Effect of Primary Biomethanated Spentwash on Soil Properties,Nutrient Uptake,and Yield of Wheat on Sodic Soil

The experiment on the effect of primary biomethanated spentwash (PBSW) on soil properties, nutrient uptake and yield of wheat on sodic soil was carried out at a research farm of Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra state, India, during the post-monsoon season. The experimental soil was sodic calcareous having Sawargaon series of isohyperthermic family of Vertic Haplustepts. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of varying doses of PBSW (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 m³ ha^?1), absolute control, farmyard manure (FYM) 5 t ha^?1 + RDF-AST (recommended dose of fertilizer as per soil test), FYM 5 t ha^?1 + 50% GR (gypsum requirement) + RDF-AST and FYM 5 t ha^?1 + 100% GR + RDF-AST. The results revealed that the physical properties, namely bulk density and hydraulic conductivity, were improved in sodic soil due to the application of increased doses of PBSW. A significant reduction in pH, calcium carbonate and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and an increase in organic carbon, cation-exchange capacity (CEC) and electrical conductivity (EC) were observed in the soil, due to the addition of PBSW. The available soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and micronutrient iron, manganese, copper and zinc (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) content after the harvest of wheat was the highest in the 500 m³ ha^?1 treatment compared with all the other treatments. The exchangeable calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺) increased significantly and exchangeable Sodium (Na⁺) reduced significantly with increased doses of PBSW. The saturation paste extract analysis also showed the same trend. A significant increase in the EC of the saturation paste of extract of the soil was observed in all PBSW treatments and it was the highest (4.75 dS m^?1) in PBSW application @ 500 m³ ha^?1. The application of PBSW @ 500, 400, 300 and 200 m³ ha^?1 resembled the treatments of FYM + gypsum @ 100 GR + RDF-AST, FYM + gypsum @ 50 GR + RDF-AST and FYM + RDF-AST, respectively, regarding the biological properties of sodic soil. The PBSW application @ 500 m³ ha^?1 had recorded the highest grain (47.33 q ha^?1) and straw (72.72 q ha^?1) yield and the maximum total uptake of N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn by wheat, which was at par with the treatment of FYM (5 t ha^?1) + gypsum @ 100% GR + RDF-AST.     

Accumulation and Mobility of Salts in Soil as Influenced by Primary Biomethanated Spentwash

A soil column laboratory experiment was carried out at the central campus, Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Rahuri, India during 2008–2009 to study the accumulation and mobility of salts in Typic Haplusterts as influenced by primary biomethanated spentwash (PBSW). The PBSW was applied in three different levels (0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 cm) and then tap water with low salinity and low sodium hazard (C₁S₁ class) was used to carry out leaching in four different levels of water at the pore volume of soil (WPVS) (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0). The electrical conductivity (EC) in the soil increased significantly with increasing levels of PBSW and decreased with increasing levels of WPVS in surface (0–15 cm deep) and subsurface (15–30 cm deep) soil layers. The exchangeable calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and potassium (K⁺) increased, whereas exchangeable sodium (Na⁺) decreased with increasing levels of PBSW and WPVS in surface and subsurface layers of soil. The organic carbon content increased with increasing levels of PBSW and decreased with increasing levels of WPVS in both the soil layers. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased with increasing levels of PBSW and WPVS in both the soil layers. The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) decreased with increasing levels of PBSW and WPVS over the initial values of soil in both the layers. The pH of saturated paste (pHs) was reduced and electrical conductivity of extract (ECe) was increased with increasing levels of PBSW and WPVS in both the layers. The Na⁺ content of saturation paste extract increased significantly with increasing levels of PBSW and WPVS in both the soil layers.     

脱硫副产物对改良碱化土壤的理化性质与作物生长的影响

由于脱硫副产物的主要成分为CaSO4,因此可以用来改良碱化土壤。通过盆栽试验研究了脱硫副产物对碱化土壤的改良效果,试验设8个处理,4个脱硫副产物水平(0,7 5,15,22 5t/hm2)和2个淋洗水平(750,1200m3/hm2)。研究表明:施加脱硫副产物增加了葵花的出苗率,降低了碱化土壤的碱化度(ESP)、pH、全盐量(TDS)和Na K /Ca2 Mg2 ,但过量施加脱硫副产物也会抑制作物的出苗和生长;淋洗可以提高脱硫副产物的改良效率。根据试验结果推测当ESP=63 5,pH=9 15时,获得最佳产量的脱硫副产物用量13 05t/hm2。脱硫副产物用量7 5t/hm2和淋洗水量1200m3/hm2的处理组合对碱化土壤改良效果最佳,葵花出苗率和单株产量分别达到了92 5%和36 40g。     

