Effect of nitrogen supply on leaf growth,leaf nitrogen economy and photosynthetic capacity in potato

Literature reports show little effect of nitrogen supply on radiation use efficiency in potato and in other dicotyledonous C₃ species. This paper tests the hypothesis that potato reduces leaf size rather than leaf nitrogen concentration and photosynthetic capacity when nitrogen is in short supply. Four pot experiments with different rates of nitrogen supply were conducted in glasshouses. For two leaf numbers measurements were made of leaf area, P_max (rate of photosynthesis for saturating irradiance), specific leaf weight, and concentrations of total nitrogen and nitrate, all as a function of leaf age.Area per leaf was sensitive to nitrogen supply (about a factor 3 between extreme N treatments). P_max declined with leaf age. There were no systematic effects of nitrogen supply on P_max and on its change with leaf age, except that in some cases P_max of leaves of high N treatments was lower than P_max of low N treatments during part of the life span (leaf age of ca. 20–50 days). The dominant effect of nitrogen supply was on leaf size and not on P_max or leaf N content. P_max versus areal organic nitrogen concentration (g N m⁻² leaf area) showed considerable scatter and, for a given nitrogen concentration, a slightly lower P_max for high N treatments than for low N treatments. Comparison with other species showed a comparatively low value of P_max in potato.     

Effects of soil water content and nitrogen supply on the productivity of Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu. in a Mediterranean environment

Miscanthus × giganteus is one of the most promising biomass crops for non-food utilisation. Taking into account its area of origin (Far East), its temperature and rainfall requirements are not well satisfied in Mediterranean climate. For this purpose, a research was carried out with the aim of studying the adaptation of the species to the Mediterranean environment, and at analysing its ecophysiological and productive response to different soil water and nitrogen conditions. A split plot experimental design with three levels of irrigation (I₁, I₂ and I₃ at 25%, 50% and 100% of maximum evapotranspiration (ETm), respectively) and three levels of nitrogen fertilisation (0 kg ha⁻¹: N₀, 60 kg ha⁻¹: N₁ and 120 kg ha⁻¹: N₂ of nitrogen) were studied. The crop showed a high yield potential under well-watered conditions (up to 27 t ha⁻¹ of dry matter). M. × giganteus, in Mediterranean environment showed a high yield potential even in very limited water availability conditions (more than 14 t ha⁻¹ with a 25% ETm restoration). A responsiveness to nitrogen supply, with great yield increases when water was not limiting, was exhibited. Water use efficiency (WUE) achieved the highest values in limited soil water availability (between 4.51 and 4.83 g l⁻¹), whilst in non-limiting water conditions it decreased down to 2.56 and 3.49 g l⁻¹ (in the second and third year of experiment, respectively). Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) decreased with the increase of water distributed (from 190.5 g g⁻¹ of I₀ to 173.2 g g⁻¹ of I₂); in relation to N fertilisation it did not change between the N fertilised treatments (N₁ and N₂), being much higher in the unfertilised control (177.1 g g⁻¹). Radiation use efficiency (NUE) progressively declined with the reduction of the N fertiliser level (1.05, 0.96 and 0.86 g d.m. MJ⁻¹, in 1994, and 0.92, 0.91 and 0.69 g d.m. MJ⁻¹, in 1995, for N₂, N₁ and N₀, respectively).     

Critical nitrogen concentrations: implications for high-yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars in the tropics

The critical nitrogen concentration of a plant can be defined as the minimum nitrogen concentration required for maximum growth rate at any time. It has been suggested that the relationship between the critical N concentration and dry matter per unit ground area for a wide range of crops is the same and is independent of climatic zone. Results presented in this paper support the concept of a critical N-dilution curve for yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.), which may be independent of climatic zone. The similarity between the nitrogen dilution curves for temperate and tropical environments indicates that there is no intrinsic difference in the ratio of carbon-to-nitrogen capture in those environments even though the final aboveground biomasses differed. Both the rate and duration of resource capture are probably limiting yields in tropical environments. In order to break through the current ceiling-yield barrier of approximately 10 t grain ha⁻¹ in the tropics, superior germplasm must be lodging resistant and capable of acquiring 144 kg N ha⁻¹ (N_0.5) in the first 35 days following transplanting. An examination of the rates of nitrogen acquisition indicated that more emphasis must be placed on providing sufficient nitrogen during the early stage of crop growth if higher yields are to be obtained. The time course of nitrogen accumulation by the aboveground biomass was calculated for weights greater than 1 t ha⁻¹; at weights less than this there were insufficient data to make calculations. At weights of aboveground biomass greater than 1 t ha⁻¹, the rate of nitrogen acquisition per unit ground area declined. The decline probably reflected a lowering in crop demand for soil nitrogen caused by the internal cycling of nitrogen from aging to young developing tissues; roots' age may also play a part in the decline. The estimated rate of demand for nitrogen by the panicle exceeded the rate at which the aboveground biomass acquired it, emphasizing the importance of having a large `reservoir' of nitrogen in vegetative tissues. Such a reservoir would ensure that the nitrogen demand of the panicle could be met without causing the photosynthetic capacity of the crop to prematurely lose its ability to meet the carbohydrate demand of the panicle.     

