Effect of different safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)–bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping patterns on growth and yield under weedy and weed-free conditions

Two field experiments were carried out over two consecutive years (2010–2011) in the research field of the College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Fars Province, southern Iran. The study was a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications: the first factor was the ratio of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L. Pi cv.) to bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. Saiad cv.) at five levels (safflower and bean sole cropping, and intercropping of safflower and bean at ratios of 1:3, 2:2 and 3:1); and the second factor was weed management at two levels: weed-free (complete weed control) and weedy (no weed control). The results showed that an intercropping system was the most appropriate method for decreasing the adverse effect of weeds on the performance of both crops. Intercropping was more suitable for weedy than weed-free conditions. According to the land equivalent ratio (LER) value, if the main crop was bean, the best intercropping treatment was one row of safflower and six rows of bean (S₁B₃) under both weedy and weed-free conditions. By contrast, if the main crop was safflower, the best treatment under weedy conditions was S₁B₃, whereas under weed-free conditions the best treatment was two rows of safflower and four rows of bean (S₂B₂). Overall, S₁B₃ can be introduced as the best intercropping method.     

Effect of nitrogen– boron interaction on plant growth and tissue nutrient concentration of canola (Brassica napus L.)

Pot experiments were conducted in the greenhouse on a calcareous soil to study the effect of nitrogen on the alleviation of boron toxicity in canola (Brassica napus L.). The treatments consisted of factorial combination of six levels of B (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg kg^?1 as boric acid), and four levels of nitrogen (N) (0, 75, 150 and 300 mg kg^?1 as urea) in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Boron (B) application significantly reduced the yield, whereas N addition alleviated the growth suppression effects caused by B supplements. Boron concentration increased with addition B. However, boron concentration in shoot declined with increasing N levels. Increasing N and B rates increased N concentration. Soil application of B increased proline concentration. However, the supply of N decreased it. Generally, application of B decreased potassium (K):B and calcium (Ca):B ratios, chlorophyll concentration, while N application increased them. It is concluded that N fertilization can be used effectively in controlling B toxicity in canola grown in B-affected soils.     

Impact of organic and inorganic nutrition on soil–plant nutrient balance in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) on a laterite soil

The study assessed the impact of continuous application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on arecanut in India. Key parameters examined were biomass production, nutrient uptake, yield, soil fertility and net benefit. Pooled analysis of 8-year data revealed that nutrient application registered significantly higher yield (2585–3331 kg ha^?1) than no nutrition (1827 kg ha^?1). Yields in organic nutrition were around 85% of the yields obtained in inorganic NPK. The concentrations of leaf N and K were significantly higher with NPK than with vermicompost. Vermicompost significantly increased soil organic carbon and the availability of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu), but reduced exchangeable K in soil. The total uptake of K and Ca together contributed positively to 75% variability in total biomass production. Nutrient removal of iron (Fe), P, K and Cu positively influenced the yield with about 81% variability. Biomass partitioning and nutrient uptake pattern are important for fertilization program of arecanut.     

Different Forms of Potassium and Their Contributions toward Potassium Uptake under Long-Term Maize (Zea mays L.)–Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Rotation on an Inceptisol

In a long-term fertilizer experiment at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, with maize, wheat, and cowpea, various forms of potassium (K) and their contribution toward K uptake were found to be affected by fertilizer use and intensive cropping. The treatments included for the study were a control, 100% nitrogen (N), 100% N–phosphorus (P), 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM at 15 t ha^?1 to maize only), and 150% NPK. The concentration of nonexchangeable K was greatest, followed by exchangeable K and water-soluble K. The study revealed no significant change in water-soluble K concentration in surface soil compared to N, NP, and control, indicating existence of an equilibrium between different K forms. Application of 100% NPK significantly increased water-soluble K concentration in surface soil compared to N, NP, and control treatments after maize, wheat, and cowpea. Application of NPK + FYM and 150% NPK resulted in greater quantities of all the K forms as compared to other treatments. Among the three forms, water-soluble K contributed predominantly to K uptake by maize and wheat; however, nonexchangeable K contributed significantly to K uptake by cowpea.     

