Irrigation water reduction using System of Rice Intensification compared with conventional cultivation methods in Iraq

A field study was conducted at Al-Mishkhab Rice Research Station (MRRS) during the summer season 2009 to evaluate irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) using Anbar 33 variety with the System of Rice Intensification compared to traditional methods. During the growth phase, the number of leaves, stems, and roots, and the average plant height were measured every 15 days for the two sets of methods. At maturity, the depth and length of plant roots was assessed, along with leaf area index (LAI) of the flag leaf and plant height. The amount of irrigation water applied was measured by water meter for both methods. SRI principles for plant age, spacing, etc., were implemented in the SRI plots. The results indicated more vigorous growth of roots under SRI methods, reaching 13,004 cm plant⁻¹ compared with non-SRI results of 4,722 cm plant⁻¹. There was 42% increase in grain yield when SRI methods were used. These had water use efficiency (WUE) of 0.291 kg m⁻² compared with WUE of 0.108 kg m⁻² for non-SRI cultivation, almost a threefold difference. SRI practices reduced the need for irrigation water by 38.5%.     

High molecular weight glutenin subunits of current bread wheats grown in Iran

Variation of high molecular weight gluteninsubunits (HMW-GS) at the Glu-1 lociwas studied using SDS-PAGE method in 43advanced lines or cultivars commonly grownin Iran. Fourteen alleles and 21 alleliccompositions were detected. Among the 43bread wheats analysed only five showed aunique HMW-GS composition. The mostfrequent HMW-GS patterns were 2^*, 7+8,2+12 and 2^*, 17+18, 2+12 which wereobserved in 13 and six cultivars,respectively. In the remainings, each twoto three lines or cultivars showed a commonHMW-GS pattern. Therefore, allelicvariation at Glu-1 loci is of limitedvalue for cultivar identification comparedwith loci controlling gliadins. Sevencultivars were observed to consist of twoto three biotypes with different alleles.In cultivar Mahdavi a biotype showedinactivity at the Glu-B1 locus. Analready reported rare subunit pair'2^***+12' at Glu-D1locus was found in cultivar Kavir. Theresults of scoring cultivars for theirquality based on the HMW-GS compositionswith an average score of eight, wasgenerally good. Cultivars Inia, Tajan, andadvanced lines N-75-11 and N-75-15 showedquality score equal to 10, whereas Alamootand C-75-5 showed quality scores equal tofive. The quality of former and latterlines and cultivars were considered highestand lowest, respectively. The resultsobtained in this study are useful inbreeding programs to improve bread makingquality, developing uniformity andimproving heterogeneous cultivars by meansof selection of the best genotypes.     

巴基斯坦波特瓦尔高原土壤侵蚀调查报告

[目的]开展巴基斯坦的土壤侵蚀调查与典型单元的定量评价研究,旨在为巴基斯坦土壤侵蚀防治和了解泛第三极生态环境现状提供科学依据。[方法]在巴基斯坦北部的波特瓦尔高原,沿着穆里—伊斯兰堡—拉瓦尔品第—古杰尔汗—杰格瓦尔—保恩路线,选择了15个调查单元(12个小流域,3个矩形区),于2019年4月16—20日,对调查单元内的土壤侵蚀类型与特征、土地利用类型和水土保持措施等进行了调查。[结果]波特瓦尔高原的林地、草地整体土壤侵蚀较轻,以片蚀为主;土壤侵蚀主要发生在建设用地,开挖边坡、排土边坡、土路边坡和砖厂平台等人为形成的边坡和裸露平台在降雨和径流的作用下产生沟蚀;部分自然山坡因过度放牧,发生重力侵蚀和沟蚀。15个调查单元的平均土壤侵蚀速率平均值介于51.40～1 338.91 t/(km~2·a)之间。[结论]波特瓦尔高原的土壤侵蚀主要发生在建设用地,应对生产建设项目引起的土壤侵蚀进行监督治理,同时通过试验开发匹配的土壤侵蚀防治措施;北部穆里地区是巴基斯坦重要的水源涵养地,需要对该地区大量的建设项目进行合理的规划与审批,防止土壤侵蚀加剧,引起水质和生态环境恶化;应加强沟壑区溯源侵蚀的研究与防控,以保护农田,确保粮食安全;需加强对该区土壤侵蚀基础数据的采集,并对不同尺度的土壤侵蚀发生机理与过程进行研究,切实保障巴基斯坦土地资源。     

