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.     

Effects of traffic on soil aeration, bulk density and growth of spring barley

This paper reports the results of field experiments on several different soils to quantify the effects of different numbers of passes of vehicular traffic on soil aeration status (measured in terms of oxygen diffusion rate, ODR and redox potential, Eh), soil bulk density and development of spring barley. In a further series of field experiments, the effects of single and dual wheels were compared and the effectiveness of a soil loosener operating behind the wheels was evaluated. Additionally, some microplot experiments are reported in which a range of known values of soil bulk density were produced and the effects on soil aeration and development of spring barley were evaluated. It is shown that repeated wheeling, even by a tractor of only about 2 tonnes weight, can produce soil conditions in which aeration can be limiting for crop growth. The use of dual wheels resulted in lower values of soil bulk density and associated greater soil aeration. The loosener alleviated the compaction produced by wheels and also improved soil aeration. For a sandy loam soil, greatest root growth and crop yield occurred at a bulk density of 1.43 Mg m⁻³. Soil aeration as a component of soil physical quality is discussed.     

Foliar fertilization of nickel affects growth,yield component and micronutrient status of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown on low nickel soil

Foliar application of nickel (Ni) has higher use efficiencies and is preferred over soil application in view of its very low requirement. Pot experiments were conducted during winter season of 2012-2013 and repeated during 2013-2014. Treatments consisted of twelve Ni levels applied as nickel sulphate (NiSO4.7H₂O) spray (T₁-Ni_0%, T₂-Ni_0.05%, T₃-Ni_0.1%, T₄-Ni_0.2%, T₅-Ni_0.3%, T₆-Ni_0.4%, T₇-Ni_0.5%, T₈-Ni_0.6%, T₉-Ni_0.7%, T₁₀-Ni_0.8%, T₁₁-Ni_0.9%,and T₁₂-Ni_1.0%,) with recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) applied in all pots. The result showed that growth and yield attributes viz. plant height, leaf greenness index, number of tillers, number of ears pot^-1, number of grains ear^-1, straw yield, grain yield and weight of 1000 grains of barley was the maximum with three foliar application of 0.2% of NiSO4.7H₂O (T₄-Ni_0.2%) at 20, 40, and 60 days after sowing (DAS) during both the years. The concentration of Fe, Mn and Zn in grain increased significantly up to T₄-Ni_0.2% and after this level, a significant decline was recorded during both the years. As regards to the concentration of Ni is concerned, it increased significantly both in grain and straw with increasing levels of Ni spray and the maximum concentration was at T₁₂-Ni_1.0%, during both the years. The uptake of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in grain of barley increased significantly during both the years up to T₄-Ni_0.2%,thereafter, it declined significantly with successive increase in dose of Ni spray. Thus 0.2% foliar spray of NiSO4.7H₂O significantly increased growth, yield and Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn (micronutrients) status in barley.     

Nitrogenase activity (Acetylene reduction) during the growth cycle of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The nitrogenase activity (C₂H₂-reduction) was measured during the growth cycle of field grown spring barley in soil cores both with and without barley plants, and at two levels of nitrogen application, 30 and 120 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 respectively. The main purpose of the investigation was to study the effects of the growing barley plants on nitrogenase activity in the soil, and temperature and moisture contents were kept constant in all experiments. Therefore, the results cannot be used to calculate actual amounts of fixed nitrogen in the field, but should be considered rather as potential values. The nitrogenase activity was found to vary during the growth cycle, and seemed to be correlated to the photosynthetic activity of the plants. Relatively low nitrogenase activity was found in the early growth stages, and the activity increased up to a maximum in the late reproductive stage, followed by a rapid decrease during the grain filling stage. The mean values of nitrogenase activity in samples without barley plants and with barley plants were 40 and 78 nmoles C₂H₄ g soil dwt^?1 24 h^?1 respectively. The positive effect of barley plants on nitrogenase activity was stronger at 120 kg N than at 30 kg N fertilization. As a mean of the whole growth cycle the ratio between samples with and without barley plants was 1.7 with 30 kgN and 2.3 with 120 kg N fertilization. The inhibitory effect of nitrogen application on nitrogenase activity was measurable until 6–7 weeks after application, and it was strongest in cores without plants.     

