Amelioration of dense sodic subsoil using organic amendments increases wheat yield more than using gypsum in a high rainfall zone of southern Australia

Subsoil constraints are major limiting factors in crop production in many soils of southern Australia. A field study examined effects of deep incorporation of organic and inorganic amendments in 30–40 cm on soil properties, plant growth and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum var. Ambrook) on a Sodosol with dense sodic subsoil with or without lucerne history in a high rainfall region (long-term average annual rainfall 576 mm) of Victoria. Amendments were applied at a rate of 10–20 t ha⁻¹. Deep ripping alone and deep ripping with gypsum did not significantly affect grain yields. In comparison, application of organic materials doubled biomass production and increased grain yield by 1.7 times. Organic amendment-treated plots produced 60% more grains per area than the untreated control. The crop extracted over 50 mm extra water from below 40 cm soil in organic amendment-treated plots than the untreated control. Nitrogen uptake was almost doubled (403 kg ha⁻¹) in the organic amendment-treated plots than the untreated control (165 kg ha⁻¹). The improved yield with amendments was related to an increase in plant available water in the hostile subsoil, and prolonged greenness of leaves and supply of nitrogen and other nutrients.     

Performance of prolific and nonprolific maize hybrids under reduced-input and high-input cropping systems

Previous research indicated that prolific (multi-ear) maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids might perform better than nonprolific (single-ear) hybrids under lower-yielding environments. Field experiments were conducted during 1996–1999 to evaluate the agronomic responses of 10 maize hybrids differing in ear prolificacy under reduced-input and high-input cropping systems. Hybrids were of similar maturity (FAO 400) and divided into two prolificacy groups (prolific versus nonprolific), each consisting of five hybrids. The reduced-input system consisted of plowing at 20–22 cm; fertilization at 105, 104, and 104 kg ha⁻¹ N, P₂O₅, and K₂O; 37–38 000 plants ha⁻¹; and low input of herbicide. The high-input system involved plowing at 30–32 cm; fertilization at 213, 130, and 130 kg ha⁻¹ N, P₂O₅, and K₂O; 60–65 000 plants ha⁻¹; and high input of herbicides. Grain yields significantly decreased under reduced-input compared to high-input cropping system by an average of 26.1%. Significant cropping system×prolificacy group interactions were found for most yield components but not for grain yields. This indicated that both prolificacy groups exhibited a similar yield decrease under the reduced-input system even though prolific hybrids had 1.33 ears per plant compared to only 1.01 ears per plant of nonprolific types. All prolific hybrids responded similarly to various cropping input levels principally by means of changes in kernels per plant, whereas some nonprolific hybrids had greater response through 1000-kernel weight then kernels per plant. Prolific hybrids tended to achieve higher grain yields which averaged 10 414 kg ha⁻¹ compared to 9383 kg ha⁻¹ for nonprolific types partly due to less barren plants per hectare and primarily because of a higher grain weight per plant. Larger grain weights per plant of prolific hybrids were primary due to more kernels per plant in the reduced-input system, and a combined effect of more kernels and heavier 1000-kernel weight per plant in the high-input system. Improved kernel number per plant for prolific hybrids was associated with kernels from secondary ears. Although prolific hybrids outyielded nonprolific types, our findings failed to indicate that the prolificacy trait per se had any important effect on hybrid performance when grown under reduced-input compared to high-input cropping system.     

Modelling decomposition of sugar cane surface residues with APSIM–Residue

Since residues on the soil surface affect the soil hydrological and nitrogen cycles, cropping system models need to accurately predict the decomposition of surface residues through time. Recent field measurements of sugar cane residue decomposition have found that rates of residue decomposition are slower than those predicted by the agricultural productions systems simulator (APSIM) cropping system model. To improve predictions of sugar cane residue decomposition in APSIM, a new function relating decomposition rate to mass of residues was developed, and parameter values in other functions modified in the APSIM–Residue model. Predictions were compared to measurements of residue decomposition made over 1 year in five field experiments located at sites with contrasting climates in the Australian sugar industry. The new function was found to provide more accurate predictions of decomposition of large (>10 t DM ha⁻¹) masses of residue that are common with sugar cane crops. To better predict residue masses below 5–7 t ha⁻¹, the values of parameters describing the potential decomposition rate (i.e., decomposition without environmental or residue quality constraints) and constraints to decomposition from sub-optimal temperatures were determined by applying a numerical optimisation technique to measurements made at two of the field experiments. These two experiments were chosen because they had a large difference in initial residue mass (7.7 and 19.6 t ha⁻¹) and included data on soil moisture. These latter measurements, which were not made in the other experiments, provided rigorous data for the function describing the moisture limitation to residue decomposition. Using the optimised parameter values, predictions of residue decomposition in the other three experiments were close to measured values. This study illustrates the potential importance of considering initial residue mass in predictions of decomposition in sugar cane systems. The function relating decomposition rate to mass of residues may be useful for other models applied in cropping systems with high residue masses. The study also provided further evidence that some parameters in APSIM–Residue, notably the potential decomposition rate, may be crop-specific.     