Interactive effects of salinity and iron deficiency on different rice genotypes

Salinity adversely affects plant growth, photosynthesis, and availability of nutrients including iron. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is susceptible to soil salinity and highly prone to iron (Fe) deficiency due to lower release of Fe‐chelating compounds under saline conditions. In order to investigate the effects of salinity and low iron supply on growth, photosynthesis, and ionic composition of five rice genotypes (KS‐282, Basmati Pak, Shaheen Basmati, KSK‐434 and 99417), a solution culture experiment was conducted with four treatments (control, 50 mM NaCl, Fe‐deficient, and 50 mM NaCl + Fe‐deficient). Salinity and Fe deficiency reduced shoot and root growth, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, chlorophyll concentration, and stomatal conductance. The reduction in all these parameters was more in the interactive treatment of salinity and low Fe supply. Moreover, a significant increase in shoot and root Na⁺ with corresponding decrease in K⁺ and Fe concentrations was also observed in the combined salinity and Fe‐deficiency treatment. Among the tested genotypes, Basmati Pak was the most sensitive genotype both under salt stress and Fe deficiency. The genotype KS‐282 performed better than other genotypes under salinity stress alone, whereas Shaheen Basmati was the best genotype under Fe deficiency in terms of all the studied parameters.     

Potassium Fixation and Release in Some Calcareous Soils under Orange Cultivation

Eurasian Soil Science - Arid and semiarid soils of southern Iran may fix a large content of applied potassium (K), but the fixed K may be gradually supplied to plants. Sixteen representative soils...     

Co-application of sugarcane bagasse biochar,farmyard manure and mineral nitrogen improved growth indices of corn grown in alkaline calcareous soil

Abstract

Soil quality and crop productivity can be improved by the combined soil application of organic amendments and synthetic fertilizers. We evaluated the sole and combined effects of sugarcane-bagasse biochar (SBB), farmyard manure (FYM) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on soil properties and corn yield traits. Three N fertilizer rates (0, 50 and 100% of recommended) were used with or without the organic amendments. We observed significant increases in soil nitrate-N (at vegetative and reproductive phases), ammonical-N and microbial-biomass-N contents in responses to a co-application of 0.5% SBB, 0.5% FYM and 100% N fertilizer (p?≤?0.05). While the same co-application also resulted in the most significant soil organic carbon value, the maximum soil microbial biomass carbon was observed when 0.5% SBB and 0.5% FYM combination was applied along with 50% N fertilizer (p?≤?0.05). Plant growth indices—shoot length and, fresh and dry weights of shoot and root were also recorded to be the highest where the same organic amendments were applied in addition to a 50% or 100% mineral N fertilizer (p?≤?0.05). Combined application of the organic amendments effectively improved soil CEC compared to those in responses to individual applications of SBB and FYM (p?≤?0.05). Conclusively, for increasing the corn yield and improving the soil quality, the co-application of 0.5% SBB and 0.5% FYM was more effective than any of the individual 1% applications; Additions of 50% and 100% mineral N to the organic combination were equally useful for increasing the grain yield.     

Morphological and molecular characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities inhabiting the roots and the soil of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under different agricultural management practices

Crocus sativus L. cultivation is expanding to areas with low soil fertility, where mycorrhizal fungi are supposed to be essential for plants growth and ecosystems functioning. Agricultural practices applied under these conditions should lead to good saffron productivity and quality. Our objective was to study the density and diversity of mycorrhizal fungi populations associated with saffron grown in Taliouine (Morocco) under different agricultural management practices (fertilization type, age and plantation method). Morpho-anatomical studies identified rhizospheric mycorrhizal spores and assessed root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Molecular identification of AMF was realized by sequencing the Large Subunit (LSU) rDNA gene region. Among the eleven species of AMF spores identified, Funneliformis and Rhizoglomus species were the most abundant (> 35%). Modern saffron plantation showed higher roots colonization rates (mycorrhization intensity (100%) and frequency (51.6%)), while in traditional plantations lower mycorrhization frequency values were found (17.4%). LSU sequencing identified five AMF genera and three unknown genomic groups, whereas Shannon diversity index indicated that AMF community composition changed significantly according to plantation age and fertilization type. Our results contribute to a better knowledge of saffron AMF communities and open new perspectives for a rational utilization of the agricultural practices for organic saffron production.     

