scholarly journals Designer Biochars Impact on Corn Grain Yields, Biomass Production, and Fertility Properties of a Highly-Weathered Ultisol

Environments ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Novak ◽  
Gilbert C. Sigua ◽  
Thomas F. Ducey ◽  
Donald W. Watts ◽  
Kenneth C. Stone
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Panicum Virgatum ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Poultry Litter ◽  
Biomass Productivity ◽  
The Other ◽  
Corn Production ◽  
Biomass Yields ◽  
Corn Grain ◽  
Designer Biochar

There are mixed reports for biochars’ ability to increase corn grain and biomass yields. The objectives of this experiment were to conduct a three-year corn (Zea mays L.) grain and biomass production evaluation to determine soil fertility characteristics after designer biochars were applied to a highly weathered Ultisol. The amendments, which consisted of biochars and compost, were produced from 100% pine chips (PC); 100% poultry litter (PL); PC:PL 2:1 blend; PC mixed 2:1 with raw switchgrass (Panicum virgatum; rSG) compost; and 100% rSG compost. All treatments were applied at 30,000 kg/ha to a Goldsboro loam sandy (Fine-loamy, siliceous, sub-active, thermic Aquic Paleudult). Annual topsoil samples were collected in 5-cm depth increments (0 to 15-cm deep) and pH was measured along with Mehlich 1 phosphorus (M1 P) and potassium (M1 K) contents. After three years of corn production, there was no significant improvement in the annual mean corn grain or biomass yields. Biochar, which was applied from PL and PC:PL 2:1 blend, significantly increased M1 P and M1 K concentrations down to 10-cm deep, while the other biochar and compost treatments showed mixed results when the soil pH was modified. Our results demonstrated that designer biochar additions did not accompany higher corn grain and biomass productivity.

scholarly journals Biochar Stability in a Highly Weathered Sandy Soil under Four Years of Continuous Corn Production

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
pp. 6157
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Michael Novak ◽  
Donald William Watts ◽  
Gilbert C. Sigua ◽  
William Tillman Myers ◽  
Thomas F. Ducey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Climate Change Mitigation ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Poultry Litter ◽  
Grain Production ◽  
Corn Production ◽  
Continuous Corn ◽  
Change Mitigation ◽  
Corn Grain

Biochar is being considered a climate change mitigation tool by increasing soil organic carbon contents (SOC), however, questions remain concerning its longevity in soil. We applied 30,000 kg ha−1 of biochars to plots containing a Goldsboro sandy loam (Fine-loamy, siliceous, sub-active, thermic Aquic Paleudults) and then physically disked all plots. Thereafter, the plots were agronomically managed under 4 years (Y) of continuous corn (Zea Mays, L.) planting. Annually, incremental soil along with corresponding bulk density samples were collected and SOC concentrations were measured in topsoil (down to 23-cm). The biochars were produced from Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) chip (PC) and Poultry litter (PL) feedstocks. An untreated Goldsboro soil (0 biochar) served as a control. After four years, SOC contents in the biochar treated plots were highest in the top 0–5 and 5–10 cm depth suggesting minimal deeper movement. Declines in SOC contents varied with depth and biochar type. After correction for SOC declines in controls, PL biochar treated soil had a similar decline in SOC (7.9 to 10.3%) contents. In contrast, the largest % SOC content decline (20.2%) occurred in 0–5 cm deep topsoil treated with PC biochar. Our results suggest that PC biochar had less stability in the Goldsboro soil than PL biochar after 4 years of corn grain production.

scholarly journals Corn Grain and Stover Nutrient Uptake Responses from Sandy Soil Treated with Designer Biochars and Compost

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 942
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Novak ◽  
Donald W. Watts ◽  
Gilbert C. Sigua ◽  
Thomas F. Ducey
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Corn Stover ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Panicum Virgatum ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Extractable P ◽  
Soil Fertility Improvement ◽  
Corn Grain