Wheat stem sawfly (Cephus pygmaeus L.) damage; impacts on grain yield, quality and marketing prices in Anatolia

This study aimed to draw the attention of the all stake holders attention to an underestimated insect pest of wheat in Southeastern Anatolia. The field studies were carried out in the experimental field of GAP Training, Extension and Research Center in Koruklu in 2003–2004 cropping season.

It was found that the number of sawfly damaged spikes varied between 6 and 12% in durum wheat and 8 and 12% in bread wheat. Comparing healthy grains, grain weight spike⁻¹ decreased significantly, giving 0.430 g less kernel weight in durum wheat and 0.385 g in bread wheat. Some of the grain quality characteristics of both sawfly damaged and healthy spikes were tested and it was found that protein content (%) in durum wheat, and 1000 kernel weight in bread wheat were reduced significantly, whilst, the SDS sedimentation value in bread wheat increased significantly for sawfly damaged grains. Grain yield losses by sawfly infestation were found to be 2.23% in durum wheat and 3.32% in bread wheat. Marketing price studies showed that sawfly damage reduced it significantly, resulting in $ 0.016 kg⁻¹ less price in bread wheat. But this was not serious for durum wheat.

It was concluded that income loss, depending on grain yield loss, un-harvestable broken spikes and lower marketing price of sawfly damaged grains, could be no less than $ 68.8 ha⁻¹ in durum wheat and $ 68.6 ha⁻¹ for bread wheat. Therefore, some control methods are required for sawfly infestation, where damage is already over the economic threshold (10–15% stem cut by pest) especially in bread wheat.     

The value of catch crops and organic manures for spring barley in organic arable farming

The effect of nitrogen (N) supply and weeds on grain yield of spring barley was investigated from 1997 to 2004 in an organic farming crop rotation experiment in Denmark on three different soil types varying from coarse sand to sandy loam. Two experimental factors were included in the experiment in a factorial design: (1) catch crop (with and without), and (2) manure (with and without). The crop rotation included grass-clover as a green manure crop. Animal manure was applied as slurry in rates corresponding to 40% of the N demand of the cereal crops.

Application of 50 kg NH₄-N ha⁻¹ in manure (slurry) increased average barley grain DM yield by 1.0–1.3 Mg DM ha⁻¹, whereas the use of catch crops (primarily perennial ryegrass) increased grain DM yield by 0.2–0.4 Mg DM ha⁻¹ with the smallest effect on the loamy sand and sandy loam soils and the greatest effect on the coarse sandy soil. Model estimations showed that the average yield reduction from weeds varied from 0.2 to 0.4 Mg DM ha⁻¹ depending on weed species and density. The yield effects of N supply were more predictable and less variable than the effects of weed infestation. The infestation level of leaf diseases was low and not a significant source of yield variation.

The apparent recovery efficiency of N in grains (N use efficiency, NUE) from NH₄-N in applied manure varied from 29 to 38%. The NUE of above-ground N in catch crops sampled in November prior to the spring barley varied from 16 to 52% with the largest value on the coarse sandy soil and the smallest value on the sandy loam soil. A comparison of grain yield levels obtained at the different locations with changes in soil organic matter indicated a NUE of 21–26% for soil N mineralisation, which is smaller than that for the mineral N applied in manure. However, this estimate is uncertain and further studies are needed to quantify differences in NUE from various sources of N.

The proportion of perennial weeds in total biomass increased during the experiment, particularly in treatments without manure application. The results show that manure application is a key factor in maintaining good crop yields in arable organic farming on sandy soils, and in securing crops that are sufficiently competitive against perennial weeds.     

