scholarly journals The Influence of Biochar, Slow-Release Molasses, and an Organic N:P:K Fertilizer on Transplant Survival of Pyrus communis ‘Williams’ Bon Chrétien’

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Schaffert ◽  
Glynn Percival
Keyword(s):  
Slow Release ◽  
Soil Amendments ◽  
Pyrus Communis ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Transplant Survival ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Growing Seasons

High mortality rates result from transplanting bare-rooted plants into urban landscapes where unsuitable soil conditions, such as low fertility and poor structure, often exist. Coupled with little aftercare, these losses can cause high economic losses to the industry. Previous studies have shown lowered transplant stress and higher survival rates through the addition of soil amendments at the time of planting to improve soil conditions. The efficacy of three soil amendments applied singly and in combination—biochar, slow-release molasses, and an organic N:P:K fertilizer—were investigated for their potential to reduce transplant losses of Pyrus communis ‘Williams’ Bon Chrétien. Results of this investigation showed that use of these soil amendments in virtually all cases had significant positive effects on tree growth and vitality across two growing seasons. For example, all amendments reduced mortality of Pyrus communis ‘Williams’ Bon Chrétien’ by 20% compared to none in treated controls, while increases in fruit yield and crown canopy coverage per tree ranged from 19.3% to 46.7% and 14.4% to 31.1% over non-amended soils when averaged over two growing seasons. Amendments of biochar with an organic N:P:K fertilizer and an organic N:P:K fertilizer alone showed, on average, the highest improvements in vitality and growth. Results indicate use of biochar, slow-release molasses, and organic N:P:K fertilizer amendments offer potential for increasing bare-root transplant survival and establishment of Pyrus communis ‘Williams’ Bon Chrétien.

scholarly journals Influence of Field-grow Fabric Containers and Various Soil Amendments on the Growth of Green Ash

1992 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-221
Author(s):  
Janet C. Henderson-Cole ◽  
David L. Hensley
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Soil Amendments ◽  
Green Ash ◽  
Slow Release Fertilizer ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Root Restriction ◽  
Hydrophilic Gel

Abstract The influence of field-grow fabric containers (FGFC) and soil amendments (hydrophilic gel, peat and slow release fertilizer) on green ash height and caliper were studied for two years. Green ash seedlings were grown in 30.5 cm (12 in) FGFC or without root restriction throughout the study period. Heights and calipers increased less in plants grown with FGFC than in those without the containers during both growing seasons. Soil amendments had little effect on plant growth throughout the study period.

Monitoring of natural regeneration in a mixed deciduous forest

1999 ◽  
Vol 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. M. Tabari ◽  
N. Lust
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Seedling Stage ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Humus Layer ◽  
Beech Stand ◽  
Regeneration Phase

Monitoring  of natural regeneration in a dense semi-natural mixed hardwood forest on the  base    of ash, beech, oak and sycamore occurred over 3 years in the Aelmoeseneie  experimental    forest, Belgium. 40 permanent plots (4 m x 5 m) were selected in three  various humus types,    located in an ash stand and in an oak - beech stand. In all plots abundance  and top height of all    broad leaved regenerated species were determined at the end of the growing  seasons 1995 and    1998. In addition, the seedlings which appeared in the plots during 1996  and 1997 were    identified and followed up.    This study proves that in the investigated sites natural regeneration is  drastically poor and    diversity is low, in particular where the humus layer is more acidic (mull  moder) and the litter    layer is thick. No regeneration phase older than the seedling stage (h <  40 cm) is developed on    the different humus types. On average, total number of seedlings in 1995  amounts to 38    units/are in the ash stand and to 63 units/are in the oak - beech stand.  Survival rate over a 3-    year period is 37% and 42% respectively in the ash and oak - beech stands.  Total ingrowth    during the growing seasons 1996 and 1997 is virtually poor, indicating 16  and 8 units/are    respectively in above mentioned stands. Survival rate of occurring  seedlings, as well as the ingrowth of new seedlings are notably different (P < 0.05) according to the soil conditions of the    ash stand. Generally, the low presence of seedlings and the lack of  regeneration older than the    seedling stage reveal that the regeneration development encounters with a  critical problem. The    continuation of this process would likely result in a progressive  succession by the invasive and    the unwanted tree species.

