Productivity and Sustainability of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)–Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cropping System as Influenced by Prilled Urea, Farmyard Manure and Azotobacter

Field experiments were conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, during 2001–2002 and 2002–2003, to study the effect of inorganic, organic and Azotobacter combined sources of N on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and their residual effect on succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. The results indicated considerable increase in yield attributes and mean seed cotton yield (2.33 Mg ha^?1) with the combined application of 30 kg N and farmyard manure (FYM) at 12 Mg ha^?1 along with Azotobacter (M₄). The treatment in cotton that included FYM, especially when fertilizer N was also applied could either improve or maintain the soil fertility status in terms of available N, P and K. Distinct increase in yield attributes and grain yield of wheat was observed with the residual effect of integrated application of 30 kg N ha^?1 + FYM at 12 Mg ha^?1 + Azotobacter. Direct application of 120 kg N ha^?1 resulted 67.4 and 17.7 % increase in mean grain yield of wheat over no N and 60 kg N ha^?1, respectively. Integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizer is therefore, recommended for higher productivity and sustainability of the cotton–wheat system.     

Effect of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Fertilization on Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) Nitrogen Uptake and Yield

Little is known about the effect of combined phosphorus and nitrogen (P‐N) fertilization on the N requirement of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.). This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of varying levels of P and N, as well as the interaction P × N, on the N uptake, yield and N apparent utilization efficiency under field conditions. Split‐plot design experiments were conducted in the mid‐western Pampas in Argentina. Four levels of N (0, 46, 92 and 138 kg N ha^?1) and three levels of P (0, 12 and 40 kg P ha^?1) were applied to two Typic Hapludolls over two growing seasons (1997–98 and 1998–99). N uptake and soil N‐NO₃ contents were determined at the V₇, R₅ and R₉ growth stages. The sunflower yield ranged from 2.5 to 5.0 Mg ha^?1. The total N requirement was around 45 kg N Mg^?1 grain, and this result suggests that it is not necessary to use different N requirements (parameter b) for fertilized crops when a yield response is expected. To achieve a 100 % yield maximum a N supply (soil plus fertilizer) of 181 kg N ha^?1 at P₄₀ was needed. However, at P₀, the highest yield was about 80 % of the maximum yield with a N supply (soil plus fertilizer) of 164 kg N ha^?1. P application increased the apparent use efficiency of the supplied N.     

Effect of Phosphorus Fertilizer on Soya Bean Residue Turnover in the Tropical Moist Savanna

The contributions of soya bean (Glycine max) to the maintenance of soil N, organic matter and physical properties in any cropping system is dependent on the amount of the crop residue returned after grain harvest. This amount of residue is a function of the dry matter accumulated during growth. In the topical moist savanna (MS) of West Africa where soya bean production has increased especially due to the cultivation of more hectarage of land, increase in soya bean dry matter with the resulting residue is limited by P deficiencies. In this study, the effect of P application on residue turnover by soya bean varieties of different maturity classes was evaluated across the MS. The amount of root residue in the late varieties was double that of the early and medium varieties. The effect of P application on root residue was also greater in the late varieties. Although root residue was 0.35–0.72 Mg ha^?1, this was about 17–21 % of total dry matter at harvest. Among the varieties, litter residue averaged less than 1 Mg ha^?1 in the early and medium varieties, and was 32 % higher in the late varieties. Litter residue increased by 42–46 % with P application. The total amount of soya bean residue that is a potential source of organic material in a cropping system after the export of grain is small and averaged 2.88 Mg ha^?1 . Of this, root residue constituted 18 %, litter residue 41 % and stover residue 40 %. In this study C/N ratio averaged 17.1, 34.8 and 32.2 for root, litter and stover, respectively. The amount of total residue obtained in this study shows that the benefit of the effect of soya beans on soil organic matter and physical properties derivable from a single soya bean crop is small.     

