RELATIONSHIP OF SOIL EXTRACTABLE AND FERTILIZER BORON TO SOME SOIL PROPERTIES,CROP YIELDS,AND TOTAL BORON IN COTTON AND WHEAT PLANTS ON SELECTED SOILS OF PUNJAB,PAKISTAN

Boron (B) is an essential microelement, which is necessary for reproductive organs including pollen tube formation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and flowering and boll formation in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) The study was associated with wheat-cotton rotation in 80 farm fields, belonging to different soil series, in four districts of cotton belt of Punjab, Pakistan to assess concentrations of extractable B in soils [0.05 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) extractable B], and added fertilizer B and their relationship to some soil physico-chemical properties [pH, organic matter (OM), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and clay content], yields and total B concentrations in wheat and cotton plants. All soils had alkaline pH (7.45 to 8.55), high CaCO₃ content (2.14 to 8.65%), less than 1.0% OM (0.33 to 0.99%), low plant available-P (Olsen P less than 8 mg kg^?1 soil) and medium ammonium acetate extractable potassium (K) (< 200 mg K kg^?1 soil). Of the 80 soil samples, 65 samples (81%) were low in available B (<0.45 mg B kg^?1, ranging from 0.11 to 0.43 mg B kg^?1) Of the corresponding 80 plant samples, leaves B concentrations were below critical levels (<10 mg B kg^?1 for wheat; <30 mg B kg^?1 for cotton) for all the tested samples for wheat and cotton. The regression analysis between plant total B concentrations and soil extractable B concentrations showed strong linear positive relationships for both wheat (R² = 0.509***, significant at P <0.001) and cotton (R² = 0.525***, significant at P <0.001). Further regression analysis between extractable soil B and wheat grain yield as well as between wheat leaves total B and wheat grain yield also depicted strong linear relationships (R² = 0.76 and 0.42, respectively). Boron fertilizer demonstration plots laid out at farmers’ fields low in extractable B, in each district not only enhanced grain yields of wheat crop but also contributed a significant increase towards seed cotton yield of succeeding cotton crop through residual B effect. In conclusion, the findings suggest that many soils in the cotton belt of Punjab may be low in extractable B for wheat and cotton, especially when these crops are grown on low OM soils with high CaCO₃ content.     

Boron Requirement of Irrigated Cotton in a Typic Haplocambid for Optimum Productivity and Seed Composition

Boron (B) deficiency hampers cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth and productivity globally, especially in calcareous soils. The crop is known as a heavy feeder of B; however, its reported plant analysis diagnostic norms for B-deficiency diagnosis vary drastically. In a 2-year field experiment on a B-deficient [hydrochloric acid (HCl)–extractable 0.47 mg B kg^?1], calcareous, Typic Haplocambid, we studied the impact of soil-applied B on cotton (cv. CIM-473) growth, productivity, plant tissue B concentration, and seed oil composition. Boron was applied at 0.0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 kg B ha^?1, as borax (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O), in a randomized complete block design with four replications, along with recommended rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn). Boron use improved crop growth, decreased fruit shedding, and increased boll weight, leading to seed cotton yield increases up to 14.7% (P < 0.05). Improved B nutrition of plants also enhanced seed oil content (P < 0.05) and increased seed protein content (P < 0.05). Fiber quality was not affected. Fertilizer B use was highly cost-effective, with a value–cost ratio of 12.3:1 at 1 kg B ha^?1. Fertilizer B requirement for near-maximum (95% of maximum) seed cotton yield was 1.1 kg B ha^?1 and HCl-extractable soil B requirement for was 0.52 kg ha^?1. Leaf tissue B requirement varied with leaf age as well as with plant age. In 30-day plants (i.e., at squaring), B-deficiency diagnosis critical level was 45.0 mg kg^?1 in recently matured leaves and 38.0 mg kg^?1 in youngest open leaves; at 60 days old (i.e., at flowering), critical concentration was 55.0 mg kg^?1 in mature leaves and 43.0 mg kg^?1 in youngest leaves. With advancement in plant age critical B concentration decreased in both leaf tissues; that is, in 90-day-old plants (i.e., at boll formation) it was 43.0 mg kg^?1 in mature leaves and 35.0 mg kg^?1 in the youngest leaves. As critical concentration range was narrower in youngest leaves (i.e., 35–43 mg kg^?1) compared with mature leaves (i.e., 43–55 mg kg^?1), B concentration in youngest leaves is considered a better indicator for deficiency diagnosis.     

