Effects of phosphorus application method and rate on furrow‐irrigated ridge‐tilled grain sorghum

Conservation tillage systems, including ridge‐tillage, have become increasing popular with producers in the central Great Plains because of their effectiveness in controlling soil erosion and conserving water. A major disadvantage of the ridge system is that nutrient placement options are limited by lack of any primary tillage options. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of method of phosphorus (P) placement and rate on irrigated grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in a ridge‐tillage system on a soil low in available P. This experiment was conducted from 1993 to 1995 on a producer's field near the North Central Kansas Experiment Field at Scandia, Kansas on a Carr sandy loam soil (course, loamy, mixed, calcareous, mesic, Typic Udifuvents). Treatments consisted of fertilizer application methods, surface broadcast, single band starter (5 cm to the side and 5 cm below seed), dual band starter (one band on each side of the row), and knifed in the center of the row middle (38 cm from each adjacent row). Each of these treatments was made at either 22 or 44 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1, and nitrogen (N) also was included at the rate of 13 kg ha^‐1. Additional treatments were, a combination of 13 kg N and 44 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1 applied half broadcast and half as a single band starter, a 1:1 N:P₂O₅ ratio (44 kg N and 44 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1) applied as a single band starter, and a 3:1 ratio (134 kg N and 44 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1) applied as a single band starter. A no‐P check plot also was included. Broadcast and center‐of‐row middle knife applications were made approximately 1 week before planting. After planting, N was balanced on all plots to give a total of 180 kg ha^‐1. Applied P treatments improved grain yield and nutrient uptake and consistently shortened the time from emergence to mid‐bloom in all 3 years of the experiment. On this low soil test P soil, treatments that subsurface banded P increased grain yield by 1.27 Mg ha^‐1 compared to broadcast treatments. Placing N and P in a single starter band 5 cm to the side and 5 cm below the seed was as effective as placing a band on each side of the row. Knife applying N and P in the center of the row was not as effective as placement beside the row. Single band starter application of N and P in a 1:1 and or 3:1 N:P₂O₅ ratio consistently increased yields and nutrient uptake and shortened the time to mid‐bloom as compared to the single band starter treatment that provided only 13 kg N ha^‐1. Over the 3 years of the study, these 1:1 and 3:1 N:P₂O₅ ratio starters were clearly superior to an other treatments.     

Effects of Dibutyl phthalate and phthalic acid on chlorosis recovery in iron‐deficiency stressed sorghum cultivars

The effects of DBP (Dibutyl phthalate) and PA (Phthalic acid) supplied to the nutrient medium of Fe‐deficiency stressed sorghum cultivars, CSH‐5, 2077‐A, and CS‐3541 were examined. It was found that both the chemicals (50 mg/1) caused recovery of the cultivars CSH‐5 and 2077‐A in 4 days of treatment. Furthermore, the growth of roots, especially the adventitious roots, was increased by the chemicals.     

Excretion of dibutyl phthalate by sorghum roots under Fe‐stress: Evidence of its action on chlorosis recovery

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) cv. CSH‐7, an Fe‐efficient hybrid was grown and subjected to Fe‐deficiency stress. The nutrient medium was extracted for isolation of reductant chemicals. By means of thin layer chromatography, I.R. spectrum and HPLC analysis, dibutyl phthalate was identified as the principal component. This chemical was not found in the nutrient medium extracted before the onset of chlorosis or in that after the plants recovered from chlorosis. Furthermore, synthetic dibutyl phthalate and that obtained from the exudate when supplied to the nutrient medium caused greening of chlorotic sorghum in 24 hours. Evidence that the root medium of the Fe‐efficient sorghum can induce recovery of an Fe‐inefficient sorghum grown together, has also been obtained. It is concluded that dibutyl phthalate released by the Fe‐efficient sorghum subjected to stress, is responsible for making Fe available for utilisation. The mechanism of action of dibutyl phthalate on chlorosis recovery is still an open question.     

