Effect of seedbed cultivation techniques, variety, soil type and sowing time, on brassica dry matter yields, water use efficiency and crop nutritive characteristics in western Victoria

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 945 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Jacobs ◽  
G. N. Ward ◽  
A. M. McDowell ◽  
G. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Soil Type ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrates ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Cultivation Techniques

Effect of cultivation practice and sowing time on soil moisture retention at sowing, growth rates, dry matter yield, water use efficiency and nutritive characteristics (metabolisable energy, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, water-soluble carbohydrates and starch) of turnip, pasja and rape was determined on 2 soil types (site A and B) over 2 years. Cultivation treatments were: optimum full inversion, an optimum non-inversion cultivation and over cultivated. At each site, cultivation treatments were imposed at 2 different times (early and late).Results showed few differences in soil moisture at sowing between the 3 cultivation systems. Where seedbeds were prepared earlier rather than later, soil moisture at sowing was higher. Given that there was relatively little difference in soil moisture between cultivation treatments within a sowing time, it is likely that rainfall events may have confounded cultivation effects.Apart from year 2 at site A, the water use efficiency of turnip was higher than for pasja and rape. It is proposed that the lower value in year 2 may be due to root development being retarded by low moisture availability, particularly at the later sowing date, thus leading to a lower dry matter yield.Despite no cultivation effects on soil moisture at sowing, there appeared to be clear advantages for the full inversion technique in terms of subsequent weed germination. Generally, weed numbers post germination were lower for this cultivation method compared with both non-inversion techniques. In conclusion, the cultivation techniques used had little effect on soil moisture at sowing and subsequent dry matter yields, provided the resultant seedbed was well-prepared, fine, firm and weed free. Full inversion cultivation techniques in areas where broad-leaved weeds are a problem may substantially reduce subsequent weed burdens. Early sowing where possible may reduce the likelihood of crop failure through the provision of adequate soil moisture at sowing and increase the incidence of rain during the growing period. Timing of sowing will vary according to paddock requirements during early spring (e.g. grazing or forage conservation), soil type, and trafficability for cultivation.

Sustaining productivity of a Vertisol at Warra, Queensland, with fertilisers, no-tillage or legumes 4. Nitrogen fixation, water use and yield of chickpea

1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 667 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. M. Strong ◽  
R. C. Dalal ◽  
J. E. Cooper ◽  
J. A. Doughton ◽  
E. J. Weston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Soil Nitrogen ◽  
N2 Fixation ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Zero Tillage ◽  
Tillage Practice ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Use Efficiency

Summary. Continuous cereal cropping in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales has depleted native soil nitrogen fertility to a level where corrective strategies are required to sustain grain yields and high protein content. The objective of this study was to examine the performance of chickpea in chickpea–wheat rotations in terms of yields, water use and N2 fixation. The effects of sowing time and tillage practice have been studied. Chickpea grain yields varied from 356 kg/ha in 1995 to 2361 kg/ha in 1988; these were significantly correlated with the total rainfall received during the preceding fallow period and crop growth. Almost 48% of total plant production and 30% of total plant nitrogen were below-ground as root biomass. Mean values of water-use efficiency for grain, above-ground dry matter, and total dry matter were 5.9, 14.2 and 29.2 kg/ha.mm, respectively. The water-use efficiency for grain was positively correlated with the total rainfall for the preceding fallow and crop growth period although cultural practices modified water-use efficiency. The potential N2 fixation was estimated to be 0.6 kg nitrogen/ha.mm from 1992 total dry matter nitrogen yields assuming all of the nitrogen contained in chickpea was derived from the atmosphere. Sowing time had a much larger effect on grain yield and N2 fixation by chickpea than tillage practice (conventional tillage and zero tillage) although zero tillage generally increased grain yields. The late May–early June sowing time was found to be the best for chickpea grain yield and N2 fixation since it optimised solar energy use and water use, and minimised frost damage. Nitrogen fixation by chickpea was low, less than 40% nitrogen was derived from atmosphere, representing less than 20 kg nitrogen/ha.year. The potential for N2 fixation was not attained during this period due to below-average rainfall and high soil NO3-N accumulation because of poor utilisation by the preceding wheat crop. Increased soil NO3-N due to residual from fertiliser N applied to the preceding wheat crop further reduced N2 fixation. A simple soil nitrogen balance indicated that at least 60% of crop nitrogen must be obtained from N2 fixation to avoid continued soil nitrogen loss. This did not occur in most years. The generally negative soil nitrogen balance needs to be reversed if chickpea is to be useful in sustainable cropping systems although it is an attractive cash crop. Sowing time and zero tillage practice, possibly combined with more appropriate cultivars, to enhance chickpea biomass, along with low initial soil NO3-N levels, would provide maximum N2 fixation.

SEASONAL PRECIPITATION, EVAPORATION, SOIL MOISTURE, AND YIELD OF FERTILIZED RANGE VEGETATION

1969 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Johnston ◽  
S. Smoliak ◽  
A. D. Smith ◽  
L. E. Lutwick
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Seasonal Precipitation ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Phosphorus Fertilizers ◽  
Average Water ◽  
Use Efficiency

Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers were applied to range vegetation at five locations at rates ranging from 475 to 705 kg/ha N with or without from 380 to 545 kg/ha P. The addition of fertilizers increased average water-use efficiency at all locations. Average magnitude of the increase in relation to unfertilized controls was: control, 33.3 kg/ha dry matter produced per cm of water; P, 37.0 kg/ha/cm; N, 52.3 kg/ha/cm; and, N+P, 73.4 kg/ha/cm. Fall soil moisture had the greatest influence on yield of control and P-treated range vegetation, whereas June precipitation had the greatest influence on yield of N- and N+P-treated range vegetation.

Some water use responses of barley, lupin and rapeseed

1980 ◽  
Vol 20 (103) ◽  
pp. 202 ◽  
Author(s):  
WK Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Potential Evapotranspiration ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Dry Matter Accumulation ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Relative Water ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Late Sowing

Barley, lupin and rapeseed were sown in the field on five occasions at Woogenellup, Western Australia. Dry matter accumulation, water use and meteorological data were measured for each crop and sowing time. Potential evapotranspiration functions were calculated for each crop, showing that barley required less water per unit of dry matter when water was not limiting than either of the other crops. Actual evapotranspiration functions were also calculated and showed only small differences between the relative water use of the species when soil water was limiting. The water use, yield and maturity characteristics of the three crops were used to estimate the likely range of sowing times for three locations in the Albany region based on average cumulative rainfall. Barley was found to have the highest water use efficiency (kg grain mm-1 of water used) of the three crops, especially under drier conditions, and was most suitable for late sowing. The yield and water use efficiency of lupin decreased with later sowing and rapeseed was the least efficient species in terms of water use. The results are also discussed in terms of dryland cropping strategies, water use in relation to dryland salt accumulation, and adaptive characteristics of the three crops.

WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF CORN, SUNFLOWER AND WHEAT WITH LIMITING SOIL MOISTURE

1983 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 747-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. GREEN ◽  
D. W. L. READ
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
Wheat Cultivars ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Limited Moisture

Corn was superior to wheat in water use efficiency (WUE) calculated by using total dry matter production. Manitou wheat under adequate soil moisture was more efficient in water use than Pitic 62 or Wascana wheats. All wheat cultivars showed improved WUE with limited moisture. Sunflowers were the most adaptive species at changing WUE in response to available moisture.Key words: Water use efficiency

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.

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