Effects of Urea Foliar Application on Grain Yield and Quality of Winter Wheat

The effects of urea foliar application rates at different growth stages of wheat on protein and yield of winter wheat were evaluated in a factorial experiment. Time of application and amounts of urea foliar application rates were the treatments. Urea was applied at four stages including tillering, jointing, anthesis, and grain filling, and urea foliar application rates were 22.5, 45, 67.5, and 90 kg ha^?1 (12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50% of total urea application). Our data demonstrated that urea application time had significant effects on grain weight, number of seeds per spike, plant height, and protein content. Furthermore, total dry weight, grain weight, harvest index, 1000-seed weight, plant height, and protein content were significantly affected by amounts of urea foliar application. The effects of time?×?rate of urea foliar application on grain yield, 1000-seed weight, and plant height were significant.     

喷施矮壮素和多效唑对紫云英生长发育及结实性状的影响

  【目的】  研究不同时期喷施矮壮素和多效唑对紫云英生长发育及结实的影响,明确有利于增产的最佳喷施时期,为提高紫云英种子产量提供有效的化控途径。  【方法】  选取紫云英品种‘信紫1号’为供试材料,分别于越冬后期、返青期、现蕾期、初花期和始花后5天在叶面喷施矮壮素或多效唑 (浓度均为400 mg/kg),以叶面喷施清水为对照。于盛花期,调查株高、茎粗、分枝数、SPAD值、单株重等生长指标,成熟期按常规考种法考察记载花数、荚数、籽粒数、结荚率和荚果结实率等结实性指标。  【结果】  现蕾期叶面喷施矮壮素和多效唑均可有效抑制植株株高,提高分枝数、SPAD值和单株重,多效唑喷施效果好于矮壮素。与喷清水对照相比,现蕾期喷施矮壮素的紫云英花数、荚数、籽粒数、结荚率和荚果结实率分别显著提高了16.32%、21.45%、15.94%、2.38个百分点和0.94个百分点,而其在越冬后期和返青期喷施却显著降低各指标;现蕾期喷施多效唑的紫云英花数、荚数、籽粒数、结荚率和荚果结实率分别显著提高了31.69%、43.41%、29.49%、4.76个百分点和2.14个百分点,在越冬后期喷施显著降低花数和荚果结实率。矮壮素和多效唑均在现蕾期喷施的种子产量最高,两者较对照分别增产15.95%和29.88%。  【结论】  在紫云英现蕾期,叶面喷施植物延缓剂多效唑和矮壮素,均可显著促进花期花荚发育,减少花荚脱落,促进花荚结实成粒,最终获得较高的种子产量,多效唑效果好于矮壮素。     

Nitrogen efficiency of grain sorghum grown on flat and raised seedbeds on poorly drained soil

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) production commonly occurs on poorly drained clayey soils of the Mississippi River delta region inArkansas. Raised, wide seedbeds may improve grain yield and fertilizer N efficiency for narrow‐row sorghum production on these soils. The influence of individual row positions on raised, wide seedbeds was compared to conventional flat seedbed for grain yield, yield components, dry weight, and N uptake. A 193‐cm wide and 15 cm high crowned seedbed (CB) was compared to the flat seedbed (FB) in 1987 and 1988 on a Sharkey silty clay (very fine, mont‐morillonitic, nonacid, thermic, Vertic Haplaquepts) at Keiser, AR. Three rows were planted on each seedbed treatment; one in the middle of the bed and one row 48 cm to each side of the row in the middle. Nitrogen rates of 0, 56, 112, and 168 kg/ha were applied at planting. In addition, two split applications at the 168 kg/ha N rate (56 kg N/ha at planting and 112 kg N/ha at either four‐leaf or eight‐leaf growth stage) were evaluated. Each row position was evaluated for grain yield, yield components, plant dry weight, and N uptake. Whole plant samples were collected at the anthesis and physiological maturity growth stages. The field average grain yield was higher on the CB each year regardless of N rate applied at planting. This yield increase on the CB was related to the row on the top of the CB yielding more than the equivalent row on the FB. The responses of plant dry weight at each growth stage, N uptake at each growth stage, and N content of the seed was similar to grain yield responses. The split N application at planting and the eight‐leaf growth stage was as effective or better than any other treatment for increasing grain yield, N uptake, and seed N content.     