Influence of split‐applied nitrogen on grain yield and protein content in ten grain sorghum culti‐vars 1

More information on the response of newly developed or introduced grain sorghum cultivare to split‐applied nitrogen (N) in semi‐arid rainfed agriculture is needed. Therefore, the influence of four split‐applied N schedules (100/0, 66/34, 50/50, and 34/66) on six American (SC 283, SC 274, SC 669, B 66181, SC 33, and RTam 428), and four West African (CSm 63, 1S 6704c, 1S 7173c, and 1S 7419c) grain sorghum cultivars was evaluated. The split‐applied N significantly increased grain yield and percent protein in grain sorghum over a one‐time application of N. The increase in yield and protein content varied among varieties and schedules of N application. Varieties SC 574, RTam 428, and Csm 63 at split‐applied schedules of 66/34, 50/50, and 34/66, respectively, gave the highest yield over one‐time application of N. Similar differences in percent protein in grain among cultivars due to split‐applied N were observed.     

Effects of coalbed methane‐produced water on sorghum‐sudangrass growth and soil chemical properties

Abstract

Production of methane gas from coal seams generates well water that is slightly to moderately saline. Since land application is a potential method of disposal for this water, a greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate plant response and changes in soil chemical properties resulting from irrigation with coalbed methane‐produced water. The soil was a Montevallo (Typic Dystrochrepts)‐Nauvoo (Typic Hapludults) association located in northern Alabama. Two irrigation methods used in the initial greenhouse test were 1) continuous, irrigation 24 h d^‐1 and 2) intermittent, irrigation for 12 h and off for 24 h. In a second greenhouse test, three irrigation methods were used: 1) continuous, irrigation for 24 h d^‐1, 2) intermittent, irrigation for 12 h and off for 48 h, and 3) irrigation to maintain field capacity, by daily additions of the respective irrigation water. The flow rate for continuous and intermittent irrigation treatments was 3.75 mm h^‐1. In each greenhouse test, 5 levels of salinity were generated by mixing well‐produced water with deionized water to give solutions containing 0, 10, 20, 40, and 100% well‐produced water (specific conductance (second greenhouse test) of 0.2, 1.4, 2.2, 4.4, and 9.3 dS m^‐1, respectively). Corresponding sodium adsorption ratios were 0.1, 27, 36, 55, and 81, respectively. Sorghum‐sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monech] was harvested for forage yields and chemical analysis at 14–30 days after initiation of irrigation treatments. Results from these preliminary short term, greenhouse studies show that coalbed methane produced water that is typical for Alabama (total dissolved solids ≤2000 mg L^‐1) can be applied to highly weathered soils. The results indicate that plant growth of summer annual grasses will be optimized if an irrigation system is used to apply produced water at a rate to maintain soil moisture at or near field capacity.     

Lime chlorosis on photosynthesis and transpiration of iron‐inefficient soybeans

Abstract

Iron deficiency in PI54619–5–1 soybeans (Glycine max L.) decreased growth 37% and decreased the rate of photosynthesis by 33%, but had no influence on the rate of transpiration. In another experiment Fe deficiency resulted in a mild 18% decrease in the photosynthetic rate and a slight decrease in the transpiration rate. There were no differences in leaf resistances.     

Lime‐chlorosis occurrence and leaf mineral composition of grapevine treated by root microorganisms

One‐year‐old rooted cuttings of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot blanc clone 55, grafted on “S.O.4” and “41 B” hybrid rootstocks, were grown in pots containing a calcareous soil. Before potting, the roots were infected by the VAM fungus (Glomus mosseae) and by a suspension of the following endophytic bacteria: Erwinia sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterobacter cloacae. The shoot growth was checked every ten days and leaf blade chlorophyll and mineral elements were assayed at the middle of the annual growing cycle as well as the mineral composition of the leaf petiole. Chlorosis was rated by visual screening as well in order to control the effect of the root treatments on the chlorosis occurrence. The most significant findings of the trial were: a) root infection with Erwinia sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens increased the chlorophyll concentration over the untreated plants in both the graft combinations, b) the plants grafted on “S.O.4” rootstock did benefit from the treatment with Glomus mosseae as well, and c) root infection with Enterobacter cloacae depressed growth and chlorophyll concentration in both the graft combinations.     

