Root Growth of Two Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Cultivars Grown under Different Groundwater Level Conditions

Abstract

Soybean yield is low in the fields with a low groundwater level during summer due to drought stress. By raising the groundwater level using Farm-Oriented Enhancing Aquatic System (FOEAS) the yield of soybean cultivar Sachiyutaka can be increased, but not that of Fukuyutaka. Here, we examined the effect of the groundwater level on root growth and its dynamics in these two cultivars. Three of the four experiments demonstrated that root elongation ceased just below groundwater level in both cultivars. However, when the groundwater level was kept at 35 cm or deeper, the root growth at an early growth stage was more vigorous at a deeper layer in Fukuyutaka than in Sachiyutaka, but at the mid-growth stage root growth in Sachiyutaka became similar to or exceeded that of Fukuyutaka. These results indicated that the optimum control technique for the groundwater level differed with the cultivar. The groundwater level for Sachiyutaka should be kept relatively high at an early growth stage. Further studies will be needed to clarify the optimum control technique for maximizing the yield of Fukuyutaka that have a fast root growth at an early growth stage.     

Effects of late sowing on soybean yields and yield components in southwestern Japan

ABSTRACT

Soybean production in southwestern Japan tends to be unstable owing to wet soils during the rainy season. Although late sowing after the rainy season can avoid excess water, information on its yield potential is limited. The objective of this study was to reveal the effect of late sowing on yields and yield components of new soybean cultivars developed for warm regions. The experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. Upland fields converted from paddy fields with a subirrigation system were planted in June (normal) or July (late sparse or late dense). Lodging was prevented with a net. The effects of late sowing and dense treatment were analyzed in relation to solar radiation use. In 2016, differences in yield among cultivars and among environments were not significant. In 2017, yield was significantly reduced following late sparse sowing. The total aboveground dry matter at maturity was correlated with total solar radiation intercepted (r = 0.76) but not with radiation use efficiency (r = 0.47). Late sowing increased harvest index (HI) significantly from 0.464 to 0.571 in 2016 and from 0.524 to 0.585 in 2017, but density had no significant effect. The changes in HI were correlated with stem dry weight (r = ?0.80 in 2016 and r = ?0.79 in 2017) rather than seed yield (r = 0.08, n.s. in 2016 and r = 0.19, n.s. in 2017). Thus, under irrigation, late dense sowing might stabilize yield in southwestern Japan because of higher HI.

Abbreviations: DM: dry matter; FOEAS: farm-oriented enhancing aquatic system; HI: harvest index; RUE: radiation use efficiency     

不同播种深度对马铃薯产量及其构成因素的影响

为探讨马铃薯播种时最佳深度,本试验以马铃薯品种‘会-2’为材料,研究了5个不同播种深度（10 cm,15 cm,20 cm,25 cm,30 cm）对马铃薯产量及其构成因素的影响。结果表明：不同播种深度对马铃薯出苗期、生育期、株高、大中薯块茎数及产量均有不同程度的影响;播种深度为20 cm时能极显著提高马铃薯产量。     

Design and evaluation of a one-operation shallow up-cut tillage sowing method for soybean production

ABSTRACT

Sowing using a rotary tiller rotating in reverse (up-cut) is a labor-saving technology for soybean production because it can perform tillage and sowing, make ridges, and bury winter crop residues in one operation. However, the power requirement of up-cut rotation is higher than of normal rotation (down-cut), resulting in lower working speeds. Shallow tillage sowing methods may be a solution to this problem. Here, we develop a shallow tillage sowing method using an up-cut rotary and a side-disk which could perform the aforementioned works in one operation and conducted field experiments in 2015 and 2016 to study the effect of our sowing method (up-cut shallow tillage; UST) on ridge shape, soil volumetric water content (VWC) and soybean growth and yield, compared to conventional sowing methods (up-cut conventional tillage; UCT, and down-cut conventional tillage; DCT). Ridge shape did not differ among sowing methods. The VWC at 10 and 20 cm depths in DCT was always higher than in UST and UCT, indicating poorer drainage. The VWC at 10 cm depth decreased quickly after rain in UST and UCT, indicating good surface-layer drainage, but at 20 cm depth in UCT, VWC was lower than in UST, especially during dry spells, indicating higher water-holding capacity in UST than in UCT. Shoot and root growth and seed yield did not differ among sowing methods, indicating that UST did not negatively affect soybean growth and yield. These results suggest that UST can be used for soybean production.     