Effects of early‐season foliar fertilization on cotton growth,yield, and nutrient concentration

Many producers are using foliar fertilizers on seedling cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with the intent of promoting early vigor and increasing yields. However, the hypothesis that foliar feeding young cotton increases seedling vigor and yield has not been rigorously tested. We conducted 5 studies during 1990 to 1992 to investigate the value of one, two or three foliar applications of 12–48–8 fertilizer to seedling cotton. Two studies also included foliar‐applied urea. Plant height and whole‐plant phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N) were determined two weeks after each application in two studies. Yield and P and N concentrations were not influenced by foliar fertilizers in any study. Seedling height was not influenced by applications of 12–48–8. A slight early‐season height advantage was observed with foliar‐applied urea at one location. Our results suggest that application of foliar N and P fertilizers to seedling cotton has little agronomic value.     

The effect of an NH4 +‐enhanced nitrogen source on the growth and yield of hydroponically grown maize (Zea mays L.)

Increased above‐ground dry matter and grain yields were found for two hydroponically grown maize hybrids (Pioneer‐3925 and Pioneer‐3949) when plants were supplied with an NH₄ ⁺‐enhanced nutrient solution (31 percent of total N) compared with a control (4 percent of total N as NH₄ ⁺). The major difference in yield developed between silking and 2 weeks post‐silking and silking and 4 weeks post‐silking for the P‐3925 and P‐3949 respectively. The reduced nitrogen content of the stover (leaves plus stalk) was consistently higher on the NH₄ ⁺‐enhanced nutrient solution. The decreased production of the control treatment may have resulted from a reduced photsynthetic capacity.     

Cultivation of potato – use of plastic mulch and row covers on soil temperature,growth, nutrient status,and yield

Potato is one of the most important crops in the world because of its high nutritional value; however, traditional cultivation in bare soil may render low yields and poor quality. Crop production efficiency can be increased by using plastic mulching and row covers to modify root zone temperature and plant growth, in addition to reduction in pest damage and enhance production in cultivated plants. However, there is little information demonstrating the effect of row covers in combination with plastic mulch on potato. The aim of this study was to assess the change in root zone temperature and its effect on growth, leaf nutrient, and yield of potato using plastic mulch of different colors, in combination with row covers. Seed of cultivar Mondial was planted in May 2012. The study included four plastic films: black, white/black, silver/black, aluminum/black, and a control with bare soil, which were evaluated alone and in combination with row covers removed at 30 days after sowing in a split-plot design. Higher yields were obtained when no row cover (43.2 t ha^?1) and the white/black film (42.2 t ha^?1) were used. Leaf nitrogen, sulfur, and manganese concentration were higher in plants when row cover was used; in contrast, no–row cover plants were higher in Fe and Zn. Mulched plants were higher in Mn concentration than control plants. There was a quadratic relationship between mean soil temperature and total yield (R² = 0.94), and between plant biomass and total yield (R² = 0.98), between leaf area with total yield (R² = 0.98).     

Effect of conjoint use of bio-organics and chemical fertilizers on yield,soil properties under French bean–cauliflower-based cropping system

