Long-term winter cover cropping effects on corn (Zea mays L.) production and soil nitrogen availability

 This study was conducted to determine effects of long-term winter cover cropping with hairy vetch, cereal rye and annual ryegrass on soil N availability and corn productivity. From 1987 to 1995, with the exception of the first year of the study, the cover crops were seeded each year in late September or early October after the corn harvest and incorporated into the soil in late April or early May. Corn was seeded 10 days to 2 weeks after the cover crop residues had been incorporated, and N fertilizer was applied as a side-dressing at rates of 0, 67, 134, or 201 kg N ha^–1 each year. While the average annual total N input from the above-ground biomass of the cover crops was highest for hairy vetch (72.4 kg N ha^–1), the average annual total C input was highest for cereal rye (1043 kg C ha^–1) compared with the other cover crops. Hairy vetch was the only cover crop that significantly increased pre-side-dressed NO₃ ^–-N (N_i) corn biomass and N uptake at 0 N. At an N fertilizer rate of 134 kg N ha^–1 or higher, the cover crops had a minimal effect on corn biomass. This indicated that even after 9 years of winter cover cropping, the effect of the cover crops on corn growth resulted primarily from their influence on soil N availability. The amount of available N estimated from the cover crops (N_ac) was significantly correlated with relative corn biomass production (r ²=0.707, P<0.001). The total amount of available N, comprising N_ac and N added from fertilizer (N_f), was strongly correlated (r ²=0.820, P<0.001)) with relative corn biomass production. The correlation was also high for the available N comprising N_i and N_f (r ²=0.775, P<0.001). Although cereal rye and annual ryegrass did not improve corn biomass production in the short term, they benefited soil organic N accumulation and gradually improved corn biomass production compared with the control over the long term. Received: 10 August 1999     

Kinetics of zinc uptake by mycorrhizal (VAM) and non-mycorrhizal corn (Zea mays L.) roots

Summary The kinetics of Zn absorption were studied in mycorrhizal (Glomus macrocarpum) and non-mycorrhizal roots of corn (Zea mays L.) at pH 6.0 at Zn concentrations of 75 mol to 1.07 mol m^-3. Five concentration-dependent phases of Zn absorption were recognized; phase 0 (1.5–4.0 mmol m^-3) was linear but the other four phases (4.0 mmol to 1.07 mol m^-3) obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. At low concentrations (less than 4 mmol m^-3), sigmoidal kinetics of Zn absorption were observed. The absorption of Zn by mycorrhizal maize was greater at low concentrations but decreased at higher levels. This appeared to be a result of a higher maximal uptake rate in phase 1 and lower K _m values in the subsequent phases. Kinetic models yielding continuous isotherms could not account for the observed multiphasic pattern.Research paper no. 6820 through the Director, Experiment Station, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263 145, UP, India     

Antagonistic effect of gibberellic acid and boron on protein and carbohydrate metabolism of soybean germinating seeds

Lots of soybean seeds (Glycine max L. Merr. cv MG 13 G2) were pretreated with solutions of boron (1 or 2 μg/ml) or/and gibberellic acid (GA₃) (0.1 μg/ml) during three hours, and germinated in a culture chamber at 24°±1°C. Germination and seedling growth were inhibited by boron. GA₃ activated both processes and partially reversed the inhibitory effect of the microelement. This protective effect of GA₃ against the negative action of boron is particularly due to the antagonism GA₃ /boron on protein and carbohydrate metabolism during the seed germination process.     

Effects of Lead on Iron,Manganese, and Zinc Concentrations in Different Varieties of Maize (Zea mays)

To investigate the effects of different levels of lead (Pb) on the concentration of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in Zea mays, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design and 4 × 8 factorial arrangement with three replicates on a calcareous soil in a greenhouse. Factors included four levels of Pb (0 as control, 100, 200, and 400 mg Pb kg^?1 soil) from PbCl₂ source and eight varieties of maize (single cross 260, 301, 302, 500, 604, and 647 and double cross 370). Results showed that the accumulation of Pb was greater in roots than shoots in the maize varieties studied. Increased Pb concentration in soil decreased Mn and Fe in shoot and elevated Fe concentration in roots. The Mn concentration of roots on different levels of Pb was not affected. Zinc concentration of almost all varieties increased in shoots and decreased in roots with the increase of Pb in soil.     

Time course study of substrate utilization by Aspergillus flavus in medium simulating corn (Zea mays) kernels.