Below-Ground Competition in a Maize/Groundnut Intercropping System as Affected by the Rooting Soil Layer

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to compare the below-ground competition between the intercropped maize (Zea mays L.) and two groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) cultivars regarding the rooting soil layer. Three rows of each cultivar of groundnut (cvs. X-14 and Red Spanish) were planted in between two rows of maize (cv. Badra) with inter-row spacing of 30 cm and intra-row spacing of 15 cm. Aluminium sheets, 10 cm in height, were placed as a root barrier between the maize and groundnut rows at three depths, i.e., 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm from the soil surface. In the control plot, the soil was trenched and refilled without the aluminium partitions. The ear and total biomass yield of the maize intercropped with X-14 with the root barrier at 0-10 cm depth, were significantly larger than those with the root barriers at the depths of 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm and the control. The yield (crop or total biomass) of the maize intercropped with Red Spanish was not significantly affected by the root barrier. In conclusion, groundnut cultivar X-14 was more suitable for intercropping with maize than Red Spanish, probably due to the differences in the rooting properties in the top soil layer.     

Effects of Subsoiling to the Non-tilled Field of Wheat-Soybean Rotation on the Root System Development,Water Uptake,and Yield

Abstract

We introduced subsoiling to a field of wheat-soybean rotation where no-tillage practice had been conducted for five years and whose yield tended to decrease or stagnate. By subsoiling a half of each plot just before wheat sowing, treatments of tillage/no-tillage × subsoiling/no-subsoiling were established. Root distribution, shoot growth, water uptake and yield of both crops were examined to elucidate whether the subsoiling improves the productivity such as shoot biomass and yield through the modification of root system development, and how differ the effects of subsoiling between tilled and non-tilled fields. In wheat, roots were less concentrated in surface (0 ? 5 cm) layer in no-tillage, and distributed more in deep (20 ? 25 cm) layer of the soil. Deuterium labeled heavy water analysis revealed that the subsoiling enhanced water uptake from the deep soil layer in the no-tillage field. Both the no-tillage and subsoiling showed positive and significant effect on total biomass and yield. The effect of subsoiling must be related to water supply by deep roots in spring. In soybean no-tillage significantly increased the productivity, but subsoiling did not though distribution of the roots was modified by both practices. Soybean in non-tilled accumulated roots in the surface soil layer, but subsoiling did not significantly modify the root distribution especially in the deep soil layer. Water uptake trend and yield was thus not changed significantly by subsoiling. Subsoiling in the non-tilled field increased rooting depth and showed the possibility of braking yield stagnation in long-term no-tillage cultivation in wheat, but not in soybean.     

播种深度对夏玉米冠层结构及光合特性的影响

选用郑单958(ZD958)和先玉335(XY335)为试验材料,设置3、5、7、9 cm 4个播深处理和4个播种深度混播的播深不一致处理(U),研究播种深度对夏玉米冠层结构、光合特性和产量的影响。结果表明,播深不一致显著降低株高、穗位高、果穗长度等性状整齐度,影响群体冠层结构,ZD958和XY335的产量较3、5 cm播深分别下降2.6%、3.2%和0.9%、3.9%。播种过深,整个生育期内的植株性状整齐度和叶面积指数较低,穗位高及底层透光率增加;SPAD值及比叶重较低,净光合速率和单株干物质积累下降。ZD958和XY335播深9 cm的产量较3、5 cm播深分别下降5.9%、6.4%和6.1%、8.8%。播深7和9 cm,夏玉米群体密度降低,冠层透光率增加,但其叶面积指数、SPAD值和比叶重降低,净光合速率和单株干物质积累下降,最终降低夏玉米产量。     

