Additional Irrigation Research Articles

Impact of climate change on water and nitrogen use efficiencies of processing tomato cultivated in Italy

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally important vegetable recognized for its positive health benefits. As most of the vegetable production, tomato require significant amount of agronomic inputs. However, recent shifts in climate patterns in terms of timing and amount in rainfall, patterns in air temperature, and the associated extreme events have caused harm and disruption to the agricultural sector worldwide. The objective of this study was to: i) evaluate the ability of a crop simulation model to simulate yield and growth parameter of a processing tomato in South west Italy; ii) quantify the impacts of projected climate on business as usual agronomic practices; iii) understand the role of projected changes and increased CO2 on the water and nutrient efficiency. Field trials from an open field at Sele Valley (40°35′03.8″ N, 14°58′48.6″ E) (Salerno, South west Italy) during a two-year period (2004–2005) were used. Baseline climate data (1984–2018) were available and four contrasting projections were selected as function of their spread in terms of changes in growing season rainfall and temperature respect to the baseline. The crop model DSSAT (Decision Support System of Agrotechnology Transfer) was used for this study. The model was able to simulate tomato response to N fertilization with acceptable error levels respect to the ones reported in literature. The projected increase in air temperature and changes in rainfall caused a shortening ranging from 1.5 to 3 days in tomato phenology causing an overall 15 % reduction in tomato yield. To offset the negative impact of rainfall and temperature changes, additional irrigation water (from 85 to 110 mm) and nitrogen rate (from 20 to 30 kg N ha−1) is needed. However, the increase in irrigation water does not translate in significant yield increase and caused an increase in water and nitrogen use efficiency of less than 10 %.

Water need formation on the drained lands in the variable climatic, agricultural and ameliorative conditions

Relevance of research. At both global and regional levels, climate change has become an indisputable fact, the presence of which has posed to humanity the challenge of solving a number of extremely important and complex tasks related to the development and implementation of a strategy for their practical continued existence. Data base on evaporation and water needs for agricultural crops in the different periods of their growing, depending on the climatic conditions, are the basis for the development of design and formation of operational regimes of water regulation carried out by justifying the necessary methods of water regulation, types, structures and modes of operation of hydro-reclamation systems and calculation of their parameters.
 Aim of the study is to estimate the changes in water needs during crop cultivation on the drained lands of the Western Polissya in Ukraine in the variable climatic, agricultural and ameliorative conditions for the substantiation of appropriate adaptive decisions to it. To achieve this goal, the authors evaluated the weather and climate conditions in the Western Polissya in Ukraine and calculated the evaporation in the studied conditions, planned and carried out a large-scale computer experiment, based on a complex of predictive-simulation models concerning the basic regimes and technological variables of the hydro-reclamation system parameters, climate conditions, water regime, water regulation technologies and the productivity of drained lands for the schematized natural, agricultural and ameliorative conditions. 
 Research methods. The research methods were based on the application of system theory along with the systematic approach, system analysis and modeling oriented on widespread use of computers and related software in developing modern approaches to the substantiation of technical and technological solutions for water regulation on the drained lands in the conditions of climate change. The object of the study is the drainage system “Birky” in Rivne region, typical for the region in relation to the natural land reclamation conditions. 
 Results of the study and the main conclusions. It was established the needs for additional irrigation of cultivated crops on the drained lands of the Western Polissya in Ukraine in the current weather and climatic conditions. Based on the long-term forecast the vegetative values of the total evaporation and the formation of water needs for the drained lands in the variable climatic, agricultural land reclamation conditions were determined. The technological efficiency of different technologies of the irrigation on the drained lands was evaluated. This approach to the estimation of changes in water needs during crop cultivation in the variable climatic, agricultural and ameliorative conditions allows determining the best technology of water regulation for growing a particular crop under the studied conditions in terms of the most rational use of water resources and the efficiency of system functioning. 
 Prospects. The obtained results can be effectively used for justification of regime and technological decisions in the projects of construction and reconstruction of hydro-reclamation systems of the Western Polissya in Ukraine in the variable climate conditions and developing hydro-technical adaptive measures to the predicted climate change in the region.

