Diagnosis, extent, impacts, and management of subsoil constraints in the northern grains cropping region of Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. P. Dang ◽  
R. C. Dalal ◽  
S. R. Buck ◽  
B. Harms ◽  
R. Kelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Water Extraction ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Grid Sampling ◽  
Pasture Legumes ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Winter Crops ◽  
High Concentrations

Productivity of grain crops grown under dryland conditions in north-eastern Australia depends on efficient use of rainfall and available soil moisture accumulated in the period preceding sowing. However, adverse subsoil conditions including high salinity, sodicity, nutrient imbalances, acidity, alkalinity, and high concentrations of chloride (Cl) and sodium (Na) in many soils of the region restrict ability of crop roots to access this stored water and nutrients. Planning for sustainable cropping systems requires identification of the most limiting constraint and understanding its interaction with other biophysical factors. We found that the primary effect of complex and variable combinations of subsoil constraints was to increase the crop lower limit (CLL), thereby reducing plant available water. Among chemical subsoil constraints, subsoil Cl concentration was a more effective indicator of reduced water extraction and reduced grain yields than either salinity or sodicity (ESP). Yield penalty due to high subsoil Cl was seasonally variable, with more in-crop rainfall (ICR) resulting in less negative impact. A conceptual model to determine realistic yield potential in the presence of subsoil Cl was developed from a significant positive linear relationship between CLL and subsoil Cl: Since grid sampling of soil to identify distribution of subsoil Cl, both spatially across landscape and within soil profile, is time-consuming and expensive, we found that electromagnetic induction, coupled with yield mapping and remote sensing of vegetation offers potential to rapidly identify possible subsoil Cl at paddock or farm scale. Plant species and cultivars were evaluated for their adaptations to subsoil Cl. Among winter crops, barley and triticale, followed by bread wheat, were more tolerant of high subsoil Cl concentrations than durum wheat. Chickpea and field pea showed a large decrease in yield with increasing subsoil Cl concentrations and were most sensitive of the crops tested. Cultivars of different winter crops showed minor differences in sensitivity to increasing subsoil Cl concentrations. Water extraction potential of oilseed crops was less affected than cereals with increasing levels of subsoil Cl concentrations. Among summer crops, water extraction potential of millet, mungbean, and sesame appears to be more sensitive to subsoil Cl than that of sorghum and maize; however, the differences were significant only to 0.7 m. Among pasture legumes, lucerne was more tolerant to high subsoil Cl concentrations than the others studied. Surface applied gypsum significantly improved wheat grain yield on soils with ESP >6 in surface soil (0–0.10 m). Subsurface applied gypsum at 0.20–0.30 m depth did not affect grain yield in the first year of application; however, there was a significant increase in grain yield in following years. Better subsoil P and Zn partially alleviated negative impact of high subsoil Cl. Potential savings from improved N fertilisation decisions for paddocks with high subsoil Cl are estimated at ~$AU10 million per annum.

Electromagnetic induction sensing of soil identifies constraints to the crop yields of north-eastern Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. P. Dang ◽  
R. C. Dalal ◽  
M. J. Pringle ◽  
A. J. W. Biggs ◽  
S. Darr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Electromagnetic Induction ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Soil Constraints ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
On Farm

Salinity, sodicity, acidity, and phytotoxic concentrations of chloride (Cl–) in soil are major constraints to crop production in many soils of north-eastern Australia. Soil constraints vary both spatially across the landscape and vertically within the soil profile. Identification of the spatial variability of these constraints will allow farmers to tune management to the potential of the land, which will, in turn, bring economic benefit. For three cropping fields in Australia’s northern grains region, we used electromagnetic induction with an EM38, which measures apparent electrical conductivity of the soil (ECa) and soil sampling to identify potential management classes. Soil Cl– and soluble Na+ concentrations, EC of the saturated extract (ECse), and soil moisture were the principal determinants of the variation of ECa, measured both at the drained upper limit of moisture (UL) and at the lower limit (LL) of moisture extracted by the crop. Grain yield showed a strong negative relation with ECa at both UL and LL, although it was stronger for the latter. We arrive at a framework to estimate the monetary value of site-specific management options, through: (i) identification of potential management classes formed from ECa at LL; (ii) measurement of soil attributes generally associated with soil constraints in the region; (iii) grain yield monitoring; and (iv) simple on-farm experiments. Simple on-farm experiments suggested that, for constrained areas, matching fertiliser application to realistic yield potential, coupled to gypsum amelioration, could potentially benefit growers by AU$14–46/ha.year (fertiliser) and $207/ha.3 years (gypsum).