Utilization of the three major corn reserve materials, starch, triglycerides (refined corn oil), and zein (storage protein), by Aspergillus flavus was monitored in vitro over a 7-day fermentation. Medium composition in which proportions of reserve materials initially approximated proportions in mature corn kernels changed little over the first 18 h. Subsequently, hydrolysis of both starch and triglycerides occurred simultaneously, with peak concentrations of glucose and free fatty acids on day 2 of the fermentation period. Fatty acid concentrations dropped relatively rapidly after day 2 but increased again after day 6. Aflatoxin B(1) production increased after 36 h, with a peak at day 4. Aflatoxin B(1) production paralleled fungal biomass production during the exponential growth phase. A. flavus did not appear to preferentially utilize any of the released fatty acids. A number of fungus-specific metabolites were detected, including arabitol, erythritol, mannitol, trehalose, and kojic acid. Mannitol exceeded the other metabolites in concentration, and the timing of mannitol production closely paralleled that of aflatoxin B(1). Kojic acid concentrations peaked at day 6. In contrast to previously described selective use of simple carbohydrates by A. flavus, less discrimination was displayed when faced with utilization of complex substrates such as starch or triglycerides.     

Ammonia volatilization from nitrogen fertilizers surface-applied to corn (Zea mays) and grass pasture (Dactylis glomerata)

Summary The major agronomic concern with NH₃ loss from urea-containing fertilizers is the effect of these losses on crop yields and N fertilizer efficiency. In this 2-year study, NH₃ volatilization from surface-applied N fertilizers was measured in the field, and the effects of the NH₃ losses detected on corn (Zea mays L.) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) yield and N uptake were determined. For corn, NH₄NO₃ (AN), a urea-AN solution (UAN), or urea, were surface-broadcast at rates of 0, 56 and 112 kg N ha^–1 on a Plano silt loam (Typic Argiudoll) and on a Fayette silt loam (Typic Hapludalf). Urea and AN (0 and 67 kg N ha^–1) were surface-applied to grass pasture on the Fayette silt loam. Significant NH₃ losses from urea-containing N sources were detected in one of four corn experiments (12%–16% of applied N) and in both experiments with grass pasture (9%–19% of applied N). When these losses occurred, corn grain yields with UAN and urea were 1.0 and 1.5 Mg ha^–1, respectively, lower than yields with AN, and orchardgrass dry matter yields with urea were 0.27 to 0.74 Mg ha^–1 lower than with AN. Significant differences in crop N uptake between N sources were detected, but apparent NH₃ loss based on N uptake differences was not equal to field measurements of NH₃ loss. Rainfall following N application markedly influenced NH₃ volatilization. In corn experiments, NH₃ loss was low and yields with all N sources were similar when at least 2.5 mm of rainfall occurred within 4 days after N application. Rainfall within 3 days after N application did not prevent significant yield reductions due to NH₃ loss from urea in grass pasture experiments.     

Exogenous application of humic acid and salicylic acid to alleviate seedling drought stress in two corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids

Efficacy of 1?mM humic (HA) and salicylic (SC) acids on SC 260 and SC 705 corn seedlings to alleviate drought stress via polyethylene glycol was studied via hydroponics at Shiraz University, Iran in a factorial, randomized design, with four replicates each. Under stress, SC 260 had higher electrolyte leakage compared to SC 705, and exogenous application of HA combined with SA decreased SC 705 electrolyte leakage. As a general trend, photosynthetic pigment content, relative water content, root and shoot length, mean number and diameter of central and peripheral root metaxylem, and K⁺ accumulation were higher in SC 705 treated with HA and SA compared to SC 260. Application of HA with SA could be an effective and low cost approach to ensure seedling establishment and plant growth in fields affected by soil drought in the early season, especially for the SC 705 corn hybrid in semi-arid regions.     

Corn (Zea mays L.) Grain and Stover Yield as Affected by Soil Residual Mineral Nitrogen

Evaluation of nitrogen (N) dynamic in soil using regression equations is important for proper determination of N fertilization. A 3-year field experiment was conducted to (1) develop the best-fitted regression model relating corn grain and stover yield to soil residual ammonium (NH₄)-N and nitrate (NO₃)-N for corn yield prediction and (2) evaluate how such a model can be beneficial to the health of ecosystem by predicting the appropriate rates of N fertilization for corn production. Soil NH₄-N and NO₃-N were determined at corn harvest at the depths of 0–30 and 30–60 cm. Nitrogen fertilizer rates and soil mineral N accounted for a maximum of 93% variation in corn grain yield. Soil mineral N enhanced corn yield more than N fertilizer. Totals of 63.1 and 14.1 kg/ha of soil residual NO₃-N and NH₄-N were found in the 0- to 60-cm depth, indicating the importance of performing soil N tests.     