Effect of levels of take‐all and phosphorus fertiliser on the dry matter and grain yield of wheat

In a field experiment with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the effect of the percentage severity of take‐all on the production of dried tops and grain and the kernel weight (mg/seed) was measured when different amounts of phosphorus (P) fertiliser were applied. The soil was severely P deficient. The amounts of P fertitiser varied from nil P (deficient) to 40 kg P/ha (adequate) applied annually. The levels of Gaeumannomyces graminis tritici (Ggt) were generated by four cropping sequences. The levels of percent severity of Ggt on plant roots ranged from low (<10% of wheat plant roots infected) to high (70% of roots infected by Ggt). Yield of dried tops, grain, and kernal weight, all increased as the level of P applied increased, but the amount of Ggt infection decreased. No grain was produced where no P was applied. The percentage increase in yield due to declines in the severity of take‐all was greater as the level of P applied increased. Increasing levels of P fertiliser help control the severity of Ggt (%) only where the initial level of Ggt with nil P fertiliser are moderate to low. Where the levels of Ggt severity are >65% the effectiveness of P in reducing the levels of Ggt severity rapidly declined. The percentage severity of Ggt affected the efficiency of plants to use P fertilisers. For each cropping sequence, a Mitscherlich function described the grain yield response to P fertiliser. The maximum grain yield (A coefficient) and the curvature coefficient (C) both declined with increases in the level of Ggt severity (%). For example, the C was significantly reduced from 0.134±0.03 for the least Ggt severity (%) to 0.00446±0.001 where Ggt was not controlled. The kernal weight (mg/seed) was increased by P application and decreased by Ggt infection.     

Effects of sulfur nutrition on photosynthesis in cadmium‐treated barley seedlings

The effects of sulfur (S) nutrition at 0.1 or 1 mM S on cadmium (Cd) toxicity measured by photosynthesis in barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. UC 476) seedlings were studied. Eight‐day‐old seedlings were treated with 25 μM Cd by adding cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) to the nutrient solution. Then photosynthetic carboxylation efficiency (ACi curve) and stomatal conductance of the primary and second leaves were measured at four and eight days after Cd treatment. Fluorescence parameters were measured every 24 h for eight days after two days of Cd treatment. At 20 days, plant growth parameters were measured and dry biomass determined. The results showed that ACi was significantly reduced by Cd, but more in the low (0.1 mM) S than in the high (1 mM) S‐treated plants. Stomatal conductance of plants was also decreased by Cd, but more in the low S‐treated plants. Low S‐treated plants exposed to Cd showed an increase in Fo and Fq, and a decrease in Fv/Fm and T_1/2, indicating photoinhibitory damage to PSII. Analysis of the growth parameters showed that Cd decreased plant size and biomass, but the reduction was more severe in the low S‐treated plants. These results support the hypothesis that S is a critical nutritional factor in plants which is important for the reduction of Cd toxicity.     

Repeated use of green-manure catch crops in organic cereal production – grain yields and nitrogen supply

Abstract

By restricted access to manure, nitrogen (N) supply in organic agriculture relies on biological N-fixation. This study compares grain yields after one full-season green manure (FSGM) to yields with repeated use of a green-manure catch crop. At two sites in south-eastern Norway, in a simple 4-year rotation (oats/wheat/oats/wheat), the repeated use of ryegrass, clover, or a mixture of ryegrass and clover as catch crops was compared with an FSGM established as a catch crop in year 1. The FSGM treatments had no subsequent catch crops. In year 5, the final residual effects were measured in barley.

