Crop-available water and agronomic management, rather than nitrogen supply, primarily determine grain yield of commercial chickpea in northern New South Wales

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 442 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. V. Elias ◽  
D. F. Herridge
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
N2 Fixation ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
Farmer Knowledge ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Available Water ◽  
Total Crop

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is considered an effective rotation crop in Australia’s northern grains region; however, concerns exist that grain yields of commercial crops are reduced because of nitrogen (N) deficiency related to inadequate nodulation and N2 fixation. As part of a program to address these issues, we report on the monitoring of 22 commercial fields around Moree, northern NSW, during 2005–07 that were designated for chickpea, and an associated farmer survey (81 respondents). Our objectives were to determine whether the monitored crops were limited by N and to develop recommendations that would optimise productivity for farmers growing chickpeas. In 2005, only soil water and nitrate data were collected from the six fields designated for chickpea. In 2006 and 2007, almost complete datasets were assembled from the 16 chickpea fields or crops, including soil water and nitrate at sowing, row spacing, plant density, plant height, stubble cover, weed density and composition, shoot biomass, grain yield, nodulation and N2 fixation (%N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) and total crop N fixed). The associated survey provided insights into farmer knowledge of, and practices related to, inoculation. Field monitoring indicated moderate–high levels of soil nitrate at sowing (averages 114, 126 and 110 kg N ha–1 to 1.2 m depth for 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively) and generally low plant nodulation (0.11–1.16 g fresh wt plant–1) and N2 fixation (0–62%Ndfa and 0–87 kg N ha–1). Grain yield varied between 0.53 and 2.91 t ha–1 across the 14 monitored crops, with averages of 1.89 t ha–1 in 2006 and 1.02 t ha–1 in 2007. Although total crop N and grain yields were highly correlated with total (i.e. soil + fixed) N supply, there was no evidence that the monitored chickpea crops were N-limited. Rather, we conclude that soil N and biologically fixed N were complementary in supplying N to the crops, the grain yields of which were primarily determined by the supply of plant-available water (PAW) and water-use efficiency (WUE). Simple and multivariate regression analyses showed that stubble cover during the fallow (positively correlated with sowing PAW) and sowing date (positively correlated with crop WUE) were significant determinants of grain yield. We conclude that farmers could improve inoculation practice by ensuring the time between seed inoculation and sowing is always <24 h.

Corrigendum to: Crop-available water and agronomic management, rather than nitrogen supply, primarily determine grain yield of commercial chickpea in northern New South Wales

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (12) ◽  
pp. 1357
Author(s):  
N. V. Elias ◽  
D. F. Herridge
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
N2 Fixation ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
Farmer Knowledge ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Available Water ◽  
Total Crop

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is considered an effective rotation crop in Australia's northern grains region; however, concerns exist that grain yields of commercial crops are reduced because of nitrogen (N) deficiency related to inadequate nodulation and N2 fixation. As part of a program to address these issues, we report on the monitoring of 22 commercial fields around Moree, northern NSW, during 2005–07 that were designated for chickpea, and an associated farmer survey (81 respondents). Our objectives were to determine whether the monitored crops were limited by N and to develop recommendations that would optimise productivity for farmers growing chickpeas. In 2005, only soil water and nitrate data were collected from the six fields designated for chickpea. In 2006 and 2007, almost complete datasets were assembled from the 16 chickpea fields or crops, including soil water and nitrate at sowing, row spacing, plant density, plant height, stubble cover, weed density and composition, shoot biomass, grain yield, nodulation and N2 fixation (%N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) and total crop N fixed). The associated survey provided insights into farmer knowledge of, and practices related to, inoculation. Field monitoring indicated moderate–high levels of soil nitrate at sowing (averages 114, 126 and 110kg N ha–1 to 1.2m depth for 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively) and generally low plant nodulation (0.11–1.16g fresh wt plant–1) and N2 fixation (0–62%Ndfa and 0–87kg N ha–1). Grain yield varied between 0.53 and 2.91tha–1 across the 14 monitored crops, with averages of 1.89tha–1 in 2006 and 1.02tha–1 in 2007. Although total crop N and grain yields were highly correlated with total (i.e. soil+fixed) N supply, there was no evidence that the monitored chickpea crops were N-limited. Rather, we conclude that soil N and biologically fixed N were complementary in supplying N to the crops, the grain yields of which were primarily determined by the supply of plant-available water (PAW) and water-use efficiency (WUE). Simple and multivariate regression analyses showed that stubble cover during the fallow (positively correlated with sowing PAW) and sowing date (positively correlated with crop WUE) were significant determinants of grain yield. We conclude that farmers could improve inoculation practice by ensuring the time between seed inoculation and sowing is always