Carbon footprint and yield performance assessment under plastic film mulching for winter wheat production

As the demand for cereals increases with the growth of the global population, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield needs to be improved, and the environmental impacts of wheat production need to be lessened. Plastic film mulching (PFM) is becoming recognized as a strategy that guarantees the sustainability of water resources and food production. To date, insufficient attention has been paid to examining the carbon (C) footprint of the PFM practice. A six–year field experiment was conducted to identify the effects of PFM with supplementary irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer application on grain yield, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the C footprint of winter wheat production. In comparison with conventional flat planting without mulch (CFP), the PFM strategy increased grain yield by 31.7% (P < 0.001) and water use efficiency (WUE) by 30.7%, mainly due to the improved soil hydrothermal conditions. Supplementary irrigation (I) under PFM (PFM+I) further enhanced grain yield (by 26.6%) but reduced WUE (by 37.3%) compared to PFM. PFM+I decreased the C footprint by 21.2% at the higher N application rate but increased the C footprint (27.2%) at the lower N application rate compared with CFP. The findings suggest that additional irrigation and higher N application rates should be avoided under CFP because of the resultant lower grain yield and increased environmental impacts. Conversely, under PFM, an increased N rate (higher than 75 kg ha−1) and irrigation (if drought occurs) are recommended due to the higher grain yield and decreased C footprint. Nitrogen fertilizer application was the largest source of GHG emissions (56.5%), and increasing the N rate increased the C footprint of the cropping systems (P < 0.001). This suggests that an optimal N application rate could substantially mitigate GHG emissions and reduce the C footprint. Taken together, the combination of PFM with an appropriate N rate and irrigation regime in winter wheat is an effective management practice when considering both agronomic and environmental benefits. However, environmental concerns about “white pollution” should also be considered to ensure cleaner agricultural production when implementing PFM.

On the cooling potential of irrigation to mitigate urban heat island

Urban overheating is the most documented phenomenon of climate change, causing severe energy problems. The study aims to evaluate the mitigation potential of irrigation as a response to the urban overheating and heatwaves in large cities, using simulation-based techniques. Mesoscale simulations are conducted for a 32.5 km × 22.5 km metropolitan region of Sydney, Australia, and it is modelled based on the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) 500 m resolution land surface dataset. To better represent the Sydney metropolitan area, the New South Wales Land Zoning dataset is used to remap the land surface. The weather research forecast model (WRF) combined with the urban canopy model (UCM) is used as the simulation tool. The results show that a daily irrigation scheme results in a maximum daily temperature drop of approximately 1.3 °C and an average daily air temperature decrease close to 0.5 °C. It is also found that the cooling effect due to the additional irrigation is strongly correlated to the ambient temperature, urban fraction, and the soil moisture state before irrigation. The irrigation induced cooling effect tends to be higher in the urban areas where the soil is drier before irrigation, or in a larger portion of the area that is covered with vegetation, or where the ambient temperature is higher.

Regulation of soil water threshold on tomato plant growth and fruit quality under alternate partial root-zone drip irrigation

