Effects of Elemental Sulphur and Farmyard Manure on pH and Salinity of Calcareous Sandy Loam Soil and Some Nutrient Elements in Tomato Plant

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of elemental sulphur （S） and farmyard manure on soil pH, EC and N, S, P concentrations of tomato grown in a calcareous sandy loam soil. For this purpose, a pot experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions. Sulphur was applied at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 400 mg kg~ and farmyard manure at 0, 3 ton da^-1 to the soil. Three weeks after applications, tomato seedlings were planted and 8 weeks later, the plants were harvested to determine N, S, P concentrations and dry matter yield. Soil pH and EC were determined in the soil samples taken at 3 different periods. Effects of sulphur and farmyard manure applications were not significant on N, P concentrations and dry matter yield of tomato plant. S concentration of tomato plant was increased by sulphur alone. Soil pH was decreased and soil EC was increased in both 2^nd and 3^rd soil sampling period by the sulphur applications. As a result of farmyard manure application, soil pH decreased in the 2^nd soil sampling period but increased in the 3^rd soil sampling period. Also, soil EC was significantly increased in 1^st and 3^rd soil sampling period. Farmyard manure had no significant effect on S supply to tomato plant. The N：S ratio of tomato plant was decreased by sulphur alone. However, the sulphur with farmyard manure applications decreased N：S ratio in lesser extend compared to the S applications.     

Residual Effect of Long Term Application of Organic and Mineral Fertilizers on Selected Chemical Properties of a Savanna Alfisol

The residual effect of organic and mineral fertilizers on selected chemical properties of an Alfisol in the long term soil fertility trial established in 1950 at Samaru, Nigerian savanna was assessed. The trial was left fallow for fourteen years due to lack of funds. Topsoil was collected from plots that received three levels of cow dung （D）, nitrogen （N） and phosphorus （P） in all possible combinations. The soils were analyzed for selected chemical properties. Except for significant effect of applied P on available P, sole application of cow dung, N or P had no significant effect on all the measured soil properties. The interaction of D and P significantly affected the mean values of exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and ECEC in the range of 1.12-1.96, 0.62-1.11, 0.37-0.64 and 2.82-4.11 cmol/kg respectively. The most important results were the ability of the plot that received neither D nor P to significantly increase these parameters than the plots that received only one of the treatments. The results show that the fallow period has changed the effects of application of organic and mineral fertilizers on the soil chemical properties under continuous cultivation by modifying them towards those of a native savanna Alfisol.     

Density of Standing of Plants at Cultivation of Cauliflower Seeds in Uzbekistan

The results of researches aimed to establish the optimum growing space and density of standing of plants at cultivation of cauliflower seeds in Uzbekistan are stated in the article. Researches were spent in the suburb of Tashkent with a mid-early grade ＂Domestic＂. In experiences were compared 5 densities of standing （31746, 35714, 40806, 47620 and 57142 pieces/hectare） received at planting of sprouts with row-spacing of 70 sm and distance between plants in a row 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 sm. Experiences were pawned in quadruple frequency with the area of an allotment 10 M2. 60-65 day sprouts were planted under film tunnel shelters on February 11-12. Film shelters were kept over plants till the end of March. Seed plants were grown up without formation. Experiences were accompanied by phonological control, calculation of leaves quantity, an establishment of average weight of a head, definition of quantity of the plants, which have given seeds, the account of a crop of seeds from a bush and of a unit of area. It has been defined that reception of seeds of a cauliflower at cultivation under film tunnels is quite possible in Uzbekistan. It is established that with representation of the big growing space the plants form more leaves, earlier and larger form the heads, develop the testicles acceleration and increase their seed efficiency. It has been revealed that the more plants thickness is, the bigger share of them does not give seeds. In this connection the greatest crop of seeds has been received at growing space 70x45 sm at which 31.7 thousand Pl/ha had been planted. It is proved that in the conditions of Uzbekistan it is possible to cultivate high-grade seeds of cauliflower with productivity of 127-147 kg/ha.     