scholarly journals Can Cowpea Intercropped Maize-Based System with Inclusion of Short Cycle Winter Crop through Soil Moisture Conservation Practices Enhance Crop, Water, Energy Productivity and Soil Health under Long Term Organic Management?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raghavendra Singh ◽  
Subhash Babu ◽  
R.K. Avasthe ◽  
Gulab Singh Yadav ◽  
Anup Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Short Cycle ◽  
Net Return ◽  
Maize Grain Yield ◽  
Soil Moisture Conservation ◽  
Winter Crops ◽  
Maize Grain

Organic farming has positive, impact on environment, soil health, and healthy food quality. Worldwide demand for organic foods is increasing by leaps and bounds in recent years. The present investigation was undertaken during 2014 to 2018 to evaluate the effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) co-culture with maize (Zea mays L.) on productivity enhancement over prevailing maize-fallow system, and to assess the feasibility of inclusion of short duration winter crops after maize with appropriate residue management practices on productivity and soil health. The experiment comprised of six cropping systems in main plot and three soil moisture conservation (SMC) measures options in sub plot. Results indicated that the inclusion of second crop in place of fallow and cowpea co-culture with maize increased average maize grain yield by 6.2 to 23.5% as compared to that of maize-fallow (MF). Use of maize stover mulch (MSM) + weed biomass mulch (WBM) increases maize grain yield by 19.1 and 6.5% over those of MSM and no mulch (NM), respectively. Various soil moisture conservation (SMC) measures had significant (p=0.05) effect on crop yields and water productivity. Double cropping system had significantly (p=0.05) higher amount of soil available NPK, soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) at 0-15 cm and at 15-30 cm depth than those under MF. The SWC measures of MSM+WBM had significantly higher available N, SOC, and MBC by 5.5, 4.8 and 8.1% than those under NM, respectively. Correspondingly, soils under MSM and MSM+WBM had 2.24 and 2.99% lower bulk density (ρb) in 0-15 cm and 2.21 and 2.94% lower ρb in 15-30 cm than that of NM. The energy use efficiency (EUE) was significantly higher under MCV (7.90%) over rest of the cropping sequences. MSM+WBM and MSM recorded 25.1 and 16.6% higher net energy over NM, respectively. The net return (INR 159.99×103/ha) and B:C ratio (2.86) were significantly higher with MCV system followed by MCR cropping sequence. MSM+WBM had significantly higher net return (INR 109.44×103/h), B:C ratio (2.46) over those under MSM (INR 97.6×103/h) and NM (INR 78.61×103/h). Overall the cowpea co-culture with maize and inclusion of short cycle winter crops along with MSM+WBM in maize-based cropping systems was found productive in terms of crop and water, profitable, energy efficient and sustained the soil health.

Ecology of herbaceous perennial legumes: a review of characteristics that may provide management options for the control of salinity and waterlogging in dryland cropping systems

2001 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 137 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. S . Cocks
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Alkaline Soils ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Pasture Legumes ◽  
Dry Areas ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Perennial Legumes

