Biomass,carbon and nutrient stocks in different categories of rose (Rosa spp.) for optimizing input use

Abstract

The present study was carried out at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru to assess biomass accumulation, nutrient distribution, nutrient/water/energy use, plant available soil nutrients and carbon storage in different categories of roses in open-grown and protected systems. In open-grown roses, biomass of leaves, stalk and flowers represented 31.9%, 41.1% and 26.95%, respectively. In protected condition, flower biomass accounted for 17.62% of the total compared to leaf (51.0%), and stalk biomass (31.4%). The carbon stocks in plant biomass and soil accounted for 22% and 78% of total in open-grown rose system. In protected condition, plant and soil carbon stocks accounted for 11% and 89% of the total carbon stocks. Soil carbon stocks increased from 2.214 to 3.958?kg m^?2 during 4-year period in open field. In protected condition, soil carbon stock was increased from 3.315 to 5.104?kg m^?2 registering an increase of 1.789?kg m^?2. In rose production system, leaves registered highest levels of macronutrients while flowers acquired more micronutrients. The water use was 45% higher in protected cultivation (344?L yr^?1 m^?2) than in open condition (232?L yr^?1 m^?2). Based on nutrient use indicators and energy use of nutrient inputs, Arka Savi and Arka Swadesh were identified as efficient nutrient use and energy use (74.6% and 37.3%) genotypes in open and protected conditions, respectively. Plant available nutrient stocks in soil were optimum to above optimum in rose system. The results imply that precision nutrient application is most important to save inputs/energy, avoid environmental pollution and to develop sustainable land use system.     

Effects of selective cutting and herbicide use in spring barley on seed production of Cirsium arvense

A field experiment was performed in Sweden to evaluate the effect of herbicide treatment and selective cutting on the seed production of Cirsium arvense. Four treatments (control (C), selective cutting (S), early (H1) and late (H2) herbicide application) were laid out in a randomized block experiment. The field was sown with spring barley and contained a natural population of the weed. Treatments were first applied 2015 and repeated 2016. Changes in the number of seeds per flower receptacle and average seed weight were measured over time in 2016 from the onset of seed production until crop harvest. At harvest, number of shoots per area and cumulative numbers of flower receptacles, which had shed mature seeds over the season, were counted. These data were used to assess total seed production over the season. Treatment H2 led to a significantly decreased number of seeds per receptacle (49) compared to S (59), H1 (64) and C (67). Over time and treatment, number of seeds per flower receptacle was lowest in the second week (47) and increased over the third week to 69 in week four. Average weight per seed was about constant over time (0.91?mg) while H1 and S (0.63 and 0.78?mg, respectively) had lower seed weights compared to H2 and C (1.04 and 1.19?mg, respectively). Total seed production over the season in terms of number of seeds per square meter was greatly reduced by all treatments (5–20 seeds m^?2, or 3–14?mg?m^?2) compared to the control (6600 seeds m^?2, or 7800?mg?m^?2). We conclude that seed production of C. arvense is inhibited a thousand-fold and equally well by selective cutting as by early or late herbicide treatments.     

Fertilizer micro-dosing increases crop yield in the Sahelian low-input cropping system: A success with a shadow