Increasingly limited global freshwater resources coupled with low water use efficiency (WUE) increases the need for water-saving irrigation technologies in agricultural production. Numerous studies have investigated the emerging water-saving irrigation technology of alternate partial root-zone drip irrigation (APDI) on crop yield and WUE. This study investigated the effects of lower soil water thresholds for alteration of the irrigation (LTAI) to the previously dry root-zone on tomato plant growth, yield, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) under APDI in year 2016 with field plot area of 6.48 m2. There were six APDI treatments coded as AS80, AS70, AS60 and AD80, AD70, AD60, indicating APDI under sufficient irrigation (S) or deficit irrigation (D) with LTAI controlled at 80 %, 70 % and 60 % field water capacity (FC) in the previously dry root-zone, respectively. In addition, conventional sufficient (CSD) and deficit (CDD) drip irrigation treatments were added as the controls. The results showed that lowering the irrigation amount significantly reduced tomato plant growth, yield and harvest index, but improved fruit quality in terms of reducing sugar, soluble sugar, vitamin C, and sugar-acid ratio. Compared with that of conventional drip irrigation, the promotion effect of APDI, especially with LTAI at 70 % FC, on root growth was observed in the 0−20 cm top soil layer where more than 90 % of the plant roots were distributed irrespective of irrigation amounts. Under sufficient irrigation, tomato shoot growth and the harvest index showed no significant difference among treatments, but tomato yield and the root to shoot ratio increased significantly in AS70, while fruit quality was improved in AS70 and AS60. Under APDI with deficit irrigation, when LTAI decreased from 80 % FC to 70 % FC in the previously drying root-zone, the yield and IWUE in AD80 and AD70 increased by 8.6 % and 17.4 %, respectively, and thus increased the harvest index compared with CDD. The AD70 treatment saved 31.2 % irrigation water without significant yield reduction, but increased IWUE by 44.9 % compared with the CSD. However, the harvest index and the yield decreased significantly when LTAI decreased from 70 % FC to 60 % FC (AD70 Vs. AD60). In addition, the yield showed no significant difference between AD60 and CDD. Fruit quality increased under APDI as compared with CDD under deficit irrigation, with the best quality appeared in the AD70 and AD60 treatments. These results indicated that the effects of APDI on tomato growth and fruit quality were modulated by LTAI and irrigation amount. APDI with LTAI controlled at 70 % FC was the optimal choice for better yield and fruit quality, especially under deficit irrigation. Unfavorable LTAI could diminish and even eliminate the beneficial effects of APDI on yield and IWUE as compared with conventional drip irrigation.

Antiseptics as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis: a systematic literature review

BackgroundPeriodontitis is microbially-associated, host-mediated inflammatory condition that results in loss of periodontal attachment. The goals of periodontal therapy include arresting the disease progression, establishing healthy, stable, maintainable periodontal conditions. A fundamental strategy of treating periodontitis is scaling and root planning (SRP), however its efficacy may be restricted in areas inaccessible for mechanical instrumentation. As periodontitis is infectious in nature, it might be helpful to use additional antimicrobial adjuncts, in order to eliminate or inactivate pathogenic microflora. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current evidence regarding the potential clinical benefits of using additional antiseptics for SRP in nonsurgical periodontal therapy.MethodsAn electronic literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE (Ovid) and Cohrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases for articles published between January 1, 2000 and September 22, 2019. Randomized controlled clinical trials in English that compare the effectiveness of one or more antiseptic agents as adjuncts to SRP with a follow-up of ≥6 months were included. A meta-analysis using the random-effects model was performed on the selected qualifying articles.ResultsThe search resulted in 12 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Based on the vehicle employed to deliver the antiseptic agent, studies were divided into adjunctive sustained-release antiseptics (gels, chips and varnish) and adjunctive irrigation with antiseptics. The meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in probing depth (PD) reduction (p = 0.001), clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (p = 0.001), and bleeding on probing (BOP) values (p = 0.001) following the adjunctive subgingival application of sustained-release antiseptics. Additional subgingival irrigation with antiseptics failed to show significant improvements in PD (p = 0.321), CAL (p = 0.7568), or BOP values (p = 0.3549) over SRP alone.ConclusionsAdjunctive subgingivally delivered antiseptics with a sustained-release delivery have significant clinical benefits compared to SRP alone.