Radiation interception and the accumulation of biomass and nitrogen by soybean and three tropical annual forage legumes

Field experiments were conducted at Gatton and Dalby in southeastern Queensland to determine parameters associated with radiation interception and biomass and nitrogen (N) accumulation for the ley legume species, phasey bean (Macroptilum lathyroides (L.) Urban) and vigna, (Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc.). Sesbania (Sesbania cannabina Retz.), a native legume species, and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)) were included in the study for comparison. The most important differences between species related to differences in radiation interception, radiation-use efficiency (RUE), N-accumulation efficiency and the partitioning of N to plant parts. During early growth, soybean intercepted more radiation than the other species, primarily because of its greater leaf area index (LAI). Sesbania had the highest RUE (1.08 g MJ⁻¹) followed by phasey bean (0.94 g MJ⁻¹), soybean (0.89 g MJ⁻¹) and vigna (0.77 g MJ⁻¹). The efficiency of N-accumulation was greater in soybean (0.028 g N g⁻¹) and phasey bean (0.030 g N g⁻¹) than in vigna (0.022 g N g⁻¹) and sesbania (0.021 g N g⁻¹). In all species, the proportion of N allocated to leaves declined throughout the experimental period, being more rapid in soybean than in sesbania and phasey bean. Despite this decline in total N partitioned to the leaves, both soybean and phasey bean maintained a relatively stable specific leaf nitrogen (SPLN) throughout the experimental periods although sesbania and vigna displayed rapid decreases in SPLN. The large variation between species in RUE and N-accumulation efficiency indicates that the development of ley legume cultivars with a combination of traits for more efficient legume production, water use and soil N-accumulation in the water-limited environments of the grain belt of eastern Australia may be possible. The sensitivity of forage production, water use and soil N-accumulation to variation in RUE and N-accumulation efficiency needs to be quantified using modeling techniques prior to embarking on screening programs to select appropriate germplasm for evaluation studies.     

Effect of chloride in irrigation water and form of nitrogen fertilizer on Virginia (flue-cured) tobacco

One of the main sources of considerable amounts of chloride to soils is irrigation water. The responses of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) to chloride are varied and inconsistent depending on the tobacco type, variety and methods of fertilization, cultivation and harvesting used. In this work, the impact of the interaction between four chloride levels (10, 20, 40, 80 mg L⁻¹) in irrigation water and three nitrogen fertilizer forms (NO₃–N 100%, NH₄–N 100% and NO₃–N 50%:NH₄–N 50%) on growth, agronomic and chemical characteristics of Virginia tobacco was evaluated over 2 years (1999, 2000) in an outdoor pot experiment. The results showed that the adverse influence of chloride in irrigation water on plant height and number of leaves per plant was already substantial above 40 mg L⁻¹, within 30 days after transplanting. In this period, visual toxicity symptoms of chloride appeared on the lower leaves of plants treated with ammonium nitrogen. In addition, the effect of chloride on flowering time, chlorophyll content of leaves, aboveground fresh weight of plant, total cured product yield and chemical characteristics, depended on the form of nitrogen, with nitrate nitrogen restricting the detrimental effects of chloride in irrigation water up to 40 mg L⁻¹. The reduced yield of cured product at 80 mg L⁻¹ was the result of the adverse effects of chloride on the leaves of the middle and upper stalk position. Leaf chloride concentration was highest in the upper leaves and increased linearly with the increase of chloride level in irrigation water at each leaf position on the stalk and this increase was more rapid as ammonium nitrogen percentage was increased. Chloride increased the concentration of reducing sugars in cured leaves at each leaf position, in all nitrogen forms and nicotine mainly in plants treated with nitrate nitrogen. The changes in total nitrogen and ash content are considered as minimal. We conclude that the optimum chloride level in irrigation water is below 20 mg L⁻¹, whereas the level of 40 mg L⁻¹ in combination with nitrate nitrogen fertilizers can be considered as the upper threshold to avoid adverse effects on Virginia tobacco.     