叶面喷施多效唑对紫云英种子产量及结实特性的影响

【目的】通过花前叶面喷施多效唑,探讨多效唑对紫云英产量及其结实特性的调控效应,以期为增加紫云英籽粒数、提高产量调控技术的研究提供参考。【方法】试验以‘信紫1号’为供试材料,设多效唑喷施浓度0 (CK)、200 mg/L (T₁)、300 mg/L (T₂)、400 mg/L (T₃)、500 mg/L (T₄)、600 mg/L (T₅),喷施溶液量均为750 kg/hm2,在开花前喷施一次。紫云英成熟期,按常规考种法调查单位面积株数、分枝数、不同层花序的花序数、结荚数、籽粒数等指标。【结果】与CK相比,喷施不同浓度多效唑处理的单位面积花序数、结荚数、单荚籽粒数和结实荚果率在不同层花序上均较对照有所提高,以T₃处理提高幅度最大。在第1～6层花序上,T₃处理的单位面积花序数较对照提高34.1%～59.0%,单位面积结荚数提高39.7%～68.4%,单荚籽粒数提高44.3%～53.7%,结实荚果率提高1.84～4.89个百分点。相关分析表明,紫云英种子产量与其单位面积花序数、一级分枝花序数、单个有效花序结荚数、结实荚果率及单荚籽粒数呈显著正相关。多效唑喷施浓度与紫云英种子产量及以上结实因子的相关性均达到极显著水平,以多效唑喷施浓度373 mg/L最优,种子产量最高。【结论】在紫云英花荚脱落高峰之前 (开花前),叶面喷施多效唑可显著促进不同层花序单位面积花序数、结荚数、结实荚果率和单荚籽粒数的增加,尤其对促进第5、6层花序花荚结实成粒的效果显著,进而获得较高的种子产量。     

The effects of different methods of zinc application on canola seed yield and oil content

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) as a microelement plays a salient role in the vital processes of plants such as metabolism and nutrition. This experimental study was conducted in the research field of Agriculture Faculty, Zanjan University using two genotypes of canola as main factor (Okapi and Tassilo) and zinc fertilizer application method in 7 levels including control, foliar spraying (2, 3.5, and 5?g/L) at the beginning of flowering and soil application (25, 50, and 75?kg/ha) were considered as sub-plot factor. The results showed that the application of zinc significantly increased the chlorophyll content as compared to control treatment. The highest chlorophyll content was observed in foliar spraying of 3.5 and 5?g/L zinc in Okapi cultivar. While, the highest value of RWC content resulted only with spraying 5?g/L of zinc. The result showed that zinc foliar of 5?g/L obtained the highest oil and seed yields and seed yield components. In addition, the highest qualitative seed traits (oil and protein content and zinc content in seed and plant) resulted with spraying 5?g/L of zinc. Also, Okapi cultivar had more quantitative and qualitative yields than Tassilo cultivar. The foliar spray of 5?g/L Zn can be recommended to increase the quantity and quality seed yield of canola.     

玉米宽窄行交替休闲保护性耕作的根系和光分布特征研究

为探明宽窄行交替休闲种植玉米产量变化的原因,在2007—2008年设置大田试验,比较研究了宽窄行和均匀垄两种耕作方式下玉米光合有效辐射和根系分布等指标的变化动态。结果表明:深松后(6月25日—9月20日),宽窄行处理的土壤紧实度低于均匀垄处理,降低25.17%~52.04%,在0~45 cm不同土层间平均降低14.08%~53.16%,差异最大值出现在11~20 cm土层。在0~45 cm土层,均匀垄处理的根系干重在乳熟期和成熟期显著高于宽窄行处理,分别高13.47%和29.62%;但在根系垂直分布中,宽窄行比均匀垄处理显著增加了根系在深层土壤所占的比例,在15~30 cm土层,宽窄行和均匀垄处理在吐丝期、乳熟期和成熟期根系分布比例分别为6.59%、8.21%、9.00%和5.21%、7.48%、5.42%,在30~45 cm土层分别为2.30%、2.61%、3.24%和1.62%、2.53%、2.09%;不同品种和当年的降雨情况均会影响宽窄行模式下根系的生长。均匀垄处理中部透光率整体上低于宽窄行处理,6月18日、7月24日、8月29日宽窄行底部透光率分别比均匀垄处理高16.12%、5.15%、4.95%,差异达显著水平。因此,提高种植密度将有利于宽窄行处理截获更多的光合有效辐射,从而提高群体的光能利用率。     