Application of an emulsifiable mixture of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin against root knot nematodes and soilborne fungi for greenhouse tomatoes in Italy

A mixture of 1,3-dicloropropene 60.5% w/w and chloropicrin 33.3% w/w (Telone C35 EC) may be registered in Italy for soil drip fumigation. Five experiments on greenhouse tomatoes in Northern, Central and Southern Italy compared the effectiveness of this mixture in comparison with methyl bromide to find the optimum application rate in soils infested by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis lycopersici, Sclerotium rolfsii, Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita. Its efficacy against F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis lycopersici and M. incognita was confirmed when applied to soils at 100, 200, 300 and 400 l ha⁻¹ (132.4, 268.4, 402.6 and 536.8 kg ha⁻¹) under gas-tight films with 15–45 mm of application water (900–1200 mg Telone C35 EC l⁻¹). In sandy soils, with slight F. radicis lycopersici infections and with heavy nematode (M. incognita) attacks, the mixture, drip applied at 900 mg l⁻¹ during late summer (fumigation: late summer; transplant: late-summer/autumn; last harvest: early spring), performed well up to 132.4 kg ha⁻¹ (100 l ha⁻¹). In sandy loam soils with slight F. radicis lycopersici infections and severe infections of F. lycopersici and galling nematodes (M. javanica), 268.4 kg ha⁻¹ (200 l ha⁻¹) of the mixture applied at 900 mg l⁻¹ as a drip provided yields similar to those of methyl bromide treated plots both in spring and summer cycles. In sandy loam soils, the diseases (F. lycopersici, F. radicis lycopersici) were controlled at rates 268.4 kg ha⁻¹ (containing 90 kg ha⁻¹ of chloropicrin), but the mixture was ineffective against Sclerotium rolfsii occasionally observed in sandy loam soils. In both sandy and sandy loam soils, no significant relationships were found between the rates of mixture applied (132.4, 268.4, 402.6 and 536.8 kg ha⁻¹) and the degree of nematode infestation.     

Use of Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients to assess yield inequality within paddocks

The opportunity for site-specific management of crops depends on both the magnitude and spatial structure of yield variation. This study explored the applicability of Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients (G) to characterise the magnitude of the variation in grain yield. Maize crops were grown in farmers fields in a semi-arid region of central Argentina. Major sources of yield variation between and within paddocks included season, soil type and topography, rate of nitrogen fertiliser (nil to 132 kg N ha⁻¹), and the interactions among these factors. Nitrogen treatments were applied in a complete block strip trial (strip size700 m×9.8 m) with three replicates. Data were collected with an AgLeader™ yield monitor, and GIS software was used to create 9.8 m×9.8 m grids over the observations. Average yield in 0.7–2.8 ha field sections ranged from 1.6 to 7.0 t ha⁻¹. Gini coefficient ranged from 0.027 to 0.191 whereas its theoretical limits are 0 for a perfectly uniform population, and 1 for a theoretical population of infinite size where all units but one yield 0. Conditions conducive to high yield, e.g. adequate availability of nitrogen and water, reduced crop yield inequality, as quantified with G. The agronomic relevance of G was summarised in an inverse relationship with yield. Lorenz curves seemed particularly apt to present crop heterogeneity in terms of inequality, and to highlight the relative contribution of low- and high-yielding sections of the field to total paddock yield. Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients provide a potentially useful extension tool, a complement to yield maps and other statistical indices of yield variation, and further contact points between site-specific management, economics and ecology.     

Nitrogen flows and balances as affected by water and nutrient management in a sorghum cropping system of semiarid Burkina Faso

Efficient use of external inputs and water conservation are a prerequisite of sustainable agricultural productivity in semiarid West Africa. A field experiment was carried out during 3 years (2000–2002) at Saria in semiarid Burkina Faso (800 mm of annual rainfall, PET of 2000 mm per year) to assess the effects of stone rows or grass strips of Andropogon gayanus Kunth cv. Bisquamulatus (Hochst. Hack.) as soil and water conservation (SWC) measures, the sole application of an organic (compost-N) or mineral (urea-N) nitrogen and the combined use of SWC and compost-N or urea-N on N flows and balances. The trial was conducted on a Ferric Lixisol with 1.5% slope and comprised nine treatments in two replications. The SWC measures were put along contours lines. During the three consecutive years, all treatments induced negative annual N balances (−75 to −24 kg N ha⁻¹). The main factors explaining these negative balances were N exports by sorghum biomass and soil erosion-induced N losses. Large amounts of N (7 kg N ha⁻¹ per year in 2000 and 44 kg N ha⁻¹ per year in 2002) were lost in the control treatment through runoff and eroded sediments, which corresponds respectively to about 10 and 43% of the total outflow of N. Sole stone rows and grass strips reduced erosion N losses to 8 and 12%, respectively, of the total annual loss. The combined application of SWC measures and nutrients inputs reduced erosion N losses to only 2–7% of the annual N loss. The application of urea-N or compost-N led to the lowest soil N mining over the 3 years, whereas the highest N mining was observed in plots without added N. We conclude that N mining in poor fertile soils of West Africa can be mitigated through an integration of local water and nutrient management practices.     