Effects of carbon dioxide enrichment on cotton nutrient dynamics

The rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration is predicted to have positive effects on agro‐ecosystem productivity. However, an area which requires further study centers on nutrient dynamics of crops grown under elevated CO₂ in the field. In 1989 and 1990, cotton [Gossypium hirsutum (L.) ‘Deltapine 77'] was grown under two CO₂ levels [370 umol mol^‐1=ambient and 550 μmol mor^‐1=free‐air CO₂ enrichment (FACE)]. At physiological maturity, nutrient concentration and content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were determined for whole plant and individual plant organs. While the effects of added CO₂ on whole plant nutrient concentrations and contents were consistent, some differences among plant organs were observed between years. FACE often decreased tissue nutrient concentration, but increased total nutrient accumulation. Results indicate that under elevated CO₂, field grown cotton was more nutrient efficient in terms of nutrient retrieval from the soil and nutrient utilization in the plant. This implies more efficient fertilizer utilization, better economic return for fertilizer expenditures, and reduced environmental impact from agricultural fertilization practices in the future.     

Irrigation with brackish water modifies the boron requirement of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) on typic calciargid

The boron (B) sufficiency range for plant growth is narrow and its management is problematic under brackish irrigation water. This study was conducted to evaluate the B requirement of mungbean at different sodium adsorption ratios of irrigation waters (SAR_iw) [control, 8 and 16 (mmol_c L^?1)^1/2]. The boron adsorption characteristics of a loamy soil were first determined in the laboratory by equilibrating 2.5 g soil with 0.01 M CaCl₂ solution containing different B levels. Boron rates for a pot study were computed against different soil solution levels by fitting sorption data in a modified Freundlich model [x/m = K _f (EBC)^1/n ]. The maximum increase in shoot dry matter was 11.9% when B was applied at 1.29 mg kg^?1 soil at control SAR_iw. Visual leaf B toxicity symptoms appeared at higher B rates and became severe at higher SAR_iw. By contrast to Ca, shoot concentrations of B and Na increased significantly with B application and SAR_iw. For optimum shoot growth, internal and external B requirements were 25 mg B kg^?1 shoot dry matter and 0.39 mg B L^?1 soil solution, respectively, at control SAR_iw. At higher SAR_iw, a lower concentration of B in plant shoots and soil solution had an inhibitory effect on plant growth.     

Elevated CO2 may reduce arsenic accumulation in diverse ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana

Rising concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide [CO₂] could, potentially, increase contaminant uptake and the overall efficiency of phytoremediation. To determine the ability of elevated [CO₂] to sequester arsenic (As), five Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes were grown at ambient (～400 µmol mol^?1) and elevated (～800 µmol mol^?1) CO₂ at three levels of As concentration (0, 50, and 110 µM) to determine whether: (a) elevated CO₂ increased the concentration of As in above-ground biomass (AGB), and, (b) the effect of [CO₂] on As concentration was ecotype specific. We found that elevated CO₂ significantly increased AGB of A. thaliana, but the extent of biomass stimulation was specific to ecotype. Overall, at the highest As concentration, the relative effect of elevated [CO₂] was to reduce both As concentration and As uptake per plant; however, genetic variation was also evident among A. thaliana in regard to phytoextraction of As at current and projected CO₂ levels.     