Desempenho de cultivares de goiabeiras em ambientes irrigado e sequeiro

The fruits of guava (Psidium guajavaL.) are highly appreciated not only for aroma and flavor, but also for nutritional value, being a rich source of vitamin C and can be consumed in naturaor in their industrial forms. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of guavacultivars, its initial production and its fruit quality in irrigated and non-irrigated environments. Planting was carried out in February 2016, at 2.0 x 4.5 m spacing, with seedlings formed by cuttings from a commercial nursery. The plants were conducted in the espalier system, with regular prunings for fruiting. It was used a complete randomized block design in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement, with three cultivars (Tailandesa, Século XXI and Pedro Sato) and two production environments (irrigated and non-irrigated). Productive variables (yield per plant and fruit mass) and qualitative variables (pH and total soluble solids content) were analyzed in the first two crop cycles. The yield and mass of fruits of evaluated cultivars were not affected by the additional irrigation of the plants. The irrigation has decreased the pH and the level ofsoluble solids content of the fruits. The 'Tailandesa' guava cultivar was the one that presented the best productive performance for cultivation in the region of Vera Cruz, SP.

Water requirements and restrictions to sugarcane in cane plants and ratoon cane cycles in Southern Brazil

In a site with a Cfa-type climate in southern Brazil, the water requirements and restrictions for the cultivation of sugar cane (Saccharum spp.), in plant and soca (second cut) were characterized. Water availability was calculated based on the daily water balance and evapotranspiration was estimated using the Penman-Monteith method. The thermal and water requirements of sugarcane were calculated taking as reference the agroecological zoning in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Water requirement index did not show limiting factors for the development of the crop both in plant and soca. Water deficit was the most important agroclimatic risk factor. In Paranavaí-PR, Brazil, sugarcane is a safe crop, with possibilities of saving water in the development stage (phase II), with frequent additional irrigation needs of 508.8 mm/crop cycle for plant and 486.5 mm/sugarcane cycle for soca.

Impact of terminal heat stress on wheat yield in India and options for adaptation

The effect of climate change is being observed in India in the form of shorter winter coupled with commencement of summer quite earlier than normal. The proximity of equator and late sowing of wheat (due to late harvesting of rice) exposes the wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) to high temperature stress during grain filling stage leading to terminal heat stress in the crop and reduced yield. There are limited studies done till date in India to assess the long term impact of climate variability on wheat yield and to develop adaptation strategies to reduce its negative impact. Therefore, in this study, simulation model (InfoCrop) and field experiment was used to assess the impacts of terminal heat stress on growth and yield of wheat as well as to identify adaptation strategies. Simulated results showed that terminal heat stress will reduce wheat yield by 18.1%, 16.1% and 11.1%, respectively in present, 2020 and 2050 scenarios. Advancement in sowing date, application of additional dose of nitrogen and irrigation at grain filling stage were found suitable options for preventing yield loss. Among various combinations of adaptation options, early sowing by 10 days from recommended sowing date with 30 kg ha−1 additional nitrogen fertilizer and one additional irrigation at grain filling stage was found most suitable. Adaptation of these strategies will help in reducing impact of heat stress by 7.5, 6.4 and 9% respectively in present, 2020 and 2050 heat stressed scenarios.

ANALISIS KEBUTUHAN AIR TANAMAN DENGAN METODE CAOLI PADA TANAMAN TOMAT DENGAN IRIGASI TETES DI LAHAN KERING LOMBOK UTARA

Tomato farming in the dry land of Salut Village, North Lombok is very often done by farmers, because the plants are short-lived and the selling price of the harvest is quite stable. However, the development of tomato plants in this region is still constrained by the high demand for plant water (KAT), because there are not many references. For this reason, this study aims to determine the amount of water needed for tomato planting and other parameters for each growth phase (f). The study is conducted on a land measuring 7m x 28 m, the size of the beds around 0.75 m x 28 m, the source of water from a tank with a capacity of 1600m3 and drip irrigation for crop irrigation. KBT analysis used a formula (Caoli, 1967), with analysis data from field data when planting tomatoes, so the results of the study are expected to be more realistic to address these obstacles in the development of tomato plants in the district of North Lombok. KAT analysis results with the Caolli formula show, for once irrigation in the initial phase (f1) around 0.738 m3, the active vegetative phase (f2) around 1.667 m3 and the fertilization phase until maturation of the initial fruit (f3) around 3.087 m3. The amount of soil moisture (w) additional irrigation in each phase is for f1 around 4% -5%, f2 around 6.5% -12% and f3 around 12% -17%. The duration of drip irrigation by 40 minutes needs to be shortened in phase f1, for phase f2 the duration is sufficient, and in phase f3 the duration needs to be added by more than 40 minutes or the irrigation schedule is shortened to less than 4.