大中小型拖拉机压实对土壤坚实度和大豆产量的影响

探讨农业机械压实对土壤坚实度和产量的影响规律,对改善作物生产环境、促进农业机械化向质量型转变具有重要意义。以东北典型黑土区耕地土壤为研究对象,依照随机区组试验原理,选择大、中、小3种型号拖拉机进行6种压实处理,同型拖拉机相同压实次数试验重复3次,采用PV6.08型贯穿阻力仪测量压实轮辙截面土壤坚实度。试验结果表明：土壤坚实度随压实次数增加而逐渐递增,3种拖拉机压实测试截面浅层均出现明显压实核,且压实核内土壤坚实度随压实次数增加而逐渐增大,CASE-210型拖拉机压实对表层土壤坚实度影响程度和范围最大,压实12次时压实核处土壤坚实度达4.0 MPa,JD-280型拖拉机对深层土壤压实影响程度和范围最大,在65~80 cm的土壤深层坚实度的峰值达3.2 MPa;拖拉机压实均导致大豆产量降低,CASE-210、JD-904和JD-280拖拉机压实12次时大豆产量分别降低了21.24%、18.15%和12.38%。     

Multiple element concentration in the grain of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) collection

Multiple element analyses were carried out to investigate variation in element concentrations in barley grains of 336 genotypes. Of 13 elements analyzed, Ba ranged from 0.2 to 8.9?mg kg^?1, Ca from 186.4 to 977.5?mg kg^?1, Cu from 1.5 to 9.8?mg kg^?1, K from 353.2 to 7721.5?mg kg^?1, Mg from 1049.8 to 2024.2?mg kg^?1, Mn from 8.1 to 22.9?mg kg^?1, Na from 55.9 to 627.9?mg kg^?1, P from 2272.9 to 5428.8?mg kg^?1, S from 880.7 to 1898.0?mg kg^?1, Si from 19.1 to 663.2?mg kg^?1, and Sr from 0.35 to 2.62?mg kg^?1 in the barley grain. The least square means showed high Zn, Fe, Mg, P, and S concentration in AM-64 and AM-228 genotypes. The principal component analysis of element concentration showed four PCs explained 64.3% total variance. Strong positive correlations (p?<?0.001) of Fe-Mn, Fe-S, S-Mn, Zn-P, Zn-Mg, Mg-P, Mg-Mn, and Ca-Sr were found. The identification barley genotypes that showed high elements concentration furnish valuable genetic resources for biofortification in future.     

Effects of late-terminal drought stress on seed germination and vigor of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Late-terminal drought stress during grain filling has recently become more common in the semi-arid Mediterranean region, where barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is grown as an important winter cereal crop. Little information is available in the literature about the effect of late-terminal drought stress on seed germination and vigor of barley. The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of late-terminal drought stress on seed germination and vigor of barley as estimated by the germination after accelerated aging test. Drought stress reduced grain yield of barley. Grain yield was correlated positively with leaf gross photosynthetic rate and negatively with leaf osmotic potential. Late-drought stress had no effect on standard germination, but reduced the germination after the accelerated aging test. These data suggested that late-terminal drought stress had a greater effect on seed vigor than standard germination in barley.     

Regrowth in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.)

Regrowth after cutting at four development stages, from heading to grain maturity, was investigated in a pot experiment containing three rye and four barley varieties. Regrowth in the barley varieties decreased strongly from heading to grain maturity. Rye generally showed stronger regrowth than barley after late cutting, but only the perennial variety ‘Soperta’ regenerated as many tillers at cutting as formed when harvested at the ripe grain stage. In both species, significant differences were found between varieties. The level of soluble carbohydrates reached a maximum between heading and maturity, but differences in regrowth could not be explained by such differences. Total N decreased from heading to maturity, except for perennial rye, where an increase was observed towards ripening. It is, however, uncertain whether this was an effect rather than a cause of the regrowth.     

The barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) of Sardinia, Italy

Since ancient times, barley has been an important food resource for the people of Sardinia. The oldest traces of its cultivation are from the mid-Neolithic (fourth millennium B.C.). Archaeological, historical and anthropological aspects of barley cultivated in Sardinia are discussed in this paper. We describe the traditional process for making barley bread (orgiathu) in Sardinia, where a special starter called ghimisone was prepared. Today, barley is cultivated only as animal feed, with two uses, grain yield and grazing. Many farmers prefer to grow local populations belonging to landrace locally known as S' orgiu sardu. Local Sardinian populations of barley evolved in diverse environments, being cultivated from sea-level up to 1000 m elevation, on various soil types at different intensities of abiotic stresses, and with climates and environments associated with various agricultural practices, depending both on production strategies and climatic conditions. These barley materials are thought to be valuable genetic and cultural inheritance which must be preserved and used for both productive and research purposes.     

Potassium placement effect on dynamics of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) nutrition

The effects of local placement of potassium (K) on mineral nutrition dynamics of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in fertile Сhernozem were studied. A pot experiment with local K-placement at 4–5 cm soil depth was carried out and the dynamics of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) concentrations in tillers, organs and parts of spring barley was measured. K-placement increased the productivity index from 0.49 to 0.54, despite optimal and slightly varying NPK concentrations during the second half of the vegetation period (60–100 d). This occurs due to partitioning of assimilates, N, K, and especially P in generative organs of primary and secondary tillers forming quality grains. Nutrient concentrations in certain primary tiller parts of a 60-d plant (senescing leaves and the main spike axis) proved to be more sensitive indicators of the K-placement effect than average whole-plant characteristics. While being beneficial, K-placement had little impact on the overall NPK removal in barley, which shows a significant role of factors related to K uptake kinetics. Thus, the chosen parameters in the soil–plant system (the high content of available K in Chernozem, in the second part of the vegetation period) have for the first time allowed the evaluation of the impact of local K-placement on mineral nutrition dynamics in barley.     

Identification and selection of low-phosphate-tolerant germplasm in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the major constraints to crop yield worldwide, and genotypes or cultivars with high phosphate use efficiency (PUE) sustain growth when exposed to phosphate stress. Therefore, it is imperative to develop the genotypes or cultivars with high PUE. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the PUE among 150 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes. Two high-tolerant and -sensitive accessions were selected. These two candidate materials were used to investigate the differences among the root morphology characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activity, inorganic phosphate (Pi) content and gene expression of HvPT5 under P-deficiency and P-sufficiency conditions. The values of these parameters were higher in the low-P-tolerant genotype than in the sensitive one. In pot experiment 1, all genotypes showed a significant difference in low-P tolerance, with variety GN121 achieving the highest tolerance, and GN42 being most sensitive. The results of this study may provide elite genetic germplasms for future work on isolation of P-related genes, and the improvement of PUE in barley.

Abbreviations: PUE: phosphate use efficiency; CAT: catalase; POD: peroxidase; SOD: superoxide dismutase; DMSO: dimethyl sulphoxide; MDA: malondialdehyde; TOPSIS: technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution; MCDM/MADM: multi-criteria (or attribute) decision making     

Bacteria and fungi on roots of different barley varieties (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Summary We investigated the abundance of bacteria and fungi on roots of different barley varieties grown in soil and in a nutrient solution. Measurements were made on the rhizoplane and, for soil-grown plants, also in the rhizosphere soil. Further, the influence of plant age was investigated. Barley variety, had a significant influence both for plants grown in soil and in the nutrient solution, and the effects were most pronounced on the rhizoplane. There were no significant differences among varieties in fungal hyphal lengths on the roots. Bacterial abundance on the rhizoplane was significantly decreased with increasing plant age. Varietal differences were maintained over different plant ages.     