Internal Boron Requirement of Young Sunflower Plants: Proposed Diagnostic Criteria

Abstract

In a greenhouse study, a significant increase in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., cv. Hysun 33) dry matter yield was observed with boron (B) application to a B-deficient (hot water-extractable, 0.23 mg B kg^?1) calcareous soil of Missa series (Typic Ustochrept). Six rates of B, ranging from 0 to 8 mg B kg^?1 soil, were applied as H₃BO₃ along with adequate basal fertilization of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn). Four plants of sunflower were grown in each pot; two were harvested after 4 weeks of germination and the other two after 8 weeks. Maximum crop biomass was produced with 1.0 mg B kg ^?1, and application of ≥2.0 mg B kg^?1 proved toxic, resulting in drastic yield suppressions. Critical B concentration range for deficiency diagnosis in 4‐week‐old sunflower whole shoots appears to be 46–63 mg B kg^?1. However, critical concentration in 8‐week‐old plants was much less (i.e., 36 mg B kg^?l), presumably due to a dilution effect. As plant's internal B requirement can vary, in fact manifold, depending on the species, plant part, and plant age, only a relevant criterion can help in diagnosing the deficiency effectively.     

N2O and CH4 fluxes from a volcanic grassland soil in Nasu,Japan: Comparison between manure plus fertilizer plot and fertilizer-only plot

Abstract

We examined the effects of manure + fertilizer application and fertilizer-only application on nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) fluxes from a volcanic grassland soil in Nasu, Japan. In the manure + fertilizer applied plot (manure plot), the sum of N mineralized from the manure and N applied as ammonium sulfate was adjusted to 210 kg N ha^?1 year^?1. In the fertilizer-only applied plot (fertilizer plot), 210 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 was applied as ammonium sulfate. The manure was applied to the manure plot in November and the fertilizer was applied to both plots in March, May, July and September. From November 2004 to November 2006, we regularly measured N₂O and CH₄ fluxes using closed chambers. Annual N₂O emissions from the manure and fertilizer plots ranged from 7.0 to 11.0 and from 4.7 to 9.1 kg N ha^?1, respectively. Annual N₂O emissions were greater from the manure plot than from the fertilizer plot (P < 0.05). This difference could be attributed to N₂O emissions following manure application. N₂O fluxes were correlated with soil temperature (R = 0.70, P < 0.001), NH⁺ ₄ concentration in the soil (R = 0.67, P < 0.001), soil pH (R = –0.46, P < 0.001) and NO^? ₃ concentration in the soil (R = 0.40, P < 0.001). When included in the multiple regression model (R = 0.72, P < 0.001), however, the following variables were significant: NH⁺ ₄ concentration in the soil (β = 0.52, P < 0.001), soil temperature (β = 0.36, P < 0.001) and soil moisture content (β = 0.26, P < 0.001). Annual CH₄ emissions from the manure and fertilizer plots ranged from –0.74 to –0.16 and from –0.84 to –0.52 kg C ha^?1, respectively. No significant difference was observed in annual CH₄ emissions between the plots. During the third grass-growing period from July to September, however, cumulative CH₄ emissions were greater from the manure plot than from the fertilizer plot (P < 0.05). CH₄ fluxes were correlated with NH⁺ ₄ concentration in the soil (R = 0.21, P < 0.05) and soil moisture content (R = 0.20, P < 0.05). When included in the multiple regression model (R = 0.29, P < 0.05), both NH⁺ ₄ concentration in the soil (β = 0.20, P < 0.05) and soil moisture content (β = 0.20, P < 0.05) were significant.     

