Average Yield Increase Research Articles

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ БІОПРЕПАРАТІВ ДЛЯ ВИРОЩУВАННІ ПШЕНИЦІ ОЗИМОЇ

The aim of the work is to highlight the results of a field experiment on the effectiveness of the preparations "Pop up Plants Humate Potassium" and "Regoplant" in the cultivation of winter wheat. Methods. The field experiment was conducted in 2020/2021 on the lands of L. Pogorilyy UkrNDIPVT (Kyiv agro-soil district of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe). Experience factors: factor A – tillage system (A1 – traditional, A2 – conservation, A3 – mulching, A4 – mini-till); Factor B – biological products "Potassium Humate + Regoplant" (B1 – control (without the use of preparations), B2 – the use of preparations for seed treatment and crop nutrition. When growing wheat, the traditional technology for the region was used, except for the elements of the experimental scheme. The effectiveness of the preparations was established by determining the biological yield of wheat and its structure compared to the control. Results. The use of humic preparations increased the weight of grain from the ear and the weight of 1000 seeds, which led to an increase in the biological yield of grain and the harvest index. The highest yield of wheat was observed in the traditional tillage system (A1), and the lowest – in the system of mini-till (A4). The largest increase in yield from the use of preparations (40 %) was observed in the version with a conservation tillage system (A2), and the smallest increase (20 %) – in the mulching tillage system version (A3). The experiment factors also influenced the growth of grain quality. In particular, the grain of the control variant contained 12.44 % of crude protein by weight of dry matter (seeds of the third class), and the grain of the experimental variant – 12.84 % of crude protein by weight of dry matter (seeds of the second class). There was also a decrease in the content of nitrogen-free extractive substances and crude ash. Conclusions. The use of "Pop up Plants Humate Potassium" and "Regoplant" had a positive effect on winter wheat yield and grain quality indicators. The average increase in the biological yield of winter wheat under different tillage systems was 30 % of the control. The superiority of the biological yield of winter wheat grain was noted in the variant with ploughing and biological fertilizers. The use of biological fertilizers also helped to improve grain quality indicators. Key words: Winter Wheat, Potassium Humate, Regoplant, Biological Yield, Tillage Systems.

Seeder for Different Depths of Grain Sowing and Mineral Fertilizers Application

The article presents the main results of a three-year research on the use of a seeder with openers for different depths of grain sowing and mineral fertilizers application.Research purpose To compare SKP-2.1 seeder equipped with experimental openers and the serially produced one and to determine the yield and quality indicators of spring soft wheat grain, depending on the sowing method and the rate of nitrogen mineral fertilizers application.Materials and methods A comparative field agrotechnical experiment was carried out to compare the indicators of field germination, yield by variants and the quality of grain obtained in different variants of the experiment. The experiment was carried out on Omskaya-36 soft spring wheat. The sowing performed by SKP-2.1 serially produced seeder-cultivator was taken as control. The experimental plots were sown with the same seeder but equipped with combined coulters, which are lancet paws that ensure the placement of granular mineral fertilizers and seeds in soil horizons of different depths.Results and discussion According to the three-year research, the maximum economic effect was obtained at the rate of ammonium nitrate application of 150 kg/ha. As a result, the yield increased by 0.44 t/ha, the cost of additional production accounted for 6740 rub/ha. A slight decrease in the economic effect was revealed with an increase in the rate of fertilizer application. It was determined that the maximum yield and the best grain quality characteristics both in the control sowing options and in the experimental ones were obtained with the application of ammonium nitrate a rate of 150 and 200 kg/ha.Conclusions It was established that the use of a seeder for different-depth grain sowing and mineral fertilizers application, depending on the spring weather conditions and the ammonium nitrate dose, provides an increase in field germination by 11-18%; the average annual increase in grain yield accounted for 16.3%. The gluten content proved to increase from 24.6 (control) to 29.8 percent.