Response of Rice Varieties Grown in Semi-deepwater Ecosystem to Foliage Pruning and Nitrogen Fertilization

Field experiments were conducted at Cuttack, India, in 1992 and 1993 using two semi-tall (Panidhan and CR 580-5 of 180 days duration) and two tall (Amulya and CR 626-26-2-3 of 170 days duration), elongating and photosensitive rice varieties to study their response to foliage pruning at varying levels of nasally applied N fertilizer (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha^?1). Pruning at the collar level of the topmost leaf was done either once at 90 or 120 days of growth, or twice at both the stages. The crop was sown during the end of May in dry soil and subsequently grown under a semi-deepwater regime (0–80 cm water depth). The dry weight of pruned foliage was more in the tall than in the semi-tall varieties and it increased with an increase in the level of N fertilization and delay in pruning. Two prunings produced greater foliage yield than one pruning. Foliage pruning once at 90 days of growth had no effect on the grain yield of all varieties. However, pruning at 120 days of growth decreased the yield of Amulya and CR 626-26-2-3, particularly in 1992, possibly because of less time (25–30 days) available for the crop recovery before flowering. Further, pruning twice at 90 and 120 days of growth reduced the grain yield of all the varieties significantly due to a reduction in their panicle weight. Application of N fertilizer beyond 30 kg N ha^?1 did not increase the grain yield under no pruning treatment, but the crop responded significantly up to 60 kg N ha^?1 under one pruning and up to 90 kg N ha^?1 under two prunings, despite its adverse effect on crop performance. The crop lodging in response to increased N application was delayed by about a fortnight due to foliage pruning but its beneficial effect was not reflected in the grain yield. The results indicated that the green leafy foliage of the tall elongating rice varieties could be harvested 40–50 days before flowering for feeding the cattle without impairing their productivity under semi-deepwater ecosystem.     

Maize Grain Yield Response to Tillage and Fertilizer Nitrogen Rates on a Tara Silt Loam

Effects of tillage on the appropriate fertilizer N applications needed to achieve maximal grain yield are poorly denned. The study objective was determination of relative corn grain yield response to N application rate for four tillage practices: no-tillage (NT), ridge tillage (RT), fall chisel plowing (CP) and fall moldboard plowing (MP). Maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield and N accumulation were monitored over a 6 year period with the same tillage treatment and the same fertilizer N rate applied each year to each plot. Two hybrids, differing in relative maturity rating, were planted each year. Fertilizer N rates ranged from 10 to 190 kg ha^?1 and consisted of 10 kg ha^?1 of liquid starter N applied at planting with varying amounts of fall applied anhydrous ammonia. With only starter fertilizer, grain yields increased with tillage intensity in the order NT ≤ RT ≤ CP ≤ MP. With ≥ 55 kg total applied Nha^?1, 6 year average grain yields were unaffected by tillage. Total N removed in grain annually with only starter fertilizer ranged from 25–85 kg ha^?1 Maximal amounts of N removed, about 145 kg N ha^?1, occurred with 100–145 kg applied N ha^?1 for all tillage treatments under the more favorable climatic conditions. Several interactions affecting grain yield appear climatically sensitive with exception of tillage by fertilizer N interactions. Because of variability in climate, planting dates varied by almost 4 weeks. Relative yield loss due to planting delay were Fertilizer N (mean change ??124 –?275 kg ha^?1 day^?1) > Starter N only and MP (mean ?? 259 kg ha^?1 day^?1) > other tillages in general. Yield loss due to delayed planting ranged from 0.0–275 kg ha^?1 day^?1. Grain yield gains due to early spring soil temperatures were 16.0–21.8 kg ha^?1 index-degree^?1 with MP tillage and averaged 2.7– 16.7 kg ha^?1 index-degree^?1 more than those of other tillage-hybrid combinations.     

不同施氮水平对超高产夏玉米氮磷钾积累与分配的影响

为探明不同施氮水平下玉米超高产(≥13 500 kg hm^-2)群体氮磷钾积累及分配规律,通过苏玉20、浚单20两品种3年不同氮肥运筹方案的试验,实现了籽粒最高产量14 753 kg hm^-2的目标。结果表明：(1)随着生育进程,两品种氮磷钾在植株、籽粒中积累逐渐增大,在叶片、茎秆、叶鞘中呈先单峰变化趋势,叶片氮钾峰值在大口期,磷峰值在开花期。增大灌浆期植株氮积累量及叶片氮转移率,促使成熟期籽粒氮磷较大积累量,利于超高产玉米群体的形成。(2)籽粒产量、1 kg氮生产籽粒量、氮肥的农学效率、氮素利用率、植株(及叶片、茎秆、叶鞘、籽粒等器官)氮磷钾含量在450 kg hm^-2施氮水平时达到最大值,其值(苏玉20)分别为14753 kg hm^-2、44.0 kg、19.24%、38.63%、335.4 kg hm^-2、178.2 kg hm^-2、230.7 kg hm^-2,过高过低施氮均使氮磷钾积累量及产量下降。(3)由两品种产量与施氮水平的回归方程,确定了超高产时的最佳施氮量、超高产施氮水平和最佳施氮范围,苏玉20分别为457.0 kg hm^-2、418.3~495.7 kg hm^-2、418.5~495.4 kg hm^-2;浚单20分别为452.7 kg hm^-2(最佳施氮量)、410.8~494.6 kg hm^-2 (最佳施氮范围)。     