Salinity is a widespread problem caused by an imbalance between rainfall and transpiration in the dryland cropping systems of southern Australia. The need to use more perennials has been identified and this paper examines the possibility of replacing annual with perennial pasture legumes and the germplasm available to do so. While lucerne is already used widely in eastern Australia it has only recently been adopted in the wheat belt of Western Australia. There are doubts about its adaptation to acid soils and to climates where summer rainfall is low and ambient temperatures are high. There is also a need to diversify the species available to reduce the likelihood of invasion by exotic diseases and insects. Several genera are likely to be of value in this respect, although few will be as widely adapted as lucerne. Perennial legumes are found in environments ranging from alpine to desert. Targeted collections of genera from the dry areas, especially where soils are acid, are likely to yield species of value. These may include perennial species of Astragalus, Hedysarum, Lotus, Onobrychis, Psoralea, and Trifolium. Some Australian genera, for example Swainsona, Glycine, and Cullen may also be of value. Most of these genera are from alkaline soils, and the need to cope with acid soils that are often high in free aluminium is seen to limit their use in southern Australia. However, since virtually nothing is known of the ecology and ecophysiology of species from the dry areas, it is possible that through selection and the use of adapted rhizobia, some at least may be of value in Australian conditions. Cropping in rotation with perennial legumes is likely to involve several changes in farming systems. It is impossible to predict their nature but it is essential that we understand what these changes are before the species are widely introduced. Account must also be taken of their ability to use water. It is entirely possible that perennials from dry areas are dormant in summer despite the fact that there is no evidence in the literature to this effect. It was concluded that although lucerne is suitable for phase farming, alternatives to lucerne are needed. They will have to match the water-using and nitrogen-fixing capacities of lucerne, and farming systems will be required that make full use of the new germplasm. Collaboration with institutions in the Mediterranean basin and elsewhere is needed and a beginning has been made in this direction.

Response of canola and Indian mustard to sowing date in the grain belt of north-eastern Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Robertson ◽  
J. F. Holland ◽  
R. Bambach
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Harvest Index ◽  
Oil Content ◽  
Indian Mustard ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Frost Risk ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern

Sowing date is an important determinant of yield in canola. The arrival at an optimum sowing time will depend on trade-offs between lowered frost risk with delayed sowing and lowered yield potential. A comprehensive analysis of response to sowing date has not been conducted for northern environments, a new region for canola production. The aim of this study was to analyse the response of phenology, yield and oil content of current cultivars of canola to sowing date (April–September) in north-eastern Australia, using 17 sowings from Tamworth (31.09°S) to Lawes (27.55°S). Three cultivars were studied: an early and late flowering canola and an advanced breeding line of Indian mustard. For all 3 genotypes, a delay in sowing shortened the time to 50% flowering and to maturity, while differences among the genotypes in time to flowering for sowing dates around 15 May reflected their known differences in phenological development. For sowings at Tamworth beyond 15 May, a 1 day delay in sowing delayed flowering by 0.42, 0.42 and 0.37 days in Indian mustard, Monty and Oscar, respectively. Delay in maturity was 0.58, 0.56 and 0.54 days per day delay in sowing date. Yield and oil content penalties due to delayed sowing were similar to those found previously in other Australian environments. The decline of grain yield with delay in sowing date could be largely explained by the decline in biomass at maturity, while for oil content it could be related positively to harvest index and seed size, and negatively to temperature conditions post-anthesis. Indian mustard had a lower harvest index, grain yield and oil content than both canola cultivars. Oil content exceeded 40% in canola in half of the sowings. Information on the response of oilseed Brassicas to sowing date can be used to quantify the trade-offs between frost risk and crop productivity with sowing date for different cultivar types.

scholarly journals Effects of plant population and row spacing on grain yield of aerial-sown and drill-sown rice

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 219 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. W. Dunn ◽  
T. S. Dunn ◽  
J. H. Mitchell ◽  
J. Brinkhoff
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Plant Population ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Rice Grain ◽  
Plant Populations ◽  
Rice Varieties ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
The Impact

Objective guidelines about plant population are essential to ensure that yield potential of rice grain is not compromised. Drill-sowing of rice is increasing in popularity in many rice-growing regions of the world in response to a requirement for increased water productivity, but little information is available on row-spacing widths required to maximise grain yield potential. This research investigated the impacts of plant population on grain yield and yield components for aerial- and drill-sown rice, and the effects of row-spacing width for drill-sown rice grown in a temperate environment. Ten aerial-sown and five drill-sown experiments were conducted in south-eastern Australia over three seasons using four semi-dwarf rice varieties. Plant populations ranged from 7 to 396 plants m–2. Plant populations as low as 30 plants m–2 were able to achieve grain yields >12 t ha–1 but only when the plants were uniformly distributed. At a population of ~100 plants m–2, the impact of plant-stand distribution was negligible. Grain yield was maintained across a large range of plant populations, mainly through compensatory effects of more tillers per plant and more grains per panicle at lower plant populations. For aerial-sown rice, maximum grain yield (up to 14.9 t ha–1) was always achieved with a minimum plant population of 100 plants m–2, and likewise for drill-sown rice provided the row spacing was ≤27 cm. At equivalent plant populations, 36-cm row spacing produced lower grain yield than narrower row spacings. When large gaps existed between plants within the rows, neighbouring plants could not compensate for the gap at the wider 36-cm row spacing, and grain yield was reduced. A practical optimal plant population of 100–200 plants m–2 was found to be suitable for the semi-dwarf varieties used in this study for both aerial- and drill-sowing methods.