The effects of wheel-induced soil compaction on anchorage strength and resistance to root lodging of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Lodging is the permanent displacement of cereal stems from the vertical. Cereal plants growing in the edge rows next to both wheel tracks (‘tramlines’) and the gaps between experimental plots (‘inter-plot spaces’), which are traversed by farm vehicles during planting operations and agrochemical application, are less prone to lodge than plants growing elsewhere in fields and plots. Previous research has attributed this phenomenon to an increase in the stem strength of edge row plants, and hence their resistance to stem lodging, resulting from reduced competition between edge row plants for resources. However, this explanation gives no consideration to the anchorage strength of edge row plants, and hence their resistance to root lodging. Differences in soil and plant characteristics between the edge and centre rows of plots of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were examined on sand, silt and clay dominated soil types. Edge rows next to tramlines were investigated on the silt and clay soil types, whereas edge rows next to inter-plot spaces were investigated on the sand soil type. Edge row plants next to both tramlines and inter-plot spaces had 58.8% greater anchorage strength and hence resistance to root lodging than centre row plants. This was attributed to (1) greater soil compaction in the edge rows resulting from wheel traffic in the tramlines and inter-plot spaces, which increased the strength of the soil matrix surrounding the roots, and (2) greater plant root growth in the edge rows resulting from reduced competition. Bulk density, root plate spread and structural rooting depth were 19, 22, and 12% greater, respectively, in the edge rows of all soil types. The results suggest that in order to reduce lodging risk, energies should be directed towards identifying agricultural practices that optimise soil compaction in the seedbed without causing significant limitations to root growth.     

Saprophytic soil microflora in relation to yield reductions in soil repeatedly cropped with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Summary The yield-depressing effect due to repeated cropping (monoculture) of barley reported from long-term field experiments was observed as a reduction in plant growth in short-term pot experiments. The nature of the monoculture effect was investigated by mixing field soils with different cropping histories in different proportions in the greenhouse, while the influence of rhizosphere microflora from the monocultured and crop rotation soils on barley growth was studied in gnotobiotic experiments. Indigenous bacterial populations and the pH of the test soils were also measured. Significantly more bacteria were found in the crop rotation soil compared to the monocultured soil, but the two soils did not differ in pH. Greenhouse experiments showed that in the monocultured soil, seed germination was delayed and plant dry weight reduced, and that these effects had a biological origin. Attempts were also made to induce the monoculture effect in the crop rotation soil by inoculation with known harmful bacteria. The results from the experiments with mixed soils and with soil inoculation indicated that where crop rotation was practised the soil was more sensitive to bacterial effects than the monocultured soil. The rhizosphere microflora from the monocultured soil did not affect plant weights in short-term gnotobiotic experiments, but it significantly stimulated the number of lateral roots compared with the crop rotation microflora. This stimulation could not be related to differences in bacterial counts, pH, or ion concentrations in the plant-growing medium.     

Antioxidant effects of water extracts from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) prepared under different roasting temperatures

The antioxidant effects of water extracts of roasted barley (WERB) were investigated under different roasting temperatures and compared with those of the water extracts of unroasted barley (WEUB). It was found that the Maillard reaction products increased upon increasing the roasting temperatures. Both WERB and WEUB exhibited significant antioxidant activities in linoleic acid and liposome model systems. Although WERB and WEUB afforded considerable protection against the damage of deoxyribose and proteins, the antioxidant efficiency of roasted samples was weaker than that of unroasted samples because of the reduction of antioxidant components (catechin, tocopherol, and lutein) with increasing roasting temperature. Unroasted samples were more effective in reducing power, quenching free radical, hydroxyl radical, and chelating iron than the roasted samples. The different antioxidant activity among roasted and unroasted barley samples may be partly attributed to the changes in catechin, tocopherol, and lutein contents.     

Root Plasticity Not Evident in N-Enriched Soil Volumes for Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Varieties

Root plasticity is a unique characteristic of root systems that may enhance the nutrient foraging capacity of plants. Here we investigated the effect of localized high nitrogen (N) concentration on plasticity of wheat and barley roots in soil. We conducted a series of experiments to maintain localized high concentration of N in soil and to evaluate any root morphological variation in the enriched N zone. Wheat and barley seedlings were grown in N responsive Red Ferrosol with an enriched subsurface N band for 12 days. Wheat and barley roots did not proliferate in N-enriched soil volumes. Rather, higher root length density (~1.6 times) was observed in low N surface soil. Shoot dry matter and shoot N uptake of banded N treatment was statistically similar between uniform and low N treatments. Results indicated the absence of plastic root response of the wheat and barley seedlings in subsurface N band.     