不同时期叶面喷施多效唑对紫云英结实性的影响

[目的]探讨多效唑喷施时期对紫云英结实特性的影响,明确紫云英结实性最佳化控时期,以期为提高紫云英种子产量提供参考.[方法]以'信紫1号'为供试材料,分别于越冬后期(T1)、返青期(T2)、现蕾期(T3)、初花期(T4)和花后5天(T5)进行叶面喷施处理,以喷施清水为对照.在盛花期,观察记载主茎不同花序位花荚发育的形态及...     

不同株距和缓释氮肥配施量下机插杂交稻的产量及光合特性

【目的】温江地区高产水稻的推荐施氮量为180 kg/hm2,以此为基础,机插稻缓释氮肥与常规尿素适宜配比为7:3基础上,进一步研究密度和缓释氮肥配施量对机插稻分蘖特性、干物质积累量、光合物质生产特性、群体生长率及产量的影响。【方法】采用二因素裂区设计进行了机插杂交稻田间试验。在行距为30 cm下,设3种株距处理为16 cm、18 cm、20 cm;在尿素氮施用量54 kg/hm2下,设4个缓释氮用量为36、66、96和126 kg/hm2,总施氮量相应为90、120、150和180 kg/hm2。在插秧时缓释肥与尿素混合,一次性追施。调查了主要生育期水稻生长和氮素吸收运移量。【结果】缓释氮肥配施量和株距对主要生育期的水稻干物质积累量、光合特性及产量均存在显著或极显著的调控效应,且互作效应显著;缓释氮肥配施量的效应明显高于株距。在机插行距30 cm下,株距为18 cm,总施氮量为150和180 kg/hm2时,可有效提高叶面积指数（LAI）、单茎茎鞘与叶片干物重,叶面积衰减慢,拔节至齐穗期光合势大,群体生长率高,光合特性强,促进干物质累积,在足够穗数的基础上,显著增加了穗粒数,提高了群体颖花量,保持了稳定的结实率和千粒重,从而显著提高机插稻产量。株距为16 cm,施氮量为150 kg/hm2时,水稻群体茎蘖数增长快,拔节后群体茎蘖数缓慢消减,有效穗数足,虽穗粒数显著降低,但有较高的结实率和千粒重,从而协调出较高的产量。而株距为20 cm,配施总氮量为180 kg/hm2处理,在保证有效穗数的基础上,促壮秆和攻大穗,增加了穗粒数,干物质积累量多,灌浆充实量大,千粒重增加。相关性分析表明,株距与缓释氮肥配施量耦合下,尤其以拔节至齐穗期光合势、齐穗期高效LAI与产量相关性较高（r=0.87**~0.91**）,对促进增产更为重要。【结论】在机插行距30 cm下,株距为18 cm,缓释氮肥（96 kg/hm2）与常规尿素（54 kg/hm2）配施总氮量为150 kg/hm2时,能充分发挥本区域机插杂交籼稻高产的优势、提高光合物质生产,产量最高可达11463.8 kg/hm2,为本试验的最佳肥密运筹处理。     

Influence of Levels and Methods of Boron Application on the Yield and Uptake of Boron by Cotton in a Calcareous Soil of Punjab

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of boron (B) application on yield and B uptake of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in B-deficient calcareous soil of south-west Punjab. The treatments comprise six levels of soil-applied B (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mg B kg^?1soil) and two levels of foliar-applied B (0.1% and 0.2% borax and granubor solution) along with the common control (no B application). The experiment was laid out in RBD factorial design with three replications. The seed cotton yield and its attributing characters (plant height, number of sympodial and monopodial branches, boll weight, and number of boll per plant) and root biomass increased significantly with increasing levels of boron up to 1.0 mg B kg^?1 level over the control and then remained nonsignificant with further higher levels of soil-applied boron. Among foliar-applied boron levels, 0.1% borax solution was better than 0.2% borax solution. Soil-applied boron was at par with foliar-applied boron. The efficiency of borax and granubor was found to be equal in both sources of boron. The mean B content and its uptake by seed cotton and roots increased significantly up to 1.0 mg B kg^?1 soil-applied B level and then recorded nonsignificant with further higher levels of boron. For the foliar method of B application, the mean B content and its uptake by seed cotton increased significantly over the control. The mean available B content in soils (0–15 cm) at 45, 75, 105, and 145 days after sowing increased significantly over the control for all soil-applied B levels, while it remained nonsignificant over the control for all growth stages of cotton in foliar method of B application. Further, it was positively correlated with root biomass (r = 0.91), boron uptake by root (r = 0.98), and sympodial branch per plant (r = 0.81). The interaction of B application levels and sources was not significant for all studied traits. Regardless of B sources, B application had a significant effect on yield, yield attributes, and B uptake up to 1.0 mg B kg^?1 level for soil-applied B and 0.1% borax or granubor solution for foliar-applied B.     