Over the years, a scarcity of information on nutrient gains or losses has led to overemphasis being placed on crop yields and economic income as the direct benefits from fertilizer micro-dosing technology. There is increasing concern about the sustainability of this technology in smallholder Sahelian cropping systems. This study was designed in the 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons to establish nutrient balances under fertilizer micro-dosing technology and their implications on soil nutrient stocks. Two fertilizer micro-dosing treatments [2 g hill^?1 of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and 6 g hill^?1 of compound fertilizer Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (NPK) (15-15-15)] and three rates of manure (100 g hill^?1, 200 g hill^?1 and 300 g hill^?1) and the relevant control treatments were arranged in a factorial experiment organized in a randomized complete block design with three replications. On average, millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) grain yield increased by 39 and 72% for the plots that received the fertilizer micro-dosing of 6 g NPK hill^?1 and 2 g DAP hill^?1, respectively, in comparison with the unfertilized control plots. The average partial nutrients balances for the two cropping seasons were ?37 kg N ha^?1yr^?1, ?1 kg P ha^?1yr^?1 and ?34 kg K ha^?1yr^?1 in plots that received the application of 2 g DAP hill^?1, and ?31 kg N ha^?1yr^?1, ?1 kg P ha^?1yr^?1 and ?27 kg K ha^?1yr^?1 for 6 g NPK hill^?1. The transfer of straw yields accounted for 66% N, 55% P and 89% K for removal. The average full nutrient balances for the two cropping seasons in fertilizer micro-dosing treatments were ?47.8 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1, ?6.8 kg P ha^?1 yr^?1 and ?21.3 kg K ha^?1 yr^?1 which represent 7.8, 24.1 and 9.4% of N, P and K stocks, respectively. The nutrient stock to balance ratio (NSB) for N decreased from 13 to 11 and from 15 to 12 for the plots that received the application of 2 g DAP hill^?1 and 6 g NPK hill^?1, respectively. The average NSB for P did not exceed 5 for the same plots. It was concluded that fertilizer micro-dosing increases the risk of soil nutrient depletion in the Sahelian low-input cropping system. These results have important implications for developing an agro-ecological approach to addressing sustainable food production in the Sahelian smallholder cropping system.     

Long-Term Fertilization Effects on Rice Productivity and Nutrient Efficiency in Korean Paddy

ABSTRACT

Long-term fertilization tests evaluated rice (Oryza sativa) productivity in relation to application of nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P)-potassium (K) (120-34.9-66.7 kg ha^{? 1}, respectively) during 1967–1972 and N-P-K (150-43.7-83.3 kg ha^{? 1}, respectively) during 1973–2000. The comparison treatments (NP, PK, and NK) and the control (not fertilized) were selected for calculating nutrient efficiency. Rice grain yield increased at a 17.78 kg ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} in the control, mainly due to development of improved cultivars. Phosphorus management was found to be important for indigenous fertility and rice productivity in this paddy soil. Yield increased significantly with P fertilization. Without N fertilization (PK), rice productivity increased 56.85 kg ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} from 62% of NPK at the initial stage to 74% after passing 34 years, which might be affected by increasing biological N fixation with P accumulation in soil. In NK treatment, rice yield increased at a relatively low rate (37.82 kg hr^{? 1} yr^{? 1}) from the same rice productivity with that of NPK in 1967 to 91% after 34 years. In comparison, yield increased at a high rate (62.82 kg hr^{? 1} yr^{? 1}) without K fertilization (NP) from ca. 90% of NPK and might exceed the yield of NPK after 64 years of long-term fertilization. Therefore, K fertilization level might be readjusted after long-term fertilizing in paddy soil.     

IMPACT OF VERMICOMPOST AND NITROGEN-PHOSPHORUS- POTASSIUM APPLICATION ON BIOMASS PARTITIONING,NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND PRODUCTIVITY OF ARECANUT

A long-term field experiment (1998 to 2010) investigated the effects of vermicompost (VC) and chemical fertilizers (CF) application alone or in combination on biomass partitioning, nutrient uptake and productivity of arecanut. Trunk biomass (kg palm^?1) was significantly higher with integrated treatments (40.8–43.0) than control (23.9). Biomass partitioning to kernel varied between 4.6% in control to 7.7% in CF 100 and 200% nitrogen (N)- phosphorus (P)- potassium (K). The leaf P and K content varied significantly among treatments. The N immobilized in trunk (g palm^?1) was significantly higher in integrated treatments (119-127) than in control (93). Phosphorus and K uptake by trunk followed same trend. The leaf K uptake and total K removed were found significant. The nutrition treatments registered significantly higher kernel yield (2508–3176 kg ha^?1) than control (1721 kg ha^?1). The increased yield of arecanut from chemical fertilizers (73–85%) was more pronounced when compared to VC (48–59%) and integrated treatments (46–63%) over control.     