Does a trade-off between yield and efficiency reduce water and nitrogen inputs of winter wheat in the North China Plain?

Increasing both grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE)/nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP) of winter wheat is crucial to realize the sustainable development of agricultural production in the North China Plain (NCP). This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that a trade-off between yield and efficiency could reduce water and nitrogen inputs of winter wheat in the NCP. Wheat yield, WUE and NPFP under three production levels, i.e. the potential, high-yield and high-efficiency (HH), and on-farm, and their gaps were investigated with APSIM-Wheat model. The results showed that simulated potential yields were close to observed potential yields with RMSE of 1150 kg ha−1 (NRMSE of 12 %) and simulated on-farm yields followed with observed yields with RMSE of 576 kg ha−1 (NRMSE of 8.8 %). Simulated yield gap between the potential and on-farm yields was 2565 kg ha−1 averaged across the NCP from 1981 to 2015 with the highest yield gap in the central part of NCP and the eastern Shandong province, and the corresponding gaps of WUE and NPFP were 0.45 kg m−3 and 10.9 kg N kg−1 with a large spatial difference. To narrow the gaps, about 33 mm additional irrigation and 5 kg N ha−1 reductions from the current irrigation (242 mm) and N fertilizer (267 kg N ha-1) application amounts were needed across the NCP. WUE and NPFP could be increased by 29 % and 43 % from the on-farm to the potential levels. However, if on-farm yield only attained 80 % of the potential, WUE and NPFP could be increased by 0.96 kg m−3 (60 %) and 19.3 kg kg−1 (77 %) across the NCP. Irrigation and nitrogen fertilization amounts could be reduced by averaged 127 mm and 89 kg ha−1 from current averaged irrigation and nitrogen fertilization amounts across the NCP. Especially, the irrigation schedule at on-farm level should be adjusted from three or four irrigations at (sowing), overwintering, jointing and flowering to two irrigations at jointing and flowering across the NCP. Our results suggested an explicit potential for wheat yield and water-nitrogen efficiency win-win by optimizing water and nitrogen management in the NCP.

HYDRUS-1D Simulation of Soil Water Dynamics for Sweet Corn under Tropical Rainfed Condition

Assessment of soil water balance is essential to understand water dynamics for optimal use of water and fertilizers. The study intended to simulate soil water dynamics in sweet corn production under tropical rainfed conditions. Surface runoff, subsurface leaching, and evapotranspiration are the main components of water balance, especially in tropical environments. Therefore, intensive field experiments and HYDRUS-1D numerical modeling were applied to investigate the water balance components and analyzing water dynamics. The study was carried out in a sweet corn field for two growing seasons under the rainfed conditions at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Serdang, Malaysia. The total water inputs during the first and second seasons were 75.8 cm and 79.7 cm, respectively. Simulated results of evapotranspiration (ET) accounted for 40.7% and 33.1% of total water input during the first and second seasons. Surface runoff accounted for 41% and 28.6% in the first and second season, respectively. Water leaching accounted for 10.6%–26.8% of total water input during both seasons respectively. As rainfall fulfilled the crop water requirement throughout the growing seasons no additional irrigation was required. The overall simulation results validate the HYDRUS-1D as an effective tool to simulate soil water dynamics under rainfed conditions.

