scholarly journals Impacts of organic soil amendments on forage grass production under different soil conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomas Persson ◽  
Wieslaw Szulc ◽  
Beata Rutkowska ◽  
Mats Höglind ◽  
Hans Martin Hanslin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Organic Soil ◽  
Coarse Sand ◽  
Loamy Sand ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Significant Yield ◽  
Grassland Productivity

Organic amendments can improve grassland productivity. Timothy and tall fescue were sown on a sandy loam and a coarse sand at Særheim, Norway, in September 2016 and on a loamy sand at Skierniewice, Poland, in April 2017, and cut and fertilised according to normal practices for the two regions from 2017 to 2019. At both sites, 0.75 kg DM m-2 of either digested or undigested manure (the latter with or without 2.9 kg biochar m-2) were incorporated prior to sowing. On the coarse sand at Særheim, total seasonal tall fescue yield in 2018 was 46–60% higher in the organic amendment treatments, and total seasonal timothy yield in the digestate treatment was 97% higher, than in the control treatment for the same species with only mineral fertiliser. On the sandy loam at Særheim and the loamy sand at Skierniewice, none of the amendments resulted in significant yield increments. These results indicate a clear effect on soil type on grassland biomass response to organic amendments.

Effect of soil properties and soil disturbance on frost heaving of mineral soil: a laboratory experiment

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 2885-2893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle de Chantal ◽  
Hannu Rita ◽  
Urban Bergsten ◽  
Mikaell Ottosson Löfvenius ◽  
Harald Grip
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiment ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Fine Sand ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Coarse Sand ◽  
Loamy Sand ◽  
Frost Heaving ◽  
C And N

A laboratory experiment was done to identify the properties that make a substrate susceptible to frost heaving. Tests were carried out on nondisturbed soil cores (fresh and dry) of Ae and B horizons from sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam in a freezing cabinet (–3.5 °C). Cores were continuously supplied with water from below. Freezing tests were repeated after soil disturbance (V-shaped furrow, 50% increase in surface area). The effects of texture, horizon, drying, and disturbance on frost heaving were tested using repeated-measures analysis of variance with soil elements (organic Al, organic Fe, inorganic Al, inorganic Fe, C, and N) and soil fractions (clay, fine silt, coarse silt, fine sand, and coarse sand) as covariates. The effect of horizon was as important as that of texture, and soil disturbance increased frost heaving. Disturbed fresh B horizon from loamy sand and sandy loam heaved the most (soil expansion >5% in height), whereas nondisturbed dry Ae horizon, regardless of texture, and nondisturbed dry B horizon from sand heaved the least (soil expansion <0.8% in height). Soil elements and fractions had an impact on frost heaving, especially organic Al, although it was of a smaller magnitude. Therefore, it is suggested that seedbeds or planting substrates be prepared by exposing the nondisturbed Ae horizon only, that is, without exposing or disturbing the B horizon.

Assessment of components in a set of management practices for the wet-season production of vegetable cow pea in Trinidad

1982 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. I Brathwaite
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Fertilizer Treatment ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
High Plant Density

SUMMARYExperiments were conducted in association with farmers during 1977, 1978 and 1979 on a River Estate sandy loam at Valsayn and on a Cunupia clay loam at Piarco, Trinidad, to assess the relative importance of components in a set of practices for wetseason production of ‘yellow shell’ pods of ‘blackeye’ type of cow pea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). Though the response of the cow pea growth, yield and seed quality characteristics were similar at both locations, crop performance was consistently better at Valsayn and was attributed to more favourable soil conditions and to a lower incidence of pests (mainly Ceratoma beetles), cow pea severe mosaic virus, and weeds. Overall, it was found that pest control was the most important management factor, accounting for a mean yield increase of 144%. The adoption of the improved cultivar, California Blackeye No. 5, increased yield by 77%. Other inputs resulting in significant yield increases were, in order of magnitude, weed control (40%), roguing of mosaic infected plants (37%) and high plant density of 110000 plants/ha (23%). A fertilizer treatment did not significantly increase yield. The results suggest that adoption of the insect control treatment by farmers in their cultivation of an improved cultivar sown at high plant density, the use of herbicide and roguing of mosaic infected plants have practical potential and would be economically justified for the production of high yields and good quality ‘yellow shell’ pods of vegetable cow pea for processing.