Rice yield and productivity gaps in irrigated systems of the forest zone of Côte d'Ivoire

Much of the rapidly growing demand for rice in West Africa will be met from increased production in irrigated lowlands, which cover about 12% of the regional rice-growing area. A large potential for expansion of irrigated areas exists particularly in the inland valleys of the humid forest zone. Current production is characterized by large variability in productivity, management practices and production constraints. Quantifying the variability in rice yield and identifying the determining factors are prerequisites to the development of site-specific recommendations and to improved targeting of technologies. Diagnostic on-farm trials were conducted on 64 irrigated lowland fields in the humid forest zone of southern Côte d'Ivoire, in 1995–1996. This was a part of the regional gradient study of irrigated systems from the desert margin to the humid forest zone. Cropping calendars, field operations and input use were monitored. Weed biomass, rice N uptake, and grain yield were determined in farmers' fields as well as in super-imposed, researcher-managed subplots (clean weeding, no N control, and mineral fertilizer N application). Rice yield potential was simulated by using the Oryza-S crop growth model. Yield losses were attributed to management factors based on performance of rice in researcher-managed subplots (management-related yield gap) and by multiple regression with management options. Grain yields varied between 0.2 and 7.3 Mg ha⁻¹ with mean yields of 3.2 in partially and 4.2 Mg ha⁻¹ in fully irrigated systems, 44% and 57% of the potential yield of 7.3 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. Age of seedlings at transplanting, timeliness of operations and application of P fertilizer were correlated to yield and explained 60% of the observed variability. Grain yield was correlated with N uptake (r² = 0.93^***) but not with N application rate. Split application of mineral fertilizer N was associated with a 0.48 Mg ha⁻¹ yield increase (p = 0.002), regardless of the quantity applied. Additional weeding increased yield only in systems with imperfect irrigation. Weed biomass was reduced with improved water control and it increased with age of seedlings at transplanting, and was higher in direct-seeded than in transplanted rice. Echinochloa spp. were the most common weeds in fully irrigated systems and Panicum laxum was more common in the imperfectly irrigated fields. While improved water management was associated with substantial rice yield increases (1.16 Mg ha⁻¹), the timeliness of transplanting, weeding and N fertilization appears to be the key to increased rice yields in the forest zone of West Africa.     

Possible alternative utilization of Cynara spp.: I. Biomass, grain yield and chemical composition of grain

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) and cultivated cardoon (C. cardunculus L. var. altilis DC.) are horticulturally important crop plants. These species have potential as biomass and oilseed crops. We field tested, for 3 years, two artichoke and two cardoon cultivars and one wild cardoon (C. cardunculus L. var. sylvestris Lam.) population on the Sicilian plain of Catania (37°27′ N, 15°04′ E, 10 m a.s.l.). On a 3-year average, the dry aboveground biomass resulted about 31 t ha⁻¹ in both cultivated cardoons, 18.8 t ha⁻¹ in wild cardoon, 13.7 t ha⁻¹ in globe artichoke ‘3/10 V.S.’ and 9.9 t ha⁻¹ in globe artichoke ‘374’ F₁. The caloric values of aboveground biomass (except for seeds), which was not significantly different among genotypes, ranged between 16 005 and 17 028 KJ kg⁻¹ of dry matter. The cultivated cardoon ‘Gigante di Lucca’ had the greatest grain yield (on 3-year average, 2.6 t ha⁻¹), whereas the two globe artichokes had the lowest yield (on 3-year average, 0.5 t ha⁻¹). Regardless of genotypes and years, the grains contain 20.1% crude protein, 24.4% oil, 18.5% crude fiber and 4.1% ash (dry weight basis). The grains of globe artichokes showed the highest crude protein content (21.6%), whereas those of cardoons the highest oil content (25.2%).     

