimates were made of changes of weeds and spring barley inter- and within- species competition optimizing crop density. During three years of field experiment in the crop of spring barley annual weeds prevailed at 88–99%, such as Chenopodium album, Stellaria media, Erysimum cheiranthoides. Perennial weeds formed 1–12% of the crop weeds, such as Sonchus arvensis, Cirsium arvense, Equisetum arvense. General number of weed species in spring barley crops varied from 13 to 21. Weed abundance proportionally declined in the crops of higher density, hence, higher seed rate should be recommended for organic agriculture where weeds are controlled in non-chemical ways. Consistently increasing barley stand density, the competition between species (spring barley with weeds) gradually turned into competition within species (between barley plants) when a higher number of weaker and non-productive stems started forming. Spring barley yield did not significantly depend on the stand density. Increasing stand density enhanced cultivated crop yield to a certain level (200 kg ha^?1), since an increase in spring barley plant number resulted in the reduction in weight per plant and 1000 grain weight, which was compensated by an increase in the number of spring barley plants. Different spring barley density had an essential influence on the chemical composition of weeds which was similar to that of spring barley. Weeds accumulated the greatest amount of crude proteins, crude fat and crude fibre growing without spring barley.     

Interaction Between Phosphorus Nutrition and Drought on Grain Yield,and Assimilation of Phosphorus and Nitrogen in Two Soybean Cultivars Differing in Protein Concentration in Grains

ABSTRACT

Drought affects many physiological and biochemical processes and thus reduces plant growth. Phosphorus (P) fertilization improves tolerance to drought stress in many plants. A greenhouse experiment examined the interactive effects of P nutrition and drought stress on P accumulation and translocation, yield, and protein concentration in grains of two cultivars of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plants of cultivars ‘Heisheng 101’ (high protein in grains) and ‘Dongnong 464’ (low protein) were grown in a P-deficient soil supplied with 0–30 mg P kg^?1 soil. Drought stress was imposed at the initial flowering (R1) or the podding (R4) stage. Drought stress limited P accumulation and reduced P translocation to the seed. The addition of P enhanced the concentration and accumulation of nitrogen (N) and P in shoots and seeds of both cultivars. Drought stress decreased shoot biomass, grain yield, and P accumulation; the decrease was greater in ‘Dongnong 46’ than ‘Heisheng 101,’ and even more so if drought stress was imposed at R4 than at R1. In contrast, drought stress increased the concentration of N in shoot and protein in grains. The addition of P alleviated the effect of drought stress on plant growth, P accumulation, and grain yield in both cultivars but to a greater extent in ‘Dongnong 46’. The results suggest that application of P fertilizers could mitigate drought stress at the reproductive stage, resulting in less yield penalty and improvement of grain quality of soybean grown in P-deficient soils.     

Differential responses of grain yield,grain protein,and their associated traits to nitrogen supply in soft red winter wheat

Increased application of nitrogen fertilizers has significantly raised grain yield and protein concentration in wheat. However, only 30–50% of applied fertilizer nitrogen are usually utilized by the plant. In this study, four soft red winter wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L., IL07‐4415, MD05W10208‐11‐8, OH06‐150‐57 and Sisson) were grown under three different nitrogen regimes (high, medium, and low) in a greenhouse, and grain yield, grain protein concentration, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and their associated traits were evaluated. Among the four genotypes, a high‐yielding cultivar, Sisson, exhibited superior performance in terms of grain weight plant⁻¹ and NUE for yield (NUEY) at low nitrogen due to maintained grain number spike⁻¹ and harvest index. Significant yield losses due to nitrogen limitation were attributable to reduced spike number plant⁻¹ and grain number spike⁻¹ in the other genotypes. Interestingly, a linear relationship between NUEY and NUE for grain protein (NUEP) was detected at high (R ² = 0.67) and low (R ² = 0.42) nitrogen; both of these traits were positively correlated with grain number spike⁻¹, 1000‐seed weight, and harvest index under nitrogen‐limited conditions (R ² = 0.35–0.48). These results suggest that simultaneous improvement of NUEY and NUEP could be achieved through the selection of the three yield components (grain number spike⁻¹, 1000‐seed weight, and harvest index) at low nitrogen.     

Influence of phosphorus application on growth,yield and oil quality of linola

Influence of different phosphorus (P) sources on growth, yield and oil quality of linola was evaluated when randomized in complete block design using three replications. Treatments were control (No P), hydropriming, soil phosphorus (50 kg ha^?1), seed inoculation with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB, Bacillus spp.) and seed priming with single super phosphate (2%) alone and combined with reduced soil phosphorus (25 kg P ha^?1). Among treatments, hydropriming and seed inoculation reduced seedling 50% and mean emergence time with highest emergence index, seedling fresh and dry weights and chlorophyll contents. Seed inoculation with soil P (25 kg ha^?1) produced highest seeds per capsule, 100-seed weight, seed and biological yield, harvest index. Maximum oil percentage, low protein contents and high cost benefit ratio with net economic returns were also found for seed inoculation combined with soil phosphorus. Nonetheless, soil phosphorus application can be reduced when seed inoculation with PSB is employed.     