Boron Fertilization in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in an Inceptisol of West Bengal,India

This study is a synthesis of information on growth, yield, and boron-use efficiency of hybrid sunflower (cultivar Aditya) in an inceptisol (Gangetic alluvium) of West Bengal, India, under varied proportions of soil and foliar-applied boron. Foliar spray of boron (B), under all circumstances, performed better than soil application of B fertilizers with regard to sunflower seed and total dry-matter yield, B uptake, and B-use efficiencies, while 0.2 percent foliar B spray was associated with greatest B recoveries, B-use efficiencies, and sunflower seed yields in the experimental years.     

Amelioration in Growth and Physiological Efficiency of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Drought by Potassium Application

The present study investigated the induced drought tolerance in sunflower through foliar application of potassium (K) at critical growth stages (head formation or achene filling). Five genotypes of sunflower (G-101, SF-187, Hysun-33, Hysun-38, and 64-A-93) were tested for drought tolerance at ?0.55, ?1.36, and ?1.60 MPa osmotic potential using polyethylene glycol 6000. Hysun-33 showed the highest stress tolerance index as calculated from germination percentage, seedling height, root length, and dry matter. This genotype was further evaluated in the field under drought at head formation or achene filling stages, with or without 1% K foliar application. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Drought at head formation or achene filling stage significantly decreased biological yield, head diameter, plant height, 1000 achene weight, and achene yield as compared to unstressed control. Potassium application significantly improved all the aforementioned parameters and therefore could be a better strategy for ameliorating drought stress in sunflower.     

NPK could alleviate the adverse effects of simulated acid rain in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A study was conducted to determine the effect of macronutrients (NPK) in alleviating the adverse effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). In addition to control (T₀), three different treatments, i.e., SAR (HNO₃) of pH 3 (T₁), NPK (T₂), and SAR + NPK (T₃), were applied on two sunflower cultivars, i.e., FH-37 and FH-385. The experiment was set up in CRD (completely randomized design) with four replicates of each treatment. Chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, ion contents (NPK), and gas exchange characters were determined. Acid rain remarkably reduced the chlorophyll pigments, NPK ionic content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance, while an increase in internal CO₂ concentration and water use efficiency was noted in both the cultivars. The mixture of NPK with SAR exhibited positive impact to lessen the toxicity caused by acid. Among cultivars, FH-385 showed better performance as compared to FH-37.     

Effects of nickel and PGPBs on growth indices and phytoremediation capability of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The effect of bacteria inoculation was studied on sunflower growth and phytoremediation capacity in soils contaminated by different levels of nickel. The experimental treatments consisted of four levels of bacteria inoculation – non-inoculated, inoculated by Bacillus safensis, inoculated by Kocuria rosea, and co-inoculated by B. safensis + K. rosea – and four levels of nickel concentrations in the soil – Ni0, Ni150, Ni300, and Ni450 (0, 150, 300, and 450 mg Ni per kg soil, respectively). The treatments were arranged as factorial structure based on a completely randomized design. Results have shown that growth indices, photosynthetic pigments, shoot Fe concentration, root and shoot Zn concentration, and translocation factor decreased as the Ni concentration in soil increased. Shoot and root Ni concentration were higher at Ni450, whereas, the highest Ni uptake by the plant was observed at Ni300 when the sunflower seed was co-inoculated by B. safensis + K. rosea bacteria. Bacteria inoculation significantly increased the plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, and Ni uptake. By B. safensis inoculation, the Fe concentration significantly increased in shoot, while it decreased in root.     

The Role of Organic Soil Amendments on Soil Physical Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The objective of this study is to examine the role of some organic (composted tobacco waste, CTW; bio-humus, BH; chicken manure, CM) soil amendments on soil physical properties and yield of maize. A 3-year field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of Ege University in Menemen, Izmir, Turkey from 2009 to 2011. The treatments, (1) control, (2) 4 t/ha CM+NPK, (3) 50 t/ha CTW, (4) 10 t/ha BH+NPK, were arranged in complete randomized block design with four treatment replications. Both of BH (composted plant residues) and CM were obtained from organic manure industry. Tobacco wastes were gathered from the cigarette industry and applied to maize (Zea mays L.) after composting period with the other amendments. During the experiment, two soil samples were collected in three different periods (3 June 2009–23 October 2009; 1 June 2010–5 November 2010; 13 July 2011–21 October 2011). The effects of CM, BH, and CTW on physical properties of the soil and yield were investigated. According to our results, all organic amendments increased porosity, structure stability index, field capacity, wilting point, and available water amount and decreased bulk density and particle density of soil when compared to the control. We additionally determined that these organic amendments positively affected grain yield.     