Impact of Phosphorus from Dairy Manure and Commercial Fertilizer on Perennial Grass Forage Production

Increased recovery and recycling of manure phosphorus (P) by crops on dairy farms is needed to minimize environmental problems. The main objective of this study was to compare P utilization by orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.) from dairy manure or inorganic fertilizer. The study was conducted from 1994 to 2000 at the Cornell University Baker Farm, Willsboro, NY, on a somewhat poorly drained Kingsbury clay (very–fine, illitic, mesic Aeric Epiaqualfs). The design was a split‐plot in a randomized complete block with two manure rates (16 800 and 33 600 kg ha^?1) and one nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate (84 kg N ha^?1 at spring greenup and 56 kg N ha^?1 prior to each regrowth harvest) as the main plots and grass species as subplots replicated six times. Fertilizer P [Ca(H₂PO₄)₂] was applied to the fertilizer treatment in 1995 and 1996 at 11 kg P ha^?1 year^?1. Orchardgrass P removal averaged 21 % higher than tall fescue P removal for the spring harvest, but orchardgrass averaged 24 % lower P removal than tall fescue removal for all regrowth harvests from 1995–99. Phosphorus herbage concentration in the fertilizer treatment was in the range of 1.9–2.7 g P kg^?1 compared with 2.2–5.3 g P kg^?1 in the manure treatments. Seasonal P removal ranged from as low as 9.2 kg P ha^?1 to as high as 48.5 kg P ha^?1. Morgan extractable soil P in the top 0–0.20 m remained high through 1999, with 29.1 kg P ha^?1 at the highest manure rate in tall fescue compared with 8.4 kg P ha^?1 measured in 1993 prior to the experiment. In 2000, soil P at the highest manure rate in tall fescue dropped to 10.1 kg P ha^?1, following cessation of manure application in 1998. Intensively managed harvested orchardgrass and tall fescue have the potential to remove large quantities of manure P.     

Drip Irrigation Frequency: The Effects and Their Interaction with Nitrogen Fertilization on Sandy Soil Water Distribution, Maize Yield and Water Use Efficiency Under Egyptian Conditions

Irrigation frequency is one of the most important factors in drip irrigation scheduling that affects the soil water regime, the water and fertilization use efficiency and the crop yield, although the same quantity of water is applied. Therefore, field experiments were conducted for 2 years in the summer season of 2005 and 2006 on sandy soils to investigate the effects of irrigation frequency and their interaction with nitrogen fertilization on water distribution, grain yield, yield components and water use efficiency (WUE) of two white grain maize hybrids (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted by using a randomized complete block split‐split plot design, with four irrigation frequencies (once every 2, 3, 4 and 5 days), two nitrogen levels (190 and 380 kg N ha^?1), and two maize hybrids (three‐way cross 310 and single cross 10) as the main‐plot, split‐plot, and split‐split plot treatments respectively. The results indicate that drip irrigation frequency did affect soil water content and retained soil water, depending on soil depth. Grain yield with the application of 190 kg N ha^?1 was not statistically different from that at 380 kg N ha^?1 at the irrigation frequency once every 5 days. However, the application of 190 kg N ha^?1 resulted in a significant yield reduction of 25 %, 18 % and 9 % in 2005 and 20 %, 13 % and 6 % in 2006 compared with 380 kg N ha^?1 at the irrigation frequencies once every 2, 3 and 4 days respectively. The response function between yield components and irrigation frequency treatments was quadratic in both growing seasons except for 100‐grain weight, where the function was linear. WUE increased with increasing irrigation frequency and nitrogen levels, and reached the maximum values at once every 2 and 3 days and at 380 kg N ha^?1. In order to improve the WUE and grain yield for drip‐irrigated maize in sandy soils, it is recommended that irrigation frequency should be once every 2 or 3 days at the investigated nitrogen levels of 380 kg N ha^?1 regardless of maize varieties. However, further optimization with a reduced nitrogen application rate should be aimed at and will have to be investigated.     

