Response of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Growth, Yield, Oil Content and Its Fatty Acids to Nitrogen Rates and Application Times

A steady and progressive increase in rapeseed yield was observed with each increment in applied nitrogen rates up to 213 kg/ha in both seasons. As for nitrogen application times, the analyzed data showed that adding a split dose (either 1/2 or 1/3) before the third irrigation was a common part between high yielding treatments in 1985/86 season. Nitrogen rates X application times interaction affected rapeseed yield significantly during the first winter season. The highest seed yield of 2.5 t/ha was obtained by adding 213 kg N/ha in two split doses at sowing and just before the third irrigation. The second yield value of 2.47 t/ha was produced under the same N rate when applied in two split doses before second and third irrigation. However, in the second season (1986/87), rapeseed plants did not exhibit significant responses to nitrogen rates X application times interaction.
Chemical analyses showed that rapeseed oil content and its fatty acids (Palmetic, Stearic, Oleic, Linoleic, Linolenic, Arachidic and Erucic) percentages were not significantly affected by either nitrogen rates or application times in both seasons. A very low content of Erucic acid (0.1–0.9 %) in all tested sample was noticed.     

Untersuchungen zum Einfluß von Standort, Saatstärke, N-Düngung, Sorte und Erntezeitpunkt auf den Ertrag und die Inhaltsstoffe von Zuckerhirse

Investigations into the effect of location, planting density, N-fertilization, variety and harvest date on yield and contents of sweet sorghum
Looking for high yielding plant species as renewable resources, sweet sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) seems to be an interesting crop.
In field trials at three locations in the south-west of Germany in 1983 and 1984 should be investigated the effect of N-fertilization, planting density, variety and harvest date on yield, different morphological characteristics and contents of sweet sorghum.
The results indicate that yields of 15-20 t DM/ha are only feasible when the given temperature sum is higher than 2000 °C (> 5°C). The maximum yield of 22.7 t DM/ha resp. 6.5 t/ha "Free Fermentable Sugar" (FFZ) was realized when a sufficient water supply and N-fertilization had been guaranteed.
The different possibilities of utilization of sweet sorghum e.g. as sugar crop, agricultural raw material for combustion or as forage crop urge the plant breeder to intensify the breeding efforts adapting this crop at the climatic conditions of Germany.     

Einfluß eines variierten N-Angebots auf α-Amylase-Aktivität, primäre Dormanz und Auswuchsresistenz von Weichweizen (Triticum aestivum L.), Roggen (Secale cereale L.) und Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack)

Influence of Varying N-Fertilization Rates on α-Amylase Activity, Primary Dormancy and Resistance to Pre-Harvest Sprouting in Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), Rye ( Secale cereale L.) and Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack)
Pre-harvest sprouting, induced by unfavourable ecological conditions, can affect the grain growers success considerably. Positive correlations are reported between resistance to pre-harvest sprouting and primary dormancy. Genotypes with a short dormancy period have a high pre-harvest sprouting risk. In the case of a premature germination of caryopses in the head of grain a hydrolysis of intact starch granules caused by the endoenzyme α-amylase takes place in the endosperm.
Negative correlations between falling number and protein content are reported, however, it is unknown, if a varying N-application influences pre-harvest sprouting rates, dormancy periods and amylase activity. For this reason, both greenhouse and field trials were conducted with different N-fertilization rates and (additional in the greenhouse) a rain simulation treatment.
High amounts of α-amylase a few days post anthesis are opposed to small enzyme activities in mature kernels. Stratificating temperatures and germination inducing precipitations at the same time are inducing pre-harvest sprouting and a high α-amylase activity especially in rye and triticale. It seems as if N-deficiency reduces the possibility of pre-harvest sprouting, on the other hand high N-rates increase the enzymes' activity and promote germination processes in the kernel. Effects of N-fertilization on dormancy are not known.
In the discussion of reasons for an increase of α-amylase activity in sprouted grain caryopses, changes in the relation of the phytohormones gibberellic acid (promoter of enzyme activities) and abscisine acid are mainly presumed.     

