Effects of Tillage and Fertilization on Biomass, Roots, N-Accumulation and Nodule Bacteria of Vetch (Vicia sativa cv. Alexander)

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of tillage (ploughing followed by one rotary hoeing (CT), rotary hoeing (MT) and no-tillage (NT)) and type of fertilization (NP 154/75 kg ha⁻¹, digested farmyard manure 30 t ha⁻¹) on growth (biomass and roots), N-accumulation and nodulation of vetch plants (Vicia sativa cv. Alexander) at different stages. The highest dry matter yields and root weight were determined for the NT and the lowest for the CT systems. The NT system promoted nodulation of vetch plants to a higher degree than the MT and CT systems. At the time just before harvesting, the N-accumulation in the above ground plants, was 54.3 for CT, 76.7 for MT, and 109.0 kg ha⁻¹ for NT, and the corresponding values at roots were 73.3, 112.0 and 173.3 kg ha⁻¹. Growth and nodulation of vetch plants was in general much better on farmyard manure plots than it was with the NP fertilization. The closest correlation coefficients between dry matter of biomass and roots on the one hand, and number of nodules and percentage N in roots on the other, were found with NT. The highest correlation between nodulation and percentage N in roots (r = 0.91***) was observed at the 128-days-old vetch plants. The highest correlation between the number of nodules and percentage N in biomass (r = 0.82**) was found at the beginning of the plants' flowering period. *, **, *** indicate significance at P = 0.05, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively.     

Growth and Development of Wild Oat and Dual-Purpose Barley Seedlings

Wild oat ( Avena fatua L.) and dual-purpose barley ( Hordeum spontaneum L.) are native species that grow in many parts of Jordan. We compared seedling growth and development of wild oat and dual-purpose barley in pots under field conditions. The seedling fresh root volume (cm³), root oven-dry weight (g), shoot oven-dry weight (g) and dry root weight to dry shoot weight ratio of both species were evaluated at ages 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 days after emergence (DAE). Seedlings of the two species at 20 and 40 DAE had similar fresh root volumes and weights. At 60 DAE, the root volumes of barley and oat increased to 2- and 3-fold the volumes at 40 DAE, respectively. By 80 DAE, root volume had increased to 13.6 and 10.2 cm³ for wild oat and dual-purpose barley, respectively. At 100 DAE, the root weight of dual-purpose barley significantly (P ≤ 0.01) decreased to 1.1 g, whereas wild oat root weight did not change significantly. Wild oat showed a slightly higher root/shoot ratio at 20 DAE than dual-purpose barley (0.88 for wild oat compared to 0.70 for dual-purpose barley). At 60 and 80 DAE, both species showed a reduction in root/shoot ratio, and this reduction increased at 100 DAE (0.46 and 0.33 for wild oat and dual-purpose barley, respectively). Our data indicate that the growth and development of the two grass species follow similar patterns.     

Effects of Reduced Tillage and Fertilization Practices on Soil Characteristics, Plant Water Status, Growth and Yield of Upland Cotton

Three different tillage practices, conventional (mouldboard ploughing at 22–25 cm plus one rotary hoeing at 5–6 cm, CT), minimum (one rotary hoeing at 12–15 cm, MT), and no‐tillage (direct drilling in soil covered by vetch residues, NT), combined with three fertilization treatments, inorganic (50 kg N ha^?1 as ammonium sulphate), cattle manuring (30 t ha^?1), and control (no‐fertilizer), were applied on a cotton crop (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Acala SJ‐2) grown on a clay loam soil in the field of the Agricultural University of Athens. Soil (gravimetric water content, bulk density, and penetration resistance in the top 40 cm) and plant parameters (root growth, leaf water potential, leaf area growth and seedcotton yield) were recorded throughout the cultivation period in all treatments. No‐tillage was associated with significantly higher values of soil water throughout the observation period caused by the vetch mulch. Bulk density and penetration resistance were initially higher in the no‐tilled plots, but they became significantly lower after 2–3 months from sowing. These beneficial effects on soil properties favoured root growth, expressed as root surface density, in the NT‐plots at the top soil layer. Similar, although less spectacular, effects were observed in the manured plots. Plant water status, expressed in terms of the water potential index, was significantly and consistently best in the NT‐ and worst in the CT‐plots throughout crop growth. In addition, NT favoured a better foliage growth and resulted in significantly higher yields than the other tillage practices. In general, NT, and in second instance, MT considerably improved plant water status, and hence foliage growth and yield in comparison with CT by maintaining higher levels of soil water and improving root growth. Manuring positively interacted with the reduced tillage practices for most soil and plant parameters.     