The efficiency of nitrogen fertiliser for rice in Bangladeshi farmers’ fields

Bangladesh is currently self sufficient in rice (Oryza sativa L.), which accounts for approximately 80% of the total cropped area, and 70% of the cost of crop production. However, farmers are increasingly concerned about the perceived decline in productivity, expressed as the return on fertiliser inputs. Agronomic efficiency is a measure of the increase in grain yield achieved per unit of fertiliser input that can provide a way to quantify the observation of farmers. This study indicates that the yields achieved where only P and K fertiliser were applied ranged from 3–5 t ha⁻¹, indicating good soil fertility, particular in terms of soil N supply (37–112 kg N ha⁻¹). However, at recommended rates and at rates used by farmers, the yield response to application of fertiliser N was low. Data shows that grain yields were significantly correlated in both years (R² = 0.77 and R² = 0.67) with plant uptake in nitrogen. The internal nitrogen use efficiency seems to confirm that sink formation was limited by factors other than nitrogen. Low agronomic efficiency (5–19 kg grain kg⁻¹ N) was caused by poor internal efficiency (45–73 kg grain kg⁻¹ N), rather than low supply of soil N or loss of fertiliser N. Thus, often the applications of large amounts of N fertiliser (39–175 kg N ha⁻¹) by farmers to increase yields of high yielding variety Boro rice were not justified agronomically and ecologically. A rate of 39 kg N ha⁻¹ is very low, hardly an environmental threat. No one single factor could be identified to explain the low internal efficiency. Therefore, it is concluded that the data presented tend to confirm the indication that yields are limited by a factor other than nitrogen, which could be crop establishment, plant density, water or pest management, micro-nutrients deficiency, poor seed and transplanted seedling quality, varieties and low radiation.     

Effect of nitrogen supply on crop conductance,water- and radiation-use efficiency of wheat

Water-use efficiency (WUE_DM) is directly related to radiation-use efficiency (RUE) and inversely related to crop conductance (g_c). We propose that reduced WUE_DM caused by shortage of nitrogen results from a reduction in RUE proportionally greater than the fall in conductance. This hypothesis was tested in irrigated wheat crops grown with contrasting nitrogen supply; treatments were 0, 80 and 120 kg N ha⁻¹ in 1998 and 0, 80, 120 and 160 kg N ha⁻¹ in 1999. We measured shoot dry matter, yield, intercepted solar radiation and soil water balance components. From these measurements, we derived actual evapotranspiration (ET), soil evaporation and transpiration, WUE_DM (slope of the regression between dry matter and ET), WUE_Y (ratio between grain yield and ET), RUE (slope of the regression between dry matter and intercepted radiation), and g_c (slope of the regression between transpiration and intercepted radiation). Yield increased from 2.3 in unfertilised to an average 4.7 t ha⁻¹ in fertilised crops, seasonal ET from 311 to 387 mm, WUE_DM from 23 to 37 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹, WUE_Y from 7.6 to 12.4 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹, RUE from 0.85 to 1.07 g MJ⁻¹, while the fraction of ET accounted for soil evaporation decreased from 0.20 to 0.11. In agreement with our hypothesis, RUE accounted for 60% of the variation in WUE_DM, whereas crop conductance was largely unaffected by nitrogen supply. A greater fraction of evapotranspiration lost as soil evaporation also contributed to the lower WUE_DM of unfertilised crops.     