Effect of grassland harvesting frequency and N-fertilization on stocks and dynamics of soil organic matter in the temperate climate

ABSTRACT

Management of grassland may affect the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC). Objectives were to analyze the effect of different harvesting frequencies and nitrogen fertilization regimes on SOC and total N stocks in a field trial on a sandy loam to loamy sand soil of a grassland site near Kiel (Germany). Additionally, effects on microbial biomass C (C_mic) and ergosterol (as proxy for fungi) contents, water-stable aggregate size-classes and density fractions were studied. In the surface soil (0–10 cm), SOC and total N stocks, amounts of large water-stable macroaggregates (> 2000 µm) and contents of C_mic and ergosterol were significantly higher under a five cut regime. C_mic (r_Spearman = 0.61) and ergosterol contents (r_Spearman = 0.67) were correlated with amounts of large water-stable macroaggregates suggesting that fungi and microbial biomass play an important role in binding of small macroaggregates into large macroaggregates. The free light fraction of SOM showed significantly higher C concentrations under three cut compared to five cut at 30–60 cm, presumably related to the C/N ratio and the decomposability of root litter. This study indicates the importance of cutting frequency on SOC and total N stocks, amounts of large macroaggregates and contents of C_mic and ergosterol.     

Nitrogen effect on competition between winter cereals and littleseed canarygrass

Field experiments were conducted in northern Greece during 1994, 1995, and 1996 to study the effect of nitrogen fertilization on competition between littleseed canaryglass (Phalaris minor Retz.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare =distichum L.) or triticale (Triticosecale). The presence of 400P. minor plants per square meter until early March did not have an adverse effect on dry weight of any crop. However, their further presence significantly reduced dry weight of wheat and triticale, but not that of barley. Grain yield of wheat and triticale was reduced 48% and 47%, respectively, by season-long competition ofP. minor, whereas the corresponding reduction for barley was only 8%. Crop yield reduction due toP. minor competition resulted mainly from reduction in ear number and less from reduction in 1000-grain weight. Nitrogen fertilization (150 kg N ha⁻¹), compared with control (0 kg N), slightly increased yield of all crops grown without weed competition. The same treatment also increased dry weight and competitive ability ofP. minor against wheat and triticale, compared with that of control (0 kg N); the split application of nitrogen (50 kg N ha⁻¹ before crop sowing and 100 kg N ha⁻¹ in early March) caused a slightly greater increase inP. minor dry weight than did 150 kg N ha⁻¹ applied once before crop sowing. Dry weight ofP. minor grown with barley was not affected by nitrogen fertilization, but it was severely reduced compared with that ofP. minor grown with wheat or triticale. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting April 22, 2003.     

不同施N水平对黑麦草产量和品质的效应

在红壤岗地上进行黑麦草氮肥施用试验,采用2种施肥结构(单施化肥、沼肥 化肥)和4种施N水平(0,150,250,350kg／hm^2)。结果证明：黑麦草的产量随施N水平的提高而增加,且草的N、P含量,亦随施N水平的提高而增加,从而改善了草的营养品质。在等N条件下单施化肥的增产效果优于沼肥 化肥。肥料N的利用率和单位N素的贡献,则随施N水平的提高而递减,但单位面积的利润则仍以高N水平为最大。考虑到沼肥成本可以不计,则两种施肥结构的经济效益较为接近,且沼肥的生态社会效益好,因此沼肥 化肥的高施N水平仍不失为一种可选用的施肥方式。     

Relationship of soil carbon light fraction, microbial activity, humic acid production and nitrogen fertilization in the decaying process of corn stubble

The variation in stubble decomposition due to fertilizer incorporation was determined in a typical Argiudoll of the Argentinian rolling pampas. The experiment was conducted for 15 years, which included a no till system under maize (Zea mays L.) and a soybean rotation (Glycine max) with 0 and 45kg N ha^–1 nitrogen fertilization treatments, called NFS and FS, respectively. A higher proportion of residues with a high N content was found in the FS plots. The different substrate quality proved to be the regulating factor for mineralization. This activity was indicated by the increase in soil microbial activity and soil carbon light fraction in FS compared to NFS. This carbon light fraction mineralizes rapidly but does not contribute to the most stable components, which are related to synthesis and polymerization of humic acids. No significant differences in humic acid content were found. Received: 24 April 1996     