Comparison of oxidoreductive enzyme activities in three coal tar creosote-contaminated soils

Soil Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arkadiusz Telesiński ◽  
Teresa Krzyśko-Łupicka ◽  
Krystyna Cybulska ◽  
Barbara Pawłowska ◽  
Robert Biczak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Coal Tar ◽  
Loamy Sand ◽  
Clay Loam ◽  
Oxidoreductase Activity ◽  
Sandy Clay Loam ◽  
Sandy Clay ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Negative Effect

This study used laboratory experiments to compare the effects of coal tar creosote on the activity of oxidoreductive enzymes in sandy loam, loamy sand and sandy clay loam soils. Different amounts of coal tar creosote were added to soil samples as follows: 0 (control), 2, 10 or 50 g kg–1 dry matter. The activity of soil dehydrogenases (DHAs), o-diphenol oxidase (o-DPO), catalase (CAT), nitrate reductase (NR) and peroxidases (POX) was determined. Contamination of soil with coal tar creosote affected oxidoreductase activity. Oxidoreductive enzyme activity following soil contamination with coal tar creosote was in the following order: DHAs &gt; CAT &gt; NR &gt; POX &gt; o-DPO in loamy sand and in sandy loam; and DHAs &gt; POX &gt; CAT &gt; NR &gt; o-DPO in sandy clay loam. The index of soil oxidoreductive activity (IOx) introduced in this study confirms the negative effect of coal tar creosote on oxidoreductase activity in soil. DHAs were the most sensitive to the contamination of soil with coal tar creosote. Moreover, the greatest changes in oxidoreductase activities were observed in loamy sand. Knowledge of the mechanism underlying the effects of coal tar creosote on oxidoreductive processes may enable development of a method for the bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.

scholarly journals Calcium-Enriched Animal Manure Alleviates the Adverse Effects of Salt Stress on Growth, Physiology and Nutrients Homeostasis of Zea mays L.

Plants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bushra Niamat ◽  
Muhammad Naveed ◽  
Zulfiqar Ahmad ◽  
Muhammad Yaseen ◽  
Allah Ditta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Soil Salinity ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Alkaline Soil ◽  
Sodic Soil ◽  
Growth Physiology

Soil salinity and sodicity are among the main problems for optimum crop production in areas where rainfall is not enough for leaching of salts out of the rooting zone. Application of organic and Ca-based amendments have the potential to increase crop yield and productivity under saline–alkaline soil environments. Based on this hypothesis, the present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of compost, Ca-based fertilizer industry waste (Ca-FW), and Ca-fortified compost (Ca-FC) to increase growth and yield of maize under saline–sodic soil conditions. Saline–sodic soil conditions with electrical conductivity (EC) levels (1.6, 5, and 10 dS m−1) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 15, were developed by spiking soil with a solution containing NaCl, Na2SO4, MgSO4, and CaCl2. Results showed that soil salinity and sodicity significantly reduced plant growth, yield, physiological, and nutrient uptake parameters. However, the application of Ca-FC caused a remarkable increase in the studied parameters of maize at EC levels of 1.6, 5, and 10 dS m−1 as compared to the control. In addition, Ca-FC caused the maximum decrease in Na+/K+ ratio in shoot up to 85.1%, 71.79%, and 70.37% at EC levels of 1.6, 5, and 10 dS m−1, respectively as compared to the control treatment. Moreover, nutrient uptake (NPK) was also significantly increased with the application of Ca-FC under normal as well as saline–sodic soil conditions. It is thus inferred that the application of Ca-FC could be an effective amendment to enhance growth, yield, physiology, and nutrient uptake in maize under saline–sodic soil conditions constituting the novelty of this work.

scholarly journals Characterization of Maize Genotypes (Zea mays L.) for Resistance to Striga asiatica and S. hermonthica and Compatibility with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (FOS) in Tanzania

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1004
Author(s):  
John Lobulu ◽  
Hussein Shimelis ◽  
Mark D. Laing ◽  
Arnold Angelo Mushongi ◽  
Admire Isaac Tichafa Shayanowako
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Fusarium Oxysporum ◽  
Biocontrol Agent ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
Maize Genotypes ◽  
Significant Yield ◽  
The Mean