The yield levels were about equal for grains with no catch crop and a ryegrass catch crop. On average, the green-manure catch crops increased subsequent cereal yields close to 30%. The FSGM increased subsequent cereal yields significantly in two years, but across the rotation the yields were comparable to those of the treatments without green-manure catch crop. To achieve acceptable yields under Norwegian conditions, more than 25% of the land should be used for full-season green manure, or this method combined with green-manure catch crops. The accumulated amount of N in aboveground biomass in late autumn did not compensate for the N removed by cereal yields. To account for the deficiency, the roots of the green-manure catch crops would have to contain about 60% of the total N (tot-N) required to balance the cereal yields. Such high average values for root N are likely not realistic to achieve. However, measurement of biomass in late autumn may not reflect all N made available to concurrent or subsequent main crops.     

Effect of no‐tillage vs. conventional tillage on soil organic matter and nitrogen contents

Abstract

Four treatments (no‐tillage plus subsoiling, no‐tillage, conventional tillage plus subsoiling, and conventional tillage) were continuously in place for 6 yr and a second set of no‐tillage plus subsoiling and conventional plus subsoiling treatments were continuously in place for 3 yr to study the long‐term effects of conventional and no‐tillage corn on soil organic matter (OM) and N contents. Soil samples were taken at random between the rows and in the rows to a depth of 60 cm, in 5‐cm increments to a depth of 30 cm, and then in 15‐cm increments from the 30 to 60‐cm depth for OM and N determination. No‐tillage resulted in A3 and 20% more Kjeldahl N than conventional tillage in the 0 to 5‐cm soil depth after 6 and 3 yr, respectively. after 6 yr, the 0 to 5‐cm depth had 36% more OM in no‐tillage treatments than in conventional tillage treatments, and soil from no‐tillage treatments averaged 27% more OM than the conventional tillage plus subsoiling treatment at the 0 to 15‐cm soil depth.     

Zinc‐stress response in some sorghum hybrids and parent cultivars: Significance of pH reduction and recovery from chlorosis

Zinc deficiency was induced in two sorghum hybrids and their parent cultivars by growing them in complete nutrient medium for 30 days and then transferring to minus zinc medium at pH 6.4. The onset of Zn chlorosis and recovery as well as the change in the pH of the nutrient medium under Zn‐stress conditions were recorded. It was found that chlorotic symptoms due to Zn deficiency appeared after 2 days of stress and persisted for a long period in the cultivars, 36‐A and 168, while the hybrid CSH‐7 (36‐A X 168) recovered from chlorosis after 12 days. The hybrid CSH‐8 (36‐A X PD‐3) was chlorotic after 2 days, but recovered after 15 days.

A significant hybrid vigor was observed for Zn‐stress tolerance in the hybrid CSH‐7 and CSH‐8.     

Effect of sewage sludge application to amelio‐rate iron deficiency of grain sorghum

Abstract

Recent research has indicated that land application of municipal sewage sludge to calcareous soils can be used to ameliorate iron (Fe) deficiency of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monech]. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the response of grain sorghum grown on three different soils to application of sewage sludge. Sludge applied at rates of 0, 7.5, 15.0, and 25.0 g/kg soil did not completely ameliorate grain sorghum Fe deficiency. When FeEDDHA was soil applied, sewage sludge application significantly increased plant growth due to increases in soil phosphorus (P) availability. Application of sewage sludge at rates greater than 7.5 g/kg reduced dry matter production of grain sorghum in the FeEDDHA amended Orelia SC soil, the soil with the lowest total neutralizing potential. The decreases yield was possibly due to toxic levels of soil and plant copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), and increased soil salinity.     

Acid‐soil‐stress influence on mineral‐ion contents of sorghum leaves and juvenile panicles

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cv RTX430, SC214, SC574, SC599, TAM428, and SC326xSC103] were grown on soils of pH 4.2 or 6.2–6.5. Leaf and nonexserted juvenile panicle tissues were collected at 75 days after planting. Fresh and dry weights were measured and element contents [sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)] were measured by atomic absorption. Significant cultivar differences in ion concentration (μmol/g dry weight) were found. Juvenile panicles had higher ion concentration (μmol/g dry weight) [S, P, Mg, Ca, K, Zn, and Cu) than leaves. Within leaf tissue, ion concentration (μmol/g dry weight) was correlated with tissue water content (g water/g dry weight).     