Carbon Dioxide Emission from Black Soil as Influenced by Land‐Use Change and Long‐Term Fertilization

Land‐use change and soil management play a vital role in influencing losses of soil carbon (C) by respiration. The aim of this experiment was to examine the impact of natural vegetation restoration and long‐term fertilization on the seasonal pattern of soil respiration and cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission from a black soil of northeast China. Soil respiration rate fluctuated greatly during the growing season in grassland (GL), ranging from 278 to 1030 mg CO₂ m^?2 h^?1 with an average of 606 mg CO₂ m^?2 h^?1. By contrast, soil CO₂ emission did not change in bareland (BL) as much as in GL. For cropland (CL), including three treatments [CK (no fertilizer application), nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium application (NPK), and NPK together with organic manure (OM)], soil CO₂ emission gradually increased with the growth of maize after seedling with an increasing order of CK < NPM < OM, reaching a maximum on 17 August and declining thereafter. A highly significant exponential correlation was observed between soil temperature and soil CO₂ emission for GL during the late growing season (from 3 August to 28 September) with Q₁₀ = 2.46, which accounted for approximately 75% of emission variability. However, no correlation was found between the two parameters for BL and CL. Seasonal CO₂ emission from rhizosphere soil changed in line with the overall soil respiration, which averaged 184, 407, and 584 mg CO₂ m^?2 h^?1, with peaks at 614, 1260, and 1770 mg CO₂ m^?2 h^?1 for CK, NPK, and OM, respectively. SOM‐derived CO₂ emission of root free‐soil, including basal soil respiration and plant residue–derived microbial decomposition, averaged 132, 132, and 136 mg CO₂ m^?2 h^?1, respectively, showing no difference for the three CL treatments. Cumulative soil CO₂ emissions decreased in the order OM > GL > NPK > CK > BL. The cumulative rhizosphere‐derived CO₂ emissions during the growing season of maize in cropland accounted for about 67, 74, and 80% of the overall CO₂ emissions for CK, NPK, and OM, respectively. Cumulative CO₂ emissions were found to significantly correlate with SOC stocks (r = 0.92, n = 5, P < 0.05) as well as with SOC concentration (r = 0.97, n = 5, P < 0.01). We concluded that natural vegetation restoration and long‐term application of organic manure substantially increased C sequestration into soil rather than C losses for the black soil. These results are of great significance to properly manage black soil as a large C pool in northeast China.     

High Sodium in Irrigation Water Caused B Toxicity at Low Soil Solution and Shoot B Concentration in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) in brackish water differentially affects boron (B) nutrition of plants grown on calcareous and salt-affected soils. A glasshouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of brackish irrigation water with different sodium adsorption ratio (SAR_iw) [distilled-water control, 8, and 16 (mmol_c L^?1)^1/2] on B nutrition of maize. Plants were grown for 40 days with 5 levels of B (0, 1.29, 2.30, 3.22, and 4.46 mg kg^?1 soil). Boron application significantly improved plant growth at lower rates. High B rates and application of high SAR_iw decreased plant growth independently, and the reduction in growth was further aggravated due to combined effect of both B and high SAR_iw. Decreased growth was attributed mainly to increased shoot B and Na concentration, while decreased Ca concentration. These ionic changes also altered internal and external B requirements. Yield decrease was observed at lower B concentration in soil solution B and plants shoot grown with high SAR_iw than in plants grown with distilled water and low B application rates.     

Influence of Potassium Rates and Sources on Seed Cotton Yield and Yield Components of Some Elite Cotton Cultivars

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan on Miani soil series, silt loam soil (Calcaric, Cambisols and fine silty, mixed Hyperthermic Fluventic Haplocambids) to assess the response of four cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars to potassium (K) fertilization. The treatments consisted of four cotton cultivars (CIM-448, CIM-1100, NIAB-Karishma, S-12), four potassium rates (0, 62.5, 125, 250 kg K ha^?1), and two sources of potassium fertilizer [muriate of potash (KCl) and sulphate of potash (K₂SO₄)]. The cotton cultivars differed significantly in response to various potassium fertilizer levels and its sources with respect to seed cotton yield and its components. The highest yield was obtained with the application of 250-kg K ha^?1, however, it was economical to add 125 kg K ha^?1. Seed cotton yield of cv. CIM-448 was considerably greater than that of the other cultivars in K-unfertilized treatments, which was related to cultivar differences in K uptake efficiency in utilizing native potassium nutrient. Potassium added as muriate of potash caused a significant depression in seed cotton yield than that of sulphate of potash. The increase in yield seemed to have resulted largely from the higher K concentration of leaf tissues at bloom stage and available soil-K because of potassium application. A significant relationship between the yield and number of bolls per plant (r = 0.92**) and boll weight (r = 0.85**) indicated that these two growth attributes were responsible for enhancing the quantum of final harvest of seed cotton.     