Performance of Submergence Tolerant Shallow Lowland Rice Variety Swarna sub-1 under Frontline Demonstrations in East and South Eastern Coastal Plain Zone of Odisha, India

Frontline demonstrations on rice crop in 15.4 ha area using submergence tolerant variety Swarna sub-1 were carried out in participatory mode in farmers’ field during Kharif season of 2016, 2017 and 2018 at Ranapur village of Khordha district under East and South Eastern Coastal Plain Zone of Odisha by University Extension Block programme (UEBP) of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Odisha, India. Major constraints of traditional rice cultivation are low productivity in shallow lowland areas due to lack of knowledge and partial adoption of recommended package of practices by rice growing farmers. Therefore, present demonstration programmes have been undertaken to popularize/introduce stress tolerant rice var. Swarna sub-1 in flood prone and shallow lowland areas of Khordha district of Odisha, India. The present study revealed that there was 20.4% increase in average yield of demonstrated field over the farmers practice field of rice crop. An average yield of 45.68 q ha-1 was recorded in demonstration as compared to 37.84 q ha-1 in farmers practice during consecutive three years demonstrations. It might be due to considerable variation in the extent of adoption of improved/recommended technology which was resulted lower yield in farmers practice. Average technology gap, extension gap and technology index was found 12.32 q ha-1, 7.84 q ha-1 and 28.39%, respectively. The demonstrations with improved practice gave higher net return of Indian Rupee (INR) 18180, 26538 and 35605 ha-1 as compared to farmers practices with INR 12987, 16361 and 17294, respectively during Kharif seasons of 2016, 2017 and 2018. The benefit cost ratio (B:C ratio) of rice cultivation under improved practices were found to be 1.42, 1.60 and 1.80 as compared to 1.31, 1.38 and 1.39 under farmers practices. Moreover, the demonstration practice showed maximum 105.88% increase in net returns over farmers practice.

Performance enhancement of double pass photovoltaic/thermal solar collector using asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator (PV/T-ACPC) for façade application in different climates

Symmetrical compound parabolic concentrators (CPC) for a stationary double pass photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) air solar collector has been widely employed. However, for high yearly energy delivery, the solar incidence angle must be within the full acceptance angle of the CPC which is a challenge to determine for a symmetrical CPC. This paper presents the performance enhancement of a double pass photovoltaic/thermal air solar collector using an asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator (PV/T-ACPC) suitable for building façade application. Mathematical modelling was developed and validated against established experimental results. The potential of double pass PV/T-ACPC was then evaluated for different locations that represent low, mid, and high latitudes. Double pass PV/T-ACPC outperforms the conventional symmetric compound parabolic concentrator (PV/T-CPC) and the conventional flat type of double pass PV/T solar air collector. When compared with conventional flat type, the average percentage increase in the average daily total power yield for the PV/T-ACPC is as high as 14% and 50% for the low and mid-latitude, and high latitude countries, respectively. Meanwhile, for the PV/T CPC, the percentage of the average daily total power yield was slightly negative in value for low and mid-latitude countries, which indicates worse performance compared to the conventional type.

Correlation analysis of relative chlorophyll content and yield of maize hybrids of different genotypes

In 2021, correlation between relative chlorophyll content and yield in three maize hybrids of different genotypes was examined. The data were collected at the Látókép Experimental Station of the University of Debrecen located on the Hajdúság loess ridge in Hungary. The soil of the small plot field strip plot trial, which was set up in 2011, was calcareous chernozem. Apart from the control treatment (without fertilisation), N fertiliser is applied in the form of base and top dressing. The base fertiliser containing 60 and 120 kg ha-1 N of nutrient applied in spring was followed by top dressing containing +30–30 kg ha-1 N in V6 and V12 phenophases. SPAD values measured at different phenological stages of the growing season increased by an average of about 28% up to 10 leaf stage for all three hybrids. In the pre-silking period (Vn), the relative chlorophyll content decreased by 8% on average. After an average increase of 14% in the tasselling and silking period, SPAD decreased by an average of about 29% at full maturity (R6). For the different fertiliser treatments, higher N doses resulted in higher yields. In the basal fertiliser treatment, the A 60 N dose resulted in an average 34% increase in yield, and the A 120 N dose resulted in an average 94% increase in yield compared to the control. The 60 kg ha-1 N basal fertiliser (A60) increased in the V6 phenophase with an additional 30 kg ha-1 N resulted in an average yield increase of 26%. When 120 kg ha-1 N of basal fertiliser (A120) was increased by an additional 30 kg ha-1 N in the V6 phenophase, only the Merida hybrid showed a significant yield increase (7%). No further yield increase was observed when V690 and V6150 treatments were increased by an additional 30 kg ha-1 N in the V12 phenophase. The yield of the Armagnac hybrid decreased by almost 20%, the yield of Fornad by 3% and the yield of Merida by 1%.