Growth kinetics at early stages of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under soil compaction

Sunflower rooting depth is strongly related with soil structural behavior and gravimetric water availability. A few studies have been done on sunflower, only one within a kinetic aspect, and none involving fine root study. This work's aim was to study the impact of soil compaction and its interactions with soil water content on sunflower root and shoot growth and growth rate. A destructive experiment in controlled conditions was implemented to determine the consequences of soil compaction in interaction with water management on the growth of sunflower root and shoot system. Strong modifications on root exploration, architecture and growth were reported under low and high compactions depending on their water regime, the stage sampled and the time duration. This had a negative impact on resources uptake and efficiency. Modifications on the above ground part of the plant through plant water and nutrients uptake, plant growth indicators, biomass production and leaves growth kinetics were also observed.     

Sodic Soil Reclamation Potential of Gypsum and Biocharadditions: Influence on Physicochemical Properties and Soil Respiration

Reclamation of sodic soils is proving increasingly vital as greater land area becomes salt-affected in the northern Great Plains of the United States. Flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) can be an agriculturally important resource for increasing land productivity through the amelioration of sodic soils. Biochar is also considered as an aid in reclaiming degraded soils. In this incubation study, two rates of FGDG (33.6 Mg ha^?1 and 66.2 Mg ha^?1), two rates of biochar made from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) pulp (16.8 Mg ha^?1), and one rate of FGDG combined with one rate of biochar (33.6 Mg ha^?1 ea.) were applied to a sodic soil. Soil physicochemical properties, including cationic exchange, pH, electrical conductivity (EC_e), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR_e), total organic carbon (TOC), water retention, and soil respiration rate, were assessed during and at the end of the incubation period. Addition of FGDG to sodic soil increased EC_e from 3.5 to 8.4 dS m^?1 and decreased SAR_e from 16 to 9. Biochar addition to sodic soil increased TOC from 62.2 to 99.5 μg g^?1 and increased soil respiration rate (mg C kg^?1 soil day^?1) on every measurement period. When FGDG and biochar were both added to the sodic soil, TOC did not significantly improve; however, EC_e increased from 3.5 to 7.7 dS m^?1, SAR_e decreased from 16 to 9, and soil respiration rate increased for all measurements. The results confirm there is potential for FGDG and biochar to reclaim sodic soils alone, and applied in combination.     

Phosphorus use Efficiency of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

This study comparatively evaluates phosphorus (P) use efficiency of safflower and sunflower in view of identifying low input oil crops. Sunflower accumulated more P than safflower at all equivalent P supplies. Sunflower was more efficient at their best P supplies to utilize absorbed P than safflower in terms of efficiency ratio and utilization index. Yield response curves interpreting the functional relationship between nutrient supply and yield using Michaelis-Menten equation indicate that sunflower is less sensitive to inadequate P supply and thus more P-efficient than safflower with respect to yield, as the term ‘Km’ is lower for sunflower. The minimal P amount per pot required to trigger yield formation (term ‘Cmin’) was lower in sunflower than safflower. Harvest Index in sunflower out-yielded that of safflower at all P supplies. Critical deficiency contents of sunflower were lower than that for safflower. It can be concluded that safflower cannot be considered as low-input crop.     

Differential allelopathic potential of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes on weeds and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop

Studies were conducted to screen eight sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes for their allelopathic potential against weeds and wheat crop, which customarily follows sunflower in Iraq. All sunflower genotypes significantly inhibited the total number and biomass of companion weeds and the magnitude of inhibition was genotype dependent. Among the eight genotypes tested, Sin-Altheeb and Coupon were the most weed-suppressing cultivars, and Euroflor and Shumoos were the least. A subsequent field experiment indicated that sunflower residues incorporated into the field soil significantly inhibited the total number and biomass of weeds growing in the wheat field. Sunflower genotypes Sin-Altheeb and Coupon appeared to inhibit total weed number and biomass more and significantly increased wheat yield compared with the least-suppressive genotypes (Euroflor and Shumoos). Chromatographic analyses by HPLC revealed the presence of 13 secondary metabolites in residues of the tested sunflower genotypes. All the isolated compounds appeared to be phenolic, with the exception of terpinol, which is a terpenoid derivative. The total concentration of Phytotoxins (phenolic compounds) was found to be higher in the most-suppressive potential genotypes compared with the least-suppressive genotypes.     