Specific Leaf Area and Specific Leaf Weight in Small Grain Crops Wheat,Rye, Barley,and Oats Differ at Various Growth Stages and NPK Source

Leaf thickness plays an important role in leaf and plant functioning and is related to species’ strategies of resource acquisition and use. Leaf thickness in small grains crops was measured as specific leaf area (SLA) (leaf area in cm² produced g^?1 leaf dry weight plant^?1) and specific leaf weight (SLW) (leaf dry weight in mg produced cm^?2 leaf area plant^?1). The four small grains crops (cool season C₃ cereals) studied were wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and oats (Avena sativa L.). The null hypothesis tested was that SLA and SLW in small grain crops do not differ at different growth stages and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) source. Eight NPK sources used in the experiment were: S₁ = 20-20-20, S₂ = 20-27-5, S₃ = 7-22-8, S₄ = 10-10-10-20S, S₅ = 11-15-11, S₆ = 31-11-11, S₇ = 24-8-16, and S₈ = 19-6-12, and each was applied at the rate of 300 mg pot^?1 at the time of sowing to each crop species. The experiment was performed in completely randomized design with three repeats at the Green House of Dryland Agriculture Institute, West Texas A&M University, Texas, during winter 2009-10. Based on the results, it was observed that both SLA and SLW differed with change in crop species, growth stage and NPK source. Among the crop species, SLA was greater in oats > barley > rye > wheat at different growth stages; while SLW of wheat and rye > barley and oats. The differences in the SLW between wheat vs. rye; and between oats vs. barley at different growth stages were not significant (P ≤ 0.05). Among the NPK sources, application of S₇ (24: 8: 16) had higher SLA at 60 and 90 DAE (days after emergence). Application of S₆ (31: 11: 11) had higher SLW at 60 DAE due to the production of the lowest leaf area plant^?1, but the increase in SLW at 90 DAE with S₅ and S₄ was due to the higher leaf dry weight plant^?1produced. Leaf dry weight and leaf area plant^?1 were considered the two most important leaf characteristics that influenced SLA and SLW. On the average, SLA increased with passage of time i.e. 0.70 < 520 < 600 cm² g^?1 at 30, 60 and 90 DAE, respectively; but SLW on the other hand, was highest 3.5 at 60 DAE > 2.2 at 90 DAE > 1.5 mg cm^?2 at 30 DAE. The increase in leaf area plant^?1 and decline in the leaf dry weight plant^?1 increased SLA; in contrast, increase in leaf dry weight plant^?1 and reduction in leaf area plant^?1 increased SLW indicated reciprocal relationship between SLA and SLW in the crop species.     

Profile carbon and nutrient levels and management effect on soil quality indicators in the Mardi watershed of Nepal

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient stocks in the soil profile (0–80 cm) in four dominant land uses [forest, upland maize and millet (Bari), irrigated rice (Khet), and grazed systems)] and 0–15 cm depth along elevation gradient 1000 to 3000 m, and aspects in the Mardi watershed were measured. Soil properties at 0–15 cm depth were also measured in undisturbed forest, forest with free grazed system, managed forest, and grassland to compare the soil quality index (SQI) of topsoils. The SOC and nutrient concentration decreased with increasing profile depth. The SOC and N contents in the 0–15 cm depth of forest soils were significantly greater than the corresponding depth in upland maize and millet, irrigated rice, and grazed systems. On the other hand, available P and K concentrations at the same depth were significantly greater in upland maize and millet compared to irrigated rice, grazed system, and forest land uses. The SOC and N stocks (0–15 cm) increased from agricultural land at the valley bottom at about 1000 m above mean sea level (a.s.l.) (24 and 3 Mg ha^?1) compared to undisturbed forest (74 and 5.9 Mg ha^?1) at 2600 m a.s.l, demonstrating the effects of cover and elevation. Both SOC and N stocks decreased sharply in grassland (54 and 4.5 Mg ha^?1) at elevations of 2600 to 2800 m a.s.l. compared with undisturbed forest. Above 2800 m a.s.l. the cover type changed from grass to coniferous forest, and the SOC and N stocks steadily increased at the summit level (3200 m a.s.l.) to 65 and 6.9 Mg ha^?1, respectively. Slope and aspect significantly affected SOC with the northwest aspect having significantly higher concentrations (46 g kg^?1) than other aspects. Similarly, SOC concentration at the lowest slope position (39 g kg^?1) was significantly higher than the middle or upper positions (25 and 13 g kg^?1). Integrated soil quality index (SQI) values varied from 0.17 to 0.69 for different land uses, being highest for undisturbed forest and lowest for irrigated rice. The SQI demonstrated the degradation status of land uses in the following ascending order: irrigated rice?>?grazed system?>?forest with free grazing?>?upland maize and millet?>?managed forest?>?grass land?>?undisturbed forest. The irrigated rice, grazed system, upland maize and millet, and freely grazed forestlands need immediate attention to minimize further deterioration of soil quality in these land uses.     