This study investigates the effect of conjoint use of bio-organics (biofertilizers + crop residues + FYM) and chemical fertilizers on yield, physical–chemical and microbial properties of soil in a ‘French bean–cauliflower’-based cropping system of mid hills of the north-western Himalayan Region (NWHR) of India. Conjoint bio-organics at varied levels of NPK chemical fertilizers increased yield of ‘cauliflower’ over corresponding single application. Incorporation of crop residues with 75% of the recommended NPK application resulted in the highest yield (19 t ha^?1). Conjoint use of bio-organics produced a yield (15.65 t ha^?1), which was statistically on a par with 75% of the recommended NPK application alone. This indicated a saving of 75% NPK chemical fertilizers. In the case of ‘French bean’, the effect was non-significant. The results also showed significant higher soil available N (351.3 kg ha^?1) under 75% NPK + biofertilizers, whereas the highest soil available K (268.3 kg ha^?1) was recorded under 75% NPK + crop residues. Lowest bulk density (1.03 Mg m^?3), highest water holding capacity (36.5%), soil organic matter (10.6 g kg^?1), bacterial (4.13 × 10⁷ cfu g^?1) and fungal (6.3 × 10⁷ cfu g^?1) counts were recorded under sole application of bio-organics. According to our study, we concluded that the combination of NPK fertilizers and bio-organics increased yield except French bean, soil available N, K and saved chemical fertilizers under ‘French bean–cauliflower’-based cropping system.     

Effect of nutrient management and straw mulching on crop yield,uptake and soil fertility in rapeseed (Brassica campestris)–greengram (Vigna radiata)–rice (Oryza sativa) cropping system under Gangetic plains of India

An experiment was conducted at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India during 2001–2003 to study the effect of levels of fertility and straw mulch on a rapeseed (Brassica campestris var yellow sarson)–greengram (Vigna radiata)–rice (Oryza sativa) cropping system under a rainfed upland ecosystem. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design having 14 treatment combinations of organic and inorganic nutrients along with straw mulch in three replicates. The results revealed that conjunctive use of organic and inorganic nutrients as well as paddy straw mulch resulted higher yield in both rapeseed and greengram, and the residual effects of different levels of fertilization and mulching also gave rise to higher grain yield in the succeeding rice crop. The uptake of nutrients, by the cropping system as a whole, to the tune of 204.29 and 183.00 kg ha^?1 of N, 72.84 and 74.07 kg ha^?1 of P and 179.95 and 175.41 kg ha^?1 of K took place, with the treatment receiving 10 t ha^?1 of farmyard manure (FYM) applied (to rapeseed) along with 50% recommended dose (RD) of NPK to all the crops in the sequence in two consecutive years, respectively. The same treatment resulted in a higher percentage of porosity vis-à-vis lower bulk density. Soil physico-chemical properties were superior in mulch-treated plots compared with no mulch treatment. Application of organic and inorganic nutrients along with proper moisture conservation practices can enhance the yields maintaining a good soil health.     

Effect of nitrogen and sulphur fertilizers and seed inoculation with rhizobium phaseoli on the nitrogen‐sulphur relationships of bean (phaseolus vulgaris L.)

A greenhouse experiment with beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was performed in order to investigate the effect of nitrogen and sulphur application and seed inoculation on the yield, leaf area, distribution of different nitrogen and sulphur fractions and N/S ratio in shoot, fruit and root.

Inoculation of plants together with nitrogen or sulphur application produces an increase in the concentration of total nitrogen and a decrease in the accumulation of nitrate‐nitrogen and sulphate‐sulphur in shoot, fruit and root. Leaf area increased more with nitrogen than with sulphur application while the highest amounts of fruit dry matter were obtained with sulphur application.

N: S ratios obtained were different according to the part of the plant tested. Sulphur fertilization decreased the N: S ratios in shoot, fruit and root. The data obtained indicate that and adequate N: S ratio can insure maximum production of yield.     

Secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) berries of different subspecies and harvesting times