Carbon sequestration in a temperate grassland; management and climatic controls

Soil management practices that result in increased soil carbon (C) sequestration can make a valuable contribution to reducing the increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations. We studied the effect of poultry manure, cattle slurry, sewage sludge, NH₄NO₃ or urea on C cycling and sequestration in silage grass production. Soil respiration, net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and methane (CH₄) fluxes were measured with chambers, and soil samples were analysed for total C and dissolved organic C (DOC). Treatments were applied over 2 years and measurements were carried out over 3 years to assess possible residual effects. Organic fertilizer applications increased CO₂ loss through soil respiration but also enhanced soil C storage compared with mineral fertilizer. Cumulative soil respiration rates were highest in poultry manure treatments with 13.7 t C ha^?1 in 2003, corresponding to 1.6 times the control value, but no residual effect was seen. Soil respiration showed an exponential increase with temperature, and a bimodal relationship with soil moisture. The greatest NEE was observed on urea treatments (with a CO₂ uptake of ?4.4 g CO₂ m^?2 h^?1). Total C and DOC were significantly greater in manure treatments in the soil surface (0–10 cm). Of the C added in the manures, 27% of that in the sewage pellets, 32% of that in the cattle slurry and 39% of that in the poultry manure remained in the 0–10 cm soil layer at the end of the experiment. Mineral fertilizer treatments had only small C sequestration rates, although uncertainties were high. Expressed as global warming potentials, the benefits of increased C sequestration on poultry manure and sewage pellet treatments were outweighed by the additional losses of N₂O, particularly in the wet year 2002. Methane was emitted only for 2–3 days on cattle slurry treatments, but the magnitudes of fluxes were negligible compared with C losses by soil respiration.     

Stickstoffausnutzungsvermögen von Lolium perenne und Lolium multiflorum-Sorten

Selection for improved nitrogen-utilization in Lolium
In a 3-year study the responses of 14 Lolium perenne-varieties and 14 of Lolium multiflorum to different nitrogen fertilization (75, 150, 300 kg N/ha) were investigated. The varieties were classificated into four types of nitrogen utilization. "Low input varieties" can be found in type III. The varieties of this type produced always the highest yield at all levels of nitrogen fertilization. The yield of type I was always smaller than the average of all varieties. The varieties of type II gave significant better responses than the trial average up to 150 kg N/ha. Under low and high N-fertilization the type III can be separate of type I and II because it is always the outstanding variety. The dry matter production of the roots did not show varieties differences under the increasing N-fertilization. The soil nitrate contents were with 20 kg nitrate nitrogen per ha very small.     

Einfluß des Standortes, der N-Düngung, der Sorte und des Erntezeitpunktes auf den Ertrag an fermentierbaren Zuckern bei Topinamburkraut und -knollen

Effect of location, N-fertilization, variety and harvest date on the yield of fermentable sugars of Jerusalem artichoke tops and tubers
In the past, the production of fermentable sugar with Jerusalem artichoke ( Helianthus tuberosus L.) resulted nearly exclusively from tubers.
It should be investigated to what extent the tops can be used beside tubers as a source of fermentable sugars, connected with studies about diverse components of yield and morphological characteristics.
In field trials at three locations in the south-west of Germany in 1983 and 1984 yields of "Total Fermentable Sugars" (TFZ) with Jerusalem artichoke tops up to 6.7 t/ha were achieved according to variety, N-fertilization and harvest date. While harvesting Jerusalem artichoke tubers yields of TFZ up to 8.3 t/ha had been feasible.
The presented correlations between components of yield and morphological plant characteristics refer to interesting mechanisms of reaction and dependence on the formation of yield with this crop. The high yield level of Jerusalem artichoke and its adaptability to different locations also present this crop as an interesting renewable biomass crop for the south-west of Germany.