Chinampas: An Urban Farming Model of the Aztecs and a Potential Solution for Modern Megalopolis

Urban horticulture is not as new as many people think. Throughout history, different techniques have been used to ensure sustainable urban agricultural production. A good example of this is the chinampa system, which was developed during the time of the Aztecs in the region of Lake Xochimilco, south of Mexico City. A chinampa is a raised field on a small artificial island on a freshwater lake surrounded by canals and ditches. Farmers use local vegetation and mud to construct chinampas. Fences made of a native willow [bonpland willow (Salix bonplandiana)] protect the chinampa from wind, pests, and erosion. The dominating crops are vegetables and ornamentals. The canal water that rises through capillarity to the crops reduces the need for additional irrigation. A considerable portion of the fertility in the soils is system-immanent and generated in the aquatic components of the chinampa. Complex rotations and associations allow up to seven harvests per year. Chinampas also provide ecosystem services, particularly greenhouse gas sequestration and biodiversity diversification, and they offer high recreational potential. Recently, research and community initiatives have been performed to try to recover the productive potential of chinampas and align this sustainable system with the needs of the 21st century. In other parts of the world, some with a history of raised field agriculture, similar efforts are being made. The chinampa model could help supply food and ecosystem services in large cities on or near swamplands, large rivers, or lakes.

Preplant and early-season cotton irrigation timing with deficit amounts using subsurface drip (SDI) systems in the Texas High Plains

Two major irrigation challenges of cotton producers in the Texas High Plains (THP) include the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer and the highly evaporative, semi-arid environment during late spring and early summer. A recent cotton experiment using center pivot irrigation at deficit irrigation capacities showed the reduction in seasonal irrigation by 20% with minor yield loss by reducing irrigations during the vegetative period instead of attempting to store soil water during this period of high evaporative losses. Due to its method of delivery, subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) should reduce evaporation losses during the preplant and early-season periods and improve water storage efficiency and crop yield even at low irrigation capacity. Two experiments having different SDI installation designs and irrigation capacities were conducted in adjacent fields on clay loam soils over 4- and 5-year periods. Treatments included levels of preplant (PP) and vegetative (Veg) period irrigations. In both experiments, under seasonal growing conditions ranging from favorable to unfavorable, yields and crop values were only modestly increased by additional PP irrigations above that required for germination. Among treatments with common PP amounts, larger irrigation amounts during the vegetative period did not significantly (p < 0.05) increase yield or crop value in any individual year or any group of years. In three growing season groupings, with unfavorable to favorable weather conditions, as seasonal irrigation increased, gross irrigation value decreased. Results suggest that in most years, on heavy soils within the THP, SDI productivity can be improved by limiting PP and early-season irrigations under deficit irrigation conditions.

Analysis of Cropping Practices on Two Irrigated Perimeters of the Volta Blanche Basin with the Use of Shallow Groundwater

This study aims to analyze the development of small-scale irrigation using shallow groundwater in Nahouri province (south-central Burkina Faso). The methodological approach adopted was essentially based firstly on semi-structured surveys with producers who have adopted sump technology and the monitoring of groundwater level using the installed piezometers and secondly on geophysical prospection. Results obtained show that market gardening is mainly a family activity practiced on plots of 0.20 ha with a predominance of pepper cultivation occupying about 75% of cultivated areas. It was also highlighted that this agricultural activity faces several constraints that delay its development. These include: lack of water, land insecurity, small and fragmented farms and difficulty in selling products when they are put on local markets at the very same time as significant price drops. This problem is accentuated by the perishable nature of these market garden products. Despite these limiting factors, there is some satisfaction considering the income earned by farmers, most of whom are able to meet their primary needs. This work made it possible to conclude that even in zones which are not sedimentary formations, it is possible to mobilize groundwater, at a reasonable depth for agricultural purposes, without much effort to practice additional irrigation, knowing that evaporation carries harm to the use of dams.

