Alternative crops for duplex soils: growth and water use of some cereal, legume, and oilseed crops, and pastures

1998 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Indian Mustard ◽  
Grain Legumes ◽  
Rooting Depth ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Alternative Crops ◽  
Alternative Break ◽  
Major Break ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
Shoot Mass

Lupin is the major break crop used by farmers in Western Australia but neither lupin nor wheat uses much water from the B horizon of the widespread duplex soils. This study investigated the productivity and water use of a range of crops and pastures during 2 seasons on a shallow duplex soil, with a sandy layer 30-40 cm deep, at East Beverley, WA. The aims of the work were to evaluate the crops as alternative break crops to lupin on these soils, and to establish whether roots could proliferate in the clay layer, promoting both water extraction from the subsoil by that crop and improving yields of subsequent wheat crops. During the winter of the first season, a perched watertable developed for almost 3 months and some crops (especially lentil) grew poorly. Yields in the second season were generally good (lupin was close to the calculated potential yield and canola and Indian mustard were >2 t/ha), establishing that successful crops of oilseeds and grain legumes can be grown on this soil provided that there is adequate water without topsoil waterlogging. Yields of subsequent wheat crops were largest when following legume crops (40% in one season and 135% in the second compared with wheat following wheat or barley) but were also significantly greater following oilseeds (22% and 102%). Roots of cereals and pastures reached 80 cm in both seasons, whereas those of the oilseeds reached 60-80 cm depending on crop and season. Rooting depth of legumes varied from 70-80 cm for field pea to 30-50 cm for chickpea and faba bean, with lupin extending to 60 cm in both seasons. As with shoot mass, root mass differed between seasons, although on average, in mid September cereals and oilseeds had a smaller proportion (0·12 and 0·14) of total mass below ground than the legumes (0·24) and pasture species (0·18). Only a few millimetres of water was extracted from the subsoil by any crop in either season and there was no evidence that tap-rooted legumes or oilseeds were better able than other crops either to exploit subsoil water for their own use or to create pores that subsequent wheat crops might exploit.

Water use by winter wheat as affected by soil management

1984 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Goss ◽  
K. R. Howse ◽  
Judith M. Vaughan-Williams ◽  
M. A. Ward ◽  
W. Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Deficit ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Maximum Depth ◽  
Water Extraction ◽  
Soil Water Deficit ◽  
Potential Yield

SummaryIn each of the years from September 1977 to July 1982 winter wheat was grown on one or more of three clay soil sites (clay content 35–55%) in Oxfordshire where the climate is close to the average for the area of England growing winter cereals.The effects on crop water use of different soil management practices, including ploughing, direct drilling and subsoil drainage, are compared. Cultivation treatment had little effect on the maximum depth of water extraction, which on average in these clay soils was 1·54 m below the soil surface. Maximum soil water deficit was also little affected by cultivation; the maximum recorded value was 186±7·6 mm. Subsoil drainage increased the maximum depth of water extraction by approximately 15 cm and the maximum soil water deficit by about 17 mm.Generally soil management had little effect on either total water use by the crop which was found to be close to the potential evaporation estimated by the method of Penman, or water use efficiency which for these crops was about 52 kg/ha par mm water used.Results are discussed in relation to limitations to potential yield.

Extension and Longitudinal Growth During the Development of Red Pine Root Systems

1975 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. F. Fayle
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Longitudinal Growth ◽  
Rooting Depth ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Moisture Availability ◽  
Below Ground

Extension of the root system and stem during the first 30 years of growth of plantation-grown red pine (Pinusresinosa Ait.) on four sites was deduced by root and stem analyses. Maximum rooting depth was reached in the first decade and maximum horizontal extension of roots was virtually complete between years 15 and 20. The main horizontal roots of red pine seldom exceed 11 m in length. Elongation of vertical and horizontal roots was examined in relation to moisture availability and some physical soil conditions. The changing relations within the tree in lineal dimensions and annual elongation of the roots and stem are illustrated. The development of intertree competition above and below ground is considered.