Problem of Applying Sodium Selenate to Increase Selenium Concentration in Grassland Plants in Southern Belgium

In a survey of grasslands, mean selenium (Se) concentration in Holcus lanatus was 83 μg kg^?1 (less than 100 μg kg^?1, the minimal concentration protecting mammals from deficiency disorders). Despite rather high levels of soil extractable Se, plant Se availability was supposed to be low because of high soil humus concentration. A pot experiment with common grassland species showed contrasting responses to selenate addition (9 g Se ha^?1 yr^?1). Lolium perenne leaves reached 470 μg kg^?1, and Trifolium pratense reached 292 μg kg^?1. The controls were less than 100 μg kg^?1. Leaves of others species showed greater values both in control and treated series and no significant difference. In a second pot experiment, Melilotus albus, a supposed secondary accumulator, and Lolium perenne as a control were submitted to moderate increased selenate additions (up to 45 g Se ha^?1 yr^?1). The results confirmed that Melilotus albus was a better accumulator with a leaf concentration that could reach the toxicity level of 2 mg kg^?1.     

Physiological Effects of Different Combinations of Humic and Fulvic Acid on Gerbera

Flower quality loss, especially short postharvest life, is a major problem in gerbera production. An experiment was conducted to determine how different combinations of humic substances (HS) affect gerbera. Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) applied to nutrient solutions in six combinations including control (nutrient solution only), 80 mg L^?1 HA + 20 mg L^?1 FA, 60 mg L^?1 HA + 40 mg L^?1 FA, 40 mg L^?1 HA + 60 mg L^?1 FA, 100 mg L^?1 FA, and 50 mg L^?1 FA. The HS application enhanced root architecture, nutrient content, number of harvested flowers, and vase life. Fifty (50) mg L^?1 FA extended vase life by 8 days and increased flower number (72.9%). Results suggest that HA and FA (especially 50 mg L^?1 FA) can improve quality and quantity of gerbera through improving root architecture, leading to enhanced nutrient uptake and possibly affecting hormone-like activities. It seems that using low concentrations of FA may be part of a solution in improving gerbera flower quality.     

Micronutrient availability in soils of Northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina in relation to silage maize production

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most widely grown crop in Bosnia and Herzegovina especially in Northwest part of the country. Considering that, the maize is extremely sensitive to micronutrient deficiency the main aim of this study was to asses: (1) micronutrient availability in soil, (2) micronutrient status in silage maize; and (3) the relationship between micronutrient soil availability and maize plant concentration. Soil samples for micronutrient availability (n?=?112) were collected from 28 farms in 7 municipalities. Plant available micro- and macro- nutrients in soil were extracted using Mehlich-3, except plant available Se was extracted using 0.1M KH₂PO₄. Result showed that on average there was no significant difference between different soil types regarding their potential in plant available nutrients. P deficiency was present both, in soil and plants in whole region. Soil extractable P was ranging from 0.003–0.13?g?kg^?1 and total plant P was ranging from 0.79–4.95?g?kg^?1. Zinc deficiency was observed in two locations both in soil (0.71?mg?kg^?1; 0.79?mg?kg^?1) and plant (11.5?mg?kg^?1; 15.8?mg?kg^?1). Potential Se soil deficiency was observed on some locations, while Se plant status is not high enough to meet daily requirements of farm animals. Extractable soil nutrients could be used as relatively good predictor of potential soil and plant deficiencies, but soil nutrient interactions and climate conditions are highly effecting the plant uptake potential.     