Comparative Effect of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea l.) Genotypes on Yield and N Fixation in Sudan and Northern Guinea Savannahs of Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 61-67
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
Maize Crop ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Pod Yield

Recognition of high yielding and nitrogen (N) fixing groundnut genotypes and desegregating them in the cereal-based cropping systems common in savannah regions will enhance food security and reduce the need for high N fertilizers hence, minimize the high cost and associated environmental consequences. Field trials were conducted during the 2015 growing season at the Research Farms of Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru-Zaria to assess the yield potential and Biolog- ical N fixation in 15 groundnut genotypes (ICG 4729, ICGV-IS 07823, ICGV-IS 07893, ICGV-IS 07908, ICGV- SM 07539, ICGV- SM 07599, ICGV-IS 09926, ICGV-IS 09932, ICGV-IS 09992, ICGV-IS 09994, SAMNUT-21, SAMNUT-22, SAMNUT-25, KAMPALA and KWANKWAS). The groundnut genotypes and reference Maize crop (SAMMAZ 29) were planted in a randomized complete block design in three replications. N difference method was used to estimate the amount of N fixed. The parameters determined were the number of nodules, nod- ule dry weight, shoot and root dry weights, pod, and haulm yield as well as N fixation. The nodule dry weight, BNF, haulm, and pod yield were statistically significant (P<0.01) concerning genotype and location. Similarly, their interac- tion effect was also highly significant. ICGV-IS 09926 recorded the highest nod- ule dry weight of 2.07mg /plant across the locations while ICGV-IS 09932 had the highest BNF value of 140.27Kg/ha. Additionally, KAMPALA had the high- est haulm yield, while ICGV-IS 07893 had the highest pod yield across the loca- tions with a significant interaction effect. The result shows that ICGV-IS 07893 and ICGV-IS 09932, as well as ICGV-IS 09994 and SAMNUT – 22, were the best genotypes concerning BNF, haulm and pod yield in the Northern Guinea and Sudan Savannahs of Nigeria respectively with the potential for a corresponding beneficial effect.

scholarly journals Influence of Organic and Conventional Farming on Grain Yield and Protein Composition of Chickpea Genotypes

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Michele Andrea De Santis ◽  
Michele Rinaldi ◽  
Valeria Menga ◽  
Pasquale Codianni ◽  
Luigia Giuzio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
2S Albumin ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Health Quality ◽  
Water Holding

Chickpea is a key crop in sustainable cropping systems and for its nutritional value. Studies on agronomic and genetic influences on chickpea protein composition are missing. In order to obtain a deep insight into the genetic response of chickpeas to management in relation to agronomic and quality traits, a two-year field trial was carried out with eight chickpea genotypes under an organic and conventional cropping system. Protein composition was assessed by SDS-PAGE in relation to the main fractions (vicilin, convicilin, legumin, lectin, 2s-albumin). Crop response was highly influenced by year and presumably also by management, with a −50% decrease in grain yield under organic farming, mainly due to a reduction in seed number per m2. No effect of crop management was observed on protein content, despite significant differences in terms of protein composition. The ratio between the major globulins, 7s vicilin and 11s legumin, showed a negative relationship with grain yield and was found to be higher under organic farming. Among genotypes, black-seed Nero Senise was characterized by the highest productivity and water-holding capacity, associated with low lectin content. These findings highlight the importance of the choice of chickpea genotypes for cultivation under organic farming in relation to both agronomic performance and technological and health quality.

scholarly journals Effects of conservation agriculture on productivity and Economics of maize-wheat based cropping systems in midwestern Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-63
Author(s):  
K Pariyar ◽  
A Chaudhary ◽  
P Sapkota ◽  
S Sharma ◽  
CB Rana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Zero Tillage ◽  
Higher Plant ◽  
Equivalent Yield