A Method of Purification of Bovine Colostrum slgA

sIgA in bovine colostrum was purified by ultrafiltration and enzymolysis methods in this experiment, and the prepared substance was detected by Western Blot. The purity and yield were up to 73.6% and 65.2%, respectively. This convenient technique offers helpful exploration for production of bovine colostrum sIgA     

Comparison of Antioxidant Activity and Antioxidant Components in Lettuce,Onion and Tomato Obtained with Different Levels and Forms of Nitrogen Fertilization

The effect of N levels and sources on the antioxidant components in vegetable is not completely understood. Therefore, greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the changes in antioxidant capacity diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl （DPPH） and ferric reducing antioxidant power （FRAP）, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total carotene and lycopene contents in edible portions of lettuce, onion and tomato due to different nitrogen levels and sources. The experiment included three N levels （20, 40 and 60 kg/ha for lettuce trial and 60, 120 and 180 kg/ha for either onion or tomato） and four nitrogen sources （calcium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and urea）. The antioxidant capacity and phenolic contents in lettuce was enhanced under low nitrogen level, while the antioxidant capacities, phenolics, carotenoids and lycopene in tomato fruits were not significantly affected by the nitrogen dose applied. Application of calcium nitrate caused 50% increase in DPPH and 20% in FRAP of lettuce compared to other nitrogen forms. Tomato treated with calcium nitrate or ammonium sulphate had higher phenolic and ascorbic acid contents than treated plants with ammonium nitrate or urea. Antioxidant tested parameters of onion were not significantly affected by the nitrogen treatments. Nitrogen concentration in tomato fruits significantly correlated with FRAP antioxidant capacity, phenolics, ascorbic acid, carotene and lycopene contents.     

Under-Winter Sowings of Red Beetroot in Uzbekistan

The results of the three-year researches which had the purpose to establish an optimum depth of seeding at sowing and rational norm of seeding of red beetroot seeds at under-winter sowing in conditions of mid-loamy typical grey soils of the central climatic zone of Uzbekistan are stated in article. The researches were spent at statement of field experiences in quadruple frequency with the area of a registration allotment 10 M^-1. Crops were carried out in the first decade of December against mulching surfaces of ridges by humus and without mulching. Crops were carried out on ridges in width of 70 sm tape-two-lined with distance between tapes of 50 sm, between lines-20 sm and distance between plants in a line of 12-13 sm, at density of standing of 228-230 thousand plants/hectares. Experiences were spent with zoned in Uzbekistan multi-seedling grade of a red beetroot ＂Bordo 237＂. Experiences were accompanied by phenological supervision, biometric accounts, the account of field germination of seeds, density of standing of plants and definition of size and quality of a crop. Results of researches were exposed to the statistical analysis by a dispersive method. It has been revealed that at under-winter sowing of a red beetroot the effective way providing acceleration of shoots occurrence, formations of high-grade density of standing and increase of productivity of root crops is mulching the surfaces of ridges by humus. It is defined that optimum depth of seeding at sowing both at application of mulching and without it is the depth of seeding 4 sm. It is established that the most rational norm of seeding of the seeds, providing high-grade density of standing, is at cultivation with application of mulching 8 kg/ha, and at cultivation without mulching 8-10 kg/ha. Application of mulching the surfaces of ridges by humus, depths of seeding of 4 sm and norms of seeding of seeds of 8-10 kg/ha in conditions of under-winter sowing in comparison with cultivation without mulching and depth of seeding 2 sm and norms of seeding of 6 kg/ha provides an acceleration of receipt of fresh production of a red beetroot for 12-14 days and considerably raises root crops productivity. Application of agro receptions improved by us is the important reserve of acceleration of receipt of red beetroot early production and increase of its manufacture.     