Row spacing and weed control timing affect yield of aerobic rice

Field experiments were conducted during the wet season of 2009 and dry season of 2010 to determine the effects of row spacing and timing of weed control on weed growth and yield of aerobic rice. Ten weed management treatments were used to identify critical periods of weed competition with aerobic rice grown in three different row spacings (15-cm, 30-cm, and as paired rows 10-20-10-cm). Dominant weed species during both growing seasons were Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Digitaria ciliaris, Echinochloa colona, and Eleusine indica. Rice grown in 30-cm rows had greater weed biomass and less grain yield than in 15-cm and 10-20-10-cm rows; weed growth and grain yields were similar between 15-cm and 10-20-10-cm rows. Rice yields in the wet season ranged from 170 kg ha⁻¹ where weeds were not controlled throughout the crop duration to 2940 kg ha⁻¹ in weed-free treatment, indicating a 94% yield loss with uncontrolled weed growth. Similarly in the dry season, plots with no weed control (140 kg ha⁻¹) compared to weed-free plots (3640 kg ha⁻¹) indicate a 96% yield loss with no weed control. Gompertz and logistic equations were fitted to yield data resulting from increasing durations of weed control and weed interference, respectively. Critical periods for weed control in the wet season, to obtain 95% of a weed-free yield, were estimated as between 18 and 52 days after sowing (DAS) for crops in rows at 15-cm, 20-51 DAS at 10-20-10-cm, and 15-58 DAS at 30-cm. These intervals in the dry season were 17-56 DAS for crops in rows at 15-cm and 17-60 DAS at 10-20-10-cm and 15-64 DAS at 30-cm. Durations of the critical periods in the wet season were 31 days at 10-20-10-cm, 34 days at 15-cm and 43 days at 30-cm, while in the dry season, these were 43 days at 10-20-10-cm, 39 days at 15-cm and 49 days at 30-cm. In both seasons, crops in the wider spacing (30-cm) were vulnerable to weed competition for the longest period. The information gained from this study suggests that the aerobic rice yields better in 15-cm rows and 10-20-10-cm arrangements than in 30-cm rows and there is very little benefit of weed control beyond 8 weeks after sowing.     

Effect of plant density on growth and yield of new soybean genotypes grown under early planting condition in southwestern Japan

Soybeans planted in early to mid-June (early) are less affected by rainfall during rainy season than those conventionally planted in early to mid-July in southwestern Japan. Also, narrow row cultivation is expected to increase soybean yield and save labor for inter-tillage and ridging. Field experiments were performed in 2014 and 2015 to test the effect of plant density (high, middle, and low) under early planting condition on growth, yield, and several agronomical traits of Sachiyutaka A1 and three new genotypes (Sakukei 155, Kanto 127 and Shikoku 15). Early planting was performed in mid- to late June, even though rainy season started in early June. Higher plant densities produced 13% greater yield than low plant density through an increase in biomass accumulation, especially at R5. Among yield components, only pods m^?2 was significantly and positively correlated with yield, indicating that an increase in pods m^?2 led to a greater yield with higher plant densities. The yields of Sachiyutaka A1 were relatively stable for two years, but the lodging resistance should be further improved. Shikoku 15 had greater yield potential and lodging resistance, but its resistance to damping-off disease should be improved. Sakukei 155 with medium plant density produced relatively high and stable yield with less lodging. Although the yield of Kanto 127 fluctuated between experimental years, this genotype showed higher yield potential in higher plant densities with less lodging in 2015. Thus, Sakukei 155 and Kanto 127 with high or medium density may be suitable for early planting in this region.     

