Reclamation of salt-affected soils in the Goulburn Valley of Victoria

1983 ◽  
Vol 23 (123) ◽  
pp. 412 ◽  
Author(s):  
AH Mehanni ◽  
GE Bleasdale
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yields ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Exchangeable Sodium ◽  
Saturation Extract ◽  
Heavy Soil ◽  
Added Benefit ◽  
Salt Affected Soils ◽  
Subsurface Drains ◽  
Reclamation Process ◽  
Yield Of Oats

A heavy soil (Goulburn loam) in the Goulburn Valley that was badly salinized was quickly reclaimed after control of the watertable to between 60 and 90 cm with subsurface drains. Within 16 months of installing slotted PVC drains 1 .5 m deep and 8.6 m apart, the electrical conductivity of a saturation extract decreased from 16.9 to 1 -9 mS/cm and crop yields increased substantially (oats from 1833 to 321 0 kg/ha, millet from 638 to 31 89 kg/ha). In addition, a white clover-based perennial pasture was established, which in the first season yielded 6985 kg/ha clover compared with 613 kg/ha in the absence of drains. The effects on the reclamation process and crop productivity of ripping the soil to 40 cm, applying gypsum at 10 t/ha, or a combination of both treatments were investigated. No soil treatment was effective without drainage due to the persistence of the shallow saline watertable. With drainage, gypsum applications decreased exchangeable sodium from 8.3 to 3.7% and increased hydraulic conductivity from 1 12 to 24.4 cm/d in the surface 15 cm. Gypsum also increased infiltration by 40%, leaching of chloride by 33% and yield of oats and clover by 44 and 29% respectively. Ripping either alone or combined with gypsum was of no added benefit

Dynamics of Farm Power Sources and their Availability in Bihar

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
PREM K. SUNDARAM ◽  
BIKAS SARKAR ◽  
PAWAN JEET ◽  
SANJAY KUMAR PATEL ◽  
ANUKUL P ANURAG ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yields ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
National Average ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
The North ◽  
Farm Mechanization ◽  
Production Technologies ◽  
North Western

The production levels of agriculture have remained low in eastern region of India mainly due to lack of location-specific production technologies, natural calamities like floods, water logging, drought, inadequate timely supply of critical inputs and social constraints. Bihar is one of the important agrarian states of Eastern India. The crop yields are low and almost stagnating in Bihar compared to the north-western and other parts of the country. To improve the productivity in this region mechanization of farms is of critical importance. The farm power availability in Bihar in 2017 is 2.80 kW/ha and is more than the national average of 2.03 kW/ha. Still there are 14 districts in Bihar which is below national average. The number of marginal farmers has increased from 84.18 to 91.21 during 2014-17, an increase of 7.03 percent. Increase in Small and fragmented land will further hindrance the farm mechanization process. The present study was conducted to understand dynamics of farm power availability in Bihar, so as to take substantial measures for improved mechanization and in turn crop productivity in the region.

scholarly journals The Pitfalls of Relating Weeds, Herbicide Use, and Crop Yield: Don't Fall Into the Trap! A Critical Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Colbach ◽  
Sandrine Petit ◽  
Bruno Chauvel ◽  
Violaine Deytieux ◽  
Martin Lechenet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yield ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Yield Loss ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Arable Farming ◽  
Herbicide Use ◽  
The Impact

The growing recognition of the environmental and health issues associated to pesticide use requires to investigate how to manage weeds with less or no herbicides in arable farming while maintaining crop productivity. The questions of weed harmfulness, herbicide efficacy, the effects of herbicide use on crop yields, and the effect of reducing herbicides on crop production have been addressed over the years but results and interpretations often appear contradictory. In this paper, we critically analyze studies that have focused on the herbicide use, weeds and crop yield nexus. We identified many inconsistencies in the published results and demonstrate that these often stem from differences in the methodologies used and in the choice of the conceptual model that links the three items. Our main findings are: (1) although our review confirms that herbicide reduction increases weed infestation if not compensated by other cultural techniques, there are many shortcomings in the different methods used to assess the impact of weeds on crop production; (2) Reducing herbicide use rarely results in increased crop yield loss due to weeds if farmers compensate low herbicide use by other efficient cultural practices; (3) There is a need for comprehensive studies describing the effect of cropping systems on crop production that explicitly include weeds and disentangle the impact of herbicides from the effect of other practices on weeds and on crop production. We propose a framework that presents all the links and feed-backs that must be considered when analyzing the herbicide-weed-crop yield nexus. We then provide a number of methodological recommendations for future studies. We conclude that, since weeds are causing yield loss, reduced herbicide use and maintained crop productivity necessarily requires a redesign of cropping systems. These new systems should include both agronomic and biodiversity-based levers acting in concert to deliver sustainable weed management.