Evaluating the effectiveness of biofertilizer on salt tolerance of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

In the present study, the effectiveness of biofertilizer containing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria was evaluated on growth and physiology of cotton under saline conditions. Cotton plants were exposed to different levels of NPK (50%, 75%, and 100% of recommended levels) along with coating with biofertilizer under saline (15 dS m^?1) and non-saline conditions. It was observed that the biofertilizer seed coating improved growth, physiological (relative water content and chlorophyll content index), and ionic (K⁺/Na⁺) characteristics under saline and non-saline conditions. However, shoot growth (shoot fresh and dry weight) and leaf gas exchange characteristics (CO₂ assimilation rate, A; intercellular CO₂ concentration, C_i; transpiration rate, E; stomatal conductance, g_s) were decreased by biofertilizer coating under saline condition. Increasing levels of NPK fertilizer increased shoot growth, whereas root growth was maximum at 75% NPK level under saline conditions. The results of the study indicate that the biofertilizer application was very effective for cotton plant in non-saline conditions but not very effective in saline conditions.     

Combined Effects of Water and Nitrogen on Growth,Biomass, and Quality of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea Linn.)

Water scarcity and nitrate contamination have caused considerable attention to environmental matters. Water and nitrogen interactions have critical impacts on their use efficiency, plant growth, and quality. In a field experiment, a combination of three water treatments and three nitrogen rates was applied to determine their interactive effects on the growth of spinach. Soil water supply that was too low [W₃N₁ (the combination of water treatment 3 and nitrogen treatment 1), W₃N₂] could cause an increase in nitrate content. Oxalate contents would increase when water and nitrogen were either inadequate (W₃N₀, W₃N₁) or too high (W₂N₂). The most profit from spinach was obtained in plots that received water treatment 2 and nitrogen fertilizer 78 kg N ha^?1. However, considering nitrogen treatments could affect the nitrate and oxalic acid, application of water treatment 2 and 39 kg N ha^?1 nitrogen fertilizer could get better spinach quality.     

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth,Yield, and Juice Quality and Residual Effects on Ratoon Crops of Sugarcane

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were carried out for three consecutive years (2003–2006) at Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute farm soil on plant (first crop after planting) and subsequent two ratoon crops of sugarcane. The main objectives of the study were to assess the direct and residual effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer on growth, yield, and juice quality of plant and ratoon crops. The plant crop consisted of four treatments. After harvesting of plant crop to evaluate the residual effects on ratoon crop the plots were subdivided except the control plot. Thus, there were seven treatments in the ratoon crop. Application of recommended fertilizer [nitrogen (N₁₅₀), phosphorus (P₅₂), potassium (K₉₀), sulfur (S₃₅), and zinc (Zn₃) kg ha^{? 1}] singly or 25% less of it either with press mud or farmyard manure (FYM) at 15 t ha^{? 1} produced statistically identical yield ranged from 67.5 to 69.0 t ha^{? 1} in plant crop. In the ratoon experiment when the recommended fertilizer was applied alone or 25% less of its either with press mud or FYM at 15 or even 7.5 t ha^{? 1} again produced better yield; it ranged from 64.8 to 69.2 in first ratoon and 68.2 to 76.5 t ha^{? 1} in second ratoon crops. Results showed that N, P, K, and S content in leaf progressively decreased in ratoon crops over plant crop. Juice quality parameters viz. brix, pol, and purity % remained unchanged both in plant and ratoon crops. Furthermore, organic carbon (C), available N, P, K, and S were higher in post harvest soils that received inorganic fertilizer in combination with organic manure than control and inorganic fertilizer treated soil. It may be concluded that the application of 25% less of recommended fertilizer (N₁₁₂, P₄₀, K₆₈, S₂₆, and Zn_2.2.5 kg ha^{? 1}) either with press mud or FYM at 15 t ha^{? 1} was adequate for optimum yield of plant crop. Results also suggest that additional N (50% extra dosage) keeping all other fertilizers at the same level like plant crop i.e. N₁₆₈, P₄₀, K₆₈, S₂₆, and Zn_2.25 kg ha^{? 1} either with press mud or FYM at 7.5 t ha^{? 1} may be recommended for subsequent ratoon crops to obtain good yield without deterioration in soil fertility.     