Effect of Heterogeneous Field Conditions on Corn Seeding Depth Accuracy and Uniformity

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 819-830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurelie M. Poncet ◽  
John P. Fulton ◽  
Timothy P. McDonald ◽  
Thorsten Knappenberger ◽  
Joey N. Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Volumetric Soil Water Content ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Unit Depth ◽  
Planter Performance ◽  
Volumetric Soil Water

Abstract. Optimization of planter performance such as uniform seeding depth is required to maximize crop yield potential. Typically, seeding depth is manually adjusted prior to planting by selecting a row-unit depth and a row-unit downforce to ensure proper seed-soil contact. Once set, row-unit depth and downforce are usually not adjusted again for a field although soil conditions may vary. Optimization of planter performance requires automated adjustments of planter settings to varying soil conditions, but development of precision technologies with such capabilities requires a better understanding of soil-planter interactions. The objective of this study was to evaluate seeding depth response to varying soil conditions between and within fields and to discuss implications for development and implementation of active planting technologies. A 6-row John Deere MaxEmerge Plus planter equipped with heavy-duty downforce springs was used to plant corn ( L.) in central Alabama during the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons. Three depths (4.4, 7.0, and 9.5 cm) and three downforces (corresponding to an additional row-unit weight of 0.0, 1.1, and 1.8 kN) were selected to represent common practices. Depth and downforce were not readjusted between fields and growing seasons. Seeding depth was measured after emergence. Corn seeding depth significantly varied with heterogeneous soil conditions between and within fields and the planter failed to achieve uniform seeding depth across a field. Differences in corn seeding depth between fields and growing seasons were as high as 2.1 cm for a given depth and downforce combination. Corn seeding depth significantly co-varied with field elevation but not with volumetric soil water content. Seeding depth varied with elevation at a rate ranging from -0.1 cm/m to -0.6 cm/m. Seeding depth co-variation to field elevation account for some but not all site-specific seeding depth variability identified within each field trial. These findings provide a better understanding of site-specific seeding depth variability and issues to address for the development of site-specific planting technologies to control seeding depth accuracy and improve uniformity. Keywords: Depth control, Downforce, Planter, Precision agriculture, Seeding depth, Uniformity.

Efficacy and Rate of Release of EPTC and Butylate from Starch Encapsulated Formulations Under Greenhouse Conditions

Weed Science ◽  
1978 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 679-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Schreiber ◽  
B. S. Shasha ◽  
M. A. Ross ◽  
P. L. Orwick ◽  
D. W. Edgecomb
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Residual Activity ◽  
Biological Evaluation ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Rapid Release ◽  
Initial Release ◽  
Wet Chemical ◽  
Selection Of

Four starch-encapsulated formulations of EPTC(S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate) and of butylate(S-ethyl diisobutylthiocarbamate) were prepared and evaluated by comparison with their respective emulsifiable concentrate formulations for their slow-release capabilities and efficacies. Chemical and biological evaluation indicated that difference in controlled-release could be achieved by the selection of the starch xanthate and oxidant used in the formualtion process. EPTC and butylate released slower when formulated as starch-encapsulated granules than when formulated as emulsifiable concentrates under soil conditions that favored rapid release. The initial release was adequate for weed control and slow enough for desired residual activity. Repeated seeding and harvesting the treated soils and bioassays of treated soils generally produced release rate anticipated from short term dry and wet chemical tests.

ForBioFunCtioN: Forest soil carbon and the effects of climate change and forest management

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl-Fredrik Johannesson ◽  
Klaus Steenberg Larsen ◽  
Brunon Malicki ◽  
Jenni Nordén
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Forest Management ◽  
Forest Soil ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
C Sequestration ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Clear Cutting

<p>Boreal forests are among the most carbon (C) rich forest types in the world and store up to 80% of its total C in the soil. Forest soil C development under climate change has received increased scientific attention yet large uncertainties remain, not least in terms of magnitude and direction of soil C responses. As with climate change, large uncertainties remain in terms of the effects of forest management on soil C sequestration and storage. Nonetheless, it is clear that forest management measures can have far reaching effects on ecosystem functioning and soil conditions. For example, clear cutting is a widely undertaken felling method in Scandinavia which profoundly affects the forest ecosystem and its functioning, including the soil. Nitrogen (N) fertilization is another common practice in Scandinavia which, despite uncertainties regarding effects on soil C dynamics, is being promoted as a climate change mitigation tool. A more novel practice of biochar addition to soils has been shown to have positive effects on soil conditions, including soil C storage, but studies on biochar in the context of forests are few.</p><p>In the face of climate change, the ForBioFunCtioN project is dedicated to investigating the response of boreal forest soil CO<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>4</sub> fluxes to experimentally increased temperatures and increased precipitation – climatic changes in line with projections over Norway – within a forest management context. The experiment is set in a Norwegian spruce-dominated bilberry chronosequence, including a clear-cut site, a middle-aged thinned stand, a mature stand and an old unmanaged stand. Warming, simulated increased precipitation, N fertilizer and biochar additions will be applied on experimental plots in an additive manner that allows for disentangling the effects of individual parameters from interaction effects. Flux measurements will be undertaken at high temporal resolution using the state-of-the-art LI-7810 Trace Gas Analyzer (©LI-COR Biosciences). The presentation will show the experimental setup and first measurements from the large-scale experiment.</p>

scholarly journals Effects of Putrescine Application on Peach Fruit during Storage