Sea buckthorn (Hippopha? rhamnoides) seeds, berries, and berry fractions are often used as sources of bioactive ingredients for health products. The aim of the present study was to analyze lignans in these fractions of sea buckthorn. Secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol in seeds, fruit pulp/peel, and whole berries of sea buckthorn of three subspecies were analyzed by isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total content of the two lignans secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol varied widely from 8 to 139 microg/100 g in fresh berries and from 51 to 319 microg/100 g in dry berries. The content of secoisolariciresinol varied in the range of 34-313 microg/100 g of dry mass in the fruit pulp/peel and 93-355 microg/100 g in dry seeds. The content of matairesinol fell within the range of 3-25 microg/100 g in dry pulp/peel and 1-13 microg/kg in dry seeds. Wild H. rhamnoides ssp. sinensis contained a significantly higher total level of secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol in dry seeds, dry berries, and fresh berries compared with wild ssp. rhamnoides (253 vs 135 microg/100 g, P < 0.01, in seeds; 224 vs 153 microg/100 g, P < 0.05, in dry berries; 71 vs 29 g/100 g, P < 0.01, in fresh berries) and the cultivar of ssp. mongolica (253 vs 112 microg/100 g in seeds, 71 vs 9 microg/100 g in fresh berries). Harvesting dates had a significant influence on the content of the two lignans in seeds, fruit pulp/peel, and whole berries. This is the first report of lignans in sea buckthorn.     

Effect of root pruning and nitrogen fertilization on growth of young ‘fuji’ apple (Malus domestica borkh.) trees

This study examined the effect of root pruning (RP) and nitrogen fertilization (NF) alone or in combination (RP-NF) on growth properties of 3-year-old ‘Fuji’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees. The results of pot experiments showed that the trees were sensitive to RP and NF alone or in combination in terms of root architecture, leaf photosynthesis, and canopy growth. Compared with the control, NF and RP-NF increased root length density and tips, while RP and RP-NF decreased root surface area and volume. RP alone reduced coarse root length (2.0–4.0 and >4.0 mm diameter), while RP-NF simultaneously increased fine root length (≤1.0 mm diameter) and reduced coarse root length. Moreover, RP increased leaf chlorophyll content and transpiration rate, while RP-NF increased net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency. RP-NF resulted in no differences in dry matter weight, root-shoot ratio, or leaf area compared with the control. Inhibiting vegetative growth by RP-NF provided an effective way to improve water use efficiency of young apple trees.     

Influence of different long-term mineral–organic fertilization on yield,nutrient balance and soil C and N contents of a sandy loess (Haplic Phaeozem) in middle Germany

In a long-term field trial (Halle, Germany, founded in 1949 by K. Schmalfuß, soil type Haplic Phaeozem), the effects of different mineral and organic fertilization on dry matter yields, soil C and N contents and N balances were investigated. Over a period of 60 years, yields increased on average in all cultivated crops (winter and spring cereals, potatoes, sugar beets, silage maize), even without any fertilization. Nitrogen deficiency in unfertilized and PK treatments caused strong decreases in yield (up to 48%) in comparison with the N2PK standard treatment. The effect of omitting K or P supply was smaller (up to 18% and 7% yield reduction, respectively). The highest yields were obtained with high mineral N + PK application and (except winter wheat) with farmyard manure in combination with mineral fertilization. The N balances were negative in all treatments. However, if N immission from the air (40 kg ha^?1 a^?1) was included in the calculation, N balances were negative only in low N treatments. The soil C and N contents increased up to 1975. A considerable decrease has been seen since about 1985. The highest soil C and N contents were observed in the farmyard manure treatments. In addition to fertilization effects, this development of soil properties reflects changes in environmental pollution, climatic changes, as well as shifts in cultivation methods like tillage depths, over recent decades.     

Effect of seed‐placed fertilizer on the emergence (germination) of soybeans (Glycine max L.) and snapbeans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

Field trials were established on a loamy fine sand and a silt loam using snapbeans and soybeans as test crops, respectively. Row fertilizer was placed with the seed (seed‐placed). Treatments were arranged in a 3×3×3 factorial experiment, and N, P, and K were applied in all combinations at three rates (0, 3.4, and 6.8 kg/ha). Ammonium nitrate (AN), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), concentrated superphosphate (CSP) and potassium chloride (KCl) were used as sources of N, P and K. Additional treatments compared MAP with diammonium phosphate (DAP) and KCl with potassium nitrate (KNO₃).