Changes in Tomato Fruit Quality and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities under Deficit Irrigation and Fertilizer Application in a Solar Greenhouse in Northwest China

The interaction between water availability in the soil and fertilizer application rates often strongly affects crop growth. In the current study, the quality of fresh fruit and antioxidant enzymes of tomato crops (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) were investigated under different irrigation (low water content [W_l]: 50 ~ 60% field moisture capacity (FMC); moderate [W_m]: 70 ~ 80% FMC; and high [W_h]: 90 ~ 100% FMC) and fertilizer conditions (deficit fertilizer [F_l]: 195 kg ha^?1 nitrogen (N) + 47 kg ha^?1 phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) and moderate [F_m]: 278 kg ha^?1 N + 67 kg ha^?1 P₂O₅) in a solar greenhouse. The results showed that the quality of fresh fruits and the antioxidant enzyme activities in the leaves and fruits were related to the water content in the soil. Deficit irrigation improved the fruit quality and 50 ~ 60% FMC combined with fertilizer application rates of 195 kg ha^?1 N + 47 kg ha^?1 P₂O₅ is recommended for tomato crop cultivation under greenhouse conditions.     

CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes of upland black spruce (Picea mariana) forest soils after forest fires of different intensity in interior Alaska

Abstract

Forest fires can change the greenhouse gase (GHG) flux of borea forest soils. We measured carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes with different burn histories in black spruce (Picea mariana) stands in interior Alaska. The control forest (CF) burned in 1920; partially burned (PB) in 1999; and severely burned (SB1 and SB2) in 2004. The thickness of the organic layer was 22 ± 6 cm at CF, 28 ± 10 cm at PB, 12 ± 6 cm at SB1 and 4 ± 2 cm at SB2. The mean soil temperature during CO₂ flux measurement was 8.9 ± 3.1, 6.4 ± 2.1, 5.9 ± 3.4 and 5.0 ± 2.4°C at SB2, SB1, PB and CF, respectively, and differed significantly among the sites (P < 0.01). The mean CO₂ flux was highest at PB (128 ± 85 mg CO₂-C m^?2 h^?1) and lowest at SB1 (47 ± 19 mg CO₂-C m^?2 h^?1) (P < 0.01), and within each site it was positively correlated with soil temperature (P < 0.01). The CO₂ flux at SB2 was lower than that at CF when the soil temperature was high. We attributed the low CO₂ flux at SB1 and SB2 to low root respiration and organic matter decomposition rates due to the 2004 fire. The CH₄ uptake rate was highest at SB1 [–91 ± 21 μg CH₄-C m^?2 h^?1] (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with soil temperature (P < 0.01) but not soil moisture. The CH₄ uptake rate increased with increasing soil temperature because methanotroph activity increased. The N₂O flux was highest [3.6 ± 4.7 μg N₂O-N m^?2 h^?1] at PB (P < 0.01). Our findings suggest that the soil temperature and moisture are important factors of GHG dynamics in forest soils with different fire history.     