脱硫石膏对碱化土壤胶体絮凝的影响

为明确脱硫石膏改良碱化土壤胶体絮凝过程的离子交换作用,设置了碱化土壤组和碱化土壤胶体组.在不同土水比(1 ︰ 5、1 ︰ 10、1 ︰ 20(m ︰ V))条件下加入不同量脱硫石膏量(0.1％～2％,m ︰m)作为碱化土壤组,以及向利用土水比为1 ︰ 100的方法制备碱化土壤胶体中加入不同量的脱硫石膏作为胶体组,以分析...     

不同改良剂对河套灌区盐渍化土壤性状和葵花生长特性的影响

为了评价不同改良剂对盐渍化土壤的改良效果,以葵花为研究对象,采用大田裂区试验方法,设置生物炭(DC,22.5 t/hm~2)、脱硫石膏(DS,37.5 t/hm~2)、脱硫石膏加有机肥(DSF,各37.5 t/hm~2)、对照(DCK)4种处理。结果表明:施加改良剂均降低了土壤容重,增加了土壤孔隙度,生物炭效果最明显,在耕层(0—20 cm)收获后较播种前土壤容重降低6.11%,是DCK的4倍,孔隙度增加12.89%,是DCK的5倍;脱硫石膏降低土壤pH和电导率效果最优,最大降幅分别为10.09%和28.51%;3种改良剂对盐渍化土壤的肥力效应不同,与对照相比,在收获后生物炭处理显著提高土壤耕层有机质、碱解氮、速效磷含量,脱硫石膏显著提高速效钾含量;各改良剂处理能显著增加葵花株高、茎粗、干物质积累量和百粒重,且生物炭处理的葵花产量最高,为4 539.60 kg/hm~2,较对照增产32.28%。综上所述,在河套灌区盐渍化土壤中施入不同改良剂后,土壤性状得到明显改善,促进葵花的正常生长,提高了产量。其中施入生物炭22.5 t/hm~2对盐渍土壤改良效果最佳,其次是施入脱硫石膏37.5 t/hm~2,能有效地提高土壤肥力和葵花产量。     

Effects of biochar and fertilizer management on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) feedstock and soil properties

The need for bioenergy is increasing with increase in global energy demand, and sustainable soil and fertilizer management practices for bioenergy feedstock production are gaining importance. In this greenhouse study, we evaluated the effects of biochar and fertilizer nitrogen on soil and energy crop sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. var. Giganteus). Sunflower plants were treated with three rates of biochar, control (0 Mg ha^?1), low (25 Mg ha^?1) and high (50 Mg ha^?1), and three rates of fertilizers, 0% (control), 50% (low) and 100% (high) of the recommended nitrogen dose. Plant height, quality (chlorophyll content), biomass yield, feedstock energy, ash content and tissue nutrients were measured along with soil moisture and pH. Results showed an 11% increase in mean plant height under low biochar compared to control biochar-treated plants. High nitrogen treatment produced 26% and 18% more stalk and total above-ground plant (whole plant) biomass, respectively, compared to the control nitrogen treatment. High biochar treatment resulted in higher soil moisture holding, but lower soil pH than the control biochar treatment. Plant quality, energy and ash contents were not affected by either biochar or nitrogen. The plant tissue analysis provides a complete tissue macro- and micronutrient information on sunflower cultivar Giganteus, which was not done previously.     

Effect of Effective Microorganism Application on Crop Growth,Yield, and Nutrition in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek in Different Soil Amendment Systems

A pot experiment was conducted in heat-sterilized soil to evaluate the effect of effective microorganism (EM) application on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek var. NIAB Mung 98 in different soil amendment systems. Pot soil was amended with farmyard manure (FYM), Trifolium alexanrinum L. crop residues (TCR), and half (½NPK) and recommended dose (NPK) of chemical fertilizers. The EM application significantly enhanced shoot and root biomass in TCR-amended soil. However, grain yield was significantly enhanced in FYM, TCR, and NPK amendments by 24%, 15%, and 84%, respectively, as a result of EM application. Effect of EM application on nutrient uptake was variable with respect to soil amendment and plant growth stage. In general, EM application enhanced plant nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) nutrition in organic amendments while its effect was either negative or insignificant in chemical fertilizer amendments. Effects of EM application on plant nutrient uptake were more pronounced at maturity than at flowering stage.     