Probiotic Effects of Bacillus licheniformis DSM5749 on Growth Performance and Intestinal Microecological Balance of Laying Hens.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis DSM5749 on the production performance and intestinal health in laying hens. A total of 32-week-old laying hens (Hyline Brown) were randomly assigned to two dietary groups (10 replicates of 27 laying hens), namely, basal diet and basal diet complemented with 200 g/t B. licheniformis (3.2 × 109 CFU/kg). The trial lasted for 8 weeks, and samples were collected at the last week. Results revealed that B. licheniformis DSM5749 significantly improved laying performance, including an increase in egg production rate and average daily egg yield, and a decrease in the feed-to-egg ratio during the entire 8-week experimental period (P < 0.05). B. licheniformis DSM5749 increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver and decreased the IL-1 level in the serum (P < 0.05). In addition, the integrity of intestinal morphology (villus height, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth), tight junctions (ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin), and lipase vitality in the intestine were potentiated by B. licheniformis DSM5749 in laying hens (P < 0.05). B. licheniformis DSM5749 decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (P < 0.05) in the cecum. Furthermore, B. licheniformis DSM5749 modulated the microbiota in the cecum of the laying hens, increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Prevotella) at the genus level and decreased the relative abundance of potential pathogens (e.g., Desulfovibrio). In conclusion, B. licheniformis DSM5749 can improve laying performance, promote intestinal health, affect the composition of cecal microorganisms, and regulate the intestinal micro-ecological balance, making B. licheniformis a good probiotic candidate for application in the laying hens industry.

Effect of the application of potassium on the yield of corn (zea mays L.) in La Frailesca, chiapas Mexico / Efeito da aplicação de potássio na produção de milho (zea mays L.) em La Frailesca, chiapas, México

In recently soil analysis in La Frailesca Chiapas, it has been detected that most soils have low exchangeable potasium (K) concentrations, therefore maize plants show symptoms of deficiency of this nutrient, which can affect the yield. The maize response was evaluated at four doses of K (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg K2O ha-1) in three locations with non-acid soils. A randomized block design with five replications was used, and potassium chloride (KCl) as a potassium source. KCl was applied by manual broadcasting and was incorporated to the soil 10 and 15 cm deep with a disc harrow. In all three locations a significant positive response was observed (p &lt;0.05) to which a lineal-plateau model was adjusted, with an average increase in yield of 1 964 kg ha-1 (150% higher than without K) with 90 kg K2O ha-1. No response was observed to higher doses. The regression equation for the linear part of the response model is: Yield (kg ha-1) = 3 855 + 22 kg K2O ha-1. The agronomic efficiency of K at the dose of 90 kg K2O ha-1 was higher than the reference range (7 to 15 kg grain.kg-1 K2O). At the same time, this treatment had the highest net benefit and a marginal rate of return of 370%. Under the conditions of this study, the application of 90 kg K2O ha-1 presented the highest yield, economic benefit and agronomic efficiency.

Evaluation and validation of disease management module for Alternaria Blight in Mustard

Leaf blight of mustard is one of the major constraints for its successful cultivation and may be attributed to cause substantially high yield losses. Integrated Disease Management (IDM) practices, found suitable against Alternaria blight, developed and evaluated elsewhere, are here by tested and validated as IDM module with slight modifications as per local requirements. This is basically to demonstrate the benefit of good available technology to farmers as on farm trials (OFT). The comparative efficacy of four different treatments were incredibly convincing for the farmers. It was realized that all three modules were significantly superior over prevailing farmers’ practice. Overall, seed treatment with aqueous garlic bulb extract @ 5% (w/v) along with one spray of aqueous garlic bulb extract @5% (w/v) at 45 DAS followed by one foliar spray of Mancozeb-75% WP @ 2.5g/l at 75 DAS (T4) found most effective in reducing disease incidence consecutively for three years and average reduction in disease severity of 71.90%. Besides, reduction in disease severity significant increase in yield and yield attributing characters could be observed using this treatment. The average yield increase of 37.30% could be recorded with maximum B:C of 2.56. In this way, treatment improved production and other yield parameters without imposing any drastic input burden to farmers, as evidenced by cost and benefit estimates. Therefore, it can be concluded that T4 can be considered for improved sustainable package of practice for Alternaria blight management of Mustard