不同年代中籼水稻品种的米质及其对氮肥的响应

旨在探明中籼水稻品种改良过程中米质变化特点以及施氮量对其产量和品质的影响。以江苏省近70年来生产上广泛应用的12个代表性中籼水稻品种(含杂交稻组合)为材料,依据应用年代将其分为20世纪40-50年代、60-70年代、80-90年代和2000年以后(超级稻)4个类型,设置零氮(0N,全生育期不施氮)、中氮(MN,全生育期施氮210 kg hm^-2)和高氮(HN,全生育期施氮300 kg hm^-2)3个施氮水平,测定了产量和稻米品质诸性状。结果表明,随品种的改良,中籼水稻品种的产量显著提高,整精米率、垩白度、长宽比、直链淀粉含量、胶稠度、蛋白质组分和淀粉黏滞特性等显著改善,但现代品种的垩白度仍然较高。在3种施氮水平下,超级稻以HN的产量最高,其他年代品种以MN产量最高或MN与HN的产量差异不显著。随施氮量增加,稻米的蛋白质含量和垩白度增加,崩解值降低,消减值增大,稻米的食味品质降低。在HN下稻米中K、P、S、Ca、Mg等营养元素含量也较0N或MN下降低。以上结果说明,中籼水稻品种改良显著提高了产量,改善了稻米品质。总体上,增施氮肥特别是高量施用氮肥会降低稻米品质。如何通过氮肥的优化运筹实现水稻高产优质的协调发展是亟待研究的问题。     

Effects of soybean variety and Bradyrhizobium strains on yield,protein content and biological nitrogen fixation under cool growing conditions in Germany

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen in symbiosis with the bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Because these bacteria are not native in European soils, soybean seeds must be inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strains before sowing to fix nitrogen and meet their yield potential. In Central Europe soybean cultivation is still quite new and breeding of early maturing soybean varieties adapted to cool growing conditions has just started.Under these low temperature conditions in Central Europe the inoculation with different, commercially available Bradyrhizobium inoculants has resulted in unsatisfactory nodulation. The aim of this study was: (i) to test the ability of commercially available inoculants to maximize soybean grain yield, protein content and protein yield, (ii) to study the interaction of different inoculants with different soybean varieties for two different sites in Germany under cool growing conditions over three years and (iii) to determine the variability of biological nitrogen fixation. Field trials were set up on an organically managed site at the Hessische Staatsdomäne Frankenhausen (DFH) and on a conventionally managed site in Quedlinburg (QLB) for three consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2013. Three early maturing soybean varieties—Merlin, Bohemians, Protina—were tested in combination with four different Bradyrhizobium inoculants—Radicin No.7, NPPL-Hi Stick, Force 48, Biodoz Rhizofilm—and compared with a non-inoculated control. Effective inoculation with Bradyrhizobium strains increased grain yield, protein content and protein yield by up to 57%, 26% and 99%, respectively. Grain yield, protein content and protein yield were generally higher in DFH. Average grain yield was 1634 kg ha⁻¹ in QLB (2012–2013) and 2455 kg ha⁻¹ in DFH (2011–2013), average protein content was 386 g kg⁻¹ in QLB and 389 g kg⁻¹ in DFH and average protein yield was 650 kg ha⁻¹ in QLB and 965 kg ha⁻¹ in DFH. The percentage of nitrogen derived from air (Ndfa) ranged between 40% and 57%. Soybeans inoculated with Radicin No. 7 failed to form nodules, and crop performance was identical to the non-inoculated control. Biodoz Rhizofilm, NPPL Hi-Stick and Force 48 are suitable for soybean cultivation under cool growing conditions in Germany. Interactions between soybean variety and inoculant were significant for protein content and protein yield at both sites, but not for nodulation, grain yield, thousand kernel weight and Ndfa. The variety Protina in combination with the inoculant Biodoz Rhizofilm can be recommended for tofu for both tested sites, while Merlin and Protina in combination with Biodoz Rhizofilm are recommended for animal fodder production in DFH. Animal fodder production was not profitable in QLB due to low protein yields.     