Sustainable crop diversification to stabilize system productivity and profitability

Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or enterprises with or without the addition a shift from one crop or enterprise in a production system. It needs to sustain the production system of the region by enhancing the soil health, reducing biotic and abiotic stresses and increasing employment generation. Rice-potato-mungbean cropping system was sustainable, compared with a rice-wheat cropping system, in terms of higher productivity, protein yield, and energy output (Vyas, 1996). Crop diversification considering crop and forage rotation strategies, involving alternative winter crops and summer crops/forages with supplemental irrigation; and also high value options: vegetables, dry land fruit trees, medicinal and aromatic plants, development of plant-based and livestock- based products is market oriented and environmentally healthy. (Sharma, 2010). By adopting an integrated genetic and natural resource management approach, crop diversification can able to provide an improvement in livelihoods on a sustainable basis in rainfed areas, particularly by introducing high-value fruit, vegetables and value-added plant products and with options of additional irrigation (Vyas, 1996). Besides developing technologies for promoting intensification, the country /state must give greater attention to the development of technologies that will facilitate agricultural diversification particularly towards intensive production of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other high value crops that are expected to increase the income growth and generate effective demand for food. Thus, accelerating the pace of crop yields (through technological change) and crop diversification (In favor of high-value commodities) are the options to provide sustainable sources of agricultural growth in future.

Effects of Cultivation Practices and Products on Bermudagrass Fairways in a Semiarid Region

High evapotranspirational demand combined with poor quality irrigation water increases salinity concerns in semiarid regions. Accumulated salts in the root zone may negatively affect bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) growth and quality. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of cultivation practices combined with products to enhance fairway conditions without applying leaching water levels. Two golf courses in Lubbock, TX, were selected for this research. Cultivation practices, including noncultivated control, core aerification, and slicing, were conducted in mid‐June of 2015 and 2016. Nine products recommended to enhance water movement or to disassociate sodium were applied within each cultivation treatment at label rates. Soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were determined from samples obtained in June, August, and October each year. Volumetric water content, visual turf quality, digital image analysis, normalized difference vegetation index, and ratio vegetation index were assessed from June to October in 2015 and 2016. Soil EC fluctuated with rainfall events. However, no treatment reduced soil EC. Gypsum‐based products increased soil EC but reduced pH at the conclusion of the research. Core aerification reduced aboveground parameters at Golf Course A because aerified holes remained visible throughout summer, whereas slicing and core aerification improved turf quality and ratio vegetation index at Golf Course B. These results emphasize the need to test irrigation water for the salinity hazard before implementing management strategies and the importance of leaching by rainfall or additional irrigation. Lastly, high surface disruption cultivation practices may inhibit bermudagrass recovery on higher clay content soils.Core Ideas Rainfall and high ET fluctuated soil EC of bermudagrass golf fairways. Gypsum products increased soil EC and reduced soil pH after 2 yr of applications. Bermudagrass recovery from core aerification was slowed with higher clay content. Cultivation practices improved parameters on high sand content soil after recovery.

Evaluation of land suitability for cultivation of java patchouli (Pogostemon heyneanus Benth) in the dry land of northern Serang, Banten province

This research aimed to determine (1) land suitability limiting factors for Javanese patchouli cultivation in North Serang Regency, Banten Province, (2) the level of land suitability for Javanese patchouli cultivation in North Serang District, Banten Province, (3) land improvement efforts to be suitable for Java Patchouli Plant cultivation in North Serang Regency, Banten Province. This type of research was descriptive research. The study was conducted in the Dry Land of North Serang Regency, Banten Province including Tirtayasa District, Kramatwatu District, and Waringinkurung District. The research was conducted from October 2018 to March 2019. The research consisted of 5 stages: preparation and secondary data collection, preparation of land unit maps, data collection stage in the field (primary data), analysis of land suitability data and stages making land suitability maps. The method of data analysis was done by matching between the characteristics and quality of land in the study area with the criteria for growing patchouli plants. The results showed that : (1) Land suitability limiting factors for Java Patchouli cultivation included the availability of water, rooting media, nutrient availability, terrain conditions. (2) Land use in Tirtayasa sub-district includes land suitability classes S2 (moderately suitable) and S3 (marginally suitable). Land use in Kramatwatu District includes land suitability classes S2 and S3. Land use in Waringinkurung District includes land suitability classes S3 and S2. (3) Efforts to improve land can be made by making terraces, providing efficient additional irrigation, making drainage channels, liming, fertilizing, adding organic matter.

