scholarly journals Effects of Ornamental Plant Density and Mineral/Plastic Media on the Removal of Domestic Wastewater Pollutants by Home Wetlands Technology

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (22) ◽  
pp. 5273
Author(s):  
Luis Carlos Sandoval-Herazo ◽  
Alejandro Alvarado-Lassman ◽  
María Cristina López-Méndez ◽  
Albino Martínez-Sibaja ◽  
Alberto A. Aguilar-Lasserre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
High Density ◽  
High Plant Density ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Optimal Material ◽  
Planting Distance ◽  
Wastewater Pollutants

Wastewater treatment (WWT) is a priority around the world; conventional treatments are not widely used in rural areas owing to the high operating and maintenance costs. In Mexico, for instance, only 40% of wastewater is treated. One sustainable option for WWT is through the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) technology, which may remove pollutants using cells filled with porous material and vegetation that works as a natural filter. Knowing the optimal material and density of plants used per square meter in CWs would allow improving their WWT effect. In this study, the effect of material media (plastic/mineral) and plant density on the removal of organic/inorganic pollutants was evaluated. Low (three plants), medium (six plants) and high (nine plants) densities were compared in a surface area of 0.3 m2 of ornamental plants (Alpinia purpurata, Canna hybrids and Hedychium coronarium) used in polycultures at the mesocosm level of household wetlands, planted on the two different substrates. Regarding the removal of contaminants, no significant differences were found between substrates (p ≥ 0.05), indicating the use of plastic residues (reusable) is an economical option compared to typical mineral materials. However, differences (p = 0.001) in removal of pollutants were found between different plant densities. For both substrates, the high density planted CWs were able to remove COD in a range of 86–90%, PO4-P 22–33%, NH4-N in 84–90%, NO3-N 25–28% and NO2-N 38–42%. At medium density, removals of 79–81%, 26–32, 80–82%, 24–26%, and 39–41%, were observed, whereas in CWs with low density, the detected removals were 65–68%, 20–26%, 79–80%, 24–26% and 31–40%, respectively. These results revealed that higher COD and ammonia were removed at high plant density than at medium or low densities. Other pollutants were removed similarly in all plant densities (22–42%), indicating the necessity of hybrid CWs to increase the elimination of PO4-P, NO3-N and NO2-N. Moreover, high density favored 10 to 20% more the removal of pollutants than other plant densities. In addition, in cells with high density of plants and smaller planting distance, the development of new plant shoots was limited. Thus, it is suggested that the appropriate distance for this type of polyculture plants should be from 40 to 50 cm in expansion to real-scale systems in order to take advantage of the harvesting of species in these and allow species of greater foliage, favoring its growth and new shoots with the appropriate distance to compensate, in the short time, the removal of nutrients.

Effects of high plant populations on the growth and yield of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus)

1999 ◽  
Vol 132 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. LEACH ◽  
H. J. STEVENSON ◽  
A. J. RAINBOW ◽  
L. A. MULLEN
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Napus ◽  
Oilseed Rape ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
High Density ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Winter Oilseed Rape ◽  
Plant Populations ◽  
Rothamsted Experimental Station ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Very High

The effects of plant density on the growth and yield of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) were examined in a series of five multifactorial experiments at Rothamsted Experimental Station between 1984 and 1989. Plant densities, manipulated by changing the seed rate and row spacing, or because of overwinter losses, ranged from 13·5 to 372 plants/m2. Normalized yields for the multifactorial plots increased with densities up to 50–60 plants/m2. In very high density plots in 1987/88, yield decreased as density increased >150 plants/m2. Plants grown at high density had fewer pod-bearing branches per plant but produced more branches/m2. Branch dry matter (DM) per plant was decreased by 42%, the number of fertile pods per plant and pod DM/plant by 37%. There was no effect of density on the number or DM of pods/m2. Over 74% of the fertile pods were carried on the terminal and uppermost branches of plants grown at high density in 1987/88 compared with only 34% in plants grown at low density in 1988/89. Seed DM/plant decreased with increase in density but seed size (1000-seed weight) increased. There was no effect of density on seed glucosinolate or oil contents.