Aboveground growth habits of two Vaccinium species in relation to habitat

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Tolvanen
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Plasticity ◽  
Vaccinium Myrtillus ◽  
Open Habitat ◽  
Branching Angle ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
Growth Habits ◽  
Intercepted Radiation ◽  
Shoot Mass ◽  
Aboveground Growth ◽  
Vaccinium Myrtillus L

Ramet morphology in the deciduous Vaccinium myrtillus L. and the evergreen Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. was compared between the forest and open, clear-felled habitats. Growth habits were measured in terms of branching, shoot mass, bud type, branching angle, and vertical elevation of ramets. New ramets of both species were produced from buds on the below-ground stem. Branching occurred from buds on 1-year-old shoots in young ramets. Aging and flowering induced rejuvenation, i.e., production of new shoots from buds on older shoot generations within the ramets. Sympodial V. myrtillus ramets were more branched than the predominantly monopodial V. vitis-idaea ramets. In ramets of both species, vegetative shoots grew primarily from distal buds in the forest, whereas a greater number of lower buds were activated in the ramets in the open habitat. Vaccinium myrtillus ramets grew more horizontally and had wider branching angles to increase the intercepted radiation in the forest, whereas compact, vertically growing ramets prevailed in the open habitat, where light was not limited. No difference in branch orientation was observed between habitats in V. vitis-idaea. Production of flowers was greater in the open habitat than in the forest in both species. The observed differences in growth habits between forest and open habitat were assumed to indicate high morphological plasticity in both species, allowing the plants to respond rapidly to changed environmental conditions. Key words: architecture, branching, growth habit, shrub, Vaccinium.

Water demand and water use efficiency of winter barley in Hungary

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
Z. Varga-Haszonits ◽  
E. Enzsölné Gerencsér ◽  
Z. Lantos ◽  
Z. Varga
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Potential Evapotranspiration ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Winter Barley ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Use Efficiency

The temporal and spatial variability of soil moisture, evapotranspiration and water use were investigated for winter barley. Evaluations were carried out on a database containing meteorological and yield data from 15 stations. The spatial distribution of soil moisture, evapotranspiration and water use efficiency (WUE) was evaluated from 1951 to 2000 and the moisture conditions during the growth period of winter barley were investigated. The water supply was found to be favourable, since the average values of soil moisture remained above the lower limit of favourable water content throughout the growth period, except for September–December and May–June. The actual evapotranspiration tended to be close to the potential evapotranspiration, so the water supplies were favourable throughout the vegetation period. The calculated values of WUE showed an increasing trend from 1960 to 1990, but the lower level of agricultural inputs caused a decline after 1990. The average values of WUE varied between 0.87 and 1.09 g/kg in different counties, with higher values in the northern part of the Great Hungarian Plain. The potential yield of winter barley can be calculated from the maximum value of WUE. Except in the cooler northern and western parts of the country, the potential yield of winter barley, based on the water supply, could exceed 10 t/ha.

Potential yield and water-use efficiency benefits in sorghum from limited maximum transpiration rate

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Sinclair ◽  
Graeme L. Hammer ◽  
Erik J. van Oosterom
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Transpiration Rate ◽  
Simulation Analysis ◽  
Stomatal Closure ◽  
Risk Attitude ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Yield Responses

Limitations on maximum transpiration rates, which are commonly observed as midday stomatal closure, have been observed even under well-watered conditions. Such limitations may be caused by restricted hydraulic conductance in the plant or by limited supply of water to the plant from uptake by the roots. This behaviour would have the consequences of limiting photosynthetic rate, increasing transpiration efficiency, and conserving soil water. A key question is whether the conservation of water will be rewarded by sustained growth during seed fill and increased grain yield. This simulation analysis was undertaken to examine consequences on sorghum yield over several years when maximum transpiration rate was imposed in a model. Yields were simulated at four locations in the sorghum-growing area of Australia for 115 seasons at each location. Mean yield was increased slightly (5–7%) by setting maximum transpiration rate at 0.4 mm h–1. However, the yield increase was mainly in the dry, low-yielding years in which growers may be more economically vulnerable. In years with yield less than ∼450 g m–2, the maximum transpiration rate trait resulted in yield increases of 9–13%. At higher yield levels, decreased yields were simulated. The yield responses to restricted maximum transpiration rate were associated with an increase in efficiency of water use. This arose because transpiration was reduced at times of the day when atmospheric demand was greatest. Depending on the risk attitude of growers, incorporation of a maximum transpiration rate trait in sorghum cultivars could be desirable to increase yields in dry years and improve water use efficiency and crop yield stability.