Application of Neutron Activation Analysis Technique for the Analysis of Soil Samples from Farmlands of Yebrage Hawariat,East Gojjam,Ethiopia

Farmers may not be conscious for their farmland＇s nutrients, soil organic matter, water and air because they simply concerned only for their labor availability and soil fertility losses. The composition and proportion of these components greatly influence soil physical properties, including texture, structure and porosity, the fraction of pore space in a soil. The soil of this farmland must be able to supply adequate amount of plant nutrients, in forms which can be absorbed by the crop, within its lifespan. Deficiencies or imbalances in the supply of any of essential elements can compromise growth, affecting root development, cell division, crop quality, crop yield and resistance to disease and drought. This study was conducted to fill this knowledge gap in order to develop economically vital and environmentally accepted nutrient management strategies for the use of soils in agricultural lands. The objective of this study is to assess the elemental contents and concentration of soil samples collected from farmlands of ＂Yebrage＂ using neutron activation analysis （NAA） techniques regardless of oxidation state, chemical form or physical locations. NAA is used to determine the elemental composition and concentrations present in a soil. The macro/micronutrient and organic matter deficiencies have been verified in agricultural soils through increased use of soil testing and plant analysis. The challenge for agriculture over the coming decades will meet the world＇s increasing demands for food in a sustainable way. Current issues and future challenges point out that as long as agriculture remains a soil based industry, major decreases in productivity likely to be attained ensuring that plants do not have adequate and balanced supply of nutrients.     

Hydrolytic Enzyme Inhibitors and Necrotic Reactions in Potato Leaves Reduce Reproductive Success of Colorado Potato Beetle

In field and laboratory conditions the reproductive potential （survival at different stages of development） of the Colorado potato beetle has been measured, the dependence of the parameters of insects fertility on varietal features of the feed has been investigated, the food activity of the representatives of insects from four areas of the Southern Urals has been measured, the intensity and time of hypersensitivity reactions on potato leaves has been defined. In laboratory experiments, the level of activity of hydrolytic enzymes in insects and the level of activity of these enzymes inhibitors in the leaves of three potato varieties differing in their resistance to the Colorado potato beetle have been determined. The results show that the insects-representatives of different samples have different food activity in relation to different potato varieties. High mortality rates were revealed at feeding with leaves of potato of the Bashkir variety characterized by a high level of hydrolases inhibitors and relatively rapid development of necrotic reactions after the appearance of eggs laying on the leaves. We suppose that the neerogenetic barrier appearing in the form of necrosis is the major cause of the fetal mortality of insects. The level of the content of inhibitors inactivating larvae digestive enzymes affects the survival of insects at postembryonic stages. The speed of the necrosis emergence, the level of activity of digestive enzymes inhibitors in potato can be considered as criteria for the selection of breeding material for resistance to the Colorado potato beetle.     

Cooking Quality Parameters of Rice Cultivars Grown in Spain

The quality office is complex and made up of many components such as nutritional quality, appearance, cooking quality and eating quality. The cultivar is one of the main factors that could affect to the grain quality office. The aim of this work was to analyze and compare the cooking quality parameters of six different japonica varieties of rice grown in Spain （Senia, Gleva, Bahia, Maratelli, Guadiamar and Bomba）. This work focused on the study of the cooking quality of rice, because it is one of the most important factors related to grain quality in Spain. It was evaluated using five characteristics： amylose content, gel consistency, degree of spreading, gelatinization temperature and pasting parameters. The amylose content ranged from 11.60% to 21.46%, with the Gleva cultivar having the lowest amylose content and with Bomba having the highest. The gel consistency varied between 5.44 cm and 9.81 cm. Regarding the alkali test, the Maratelli cultivar had the highest dispersion and transparency. Maratelli had the lowest gelatinization temperature （61.67±0.08 ℃）, and Senia had the highest gelatinization temperature （67.05±0.02 ℃）. Finally, the pasting parameters showed significant differences among cultivars with different viscosities.     

Responses of Lowland NERICA and Improved Oryza sativa Rice to Phosphorus and Nitrogen in Sudan Savanna Agroecosystem