Water use and water-use efficiency of perennial ryegrass swards as affected by the height and frequency of cutting and seed rate

The effects of cutting height (20 and 44 mm), frequency (once every 2 weeks April-September inclusive and twice a year) and seed rate (250 and 20 kg ha^-1) on the water use and herbage yield of perennial ryegrass swards, for 3 years after sowing, were compared.
Frequent cutting and a low cutting height reduced water use in the first year only. In later years infrequent cutting led to higher yields and higher water-use efficiencies, but did not affect total water use or the shape of the soil water profile. Seed rate influenced sward composition and the pattern of water use, but not total water use. The swards from the low seed rate had a lower stubble biomass and tiller density, and extracted relatively more water at depths of 75 and 85 cm and less at depths of 15 and 35 cm, than the swards derived from the high seed rate.
The ratio of actual: potential evapotranspiration was reduced as the soil water deficit increased and was lowest in the summer after a dry spring. Cutting height and frequency during summer were shown not to be effective methods of either conserving water or manipulating the effective rooting depth of an established sward.     

Long-term effect of no-tillage on soil organic carbon and nitrogen in an irrigated rice-based cropping system

A 10-year field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of no-tillage (NT) on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) in an irrigated rice-based cropping system. The results showed that concentrations of SOC, soil total N (STN), and soil organic N (SON) were higher at 0–5 cm depth but lower at 5–10 cm depth under NT than conventional tillage (CT), while at 10–20 cm depth the differences were not significant. Consequently, stocks of SOC, STN, and SON under NT were higher at 0–5 cm depth but lower at 5–10 cm depth than those under CT. However, no significant differences were observed in stocks of SOC, STN, and SON at 0–20 cm depth between NT and CT, indicating that the lower st ocks of SOC, STN, and SON at 5–10 cm depth could offset the greater stocks of them at 0–5 cm depth under NT. In addition, there were no significant differences in soil inorganic N concentration and soil C:N ratio between NT and CT at all the three depths. Our study suggests that (1) NT farming does not necessarily store SOC and N more than CT soils for the upper soil layer and (2) converting from CT to NT farming may not cause a significant change in soil N mineralization in the irrigated rice-based cropping systems.     

不同类型玉米杂交种播种深度与出苗相关性的研究

测定4个播种深度处理对玉米4种不同子粒类型的32个品种出苗的影响。结果表明,播种至出苗天数、出苗率、中胚轴长度(干重)、胚芽鞘干重、苗长(干重)与播种深度显著相关。一般玉米种子播种深度应以5.0 cm较好,不同类型玉米种子所适应的播种深度不同,马齿型和半硬粒型品种可适当深播,半马齿型和硬粒型品种应适当浅播,以提高出苗率。     

Establishment and yield of wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) after early sowing at various depths in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment

Shallow sowing and in ridges are common practices in the west-Asia north-Africa (WANA) region in rain-fed cereal farming. Soil water is often limited in the top soil layer at the optimum sowing time, and stands of wheat may be established poorly and have low yields unless sowing is delayed until later rainfall. Sowing more deeply may enhance establishment due to higher soil water content in the seed zone, leading to better germination and emergence of seedling. Otherwise, a grain yield reduction will occur due to the delay in sowing after the optimum time. In a 2-year field experiment at Tel Hadya, Syria, the optimum time of sowing for rainfed cereals was between early November and early December. The establishment of plants sown 3, 9, and 12 cm deep and in ridges was poorer than that of plants sown at 6 cm, causing reductions in tiller numbers, leaf area index (LAI) and yield. Grain yield from ridge planting was 40% lower on average than from sowing at 6 cm. At this depth, yields declined by 5% per week with delay in sowing after the optimum time at 6 cm depth, but by lesser amounts for other depths, and varied little for the ridge method of planting. To maximize yield in this environment, i.e., 2.5 t ha⁻¹, it is important that crops are sown early at the appropriate depth, even when pre-sowing rainfall is less than enough to wet the profile fully.     