scholarly journals Effects of the Use of Ornamental Plants and Different Substrates in the Removal of Wastewater Pollutants through Microcosms of Constructed Wetlands

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Sandoval-Herazo ◽  
Alejandro Alvarado-Lassman ◽  
José Marín-Muñiz ◽  
Juan Méndez-Contreras ◽  
Sergio Aurelio Zamora-Castro
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Zantedeschia Aethiopica ◽  
Wastewater Pollutants ◽  
Pet Substrate

The high costs involved in treating wastewater are problems that developing countries confront, mainly in rural areas. Therefore, Constructed Wetlands (CWs), which are composed of substrate, vegetation, and microorganisms, are an economically and ecologically viable option for wastewater treatment in these places. There is a wide variety of possibilities for substrates and ornamental plants that have not yet been evaluated to be implemented in future CW designs. The goal of this study was to evaluate the process of adaptation and removal of wastewater pollutants in CW microcosms using different terrestrial ornamental plants (Lavandula sp., Spathiphyllum wallisii, and Zantedeschia aethiopica). Those plants were sown in two types of substrate: red volcanic gravel (RVG) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). CWs with vegetation reduced 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) by 68% with RVG substrate and 63% with PET substrate, nitrates 50% in RVG substrate and 35% in PET substrate, phosphates 38% in RVG substrate and 35% in PET substrate, and fecal coliforms 64% in RVG and 59% in PET substrate). In control microcosms without vegetation, reductions were significantly lower than those in the presence of plants, with reduction of BOD5 by 61% in RVG substrate and 55% in PET substrate, nitrates 26% in RVG substrate and 22% in PET substrate, phosphates 27% in RVG substrate and 25% in PET substrate. Concerning fecal coliforms 62% were removed in RVG substrate and 59% in PET substrate. Regarding the production of flowers, Lavandula sp. did not manage to adapt and died 45 days after sowing and did not produce flowers. Spathiphyllum wallisii produced 12 flowers in RVG and nine flowers in PET, while Zantedeschia aethiopica produced 10 in RVG and 7 in PET. These results showed that the use of substrates made of RVG and PET is a viable alternative to be implemented in CWs. In addition, the reuse of PET is an option that decreases pollution by garbage. The plants Spathiphyllum wallisii and Zantedeschia aethiopica remarkably contribute in the removal of pollutants in wastewater. Additionally, the use of ornamental plants, with commercial interest such as those evaluated, enables an added value to the CW to be given, which can be used for flower production purposes on a larger scale and favor its acceptance within rural communities.

Effect of density on growth, development, yield and quality of kabocha (Cucurbita maxima)

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 195
Author(s):  
T. Botwright ◽  
N. Mendham ◽  
B. Chung
Keyword(s):  
Vegetative Growth ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Cucurbita Maxima ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
High Plant Density ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Growth Development

Summary. The effect of plant density on growth, development, yield and quality of kabocha (buttercup squash) (Cucurbita maxima) was examined during 1992–93, at a field site in Cambridge, Tasmania. Plant densities ranged between 0.5 and 4.7 plants/m2. Marketable and total yields were fitted to a yield–density model. Total yield followed an asymptotic trend, approaching 33 t/ha at 4.7 plants/m2, while marketable yield had a parabolic relationship with density. Marketable yield increased to a maximum of 18 t/ha at 1.1 plants/m2, while declining at higher densities because of increased numbers of undersized fruit. Yield of vine marked and callused fruit did not vary with density, but represented a significant proportion of the total yield at all densities. High plant density reduced vegetative growth per plant due to competition for limited resources; as shown by decreased leaf area, number and length of vines, and plant dry weight. Yield tended to decline at high densities because of fewer female flowers and increased fruit abortion per plant. Plants at low densities had more vegetative growth but decreased yields, as increased abortion of fruit relative to the higher plant densities left only 1–2 large fruit per plant. Economic returns varied with plant density. At high densities, variable costs increased (particularly due to high seed cost) while gross income declined reflecting the relationship between marketable yield and plant density. The gross margin therefore declined at high densities.