Increasing the content of leaf and root alkaloids of high alkaloid content mutants of periwinkle through nitrogen fertilization

In industrial plants such as medicinal plants, the content of the economically important metabolite is more important than the yield of the plant part containing the metabolite, as it determines the cost of extraction of the metabolite. Two high alkaloid content mutants of periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus, a medicinal plant yielding anti-cancer and anti-hypertension alkaloids) were developed through induced mutagenesis. Since the availability of nitrogen (N) is expected to play an important role in the biosynthesis and accumulation of alkaloids in plants, the effect of N fertilization on the content of alkaloids of two high alkaloid content mutants of periwinkle was studied, in comparison with their parental variety, Nirmal, to determine the possibility of further increasing their alkaloid contents. The three genotypes were evaluated at three levels of N (0, 100 and 150 kg ha⁻¹) fertilization in a split plot experiment, which was repeated over 2 years. N fertilization significantly increased the content of alkaloids both in leaves and roots of all genotypes. Over genotypes, application of 150 kg ha⁻¹ of N resulted in an increase of 42 and 32% in the content of leaf and root alkaloids, respectively. However, the increase was highest in genotypes with the lowest content of leaf or root alkaloids. The high alkaloid mutants grown at 150 kg ha⁻¹of N fertilization exhibited an increase of 87 and 56% in the content of leaf and root alkaloids, respectively, when compared with their parental variety grown without nitrogen fertilization. N fertilization increased leaf and root yields by 170 and 90%, respectively. The increase in contents of leaf and root alkaloids, due to N application, paralleled the increase in leaf and root yields.     

Effects of N application on agronomic and environmental parameters in silage maize production on sandy soils

The current nitrogen (N) use in silage maize production can lead to considerable N losses to the environment. Maize growers fear that a reduction of N inputs needed to minimize N losses might depress yields. The objective of this study was therefore to quantify: (1) the response of silage maize dry matter (DM) yields to N, (2) the economically optimal N reserve, and (3) the trade-off between silage maize DM yield and N losses. The indicators of N losses used in this study were the difference between N input and N uptake and the post-harvest residual soil mineral N. Regression models were used to fit DM yields and N uptakes of silage maize measured in 25 experiments on sandy soils in the Netherlands to the sum (SUMN) of the soil mineral N reserve (SMN_early) in March–April, plus mineral N in fertilizer, plus ammonium N in spring-applied slurry. The values obtained for the economically optimal SUMN in the upper 30 and 60 cm of soil were, respectively, 173 and 195 kg N ha⁻¹, when we assumed that the value of 1 kg fertilizer N equals the value of 5 kg silage DM. The economically optimal SUMN was not significantly related to the attainable DM yield. The apparent N recovery (ANR) of maize averaged 53% at the economically optimal SUMN. The ANR rose considerably, however, when N was applied at lower rates, indicating that N losses may be considerably smaller in less intensive maize cropping. When maize was fertilized at 100 kg N ha⁻¹ below the economic optimum, the ANR was 73%, the difference between the mineral N input and the N crop uptake decreased by 57 kg N ha⁻¹ and the soil mineral N residue at the end of the growing season (0–60 cm) decreased by 24 kg N ha⁻¹. The associated reduction in DM yield averaged 16%. Fertilizer prices would have to be as much as four times higher to make maize growers spontaneously reduce the application rates by a 100 kg N ha⁻¹, however. It is concluded that adjusting the N input to a level below the economically optimal rate can reduce the risks for N losses to the environment associated with conventional maize production, with a limited effect on silage yields.     

Using legumes to enhance nitrogen fertility and improve soil condition in cotton cropping systems

Many Australian cotton growers now include legumes in their cropping system. Three experiments were conducted between 1994 and 1997 to evaluate the rotational effects of winter or summer legume crops grown either for grain or green manuring on following cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Non-legume rotation crops, wheat (Triticum aestivum) and cotton, were included for comparison. Net nitrogen (N) balances, which included estimates of N associated with the nodulated roots, were calculated for the legume phase of each cropping sequence. Faba bean (Vicia faba — winter) fixed 135–244 kg N ha⁻¹ and soybean (Glycine max — summer) fixed 453–488 kg N ha⁻¹ and contributed up to 155 and 280 kg fixed N ha⁻¹, respectively, to the soil after seed harvest. Green-manured field pea (Pisum sativum — winter) and lablab (Lablab purpureus — summer) fixed 123–209 and 181–240 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively, before the crops were slashed and incorporated into the topsoil.In a separate experiment, the loss of N from ¹⁵N-labelled legume residues during the fallow between legume cropping and cotton sowing (5–6 months following summer crops and 9 months after winter crops) was between 9 and 40% of ¹⁵N added; in comparison, the loss of ¹⁵N fertilizer (urea) applied to the non-legume plots averaged 85% of ¹⁵N added. Little legume-derived ¹⁵N was lost from the system during the growth of the subsequent cotton crop.The improved N fertility of the legume-based systems was demonstrated by enhanced N uptake and lint yield of cotton. The economic optimum N fertilizer application rate was determined from the fitted N response curve observed following the application of N fertilizer at rates between 0 and 200 kg N ha⁻¹ (as anhydrous ammonia). Averaged over the three experiments, cotton following non-legume rotation crops required the application of 179 kg N ha⁻¹, whilst following the grain- and green-manured legume systems required only 90 and 52 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively.In addition to improvements in N availability, soil strength was generally lower following most legume crops than non-legume rotation crops. Penetrometer resistance during the growth of the subsequent cotton crop increased in the order faba bean, lablab, field pea, wheat, cotton, and soybean. It is speculated that reduced soil strength contributed to improvement in lint yields of the following cotton crops by facilitating the development of better root systems.     

Effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on biomass yield and efficiency of energy use in crop production of Miscanthus

The perennial C₄ grass Miscanthus has been proposed as a biomass energy crop in Europe. Effects of crop age, irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on biomass and energy yields and N content of Miscanthus were investigated and the energy costs of production determined. After an establishment period of 1 year, cultivation of Miscanthus resulted in a dry matter production of over 37 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ over a period of 4 years. Irrigation and nitrogen level greatly affected Miscanthus biomass yield. In absence of N fertilization, irrigation did not modify biomass yield and the effect of irrigation increased with the increase in N level. The average N response ranged from 37 to 50 kg biomass kg⁻¹ N applied. Because the calorific value of Miscanthus biomass (16.5 MJ kg⁻¹) was not affected by irrigation and N fertilization, energy production depended exclusively on biomass yield. Maximum energy yield was 564 GJ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Without N supply and irrigation, energy yield was 291 GJ h⁻¹. Net energy yield, calculated as the difference between energy output and input, but without inclusion of drying costs, was 543 GJ ha⁻¹ with N fertilization and irrigation and 284 GJ ha⁻¹ without; the ratios of energy output to input in crop production were 22 and 47, respectively.     

Leaf photosynthesis is enhanced in normal oil maize pollinated by high oil maize hybrids

The grain yield of normal oil maize (Zea mays L.) might increase when pollinated by high oil maize (HOM) hybrids because of heterosis. To testify that the grain yield increase might be a result of improved photosynthetic rate and related traits, the normal oil maize (NOM) hybrid, Nongda108, was cross-pollinated by three HOM hybrids, HOM202, HOM115 and HOM4515 (for short as ND108pHOM202, ND108pHOM115 and ND108pHOM4515). We found that the ND108pHOM202 and ND108pHOM115 exhibited higher net photosynthetic rate (P_n), accompanied by larger stomatal conductance (g_s) and transpiration rate (E). Moreover, delayed leaf senescence was observed in their leaves, including larger leaf area index (LAI) and higher Chl content and Chl a/b ratio. Apart from higher phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase) activity, the soluble proteins were also higher in the two cross-pollinations. The higher leaf photosynthesis could explain the grain increase in ND108pHOM202 and ND108pHOM115. However, ND108pHOM4515 exhibited a decreased photosynthetic characteristic and yield performance. Significantly positive relation between grain yield and biomass (r² = 0.96, P < 0.05), P_n and biomass (r² = 0.74, P < 0.05) also suggested that the yield increase in the two cross-pollination treatments was generally owing to the higher photosynthetic rate and related photosynthetic traits.     

Effects of varying nitrogen doses on yield,yield components and artemisinin content of Artemisia annua L.

Artemisia annua L. is an aromatic-antibacterial herb that destroys malarial parasites, lowers fevers and checks bleeding, and of which the secondary compound of interest is artemisinin. The objective of the present study was to determine yield, yield components and artemisinin content of A. annua L. grown under four nitrogen applications (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha⁻¹) in the Çukurova region of Turkey in 2004 and 2005. Field trials were conducted at Çukurova University, Agricultural Faculty Field Crops Department. In the study, plant height, number of branches, fresh herbage yield, dry herbage yield, fresh leaf yield, dry leaf yield, essential oil content and artemisinin content (by high performance liquid chromatography, HPLC) were examined. By analysis of variance, nitrogen doses had no any statistical effect on the traits investigated except for artemisinin content. Artemisinin content of the dried leaves were significantly affected by nitrogen applications, which varied from 6.32 to 27.50 mg 100 g⁻¹. Contents were from 120 and 80 kg ha⁻¹ nitrogen for the years of 2004 and 2005, respectively.     