Effects of different levels of soil salinity on yield attributes,accumulation of nitrogen,and micronutrients in Brassica spp.

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of soil salinity on yield attributes as well as nutrient accumulation in different plant parts of seven Brassica cultivars from two different species raised in pot culture experiment with two levels of salinity treatments along with control corresponding to soil electrical conductivity (EC) values of 1.65 (S₀), 4.50 (S₁) and 6.76 (S₂) dS m^?1. The experiment was consisted of twelve replications in a completely randomized design. Imposition of salinity stress affected various yield attributing characters including plant height, which ultimately led to severe yield reduction. However, tolerant cultivars, CS 52 and CS 54 performed better under salt treatment showing lesser yield loss. Salinity stress reduced the nitrogen (N) content in leaves of the Brassica plants, which reflected in decreased seed protein content. Reduced accumulation of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) was observed in leaf, stem and root at flowering and post-flowering stages, while CS 52 and CS 54 showed less reduction than susceptible cultivars under salinity stress.     

Boron-induced improvement in physiological,biochemical and growth attributes in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) exposed to terminal drought stress

Terminal drought stress (drought at reproductive growth stage) has been considered a severe environmental threat under changing climatic scenarios and undoubtedly inhibits sunflower production. A field study was conducted to explore the potential role of foliar applied boron (B) (0, 15, 30, 45 mg L^?1) at late growth periods of sunflower in alleviating the adversities of terminal drought stress (75, 64, 53 mm DI) grown from inflorescence emergence to maturity stages. The plant water relations such as leaf relative water content (RWC), water potential (Ψ_w), osmotic potential (Ψ_s), and turgor pressure (Ψ_p) were increased significantly with B foliar sprays while exposed to terminal drought stress. Foliar B application considerably improved the nitrogen and B concentrations in leaf and seed tissues, and also chlorophyll a and b pigments under terminal drought stress conditions. Drought-induced proline accumulation prevented the damages caused by drought stress, nevertheless, B foliar spray increased its contents. Compared to well-watered conditions, terminal drought stress substantially declined the growth performance in terms of reduced leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and total dry matter (TDM) production; however, foliar B supply (30 mg L^?1) might be helpful for improving drought tolerance in sunflower with reduced growth losses.     

种植行距与灌水量对西北日光温室番茄生育和产量的影响

研究膜下滴灌番茄不同种植行距与灌水量对番茄生育及产量的影响,试验在大小行沟垄种植形式的基础上设置3种种植行距分别为L1(60cm)、L2(45cm)和L3(30cm);以蒸发皿累积蒸发量E为标准设置0.6E、0.8E、1.0E、1.2E共4个灌水水平,共12个处理。研究了不同种植行距与灌水量对番茄不同生育期生长生理指标及产量的影响,探讨了不同生长生理指标与产量间的关系。结果表明:低种植行距处理(L3),会造成植株徒长及过高的叶面积指数,抑制作物群体的光合生理活动,导致较低的产量和灌溉水利用效率。过低的灌水量(0.6E)会抑制番茄植株的光合生理活动,且随生育期的进行表现出明显的水分胁迫的累积作用。叶面积指数和净光合速率对产量的影响最为直接,提高作物的净光合速率是实现作物增产的重要途径;株高茎粗与叶面积指数间具有良好的回归关系(P=0.004 6),高茎粗低株高植株具有较为适宜的叶面积指数,有利于产量的形成。相较于产量最高的种植行距与灌水量组合L1-1.2E处理,L1-0.8E和L2-0.8E处理可在产量仅降低4.28%和9.00%的情况下提高灌溉水利用效率36.00%和29.29%。该结果为西北地区日光温室番茄科学种植与灌水提供依据。     