Effect of seed phosphorus and soil phosphorus applications on early growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. IR66

Abstract

The vigour and size of rice seedlings in the nursery are generally correlated with final grain yield. The present study examined the possibility that increasing seed phosphorus (P) concentration would stimulate early growth of rice seedlings and therefore would have the potential to increase rice yield. Rice seeds with a uniform size and three levels of P concentration (0.115, 0.173, and 0.240% on a dry weight basis) were sown in pots on a P deficient soil with three levels of P supply (0, 7.75, and 38.8 mg P kg^?1 soil) to investigate their effect on root and shoot dry weight and P accumulation at three harvest times, 10, 20, and 30 d after sowing (DAS). The effect of seed P concentration on plant growth was greatest at a low soil P concentration and it was less pronounced with increasing soil P concentration and with time at all levels of soil P. At 10 DAS, shoot dry weight was 15% higher at a high seed P concentration (0.240%) (p < O.O1) than at a low seed P concentration (0.115%) at each level of soil P supply whereas at subsequent harvests (20 and 30 DAS) the effect of seed P concentration was observed only when the soil P supply was deficient. In contrast with its effects on shoot dry weight, high seed P concentration increased root dry weight only at the latest harvest (30 DAS). The fact that high seed P increased P concentrations in shoot tips, and in roots at 10 DAS suggests that improved P nutrition of seedlings in the first 10 DAS may be the mechanism by which high seed P concentration stimulates early growth, especially in soils with low P concentration. Sowing rice seed with high P concentration may be beneficial for increasing farmer's rice yields, in P deficient soil, and requires further field investigations.     

Reduced‐till spring wheat response to fertilizer sources and placement methods

Abstract

Field studies were conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer sources and placement configurations on spring wheat growth, yield and quality. Different standard and experimental N and P sources at two rates and in different placement methods provided 32 fertilizer treatments at three locations. Banding of N and P together resulted in the greatest yields. Of the fertilizer combinations where N and P were applied separately, only broadcast N with deep banded P gave similar yields to N and P together. Banding fertilizer with the seed at these levels damaged seedling growth and limited yield. Elevated protein levels, when found, were likely due to lower yields and subsequent concentration of N in grain protein. Careful consideration of fertilizer rate, source and placement strategies to optimize production and water utilization are essential in dryland environments.     

Evaluation of Dry Peas (Pisum sativum L.) Varieties for Seedling Vigor Indices in Eastern Montana

Genetic and environmental factors lead to a variation in yield and protein content of dry pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds. The quality of seed, particularly seed vigor, also influences the establishment of crop and thus final grain yield. The area and production for dry peas are increasing in the Northern Great Plains but knowledge is lacking on how the pea lines/varieties differ in the seed vigor at seven leaf stage. This field and greenhouse study evaluated the eight dry pea lines/varieties for seedling vigor indices and correlated them with grain yield and protein concentrations. Significant differences were observed among the lines/varieties for nodule number plant^?1 in greenhouse, and grain yield in field conditions. The highest number of nodules plant^?1 was obtained with the line MT632, which were at par with lines MT457, and MT190. The highest Vigor Index I was achieved with line MT632 associated with their more shoot lengths as compared to other lines/varieties. The highest Vigor Index II was obtained by variety Majoret and line MT632. The variety DS Admiral yielded 5205 kg ha^?1, which was 17.4 and 33.3% higher than lines MT460 and MT190, respectively. The highest seed protein content was obtained with variety Majoret (23.4%) having highest Vigor Index II and seed yield (4940 kg ha^?1) at par with variety DS Admiral. The lowest seed protein was found with variety DS Admiral (20.3%). The line named MT190 showed lowest yield potential along with the lower protein contents also. Studies show a positive and significant correlation between biomass and Vigor Index I only. Plant nitrogen uptake was positively and significantly correlated with biomass and Vigor Index I in greenhouse only. The results also indicated that seed vigor indices did not reveal any significant correlations with dry peas yield and protein content, so more efforts are needed to evaluate varieties for higher yield and protein content during initial stages of growth in order to maximize their acreage and productivity.     

Effects of seedbed properties on crop emergence: 1. Temporal effects of temperature and sowing depth in seedbeds with favourable properties

Abstract

Rapid and uniform crop establishment is a prerequisite for efficient crop production and minimal environmental impact. Experiments were carried out in shallow plastic boxes placed directly on the ground in the field for studies of the effects of seedbed properties on emergence of various crops. This paper presents an analysis of the time required for germination and emergence under near-optimal seedbed conditions. The crops studied were barley, oats, wheat, pea, rape seed, white mustard, sugar beet, red clover and timothy. The time required for germination generally increased with size of the seeds, presumably because larger seeds needed more water to initiate germination. This applied both when comparing different crops and different seed sizes of the same crop. However, considerable differences occurred between seed lots of the same crop and there were greater differences between seed lots of the same crop than between the three small grain crops studied. Growth rate of the seedlings generally increased with seed size, presumably because of increased energy content in the seed. Consequently, the most rapid emergence was obtained from small seeds at shallow sowing and from large seeds at deep sowing. The crops studied had a minimum temperature for germination and seedling growth close to 0 °C. Under optimal seedbed conditions, thermal time required for 50% germination of barley was typically about 65 °C days over this base temperature and for seedling growth about 6 °C days cm^?1. From 4 cm sowing depth, about 80 °C days were required for emergence but with considerable variations between seed lots. For rape seed or white mustard about 40 °C days were required for germination and about 8 °C days cm^?1 for the seedling growth.     