深松与播期对玉米冠层结构及产量性状的影响

通过深松和播期对玉米冠层结构的调控,分析深松与旋耕条件下不同播期群体冠层结构特点,明确塑造高产群体冠层结构的耕作方式及适宜播期。采用裂区设计,主区耕法设2个水平(深松与旋耕),副区播期设3个水平(4月25日、5月10日和5月25日),研究深松与不同播期对玉米冠层结构及产量性状的影响。结果表明,深松可适当延长玉米生育进程,对玉米植株形态、叶面积指数(LAI)、群体光合势(LAD)、干物质积累特征参数及产量的影响均表现为深松>旋耕(CK);播期处理间其冠层结构、产量及产量构成因素存在显著差异,表现为早播>中播>晚播;随着播期推迟,早播(4月25日)产量较5月10日、5月25日分别提高3.61%和43.38%。说明深松条件下早播利于群体形成合理的冠层结构,可有效提高玉米产量。     

Effect of planting depth and hilling practices on total, U.S. No. 1, and field greening tuber yields

Previous research suggests that field greening of potato tubers can be minimized by planting seedpieces at an appropriate depth along with sufficient hilling to minimize exposure to sunlight. The appropriate planting depth and hilling practices to minimize field tuber greening have not been determined for newer cultivars. Two separate studies, each conducted for three years, are reported here. The first measured the effect of seedpiece planting depth on the yield, quality, and field greening tuber yield of ‘Russet Burbank’, ‘Frontier Russet’, and ‘Shepody’ potatoes. Seedpieces were handplanted in pre-formed hills at 8, 15, or 23 cm measured from the top of the seedpiece to the top of the hill. Planting at 23 cm resulted in significantly lower total yield compared with the 8- and 15-cm depths for Russet Burbank and Frontier Russet, but planting depth did not affect total yield of Shepody. U.S. No. 1 yield of Russet Burbank was not affected by planting depth, but U.S. No. 1 yield of Frontier Russet was significantly less at the 23-cm depth. For Shepody, the 8-cm depth caused a significant reduction in U.S. No. 1 yield compared with the 15-cm depth. Field greening tuber yield of Russet Burbank was significantly less at the 23-cm planting depth compared to 8 cm. For Frontier Russet and Shepody, planting at 15 or 23 cm resulted in significantly less field tuber greening compared to the 8-cm depth. The second experiment examined the effects of planting depth and hilling practices on yield, quality, and field tuber greening of Russet Burbank and Gem Russet potatoes. Six planting depth and hilling treatment combinations were used. Seedpieces were planted at a depth of either 8 or 15 cm, then hilled to either 15 or 23 cm at emergence or after plants had formed a rosette of leaves approximately 10 cm in diameter (post-emergence hilling). At-emergence hilling treatments had no effect on total or U.S. No. 1 yields of Russet Burbank compared with the 15-cm planting depth, non-hilled control. However, all post-emergence hilling treatments significantly reduced Russet Burbank total and U.S. No. 1 yields. Planting Russet Burbank at 8 cm and hilling to 23 cm at emergence, or planting at 8 or 15 cm and hilling to 23 cm post-emergence reduced field tuber greening of Russet Burbank. The effects of planting depth and hilling on Gem Russet total and U.S. No. 1 yields were less definitive than for Russet Burbank, and no treatments significantly reduced field tuber greening yield compared with the control.     

机播条件下行距与密度对小麦产量和品质的影响

为给小麦优质高产机械化栽培提供理论依据,在机播条件下,研究了密度、行距对小麦生长发育、产量、品质及光合速率的影响。结果表明,行距和基本苗对小麦籽粒产量均有影响。不同密度间产量差异达极显著水平,以基本苗240万·hm^-2产量最高;不同行距间产量差异显著,以20 cm行距产量最高;行距与密度互作对产量影响不显著。宽行距高密度有利于群体干物质积累。密度、年份及二者互作对部分籽粒品质指标有显著影响,不同行距间籽粒品质差异不大。宽行距和低密度有利于小麦个体的生长发育,生育后期以行距24 cm、基本苗150万·hm^-2处理的净光合速率最高。在淮北地区适宜播期范围内,皖麦52优质高产栽培的适宜行距和基本苗分别为20 cm和240万·hm^-2。     