Identification of dibutyl phthalate in the root exudate of Fe‐efficient (corchorus capsularis L.) subjected to Fe‐deficiency stress : Its action on Fe‐chlorosis recovery

The jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) cv. 3RC‐212 which is Fe‐efficient, was subjected to Fe‐deficiency stress, and the nutrient medium was examined for chemicals, when the plants became chlorotic and the pH was lowered to about 4. While phenolic acids could not be detected, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) was identified in the extract by means of TLC and HPLC. The effect of DBP and caffeic acid was studied in JRC‐212 and DBP was found to cause recovery of the plants from chlorosis in 5 days. The chemicals, PA (phthalic acid), a derivative of DBP (50 mg/1) were supplied to chlorotic plants of JRO‐632, an Fe‐inefficient jute cultivar, and both the chemicals were effective in chlorosis recovery. PA application caused more rapid greening than DBP.

Jute is the second crop species in which DBP is identified in the root exudate. The detection of DBP was first recorded in sorghum CSH‐7.     

Influence of boron concentrations on some meta‐bolites of date palm and sorghum seedlings

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. cv Khedhri) and sorghum (sorghum Sudan grass hybrid cv sugar Graze 11) plants were grown in vermiculite in a controlled environment and watered with a nutrient solution containing eight different concentrations of boron (B) (0 to 500 ppm), six months for date palm and four weeks for sorghum. The chlorophyll (Chl) content of the seedlings increased significantly with low concentrations of B for both date palm and sorghum, but no further significant increases were observed at higher concentrations. Generally, there was a positive correlation between B and calcium (Ca) content in the tissues of both seedlings when B concentrations were increased in the media. A negative correlation was found between B concentration in the media and the tissue content of phenolic compounds and the activity of some enzymes, such as polyphenol oxidase, IAA‐oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase in the tissue, while there was a positive correlation in the case of peroxidase. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) increased significantly in date palm with the increase of B in the medium, but for sorghum, the increase occurred at 10–100 ppm and decreased at 300 and 500 ppm B in the media.     

Effects of zinc fertilization and irrigation on grain yield and zinc concentration of various cereals grown in zinc‐deficient calcareous soils

Effects of varied irrigation and zinc (Zn) fertilization (0, 7, 14, 21 kg Zn ha^‐1 as ZnSO₄7.H₂O) on grain yield and concentration and content of Zn were studied in two bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), two durum wheat (Triticum durum), two barley (Hordeum vulgare), two triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmark), one rye (Secale cereale), and one oat (Avena sativa) cultivars grown in a Zn‐deficient soil (DTPA‐extractable Zn: 0.09 mg kg^‐1) under rainfed and irrigated field conditions. Only minor or no yield reduction occurred in rye as a result of Zn deficiency. The highest reduction in plant growth and grain yield due to Zn deficiency was observed in durum wheats, followed by oat, barley, bread wheat and triticale. These decreases in yield due to Zn deficiency became more pronounced under rainfed conditions. Although highly significant differences in grain yield were found between treatments with and without Zn, no significant difference was obtained between the Zn doses applied (7–21 kg ha^‐1), indicating that 7 kg Zn ha^‐1 would be sufficient to overcome Zn deficiency. Increasing doses of Zn application resulted in significant increases in concentration and content of Zn in shoot and grain. The sensitivity of various cereals to Zn deficiency was different and closely related to Zn content in the shoot but not to Zn amount per unit dry weight. Irrigation was effective in increasing both shoot Zn content and Zn efficiency of cultivars. The results demonstrate the existence of a large genotypic variation in Zn efficiency among and within cereals and suggest that plants become more sensitive to Zn deficiency under rainfed than irrigated conditions.     

Surface charge characteristics of volcanic‐ash‐soils from Spain. Effect of organic matter and mineralogical composition

Abstract

Surface charge characteristics of several Spanish Andosols were investigated. The relationship between these characteristics and the mineralogical composition and organic matter content of the soils were also taken into account.