The responses of five inter-specific lowland rice cultivars （NERICA-L-19, NERICA-L-20, NERICA-L-41, NERICA-L-42, and NERICA-L-60） and four improved Oryza sativa cultivars （FKR 19, BW 348-1, WITA 4, and SIPI 6923033） to levels of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization were compared on a Typic Natrustalfat Kadawa in the Nigerian Sudan Savanna in 2006 and 2007 The responses of the NERICA-L eultivars to N and P fertilization were similar to the O. sativa cultivars. In a dry year （2007）, the NERICA-L cultivars gave higher yields than O. sativa cultivars. Phosphorus level did not significantly affect crop physiology, yield, and yield components of all the cultivars. Pooled across cultivars, N and P levels, days to panicle initiation, mid-flowering and maturity were, respectively delayed by 17.0, 15.6 and 6.4 days in 2007 compared to 2006. NERICA-L-42 and NERICA-L-41 were the most stable, exhibiting the least difference in duration to maturity between the two years （3.5 and 4.4 days, respectively）, and could therefore be more adapted to rain-fed environments prone to frequent droughts. Increasing N levels from 0 to 120 kg hal produced yield increments of 62.9 and 37.2% in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Cultivars FKR 19 and WITA 4 gave higher yields in 2006 （3940 and 3542 kg ha^-1, respectively）, while in 2007, NERICA-L-42, NERICA-L^-19 and NERICA-L-20 ranked among the highest in grain yield （3935, 3807 and 3726 kg hal, respectively） and could be recommended to resource-poor farmers. a     

Soil Properties Degradation Assessment Using Infrared Scanning Technique of Soils （Case Study： Eastern of Congo）

Recently, near infrared reflectance （NIR） and mid-infrared （MIR） spectroscopy techniques are increasingly introduced as convenient and simple non-destructive techniques for quantifying several soil properties. This study uses MIR method to predict pH, soil organic C, total N, AI, Ca, Mg and K, CEC and soil texture for soil samples collected in Sud-Kivu, Congo. A total of 536 composite soil samples were taken from two locations （Burhale and Luhihi） at two depths （0-20 cm and 20-40 cm） using a spatially-stratified random sampling design within an area of 200 km2. Differences in characteristics were evaluated between the two locations, land use （cultivated vs. non-cultivated land） with soil depths. A random subset of the samples （10%） were analyzed using standard wet chemistry methods, and calibration models developed by MIR data to estimate soil properties for the full soil sample set. Partial least squares regression （PLS） method gave acceptable coefficients of determination between 0.71 and 0.93 for all parameters. Soil organic matter levels were higher in cultivated plots in Luhihi （3.9% C） than in Burhale （3.0% C）, suggesting lower levels of soil fertility in the later area. This indicates high levels of acidity, which are likely to limit crop production in the area. Phosphorus deficiency is acute in Burhale （2.4 mg P/kg） but less in Luhihi （5.4 mg P/kg）. In both locations, low levels of Ca and Mg indicate that soils may be susceptible to deficiencies in both elements.These findings provide new opportunities for monitoring soil quality in the region which can benefit multiple actors and scientists involved in the agricultural and environmental sectors.     

The Estimation of Soil Trace Elements Distribution and Soil-Plant-Animal Continuum in Relation to Trace Elements Status of Sheep in Huangcheng Area of Qilian Mountain Grassland,China

The purpose of the present study was to survey contents of trace elements of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn in the surface layer （0-20 cm） in the soil, pasture and serum of sheep in Huangcheng area of Qilian mountain grassland, China. Also the soil-plantanimal continuum was analyzed. Soil （n=300）, pasture （n=60）, and blood serum samples from sheep （n=480） were collected from Huangcheng area of Qilian mountain grassland, China. The contents of trace element in the samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after digestion. The soil trace elements density distribution shows a ladder-like pattern distribution. Equations developed in the present study for prediction of Fe （R2=0.943） and Zn （R2=0.882） had significant R2 values.     

Effects of Nitrogen on the Competitiveness of Echinochloa colona and Amaranthus viridis with Direct-seeded Rice

Information on weed competitiveness responses to added nitrogen （N） is required to assist with the development of appropriate fertilizer management strategies where weed competition is anticipated. A greenhouse study was conducted to examine the effects of four N rates on the competitive ability ofEchinochloa colona and Amaranthus viridis grown together with direct-seeded rice. Rice and each weed species were grown in a replacement series design at added N rates of 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha1. Replacement series diagrams for relative yield showed that competitive ability ofE. colona increased with added soil N. Values of weed aggressivity index for E. colona also significantly increased with the addition of N in the soil. In the absence of added N, A. viridis was more competitive than rice but this relationship slightly changed as N was added. However, values of weed aggressivity index of were statistically similar at all N rates. The results suggest that the competitiveness ofE. colona increased with added soil N, and A. viridis unchanged by soil N levels. Both weed species were different in their response to higher N levels. Information gained in this study could be used to demonstrate the importance of effective weed and fertilizer management.     