旧膜对土壤温度和向日葵产量的影响

为有效利用地膜和减少污染,于2010—2011年在内蒙古河套地区进行地膜再利用试验,分别设旧膜上种植（JS）、旧膜间种植（JJ）及露地种植（W）3个处理,研究旧膜对免耕向日葵田土壤温度变化和产量的影响。结果表明,2 a内JJ和JS处理下整个生育期0—50 cm土层温度均高于W处理,且在播种时和苗期差异显著（p<0.05）,在0—10 cm土层,旧膜能有效提高土壤温度,使向日葵提前达到出苗所需的有效积温,从而促进出苗,缩短生育期。整个生育期5 cm土层的总积温（≥10℃）JJ和JS处理下分别比W处理高176.08,166.47℃,生育期较露地种植缩短5~7 d,差异性显著。土壤温度的日变化在0—20 cm呈单峰曲线,随着土层的加深和生育进程的推进,土壤温度峰值出现的时间延后,且旧膜延后于露地。JJ处理下籽粒产量在2010年和2011年较JS处理分别增加了1.34%和0.88%,较W处理分别增加了12.92%和17.82%。可见旧膜仍有利用价值,而且以旧膜间种植效果更好。     

The Determination of Soil Boron Fractions,Their Relationships to Soil Properties and the Availability to Olive (Olea europea L.) Trees

This study was conducted to investigate the various boron fractions in olive tree grown soils. The correlations between boron fractions in leaves, fruits and soil properties were examined. For this purpose cv “Gemlik” olive (Olea europaea L.) orchards were visited. Soil samples from 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm deep, the leaf and fruit samples were collected. The greatest proportion of total soil boron is present in residual form (85–88%). It is followed by organically bound B (2.84–4.50%), specifically adsorbed on soil colloid surfaces (0.93–1.31%), oxides (manganese oxyhydroxides, amorphous Fe and Al oxides, crystalline Fe and Al oxides) bound B (7.27–8.31%). The smallest one readily soluble (extracting plant available) boron values were composed of only 0.40–0.50% of total boron ranging. To determine readily soluble boron five different extraction solutions were in the order Hot water ? 0.01 M CaCl₂ ? 1 M NH₄OAc ? 0.1 M KCl ? 0.005 M DTPA. Fruit boron concentration and soil boron fractions showed close correlations than leaf boron concentration.     

Growth response and nitrogen metabolism of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to vermicompost and biogas slurry under salinity stress

Sunflower was grown under saline media with or without vermicompost amendment and biogas slurry, the organic fertilizers. A randomized complete block design with five replications was used. Forty-five pots were divided in three sets comprising of 15 pots each. Out of 15 pots of each sets, five pots of each were subjected to different levels of saline water irrigation i.e. electrical conductivity (EC): 0.5, 4.8 8.6 dS/m). Amendments of vermicompost and biogas slurry have shown some reduction of sodium induced inhibitory effects. Analyses of fresh and dry weight of leaves, ions, amino acid, protein and nitrogen metabolism enzymes in leaves etc., have been undertaken with reference to above-mentioned treatments. Organic manure amendments improved growth yield, nitrate and protein content and decreased the amount of sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl^?), ammonium and total amino acid under saline or non-saline condition. Activities of nitrogen (N)-assimilating enzymes i.e. nitrate reducatse (NR, EC 1.6.6.1), nitrite reductase (NiR, EC 1.6.6.4), glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) and glutamate synthase (NADH-GOGAT, EC 1.4.1.14) were enhanced to some extent irrespective to non saline or saline condition. Under salinity NADH-glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, EC 1.4.1.2) activity was stimulated concomitantly with the increasing ammonium contents and proteolysis activity in the leaves and organic manure did not show a significant difference as compared to their respective control. With respect to salt stress, among the two above-mentioned organic manure, vermicompost showed better result in the entire studied parameter as compared to the biogas slurry.     

Effects of Soil Fertility Management on Growth,Yield, and Water-Use Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Selected Soil Properties

Maize was grown for two cropping years to investigate the supplementary effect of inorganic fertilizer with cow dung on growth, yield, water-use efficiency, and soil properties. Five treatments were imposed: unfertilized control and four different fertilization packages comprising two different levels of inorganic fertilization with cow dung as supplements, sole inorganic fertilizer, and sole cow dung. Results analyzed after the two cropping years showed significant differences in growth and yield. A reduction in yield was observed for the unfertilized plots, whereas yields in the plots of supplemented inorganic fertilizer with cow dung increased and were significantly at par with the sole inorganic fertilizer plot. Water-use efficiency was improved for the fertilized plots. Significant improvement was observed in the water-stable aggregates with plots that received cow dung as organic manure either in part with inorganic fertilizer or as sole cow dung.