scholarly journals Marginal superiority of maize: an indicator for density tolerance under high plant density

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangzhou Liu ◽  
Wanmao Liu ◽  
Yunshan Yang ◽  
Xiaoxia Guo ◽  
Guoqiang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
High Density ◽  
Leaf Angle ◽  
Individual Plant ◽  
High Plant Density ◽  
Tolerance Field

Abstract Marginal superiority is a common phenomenon in crops, and is caused by the competitiveness of individual plant for resources and crop adaptability to crowded growth conditions. In this study, in order to clarify the response of marginal superiority to maize morphology and plant-density tolerance, field experiments without water and nutrition stress were conducted at Qitai Farm in Xinjiang, China, in 2013–2014 and 2016–2019. The results showed that no more than three border rows of all the cultivars had marginal superiority under high density, about 90% of all the cultivars had no more than two border row that had marginal superiority and a significant negative correlation was observed between marginal superiority and population grain yield (first border row: y = − 2.193x + 213.9, p < 0.05; second border row: y = − 2.076x + 159.2, p < 0.01). Additionally, marginal superiority was found to have a significant positive relationship with plant density (first border row: y = 6.049x + 73.76, p < 0.01; second border row: y = 1.88x + 95.41, p < 0.05) and the average leaf angle above the ear (first border row: y = 2.306x + 103.1, p < 0.01). These results indicated that the smaller the leaf angle above the ear, the weaker the marginal superiority and the higher the grain yield. It suggests that the magnitude of marginal superiority in the border rows can be an indicator for plant-density tolerance under high density. What’s more, cultivars with small leaf angle above the ear can be selected to weaken the marginal superiority and improve grain yield under high plant density. Conversely, cultivars with a large leaf angle above the ear can be selected to achieve higher individual yield in intercropping systems with no more than four rows alternated with other crops.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF SPRAYING WITH DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF LICORICE EXTRACT AND PLANT DENSITIES IN GROWTH AND YIELD OF SORGHUM BICOLOR L.

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Al-Mohmadi & Al-Ani
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Spring Season ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Fall Season ◽  
High Plant Density ◽  
Plant Densities

A field experiment was condueted at the experimental Farm, College of Agriculture University of AL-Anbar in replace location (Abu-Gheaib) in spring season of 2017. While in Fall season it was applied at AL-saqluwiya-Anbar Province 10 km west north of Falluga city to study the effect of four levels of licorice extractor (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) (0,2,4 and 6) g.L-1 water and three (53,333, 66,666 and 88,888 plant) plant.ha-1. On growth and grain yield of Sorghum cv. Rabih. The experiment was applied using R.C.B.D. arranged in split plots with three replications. levels of plant densities were used as main-plot, while licorice extractor were used as sub-plot. Foliar application of licorice extractor was applied during vegetative growth. The results showed that, high plant density (88888) plant.h-1 significantly increase plant height and leaf area index, while most of traits were not significantly influenced by plant density including grain yield. Results revealed that foliar application of licorice extractor with 2,4,6 g.L-1 of water significantly influenced grain yield in spring season compane with control treatment and it is amounted to (9.62, 9.55 and 9.78) t.h-1 respectively. There were significant interaction between Licorice extractor and plant density in spring and fall season in grain yield. The higher grain yield of 10.31 and 10.33 t.h-1 were obtained when sorghum plants were sowing at hight density and sprayed with Licorice extractor at level          4 g.L-1 respectively

scholarly journals Comparison of Growth Indices of Nigella sativa L. under Different Plant Densities and Fertilization

2019 ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Ioannis Roussis, Ioanna Kakabouki, Dimitrios Bilalis
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Nigella Sativa ◽  
Crop Growth ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Growth Indices ◽  
Area Index ◽  
High Plant Density ◽  
Plant Densities