Some Engineering Properties of Sunflower Seed and Its Kernel

Some engineering properties of sunflower seed and its kernel, Shahroodi variety as a case study, were investigated at various moisture content levels （3-14% d.b.） for three size categories （large, medium and small）. With increase of moisture content from 3 to 14% d.b., all the main dimensions （length, width and thickness）, geometric mean diameter, porosity, true density, terminal velocity and static coefficient of friction increased while bulk density and rupture force for both sunflower seed and its kernel decreased for all size categories. The results showed that the highest value of static coefficient of friction for both seed and kernel was on the rubber surface, followed by plywood, polyethylene, galvanized iron, and finally aluminium surfaces. The seeds required less compressive force to dehull when loaded under the horizontal as compared to the vertical orientation. But for kernels, the trend was the opposite. Also, the compressive forces needed to initiate rupture of sunflower seed hulls were higher （47.1-94.72 N） than those required to rupture the kernel （8.5-13.4 N） in both orientations.     

Spatiotemporal Changes in Soil Nutrients:A Case Study in Taihu Region of China

The accurate assessment of the spatiotemporal changes in soil nutrients influenced by agricultural production provides the basis for development of management strategies to maintain soil fertility and balance soil nutrients. In this paper, we combined spatial measurements from 2 157 soil samples and geostatistical analysis to assess the spatiotemporal changes in soil organic carbon （SOC）, total nitrogen （TN）, available phosphorus （AP） and available potassium content （AK） from the first soil survey （in the 1980s） to the second soil survey （in the 2000s） in the Taihu region of Jiangsu Province in China. The results showed that average soil nutrients in three soil types all exhibited the increased levels in the 2000s （except for AK in the yellow brown soil）. The standard deviation of soil nutrient contents increased （except for TN in the paddy soil）. Agricultural production in the 20 years led to increases in SOC, TN, AP and AK by 74, 82, 89 and 65%, respectively, of the Taihu areas analyzed. From the 1980s to 2000s all the nugget/sill ratios of soil nutrients indices were between 25 and 75% （except for AK in the yellow brown soil in the 2000s）, indicating moderate spatial dependence. The ratio of AP in the yellow brown soil in the 2000s was 88.74%, showing weak spatial dependence. The spatial correlation range values for SOC, TN, AP and AK in the 2000s all decreased. The main areas showing declines in SOC, TN and AP were in the northwest. For AK, the main region with declining levels was in the east and middle of western areas. Apparently, the increase in soil nutrients in the Taihu region can be mainly attributed to the large increase in fertilizer inputs, change in crop systems and enhanced residues management since the 1980s. Future emphasis should be placed on avoiding excess fertilizer inputs and balancing the effects of the fertilizers in soils.     

Effect of Partial Root-Zone Irrigating Deuterium Oxide on the Properties of Water Transportation and Distribution in Young Apple Trees

Partial root-zone irrigation （PRI） has been proved to be an optimal water-saving irrigation technology, however, few studies were done on water transportation and distribution under PRI. The present study was performed to investigate the water transportation and distribution among the wet and dry root-zones and the shoot using deuterium water （D2O） in 1/4 root-zone PRI experiment. It also aimed to determine and analyze the D2O relative abundance within different types of roots and shoots. The results indicated that water could be transported from roots in wet root-zone to roots in dry root-zone and shoots within 2 h after irrigation. Water transportation in roots of wet-zone was carried out by absorbing root, 1-2 mm root, 2-5 mm root, and〉5 mm root progressively, while through a reverse process in three dry root-zones. In shoots, water was transported to trunk, central trunk, annual branches, shoot and leaf progressively. Thus in the young apple trees subjected to PRI, water was distributed ifrst in the roots, including the roots in the wet and dry root-zones, to satisfy the water need of roots itself, and then transported to the shoot within hours of irrigation.     