Biochars are used for soil fertility improvement because they may contain certain elements that plants use as nutrients. However, few studies have demonstrated enhanced crop nutrient uptake. Our study examined nutrient uptake responses of corn (Zea Mays L.) grain and stover over 4 years (Y) after a Goldsboro sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, sub-active, thermic Aquic Paleudults) received different designer biochars and a compost. The designer biochars were produced from lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) chip (PC), poultry litter (PL), blends with switchgrass (SG; Panicum virgatum), and a SG compost alone. Topsoil treated with 100% PL biochar and blended PC:PL biochar had significantly greater Mehlich 1 (M1) extractable P, K and Na contents compared to the control or other treatments. No significant differences were detected in annual grain nutrient concentrations. In the first corn stover harvest (Y1), significantly greater concentrations of P and K were taken up after treatment with 100% PL biochar, with PC:PL blend and with SG when compared to control. By the fourth corn stover harvest (Y4), nutrient uptake between treatments was not significantly different. Biochar impact on corn stover P, K and Na concentrations was time dependent, suggesting that repeated biochar applications may be needed.

Effects of Selection Regime on Invasive Characteristics in an Emerging Biomass Crop, Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5045
Author(s):  
Shelby A. Flint ◽  
Ruth G. Shaw ◽  
Nicholas R. Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Panicum Virgatum ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
First Year ◽  
Biomass Feedstock ◽  
Young Stand ◽  
Panicum Virgatum L ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Biomass Yields ◽  
Invasive Traits

Production of biomass feedstock crops could produce substantial environmental benefits, but these will be sharply reduced if these crops become invasive. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is being bred for biomass production; these selective efforts may enhance invasive traits. To inform the assessment of invasive risk, undomesticated switchgrass strains were used as a baseline for comparison with strains bred for biomass production. In a three-year field experiment, we compared juvenile plant densities and survival, persistence of established plants, and aboveground biomass between selectively bred (cultivar) and undomesticated switchgrass strains. Cultivars had modestly greater third-year biomass and first-year plant densities than commercial ecotypes but lower survival and persistence; consequently, third-year plant densities did not significantly differ between cultivars and commercial ecotypes. Higher initial establishment and subsequent self-thinning in cultivars resulted in stands that were similar to those of commercial ecotypes. Therefore, our results do not suggest that the breeding of current cultivars of switchgrass enhanced juvenile and young-stand traits associated with invasiveness. Because biomass yields were not greatly different between cultivars and commercial ecotypes, use of the latter in biomass grasslands could provide functional benefits, including an enhanced habitat for native biodiversity and reduced pathogen loads, without incurring large losses in biomass production.

scholarly journals Direct Assessment of Biomass Productivity in Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) with the Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS). Case of Study in NE Part of Romania (Preliminary Results)

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Iulian Constantin Dănilă
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Biomass Productivity ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Allometric Equations ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Terrestrial Laser Scanner ◽  
North East ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
Destructive Methods

Short rotation forestry (SRF) provides an important supply of biomass for investors in this area. In the NE (North-East) part of Romania at the present time are installed over 800 Ha of this kind of crops. The SRF enjoys the support through environmental policies, in relation to climate change and the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. A precise estimate of biomass production is necessary for the sustainable planning of forest resources and for the exchange of energy in ecosystems. The use of the terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) in estimating the production of above ground wood biomass (AGWB) of short rotation forestry (SRF) brings an important technological leap among indirect (non-destructive) methods. TLS technology is justified when destructive methods become difficult to implement, and allometric equations do not provide accurate information. The main purpose of the research is to estimate the biomass productivity on tree parts in short rotation forestry with TLS technology. Measuring the hybrid poplars crops by TLS may have the following consequences: (1) Higher accuracy of the estimate of biomass production in the SRF; (2) cost and time effective measurements over the biomass of tree parts; (3) new and validated allometric equations for SRF in NE Romania; (4) solid instrument for industry to estimate biomass. TLS technology gives accurate estimates for DBH, tree height and location, as much as the volume on segments, commercial volume or crown volume can be determined. The accuracy of these values depends on the original scan data and their co-registration. The research will contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of hybrid crops.