Effect of Three Tillage Systems on Weed Flora in a 3-Year Rotation with Four Crops

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of tillage on the dry weight, frequency (PF), density (PD) and species composition of the weed population. Three tillage systems (CT: conventional tillage, MT: minimum tillage and NT: no tillage) were compared in a 3-year rotation [wheat–vetch (green manure)–cotton–barley]. Decreases in PF, mean PD and number of species were observed under NT because in this system the soil remains undisturbed, and conditions are not suitable for seed germination. In contrast, annual weeds had a higher PF under the CT system, because they mainly propagate by seed and soil tillage creates more favourable growth conditions; thus they also had a higher PD. The highest PF and PD were found for the species Sinapis arvensis and Solanum nigrum . Perennial weeds had higher PD under the NT system, because their roots cannot be destroyed by soil tillage. The number of species was not altered in CT and MT, but was decreased in NT. In winter crops, annual species under CT and MT, and perennial species under NT were observed. In cotton crops, perennial species under CT and MT, and annual species under NT were observed. The mean PD of weed species in the first crop followed the sequence NT > MT > CT and in subsequent crops followed the reverse sequence CT > MT > NT.     

Saline Drainage Water, Irrigation Frequency and Crop Species Effects on Some Physical Properties of Soils

This field study evaluated the effects of water quality, irrigation frequency and crop species on some physical properties of soils. The experiment had a split-split-plot design, with three irrigation water qualities (normal water, drainage water and a 1 : 1 mixture of freshwater and drainage water) as the main treatments, two irrigation frequencies (at 7- and 14-day intervals) as the subtreatments and two crops (barley and alfalfa) as the subsubtreatments. The soil infiltration rate was highest in the barley plot receiving freshwater irrigation at weekly intervals. The lowest soil infiltration rate was found in alfalfa plots receiving saline irrigation water at 14-day intervals. Bulk density and proportions of micropores [pore radius (r) < 1.4 µm] were higher and the proportion of macropores (r > 14.4 µm) was lower in barley than in alfalfa. Saline irrigation caused the greatest decrease in total porosity. The soil infiltration rate was higher with more frequent irrigation, and was highest in alfalfa plots receiving freshwater irrigation. The decrease in soil bulk density and infiltration rate was greater with saline drainage water, irrespective of the crop grown and the irrigation frequency.     

Effects of Ozone on Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Varieties

The well-known ozone bioindicator tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) variety Bel-W3 and six varieties cultivated in Greece were tested for their relative sensitivities to ozone by exposures conducted in controlled-environment chambers (0, 90, 135 and 180 p.p.b. for 20 days at 8 h day⁻¹). Based on the extent of macroscopic symptoms, Bel-W3 was found to be the most sensitive variety, followed by Zichnomirodata (KK6/5), while K63 was the most resistant. There was a differentiation between Bel-W3 and KK6/5, in terms of both magnitude and visual appearance of symptoms. Ozone reduced the plant height, leaf area and dry weights of leaves, stems and roots. The root dry weight reduction was greater than that of leaves and stems. Moreover, gross photosynthesis was reduced by ozone exposure, mainly in the lower leaves. The ozone-related sensitivity could not be attributed to greater stomatal density because (a) the most tolerant and the most resistant varieties had almost the same number of stomata per mm² and (b) the most resistant leaves (upper) had greater stomatal density than the most sensitive (lower) ones, even in the same plant. Stomatal conductance was greater in the abaxial surface (P < 0.001) than in the adaxial surface and in the upper leaves (P=0.013) than in the lower leaves, but it did not differ significantly between the Bel-W3 and K63 varieties (P=0.3417). The fumigation of grafted plants – Bel-W3 (ozone-sensitive) on K63 (ozone-resistant) and vice versa – suggested that stocks did not affect the ozone sensitivity of scions.     