Impact Assessment of Front-Line Demonstration (FLDs) on the Yield of Greengram

The green gram cluster frontline demonstrations were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jalgaon Jamod during 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 in Kharif season and covered 30 ha of land with 75 demonstrations in total 15 villages in 2 clusters of Buldana District of Maharashtra. In front-line demonstrations, improved quality seed variety, seed treatment, recommended fertilizers doses, Rhizobium culture, PSB bio-fertilizers and crop protection management approaches were exhibited in farmers’ fields. The results showed that the highest grain yield was obtained in the demonstration plot with an average of 6.15 q/ha compared to 4.66 q/ha in the farmers’ practice. A higher average net return (Rs.19,712/ha) was obtained in the demonstration plots compared to the farmers’ plot (Rs.13,250/ha). The average B: C ratio was 2.10 in demonstrated plot compared to 1.80 in farmers plot. The average increase in demonstration yield over farmers practice was 32 percent and the increase in net return over farmer practice was 49 %. This is due to both improved technology and improved varieties. The level of return was significantly low for local practices due to a significant difference in the extent of adoption of recommended practices versus the level of risk in terms of cost-benefit, skill and knowledge of the practices involved.

Determining effects of foliar boron applications on yield and fruit quality of apricot trees for reducing water stress

Aims: The research was carried out to determine the effects of different boron doses on yield, yield components and quality on 5-6 years old apricot trees of Mogador variety, which were exposed to water stress in the Amik Plain in 2019. Methods and Results: The factorial experimental design was conducted on apricot trees of Mogador variety, using four doses of foliar boron (ppm) (0-B0, 150-B150, 225-B225 and 300-B300 ppm) and four irrigation levels (100%-I100, 75%-I75, 50%-I50 and 25%-I25 of available water holding capacity) in four replications. Each replication consisted of two apricot trees. The quantity of irrigation water applied in the experiment ranged from 179 to 742 mm, while the evapotranspiration varied between 295 and 832 mm during the irrigation season. Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) varied between 3.51-5.18 kg m-3 and 2.89-4.17 kg m-3, respectively. Boron doses did not cause significant differences in WUE and IWUE values. Each unit increase in crop water use caused an average yield increase of 16.8 kg ha-1. Relative to the full irrigation (I100), fruit weight decreased by 13 and 3% in I25 and I50, respectively, but increased by 2% in I75. Relative to the control group (B0), fruit weight increased by 2, 4, and 2% with B150, B225, and B300, respectively. Average fruit size varied between 47.40 (I75) and 42.99 mm (I25); total soluble solids (TSS) between 16.13 (I100) and 12.65 (I25); and pH between 3.16 (I100) and 3.30 (I50). The increased boron dose did not cause a significant difference in fruit size and width. The leaf boron content increased up to the B225 dose and tended to decrease at the B300 dose.Conclusions: Boron element provides an increase in yield in deficit irrigation conditions, the yield increase is higher in fully irrigated apricot trees. In full irrigation treatment (I100), the B225 treatment was more effective on the yield.Significance and Impact of the Study: The boron element is an important element that causes an increase in photosynthesis by light adsorption. There is not a lot of research investigating the effects of nutrient elements to relieve the negative effect of water stress in orchards. This research is important in terms of revealing the effects of the element boron in water stress conditions.

Change in agronomic characteristics and essential oil composition of coriander after application of foliar fertilizers and biostimulators

Nowadays the biologically active substances are very attractive, because they are harmless and ecological friendly. Their application is not only economically profitable, but also improves the action of the fertilizers and increases the yields. The study aims to investigate the effect of some foliar fertilizers and biostimulators on the elements of productivity, seed yield and the essential oil content and composition of Lozen 1 coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivar. The field trial was carried out on leached Smolnitsa soil type in the region of the village of Zhrebino, South-Eastern Bulgaria in the period 2018–2020. The experiment was arranged according to the randomized complete block design in four replications with a plot size of 15 m2, after predecessor wheat. The treatment of coriander with the leaf fertilizer Masterblend in a dose of 2.5 kg ha-1 resulted in an average yield increase of 11.8% compared with the untreated control. After treatment with the foliar applied products an increase in the essential oil content from 2.9% to 9.6% was established, as the highest values were obtained when using the biostimulator Fertigrain – 1.26% and the foliar fertilizer Masterblend – 1.25%. The most frequent components of the essential oil were linalool, γ-terpinene, α-pinene and camphor. The highest values of linalool were observed after the application of the products Masterblend and Poly Plant. The used products stimulated the biological potential of the tested cultivar and could be recommended for further investigations by other essential oil crops.