scholarly journals Reclamation of a Saline-Sodic Soil by Use of Molasses and Distillery Slops

1969 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-217
Author(s):  
Raúl Pérez Escolar
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Clay Soil ◽  
Mass Action ◽  
Soil Reclamation ◽  
Exchangeable Sodium ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Action Effect ◽  
Saturation Extract ◽  
Heavy Clay

Data are presented on a laboratory study conducted to determine the effects of the use of blackstrap molasses and rum distillery slops on the reclamation of a highly saline-alkali heavy clay soil of southwestern Puerto Rico. The study revealed that even the lowest levels of distillery slops and diluted molasses, around 2.3 acre-inch, were sufficient to lower the conductivity of the soil-saturation extract from 67 mmhos/cm. to less than 3, and the exchangeable sodium percentage from 43 to less than 1 percent. It is believed that most of the Ca and Mg found in leachates of columns treated with the most slops or molasses may be attributed to the production of organic acids during the decomposition of slops and molasses. These organic acids rendered soluble the soil-free CaCO3 and MgCO3, widening the Ca and Mg:Na ratio to substitute the sodium by a mass action effect. Subjecting the soil to a dry period in between, the 6 and 7 acre-feet of water did not alter the movement of water and resulted in a complete soil reclamation.

scholarly journals Fuzzy logic device for crop analysing, modeling and forecasting in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-133
Author(s):  
Ruslan M. Bischokov
Keyword(s):  
Meteorological Parameters ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Logic Device ◽  
Modeling And Forecasting ◽  
Expected Values ◽  
Predicted Values ◽  
Climatic Characteristics

Using computer fuzzy-logical models based on empirical values of climatic characteristics (rainfall, temperature and humidity) of long-term observations (1955-2018) from meteorological stations in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (Nalchik, Baksan, Prokhladny and Terek) and crop yields (winter wheat, spring wheat, corn, sunflower, millet, oats), dependence of crop yields on variations of climatic factors were analyzed and a specific forecast was given. Setting expected values of climatic characteristics in computer model, we received possible values of productivity for the next season. Uniformity assessment (Dixon and Smirnov - Grabbsas criterion), stability (Student and Fischers criterion), statistical importance of parameters of distribution and accidental errors were determined. Originality of the method is in the fact that in the form of input parameters of the model predictors, the previously calculated forecast values of the meteorological parameters for the next agricultural year were used, and at the output, the predicted values of crop productivity were obtained as predictants. Furthermore, recommendations on adoption of management decisions were developed.

Future global crop production increases by adapting crop phenology to local climate change

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Minoli ◽  
Jonas Jägermeyr ◽  
Senthold Asseng ◽  
Christoph Müller
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Management Scenarios ◽  
Crop Phenology

<p>Broad evidence is pointing at possible adverse impacts of climate change on crop yields. Due to scarce information about farming management practices, most global-scale studies, however, do not consider adaptation strategies.</p><p>Here we integrate models of farmers' decision making with crop biophysical modeling at the global scale to investigate how accounting for adaptation of crop phenology affects projections of future crop productivity under climate change. Farmers in each simulation unit are assumed to adapt crop growing periods by continuously selecting sowing dates and cultivars that match climatic conditions best. We compare counterfactual management scenarios, assuming crop calendars and cultivars to be either the same as in the reference climate – as often assumed in previous climate impact assessments – or adapted to future climate.</p><p>Based on crop model simulations, we find that the implementation of adapted growing periods can substantially increase (+15%) total crop production in 2080-2099 (RCP6.0). In general, summer crops are responsive to both sowing and harvest date adjustments, which result in overall longer growing periods and improved yields, compared to production systems without adaptation of growing periods. Winter wheat presents challenges in adapting to a warming climate and requires region-specific adjustments to pre and post winter conditions. We present a systematic evaluation of how local and climate-scenario specific adaptation strategies can enhance global crop productivity on current cropland. Our findings highlight the importance of further research on the readiness of required crop varieties.</p>