Response of maize (Zea mays) to Azotobacter inoculation under fertilized and unfertilized conditions

Summary Inoculated seeds of maize (Zea mays) with 11 Azotobacter strains, sown in the fields receiving no fertilizer and fertilizers (N and P at the rate of 125 and 40 kg ha^–1 respectively) increased the grain yield by 19.63% and 15.89% respectively over the corresponding control. The effect was greater in unfertilized than in fertilized soil. The increase in yield due to fertilizers was 21.2% without inoculation and 37.09% with inoculation. The correlations between total yield, and N, P and K uptake were highly significant and comparable among themselves. This indicated that increase in yield due to inoculation was not due to N₂ fixation but that some other mechanisms like production of growth hormones by this bacterium may be responsible.     

Factors affecting shoot and root apical meristem tissue culture of Thai supersweet corn (Zea mays var. rugosa)

During last recent years, in vitro propagation technic is widely used to produce plants with desirable traits. This experiment was conducted to produce an ideal protocol for in vitro propagation of Thai supersweet corn by using shoot apical meristem (SAM) and root apical meristem (RAM) as explants. Four-day-old germinating seedlings were used as the experimental materials on culture media supplemented with a range of auxin, kinetin, and carbohydrates. The primary establishment for SAM showed the highest percentage of survival (80%) while RAM showed the highest survival (67%) and in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented. Upon acclimatization, regenerated plantlets from shoot showed the highest survival rate (12%) with the production of 21 plantlets; however, the survival rate of plantlets from root was only 20% with the production of 9 plantlets. The efficient and economic protocol that is produced in this study can be applied as an alternative to conventional propagation method for the large-scale production of Thai supersweet corn throughout the year.     

Effect of microbial‐based inoculants on nutrient concentrations and early root morphology of corn (Zea mays)

Microbial‐based inoculants have been reported to stimulate plant growth and nutrient uptake. However, their effect may vary depending on the growth stage when evaluated or fertilizer applied. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that microbial‐based inoculants known to promote root growth and nutrient uptake will promote plant growth, enhance early root development, and increase nutrient concentrations of corn (Zea mays L.). Plants were evaluated at four different growth stages and in the presence of three different nitrogen (N) fertilizers. The microbial‐based treatments evaluated were: SoilBuilder™ (SB), a filtered metabolite extract of SoilBuilder™ (SBF), a mixture of four strains of plant growth‐promoting Bacillus spp (BM), and a water‐inoculated control. The experiment also included four fertilizer treatments: urea (U), urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN), calcium‐ammonium nitrate (CAN), and an unfertilized control. Corn plants were evaluated at growth stages V2, V4, V6, and VT. Plant growth parameters for biomass, height, and SPAD readings were enhanced by the three microbial‐based treatments. A greater effect of microbial‐based treatments was observed when plants were evaluated at V6 and VT stages. Parameters of early root development such as total root length (TRL), root surface area (RSA), and length of fine roots were enhanced when microbial‐based treatments were applied. Concentrations of N, P, and K were also increased by microbial‐based treatments compared to the non‐inoculated control. Increases in plant N concentration due to microbial‐based treatments were on average 72% for CAN, 61% for UAN, 72% for urea, and 54% for the unfertilized control. Phosphorus concentration was increased most (138%) when BM was applied with CAN. In the same way, when CAN was present, K concentration was increased by 95% with BM and 65% when SB and SBF were applied. Overall, the results demonstrate that microbial‐based inoculants evaluated in this study can positively impact corn growth and nutrient concentration, especially during the late vegetative stages. Furthermore, the results indicate that the enhancement of nutrient concentrations (N, P, and K) in this case was related to the capacity of microbial‐based treatments to impact root morphology at early stages of corn growth.     

Phosphate sorption isotherms for fertilizer p needs of sweet corn (Zea mays) grown on a high phosphorus fixing soil

Abstract

Phosphorus sorption isotherms were used to estimate phosphorus fertilizer rates on a phosphorus fixing Alfic Fragiorthod soil from north Idaho. Five rates ranging from 0–584 kg/ha corresponded to sorption equilibrium solution levels from 0.06 to 0.20 ppm P. Yield of sweet corn (variety Spancross) grown two successive years was related to the sorption equilibrium solution P level. Whole plant weight, weight of ears, number of ears, and ear size approached maximum when the sorption equilibrium solution P level was near 0.13 ppm. The P content of leaves at early tassel stage increased with increasing sorption equilibrium solution P in a nearly straight line relationship. The leaves contained 0.27% P when the sorption equilibrium solution P was 0.13 ppm, the level producing maximum yield. The 0.20 ppm P resulted in 0.41% P in corn leaves.     