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadeem Abbasi ◽  
Irfan Ali ◽  
Ishfaq Hafiz ◽  
Mekhled Alenazi ◽  
Muhammad Shafiq
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Fruit Growth ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Spray Application ◽  
Peach Fruit ◽  
Colour Perception ◽  
Low Temperature Storage ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Temperature Storage

The peach industry faces serious economic losses because of the short “green” life of the fruit at postharvest. In the present study, we investigated the effects of putrescine (PUT) application on the quality characteristics, pattern of ripening, storage behaviour and shelf life of peach fruit during low-temperature storage. The aqueous solution of PUT (0, 1, 2 and 3 mM) was applied to the peach trees at three distinctive stages of fruit growth and development. The fruits, harvested at the commercial stage of maturity, were stored at 1 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 2% relative humidity for 6 weeks. The data for fruit firmness, total soluble solids (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid (AsA) content, rate of ethylene production, chilling injury (CI) index and colour perception were collected at harvest and then on a weekly basis throughout the storage period. The results showed that spray application of PUT significantly reduced the incidence of CI and reduced the rates of fruit softening, loss in fruit weight, SSC, TA, AsA content and fading of skin colour during storage, regardless of the doses of PUT applied, or the time of application. However, the positive effects on the quality characteristics of peach fruit, including CI, were more pronounced with the higher doses of PUT, specifically when applied at 2 mM. In conclusion, CI in peach fruit may be substantially alleviated by the spray application of 1–3 mM PUT during fruit growth without compromising the quality of the fruit for up to 6 weeks in low-temperature storage.

scholarly journals Comparative effects of different soil amendments on amelioration of saline-sodic soils

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 205-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M. Mahdy
Keyword(s):  
Soil Amendments ◽  
Ferrous Sulphate ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Adsorptive Capacity ◽  
Carbonate Content ◽  
Sodic Soils ◽  
Appreciable Change ◽  
Comparative Efficiency ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
High Calcium

&nbsp; A greenhouse experiment was conducted to test the potential of different soil amendments in saline-sodic soils reclamation; to affect the growth response of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants grown on two saline-sodic soils; and to evaluate the comparative efficiency of different soil amendments for their effects on salinity, sodicity, and pH&nbsp;levels of the soils. To achieve these objectives, two highly saline-sodic soils were selected (Abees, Typic torrifluvents and Elhammam, Typic calciorthids). Different soil amendments were used (compost, anthracite coal powder, water treatment residuals, ferrous sulphate, and a combination of them). The results of the study indicated that pH of Elhammam soil was less affected than pH of Abees soil after the amendment application because of the high calcium carbonate content which acted as a buffer and resisted any appreciable change in soil pH in the alkaline range. The positive effects of all treatments followed the order: T16 &gt; T12 &gt; T13 &gt; T14 = T5 &gt; T11 = T15 &gt; T7 &gt; T8 &gt; T4 = T6 &gt; T9 = T10 &gt; T2 &gt;T3&gt; T1 &gt;T0. The most effective amendment in reducing SAR<sub>e </sub>in the experimental soils was T16. This was due to the presence of Al in WTRs and Fe in ferrous sulphate which enhanced the leaching process, and the presence of high adsorptive capacity materials like WTRs and compost which adsorb more sodium. The positive effects of all treatments for reducing SAR<sub>e</sub> in Abees soil followed the order: T16 &gt; T15 &gt; T14 &gt; T13 &gt; T11 &gt; T12 .While, in Elhammam soil, the order was: T16 &gt; T15 &gt; T14 &gt; T13 = T11&gt;T12 = T5. The removal sodium efficiency (RSE) or percentage of Na-removed from the soils at the end of the experiment was significantly reduced after the application of the amendments. RSE of T16 proved the highest value (76%) among the treatments for the two soils used, followed by T15 and T14. The yield of biomass at T16 significantly increased, the increase being 959% in comparison with T0 in Abees soil, while the increase in biomass yield was 1452% in comparison with T0 in Elhammam soil. However, field tests are necessary to draw the final conclusions.