scholarly journals Poultry Litter, Biochar, and Fertilizer Effect on Corn Yield, Nutrient Uptake, N2O and CO2 Emissions

Environments ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karamat R. Sistani ◽  
Jason R. Simmons ◽  
Marcia Jn-Baptiste ◽  
Jeff M. Novak
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
Poultry Litter ◽  
First Year ◽  
Corn Yield ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Biomass Yields ◽  
Corn Productivity

Biochar holds promise as a soil amendment with potential to sequester carbon, improve soil fertility, adsorb organic pollutants, stimulate soil microbial activities, and improve crop yield. We used a hardwood biochar to assess its impact on corn (Zea mays) grain, biomass yields and greenhouse gas emission in central Kentucky, USA. Six treatments included as follows: control (C) with no amendment applied; poultry litter (PL); biochar (B); biochar + poultry litter (B + PL); fertilizers N-P-K (F); and biochar + fertilizers (B + F). Biochar was applied only once to plots in 2010 followed by rototilling all plots. Only PL and fertilizer were applied annually. When applied alone, biochar did not significantly increase dry matter, grain yield, and N-P-K uptake. There was also no significant difference between the combined treatments when compared with PL or F applications alone. We observed a slight increasing trend in corn grain yield in the following 2 years compared to the first year from biochar treatment. Poultry litter treatment produced significantly greater N2O and CO2 emissions, but emissions were lower from the B+PL treatment. We conclude that this biochar did not improve corn productivity in the short term but has potential to increase yield in the long term and may have some benefit when combined with PL or F in reducing N2O and CO2 emissions.

GRAIN YIELD COMPARISON OF PURE STANDS AND MIXTURES OF DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS FOR TWO HYBRIDS OF MAIZE

1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. HOEKSTRA ◽  
L. W. KANNENBERG ◽  
B. R. CHRISTIE
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Pure Stand ◽  
Higher Plant ◽  
Data Support ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Corn Grain ◽  
Corn Grain Yield

The objective of this study was to determine the effects on grain yield of growing cultivars in mixtures of different proportions. Two maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, Pride 116 and United 106, were grown for 2 yr in pure stand and in seven mixtures of different proportions (7:1, 6:2, 5:3, 4:4, 3:5, 2:6, 1:7) at plant densities of 61 500, 99 400, and 136 000 plants per hectare. The total number of mixture combinations was 42, i.e. 2 years × three densities × seven proportions. All but one mixture yielded as expected based on the yield of component hybrids in pure stand. The higher yielding hybrid (United 106) yielded significantly less grain per plant in mixtures than in pure stand. The lower yielding hybrid (Pride 116) yielded more in mixtures than in pure stand, although the difference was not significant. These data support previous observations that the ability of a hybrid to yield in pure stands is not necessarily related to its ability to yield in mixtures. High plant densities appear to enhance the likelihood of interactions occurring among hybrids. For United 106, the number of proportions yielding less grain per plant than in pure stand was highly significant at the two higher plant densities. For Pride 116, the number of proportions yielding more than in pure stand was highly significant at the highest plant density.Key words: Corn, grain yield, mixtures of different proportions, high plant densities, Zea mays

Leaching of the different forms of nitrogen by the application of poultry litter, swine waste, and mineral nitrogen on corn cultures (Zea mays L.)

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genesio Mario da Rosa ◽  
Márcia Gabriel ◽  
Juliano Cesar da Silva ◽  
Angela Maria Mendonça ◽  
Jefferson Alves Costa Junior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Poultry Litter ◽  
Mineral Nitrogen ◽  
Swine Waste

scholarly journals Selenium supply affects chlorophyll concentration and biomass production of maize (Zea mays L.)