Effect of seed inoculation with the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2 on the root microbiota of maize (Zea mays) and barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Summary The addition of sugars or amino acids to the soil gave rise to the development of different groups of microorganisms. The increase in the number of different groups of microorganisms in the soil had an influence on the microbiota in the rhizoplane and endorhizosphere of maize and barley grown in that soil. Furthermore, growth of maize and barley decreased with increasing microbial activity and density in soil. This effect could be counteracted effectively by the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2. The beneficial effect of the strain 7NSK2 correlated inversely with the microbial activity, as measured by soil respiration, in the bulk-pretreated soil.The effect of seed inoculation with the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2 on the root microbiota of maize and barley was evaluated. The strain 7NSK2 was capable of colonizing the rhizoplane and endorhizosphere of the maize cultivar Beaupré and barley cultivar Than very effectively and of considerably altering their composition. The number of total bacteria, fungi, pseudomonads and coliform bacteria in the rhizoplane and endorhizosphere of both plants was strongly reduced by inoculating the seeds with the strain 7NSK2.     

添加玉米秸秆培养对土壤团聚体胡敏酸数量和结构特征的影响

利用湿筛法进行土壤团聚体分组(>2、2～0.25、0.25～0.053、<0.053 mm粒级),研究了其添加不同用量玉米秸秆,25℃恒温室内培养对团聚体中胡敏酸数量和结构特征的影响。结果表明:添加玉米秸秆培养后,土壤团聚体2～0.25 mm和>2 mm粒级成为优势粒级,平均含量分别占51.41%和34.12%,其全碳含量为10.15～25.74 g kg-1,胡敏酸(HA)绝对含量为4.06～5.79 g kg-1,明显高于对照CK的9.79～10.48 g kg-1和3.70 g kg-1,并随玉米秸秆用量的增加而增大;各处理胡敏酸C/H及高温/中温比值均低于CK处理,并随玉米秸秆用量的增加逐渐减小,说明随玉米秸秆用量的增加使HA分子缩合度降低,结构趋于简单化。     

玉米紫色酸性磷酸酶(PAPs)基因家族的鉴定与低磷响应特征

紫色酸性磷酸酶(purple acid phosphatase,PAPs)属于金属磷酸酯酶家族,能催化磷酸酯或酸酐的水解,对于活化植物根际周围的有机态磷及促进植株体内磷素的再循环利用起重要作用。本研究以拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)PAPs基因为基础,在玉米(Zea mays)全基因组水平上对PAPs基因家族进行鉴定,对其基因结构及进化关系进行分析,并运用半定量PCR、实时荧光定量PCR及亚细胞定位对其家族成员进行深入研究。结果表明,从玉米自交系B73全基因组中筛选出24个紫色酸性磷酸酶候选基因,聚类为3个家族和8个亚家族;半定量qRT-PCR(sqRT-PCR)分析的8个家族成员均在低磷胁迫下呈现表达变化,对具有显著表达差异的4个成员(ZmPAP1c、ZmPAP10a、ZmPAP10b和ZmPAP26)进行qRT-PCR分析发现,4个ZmPAPs在不同时间的低磷胁迫处理后,因材料基因型不同及器官不同而呈现出时空特异性及组织特异性,其中ZmPAP1c和ZmPAP10a在维持体内磷素动态平衡中可能发挥重要作用;亚细胞定位结果表明,ZmPAP10a和ZmPAP1c表达产物被定位于细胞膜上;酸性磷酸酶活性分析表明,耐低磷玉米自交系178根系的酸性磷酸酶活性较9782高,并且响应低磷胁迫更灵敏,说明其在遇到低磷环境时通过调节ZmPAPs表达来增强酸性磷酸酶的活性,从而提高磷素利用效率。本研究结果为进一步研究玉米ZmPAPs家族的功能提供了基础资料。     