Competition between skeleton weed (Chondrila juncea L) and cereals in relation to nitrogen supply

1958 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
LF Myers ◽  
J Lipsett
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yields ◽  
Nitrogen Supply ◽  
Weed Competition ◽  
Nitrogen Application ◽  
High Nitrogen ◽  
Nitrogen Levels ◽  
Grain Nitrogen ◽  
Low Nitrogen ◽  
Yield Of Oats ◽  
Plant Growth Regulating Substances

The effect of skeleton weed competition on the yield of wheat and oats was investigated in seasons when rainfall was plentiful. Nitrogen was found to be the major factor limiting crop yields. In soils with comparable nitrogen-supplying powers, skeleton weed density governed the crop's response to applied nitrogen. Competition between skeleton weed and crop was severe at low nitrogen levels, but minor at the high nitrogen levels achieved either by nitrogen application, or when the crop followed a legume-rich pasture. Competition had its effect early in the crop's growth. Temporary removal of competition, by spraying with plant growth regulating substances (JICPA) at different times, was used to determine when competition was critical, and measure its effects. Skeleton weed reduced nitrogen supply early in the crop's growth, and so depressed yield. An application of 1 lb MCPA per acre in the fallow 54 days before sowing, or 10 days after crop emergence, increased the yield of oats from 710 to 1350 lb grain per acre: a response equal to that from 32 lb nitrogen per acre applied at planting in the same experiment. In each case, the response to spraying at the different times was analogous to the effect of a nitrogen application at these times. Early spraying gave responses in yield; later spraying gave responses in grain nitrogen. The results provide a new estimate of the reduction in crop yield due to skeleton weed.

scholarly journals Effect of Cropping System and Rice Residue Retention on Crop Productivity and Soil Physical Properties in Rice Based Cropping System of Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 14-30
Author(s):  
M Jahangir Alam ◽  
S Ahmed ◽  
MK Islam ◽  
R Islam ◽  
M Islam
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Physical Property ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
System Productivity ◽  
Transplanted Rice ◽  
Residue Retention

Cropping systems of Bangladesh are highly diverse and cultivation costs of puddled transplanted rice (PTR) are high. Therefore, an improved system is needed to address the issues, a field experiment was conducted during 2011-2013 to evaluate system intensification with varying degrees of cropping systems and residue retention. Four cropping systems (CSE) namely CSE1: T. boro rice-T. aman rice (control), CSE2: wheat-mungbean-T. aman rice (wheat and mungbean sown using a power tiller-operated seeder (PTOS) with full tillage in a single pass; puddled transplanted aman), CSE3: wheat-mungbean-dry seeded DS aman rice (DSR), and CSE4: wheat-mungbean-DS aman rice (all sown by PTOS with strip tillage) were compared. Two levels of aman rice residue retention (removed; partial retention i.e. 40 cm of standing stubble) were compared in sub plots. Grain yield was significantly higher (by 11%) when wheat was grown after DSR than PTR. Similarly, PTR and DSR (aman rice) produced statistically similar crop yields. Rice residue retention resulted a significantly higher (by 10%) wheat yield and a slightly increased (by 6%) mungbean yield than that of residues removed. The system productivity of CSE4 was significantly higher (by 10%) than CSE1 when averaged of the two years data. Partial aman residue retention gave significantly higher system yield than residue removal (by 0.6 t ha-1). After two years, no effect of CSE or partial aman residue retention was found on soil physical property (bulk density) of the top soil. Therefore, CSE4 along with residue retention would be more effective for sustainable crop production. The Agriculturists 2019; 17(1-2) 14-30

scholarly journals Evaluation of Long-Term SOC and Crop Productivity within Conservation Systems Using GFDL CM2.1 and EPIC

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kieu N. Le ◽  
Manoj K. Jha ◽  
Jaehak Jeong ◽  
Philip W. Gassman ◽  
Manuel R. Reyes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Upland Rice ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Global Climate Model ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
Epic Model