Relative Frequencies,Chemical Composition and in vitro Organic Matter Digestibility of Forage Consumed by Sheep in Humid Tropic of West Africa

The experiment was conducted during the short dry and the short rainy seasons in 2008. A botanical inventory and relative frequencies of forage selected by Djallonke sheep grazing were developed by observation and hand-plucking. Chemical composition and in vitro organic matter digestibility （IVOMD） of hand-plucked material was determined. From July to October, woody plants are a major component of the sheep diet. Sheep selected 40 woody plants and 21 species of herbaceous. During the dry season, grazing occurred more frequently in the fallows. The most frequent woody species belonged to Elaeis guineensis and Fagara zanthoxyloides. At the rainy season, a high proportion of Panicum maximum and Eleucine indica were sampled. Crude protein was high in woody leaves at the dry season. Crude fibre were more variable in herbaceous than in woody and herbaceous were generally higher in the levels of fibre. Chromolaena odorata, Citrus sinensis, Vitex doniana were very high in IVOMD. Spondias mombin, Moringa oleifera, Persea americana, Psidium guajava, Dialium guineense presented lowest values in IVOMD. Among herbaceous, Andropogon gayanus and Panicum maximum still presented a high value of IVOMD at the dry season. High proteins suggest woody with potential as nitrogen supplements to ruminants fed low quality forage during the dry season.     

Microbial Solubilization of Phosphorus from Nano Rock Phosphate

Phosphorus （P） is a major growth-limiting nutrient, and unlike the case of nitrogen （N）, there is no large atmospheric source that can be made biologically available. Moreover, P governs crucial role in plant as it stimulates root development and growth, gives plant rapid and vigorous start leading to better tillering and essential for many metabolic processes for seed formation. Soil microbes play very important role in bio-weathering and biodegradation. The microorganisms produce low molecular mass organic acids, which attack the phosphate structure and transform phosphorus from non-utilizable to the utilizable for the plants form. The test of the relative efficiency of isolated strains is carried out by selecting the microorganisms that are capable of producing a halo/clear zone on a plate owing to the production of organic acids into the surrounding medium. It is a well-known fact that as the particle size of rock phosphate decreases, the microbe mediated solubilization of rock phosphate increases in soil. In the present investigation, microbial solubilization of nano rock phosphate （〈 100 nm） particles was studied. Experimental results revealed that Pseudomonas striata solubilized 11.45% of the total P after 24 h of incubation from nano rock phosphate particles while 28.95% and 21.19% of the total P was solubilized by Aspergillus niger （black pigmented） and Aspergillus niger （green pigmented）, respectively. It was also observed that Aspergillus niger has the higher ability to dissolve Udaipur rock phosphate than Pseudomonas striata.     

Tillage and Poultry Manure Effects on Soil Physical Properties,Nutrient Status,Growth, Dry Matter and Grain Yield of Sorghum

The effects of different tillage systems and poultry manure on soil physical properties, performance and nutrients in sorghum were studied for three years at Owo, southwest Nigeria. There was factorial combinations of herbicide-based zero tillage （ZT）, manual clearing （MC）, disc ploughing （P）, ploughing plus harrowing （P＋H） and ploughing plus double harrowing （P＋2H）, and two rates of poultry manure at 0 and 7.5 Mg ha^-1. Herbicide-based zero tillage and manual clearing reduced soil temperature and conserved more water than mechanized tillage techniques. Poultry manure reduced soil bulk density and temperature and increased soil water and porosity. There was a percentage decrease of leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations, plant height, leaf area, stem girth, root dry weight, dry matter and grain yield in ascending order for herbicide-based zero tillage, manual clearing, ploughing, ploughing plus harrowing and ploughing plus double harrowing while percentage increases were recorded in a descending order for all the various combinations of tillage with poultry manure in that order. Poultry manure in combination with tillage increased dry matter and grain yield by 33.1 and 39.5%, respectively in comparison with tillage only. The manure-zero tillage methods increased dry matter and grain yield by 8% and 15%, respectively when compared with manure-mechanized tillage methods. Zero tillage or manual clearing in combination with 7.5 Mg ha^-1 poultry manure was most suitable for sorghum cultivation.