Fungicidal disease suppression and yield losses associated with sunflower rust in Israel

The effects of rust on the yield components and harvested achene yield of a non-oilseed sunflower cultivar were examined in two field trials in Israel. Head area and the number of achenes per head were decreased during severe rust epidemics, but were unaffected by moderate or mild epidemics. Individual achene weight and the frequency of fertile achenes were influenced by the disease, in relation to its intensity. The fungicide tebuconazole, applied at a rate of 0.125 kg a.i. ha⁻¹, arrested rust development for at least 14 days. Highly significant effects were obtained by spraying when anthesis had occurred only in the outer quarter of the inflorescence radius, whereas the effects of spraying when anthesis was completed were negligible. Differences in yield (0.86–1.15 t ha⁻¹) and in net profit (US$696–1153 ha⁻¹) between sprayed and unsprayed plots were significant (p<0.05).     

On-farm measurements of nitrogen fixation by winter and summer legumes in the Hill and Terai regions of Nepal

Results are reported from on-farm surveys of N₂ fixation in Nepal, conducted between 1994 and 1999, involving the summer legumes soybean, mashbean and groundnut, and the winter legumes lentil and chickpea, at various locations in the Hill and Terai regions of Nepal. Additional less-detailed data were also collected for pigeonpea, grasspea and fababean. There were a total of 107 crops in the major and minor surveys. Estimates of the proportion of legume nitrogen (N) derived from N₂ fixation (Pfix) were determined using the natural ¹⁵N abundance method. Mean estimates of Pfix for the various species were 62% (soybean), 47% (mashbean), 57% (groundnut), 78% (lentil), 79% (chickpea), 75% (pigeonpea), 87% (grasspea) and 85% (fababean). Estimates of total N fixed (including roots) were 59 kg N ha⁻¹ (soybean), 28 kg N ha⁻¹ (mashbean), 153 kg N ha⁻¹ (groundnut), 72 kg N ha⁻¹ (lentil), 84 kg N ha⁻¹ (chickpea), 412 N ha⁻¹ (pigeonpea) and 80 N ha⁻¹ (grasspea and fababean). The on-farm measurements of N₂ fixation were generally similar to those of experimental crops in the same areas of the country. Correlation matrices of soil fertility parameters, shoot dry matter and N, and N₂ fixation revealed that the total amounts of N fixed were influenced primarily by crop growth. Based on the above figures, it was estimated that approximately 30,000 t N were fixed annually in Nepal by legumes, valued at US$ 15 million.     

Increased frequency of phytosanitary pod removal in cacao (Theobroma cacao) increases yield economically in eastern Peru

Diseases caused by Moniliophthora roreri (moniliasis), Crinipellis perniciosa (witches’ broom) and Phytophthora palmivora (black pod) are the most important factors limiting cocoa production in Peru and cultural management is considered to be the only practical means of control for the smallholder. The objective of this study was to develop an epidemiologically and economically sound control recommendation based on the frequency of phytosanitary pod removal. Weekly removal of diseased pods reduced the incidence of diseases significantly in comparison with fortnightly removal. In three fields, moniliasis was decreased by 26–41%, black pod by 35–66% and witches’ broom on pods by 14–57%. The cumulative effect was a consistent yield increase from an average of 504–660 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Returns compensated for increased labour costs. Weekly pod removal was 32% more profitable. Time-course analyses indicated that weekly removal should be practised throughout the year under field conditions of eastern Peru.     

Improving spring and summer fungicide treatments for winter barley

The response of winter barley to broad-spectrum fungicides applied at first node stage [growth stage (GS) 31] or as two-spray programmes [first node stage and flag leaf to ear emergence (GS 39–59)] was examined at 22 sites over five years during 1986–1990. Single sprays were also applied at an intermediate timing [third node to flag leaf emerging (GS 33–37)] at all sites in 1989 and 1990. The mean response to the single spray at GS 30–31 was 0.86 t ha⁻¹ but ranged from 0.25 to 3.03 t ha⁻¹ (4–80%). With the addition of a late spray (GS 39–59) of propiconazole plus tridemorph to the spring treatment, mean response was 1.25 t ha⁻¹ [range 0.35–3.32 t ha⁻¹ (5–87%)]. There were some differences between fungicides and fungicide mixtures applied at GS 31 and a prochloraz component was needed for effective control of eyespot. Seasonal differences in the mean response to the GS 39–59 treatment reflected differences in disease pressure after GS 59. The GS 30–31 treatment failed to maintain disease control up to the milky ripe stage (GS 75) in years when disease pressure was high. Yield responses were correlated with disease severity on leaf 2 at the time of the spring (GS 31) application and with the degree of control of eyespot on the stem base and of foliar diseases on the flag leaf at GS 75. A single spray applied at GS 33–37 gave comparable yields to the two-spray programmes and has potential to improve profitability where disease levels are low at the first node stage.     