Will soil organic carbon (SOC) and yields increase for conservation management systems in tropical zones in response to the next 100 years? To answer the question, the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model was used to study the effects of climate change, cropping systems, conservation agriculture (CA) and conservation tillage management practices on SOC and crop productivity in Kampong Cham, Cambodia. The EPIC model was successfully calibrated and validated for crop yields, biomass, SOC and nitrogen based on field data from a five-year field experiment. Historical weather (1994–2013) was used for baseline assessment versus mid-century (2046–2064) and late-century (2081–2100) climate projections generated by the Geophysical Fluids Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) CM2.1 global climate model. The simulated results showed that upland rice yield would increase the most under the B1 scenario in mid-century for all treatments, followed by soybean and maize. Cassava yield only increased under CA treatment when cultivated as a continuous primary crop. Carbon sequestration was more sensitive to cropping systems and crop rotation than climate change. The results indicated that the rotated CA primary crop (maize) systems should be prioritized for SOC sequestration as well as for increasing crop productivity. In addition, rice systems may increase SOC compared to soybean and cassava.

The chemistry of saturation extracts of Solonetzic and associated soils

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Heck ◽  
A. R. Mermut
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Evolution ◽  
Soil Development ◽  
Exchangeable Sodium ◽  
Saturation Indices ◽  
Soil Extracts ◽  
Closed Basin ◽  
Cation Concentration ◽  
Exchange Constants ◽  
Salt Affected Soils ◽  
Exchange Selectivity

Cation speciation in soil extracts from a catenary sequence of salt-affected soils was studied to understand the chemical evolution of Solonetzic soils in a closed basin. Major changes in cation speciation were found to occur at each phase of soil development. The proportion of thermodynamically active cations was greater in the extracts from the more leached profiles. Saturation indices suggested that the extracts achieved equilibrium with calcite and gypsum, when present in the soil, within 24 h. Accumulations and/or losses of gypsum and calcite from saline layers indicate that there are ongoing changes in their stability. The ratio of Ca2+/Mg2+ suggested a possible equilibrium with Mg-bearing calcites; conditions existed in certain horizons for the formation of this group of minerals. Correlations between exchangeable sodium ratios and sodium adsorption ratios calculated using cation concentration and activity were similar; however, using activities to determine the exchange constants resulted in significant differences.Key words: Cation speciation, saturation indices, cation adsorption, exchange selectivity constants, Solonetzic soils

Fertility Status of Selected Agricultural Soils Along Major Roads in Nasarawa Eggon and Doma Areas of Nasarawa State, North Central, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Onwuka ◽  
J. M. Nwaedozie ◽  
E. H. Kwon – Dung ◽  
P. T. Terna
Keyword(s):  
Plant Uptake ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
High Rate

Soil nutrient status determines its crop productivity and provide basis for appropriate soil management. The soil samples which spread across the agricultural farms along major roads in Nasarawa Eggon and Doma areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria; were analyzed for both physical and chemical properties. Most of the studied Nasarawa Eggon and Doma soils were extremely acidic. Textural class showed high sand content (>80) of the investigated soils, indicating possible high rate of water infiltration in these soils which will lead to their low water holding capacity. The organic carbon (OC) contents in both locations, were rated high as it varied from 1.50 to 1.85 %, whereas total nitrogen (TN) levels ranged from 0.07 to 0.21 % in the studied soils. The levels of available P, Ca, K and Mg were inadequate for satisfactory plant growth, considering their respective critical level established for Nigerian soils. Mineral analysis showed the presence of essential elements such as S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mo and Zn. Beneficial/functional elements such as Ti, V, Rb and Sr, were found in significant quantities in the investigated soils of both studied areas. Thus, Potential K and Ca deficiency could be greatly compensated by Rb and Sr uptake. The quantities of non – beneficial elements such as Sn, Sb, Te, Cs, Ba and Sc were significant in soils from Nasarawa Eggon but were insignificant in Doma soils. Thus, this study revealed that nutrient content of the soil differs from the nutrient availability for plant uptake and the fertility of investigated soils in both locations depended on the soil pH and textural class. Also, the conditions of the soils at both studied locations, are unfavourable for plant uptake of certain important nutrients and could lead to low crop yields if there is no effective nutrient and soil management.

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