Effect of organic foliar spray with pulse sprout extract on seed yield and quality of rice (Oryza sativa)

Organic seed is the basic for organic agriculture, since it is a crucial link in the chain from research, breeding, seed production, to organic production. With organic seeds the grower can complete the chain of organic input. To develop an organic foliar spray technique and for organic seed production, experiments were carried out to study the effect of organic foliar spray with pulse sprout extract on rice. In this study, horse gram and cowpea, the unexploited legumes of the tropics with high nutritional quality and comparatively low cost were used for preparing the pulse sprout extracts, an organic foliar spraying material. Higher accumulation of bioactive substances in sprouted seeds offers immense scope to develop an inexpensive and effective organic foliar spray technology so as to achieve better crop growth and higher seed yield of rice, the major staple food of the world. The biochemical analysis was done in both extracts to estimate the total antioxidants activity, soluble protein content, total soluble sugars, ascorbic acid content and minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc. Subsequently, the effect of pulse sprout extract spray in improving crop growth, tillering, productivity, and resultant seed quality of was studied by spraying on the parental lines of rice hybrid CORH3 (A, B and R lines) and rice variety CR 1009. The experiment consisted of four trials. In the first trial, four concentrations of pulse extract (1, 2, 3, and 4%) were evaluated in the R line (medium duration variety) of CORH3 (medium duration). In the subsequent trials, the best concentrations (2 and 3% for horse gram and 1 and 2% for cowpea), determined from the first trial, were evaluated again in two medium duration lines of B line multiplication (AXB) and hybrid seed production (AxR). The fourth trial was done with a long duration variety namely CR 1009. Spraying of pulse sprout extract significantly improved majority of the growth and yield attributes culminating in significantly higher seed yield, in all the four trials. The study firmly revealed foliar sprays with either 3% horse gram sprout extracts or 2% cow pea sprout extract during active tillering and seed filling stages of rice crop, can significantly increase the growth and yield attributes, eventually resulting in higher seed yield, irrespective of the cultivars. It could be concluded that foliar spraying of 3% horse gram sprout extract or 2% cow pea sprout extract at active tillering stage and seed filling enhances seed yield attributes and yield in rice.     

INFLUENCE OF TERBUFOS AND NICOSULFURON ON IRON CHLOROSIS AND GROWTH OF CORN

The larval stage of the spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica vigifera zeae), the Mexican corn rootworm, is a highly devastating pest of cornfields in Texas and the Southwest. A systemic organophosphate insecticide, standard release terbufos (ST), applied in row with the corn seed at planting, has been termed effective in reducing crop damage from the Mexican corn rootworm. However, recent field observations have indicated possible association of micronutrient deficiency symptoms with use of terbufos and over-the-top sulfonyl urea herbicides (nicosulfuron, primisulfuron) on crops such as corn. This experiment was conducted to determine if this systemic soil insecticide would affect plant metabolic activities as measured by nutrient deficiency chlorosis and plant growth. The study also involved testing a controlled release terbufos (CR) version of the same insecticide. Each soil insecticide was compared with and without foliar treatments with one of the sulfonyl urea herbicides (nicosulfuron) used in controlling grass-type weeds in corn. The greenhouse study was conducted on a Monteola sandy clay loam (Typic Pellusterts), which is a typical soil used in corn production in southern Texas. Standard release (ST) and CR forms of terbufos were compared at the label recommended rate (1.1 kg a.i./ha) and also at 2 kg a.i./ha. All materials were banded in the seed row at planting. Treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. Early visual chlorosis ratings (7 days) and chlorophyll readings at 28 days indicated increased interveinal chlorosis with soil insecticide applications. Plants overcame these early effects with time and showed higher chlorophyll than untreated plants at 42 days. Depressed early plant growth and reduced tissue levels of certain micronutrients indicated these systemic insecticides both with and without over-the-top herbicide could be injurious during early stages of plant growth. However, the affected plants were able to overcome most of the effects later in the growing season. Tissue iron (Fe) concentrations were slightly reduced by terbufos alone and reduced further when nicosulfuron was applied. Zinc was reduced substantially by terbufos but appeared to not change when the over-the-top herbicide was included.     