Corrosion-Induced Release and Environmental Interaction of Chromium, Nickel and Iron from Stainless Steel

A cross-disciplinary research project has been implemented because of increased awareness of the potential environmental effects caused by dispersion of metals from external applications into the environment. The work comprises a 4-year (1998–2002) field exposure of grades 304 and 316 stainless steels, and a laboratory percolation study simulating 20–25 years of chromium and nickel containing runoff water interactions with soil. Total metal annual release rates varied between 0.2 and 0.7 mg m^?2 yr^?1 for Cr, between 0.1 and 0.8 mg m^?2 yr^?1 for Ni and between 10 and 200 mg m^?2 yr^?1 for Fe. Most Cr and Ni is present in an ionic form as a result of the limited presence of organic matter at the immediate release situation. Metal ion concentrations in the runoff water are far below reported ecotoxic concentrations. Studies of the environmental interaction between runoff water from stainless steel and soil show the majority of released Cr and Ni to be retained and their concentrations in percolation water to be very low (0.5–1 μg L^?1 and 1–5.5 μg L^?1 for Cr and Ni, respectively). Speciation calculations showed Cr to be primarily complexed to dissolved organic carbon while Ni also was present in an ionic form in the solution phase. Soil extractions showed Cr and Ni to be very strongly retained within the soil.     

The flux of Cd,Cu, Pb and Zn in mining polluted soils

The monitoring of heavy metal deposition onto soils surrounding old Pb-Zn mines in two locations in the UK has shown that relatively large amounts of Cd, Pb, Zn and, in one case, Cu are entering the soil annually. Small particles of ore minerals in windblown mine tailings were found to be contributing up to 1.46 g m^?2 yr^?1 of Pb, 1.41 g m^?2 yr^?1 of Zn and 0.027 g m^?2 yr^?1 of Cd. However, when these inputs from bulk deposition are compared with the concentrations of the same metals within the soil profiles it is apparent that relatively little long-term accumulation is occurring. Metals are being lost from the soil profiles, probably through leaching. A calculated relative retention parameter gave values that ranged from 0.01 to 0.17 for Cd, 0.11 to 0.19 for Zn, 0.32 to 0.63 for Cu and over 1 for Pb. These relative retention values were found to follow the order of electronegativity of the elements concerned: Pb>Cu>Zn>Cd. Distribution coefficient (Kd) values quantifying the adsorptive capacity of the mine soils for Cd and Pb showed marked differences for the two metals (12 to 69 cm³ g^?1 for Cd and 14 to 126 cm³ g^?1 for Pb) and may, in part, account for the two to one hundred-fold variation in the relative retention parameter for the different metals within these soils.     

Nutrient Uptake of Swine Effluent-Fertilized Bermudagrass During Primary Spring and Summer Growth

ABSTRACT

Production of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay to manage manure nutrients may differ from production of hay intended for livestock consumption. The objective of this study was to determine the relationships between maturity and yield, nutrient concentration, and nutrient uptake in bermudagrass fertilized with swine effluent. Primary spring and summer growth of ‘Coastal’ hybrid and common bermudagrass was harvested every 7 d to 63 d maturity. Effluent applied to Brooksville silty clay loam (fine, smectitic, thermic Aquic Hapludert) during each harvest period contained 140 kg nitrogen (N), 240 kg potassium (K), and 25 kg phosphorus (P) ha^{? 1} (mean of 2 years). Coastal and common bermudagrass had similar trends for yield, nutrient concentration, and nutrient uptake. Dry-matter production followed a linear trend in the spring (maximum of 1.11kg m^{? 2} after 63 d) and a quadratic trend in the summer (maximum of 0.96 kg m^{? 2} after 56 d). Herbage N concentration declined from 33 to 17 g kg^{? 1} during the spring and summer harvest period, while P concentration declined from 3.8 to 2.4 g kg^{? 1}. Maximum K concentration (26 g kg^{? 1}) occurred at 28 d of growth. Nitrogen, P, and K uptake exhibited a quadratic response to increasing maturity during the spring and summer harvest periods, but maximum uptake was greater in the spring than in the summer. These results suggest that the spring harvest period is the best time to maximize nutrient uptake by delaying bermudagrass harvest to more mature stages.     