Trace elements accumulation in soil and rice plants irrigated with the contaminated water

We carried out a study to see the effect of contaminated water of Nullah Dek on fine rice paddy and straw yields and trace elements accumulation in different parts of rice plants and soil. A site was selected near the bank of Nullah Dek at Kot Pindi Das in the District of Sheikhupura, Pakistan. The water of this nullah is contaminated by industrial effluents carrying different micronutrients. This water was employed to grow rice crop. Water samples were collected before transplanting and during the season with 15 days interval for analysis from 20 July to 1 November 2002 from a spot near village Shamke. Three fine rice varieties, viz. Super Basmati, Shaheen Basmati and Basmati 2000 were transplanted. These rice varieties were grown up to maturity. Paddy and straw yields data were recorded. Six composite soil samples from three random spots were collected from the experimental site before the start of the study to see the status of trace elements in soil. After the harvest of rice crop, soil, paddy and straw samples were analysed for Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. The chemical analysis of Nullah Dek water showed that total salts concentration was greater than the safe limit, i.e. electric conductance (EC) > 1.0 dS m⁻¹. Even sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was very high, but there was no problem of high residual sodium carbonate (RSC). Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were present but within safe limits. The water of Nullah Dek remained within permissible limits of irrigation from onset of rainy season till 15 October. There was an increase in EC, SAR and trace elements concentrations after 15 October but within safe limits. Soil analysis revealed its saline nature, devoid of sodicity. Among trace elements, the zinc ranged between deficiency (<0.5 mg kg⁻¹) and adequate limits (>1.0 mg kg⁻¹). Copper, Mn and Fe were present in adequate amounts. After the harvest of rice crop there was a slight decrease in pH, EC_e and SAR at both the depths, while the concentrations of all trace elements were slightly increased with more in upper layer than the lower layer. Shaheen Basmati produced the maximum paddy yield followed by Basmati 2000 and then Super Basmati. The chemical analysis of paddy samples indicated a sufficient accumulation of zinc (1.68–1.78 mg kg⁻¹), copper (1.38–1.45 mg kg⁻¹), iron (6.12–6.37 mg kg⁻¹) and manganese (2.22–2.42 mg kg⁻¹). Analysis of rice straw also showed sufficient accumulation of zinc (27.50–28.50 mg kg⁻¹), copper (20.0–20.50 mg kg⁻¹), iron (270–280 mg kg⁻¹) and manganese (2.38–2.41 mg kg⁻¹).     

新疆天山一号冰川地衣地理区系与生态特征

初步整理了分布在天山一号冰川的地衣种类,共5目12科24属51种.地衣区系上包括世界广布种、环极北极高山种、环极低北极及北方种、环北方种、两极和大西洋种、温带种、东亚种、东亚-北美西部、北欧-巴基斯坦-北美种、中亚分布种、北半球大陆广布种、两半球广布种、中国特有种等.同时结合地衣的生长环境特征将该地区的地衣分藓丛生、土生、草地生、地面生、石浮土生、岩面生、荒漠风滚、树皮或树枝生、朽木生地衣种等9种生态类型.     

Emergence of irrigated cotton in flatland planting in relation to furrow opener type and crust-breaking treatments for Cambisols in central Iran

Emergence of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under flatland mechanized planting system with crust-forming soil and saline soil and irrigation water can be suboptimal in central Iran. A field experiment was conducted to determine furrow opener type and crust-breaking method effects on cotton emergence on a silty clay soil (Calcic Cambisols). The effects of five planters (equipped with runner, single- and double-disk type openers) and five crust-breaking methods (using rolling cultivator, rolling-type crust breaker, spike-tooth, chain-type harrows and no crust-breaking) on the seedling emergence were studied. The results showed that planter type significantly affected cotton seedling emergence. In non-crust-breaking method, the best emergence was produced with the double-disk opener planter that created crack lines along the seed rows. This phenomenon was not observed with the runner-type opener planter. However, some crack lines were observed on the outside edges of its smooth-crown zero-pressure press wheels tires, which resulted in large clod formation after crust-breaking and had therefore negative effect on seedling emergence. Crust-breaking had negative effect on final emergence for double-disk planter due to filling the crack lines with loosened soil. Crust-breaking improved emergence percentages for runner opener planters, when the depth of penetration of the crust breaker teeth was shallow. The conclusion is that irrigated cotton emergence on crust-forming soils in a flatland planting system might significantly be improved by selecting a double-disk planter with zero-pressure press wheel tires without any crust-breaking operation under the soil and climate of central Iran.