Strategies for overcoming low agronomic nitrogen use efficiency in irrigated rice systems in China

Irrigated rice in China accounts for nearly 30% of global rice production and about 7% of global nitrogen (N) consumption. The low agronomic N use efficiency (AE_N, kg grain yield increase per kg N applied) of this system has become a threat to the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the possibility to improve the AE_N of irrigated rice in China by comparing the farmers’ N-fertilizer practices with other N management strategies such as real-time N management (RTNM) and fixed-time adjustable-dose N management (FTNM). Field experiments were conducted in farmers’ fields in four major rice-growing provinces in China in 2001 and 2002. The same experiment was repeated at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) farm in the dry seasons of 2002 and 2003. Agronomic N use efficiency was determined by the “difference method” using an N-omission plot. Maximum yield was achieved mostly at 60–120 kg N ha⁻¹, which was significantly lower than the 180–240 kg N ha⁻¹ applied in farmers’ practices at the Chinese sites. With the modified farmers’ fertilizer practice, a 30% reduction in total N rate during the early vegetative stage did not reduce yield but slightly increased yield and doubled AE_N compared with the farmers’ practice at the Chinese sites. The total N rate in RTNM and FTNM ranged from 30 to 120 kg ha⁻¹ at the Chinese sites, but their yields were similar to or higher than that of the farmers’ practice. Compared with the modified farmers’ practice, RTNM and FTNM further increased AE_N at the Chinese sites. Overall, FTNM performed better than RTNM at the Chinese sites because the total N rate of FTNM was closer to the optimal level than RTNM. A quantum leap in AE_N is possible in the intensive rice-growing areas in China by simply reducing the current N rate and by allocating less N at the early vegetative stage.     

Interactions between non-flooded mulching cultivation and varying nitrogen inputs in rice–wheat rotations

A 3-year field experiment examined the effects of non-flooded mulching cultivation and traditional flooding and four fertilizer N application rates (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha⁻¹ for rice and 0, 60,120, and 180 kg N ha⁻¹ for wheat) on grain yield, N uptake, residual soil N_min and the net N balance in a rice–wheat rotation on Chengdu flood plain, southwest China. There were significant grain yield responses to N fertilizer. Nitrogen applications of >150 kg ha⁻¹ for rice and >120 kg ha⁻¹ for wheat gave no increase in crop yield but increased crop N uptake and N balance surplus in both water regimes. Average rice grain yield increased by 14% with plastic film mulching and decreased by 16% with wheat straw mulching at lower N inputs compared with traditional flooding. Rice grain yields under SM were comparable to those under PM and TF at higher N inputs. Plastic film mulching of preceding rice did not affect the yield of succeeding wheat but straw mulching had a residual effect on succeeding wheat. As a result, there was 17–18% higher wheat yield under N0 in SM than those in PM and TF. Combined rice and wheat grain yields under plastic mulching was similar to that of flooding and higher than that of straw mulching across N treatments. Soil mineral N (top 60 cm) after the rice harvest ranged from 50 to 65 kg ha⁻¹ and was unaffected by non-flooded mulching cultivation and N rate. After the wheat harvest, soil N_min ranged from 66 to 88 kg N ha⁻¹ and increased with increasing fertilizer N rate. High N inputs led to a positive N balance (160–621 kg ha⁻¹), but low N inputs resulted in a negative balance (−85 to −360 kg ha⁻¹). Across N treatments, the net N balances of SM were highest among the three cultivations systems, resulting from additional applied wheat straw (79 kg ha⁻¹) as mulching materials. There was not clear trend found in net N balance between PM and TF. Results from this study indicate non-flooded mulching cultivation may be utilized as an alternative option for saving water, using efficiently straw and maintaining or improving crop yield in rice–wheat rotation systems. There is the need to evaluate the long-term environmental risks of non-flooded mulching cultivation and improve system productivity (especially with straw mulching) by integrated resource management.     