Effects of Salinity and Mixed Ammonium and Nitrate Nutrition on the Growth and Nitrogen Utilization of Barley

The absorption and utilization of nitrogen (N) by plants are affected by salinity and the form of N in the root medium. A hydroponic study was conducted under controlled conditions to investigate growth and N uptake by barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) supplied with five different NH₄⁺-N/NO₃⁻-N ratios at electrical conductivity of 0 and 8 dS m⁻¹. The five NH₄⁺-N/NO₃-N ratios were 0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 and 100/0, each giving a total N supply of 100 mg N l⁻¹ in the root medium. A mixed N supply of NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ resulted in greater accumulation of N in plants than either NO₃⁻ or NH₄⁺ as the sole N source. Plants produced a significantly higher dry matter yield when grown with mixed N nutrition than with NH₄⁺ or NO₃⁻ alone. Total dry matter production and root and shoot N contents decreased with increasing salinity in the root medium. The interaction between salinity and N nutrition was found to be significant for all the variables. A significant positive correlation (r=0.97) was found between nitrogen level in the plant shoot and its dry matter yield.     

Effects of Interactions of Moisture Regime and Nutrient Addition on Nodulation and Carbon Partitioning in Two Cultivars of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Major limitations of bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in arid and semiarid regions are lack of moisture and low soil fertility. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of soil moisture and N : P : K (20 : 10 : 10) fertilizer on root and shoot growth of two cultivars of bean: cv. Carioca, an indeterminate Brazilian landrace, and cv. Prince, a determinate cultivar grown in Europe. Carioca appears generally stress-tolerant while Prince is intolerant. Seedlings were grown in pots of non-sterile soil at 30, 60 or 90 % field capacity (FC), and given 0, 0.1 or 1 g (kg soil)^–1 of compound fertilizer. The soil contained a population of effective Rhizobium . Growth of both cultivars was greatest in the high moisture and high nutrient treatments. Root fractions were highest at low nutrient supply; the effect of water was not significant. Leaf fraction decreased as root fraction increased. Numbers of nodules were highest at high and intermediate moisture when no fertilizer was applied. Numbers were lowest at 30 % FC and at the highest fertilizer rate. Masses of nodules and fractions followed the same pattern. Decreasing water regime reduced the relative growth rate (RGR) of Prince, while Carioca maintained high RGR at unfavourable conditions of water and nutrients. Net assimilation rates (NAR) were unaffected by nutrient addition, and reduced by low moisture regime. Water use efficiencies (WUEs) were reduced by water stress but increased by nutrient deficiency. The water utilization for dry matter production was optimal at 60 % FC.     

Auswirkungen differenzierter Bodenbearbeitung auf das Bodengefüge und die Stickstoffdynamik von Lößböden bei viehloser und viehstarker Bewirtschaftung

Effect of different tillage practices on soil structure and nitrogen dynamic in loess soils with and without longterm application of farmyard manure
Field trials were conducted in 1979 and 1980 on two farms with and without longterm application of farmyard manure respectively, to study the effect of different tillage practices (ploughing at low soil moisture in summer and autumn and ploughing at highsoil moisture in autumn) on soil structure and nitrogen dynamic. Soil structure measurements showed great differences between ploughing at low and high soil moisture contents. Ploughing soil at high moisture contents caused a rise in penetrometer resistance as in bulk density and a decrease of macropors as well as in oxygen concentration in top soil and in tillage pan. But little differences were observed between ploughing in summer and autumn at low soil moisture contents.
Ploughing soil at high moisture contents caused a higher soil compaction on the farm without longterm application of farmyard manure compared to the farm with longterm application of farmyard manure.
The differences in soil nitrate content were strongly correlated with soil compaction. Very large differences in soil nitrate content between ploughing at low and high soil moisture contents were always observed in May, when the soil temperature was higher than 15°C These differences in soil nitrate content are due to reduced nitrogen mineralization and an increase of denitrification activity after ploughing at high soil moisture contents.     

丘陵地区免耕条播对油菜生长、根系和产量的影响

研究丘陵地区免耕条播对油菜生长的影响,初步了解免耕油菜根系与产量之间关系,同时探讨秋旱季节不同耕作方式对稻田油菜土壤物理性质的影响。采用大田试验,设置常规翻耕（CT）、免耕（NT）和免耕+稻草覆盖还田（NTR）3个处理。结果表明,与CT处理相比,NT处理增加了土壤容重和紧实度,降低了饱和含水量和总孔隙度,抑制了油菜根系生长。油菜产量表现为NT>CT>NTR,NT处理产量比CT增加17.04%,NTR处理产量比CT降低5.83%。除根颈粗外,油菜苗期根系指标总体呈现NT>NTR>CT趋势;而角果期植株根体积、总根长、总根表面积、根颈粗和干物质重呈现CT>NT>NTR趋势。与CT处理相比,NT处理能有效降低干旱胁迫对油菜幼苗根系的损伤,保障了油菜产量;NTR处理油菜角果期单位面积分枝数和角果数及根系指标均显著降低,产量下降。因此,在干旱季节采用合理的耕作方式可降低植株受到的胁迫损伤,达到高产稳产。     