Improving nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiencies through inclusion of forage cowpea in the rice–wheat systems in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

In high productivity zones of Indo-Gangetic Plains in south Asia, the rice–wheat system is stressed due to production fatigue as evidenced by declining soil organic matter content, low efficiency of fertilizer use and diminishing rates of factor productivity. We, therefore, conducted field experiments at Modipuram, India, to conserve soil organic carbon, improve N and P use efficiency, and increase yields of rice–wheat system through inclusion of forage cowpea during the summer before cultivating the rice–wheat system. Cowpea forage harvested at 50 days removed greater amounts of N and P through aboveground biomass than those recycled through belowground roots and nodules. The NO₃-N in soil profile below 45 cm depth after wheat harvest was greater under fallow during summer than under cowpea, suggesting that cowpea minimized NO₃-N leaching beyond 45 cm depth. Similarly, in the treatments receiving both 120 kg N and 26 kg P ha⁻¹, NO₃-N in soil below 45 cm depth was lower compared to those receiving N or P alone. After three crop cycles, soil OC content in 0–15 and 15–30 cm depths was greater compared to initial OC in plots having cowpea. P applied at 26 kg ha⁻¹ increased available P content over initial P content, and also over P content of soil under no P treatments. The available P content was, however, invariably low under summer cowpea plots as compared to that under no cowpea ones. With continuous rice–wheat cropping, the bulk density (BD) of soil increased over the initial BD at different profile-depths, more so at 30–45 cm depth in no cowpea plots, but inclusion of summer cowpea helped decreasing the BD in the surface (0–15 cm) and sub-surface (15–30 and 30–45 cm) soil layers. Summer cowpea grown on residual fertility after wheat harvest did not influence rice yield, but increased wheat grain yield (P<0.05 during the terminal year), when both the crops received fertilizer N and P at recommended rates. Skipping of N or P or both, however, resulted in consistently low yield of these crops under summer cowpea treatments than those under no cowpea treatments, although the differences were not necessarily significant every year. The use efficiency of applied N and P fertilizers in rice and wheat, measured as agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery, was increased with the use of fertilizer N and P at recommended rates, and also with inclusion of summer cowpea.     

Cynodon dactylon control with tillage and glyphosate

Field experiments were conducted during two cropping seasons at two sites in Botswana to determine the efficacy of combining glyphosate and tillage in controlling C. dactylon. Treatments consisted of no-tillage, single and double ploughing during winter and spring plus the application of glyphosate at 0, 1.08, and 2.16 kg ha⁻¹ 3–4 weeks after the last ploughing. Visual assessment indicated higher levels of grass control from combining glyphosate and tillage than when these elements were applied separately. However, biomass data indicated that either double ploughing or glyphosate application controlled C. dactylon. A single ploughing followed by glyphosate at 2.16 kg ha⁻¹ after a regrowth of C. dactylon may provide an effective and affordable control method to small-scale farmers.     

红壤旱地施用石灰对土壤酸度、油菜产量和肥料利用率的长期影响

长达１５年的田间石灰长期定位试验结果显示：红壤施用３．７５～１５．００ｔ／ｈｍ２石灰石粉降低土壤酸度的后效可以维持４～１５年,使油菜增产和肥料利用率提高所维持的时间则可达１５年以上。红壤施用石灰可以提高油菜籽粒产量１７．５％～２９．８％,提高Ｎ、Ｐ和Ｋ肥料利用率的幅度分别为１７．６％～３３．０％,２５．６％～３９．７％和６．８％～３６．１％。     

Nitrogen dynamics and crop growth on an Alfisol and a Vertisol under a direct-seeded rainfed lowland rice-based system