Risks of Boron Toxicity in Canola and Lupin by Forms of Boron Application in Acid Sands of South-Western Australia

Boron (B) deficiency frequently occurs on soils that are low in organic carbon (C) (<1.0% organic C), pH (soil pH_Ca <5.0), and clay content (<5% clay). Acid sands with these soil properties are common in south-western Australia (SWA). Moreover, hot calcium chloride (CaCl₂) extractable B levels are commonly marginal in the acid sands of SWA. This study examined the effects of soluble and slow release soil-applied B fertilizer and foliar B sprays on crops most likely to respond to B fertilizer on these soils, canola (oil-seed rape, Brassica napus L.) and lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.).

At 25 sites over three years, canola was grown with (0.34 kg ha-¹) or without B applied as borax [sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O) 11% B], and this was followed by nine experiments with B rates [0, 0.55, 1.1 kg ha^?1, applied as borax or calcium borate (ulexite, NaCaB₅O₆(OH)₆·5(H₂O), 13% B] and foliar sprays (0.1% solution of solubor, 23% B) in 2000–2001. A further five sites of B rates and sources experiments were carried out with lupin in 2000–2001. Finally, foliar B sprays (5% B w/v as a phenolic complex) at flowering were tested on seven sites in farmers’ canola crops for seed yield increases. No seed yield increases to soil-applied B were found while foliar B application at flowering increased canola seed yield in only one season across seven locations. By contrast, borax fertilizer drilled with the seed at sowing decreased canola seed yield in nine of 34-farm sites, and decreased lupin yield in two of five trials. Toxicity from drilled boron fertilizer decreased yield could be explained by decreases in plant density (by 22–40%) to values lower than required for optimum seed yield. Seedling emergence was decreased by borax applied at sowing but less so by calcium borate. Foliar B spray application never reduced seed yield due to toxicity effects.

Boron fertilizer drilled with the seed increased the B concentration in plant dry matter at early to mid-flowering. Boron application decreased the oil concentration of grain of canola at four sites. The oil yield of canola was significantly decreased at seven sites.

Notwithstanding the marginal B levels on acid sands of the SWA region, care needs to be taken on use of borax fertilizer as toxicity was induced in canola and lupin; with 0.34 to 1 kg B ha^?1(3-10 kg borax ha^?1) at sowing depressing seed yield, mostly by decreasing plant density. Rather than making general recommendation for B fertilizer application based on 0.01M CaCl₂ soil extractable B, soil and plant analysis should be used to diagnose B deficiency and B fertilizer use limited to calcium borate or foliar borax rather than soil-applied borax on low B sands.     

Lime-nitrogen application reduces N2O emission from a vegetable field with imperfectly-drained sandy clay-loam soil

Abstract

We studied the effect of lime-nitrogen (calcium cyanamide, CaCN₂) application on the emission of nitrous oxide (N₂O) from a vegetable field with imperfectly-drained sandy clay-loam soil. Lime-nitrogen acts as both a pesticide and a fertilizer. During the decomposition of lime-nitrogen in the soil, dicyandiamide (DCD), a nitrification inhibitor, is formed, and as a result lime-nitrogen application may mitigate N₂O emission from the soil. The study design consisted of three different nitrogen-application treatments in field plots with a randomized block design. The nitrogen application treatments were: CF (chemical fertilizer), LN (all nitrogen fertilizer applied as lime-nitrogen), and CFD (chemical fertilizer containing DCD). Soil nitrification activity was lower in the LN and CFD plots than in the CF plots, and nitrification was inhibited for a longer period in the LN plots than in the CFD plots. In the LN plots, N₂O emission was lower than those of other treatments from 20 to 40 days after fertilization, a period when large peaks of N₂O emission were observed after rainfall in the CF and CFD plots. Cumulative N₂O emission over 63 days in the CF plots (mean ± standard deviation: 30.2 ± 14.4 mg N₂O m^?2) and CFD plots (24.3 ± 10.8 mg N₂O m^?2) was significantly higher than that in the LN plots (10.7 ± 1.2 mg N₂O m^?2; P < 0.05). Our results suggested that lime-nitrogen application decreased N₂O emission by inhibiting both nitrification and denitrification.     