Striga species cause significant yield loss in maize varying from 20 to 100%. The aim of the present study was to screen and identify maize genotypes with partial resistance to S. hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa) and compatible with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (FOS), a biocontrol agent. Fifty-six maize genotypes were evaluated for resistance to Sh and Sa, and FOS compatibility. Results showed that FOS treatment significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced Striga management compared to the untreated control under both Sh and Sa infestations. The mean grain yield was reduced by 19.13% in FOS-untreated genotypes compared with a loss of 13.94% in the same genotypes treated with FOS under Sh infestation. Likewise, under Sa infestation, FOS-treated genotypes had a mean grain yield reduction of 18% while untreated genotypes had a mean loss of 21.4% compared to the control treatment. Overall, based on Striga emergence count, Striga host damage rating, grain yield and FOS compatibility, under Sh and Sa infestations, 23 maize genotypes carrying farmer preferred traits were identified. The genotypes are useful genetic materials in the development of Striga-resistant cultivars in Tanzania and related agro-ecologies.

scholarly journals Organic Amendments Influence Soil Water Depletion, Root Distribution, and Water Productivity of Summer Maize in the Guanzhong Plain of Northwest China

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Li Zhao ◽  
Lu-Sheng Li ◽  
Huan-Jie Cai ◽  
Xiao-Hu Shi ◽  
Chao Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Root Distribution ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Mineral Fertilizer ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Root Weight ◽  
Summer Maize

Organic amendments improve general soil conditions and stabilize crop production, but their effects on the soil hydrothermal regime, root distribution, and their contributions to water productivity (WP) of maize have not been fully studied. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of organic amendments on soil temperature, water storage depletion (SWSD), root distribution, grain yield, and the WP of summer maize (Zea mays L.) in the Guanzhong Plain of Northwest China. The control treatment (CO) applied mineral fertilizer without amendments, and the three amended treatments applied mineral fertilizer with 20 Mg ha−1 of wheat straw (MWS), farmyard manure (MFM), and bioorganic fertilizer (MBF), respectively. Organic amendments decreased SWSD compared to CO, and the lowest value was obtained in MBF, followed by MWS and MFM. Meanwhile, the lowest mean topsoil (0–10 cm) temperature was registered in MWS. Compared to CO, organic amendments generally improved the root length density (RLD) and root weight density (RWD) of maize. MBF showed the highest RLD across the whole soil profile, while MWS yielded the greatest RWD to 20 cm soil depth. Consequently, organic amendments increased grain yield by 9.9–40.3% and WP by 8.6–47.1% compared to CO, and the best performance was attained in MWS and MBF. We suggest that MWS and MBF can benefit the maize agriculture in semi-arid regions for higher yield, and WP through regulating soil hydrothermal conditions and improving root growth.

Determination of water content in drying soils: incorporating transition from liquid phase to vapour phase

Soil Research ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Konukcu ◽  
A. Istanbulluoglu ◽  
I. Kocaman
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Transition Zone ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Vapour Phase ◽  
Coarse Sand ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Evaporation Front ◽  
Matric Potential ◽  
Silty Loam

In arid and semi-arid environments, soil profiles often exhibit a liquid–vapour displacement known as evaporation front characterised by a critical matric potential (ψme) or water content (θe) located somewhere inside the unsaturated zone above a watertable (WT). The objective of this study was to determine the θe including the range of water content (θ) in the transition zone from liquid to vapour both theoretically and experimentally for different soil textures under saline and non-saline WTs. Characteristic shapes of water content and salt concentration profiles were the criteria to obtain θe experimentally, and the θ–diffusivity relationship was used to compute the θe and θ range in the transition zone. Measured θe values of 0.05 and 0.12 m3/m3 under non-saline WT and 0.07 and 0.15 m3/m3 under saline WT were in agreement with the computed values of 0.05 and 0.10 m3/m3 for sandy loam and clay loam soils, respectively. The model calculates roughly the same θe for saline and non-saline conditions. Besides experimental soils, θe and range of θ in the transition zone were calculated for silty loam and coarse sand. The lighter the soil texture, the smaller is θe and the steeper the transition zone. The results were further compared with those calculated by different authors.