拔节期淹水玉米的生理性状和产量形成

为了探明夏玉米拔节期对淹水历时的响应规律,采用大田环境下无底测坑试验,在玉米拔节期设置不同的淹水天数(1、2、3、5、7 d),分析了淹水历时对夏玉米生长发育、灌浆过程、物质分配及产量性状的影响。结果表明,玉米拔节期淹水抑制玉米的营养期发育,淹水1、2、3、5、7d的平均株高分别比非涝渍环境下玉米(CK)降低2.26%、2.26%、2.45%、11.36%和10.17%;平均叶面积指数LAI分别降低23.79%、18.93%、13.04%、32.74%和34.27%;玉米拔节期淹水5 d以上,植株矮而黄。在植株生理反应方面,淹水3 d后测定结果表明,淹水1、2、3 d的叶绿素质量分数比CK高,根系活力增强,而淹水5d和7d叶绿素质量分数和根系活力下降。玉米灌浆至乳熟期叶绿素测定结果表明,淹水5 d以上处理的叶绿素质量分数仍较CK降低10.87%,表明受淹5 d以上,叶绿素质量分数降低并无法恢复。玉米拔节期受淹影响其后期灌浆过程中的籽粒质量,同一时间的淹水1、2和3 d与对照籽粒质量比较接近,淹水5 d较低,淹水7 d为最低。玉米穗长和穗粗随淹水历时呈减小的趋势,但各处理间无显著差异(P0.05)。淹水使玉米出现较长的秃尖,淹水1、2、3、5 d的秃尖长度为CK的2倍左右,淹水7 d的秃尖长度为CK的5倍;淹水历时越长,玉米穗长、穗粒质量、穗质量和百粒质量的减幅就越大,淹水1、2、3、5、7的玉米产量分别降低16.58%、16.65%、26.11%、34.32%和39.01%。玉米拔节期淹水5 d以上,严重影响玉米正常生长,造成产量显著降低。研究结果为涝渍灾害监测和灾损快速评估以及涝渍排水标准确定提供参考。     

Comparison of two ground-based active-optical sensors for in-season estimation of corn (Zea mays,L.) yield

Thirty field experiments were conducted in North Dakota during 2011 and 2012 to compare two ground-based active-optical sensors for their relationship between sensor readings and INSEY (in-season estimate of yield). The experimental design at each site was a randomized complete block with four replications and six nitrogen (N) rate treatments: control, 45, 90, 134, 179, and 224 kg ha^?1 applied pre-plant as ammonium nitrate within five days of planting. The two sensors, GreenSeeker® (Trimble, Sunnydale, CA, USA) (GS) and Crop Circle ACS 470® sensor (Holland Scientific, Lincoln, NE, USA) (CC) were used to scan over the top of the corn at V6 and V12 growth stages. The GS INSEY and the CC INSEY were similarly related to corn yield at V6. The CC using the red-edge lens option improved the INSEY relationship to corn yield compared to the GS or the CC using the red lens option at V12.     

用核磁共振研究浸种方法对水稻种子吸水量的影响

为寻求较佳浸种方法,该文应用低场核磁共振检测技术,研究了不同的浸种方式及浸种溶剂对水稻种子吸水量的影响。试验利用横向弛豫时间 T2反演谱分析了水稻种子的水分状态变化及吸水特性,发现浸种过程改变了水稻种子内部的水分分布情况,水稻种子吸水量对初始含水率差异不显著(P>0.05),但对各种浸种方法差异显著(P<0.05)。研究表明,采用连续浸种4 h、浸种3 h-晾干1 h-浸种1 h、浸种2 h-晾干1 h-浸种2 h及浸种2 h-晾干2 h-浸种2 h这4种不同的浸种方式时,浸种2 h-晾干1 h-浸种2 h的间歇浸种方式吸水率较高;采用清水、强氯精300倍液、饱和澄清石灰水、质量分数为40%福尔马林的50倍液、100倍液及200倍液6种不同的浸种溶液时,应用质量分数为40%福尔马林50倍液药剂时吸水率较高。低场核磁共振检测技术揭示了水稻种子含水量的影响因素,为浸种过程中吸水量的测定提供了一种有效的方法。     

Interactive effect of brassinolide and lime on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) on acid soils of South-East Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Our aim was to determine the combined effect of brassinolide (BR) and lime on the growth and yield of maize on acid soils of South East Nigeria using two BR levels (0 and 250 mL), two maize varieties [Ikom White (IKW) and Oba-98] and two lime levels (0 kg ha^?1 and 500 kg ha^?1). The IKW was better (P ≤ 0.05) in growth morphology than Oba-98; however, Oba-98 was more (p ≤ 0.05) efficient in intercepting radiation (420.16 μmol m^?2s^?1) than IKW (325.08 μmol m^?2s^?1). The 500 kg ha^?1 lime plus BR improved (P ≤ 0.05) nitrogen (N) uptake, dry matter yield, harvest index, shoot to root ratio, and grain yield, especially in Oba-98. Thus, the interactive action of BR and lime could increase the soil pH to an extent for enhanced yield of hybrid maize.