Integrated Nutrient Management Affects Fruit Yield of Sapota (Achras zapota L.) and Nutrient Availability in a Vertisol

ABSTRACT

We studied the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) combinations on supplement of plant nutrient for quantitative and qualitative fruit production in sapota. Thus, 17 combinations of INM practices were evaluated on fruit yield of sapota and nutrient availability in a Vertisol of Chambal region, India. The results demonstrated that almost all treatment combinations comprised of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), i.e. 1,000:500:500 g NPK plant^?1 with application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients had a significant effect on the fruit yield of sapota, soil microbial biomass, NPK content of leaf, fruit and soil over control (T₁). Among different treatments, application of 2/3rd part of RDF + 50 kg FYM + 250 g Azospirillum + 250 g Azotobacter plant^?1 (T₁₁) significantly enhanced the number of fruits plant^?1 (327.88), yield plant^?1 (29.03 kg) and yield ha^?1 (4.52 t). However, the soil microbial count of fungi (8.89 cfu g^?1 soil), bacteria (11.19 cfu g^?1 soil) and actinomycetes (5.60 cfu g^?1 soil) at fruit harvest was higher under the 2/3 of RDF +10 kg vermicompost + 250 g Azospirillum + 250 g Azotobacter plant^?1 (T₁₅). The leaf nitrogen content (N, 2.03%) was higher in T_15, while phosphorus (P, 0.28%) and potassium (K, 1.80%) content were higher in T₁₁. It is evident that treatment T₁₁ increased fruit yield by 32% in Sapota cv. Kalipatti compared to control. Therefore, combined application of nutrient sources proved not only beneficial for enhancing fruit yield of sapota but also sustaining soil health in Chambal region of south-eastern Rajasthan.     

Recent sedimentation rates in Garaet El Ichkeul Lake, NW Tunisia, as affected by the construction of dams and a regulatory sluice

Purpose

Ichkeul National Park, NW Tunisia, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Garaet El Ichkeul Lake is known for its seasonal variability in water level and salinity. In recent decades, the waterbody has been affected by the construction of new hydraulic structures. To reduce the impacts of dams and to maintain the sustainability of the ecosystem, a sluice was built at the outlet of the lake, and it operated for the first time in 1996. This paper describes an investigation of recent sedimentation dynamics in Ichkeul Lake, determined by radiometric dating of sediment cores.

Materials and methods

A sediment core was collected with a UWITEC gravity corer at the deepest, central part of the lake in August 2009. Specific activities of unsupported lead-210 (²¹⁰Pb) and caesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) were measured in the core, enabling calculation of recent sediment accumulation rates (SAR). Published radiometric data from nearby sediment cores, collected in 1997 and 1982, provide a comparison.

Results and discussion

The measured excess ²¹⁰Pb inventory was 5300?±?500?Bq?m^?2, leading to an estimation of constant flux of 165?±?16?Bq?m^?2?yr^?1, a value higher than the best estimate for local atmospheric fluxes (123?±?12?Bq?m^?2?yr^?1) and the flux estimated from the core collected in 1982 (48?Bq?m^?2?yr^?1). The ¹³⁷Cs inventory was 3550?±?120?Bq?m^?2, two times higher than the historical ¹³⁷Cs atmospheric deposition in the area. The ¹³⁷Cs profile displayed a distinct peak, but the ¹³⁷Cs depth-distribution did not follow the pattern expected from atmospheric deposition. Application of the constant rate of supply (CRS) model, with the reference point method, produced a chronology and SAR values comparable to those found in previous work. The whole ¹³⁷Cs profile was quantitatively reconstructed from the historical records of atmospheric deposition, using the system-time-averaged (STA) model.