Weed control in sugar beet with single and split applications of herbicides

1971 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurice Eddowes
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
The West ◽  
West Midlands ◽  
Free Environment ◽  
Annual Weeds ◽  
Residual Herbicide

SummaryRecent developments in chemical weed control in sugar beet have been reviewed. Two main approaches to the problem of providing reliable season-long control of annual weeds in sugar beet are, (a) the use of mixtures of herbicides applied pre-planting and incorporated into the soil during seed bed preparation, and (b) the use of split applications with a residual herbicide applied pre-emergence followed by a contact herbicide applied post-emergence.The second approach (b) was examined in a series of field experiments from 1967 to 1969, on light to medium sandy loam soils in the West Midlands. Comparisons were made between pre-emergence application of lenacil and pyrazon, pre-emergence application of lenacil and pyrazon followed by post-emergence application of phenmedipham, and post-emergence application of phenmedipham for weed control in sugar beet.Under dry soil conditions in April 1967, lenacil and pyrazon controlled only about 40% of the annual weeds, but in 1968 and 1969, when moist soil conditions predominated in April and May, lenacil and pyrazon controlled 80–95% of the annual weeds.Phenmedipham applied post-emergence gave about 90% control of annual broadleaved weeds initially, but it seemed unlikely that a single application of this herbicide would provide satisfactory weed control in sugar beet.In each of the 3 years 1967–9, a split application of a soil-acting residual herbicide (pro-emergence) followed by phenmedipham (post-emergence) gave outstanding weed control and enabled sugar beet to be established and grown until mid-June at least, in a near weed-free environment. It was concluded that this technique was the most effective for weed control in sugar beet on light to medium sandy loam soils in the West Midlands.

scholarly journals Non-wood plants as raw material for pulp and paper

2001 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. SAIJONKARI-PAHKALA
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Mineral Content ◽  
Clay Soil ◽  
Organic Soil ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Reed Canary Grass ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Canary Grass

This study was begun in 1990 when there was a marked shortage of short fibre raw material for the pulp industry. During the last ten years the situation has changed little, and the shortage is still apparent. It was estimated that 0.5 to 1 million hectares of arable land would be set aside from cultivation in Finland during this period. An alternative to using hardwoods in printing papers is non-wood fibres from herbaceous field crops. The study aimed at determining the feasibility of using non-wood plants as raw material for the pulp and paper industry, and developing crop management methods for the selected species. The properties considered important for a fibre crop were high yielding ability, high pulping quality and good adaptation to the prevailing climatic conditions and possibilities for low cost production. A strategy and a process to identify, select and introduce a crop for domestic short fibre production is described in this thesis. The experimental part of the study consisted of screening plant species by analysing fibre and mineral content, evaluating crop management methods and varieties, resulting in description of an appropriate cropping system for large-scale fibre plant production. Of the 17 herbaceous plant species studied, monocotyledons were most suitable for pulping. They were productive and well adapted to Finnish climatic conditions. Of the monocots, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were the most promising. These were chosen for further studies and were included in field experiments to determine the most suitable harvesting system and fertilizer application procedures for biomass production. Reed canary grass was favoured by delayed harvesting in spring when the moisture content of the crop stand was 10-15% of DM before production of new tillers. When sown in early spring, reed canary grass typically yielded 7-8 t ha-1 within three years on clay soil. The yield exceeded 10 t ha-1 on organic soil after the second harvest year. Spring harvesting was not suitable for tall fescue and resulted in only 37-54% of dry matter yields and in far fewer stems and panicles than harvested during the growing season. The economic optimum for fertilizer application rate for reed canary grass ranged from 50 to 100 kg N ha-1 when grown on clay soil and harvested in spring. On organic soil the fertilizer rates needed were lower. If tall fescue is used for raw material for paper, fertilizer application rates higher than 100 kg N ha-1 were not of any additional benefit. It was possible to decrease the mineral content of raw material by harvesting in spring, using moderate fertilizer application rates, removing leaf blades from the raw material and growing the crop on organic soil. The fibre content of the raw material increased the later the crop was harvested, being highest in spring. Removing leaf blades and using minimum fertilizer application rates in-creased the fibre content of biomass.;

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