Evaluation of chitosan nanoparticles effects with two application methods on wheat under drought stress

Chitosan and its components have beneficial effects on a wide variety of plant species. Yet, their effects on wheat plants under drought stress are not well known. So, a field experiment was laid out in order to evaluate the effect of chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) on wheat. The wheat seeds were sown in plots. Then, the chitosan NPs were added to them through soil and foliar application at tillering, stem elongation, and heading stages. Results indicated that the drought stress significantly decreased majority of the studied traits compared to the normal irrigation. Application of the NPs especially 90?ppm increased leaf area (LA), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, yield, and biomass compared to the control. Finally, our results highlight that usage of the chitosan NPs especially 90?ppm can mitigate adverse effects of drought in the wheat under drought stress.     

优化缓释氮肥与尿素配施比例提高冬小麦产量和氮肥利用效率

为探究匹配冬小麦氮素需求规律的最佳缓释氮肥与尿素配施比例,优化施肥结构,达到氮肥高效利用与经济效益“双赢”的目标,该研究以冬小麦为研究对象,通过2 a(2019—2020年和2020—2021年)田间试验,设置7个施肥处理：仅施尿素(U)、仅施缓释氮肥(S)、缓释氮肥与尿素1:3配施(SU1)、缓释氮肥与尿素1:1配施(SU2)、缓释氮肥与尿素3:1配施(SU3)、不施氮肥(N0)和不施肥(CK),研究缓释氮肥配施比例对冬小麦干物质积累和转运、产量和氮肥利用效率的影响。结果表明,冬小麦干物质快速生长期和最大累积速率随缓释氮肥配施比例的增加而增加,缓释氮肥与尿素配施的冬小麦干物质平均累积速率比普通尿素提高1.90%～19.91%。缓释氮肥与尿素配施可在改善花前干物质转运量的同时提高花后生产量,花后干物质生产量对籽粒贡献率达53.18%～71.83%。产量随缓释氮肥配施比例的增加而显著提高,SU3处理2 a产量分别为7 243和8 021 kg/hm²,较S和U处理分别提高了7.25%和16.07%,其经济效益较S和U处理提高了15.18%和25.67%。与仅施尿素相...     

Effect of Foliar Application of Urea on Reproductive Abscission and Grain Yield of Soybean

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L., Merr.) is considered to have relatively high level of reproductive abscission, but research information on how fertilizer use influences this problem is scanty. Field trials were therefore carried out for two seasons (1996 and 1998) to investigate the abscission levels of three soybean cultivars (TGX 536‐02D, TGM 579, and Samsoy 11) as affected by foliar application of urea during the early reproductive stages. Flowering was not significantly increased by urea application, although all fertilized plants had fewer flower abortions than control. Fertilizing twice at full‐flowering and pod‐setting (R2–R3) or thrice at first‐flowering, full‐flowering, and pod setting (R1–R2–R3) stages gave the least flower abortion. In TGX 536‐02D the average flower abortion was 61% in 1996 and 57% in 1998. The abortion rate was about 60% for TGM 579 in 1996 and Samsoy 11 in 1998, respectively. Percentage pod abortion was generally reduced especially at the R1–R2–R3 stage, while the proportion of aborted grains was highest in the unfertilized plants. Fertilizing at R2–R3 and R1–R2–R3 reduced seed abortion by about 8% in TGX 536‐02D. The grain yield of fertilized soybean was between 6 and 68% higher than the control. These increases were attributed to higher number of pods and meaningful reductions in flower and pod abortions. Foliar applied urea at R2–R3 gave satisfactory results but the best stage of application was R1–R2–R3.     

Response of soybean to foliar‐applied boron and magnesium and soil‐applied boron 1

Annual plants may partition carbon (C) preferentially to reproductive structures slowing root elongation and subsequent nutrient uptake. Although foliar applications of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) supplement uptake by roots, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield increases have not been found in most studies. Experiments were designed to determine if foliar applications of boron (B), magnesium (Mg), or B+Mg would increase soybean yield and if soybean would respond to B applied to the soil several weeks prior to planting. Foliar B or Mg applied separately four times during reproductive growth did not affect soybean yield. However, four foliar applications of B+Mg increased soybean yield 12% at Mt. Vernon and 4% at Columbia over a three‐year period. Two foliar applications of B+Mg during the late reproductive stages increased soybean yield 8% over a two‐year period. The yield increase from foliar B+Mg treatment resulted from an increased number of pods on the main stem (18%) and branches (44%). A 2.8 kg/ha B application to soil eight weeks prior to planting increased soybean yield 11% during the first year and 13% the second year but had no effect on soybean yield by the third year after application. When results from the first two years were combined, 2.8 kg/ha B applied to soil increased the number of pods per branch by 17% and the number of branch pods per plant by 39%. Foliar applications of B+Mg increased soybean yield in four of six site‐years in the three‐year experiments at two locations.     