Lowest-Low Fertility in South Korea: Policy and Domestic Labor Supports and the Transition to Second Birth

Social Forces ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 700-731
Author(s):  
Joeun Kim ◽  
Nancy Luke
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Parental Leave ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Domestic Labor ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Work Family Conflict ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Support Mechanisms ◽  
Work Family

Abstract Scholars and policymakers contend that severe work-family constraints for women are a key contributor to lowest-low fertility in industrialized countries. Two separate areas of research have examined supports that could alleviate these constraints and potentially increase fertility: institutional support in the form of public policies and domestic labor support from male partners. There are few studies considering the influence of both policy and domestic labor supports and no investigations of the interplay between these two support mechanisms. We develop and test a theoretical framework that considers how the combination of these supports could alleviate women’s work-family constraints and increase fertility. Using the case of South Korea, a country with one of the most sustained lowest-low fertility rates in history, we examined the relationship between women’s eligibility for parental leave and husbands’ share of domestic labor and the transition to a second birth. Our analyses revealed that both supports, independently, had positive effects on the likelihood of a second birth. More importantly, we found that husbands’ domestic labor had a positive influence on fertility only when women’s access to parental leave was limited, suggesting that policy and domestic labor supports are substitutes and alleviate the same underlying work-family constraint in the Korean context. Our study underscores the importance of understanding the nature of work-family conflict across countries and how various supports―alone or in combination―could relieve women’s constraints on childbearing and upturn lowest-low fertility.

scholarly journals Productive and Physiological Response of Organic Potato Grown under Highly Calcareous Soils to Fertilization and Mycorrhization Management

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1200
Author(s):  
Sara Lombardo ◽  
Cristina Abbate ◽  
Gaetano Pandino ◽  
Bruno Parisi ◽  
Aurelio Scavo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Calcareous Soils ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Alkaline Soils ◽  
Gas Exchange Parameters ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Potato Growth

The enhancement of the actual low yields is the most important challenge regarding organic farming management. In this view, a valid tool may arise by the improvement of fertilization management and efficiency. In this regard, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can play an important role, especially in low fertility soils such as calcareous ones, through a better nutrient uptake and by alleviating abiotic stresses. A replicated-space experiment was carried out to investigate the role of mycorrhizal-based inoculants combined with full or halved fertilizer doses on yield and physiological traits of three early potato cultivars organically grown in highly calcareous and alkaline soils. The results indicate that AMF symbiosis ameliorated, in comparison to the not-inoculated plants, the potato tolerance to limestone stress by enhancing the potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/F0) and plant gas-exchange parameters (photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductance). Moreover, a significant improvement of marketable yield (+25%) was observed, mainly due to an increase of the number of tubers plant−1 (+21%) and, to a lesser extent, of average tuber weight (+10%). The AMF efficiency was higher applying halved fertilizer doses and in the location where soil conditions were unfavourable for potato growth. Moreover, the qRT-PCR highlighted that AMF colonization was similar in each location, demonstrating their tolerance to limestone, alkalinity and P stresses. These findings outlined that AMF are good candidate to bio-ameliorate calcareous soils and are very useful for improving potato yields under organic farming, limiting external fertilizers supply and environmental pollution.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Most Severe Flood Events in Turkey (1960–2014): Which Triggering Mechanisms and Aggravating Pathways Can be Identified?

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1562
Author(s):  
Gamze Koç ◽  
Theresia Petrow ◽  
Annegret Thieken
Keyword(s):  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Extreme Rainfall ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Flood Events ◽  
Severe Flood ◽  
Catchment Size ◽  
Triggering Mechanisms

The most severe flood events in Turkey were determined for the period 1960–2014 by considering the number of fatalities, the number of affected people, and the total economic losses as indicators. The potential triggering mechanisms (i.e., atmospheric circulations and precipitation amounts) and aggravating pathways (i.e., topographic features, catchment size, land use types, and soil properties) of these 25 events were analyzed. On this basis, a new approach was developed to identify the main influencing factor per event and to provide additional information for determining the dominant flood occurrence pathways for severe floods. The events were then classified through hierarchical cluster analysis. As a result, six different clusters were found and characterized. Cluster 1 comprised flood events that were mainly influenced by drainage characteristics (e.g., catchment size and shape); Cluster 2 comprised events aggravated predominantly by urbanization; steep topography was identified to be the dominant factor for Cluster 3; extreme rainfall was determined as the main triggering factor for Cluster 4; saturated soil conditions were found to be the dominant factor for Cluster 5; and orographic effects of mountain ranges characterized Cluster 6. This study determined pathway patterns of the severe floods in Turkey with regard to their main causal or aggravating mechanisms. Accordingly, geomorphological properties are of major importance in large catchments in eastern and northeastern Anatolia. In addition, in small catchments, the share of urbanized area seems to be an important factor for the extent of flood impacts. This paper presents an outcome that could be used for future urban planning and flood risk prevention studies to understand the flood mechanisms in different regions of Turkey.

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