Water use efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under intermittent ponding and different intensity of puddling

Abstract

To increase the water use efficiency (WUE) of rice, two sets of experiments were carried out from 1997 – 1999. Experiment one: Irrigation period of rice was divided into three stages: early (S₁, 10 – 35 days after transplanting, [DAT]); middle (S₂, 36 – 60 DAT) and late (S₃, 61 – 85 DAT). Intermittent ponding (IP) was imposed at single, two stages or the entire growing period. Continuous ponding (CP) in all three stages was taken as control. Though the highest grain yield (6.71 mg ha^?1) was obtained under control, this regime was responsible for the lowest WUE. In contrast, IP in all stages was responsible for maximum WUE with minimum yield level. Imposition of IP in S₁ resulted in higher (0.529 kg m^?3) WUE along with insignificant reduction in yield over control. Experiment two: Three puddling practices were: (i) High intensity puddling (HIP); (ii) Moderate intensity puddling (MIP); and (iii) Low intensity puddling (LIP). On average, HIP resulted in the lowest value (6.5 mm d^?1) of percolation rate. Both grain yield (6.93 mg ha^?1) and WUE (0.597 kg m^?3) attained highest value under HIP. A decrease in puddling intensity under MIP and LIP lowered the yield by 2.97 and 17.75% respectively. In the case of WUE, the reduction was 16.27 and 54.66%.     

Effect of Cattle Manure and Sulfur on Yield and Oil Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) Inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans in Calcareous Soil

The effect of cattle manure and sulfur fertilizer on seed yield and oil composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) under inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans was investigated in a factorial study based on a randomized complete block design. Experimental factors consisted of cattle manure (M) (M₀: 0, M₁: 10; and M₂: 20 t ha^?1), sulfur (S) (S₀: 0, S₁: 250; and S₂: 500 kg ha^?1) and T. thiooxidans (B): inoculated (B₁) and non-inoculated (B₀). Results demonstrated that the application of T. thiooxidans, cattle manure, and S fertilizer decreased the soil pH. The largest number of seed per fruit (367), highest fruit yield (70.57 t ha^?1), seed iron (Fe) content (16.26 mg 100 g^?1), and seed yield (111 kg ha^?1) was obtained when 20 t ha^?1 manure was applied in combination with 500 kg ha^?1 S inoculated with T. thiooxidans. In this condition, the content of S, Fe, phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) in plant shoots was increased by 44.8%, 22.58%, 33.89%, and 10.38%, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the highest content of seed protein was observed in 10 t ha^?1 manure and 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer inoculated with T. thiooxidans. When 250 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer was applied, 20 t ha^?1 manure decreased seed P content sharply. At the rate of 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer, the highest content of seed P was obtained from 20 t ha^?1 manure. Totally, 20 t ha^?1 cattle manure, along with 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer as well as T. thiooxidans inoculation, improved oil and seed yield of medicinal pumpkin.     

Effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration on growth and physiology of wheat and sorghum under cadmium stress

ABSTRACT

Elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide (e[CO₂]) affect plant growth and physiological characteristics, including metal accumulation, and the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes. These effects were investigated in cadmium (Cd) tolerant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) cultivars. Plants were grown at the ambient and elevated CO₂ levels, with four concentrations of Cd (0, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1) added to the soil. After 60 days, subsamples were tested for chlorophylls and carotenoids, protein, enzyme activities and morphological characteristics.

Results showed that e[CO₂] increased plant height, leaf area, and the dry weight of shoots and roots (P < 0.01). In addition, it decreased the Cd concentration in the shoots and roots of wheat, and increased the same concentrations for sorghum. With increasing Cd, the activities of the anti-oxidants, SOD and GSH-px increased in wheat. The differences in enzyme activity parallel the changes in Cd concentration in the plants of both species.