Effect of N rate,timing and splitting and N type on bread-making quality in hard red spring wheat under rainfed Mediterranean conditions

Three different experiments were designed to study the effects of N fertilizer rate, timing and splitting, and the response to combined application of N and S fertilizer on the bread-making quality of hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) over a 3-year period in Vertisols under rainfed Mediterranean conditions. The following parameters were analyzed: grain yield, test weight, grain protein content, gluten index and alveograph parameters (W: alveogram index; P: dough tenacity; L: dough extensibility; P/L: tenacity–extensibility ratio). The N rate experiment included rates of 0, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha⁻¹ applied on four different sites. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with four blocks. For the experiment on N timing and splitting, a single rate of 150 kg N ha⁻¹ was used, different fractions being applied at sowing, tillering and stem elongation, at a single site; again, experimental design was a randomized complete block with four blocks. Finally, for the experiment on the response to combined application of N and S fertilizer, a single fertilizer dose of 150 kg N ha⁻¹ was applied in two forms (urea+ammonium nitrate and urea+ammonium nitrosulfate) with one leaf application at ear emergence (zero, 25 kg S ha⁻¹, 25 kg N ha⁻¹, $\text{25}\text{kg}\text{S}\text{ha}{}^{\mathrm{-1}}\text{+25}$ kg N ha⁻¹ and 50 kg N ha⁻¹), also at a single site, using a split-plot design with four replications. Year-on-year variation in rainfall led to marked variations in wheat yield, grain protein content and bread-making quality indices. A close correlation was observed between rainfall over the September–May period and both grain yield and grain protein content (optimum values for both being recorded in the rainfall range 500–550 mm) as well as the alveogram index. A negative correlation was observed between mean maximum temperatures in May and both test weight and alveogram index (W). N fertilizer rate had a more consistent effect on bread-making quality than on grain yield. The highest values for grain yield were recorded at an N rate of 100 kg ha⁻¹, while maximum grain protein content values were recorded at 150 kg ha⁻¹. Application of half or one-third of total fertilizer N at stem elongation improved grain yield and grain protein content with respect to applications at sowing alone or at both sowing and tillering. Increased N rates led to a considerable increase in W values and to a reduction in the P/L ratio, thus improving dough balance, with a negative effect on the gluten index. Leaf application of N at ear emergence only affected grain protein content and the W index. Soil or leaf application of S had no effect on protein quality indices. The response of grain yield and grain protein content to fertilizer N differed from that reported for temperate climates.     

Plant population density,row spacing and hybrid effects on maize canopy architecture and light attenuation

Light attenuation within a row crop such as maize is influenced by canopy architecture, which has to be defined in terms of the size, shape and orientation of shoot components. Cultural practices that improve the efficiency of light interception affect canopy architecture by modifying such components. Our objectives were to: (i) determine the nature and timing of leaf growth responses to plant population and row spacing; (ii) analyze light attenuation within fully developed maize canopies. Field experiments were conducted at Pergamino (33°56′S, 60°34′W) and Salto (34°33′S, 60°33′W), Argentina, during 1996/1997 and 1997/1998 on silty clay loam soils (Typic Argiudoll) that were well watered and fertilized. Four maize hybrids of contrasting plant type were grown at three plant populations (3, 9 and 12 plants m⁻²) and two row spacings (0.35 and 0.70 m). Plant population promoted larger changes in shoot organs than did row spacing. As from early stages of crop growth, leaf growth (V₆–V₈) and azimuthal orientation (V₁₀–V₁₁) were markedly affected by treatments. Modifications in shoot size and leaf orientation suggest shade avoidance reactions, probably triggered by a reduction in the red:far-red ratio of light within the canopy. An interaction between hybrid and plant rectangularity on leaf azimuthal distribution was determined, with one hybrid displaying a random azimuthal leaf distribution under most conditions. This type of hybrid was defined as rigid. The other hybrids showed modified azimuthal distribution of leaves in response to plant rectangularity, even at very low plant populations. These hybrids were defined as plastic. Once maximum leaf area index (LAI) was attained light attenuation did not vary among hybrids and row spacing for plant populations ≥9 plants m⁻² (k coefficient: 0.55 and 0.65 for 9 and 12 plants m⁻², respectively). A more uniform plant distribution increased light attenuation (k coefficient: 0.37–0.49) only when crop canopies did not reach the critical LAI.     