The electro‐chemical behaviour of the soils was similar to that of many metallic oxides, in which the surface charge is determined exclusively by the activity of potential determining H and OH^‐ ions in the bulk solution.

The ZPC of the soils varies between 3.7 and 5.1 and always remains below the zero point of titration (between 0.6 and 10 meq/100g). These low ZPC values seem to be related to the high content of organic matter in the soils, but no clear correlation between both values has been found.

The mineralogical composition and the percentage of amorphous oxides in the soils, on the other hand, had an effect on the charge characteristics’. A correlation coefficient (r=0.801) was found between the Al₂O₃% and ZPC value of the soils.     

Nitrates in soil after long‐term management for dryland grain sorghum and winter wheat

Abstract

The leaching of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and radionuclides (²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra, and ⁴⁰K) from Joel sands amended with red mud/gypsum (RMG) at 9 rates (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 t/ha) was measured using columns. Intense leaching conditions (34 mm/day for 12 days) and a high rate of applied P (320 kg/ha as superphosphate) and N (680 kg/ha as ammonium nitrate) were used to simulate extremes of irrigated vegetable production on the Swan Coastal Plain. Addition of the highest rate of RMG (256 t/ha) reduced leaching of fertiliser P and ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N) by 85% and 50%, respectively, compared with 0 t/ha after 12 days. At 641 RMG/ha P leaching was reduced 50% compared with 0 t/ha. Nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃‐N) leaching was not affected by addition of RMG.

Reduced leaching of NH₄‐N was attributed to an increase in cation exchange capacity of the soil with the addition of RMG. Bicarbonate‐extractable P in the soil increased with rate of RMG to >50 μg P/g soil at 256 t/ha. This indicates that soil testing of residual P could be used to reduce P inputs to vegetable crops after soils were amended with RMG. This would further reduce the impact of vegetable production on the water systems of the Swan Coastal Plain and extend the period of effectiveness of RMG amended soils. The increase in ²³²Th specific activity in Joel sand amended with RMG was well below statutory limits even at the highest rate. Neither ⁴⁰K nor ²²⁶Ra were detectable in RMG amended sands up to 2561 RMG/ha. There was no evidence of leaching of ²²⁶Ra or ²²⁸Ra at any rate of RMG. These results suggest that the use of RMG amendment on commercial horticultural properties on the Swan Coastal Plain could be feasible.     

Effects of Several Metals on Both Fe(III)‐ and Cu(II)‐Reduction by Roots of Fe‐Deficient Cucumber Plants

Abstract

The ferric‐chelate reductase induced by Fe deficiency is also able to reduce other ions such as Cu²⁺. This Cu(II)‐reduction has been less studied and it has been suggested that Cu²⁺ ion rather than Cu²⁺‐chelate serves as the substrate. Ferric‐chelate reductase activity is inhibited by some metals, but the mechanisms implicated are not known. In the present work we use Fe‐deficient cucumber seedlings to study the interactions of Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn⁴⁺, and Fe³⁺ on both Fe(III)‐reduction and Cu(II)‐reduction activities. The response of Cu(II)‐reduction activity to Cu concentration, in the presence or absence of citrate, was also studied. Results showed that inhibition of the ferric‐chelate reductase activity by Cu²⁺ or Ni²⁺ could be partially reversed by increasing the concentration of Fe‐EDTA. The Cu(II)‐reduction activity was even stimulated by Fe‐EDTA or Ni²⁺; it was inhibited by a high concentration of Cu²⁺ itself; and it was not affected by the absence of citrate. Mn⁴⁺ caused a moderate inhibition of both Fe(III)‐reduction and Cu(II)‐reduction activities. Results agree with the hypothesis that free Cu²⁺ ion is the substrate for Cu(II)‐reduction and suggest that the mechanisms involved in Fe(III)‐reduction and Cu(II)‐reduction could have some differences and be affected by metals in different ways. The mode of action of metals on the reductase activity are discussed, but they are still not well known.