The growth and yield of uniculm and tillered barley over a range of sowing rates

1990 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 449 ◽  
Author(s):  
GK McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Yield Component ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Waite Agricultural Research Institute

The growth and yield of two lines of uniculm barley, WID-103 and WID-105, were compared over a range of sowing rates (50-400 kg/ha) with the commercial varieties Galleon and Schooner. The experiments were conducted at Strathalbyn, S.A., in 1986, 1987 and 1988 and at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute in 1987. A third tillered variety, Clipper, was included in the comparison in 1988. Over the three years plant populations measured early in the season ranged from 39/m2 to 709/m2, and grain yields from 97 to 41 1 g/m2. Dry matter production at ear emergence increased with greater plant density, and both the tillered varieties and the uniculm lines showed similar responses to higher sowing rates. At maturity, dry matter production of the tillered barleys was greater than or equal to that of the uniculms and the harvest indices (HIs) of the two types were similar. Consequently, grain yields of the tillered types were greater than or equal to the yields of the uniculms. Over the four experiments the tillered varieties had a 6% higher yield. The number of ears/m2 was the yield component most affected by plant density in both the tillered and uniculm barleys. The uniculm lines had more spikelets/ear, but tended to set fewer grains/spikelet and produce smaller kernels. The experiments failed to demonstrate any advantage of the uniculm habit to the grain yield of barley. These results differ from previous experiments that showed that a uniculm line, WID-101, had a higher yield than the tillered variety Clipper. It is suggested that the uniculm habit per se was not the cause of this higher yield, but its higher HI resulted in it outyielding Clipper. Current varieties, however, have HIs similar to the uniculm lines and yield equally to or more than the uniculm barleys examined. To further improve the grain yield of uniculm barley, greater dry matter production is necessary as the HIs of these lines are already high.

Survey of farm management practices of the northern wheat belt of New South Wales

1988 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 499 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Martin ◽  
MG McMillan ◽  
JB Cook
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Grain Protein Content ◽  
Wheat Grain ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fertiliser Use

A survey of management practices on wheat farms in northern New South Wales was carried out on 50 farms between 1983 and 1985 and was supplemented by a questionnaire mailed to 750 growers in 1985. Information was collected on crop rotation, tillage practice, fertiliser use and weed control practices. Data were collected from 1 paddock on each farm and included: wheat grain yield and quality, available soil water and nutrients at sowing, wild oat density, and incidence of soil-borne diseases. The 3-year average grain yield in survey paddocks was 2.2 t/ha. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting grain yield and protein in 1985. Of the variation in wheat grain yield, 74% was explained by variation in available soil water at sowing, available soil nitrate at sowing, sowing date and wild oat density. Grain protein content declined with increasing available soil water and phosphate at sowing and with earlier sowing, but increased with available nitrate at sowing. Agronomic practices aimed at maximising wheat grain yield, in the presence of a deficiency ofavailable soil nitrate, are likely to result in a reduction of grain protein content. Likewise, responses to application of nitrogenous fertiliser are likely to be inversely related to available soil water at sowing. The mean gross margin for 1984 and 1985, based on $100/t of wheat grain, was $128. The mean gross margin for the least profitable 20% of paddocks was $37, and $253 for the top 20%. New varieties of wheat and herbicides were readily adopted by farmers. On the other hand, adoption of nitrogenous fertiliser use was slow, considering the widespread and long-standing deficiencies of nitrogen in cropping soils of the region. Crop rotation and tillage practices have changed only marginally since the late 1940s. The results of this survey indicate that the usefulness of soil testing for predicting fertiliser requirements could be improved by taking into account levels of available soil water, weed competition and sowing date and by using multiple regression analysis.

scholarly journals Threshold Tolerance of New Genotypes of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. to Salinity and Drought

Agronomy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Toderich ◽  
Elena Shuyskaya ◽  
Zulfira Rakhmankulova ◽  
Roman Bukarev ◽  
Temur Khujanazarov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Malonic Dialdehyde ◽  
Carotenoid Biosynthesis ◽  
Soil Salinization ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Grain Yields