The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization and Population Density of the Field Bean (Vicia faba L. minor) of Indeterminate and Determinate Growth Habit on the Symbiosis with Root Nodule Bacteria and on the Seed Yield

Field beans of indeterminate (cv. Nadwiślański) and determinate (cv. Tibo) growth habits were grown on field plots with a density of 20, 40 and 80 plants m⁻² at two levels of nitrogen fertilization: low (20 kg N ha⁻¹) and very high (150 kg N ha⁻¹). At the phase of intense pod growth the number and the dry matter weight of root nodules as well as their nitrogenase activity and some features of the plants growth were determined, and in the period of ripeness the components of seed yield were established.
It was found that increased density of sowing as well as the high level of nitrogen fertilization inhibited the growth and development of root nodules and limited their nitrogenase activity in both cultivars. Plants of both varieties were characterized by a similar potential of forming the root nodules, however, in plants of the cv. Tibo the nitrogenase activity of nodules was much lower than in the cv. Nadwiślański.
Increased population density of the plants has in both varieties given increased seed yield when calculated per m² of the soil, compensating in excess the depression of the seed yield from one plant. Such compensation did not occur in the case of the depression of nitrogen fixation under intense nitrogen fertilization.     

Physiological Responses of Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum) as Affected by Root Hypoxia

In order to investigate the effects of root hypoxia (1–2 % oxygen) on physiology and on some fructification parameters of tomato plants ( Solanum lycopersicum cv. H63-5), a range of physiological and agronomic measurements were performed on plants submitted to gradual root hypoxia at the second leaf stage. Stomatal conductance (g_s), total chlorophyll content, leaf area (LA) and leaf mass per area (LMA) were quantified at 14 days of treatment in the first leaf appeared before (L1) and after (L3) root hypoxia application. The results obtained showed that 7 days of treatment has slight effects on plant weight growth. However, 14 days of treatment caused decreased root dry weight (DW) with a concomitant increase in shoot DW. Root hypoxia significantly decreased g_s and chlorophyll content of L3, but no effects were noted for L1. LA was significantly reduced for L1 and L3, contrary to LMA which was significantly increased. At the reproductive stage, root hypoxia resulted in a decrease in flower and fruit production, accelerated the entrance in the fruit expansion phase, but did not affect the rate of fruit growth, nor the final fruit size.     

海河低平原深松播种对夏玉米根系生理的影响及其节水增产效应

于2012—2013年在河北省农林科学院旱作农业研究所深州试验站,以郑单958为供试品种,设置夏玉米深松播种和免耕播种两个处理,从玉米出苗开始,根据生育进程定期观察玉米根系形态、生理指标及微观结构、玉米冠层光合特性和叶面积指数,成熟期测定产量,计算水分利用效率和2 m土体水分储蓄情况。结果表明,0~60 cm土层,深松播种处理可提高玉米根系干物质积累、表面积、根长和活跃吸收面积比例,全生育期分别比免耕播种处理提高30.5%、24.6%、29.7%和56.3%。0~60 cm土层,深松播种处理玉米根系脯氨酸含量、硝酸还原酶活性和根系活力分别比免耕处理高140.0%、37.0%和36.5%。全生育期,深松播种处理根系伤流液总量比免耕播种处理提高15.2%。0~40cm土层,深松播种处理单根和整株根系导水率分别提高15.8%和17.0%。0~40 cm土层,深松播种处理玉米根系中柱导管直径增大,中柱鞘细胞壁及中柱内薄壁细胞的细胞壁增厚栓化,髓细胞数量增多但整体在髓腔横切面积中所占比例偏小,后生木质部导管直径增大、数量增多,皮层厚度降低;0~20 cm土层,深松播种处理根系皮层中部细胞虽也较大但层数较少,相当于免耕处理的86.2%。深松播种处理可提高玉米叶面积指数,全生育期平均比免耕处理高12.5%;深松播种处理还可提高叶片光合速率和光合势。深松播种处理玉米籽粒灌浆速率全生育期平均比免耕播种处理高5.0%。与免耕处理相比,深松播种处理2年平均穗粒数、千粒重和产量分别比免耕播种处理提高2.4%、3.9%和8.2%,耗水量降低9.1%,产量和水分利用效率分别比免耕处理高8.2%和14.4%,2 m土体贮水量提高31.7%。     

Uptake and partitioning of sludge-borne copper in field-grown maize (Zea mays L.)