Organic and Inorganic Blended Materials for Use as Pop-Up Fertilizer for Cotton Seedlings

Various factors such as soil moisture at planting, application rate, and composition of the fertilizer materials have contributed to the erratic results from use of starter and “pop-up” fertilizers. Earlier research with ammonium polyphosphate (11–37–0) has shown some beneficial effects on growth and lint yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) when the starter was placed in the seed furrow or surface banded at time of planting. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of starter fertilizer composition and application rates on cotton seedling emergence and early shoot/root growth at low and medium soil moisture regimes at planting. Treatments consisted of a control (0–0–0), 7–21–0, 5–15–0, and 3–9–0 liquid blends applied directly in the seed row at 3, 6, and 9 acre^?1 to an Orelia sandy clay loam. The three blends contained 2.4%, 1.4%, and 1.0% by weight organic extract, respectively, and used ammonium orthophosphate as sole source of P. Standard-grade ammonium polyphosphate (11–37–0) was used for comparison at rates of 3 and 6 gal acre^?1. The randomized complete block (RCB) experiment was conducted in the greenhouse for 35 days after planting (DAP). All pop-up fertilizers had a definite effect on cotton seedling emergence and early growth. Ammonium polyphosphate caused a marked delay in emergence even at 3 gal acre^?1 during the first five days. Pop-up mix 3–9–0, at 6 and 9 gal acre^?1, showed significantly less damage than other blends as well as the 11–37–0. At 11 DAP and adequate soil moisture, no difference among blends was observed but blended pop-up fertilizers had significantly greater (P < 0.05) emergence than 11–37–0, which produced only 30% emergence at 6 gal acre^?1. Chlorophyll readings were only slightly greater for pop-up blends containing organic acids. Seedlings grown under less soil moisture showed a gradual decrease in plant height as pop-up rates increased whereas no effect was measured at adequate soil moisture. Fertilizer blends failed to increase final dry-matter yields of seedlings at 35 DAP when compared to the control whereas 11–37–0 decreased growth at certain rates. Where adverse effects from pop-up fertilizer treatments occurred, they were magnified by less soil moisture. Further research under field conditions is needed.     

Effect of nitrogen rates applying controlled-release and conventional urea blend in maize

Abstract

Blending polymer-sulfur coated urea (PSCU) and conventional urea (U) for maize (Zea mays L.) fertilization can supply nitrogen (N) during the crop cycle with a single application. Proper placement of PSCU?+?U (0.15?m below and 0.1?m to the side of seed row) in band application at sowing is necessary to reduce salt stress that can decrease dry weight (DU) and N uptake (NU) of maize plant compromising maize yield. It is not clear the proper N rate in the proper placement for band application of PSCU?+?U at maize sowing to avoid salt stress. In the current literature, reduction of N rates are being recommended using PSCU?+?U without consider the probably salt stress provided by high rates of PSCU?+?U. DW and NU in maize plant as well as soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were evaluated in a greenhouse pot trial. N treatments were equivalent to 0, 90, 180, 360 and 540?kg N ha^?1 applied incorporated in band in two contrasting soils (Rhodic Eutrustox and Typic Haplustox) using 70%PSCU + 30%U. At V10 (vegetative leaf stage 10), DW and NU of maize aerial part had quadratic behavior in response to increase N rates in the Typic Haplustox soil. In the Rhodic Eutrustox was not observed known behavior for DW and NU in response to increase N rates. Soil pH and EC was higher in the fertilizer row than sowing row. A N rate above of 180?kg N ha^?1 using 70%PSCU + 30%U incorporated in bands can reduce DW and NU in early maize plant growth associated with salt concentration of N fertilizer in a Typic Haplustox soil, which could compromise maize yield.