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-255
Author(s):  
Aliu Sali ◽  
Dukagjin Zeka ◽  
Shukri Fetahu ◽  
Imer Rusinovci ◽  
Hans-Peter Kaul
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Chlorophyll Concentration ◽  
Total Chlorophyll ◽  
Chl A ◽  
Maize Population ◽  
Maize Genotypes ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Shoot And Root Biomass

Summary The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) on the biomass production and the contents of photosynthetically active pigments. The pot experiment included two maize genotypes: hybrid 408BC originating from Croatia and a local maize population from Kosovo. The doses of Se applied were 0, 1.30, 6.57, 13, and 26 mg kg−1. The lowest Se dose (1.30 mg Se kg−1) had a positive effect on shoot and root biomass production as well as on the contents of chlorophyll b (Chl-b), total chlorophyll, and carotenoids (just for the hybrid). Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) was reduced with increasing Se doses, whereas chlorophyll b (Chl-b) and total chlorophyll further increased with medium Se doses. The highest Se dose strongly reduced biomass and the contents of photosynthetically active pigments. Chl-a and carotenoids positively correlated with shoot (for both genotypes) and root (for the hybrid) biomass, whereas no correlation was observed between Chl-b and biomass. Low amounts of Se application are favorable for biomass production and chlorophyll and carotenoids contents, whereas high amounts of Se application negatively affect both.

scholarly journals Feed biomass production may not be sufficient to support emerging livestock demand: Model projections to 2050 in Southern Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dolapo Enahoro ◽  
Jason Sircely ◽  
Randall B. Boone ◽  
Stephen Oloo ◽  
Adam M. Komarek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Simulated Data ◽  
Biomass Productivity ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Demand Model ◽  
Livestock Feed ◽  
By Products

The demand for livestock-derived foods has steadily grown over the past decades and rising incomes and human populations are expected to see demand further increase. It is unclear if current livestock feed resources are adequately prepared to meet future demand especially given the looming challenges of climate change. Many feeds such as grasses, crop by-products, and other biomass may not be widely grown commercially or sold in formal markets but are critical sources of livestock feed in many low-resource settings in which ruminant livestock production is important. The availability of these feed types can determine the extent to which the livestock sector can expand to meet growing, and sometimes critical, demand for animal-source foods. In this paper, we compare country-level projections of livestock demand from a global economic model to simulated data on feed biomass production. Our comparisons account separately for beef, lamb, and dairy demand. The data allow us to assess the future sufficiency of key sources of feed biomass, and hence aspects of the expansion capacity of livestock production in selected countries in Southern Africa. Our simulation results project that given the interacting effects of projected climate change and changes in income and population in the region, there will not be enough feed biomass produced domestically to meet growing demand for livestock products. For three types of feed biomass (feed crops including grains, grasses, and crop by-products) for which future livestock feed sufficiency was examined, our results showed feed sufficiency declines for all three feed types in Malawi and Mozambique, for two out of three in South Africa and for one of three in Zambia, under intermediate and extreme scenarios of climate change in 2050. Our results suggest an urgent need to improve feed biomass productivity to support future supply of animal protein in the study countries.

scholarly journals Production components of corn as function of seed distribution along the planting row

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 1172-1177
Author(s):  
Flavio H. da Silva ◽  
Paulo C. R. da Cunha ◽  
André C. de S. Almeida ◽  
Lucas da S. Araújo ◽  
Adriano Jakelaitis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Grain Weight ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Corn Hybrids ◽  
Corn Production ◽  
Coefficients Of Variation ◽  
Stalk Diameter ◽  
Seed Distribution ◽  
Ear Number ◽  
Corn Grain

ABSTRACT High corn yields in high-tech systems are related to proper crop implementation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of variability in the distribution of seeds along the planting row on corn production components. The study was conducted under Cerrado conditions in the municipality of Urutaí, GO, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The effects of five coefficients of variation (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80%) of non-uniformity in the spatial distribution of seeds along the planting row of two corn hybrids (P30F53HX and P3646HX) were evaluated. No interactions were observed for the analysed corn variables. However, as the non-uniformity in seed distribution along the planting row increased, stalk diameter, hundred-grain weight, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row and ear length decreased. Additionally, linear reductions were observed in corn grain yield with the increase in the coefficient of variation of the spatial distribution of seeds along the planting row. Between the hybrids, the 30F53HX showed higher hundred-grain weight.

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