Accumulation of sludge-borne copper (Cu) by field-grown maize and its distribution between the different plant organs was studied in detail in a long-term sewage sludge field trial. Since 1974, field plots on a coarse sandy soil have been amended each year with farmyard manure (FYM) at a rate of 10 t dry matter (DM) ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and with sewage sludge at the two levels of 10 t DM ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ (SS 10) and 100 t DM ha⁻¹ per 2 years (SS 100). All field plots have been cropped annually with maize. In 1993, five replicate plants per treatment were examined at six different growth stages from seedling to grain maturity. Each plant was separated into at least 12 different parts and the Cu content of each was determined. Regarding growth parameters, no visible deleterious effects on plant development due to the different soil treatments could be observed, although the dry matter yield of roots and stalks of SS 100-treated plants was significantly reduced. Significantly increased Cu concentrations of up to 60 mg Cu kg⁻¹ DM in the roots of young SS 100-grown maize plants and of up to 20 mg Cu kg⁻¹ DM in the upper leaves at silage stage were found. No critical Cu amounts were reached in the grains until harvest.     

Einfluß von Monoethanolamin auf den Ertrag von Kulturpflanzen

Effect of monoethanolamine on yield of crops
I. Studies on the effect of monoethanolamine on the grain yield and the nitrogen household in cereal plants (pot experiments)
The effect of monoethanolamine (EA, applied as foliar spray, 10 mg per pot) on grain yield and yield components was investigated in pot experiments with spring barley, winter wheat, and winter rye. Under conditions of a moderate drought stress the applied EA increased the grain yield of spring barley from 5 % to 7 % (significance only at α= 0.05). A stimulating effect of EA on the grain yield of winter wheat and winter rye was also obtained.
The positive influence of EA on the grain yield of spring barley was reproducible under the conditions of a limited water supply in small-scale plot experiments (increase of yield about 9 %).
In case of spring barley and winter rye the increase of the grain yield by EA, applied at growth stage 31 (= DC 31) was connected with a greater number of ear-bearing tillers. The increase of the winter wheat yield resulted from more grains per ear of the tillers.
The enhanced formation of tiller grain mass and total tiller biomass by EA was in correlation with a higher nitrogen import into tillers (r = 0.8⁺). Since an export of N from the main shoots into the tillers was not observed a higher N uptake (≥ 6 %) was calculated from N balances. After a fertilization with ¹⁵N-labelled fertilizers the additional ¹⁵N uptake was 13 % to 20 %.
Possible stress reducing activities caused by EA are discussed.     

Potassium and Silicon Improve Yield and Juice Quality in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) under Salt Stress

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress which adversely affects the yield and juice quality in sugarcane. However, the mineral nutrient status of plant plays a crucial role in increasing plant tolerance to salinity. We investigated the effects of K and/or Si on plant growth, yield and juice quality in two sugarcane genotypes differing in salinity tolerance. Addition of K and Si significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased K and Si concentrations and decreased the accumulation of Na⁺ in plants under salt stress. Cane yield and yield attributes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher where K and Si were added. Juice quality characteristics like Brix (% soluble solids in juice), Pol (% sucrose in juice), commercial cane sugar (CCS) and sugar recovery in both sugarcane genotypes were also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved with the supplementation of K and Si. For most of the growth parameters, it was found that K either alone or in combination with Si was more effective to alleviate salt stress in both sugarcane genotypes than Si alone. Moreover, the beneficial effects of K and Si were more pronounced in salt sensitive genotype than in salt tolerant genotype. The results suggested that K and Si counteracted the deleterious effects of high salinity/sodicity in sugarcane by lowering the accumulation of Na⁺ and increase in K⁺ concentration with a resultant improvement in K⁺/Na⁺ ratio which is a good indicator to assess plant tolerance to salinity.     