Agronomic practices such as plant density and fertilizer management are referred to comprise crop environment, which influences plant growth, productivity, and ultimately the yield. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the influence of plant density and fertilization on the growth and growth indices of Nigella sativa crop and to determine the association between yield and growth characteristics at both the single plant and crop stand level. The 2-year experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, with three replications, two main plots (200 and 300 plants m-2) and four sub-plots (fertilization treatments: control, compost, farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer). The highest absolute growth rate (AGR) (0.0321 g day-1) and relative growth rate (RGR) (0.0714 g g-1 day-1) values were recorded when plants subjected to low-density and inorganic fertilization, while the highest crop growth rate (CGR) (8.0342 g m-2 day-1) was obtained under high-plant density and inorganic fertilization. Concerning specific leaf area (SLA), the highest value (196.28 cm2 g-1) was found in inorganic fertilized treatment. Leaf area index (LAI), Leaf area duration (LAD) and Biomass duration (BMD) were positively affected by both plant density and fertilization with the greatest values observed under high-density and fertilization. In conclusion, plant densities higher than 200 plants m-2 lead to higher crop growth, but lower growth of individual plants and decreased seed yield, while the application of inorganic fertilizers increases crop growth and yield as these fertilizers contain higher levels of nitrogen with high solubility and therefore quick availability for the crop than the organic fertilizers.

scholarly journals Effect of Planting Density on the Yield and Growth of Intercropped Tomatoes and Peppers in Florida

HortScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-290
Author(s):  
Ravneet K. Sandhu ◽  
Nathan S. Boyd ◽  
Lincoln Zotarelli ◽  
Shinsuke Agehara ◽  
Natalia Peres
Keyword(s):  
Plant Density ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Bell Pepper ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
High Plant Density ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
High Production ◽  
Research And Education

Florida vegetable growers are facing high production costs due to high input costs, lower profitability, and competition from foreign markets. Multi/intercropping allows growers to increase the yields and profits per unit area by producing multiple crops on the same beds. Experiments determining the effects of intercropping and plant spacing was conducted in Fall 2018 and 2019 at Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Balm. Tomato and bell pepper were intercropped at low and high planting density on plastic-covered beds. Bell pepper shoot biomass was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced when intercropped with tomato, compared with monocropped bell pepper. However, tomato shoot biomass was significantly reduced when tomato plant density increased, but it was unaffected by bell pepper intercropping. Biomass of both crops was unaffected by relay cropping. Bell pepper yields when intercropped with tomato at low density (60 cm tomato-tomato and 38 cm pepper-pepper) had similar yields to bell pepper planted alone in low and high planting density. We concluded that bell pepper plants were more sensitive to interspecific competition, whereas tomato plants were more sensitive to intraspecific competition. Intercropping may be a viable option for growers at recommended plant densities used for monocrops. However, high plant density is not recommended.

FLOWER AND POD ABSCISSION IN SNAP BEAN AS INFLUENCED BY INFLORESCENCE POSITION, RACEME NODE, IRRIGATION AND PLANT DENSITY

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1193-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
CRAIGHTON S. MAUK ◽  
PATRICK J. BREEN ◽  
HARRY J. MACK
Keyword(s):  
Phaseolus Vulgaris ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Soil Water Potential ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Phaseolus Vulgaris L ◽  
Snap Bean ◽  
A Value ◽  
High Plant Density ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Early Rise

Abscission and/or retention of flowers and pods formed on inflorescences arising from mainstem nodes 6 (terminal) and 2 (first trifoliolate leaf) of Oregon 1604 snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were studied during the 1978 and 1979 seasons to determine the effects of irrigation and plant population. Inflorescences at these two nodes account for the majority of the yield produced in this determinate cultivar. The influence of high (−0.06 MPa) and low (−0.25 MPa) soil water potential and plant density were also assessed. High and low plant densities were 45 vs. 18 in 1978, and 54 vs. 33 plants m−2 in 1979. Percent flower and pod abscission was signficantly less under high (62%) than low (74%) irrigation at node 6 in 1978, and at node 2 in 1978 (48 vs. 71) and 1979 (37 vs. 60). Although plant density had no effect at node 6, percent abscission at node 2 was significantly less under low than high plant density in both years. An acropetal increase in percent abscission occurred within the inflorescence at node 6, with a value of 45% at the proximal, first raceme node, and from 65 to 86% at the most distal, third raceme node. The acropetal pattern of abscission was less marked in inflorescences at node 2. A sharp rise in reproductive abscission was observed in 1978 after a 3-d period when maximum daily temperatures exceeded 34 °C. This early rise in abscission (which did not occur in the cooler 1979 season) was reduced by high irrigation (nodes 6 and 2) and low plant density (node 2). Abscission of flowers at the white bud stage or at anthesis was relatively low. The major portion of reproductive organs were shed after anthesis. High irrigation delayed abscission at both main-stem nodes, thus increasing the proportion of organs which abscised as pods. Low plant density also postponed abscission of reproductive organs at node 2, but had less effect at node 6.Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris L., anthesis, first bloom