2181 Gallbladder Irrigation via Cholecystostomy Tube as a Novel Technique for Improving EUS-Guidance During Placement of Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) for Cholecystoduodenostomy

INTRODUCTION: Cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment of acute cholecystitis, but it may be relatively contraindicated in patients with medical comorbidities or advanced age. Non-surgical approaches include percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy tube and endosonographic stent placement. Adequate endosonographic imaging of the gallbladder is essential for correct stent deployment. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 55-year-old male was admitted for endoscopic cholecystoduodenostomy for palliation of chronic cholecystitis. He had prior admissions for cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis with cholangitis with prior ERCPs requiring sphincterotomy, sphincteroplasty, stone removal and common bile duct stent placement. He was a poor candidate for cholecystectomy due to multiple medical comorbidities and chronic anticoagulation and was referred for endoscopic therapy. The patient was brought to the endoscopy suite and placed under general anesthesia. The Olympus linear echoendoscope was passed to the second portion of the duodenum. The gallbladder was collapsed due to prior patent sphincterotomy and sphincteroplasty. With IR assistance, the gallbladder was irrigated with normal saline boluses of to a volume of 600 mL. Due to the patent sphincterotomy, the gallbladder would collapse requiring additional irrigation. Maximal size of the gallbladder 30 mm in the long axis and 20 mm in the short axis. The duodenal wall and the gallbladder were punctured under endosonographic guidance using the hot AXIOS electrocautery-enhanced delivery system. A stoma was created and a 15 × 10 mm AXIOS stent was placed with flanges in close approximation to the gallbladder and duodenal wall through the cholecystoduodenostomy. The echoendoscope was then withdrawn. Next, a solution of normal saline and methylene blue was injected through the percutaneous cholecystostomy tube and this solution was seen to flow from the duodenal portion of the AXIOS stent on endoscopic views, confirming adequate location of the AXIOS stent in the gallbladder and duodenum. DISCUSSION: The patient did well in the immediate post-procedural period. Six days post-procedure, he was noted to have melena in the setting of supratherapeutic INR and aPTT. Repeat upper endoscopy showed no evidence of bleeding. The AXIOS stent appeared normal on endoscopic views. Due to the difficulty of stent placement and palliative intent, we left the AXIOS stent in situ. The patient is currently asymptomatic and was referred to IR for removal of percutaneous cholecystostomy tube.

The accuracy of joint aspiration for the diagnosis of shoulder infections

Shoulder joint aspirations are frequently performed to rule out infection. In case ofunsuccessful aspiration, physicians often augment the aspiration liquid by injecting saline solution. We performed shoulder joint aspirations by fluoroscopic assistance and analyzed the value of an additional saline solution irrigation in patients undergoing revision shoulder surgery. Native joints and post-fracture repair, post-arthroscopy, and post-arthroplasty shoulders were included. A minimum of 3 deep intraoperative tissue samples served as the microbiological gold standard. We performed 106 aspirations occurring between 0 and 179 days before revision surgery. Among them, we could sample intra-articular liquid directly in 60 cases and after saline solution injection in 43 cases, whereas 3 cases remained unsuccessful. According to intraoperative samples, 24 shoulders were infected but only 10 of 24 (42%) yielded pathogens in the aspirate. Moreover, of the 43 saline solution-enforced irrigations, none revealed bacteria but 8 (17%) confirmed infection in intraoperative samples. Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive valueof presurgical aspirations were 33%, 98%, 80%, and 83%, respectively. When surgical revision is planned, presurgical shoulder joint aspiration is not reliable to sufficiently exclude shoulder joint infection. Nevertheless, a positive aspiration finding can guide clinical decision making, so we propose to perform aspiration only if there is a clinically high index of suspicion for an infection. Irrigation after unsuccessful primary aspiration is futile.