Correlation between Fusarium head blight severity and DON content in triticale as revealed by phenotypic and molecular data

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) results in yield losses and mycotoxin contamination, for example, by deoxynivalenol (DON). This study aimed to analyse the correlation between FHB severity and DON content in a DH population of 146 entries across environments. Additionally, Fusarium damaged kernel (FDK) rating, heading stage and plant height were recorded. Highly significant (P < 0.001) genotypic variances were found throughout, but also significant (P < 0.001) genotype–environment interaction variances occurred. Correlation between FHB severity and heading stage or plant height was low (r = 0.144 and r = ?0.153, P < 0.10). A prediction of DON content from FHB severity or FDK rating is not possible caused by low correlations (r = 0.315 and 0.572, respectively, P < 0.001). A common quantitative trait locus (QTL) for all FHB‐related traits was found on wheat chromosome 2A being of minor importance for FHB severity, but of high importance for DON content and FDK rating. Another QTL on rye chromosome 5R was more important for FHB severity. In conclusion, DON content has to be measured in triticale after selection for FHB severity to gain for healthy and mycotoxin‐reduced feed.     

Effect of Temperature Hardening on Growth, Carbohydrate and Protein Levels in Three Grain Crops

The effect of seedling pretreatment at different temperature levels and periods of exposure on growth, pigments, carbohydrates and proteins was studied in three grain crops; sorghum, wheat and barley at different stages of growth. Greater shoot-dry weights were obtained in sorghum with exposure for 15 hrs at 40 °C in the flowering, in wheat for 2 hrs at 10 and 40 °C in the fruiting and in barley for 15 hrs at 0 °C in the flowering stage. Increased root-dry weights were achieved by wheat with exposure for 4 and 15 hrs at all levels even at 0 °C in the flowering and for 15 hrs at 40 °C in the fruiting stage. Chl_a and Chl_b were more responsive in sorghum to higher temperature pretreatments than either wheat or barley. In sorghum the temperature extremes (0 and 50 °C) had resulted in a substantial reduction of Chl_a, and Chl_b in the fruiting stage. Lower and higher temperature-pretreatments had resulted in total available carbohydrate reduction in shoot and root of sorghum and wheat at the early stage, but the reverse was true later in flowering. In contrast, lower and higher temperature pretreatments had increased shoot-protein in sorghum and wheat in the vegetative and in sorghum in the flowering stage. Root-protein was more responsive to low temperature-pretreatments in sorghum and barley during the fruiting stage.     

Effect of Field Bean and Soybean Cultivation on Soil Compaction Amelioration and its Influence on Wheat and Barley as subsequent Crops

Effect of field bean and soybean cultivation on soil compaction amelioration and its influence on wheat and barley as subsequent crops
Amelioration effect of field bean and soybean growth on compacted soil and its influence on the following crops of wheat and barley was tested. The performance of both field bean and soybean was affected by compaction. A reduction of 5–16 % in total dry matter, 10–22 % in seed yield, 5–12 % in no. of pods per plant, 4–14 % in plant height, 8–19 % in total accumulated N in plant and 11–22 % in accumulated N in seed of the both crops was registered. The crops were grown at 30 and 60 plants/m² densities. The negative effects of compaction were compensated to some extent by high plant density. Both crops loosened the compacted field, the effect increased with an increase in plant density. Field beans decreased the soil bulk density up to 8 %, increased total porosity up to 8 % and air filled pores up to 19 % till 30 cm soil depth, the effects being higher than produced by soybeans.
The increases in yields of wheat and barley and in their accumulated N were 9–57 % and 11–56 %, respectively after field bean and soybean as preceeding crops than after barley.     

Influence of Long-term Application of Sewage Sludge and Compost from Garbage with Sewage Sludge on Soil Fertility Criteria

In a long-term field experiment in progress since 1962 on a luvisol derived from loess the influence of increasing amounts of sewage sludge, garbage compost and farmyard manure on the N dynamic and microbiological soil characteristics was investigated.
The following results were obtained:
The application of the organic materials over a period of 24 years resulted in an increase of the total C and total N content of the soil. The increase was mostly pronounced in the plots treated with garbage compost. The higher total N content was caused by higher contents of hydrolyzable as well as non-hydrolyzable organic N compounds. The N mineralization potential of the soil was intensified by the application of all the different organic materials, especially by garbage compost and farmyard manure.
Dehydrogenase activity and soil respiration were positively influenced by all organic treatments with the highest effect in the soils with the highest C, contents.