With continued population growth, increasing staple crop production is necessary. However, in dryland areas, this is negatively affected by various abiotic stresses, such as drought and salinity. The field screening of 10 improved genetic lines of pear millet originating from African dryland areas was conducted based on a set of agrobiological traits (i.e., germination rate, plant density, plant maturity rate, forage, and grain yields) in order to understand plant growth and its yield potential responses under saline environments. Our findings demonstrated that genotype had a significant impact on the accumulation of green biomass (64.4% based on two-way ANOVA), while salinity caused reduction in grain yield value. HHVBC Tall and IP 19586 were selected as the best-performing and high-yielding genotypes. HHVBC Tall is a dual purpose (i.e., forage and grain) line which produced high grain yields on marginal lands, with soil salinization up to electrical conductivity (EC) 6–8 dS m−1 (approximately 60–80 mM NaCl). Meanwhile, IP 19586, grown under similar conditions, showed a rapid accumulation of green biomass with a significant decrease in grain yield. Both lines were tolerant to drought and sensitive to high salinity (above 200 mM NaCl). The threshold salinity of HHVBC Tall calculated at the seedling stage was lower than that of IP 19586. Seedling viability of these lines was affected by oxidative stress and membrane peroxidation, and they had decreased chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis. This study demonstrated that ionic stress is more detrimental for the accumulation of green and dry biomass, in combination with increasing the proline and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) contents of both best-performing pearl millet lines, as compared with osmotic stress.

Effects of Sowing Date, Nitrogen and Seed Rate on Wheat Yields in the Sudan Gezira

1970 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Khalifa
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Nitrogen Application ◽  
Seed Rate ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Sudan Gezira

SUMMARYA three-year study of the effects of sowing date, nitrogen application and seed rate on wheat showed that sowing in mid-October gave consistently greater grain yields than sowing in mid-September or mid-November because grains were larger and more numerous per head. Nitrogen increased yields but the effect decreased with later sowing. Nitrogen probably increased grain yield by increasing the number of ears, but this effect diminished with higher levels of nitrogen. Grain yield was only slightly influenced by seed rate, and the interaction of seed rate with sowing date or nitrogen was unimportant.

Some relationships between plant population, yield components and grain yield of wheat in a Mediterranean environment

1986 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 219 ◽  
Author(s):  
WK Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Yield Components ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Plant Population ◽  
Individual Plant ◽  
Spring Bread Wheat ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Optimum Population ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
The Relationship

Eight spring bread wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.), differing widely in their nominal yield component characteristics, were tested under rain-fed conditions for three years at sowing densities ranging from 50 to 800 seeds m-2. The objectives of the experiments were to estimate the relationship between grain yield and particular yield components, the expression of plant type (yield components) in relation to plant density, and the plant population x cultivar interaction for grain yield over a range of seasons in a given environment. The 'optimum' plant population (at maximum grain yield) varied over 30-220 plants m-2, depending on season and cultivar. In general, variation in the 'optimum' population was greater between seasons for a given cultivar than between cultivars within seasons. The relationship between grain yield and yield components was examined at the 'optimum' population rather than at an arbitrary population at which grain yield may have been suboptimal for some cultivars or seasons. Grain yields at the optimum populations for the various cultivar x season combinations were positively related to culms m-2, spikes m-2 and seeds m-2. They were not clearly related to culm mortality (%). When averaged across seasons, cultivar grain yields were positively related to harvest index, but the general relationship was not so clear when seasons and cultivars were examined individually. Spike size (seeds spike-I or spike weight) and seed size were also not clearly related to grain yield at the 'optimum' population, and it was thus postulated that the production and survival of large numbers of culms, which in turn led to large numbers of seeds per unit area, were the source of large grain yields. Some interactions were found between yield components and plant population for some cultivars that could have implications for plant breeders selecting at low plant densities. The implications for crop ideotypes of the individual plant characters at the 'optimum' population are also discussed. Interactions between cultivars and plant populations implied that some cultivars required different populations to achieve maximum yields in some seasons. There was a tendency for larger yields to be achieved from cultivar x season combinations where the optimum population was larger, which suggested that commercial seed rates should be re-examined when changes to plant types or yield levels are made.