The salt index of each treatment was inversely related to emergence, i.e. as the salt index increased, the emergence decreased. Level of N was more important than level of P or K in regards to reduction in emergence. Snapbeans grown on a loamy fine sand were extremely sensitive to damage from seed‐placed fertilizer, even at rates as low as 3.4 kg/ha of N, P or K. Soybeans planted on a silt loam soil were less sensitive than snapbeans planted on a loamy sand. The soybeans were able to tolerate up to 10.2 kg/ha of seed‐placed P plus K or 6.8 kg/ha of seed‐placed N plus P or N plus K without causing a significant delay in emergence.     

Soil nutrient status,yield and quality of lemon (Citrus limon Burm.) cv. ‘Assam lemon’ as influenced by bio-fertilizers,organics and inorganic fertilizers

An experiment was conducted at Mizoram University, Aizawl, India during 2015-2017 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and quality of lemon cv. ‘Assam lemon’ (Citrus limon Burm.). The experiment was comprised of nine treatments viz. T1: 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) through inorganic fertilizers (IF); T2: 100% N through Farm Yard Manure (FYM); T3: 75% N through FYM + 25% through IF; T4: 50% N through FYM + 50% through IF; T5:75% N through FYM +25% through IF + Azotobacter + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)+ potash solubilizing bacteria (KSB); T6: 50% N through FYM + 50% through IF+ Azotobacter + PSB?+?KSB; T7: 75% N through FYM + 25% through IF?+?Azospirillum + AMF?+?KSB; T8: 50% N through FYM + 50% through IF+ Azospirillum + arbuscular mychorrhizal fungi (AMF) + KSB; T9: control. Among all treatments, T5 recorded highest value with respect to growth, yield and soil quality. While, T7 showed superiority in quality characters.     

Factors influencing diamine oxidase activity and γ-aminobutyric acid content of fava bean (Vicia faba L.) during germination

Factors (germination time, spectra, temperature, pH, and chemical inhibitors) influencing diamine oxidase (DAO, EC 1.4.3.6) activity and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of fava bean (Vicia faba L.) during germination were investigated in this study. DAO activity significantly increased in germinating seeds but varied with different organs. The enzyme activity was higher in shoot than that in cotyledon, hypocotyl, and radicle. When seeds were germinated in the dark, DAO activity was 2.35-, 2.00-, 2.36-, 4.40-, and 1.67-fold of that under white, red, blue, green, and yellow spectra, respectively. The optimum germination temperature and pH value for increasing DAO activity were 30 °C and 3.0, respectively. The DAO activity was inhibited significantly by aminoguanidine and sodium ethylenediamine tetracetate, while it was activated by CuCl(2) and CaCl(2). Germinating at an appropriate temperature and pH, 30% of GABA formation was supplied by DAO. Calcium was related to the regulation of DAO activity and GABA accumulation.     

Growth and cation absorption of some fruit‐vegetable crops grown on rockwool as affected by different cation ratios in the nutrient solution

In a series of experiments, cucumber, eggplant and sweet pepper were grown in rockwool with nutrient solutions of different ratios of potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). The ratios between the anions in the nutrient solutions compared were the same. In addition to yield, the concentrations of cations in the root environment and in different plant tissues were determined.

The results show that the yield for eggplant fruits were strongly reduced by a low Mg level, while the yield of cucumbers seemed to be somewhat reduced by a low Ca supply. Sweet pepper yields were not affected among the cation ratios compared.

Relationships between cation contents in the root environment and cation contents in plant tissues were established. The correlation coefficients for these relationships were very high. The equations calculated for the various cations show remarkable differences. Regression coefficients and intercepts strongly depend on crop and plant part sampled. For Mg, it could be established that Ca strongly affected the uptake of Mg.     