Conclusions

The CRS and STA models provide consistent sediment accumulation results for the whole data set, considering the time resolution of the chronology (~6?years) and analytical uncertainties. Results from cores sampled in 1982, 1997 and 2009 reveal an increasing SAR trend, from ~0.25?g?cm^?2?yr^?1 in the early 1940s to ~0.67?g?cm^?2?yr^?1 at present. In the 13?years since installation of sluice gates at Tinja, SAR in the central Ichkeul Lake has not declined. Thus, if siltation continues at the present rate, shallowing of the lake will seriously affect the hydromorphology and ecology of this important lake.     

Enhancing nutrient translocation,yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system through zinc nutrition and residual effect of green manuring

Abstract

Efficient nutrient and water use are two important considerations to obtain good harvests of wheat. This necessitates the development of an effective nutrient management technique that not only increases yield, but simultaneously can save nutrient and water use. In this context, a field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to evaluate the residual effect of sesbania and rice bean (in-situ), subabul (ex-situ) green manuring and Zinc (Zn) fertilization, using chelated Zn-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Zn-EDTA) on nutrient use, yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system. Among residual effects of green manure crops and Zn fertilization, sesbania and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher nutrient content and uptake and yields than other green manure crops and Zn treatments. Residual effect of sesbania saved about 46.5?×?10³ and 30.5?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne of wheat over subabul and rice bean, respectively. Foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS saved about 55.5?×?10³, 47?×?10³ and 13?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne wheat over residual effect of 5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application, 2.5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application + 1 foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at flowering and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at active tillering?+?flowering?+?grain filling, respectively. Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between Zn uptake and grain yield.     

Changes in soil organic carbon and nitrogen in an area of Andisol following afforestation with Japanese cedar and Hinoki cypress

Abstract

To determine the rates of increase in C and N stocks in the soil and organic layers following afforestation in Andisols, we measured C and N densities in the organic and soil layers at depths of 0–5, 5–15 and 15–30?cm, together with a chronosequence analysis of 4-year-old, 14-year-old and 23-year-old Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and 4-year-old, 12-year-old and 25-year-old Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plantations. The short-term changes in C and N were confirmed by repeated sampling 5?years after the first sampling. Tree growth, biomass accumulation and organic layers were much greater in Japanese cedar than in Hinoki cypress plantations. Soil C density (kg?m^?3) increased and bulk density decreased with stand age in the surface layer (0–5?cm). The average soil C accumulation rate was 22.9?g?C?m^?2?year^?1 for Japanese cedar and 21.1?g?C?m^?2?year^?1 for Hinoki cypress. Repeated sampling showed that the rate of increase in C in the surface soil was relatively slow in young stands and that soil C density (kg?m^?3) in the subsurface soil did not change over a 5-year period. Although N accumulated in the tree biomass and organic layers, the soil N density (kg?m^?3) did not change after afforestation. Although the andic properties of the soil and differences in the planted species did not influence the rate of increase in soil C, soil C density was expected to increase to a concentration greater than 80?g?kg^?1, possibly because of the large C accumulation capacity of Andisols.     