Evaluation of grain yield and related agronomic traits of quality protein maize hybrids in Southern Africa

Maize is the major staple food in southern Africa with human consumption averaging 91 kg capita^?1 year^?1, and normal maize is nutritionally deficient in two essential amino acids: tryptophan and lysine. Despite the development of quality protein maize (QPM) with high tryptophan and lysine, stunting and kwashiorkor remain high in sub-Saharan Africa due to lack of high yielding and adapted QPM varieties. This study aimed at evaluating a new generation of QPM varieties for yield and related agronomic traits. Before the QPM varieties were validated on-farm, they were simultaneously selected on-station under five different management conditions. In the 2014/2015 season, 10 elite QPM varieties were selected from on-station trials based on high grain yield and stability, and were compared with the best commercial check varieties on-farm. During the 2015/2016 season, some poorly performing QPM varieties were dropped while new ones were added, resulting in 12 elite QPM varieties being evaluated on-farm. Analysis of variance for the 2014/2015 season showed non-significant hybrid × management condition interaction. Mean grain yields across management conditions ranged from 1.5 to 4 t ha^?1 and were higher under mild stress (2.3–5.5 t ha^?1) compared to random stress conditions (1.1–2.9 t ha^?1). Broad sense heritability estimates were low to moderate (11–69%), and thus could still permit effective selection of better genotypes. Yield advantage ranged from 12 to 25% across the 2 years, suggesting effective genetic gains in QPM breeding. QPM hybrids CZH132044Q, CZH142238Q and CZH142236Q were stable and high yielding. Promotion of such QPM hybrids may help reduce protein energy malnutrition.     

Effects of varying nitrogen fertilization on crop yield and grain quality of emmer grown in a typical Mediterranean environment in central Italy

Experiments were carried out to study the effects of N fertilizer rates and timing of application on the yield and grain quality of a rainfed emmer crop (Triticum dicoccum Shübler) under Mediterranean conditions. The following parameters were analyzed: hulled and net grain yield, hulled index, spikes m^?2, spikelets per spike, kernels m^?2, thousand-kernel weight, biomass, plant height, lodging, grain protein and ash content. In the first experiment, different N rates (30, 60 and 90 kg N ha^?1 plus a control not fertilized) were split at three phenological stages (seeding 20%, tillering 40% and stem elongation 40%). In the second experiment, three N doses (30, 60 and 90 kg N ha^?1) were applied to three crop stages (seeding, tillering and stem elongation). In the third experiment, the rate of 90 kg N ha^?1 was distributed in different amounts (90-0-0, 0-90-0, 0-0-90, 45-45-0, 45-0-45, 0-45-45, 30-30-30) at the three mentioned crop stages. Increasing N rates resulted in higher hulled and net grain yield, as well as protein content. Fertilization (from 60 to 90 kg N ha^?1) applied to tillering maximized hulled and net grain yield. Fertilization (90 kg N ha^?1) applied to stem elongation gave the highest grain protein content (%) while splitting application (30 kg N ha^?1 each) at three phenological stages maximized protein yield per hectare. Application of half or one-third of 90 kg N ha^?1 to stem elongation improved grain protein content in comparison with applications at sowing, or at both sowing and tillering. The main factor determining higher yields with increasing N rates in this emmer crop was the number of kernels m^?2. None of the yield components accounted for differences in grain yield when timing and splitting application were varied.     

Reed Canarygrass Forage Yield and Nutrient Uptake on a Year-round Wastewater Application Site

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is often planted at wastewater treatment sites to provide ground cover and remove nutrients. Our overall objective was to determine the forage yield and nutrient uptake under year-round potato wastewater application in northern latitudes. Specifically, we determined the effect of N fertilization rate on forage dry matter yield and N and P uptake by reed canarygrass, and compared the forage yield, persistence and nutrient uptake of reed canarygrass relative to those of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), smooth bromegrass (Bromis inermis Leyss), timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and quackgrass [Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski]. With only wastewater application, reed canarygrass had a forage yield of 5.8 Mg ha⁻¹, with N and P uptake of 113 and 30 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Forage dry matter yield, N uptake and P uptake increased to 14.5 Mg ha⁻¹, 383 kg ha⁻¹ and 64 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, with an N fertilization rate of 224 kg ha⁻¹. Forage yield and N uptake of reed canarygrass, orchardgrass, timothy and smooth bromegrass were similar and exceeded those of quackgrass. Reed canarygrass P uptake exceeded that of the other grasses. Reed canarygrass was less persistent than quackgrass or smooth bromegrass.     