Effects of plant density and sowing date on grain yield of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) in northern New South Wales

1986 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 493 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Marcellos ◽  
GA Constable
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Vicia Faba ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Vicia Faba L ◽  
Faba Beans ◽  
High Yields

The effects of varying plant density and sowing date on grain yield of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) were determined in 6 experiments at Tamworth and Narrabri in northern New South Wales. The graph of grain yield rose to an asymptote as plant density was increased. Under conditions favouring high yields, a plant density of 20 m-2 gave near maximum grain yields, but for a wider range of circumstances a plant density of 30-35 m-2 was appropriate. If sowing was delayed after the end of April, grain yield was reduced as was dry matter yield and the duration of pod-filling. Late sowing also lowered the height of the first pod above ground, and increased the likelihood of yield loss through foliar disease.

scholarly journals An analysis of yield variation among long-duration pigeonpea genotypes in relation to season, irrigation and plant population

2001 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. V. D. K. KUMAR RAO ◽  
C. JOHANSEN ◽  
Y. S. CHAUHAN ◽  
Y. S. CHAUHAN ◽  
V. K. JAIN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Harvest Index ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Production Environment ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Plant Dry Mass

The response of eight long-duration pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.] genotypes to irrigation was studied at Gwalior in Central India during the 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 growing seasons on an Inceptisol. The crop was grown at two spacings as it was expected that crop density could interact with the crop's ability to extract soil moisture. The irrigation treatment received furrow irrigation four times during the 1990–91 and 1992–93 seasons and twice during the 1991–92 season. Grain yields of all genotypes were 11 % higher when planted at higher density than at low density. There was a differential variation in yield and harvest index among genotypes due to season but not due to spacing and irrigation suggesting the validity of the present approach of testing genotypes under optimum conditions. Grain yield declined by 21 % from the 1990 to 1992 season. The decline was > 1 t/ha in some cultivars (ICPL 366, GW3), and between 0·5 and 1·0 t/ha in others (NP [WR] 15, ICP 87143 and ICPL 84072). In others (Bahar, ICP 9174, ICP 8860) the yield fluctuation was < 0·5 t/ha. The genotypes' mean yields were as high as 2·7 t/ha for ICPL 87143, ICPL 84072 and ICPL 366. There was a significant reduction in both grain yield (16 %), and also above-ground plant dry mass (18 %) due to soil moisture limitation in the unirrigated treatment. Both the above-ground plant dry mass and grain yields were significantly more at high plant density than at lower plant density especially with irrigation. The genotypes were found to differ in their response to production environment (irrigation, spacing and to the undefined differences of the 3 years). Genotypic variation in yield within a production environment was found to vary in relation to changes in harvest index and across environment (irrigation, seasons) due to variation in total dry matter production. A lack of negative relationship between the total dry matter and harvest index suggests the possibility of optimizing both for obtaining higher yield from long-duration genotypes.

The Physiology of Grain Yield in Wheat in an Irrigated Tropical Environment

1991 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Ishag ◽  
O. A. A. Ageeb
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Considerable Effect ◽  
Tropical Environment ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Physiological Basis ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Sowing Dates

SUMMARYThe potential yield of wheat and the physiological basis of yield limitation in the lowland irrigated tropics was investigated in three cultivars planted at five sowing dates. Maximum grain yields were achieved by cultivars that flowered in January when the weather was coolest. The period from sowing to terminal spikelet initiation was similar for all varieties and all sowing treatments. The period from terminal spikelet initiation to ear emergence was increased when seed was sown in late November or early December rather than in October or early November. Manipulation of the sowing date in relation to the choice of cultivar had a considerable effect on grain yield.H. M. Ishag and O. A. A. Ageeb: Rendimiento del trigo en las zonas tropicales.

scholarly journals Effect of water regimes and plant densities on cowpea production1

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marinete Martins de Sousa Monteiro ◽  
Edson Alves Bastos ◽  
Milton José Cardoso ◽  
Aderson Soares de Andrade Júnior ◽  
Valdenir Queiroz Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Water Depth ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Block Design ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Water Regimes ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Tillage System

ABSTRACT Cowpea has been cultivated in a rudimentary form in the main producing regions of Brazil, resulting in lower grain yields, when compared to the crop potential. The use of technologies such as water regimes, adequate plant density and soil management are alternatives to increase this crop yield. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of different water regimes and plant densities on the yield components of cowpea cultivated under conventional and no-tillage systems. A randomized block design in a split-plot factorial, with four replications, was used. The treatments consisted of five water regimes in the plots (157.00 mm, 189.00 mm, 234.00 mm, 274.00 mm and 320.00 mm) and five plant densities as subplots (12 plants m-2, 16 plants m-2, 20 plants m-2, 24 plants m-2 and 28 plants m-2). The evaluated variables were: number of pods per plant, number of pods per area, pod length and grain yield. The combination between 270 mm of irrigation water depth with a density of 280,000 plants ha-1 resulted in higher grain yield using the no-tillage system, while the combination between the density of 280,000 plants ha-1 and 320 mm of water depth favored the highest grain yields in the conventional growing system.

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