Genotypic and Environmental Variation of Lag Period of Pod Growth in Soybean

Abstract

Pod growth in soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr.) begins several days after flower opening, compared with more immediate growth in other beans. We investigated the relationship between genotype, raceme order of pod set, assimilate supply or photoperiod and the length of lag period of pod growth (LP, days from flower opening to the time when pod length reaches 10 mm). Soybean (five cultivars) plants were grown in a greenhouse and in the field in 2001. The lengths of pods developed from 20 flowers which opened on the same day and set on the same raceme order, were measured every other day. The length of LP varied with the cultivar from 5 to 16 days and it was longer in late cultivars. The LP in the primary raceme (early flowers) was 15 days but that in the secondary raceme (late flowers) was 8 days. Both late sowing and short photoperiod (lOh) after the start of flowering shortened the LP by up to 7 days in Enrei and 5 days in Fukuyutaka. However, neither sink (except the target racemes) removal nor BA application to the target racemes at the start of flowering affected the length of LP, even though these treatments were expected to stimulate pod growth.     

Effect of depth and width of cultivation and sowing date on establishment of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) by rotary slot‐seeding into grassland

The effect of different combinations of time of sowing and depth and width of soil cultivation using a rotary slot‐seeding machine to introduce red clover (Trifolium pratense) was determined for some characteristics of newly established red clover plants in a lowland Dactylis glomerata‐dominated grassland in the Czech Republic. Sowing was carried out on four sowing dates in one growing season: 11 May; 21 June (after the first cut); 9 August (after the second cut); and 19 September. The experimental treatments consisted of all combinations of four depths (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm) and four widths (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm) of soil cultivation. Measurements were made of number of plants, weight and height of plants, weight and height of roots. Measurements at 2 months after sowing showed fewer seedlings for the 11 May sowing than for later sowing dates. The number of red clover plants increased as the row width was increased up to 15 cm, regardless of the depth of slot. Positive effects of slot width on weight and height of plants and weight and length of roots were recorded. A highly positive correlation was found between weight of plants and weight of roots. Width of row was the key factor for the successful establishment of seedlings into the existing sward by slot‐seeding. A row width of 10 cm and depth of slot of 5 cm was considered a satisfactory combination.     

中国北方杂草稻深覆土条件下出苗动力源分析

 以盆栽的方式,采用不同的覆土深度,对中国北方杂草稻的出苗特性进行了研究,分析了杂草稻的出苗动力源。研究结果表明,在中国北方发现的部分杂草稻具有较强的中胚轴伸长特性和芽鞘节间伸长特性。在播种深度较浅时（3 cm）,杂草稻依赖于中胚轴的伸长顶土发芽;当覆土较深时（5 cm）,杂草稻中胚轴伸长特性更加明显,伸长长度加大,同时杂草稻的芽鞘节间也明显伸长,中胚轴和芽鞘节间的共同伸长为深覆土条件下杂草稻的出苗提供了动力基础。     

华南地区引进水稻品种（系）在江汉平原的适应性研究

以华南来源的35份常规水稻品种(系)为试验材料,在江汉平原分高温栽培期和缓温栽培期两期播种,对其产量和品质相关性状进行考察,评价其在本地区利用的可能性。结果表明,参试品种(系)平均理论产量为520.1kg/667 m2,收获指数在0.5左右,全生育期110~120 d;整精米率达到国标1级的分别有26个(Ⅰ期播种)和35个(Ⅱ期播种);垩白度达到国标1级的分别有22个(Ⅰ期播种)和29个(Ⅱ期播种);直链淀粉含量达到国标优质的分别有31个(Ⅰ期播种)和34个(Ⅱ期播种)。桂育9号等15个品种(系)在不同温度条件下表现灌浆品质稳定,粤禾丝苗等4个品种(系)表现产量和品质双优。华南来源水稻品种(系)在江汉平原普遍表现出品质好、产量稳定、生育期适中等特点,但由于其在高温栽培期时部分品种(系)品质大幅度降低,因此其总体上更适于在缓温栽培期栽培,即作一季晚稻或双季晚稻栽培;产量和品质双优的品种(系)可以优先直接生产利用或作为育种材料深度开发。