Water use efficiency of wheat in a Mediterranean-type environment. II. some limitations to efficiency

1984 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 765 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ French ◽  
JE Schultz
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Harvest Index ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Growth Yields ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Factorial Treatments

Evidence is presented that water use efficiency and yield of wheat are reduced by insufficient leaf area and by inadequate content of nutrients in the top growth. Yields from field trials are compared with the potential yield, and a review is made of the limitations caused by weeds, the incidence of diseases and the harvest index. The data highlight the need for field experiments to define the evaporation and transpiration components of water use in each environment. They also indicate the need for multi-factorial treatments to overcome all yield limitations and thereby attain the potential yield.

The response of western juniper (Juniperusoccidentalis) to reductions in above-and below-ground tissue

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. M. Miller ◽  
L. E. Eddleman ◽  
J. M. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Lateral Roots ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Assimilation ◽  
Ground Tissue ◽  
Photosynthetic Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽  
Nitrogen Use ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
Use Efficiency

Plants are balanced systems that integrate processes of carbon fixation and uptake of water and nutrients to optimize resource acquisition. Response of Juniperusoccidentalis Hook. to reductions in above- and below-ground tissue was measured to determine effects on carbon dioxide assimilation, leaf conductance, intercellular carbon dioxide, xylem water potential, foliage nutrient concentration, aboveground growth, water-use efficiency, and potential photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiencies. Approximately 50% of the old foliage was removed and lateral roots were severed at the canopy edge in early April 1988; physiological processes were measured during three periods in the summer of 1988. Foliage removal increased rates of carbon dioxide assimilation and photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency, but neither increased growth nor improved water status or nitrogen concentration of remaining foliage. Cutting lateral roots reduced assimilation, leaf conductance, foliage nitrogen concentration, branchlet elongation, water-use efficiency, and photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency. By late August, juvenile and small-adult J. occidentalis in the cut-top treatment had compensated for foliage removal by reestablishing patterns of water-use efficiencies similar to those of control plants, which may indicate that an overall metabolic control was functioning to regulate the balance between carbon dioxide assimilation and water loss. Cutting lateral roots had a more lasting effect on efficiencies; by late August, juveniles and small adults still had significantly lower water-use efficiencies than controls.

Comparison of Desert-Adapted Helianthus niveus (Benth.) Brandegee ssp. tephrodes (A. Gray) Heiser to Cultivated H. annuus L. for Putative Drought Avoidance Traits at Two Ontogenetic Stages

Helia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (64) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan W. Bowsher ◽  
Ethan F. Milton ◽  
Lisa A. Donovan
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Photosynthetic Rate ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Carbon Isotope Ratio ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Rooting Depth ◽  
Mature Stage ◽  
Leaf Pubescence ◽  
Use Efficiency

AbstractWater availability is a major factor limiting plant productivity in both natural and agronomic systems. Identifying putative drought resistance traits in crops and their wild relatives may be useful for improving crops grown under water-limiting conditions. Here, we tested the expectation that a desert-dwelling sunflower species, Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes (TEPH) would exhibit root and leaf traits consistent with greater ability to avoid drought than cultivated sunflower H. annuus (ANN) in a common garden environment. We compared TEPH and ANN at both the seedling and mature stages under well-watered greenhouse conditions. For traits assessed at the seedling stage, TEPH required a longer time to reach a rooting depth of 30 cm than ANN, and the two species did not differ in root:total biomass ratio at 30 cm rooting depth, contrary to expectations. For traits assessed at the mature stage, TEPH had a higher instantaneous water use efficiency and photosynthetic rate on a leaf area basis, but a lower photosynthetic rate on a mass basis than ANN, likely due to TEPH having thicker, denser leaves. Contrary to expectations, ANN and TEPH did not differ in leaf instantaneous stomatal conductance, integrated water-use efficiency estimated from carbon isotope ratio, or nitrogen concentration. However, at both the seedling and mature stages, TEPH exhibited a lower normalized difference vegetative index than ANN, likely due to the presence of dense leaf pubescence that could reduce heat load and transpirational water loss under drought conditions. Thus, although TEPH root growth and biomass allocation traits under well-watered conditions do not appear to be promising for improvement of cultivated sunflower, TEPH leaf pubescence may be promising for breeding for drought-prone, high radiation environments.

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