Potassium Management for Brown Midrib Sorghum × Sudangrass as Replacement for Corn Silage in the North-eastern USA

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in brown midrib (BMR) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) × sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense Piper) hybrids (SxS) as a replacement for silage corn (Zea mays L.) in the north‐eastern USA. Recent studies suggest it is suitable for both rotational grazing and as a hay crop and could compete with corn harvested for silage in years when wet spring conditions prevent the timely planting of corn. However, little is known about its suitability as forage for non‐lactating cows that require low potassium (K) forages to prevent health problems. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of K fertilizer management (0, 112 or 224 kg K₂O ha^?1 cut^?1) under optimum N management (112–168 kg N ha^?1 cut^?1) on yield, quality and K concentrations of BMR SxS over a 2‐year period. Field trials were established on a fine loamy, mixed, active, mesic Aeric Fragiaquepts with medium K‐supplying capacity and characteristic of a large region in New York. Potassium application did not affect dry matter yields in either of the 2 years. Averaged over 2 years, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) significantly increased with K addition with similar but non‐significant trends observed in each of the years individually. The digestibility of NDF was unaffected by K application. Crude protein (CP) concentrations showed a significant decrease with K application in 2002 and similar trends were observed in 2003, although differences were not significant at P ≤ 0.05. The changes in NDF and CP did not significantly impact forage quality expressed as milk production per megagram of silage. Potassium application increased forage K concentration up to 13 mg K kg^?1 dry matter (in the first cut in 2003). Forage Ca and Mg concentrations decreased with K addition except for the first cut in 2002 where differences between 112 and 224 kg K₂O ha^?1 treatments were not significant. Without K addition in the 2‐year period, K concentrations in the forage decreased from 23 g kg^?1 for the first cutting in 2002 to 15 g kg^?1 for the second cut in 2003. Low K forage was obtained for all second‐cut forage unless 224 kg K₂O ha^?1 cut^?1 had been added. First‐cut forage was suitable only when no additional K had been applied. These results suggest low K BMR SxS forage can be harvested from initially high K soils without loss in dry matter yield as long as no additional K is added.     

Use of the APSIM model in long term simulation to support decision making regarding nitrogen management for pearl millet in the Sahel

Soil fertility and climate risks are hampering crop production in the Sahelian region. Because experiments with only a few fertility management options on a limited number of sites and years cannot fully capture the complex and highly non-linear soil–climate–crop interactions, crop growth simulation models may suitably complement experimental research to support decision making regarding soil fertility and water management. By means of a long term (23 years) scenario analysis using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model, this study investigates millet response to N in view of establishing N recommendations better adapted to subsistence small-holder millet farming in the Sahel. Prior to this, the APSIM model was tested on a rainfed randomized complete block experiment carried out during the 1994 and 1995 cropping seasons, having contrasting rainfall conditions. The experiment combined, at three levels each, the application of cattle manure (300, 900 and 2700 kg ha^?1), millet residue (300, 900 and 2700 kg ha^?1) and mineral fertilizer (unfertilized control, 15 kg N ha^?1 + 4.4 kg P ha^?1 and 45 kg N ha^?1 + 13.1 kg P ha^?1) at ICRISAT Sahelian Center, Niger. The model suitably predicted plant available water PAW and the simulated water and nitrogen stress were in agreement with measurement (water) and expectation (N) regarding the fertilizer and rainfall conditions of the experiment. APSIM simulations were in satisfactory agreement with the observed crop growth except for the highest crop residue application rates (>900 kg ha^?1). For biomass and grain yield, the model performance was relatively good in 1994 but biomass yields were slightly overpredicted in 1995. The model was able to adequately reproduce the average trend of millet grain yield response to N inputs from manure and fertilizer, and to predict the overall observed higher grain yield in 1995 compared to 1994, despite the better rainfall in 1994. The 23-year, long term scenario analysis combining different application rates of cattle manure, millet residue and mineral fertilizer, showed that moderate N application (15 kg N ha^?1) improves both the long term average and the minimum yearly guaranteed yield without increasing inter-annual variability compared to no N input. Although it does imply a lower average yield than at 30 kg N ha^?1, the application of 15 kg N ha^?1 appears more appropriate for small-holder, subsistence farmers than the usual 30 kg N ha^?1 recommendation as it guarantees higher minimum yield in worst years, thereby reducing their vulnerability.     