Effect of bulk density and soil water tension on denitrification in the rhizosphere of spring wheat (Triticum vulgare

Summary Pot experiments were carried out to study the influence of bulk density (D _b), soil water tension (pF) and presence of plants (spring wheat) on denitrification in a low-humus B_t-horizon of a udalf. Pots of only 5-cm depth were found to be most suitable for the experiments when using the acetylene inhibition method. Almost homogeneous soil compaction between 1.1 and 1.6g soil cm^–3 was achieved by a Proctor tamper. Water tensions were adjusted by means of ceramic plates on which negative pressure was applied. No denitrification was detected in unplanted pots. With planted pots and increasing bulk density denitrification increased more in pots with 14-day-old plants than in pots with 7-day-old plants. With 14-day-old plants N₂O emission pot^–1 increased steadily from 2 mol at D _b 1.1 to 8 mol at D _b 1.6, when soil moisture was adjusted to pF 1.5, although root growth was impaired by higher bulk density. From an experiment with different bulk densities and water tensions it could be deduced that the air-filled porosity ultimately determined the rate of denitrification. When low water tension was applied for a longer period, water tension had an overriding effect on total denitrification. Denitrification intensity, however, i.e. the amount of N₂O g^–1 root fresh weight, was highest when low water tension was accompanied by high bulk density. The results suggest that the increase in denitrification intensity at oxygen stress is partly due to higher root exudation.     

Dynamics of microbial biomass and soil fauna in two contrasting soils cropped to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Summary This study compared the dynamics of shoots, roots, microbial biomass and faunal populations in two different soils cropped to barley. The dynamics of microbial C, protozoa, nematodes, acari, collembola, shoot and root mass were measured between July and October under barley at Ellerslie (Black Chernozem, Typic Cryoboroll) and Breton (Gray Luvisol, Typic Cryoboralf) in central Alberta. Very wet soil conditions in early July reduced the barley yield at Breton. The peak shoot mass was greater at Ellerslie (878 g m^–2) compared to Breton (582 g m^–2), but the root mass did not differ significantly between sites. Microbial C at 0–30 cm depth was greater at Ellerslie (127 g m^–2) than Breton (68 g m^–2). The average protozoa population (no. m^–2) did not differ significantly between sites. The average nematode population at 0–20 cm depth was greater at Ellerslie (5.1 × 10⁶ no. m^–2) compared to Breton (1.0 × 10⁶ no. m^–2) Acari and collembola populations at 0–10 cm depth at Ellerslie (43 × 10³ and 43 × 10² no. m^–2), respectively) were greater than at Breton (2 × 10⁴ and 9 × 10² no. m^–2) respectively). Tenday laboratory incubations of 0–10 cm soil samples from Ellerslie evolved more CO₂-C (120 g g^–1 soil) compared to samples from Breton (97 g g^–1 soil), but the CO₂-C evolution did not differ when expressed on an area basis (g m^–2) due to the greater soil bulk density at Breton. The soil from Breton respired twice as much CO₂-C when expressed as a proportion of soil C and 1.5 times as much CO₂-C when expressed as a proportion of microbial C, compared to the soil from Ellerslie. The greater CO₂-C: microbial C ratio, lower flush C:N ratio, and greater protozoa population: soil C ratio at Breton compared to Ellerslie suggest that the food web was relatively more active at Breton and was related to greater C availability and water availability at Breton.     

Effect of soil application of nickel on growth,micronutrient concentration and uptake in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in Inceptisols of Varanasi

A pot experiment was conducted in a glass house on low nickel containing alluvial soil in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during 2012–13 and 2013–14, to study the response of barley to soil application of nickel (Ni). There were ten treatments of Ni (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg kg^?1) studied with recommended dose of fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur (N:P:K:S :: 40:30:30:20 mg kg^?1).The results showed a significant increase in plant height, number of tillers, chlorophyll content, straw and grain yield, and 1,000 grains weight with application of 10 mg Ni kg^?1 soil during both years of study. The micronutrient concentration and uptake in straw and grain increased with application of <15 mg Ni kg^?1 soil and beyond that declined significantly. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-extractable micronutrient iron, manganese, copper, zinc and nickel (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Ni) content in soil increased with increasing level of Ni. The maximum urease activity in post-harvest soil was noticed with application of 40 mg Ni kg^?1 soil. The microbial population viz. bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were higher with 5, 30 and 10 mg Ni kg^?1 soil, respectively.