The effects of two tillage methods (zero tillage and conventional tillage), two residue managements (residue kept and residue removed) and two levels of cropping system (maize + soybean and sole maize) were studied over 3 years (2015-2017) at Dailekh district of Nepal. Arun-2 and Puja were the varieties of maize and soybean used respectively, followed by winter wheat. The results revealed that the maize + soybean system had significantly higher plant population and ear population (34.83 thousands ha-1 and 34.35 thousands ha-1, respectively), grains per row (37.1), ear length (16.6 cm) and 20.5% higher grain yield as compared to sole maize. The highest maize equivalent yield (7.92 t ha-1) was recorded in maize + soybean as compared to the lower grain yield equivalent (7.06 t ha-1) in sole maize. Zero tillage accounted relatively higher benefits (high net income and B:C ratio) as compared to conventional tillage. The residue kept plot resulted significantly higher B:C ratio (2.41) than the residue removed (2.11) and the maize + soybean recorded 82.5% greater B:C ratio compared to sole maize. Net annual income was significantly higher in zero tillage, residue kept and maize + soybean system (NRs. 223072.00, 222958.00 and 269016.00 ha-1 respectively). Such combinations are recommended for Dailekh district of Nepal to have profitable crop productivity. SAARC J. Agri., 17(1): 49-63 (2019)

Contribution of Stem Dry Matter to Grain Yield in Wheat Cultivars

1991 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
PC Pheloung ◽  
KHM Siddique
Keyword(s):  
Water Stress ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Percentage Reduction ◽  
Wheat Cultivars ◽  
Activity Increase ◽  
Structural Carbohydrate ◽  
Days After Anthesis

Field experiments were conducted in the eastern wheat belt of Western Australia in a dry year with and without irrigation (1987) and in a wet year (1988), comparing three cultivars of wheat differing in height and yield potential. The aim of the study was to determine the contribution of remobilisable stem dry matter to grain dry matter under different water regimes in old and modern wheats. Stem non-structural carbohydrate was labelled with 14C 1 day after anthesis and the activity and weight of this pool and the grain was measured at 2, 18 and 58 days after anthesis. Gutha and Kulin, modern tall and semi-dwarf cultivars respectively, yielded higher than Gamenya, a tall older cultivar in all conditions, but the percentage reduction in yield under water stress was greater for the modern cultivars (41, 34 and 23%). In the grain of Gamenya, the increase in 14C activity after the initial labelling was highest under water stress. Generally, loss of 14C activity from the non-structural stem dry matter was less than the increase in grain activity under water stress but similar to or greater than grain activity increase under well watered conditions. Averaged over environments and cultivars, non-structural dry matter stored in the stem contributed at least 20% of the grain dry matter.

Application of physiological understanding in soybean improvement. I. Understanding phenological constraints to adaptation and yield potential

2011 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Lawn ◽  
A. T. James
Keyword(s):  
Seed Yield ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Interaction Effects ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Sowing Dates ◽  
Eastern Australia

The purpose of this paper and its companion1 is to describe how, in eastern Australia, soybean improvement, in terms of both breeding and agronomy, has been informed and influenced over the past four decades by physiological understanding of the environmental control of phenology. This first paper describes how initial attempts to grow soybean in eastern Australia, using varieties and production practices from the southern USA, met with limited success due to large variety × environment interaction effects on seed yield. In particular, there were large variety × location, variety × sowing date, and variety × sowing date × density effects. These various interaction effects were ultimately explained in terms of the effects of photo-thermal environment on the phenology of different varieties, and the consequences for radiation interception, dry matter production, harvest index, and seed yield. This knowledge enabled the formulation of agronomic practices to optimise sowing date and planting arrangement to suit particular varieties, and underpinned the establishment of commercial production in south-eastern Queensland in the early 1970s. It also influenced the establishment and operation over the next three decades of several separate breeding programs, each targeting phenological adaptation to specific latitudinal regions of eastern Australia. This paper also describes how physiological developments internationally, particularly the discovery of the long juvenile trait and to a lesser extent the semi-dwarf ideotype, subsequently enabled an approach to be conceived for broadening the phenological adaptation of soybeans across latitudes and sowing dates. The application of this approach, and its outcomes in terms of varietal improvement, agronomic management, and the structure of the breeding program, are described in the companion paper.

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