Interactions of oxygen‐nitrogen‐salinity stresses on plant growth and mineral content of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in sand culture

Reports relating the separate and combined influences of soil aeration, nitrogen and saline stresses on the germination, growth and ion accumulation in sunflowers are lacking in the literature. The sunflowers of this report were grown in sand culture in the greenhouse. Separate and combined treatments of two levels of aeration, three levels of nitrogen and three levels of NaCl were applied to plants which were harvested at 40 and 56 days. Seed germination was excellent in all treatments. Plant height and dry weight decreased with each type of stress. Low oxygen (0.20 μg O₂ cm^‐2 min^‐1) and nitrogen (10 ppm) combined with 70 meq/1 NaCl caused the greatest reduction of plant growth. Leaf number was reduced by low nitrogen and excess salt. Low oxygen reduced the accumulation of K, Ca and Mg and increased the Na and N‐NO₃ content of sunflower leaves. Potassium to sodium ratios in plant on sunflower growth could be partially ameliorated with the tissue were decreased by greater EC values of the nutrient solution and low soil ODR. The adverse effects of salt and oxygen stresses addition of nitrogen. Ion accumulation was an earlier indicator of plant stress than plant growth and both parameters provided excellent methods for assessing plant tolerance to soil aeration, nitrogen and saline stresses.     

Effect of peat moss‐shrimp wastes compost on the growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) on a loamy sand soil

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effect of peat moss‐shrimp wastes compost on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown on a limed loamy sand soil. A control, four rates of compost applied alone and in combination with three rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) chemical fertilizer were evaluated. Applications of compost to limed soil substantially enhanced the growth of barley over the control. When considering all treatments, the main effect of compost rates on straw yield, numbers of tillers, plant height, and number of ears was more important than that of fertilizer. A significant interaction on barley growth parameter values was obtained with compost and fertilizer rates. A combination of moderate application of compost and fertilizer gave in some instances, more yield than compost or fertilizer applied alone. Nutrient content of barley increased with rate of compost applied to soil over the control. A significant relationship was found between soil organic carbon (C) and straw yield, number of tillers, plant height and number of ears whereas grain yield was correlated with soil total N. Results from this study indicate that peat moss‐shrimp wastes compost could represent a potential means of renovating low fertility sand soils.     

Effect of Organic Manure and Crop Residue Based Long-Term Nutrient Management Systems on Soil Quality Changes under Sole Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) and Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) – Finger Millet Rotation in Rainfed Alfisol

A long-term experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on soil quality and its relation to finger millet yield under two predominant crop rotations viz., groundnut–finger millet and finger millet monocropping in hot moist semiarid rainfed Alfisol soils in South India. Two experiments were laid out separately for each cropping system in a randomized complete block design with five treatments individually with FYM and maize residue-based combinations viz., Control (T1), FYM @ 10t ha ^?1 or Maize residue (MR) @ 5t ha ^?1 (T2), farm yard manure (FYM) @ 10t ha ^?1 or Maize residue (MR) @ 5t ha ^?1 + 50% RDF (Recommended Fertiliser Dose) N, P₂O₅ &; K₂O (T3), FYM @ 10t ha ^?1 or Maize residue (MR) @ 5t ha ^?1 + 100% RDF N,P₂O₅ &; K₂O (T4), Recommended N, P₂O₅ &; K₂O (T5). Thus, four sets of nutrient management systems were evaluated. The results showed that farm yard manure or maize residue application in combination with recommended dose of fertilizer significantly improved the soil physical, chemical, and biological properties compared to control and application of inorganic fertilizers alone. Based on evaluation of 19 soil quality parameters under each of the four nutrient management systems, the common key soil quality indicators emerged out were: organic C (OC), available nitrogen (N), available sulfur (S), and mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates. A significant correlation between the finger millet yield and the relative soil quality indices (RSQI) indicates the importance of soil quality in these semiarid Alfisol soils. The results and the methodology adopted in the present study could be of importance in improving the soil quality not only for the region of the study, but also in other identical soils and cropping systems across the world.