水稻甬优12产量13.5t hm~(–2)以上超高产群体的磷素积累、分配与利用特征

为探明甬优12超高产群体的磷素吸收与积累特征,2013—2014年,对高产(10.5~12.0 t hm~(–2))、更高产(12.0~13.5 t hm~(–2))、超高产(13.5 t hm~(–2))3个产量群体的磷素吸收与积累特征等进行了系统比较研究。结果表明:(1)生育期植株含磷量,不同产量水平群体间无显著差异;拔节期磷素吸收量呈高产群体更高产群体超高产群体;而抽穗期和成熟期磷素吸收量则呈超高产群体更高产群体高产群体。播种至拔节期的磷素积累量与产量呈极显著负相关;拔节至抽穗期、抽穗至成熟期的磷素积累量与产量呈极显著正相关。(2)甬优12超高产群体抽穗期茎鞘、叶片和穗部磷素积累量分别为41.4、8.5和8.9 kg hm~(–2),高于更高产群体(37.9、7.6和8.1 kg hm~(–2))和高产群体(32.3、6.8和7.0 kg hm~(–2))。抽穗期植株叶片、茎鞘和穗部磷素积累量与产量呈极显著正相关;甬优12超高产群体成熟期茎鞘、叶片和穗部磷素积累量分别为14.5、4.4和62.3 kg hm~(–2),高于更高产群体(13.6、3.3和55.9 kg hm~(–2))和高产群体(11.2、2.7和48.7 kg hm~(–2))。成熟期植株叶片、茎鞘和穗部磷素积累量与实产呈极显著正相关。此外,花后茎鞘磷素转运量亦与产量呈极显著正相关。(3)两年中,甬优12超高产群体磷素籽粒生产率(kg grain kg~(–1))和偏生产力(kg kg~(–1))分别为171.5、92.7,低于更高产(173.2、99.6)和高产群体(173.5、100.4);超高产群体磷收获指数为0.768,显著高于更高产(0.761)和高产(0.758)群体。与对照相比,甬优12超高产群体磷素吸收具有拔节前较低、拔节至抽穗期和抽穗至成熟期高的特点。播种至拔节期磷素积累量与产量呈极显著负相关;拔节至抽穗期、抽穗至成熟期磷素积累量与产量呈极显著正相关。甬优12超高产群体磷素利用效率较低,在其超高产栽培管理中应重视磷素的高效利用。在本研究基础上探讨了提高甬优12超高产群体磷素利用效率的措施。     

Winter cereal yields as affected by animal manure and green manure in organic arable farming

The effect of nitrogen (N) supply through animal and green manures on grain yield of winter wheat and winter rye 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 four-course crop rotation was spring barley undersown with grass/clover – grass/clover – winter wheat or wheat rye – pulse crop. All cuttings of the grass–clover were left on the soil as mulch. Animal manure was applied as slurry to the cereal crops in the rotation in rates corresponding to 40% of the N demand of the cereal crops.Application of 50 kg NH₄–N ha^?1 in manure increased average wheat grain yield by 0.4–0.9 Mg DM ha^?1, whereas the use of catch crops did not significantly affect yield. The use of catch crops interacts with other management factors, including row spacing and weed control, and this may have contributed to the negligible effects of catch crops. There was considerable variation in the amount of N (100–600 kg N ha^?1 year^?1) accumulated in the mulched grass–clover cuttings prior to ploughing and sowing of the winter wheat. This was reflected in grain yield and grain N uptake. Manure application to the cereals in the rotation reduced N accumulation in grass–clover at two of the locations, and this was estimated to have reduced grain yields by 0.1–0.2 Mg DM ha^?1 depending on site. Model estimations showed that the average yield reduction from weeds varied from 0.1 to 0.2 Mg DM ha^?1. The weed infestation was larger in the manure treatments, and this was estimated to have reduced the yield benefit of manure application by up to 0.1 Mg DM ha^?1. Adjusting for these model-estimated side-effects resulted in wheat grain yields gains from manure application of 0.7–1.1 Mg DM ha^?1.The apparent recovery efficiency of N in grains (N use efficiency, NUE) from NH₄–N in applied manure varied from 23% to 44%. The NUE in the winter cereals of N accumulated in grass–clover cuttings varied from 14% to 39% with the lowest value on the coarse sandy soil, most likely due to high rates of N leaching at this location. Both NUE and grain yield benefit in the winter cereals declined with increasing amounts of N accumulated in the grass–clover cuttings. The model-estimated benefit of increasing N input in grass–clover from 100 to 500 kg N ha^?1 varied from 0.8 to 2.0 Mg DM ha^?1 between locations. This is a considerably smaller yield increase than obtained for manure application, and it suggests that the productivity in this system may be improved by removing the cuttings and applying the material to the cereals in the rotation, possibly after digestion in a biogas reactor.Cereal grain protein content was increased more by the N in the grass–clover than from manure application, probably due to different timing of N availability. Green-manure crops or manures with a relatively wide C:N ratio may therefore be critical for ensuring sufficiently high protein contents in high yielding winter wheat for bread making.     