Optimum Nutrient Level on Growth,Flowering, and Rhizome Production in Curcuma

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of liquid fertilizer treatments on growth, flowering, leaf mineral content, and rhizome production during forcing of Curcuma alismatifolia ‘Chiang Mai Pink’ and C. thorelii ‘Chiang Mai Snow’. Plants were irrigated with 200 mL of 1.3 g L^?1 of 15 nitrogen (N) -7 phosphorus (P) -14 potassium (K) water soluble fertilizer at 0, 1.3, 2.7, 4.0, 5.3, or 6.6 g L^?1 weekly. Days to flower, flower stem length, and leaf length were recorded, the mineral contents in leaves were analyzed, and the number of rhizomes with tuberous roots were recorded at harvest. Flowering of the first inflorescence in both C. alismatifolia ‘Chiang Mai Pink’ and C. thorelii ‘Chiang Mai Snow’ was significantly delayed when plants received 6.6 g L^?1 fertilizer as compared to the control plants. The number of rhizomes with more than 4 tuberous roots was highest when plants received 2.7 g L^?1 fertilizer. No medium-sized rhizomes with more than seven tuberous roots were produced when ‘Chiang Mai Pink’ plants received 0, 4.0, 5.3, and 6.6 g L^?1 fertilizer. Based on the production of rhizomes with four to six tuberous roots, optimum concentration of 15N -7P -14K water soluble fertilizer is 2.7 g L^?1 for C. alismatifolia ‘Chiang Mai Pink’ and 1.3 to 4.0 g L^?1 for C. thorelii ‘Chiang Mai Snow’. Although high boron content occurred only in the outer part of the second leaf when fertilizer concentrations were increased, leaf-margin burn (LMB) symptoms were not observed in both species and this could not be related to the production of rhizomes.     

Influence of Humic Acid in Diluted Nutrient Solution on Growth,Nutrient Efficiency,and Postharvest Attributes of Gerbera

A hydroponics experiment was conducted to study the effect of humic acid (HA) on gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) cv. Malibu in different diluted nutrient solutions. The HA (500 mgL^?1) was added to a nutrient solution (NS) of gerbera with two dilution levels of NS, ½ NS and ¼ NS, and full-strength nutrient solution (NSc). The HA application compensated for nitrogen, magnesium, and iron deficiency in the ½ NS. Nutrient utilization efficiency (NUTE) of nitrogen in shoot decreased and that of Fe increased in the ½ NS compared with the ¼ NS when HA was applied. The number of harvested flowers per plant was the greatest in the NSc and the ½ NS with incorporating HA. Flower vase life improved by increasing NS level (9.33 days). It seems HA could be successfully considered as a compound to decrease nutrients input in gerbera hydroponics production.     

Soil erosion and changes in the physical properties of Lithuanian Eutric Albeluvisols under different land use systems

Abstract

The investigations aimed to: 1) evaluate water erosion rates on undulating slopes in Lithuania under different land use systems; 2) study changes in soil physical properties on the differently eroded slopes; and 3) better understand relationships between soil physical properties and soil erodibility. Research data were obtained on loamy sand and clay loam Eutric Albeluvisols located on the undulating hilly relief of the ?emai?iai Uplands of Western Lithuania. The results of 18 years of water erosion investigations under different land use systems on slopes of varying steepness are presented. Attention is focused on changes in soil physical properties in relation to soil erosion severity. Measured water erosion rates in the field experiments were: 3.2–8.6 m³ ha^?1 yr^?1 under winter rye, 9.0–27.1 m³ ha^?1 yr^?1 under spring barley and 24.2–87.1 m³ ha^?1 yr^?1 under potatoes. Perennial grasses completely prevented water erosion, while erosion-preventive grass-grain crop rotations (67% grasses, 33% cereal grains) decreased soil losses by 75–80% compared to the field crop rotation, containing 17% tillage crops (potatoes), 33% grasses and 50% cereal grains. The grain-grass crop rotation (33% grasses and 67% cereal grains) decreased soil erosion rates by 23–24%. The percentage of clay-silt and clay fractions of arable soil horizons increased, while the total soil porosity and moisture retention capacity decreased with increased soil erosion. Phytocenoses, including sod-forming perennial grasses and grass-grain crop rotations, led to changes in the physical properties of eroded soils; soil bulk density decreased and percentage total porosity and moisture retention capacity increased. The grass-grain crop rotations increased the water-stable soil structure (measured as water-stable soil aggregates) by 11.03 per cent units and sod-forming perennial grasses increased aggregate stability by 9.86 per cent units compared with the grain-grass crop rotation on the 10–14° slope. Therefore, grass-grain crop rotations and sod-forming perennial grasses decreased soil erodibility and thus could assist both erosion control and the ecological stability of the vulnerable hilly-undulating landscape.