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) followed by chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) or a fallow is one of the predominant cropping systems in the rainfed lowlands of India. Crop rotation experiments over 3 years (1996–1998) to quantify N supply and demand under rainfed lowland rice–chickpea and rice–fallow cropping systems on a loam Alfisol and a clay Vertisol in Raipur, India were conducted under direct-seeded rice culture. The rice growth, yield, development and N accumulation were affected most by N rates (0, 40, 80, 120 kg ha⁻¹) followed by cropping system (rice–chickpea, rice–fallow) and soil types (Alfisol, Vertisol). The incorporation of chickpea in the cropping system helped in accumulating a greater amount of soil N than fallow. The rice yield, dry matter and N accumulated were significantly higher in rice–chickpea than rice–fallow systems on both soils and in all years. The lowest rice yields were recorded in 1997 due to unfavorable rainfall distribution. The total rainfall was the highest in this season, but most of it occurred during a short period at an early growth stage. The post-heading rains were lowest in this season and resulted in the lower rice yield as compared with that of 1996 and 1998. This indicates the significance of rainfall distribution in controlling yield in a rainfed environment. The rice yields were lower on Vertisol than Alfisol during periods of drought. The performance of chickpea was also better in Alfisol as compared with that in the Vertisol due to its better soil physical attributes. The residual effect of N applied to the preceding rice crop was non-significant on all yield, growth and N accumulation parameters of chickpea. The N balance computed from the top 70 cm soil layers indicated less N loss in the rice–chickpea system as compared with that in rice–fallow. The recovery efficiency at the highest N rate (120 kg N ha⁻¹) was higher for the rice–chickpea (57–61%) than that of rice–fallow (49–53%) system. The improved N balance for rice–chickpea system from third year onwards was due to switch to dry seeding and improved soil N status. The inclusion of legume and the effective capture of biologically fixed N and soil N through direct-seeded rice system in rainfed lowlands may help in improving the rice yield of resource poor farmers.     

N-use efficiency of single, double and synthetic maize lines grown at four N levels in three ecological zones of West Africa

Efficiencies in uptake and use of N by maize cultivars have been widely studied, but little has been done on this subject in West Africa. Six single-cross hybrids, three double-cross hybrids and a synthetic line were grown at different N levels (0–210 kg N ha⁻¹) in three ecological zones of West Africa. The maize cultivars differed widely in grain yield and N-accumulation parameters. Most cultivars absorbed similar amounts of N ranging from 2.04 g plant⁻¹ to 2.60 g plant⁻¹, but produced different grain yields, with those that accumulated more N after silking tending to have higher grain yield. Grain yields in the forest zone were lower than those in two Savanna regions. Differences were also observed for N-uptake (total N-uptake per unit N supplied to the soil), N-utilization (grain produced per unit N absorbed from the soil) and N-use efficiency (NUE) (grain produced per unit N supplied to the soil). Cultivars varied in their response to change in available soil N. The hybrids were more efficient in N-use and its component traits than the synthetic cultivar. Hybrid 1368 × KU1414-SR yielded the most grain as well as exhibiting superior traits for N-uptake and N-use efficiency.     

Response of wheat, triticale and barley to lime application in semi-arid soils

Field experiments were conducted on four acid soils which were typical of the eastern section of the cropping region in southeastern Australia. The response of three cereal varieties to application of limestone or elemental S was measured as a function of soil pH. The cereals were selected to cover the known range of tolerance to acidity: Triticale (×Triticosecale wittmack cv. Currency) (tolerant); wheat (Tritcum aestivum cv. Matong) (moderately tolerant) and barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Schooner) (sensitive). A two asymptote logistic equation was used to describe the relationship between soil pH and rates of limestone and elemental sulphur. The upper asymptotes for the four sites were well below the pH of lime saturation as the agriculturally practiced rates of lime were lower than the rates that could achieve the maximum pH in the field. The same equation was used to fit higher rates of lime application to a similar soil type to one of the four sites in this study and resulted in an upper asymptote of 7.26. Crop yield responses to lime application were well described by soil pH_Ca (0.01 M CaCl₂). Soil pH_Ca ranges which gave 95% of maximum yield were pH_Ca 4.3–5.6 for Matong wheat, 4.4–4.8 for Currency triticale and 4.7–5.8 for Schooner barley. It was found that rainfall played an important role in limiting the yield response of crops to lime application. Lime reaction, lime requirement and grain yield models should include rainfall and soil water content as these influence the rate and extent of dissolution of limestone and subsequent plant response in a semi-arid environment.