Preliminary Research on Seed Production and Nutrient Content for Certain Quinoa Varieties in a Saline–Sodic Soil

The aim of the present study was to compare the potential seed yield of eight quinoa varieties, to explore their mineral composition of seeds and to identify superior varieties in two locations with different soil properties. Compared with neutral soil conditions, seed yield in the marginal (saline–sodic) soil was decreased by 45 %. Under the latter soil conditions seed yield was negatively correlated with crop density, indicating that a considerable yield loss was due to poor and uneven plant density caused by adverse soil properties. Among the varieties, ‘RU–5–PQCIP–DANIDA–UNA’ produced the highest seed yield (>20 dt ha^?1) when grown under neutral soil conditions. Under marginal conditions, the above‐mentioned variety and ‘N 407’ produced seed yields up to 10 dt ha^?1 whereas the rest reached yields of only about 5 dt ha^?1. The majority of the varieties accumulated significantly more protein (20 %) in the seeds under saline–sodic soil conditions (lower yielding environment). The varieties originated from South America were superior in accumulating protein in the seeds at both locations. Mineral contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) in the seeds were significantly higher in the neutral soil. No differences were found for phosphorous (P), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and boron (B) between the two locations. The South American varieties were again superior in mineral composition. Adaptation of certain quinoa varieties even under marginal environments seems promising for seed production and/or protein and mineral content in the seeds. Agronomic data are needed in a due course, over a higher number of locations and/or various climatic conditions.     

Tall Fescue Adaptation to Low Nitrogen Fertilization in Relation to Germplasm Type and Endophyte Infection

Efficient crop growth with low nitrogen (N) application is becoming a requirement to face the concern on excessive N emission to the environment and the increasing cost of fertilizers. This study compared six natural populations and three improved varieties of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) for dry‐matter yield over 4 years under ordinary N fertilization (450 kg ha^?1 in the 4 years) and very low N fertilization (only 40 kg ha^?1 prior to sowing). Both endophyte‐infected (EI) and endophyte‐free (EF) forms of each accession were sown. On average, ordinary fertilization implied 30 % higher yield than very low fertilization and the EI germplasm outyielded the corresponding EF germplasm (+4.4 %). Mean yield of improved varieties was higher than that of natural populations under ordinary fertilization (P < 0.05), whereas the two germplasm groups did not differ under very low fertilization. Accession × N fertilization interaction was found among natural populations but not among varieties (P < 0.05). A few natural populations were top‐yielding under very low fertilization and may be exploited, possibly in combination with endophyte infection, to select tall fescue varieties with enhanced performance under limited N application.     

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Effects on Faba Bean Yield and Some Yield Components

The faba bean is among the major grain legumes cultivated in Ethiopia and is used extensively as a break crop in the highlands. Although a blanket application of DAP (diammonium phosphate) at the rate of 100 kg · ha^?1 has been practised in faba bean production in the country, this was not based on research results. In addition, little information is available on the response of the crop to N and P fertilizers under diverse environmental conditions. Hence, field experiments were carried out at three locations in 1991, seven locations during 1992 and 1993 and at one location in both 1993 and 1995 to determine faba bean response to N and P fertilization. Five levels of N (0, 9, 18, 27 and 36 kg N · ha^?1 as urea) in factorial combinations with four levels of P (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg P₂O₅ · ha^?1 as TSP [triple super phosphate]) were studied in a randomized complete block design with four replications in the first year. In the remaining years four levels of N (0, 18, 27 and 36 kg N · ha^?1 as urea) in factorial combinations with four levels of P (0, 23, 46 and 92 kg P₂O₅ · ha^?1 as TSP) were used in a randomized complete block design with three and four replications at one and seven locations, respectively. Results indicated that a positive linear response of faba bean seed yield was noted at all locations (except Debre Zeit and Burkitu) to P fertilization, while a significant quadratic response was also found at Holetta. In addition, plant height, above ground biomass and number of pods per plant were positively influenced by P application while the effect of N on these was mostly nonsignificant. Faba bean seed yield response to N was noted at only two out of eight locations; in most cases, nonsignificant and inconsistent seed yield responses to N fertilization were obtained. There was nonsignificant N × P rate interaction. In conclusion, we do not recommend supplemental N application to faba bean at six out of eight locations but we recommend the application of P fertilizer to faba bean at almost all locations (with the exception of Debre Zeit) and for other soils deficient in available P. Further work is recommended on the determination of critical levels for soil-available P, below which P fertilization should be practised for optimum faba bean seed yield.