Nitrogen efficiency in wheat under rainfed Mediterranean conditions as affected by split nitrogen application

A 3-year field experiment in rainfed Vertisol was designed to study the effects of timing and splitting of N fertilizer on the efficiency of nitrogen in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A single rate of 150 kg N ha⁻¹ was used, different fractions being applied at sowing, tillering and stem elongation. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with four blocks. At the same time, a ¹⁵N experiment was conducted within the main experiment area, with microplots, to quantify N uptake from fertilizer and soil. Mean wheat use of N fertilizer ranged from 14.1% when applied at sowing to 54.8% when applied as a top dressing at the beginning of stem elongation. The mean annual contribution of soil residual N and mineralization was 152 kg N ha⁻¹, representing a considerable proportion of total wheat N uptake, ranging from 83.2% when N fertilizer was applied in the fall to 49.4% when it was applied at stem elongation. This would account for the poor and inconsistent response of grain yield and N efficiency indices, and for the importance of soil N in Vertisols for predicting wheat N fertilizer requirements, due to the carryover effect. Application of N fertilizer to wheat preferably as a top dressing, between tillering and stem elongation, is a strategy to be recommended from the standpoint both of the environment and of farmer returns.     

Rice straw mulching and nitrogen response of no-till wheat following rice in Bangladesh

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation in no-till soil of a postrice harvest field utilizes residual soil moisture and reduces the time period from rice harvest to wheat seeding in intensive rice-wheat cropping systems. Some of the major constraints in no-till wheat production are high weed infestation, poor stand establishment due to rapid drying of topsoil and low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of the Wheat Research Centre, Dinajpur, Bangladesh, for two consecutive years to overcome those constraints, to evaluate rice straw as mulch, and to determine the optimum application rate of nitrogen (N) for no-till wheat. The treatments included 12 factorial combinations of three levels of mulching: no mulch (M₀), surface application of rice straw mulch at 4.0 Mg ha⁻¹ that was withdrawn at 20 days after sowing (M₁), the same level of mulch as M₁ but allowed to be retained on the soil surface (M₂), and four nitrogen levels (control 80, 120 and 160 kg ha⁻¹). Rice straw mulching had a significant effect on conserving initial soil moisture and reducing weed growth. Root length density and root weight density of wheat were positively influenced both by straw mulching and N levels. N uptake and apparent nitrogen recovery of applied N fertilizer were higher in mulch treatments M₁ and M₂ as compared to M₀. Also mulch treatment of M₁ and M₂ were equally effective at conserving soil moisture, suppressing growth of weed flora, promoting root development and thereby improved grain yield of no-till wheat. N application of 120 kg ha⁻¹ with straw mulch was found to be suitable for no-till wheat in experimental field condition.     

Interspecific competition,N use and interference with weeds in pea–barley intercropping

Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were intercropped and sole cropped to compare the effects of crop diversity on productivity and use of N sources on a soil with a high weed pressure. ¹⁵N enrichment techniques were used to determine the pea–barley–weed-N dynamics. The pea–barley intercrop yielded 4.6 t grain ha⁻¹, which was significantly greater than the yields of pea and barley in sole cropping. Calculation of land equivalent ratios showed that plant growth factors were used from 25 to 38% more efficiently by the intercrop than by the sole crops. Barley sole crops accumulated 65 kg soil N ha⁻¹ in aboveground plant parts, which was similar to 73 kg soil N ha⁻¹ in the pea–barley intercrop and significantly greater than 15 kg soil N ha⁻¹ in the pea sole crop. The weeds accumulated 57 kg soil N ha⁻¹ in aboveground plant parts during the growing season in the pea sole crops. Intercropped barley accumulated 71 kg N ha⁻¹. Pea relied on N₂ fixation with 90–95% of aboveground N accumulation derived from N₂ fixation independent of cropping system. Pea grown in intercrop with barley instead of sole crop had greater competitive ability towards weeds and soil inorganic N was consequently used for barley grain production instead of weed biomass. There was no indication of a greater inorganic N content after pea compared to barley or pea–barley. However, 46 days after emergence there was about 30 kg N ha⁻¹ inorganic N more under the pea sole crop than under the other two crops. Such greater inorganic N levels during early growth phases was assumed to induce aggressive weed populations and interspecific competition. Pea–barley intercropping seems to be a promising practice of protein production in cropping systems with high weed pressures and low levels of available N.