scholarly journals Spacing experiments with brussels sprouts grown for single-pick harvests.

1970 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-104
Author(s):  
E.W.M. Verheij
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
High Density ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Planting Pattern ◽  
Brussels Sprouts ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Time Of Harvest

Two-year trials are discussed on the effects of different spacings, planting pattern and row orientation, stopping the plants, and time of harvest on the cropping, habit and root growth of the hybrid brussels sprouts variety Thor. Yields of dry matter per sq.m. rose sharply with increasing plant density up to about 4 plants per sq.m., above which there was little further increase. The average weight per plant, however, showed the reverse trend, and declined with closer spacing. The total yields of sprouts from unstopped plants attained a maximum at a density of about 1 plant per sq.m., but the maximum yields and numbers of marketable sprouts were obtained with densities of about 2 and 2 plants per sq.m., respectively. Plants grown at high densities were taller and more slender than low-density plants, a habit well suited to mechanical stripping. Moreover, the sprouts from high-density plants were more uniform, which facilitated grading. There was little difference between the number and distribution of the roots, including depth of rooting, over a wide range of plant densities. However, high-density plants had fewer thick roots, and at the widest spacings the total number of roots per sq.m. declined. The pattern of planting had a slight influence on the height of the low-density plants, but differential effects of various row orientations were negligible. Stopping the plants greatly increased the total yields of sprouts at all densities; the numbers of marketable sprouts from the stopped plants were also greater, especially at densities of 3 plants per sq.m. and above. Harvesting stopped plants in late October instead of late September resulted in much higher yields of sprouts at all densities except the lowest, despite a decline in the fresh weights of the plants during this period.-I.T.T., Wageningen. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

scholarly journals Yield of ‘Prata-Anã’ banana plants under water deficit and high plant density

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo Barreto Magalhães ◽  
Sérgio Luiz Rodrigues Donato ◽  
Marcelo Rocha dos Santos ◽  
Cleiton Fernando Barbosa Brito ◽  
Varley Andrade Fonseca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Density ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Irrigation Level ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
High Plant Density ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Production Cycles ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Irrigation Levels

Abstract Yield-improving and water-saving techniques assume great importance in the cultivation of banana plants under semiarid regions, prone to greater climate variability. The objective of this study was to evaluate yield and water-use efficiency (WUE) response of ‘Prata-Anã’ banana plants to combinations of plant densities and irrigation levels: three irrigation levels, 50, 75 and 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and four plant densities, 1,666 (3.0 x 2.0 m), 2,083 (3.0 x 1.6 m), 2,666 (3.0 x 1.25 m) and 3,333 (3.0 x 1.0) plants ha-1, evaluated in two production cycles. The treatments were laid out in a randomized block design with four replicates. Increasing plant density up to 3,333 plants ha-1 induced reductions in number of leaves at harvest and some yield components; also, longer cycles, and increased yields were observed while maintaining fruit marketable size, regardless of the irrigation level used. Using an irrigation level at 50%ETc and a plant density of 3,333 plants ha-1 led to an increase in WUE of 313.92% in the first cycle and 295.27% in the second cycle compared with 1,666 plants ha-1 irrigated at 100% ETc. Higher yields and WUE can be achieved by using a plant population density of 3,333 plants ha-1 and irrigation levels below 100%ETc.

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