Growth,yield and yield components of dry bean as influenced by phosphorus in a tropical acid soil

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors for dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in tropical acid soils. Dry beans are invariably grown as mono-crops or as inter-crops under the perennial tropical crops. Information is limited regarding the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean yield and yield components and P use efficiency in tropical acid soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean growth, yield and yield components and P uptake parameters. Phosphorus rates used were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Soil used in the experiment was an acidic Inceptisol. Grain yield, shoot dry weight, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were significantly (P < 0.01) increased with phosphorus fertilization. Maximum grain yield, shoot dry matter, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were obtained with the application of 165, 216, 162, and 160 mg P kg^?1 of soil, respectively, as calculated by regression equations. Grain yield was significantly and positively associated with shoot dry weight, number of pods, P concentration in grain and total uptake of P in shoot and grain. Phosphorus use efficiency defined in several ways, decreased with increasing P rates from 50 to 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Maximum grain yield was obtained at 82 mg kg^?1 of Mehlich 1 extractable soil P. Results suggest that dry bean yield in Brazilian Inceptisols could be significantly increased with the use of adequate rates of phosphorus fertilization.     

Effect of peduncle‐perfused nitrogen,sucrose, and growth regulators on barley and wheat amino acid composition

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) or growth regulator application to small grain cereals near anthesis has been demonstrated to alter grain fill and grain yield, the protein yield and nutritional quality may also be modified by these management factors. The objective of this study was to determine whether delivery of N, growth regulator, or sucrose solutions into greenhouse‐grown barley (Hordeurn vulgare L. cv. Leger) or wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Katepwa), plants through peduncle perfusion altered the amino acid composition of the grain. The following treatments were tested: N (25 and 50 mM), chlormequat (30 μM), ethephon (15 μM), N + chlormequat, N + ethephon, detillering + N, sucrose (250 mM), distilled water check, and non‐perfused check. Perfusion lasted 30 d beginning 5 to 8 d after spike emergence. Addition of N via peduncle perfusion increased protein concentrations and concentrations of all amino acids in both barley and wheat when expressed in terms of grain dry matter. Protein yield and lysine content were also increased. However, the increase in essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, arginine, and leucine was relatively small, and the proportions of these amino acids in the grain protein were actually reduced. The sucrose treatment only affected wheat, increasing lysine concentration and decreasing the total protein concentration. Growth regulators used in this study did not alter protein yield or amino acid composition in either crop.     

Effects of split nitrogen fertilization on post-anthesis photoassimilates,nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield in malting barley

Abstract

Split nitrogen applications are widely adopted to improve grain yield and enhance nitrogen use effective in crops. In a two-year field experiment at two eco-sites, five fractions of topdressed nitrogen of 0%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% were implemented. Responses of radiation interception and leaf photosynthesis after anthesis, dry matter accumulation and assimilates remobilization, nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield to fraction of topdressed nitrogen treatments were investigated in malting barley. Net photosynthetic rate of the penultimate leaf, leaf area index and light extinction coefficient increased with increasing fraction topdressed nitrogen from 0% to 30%, and then decreased from 30% to 50%. The putative gross maximum canopy photosynthesis was the highest for fraction of topdressed nitrogen of 30%, which was concomitant with the highest amount of post-anthesis accumulated assimilates. The remobilization of pre-anthesis stored assimilates from vegetative organs into grains was hardly significantly affected by fractions of topdressed nitrogen. Grain yield was the highest for fraction of topdressed nitrogen of 30%, which coincided with the highest plant nitrogen uptake and physiological and agronomic nitrogen use efficiencies. The enhanced nitrogen use efficiency was corresponding to the improved photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency in the leaves at fraction of topdressed nitrogen of 30%. In conclusion, appropriate fraction of topdressed nitrogen application on malting barley improved assimilation rate and nitrogen use efficiency resulting in higher grain yields and proper grain protein content in malting barley.     

Effects of phosphorus and zinc on soyabean in Sierra Leone

Abstract

The effects of P and Zn rates on soybeans were investigated on Njala upland soil. There was a moderate positive linear effect of rates of P upon number of nodules. Also, there was a highly significant linear effect of P upon nodule weight and the quadratic effect was moderately significant. There was a significant negative effect of Zn upon nodule weight. Statistically significant linear and curvilinear trends associated with P rates affected dry matter at 50% flowering.

Seed yield was significantly affected by rate of P and there was a highly significant positive linear effect of P upon seed yield. Percent protein in seed was not affected by either P or Zn rates. Rates of Zn did not significantly affect number of nodules, dry matter, pods per plant and seed yield. There were highly significant correlations among number of nodules, nodule weight, dry matter, pods per plant and seed yield.