Effects of Exogenous Gibberellic Acid in Huanglongbing-affected Sweet Orange Trees under Florida Conditions—II. Fruit Production and Tree Health

Fruit production of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) in Florida has been declining with the presence of Huanglongbing [HLB; Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas)] disease. Through disruption of the balance of endogenous hormone levels, the disease has negative impacts on fruit development, mature fruit retention, and overall tree health. Thus, the goal of this research was to determine whether plant growth regulator gibberellic acid (GA3) can be used to improve the production issues caused by HLB. For ‘Valencia’ sweet orange, although foliar applied GA3 from September to January (33 mg·L−1 for five applications) resulted in 50% decrease in bloom the following spring (results presented in Tang et al., 2021), this treatment did not cause reduction in yield of current and subsequent crops. Moreover, a 30% average increase in yield in GA3-treated trees was observed over a period of 4 years. The size of mature fruit was also increased (by 4% to 5%) with reduced fruit drop rate near harvest in GA3-treated trees compared with nontreated control trees. Furthermore, the canopy density, an indicator of HLB severity, was maintained in trees applied with GA3 (from 90.8% light interception to 90.4%). In contrast, there was a substantial decrease in canopy density for control trees (from 91.6% to 84.0%). Gene expression analysis of abscission zone and leaves indicated that GA3-treated trees had enhanced oxidative stress mitigation mechanism and plant defense response. Given that there is no cure for HLB, these results presented a possible remedy of using GA3 in sustaining tree health for field-grown sweet orange affected by HLB.

Действие электромагнитного стимулирования семян в повышении продуктивности ярового ячменя

The article presents a brief analysis of the research material on the study of the influence of magnetobiological effects during presowing treatment of spring barley seeds with a gradient magnetic field on its productivity and grain quality. In the experiments it was found that due to presowing treatment of seeds with a gradient magnetic field, there was an increase in germination energy by 5%, germination by 3%. In the further development, the plants were distinguished by a more powerful assimilation apparatus (+17.14%), an increased tillering coefficient (+11.3%). During the research period, due to the pre-sowing treatment of seeds with a gradient magnetic field, an average yield increase of 4.6 c/ha or 12.7% was established. Keywords: GRADIENT MAGNETIC FIELD, SPRING BARLEY, PRE-SOWING SEED TREATMENT, YIELD

EFFECTIVENESS OF SOYBEAN INOCULATION WITH NODULE BACTERIA AND MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHT BANK FOREST STEPPE OF UKRAINE

The relevance of this study is determined by a complex of factors that shape soybean grain productivity – the effectiveness of symbiotic systems formed with nodule bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, the activity of growth processes and the formation of vegetative organs by soybean plants, as well as their adaptive plasticity under the influence of various external factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphobiometric characteristics of soybean plants, the productivity of the crop after pre-sowing treatment with biological preparations Rhizoline, Mycofriend, and Rhizosave. This paper presents the results of research on the use of soybean seed treatment with biological preparations to improve the growth and development of soybean plants and increase crop productivity. Field, laboratory, mathematical-statistical, and calculation methods were employed for this study. It was found that seed inoculation positively affects the leaf surface area in the budding phase, it increased from 5,313 cm2 in the control to 6,426 cm2 with the Rhizoline + Rhizosave + Mycofriend option, and in the phase of pod formation, respectively, from 8,704 cm2 to 1,113 cm2 . The joint use of Rhizoline + Mycofriend + Rhizosave preparations most contributed to the increase in the mass of the root with nodules (+0.95 g), the number of nodules on the plant (+32 pcs), and the mass of nodules from the plant (+0.3 g). It was found that a comparable situation occurred during the phase of bean formation. The regularity of yield growth during the years under study showed that the average increase in yield varied from 0.41 t/ha with Rhizoline + Rhizosave inoculation to 0.6 t/ha with the combined use of Rhizoline + Rhizosave and the mycorrhizal preparation Mycofriend. It was substantiated that under appropriate conditions, the intensity of symbiotic nitrogen fixation increases thanks to nodule bacteria, as well as the absorption of water and nutrients by the root system of plants due to the activity of mycorrhizal fungi, the entry of amino acids, phytohormones, and vitamins into the plant, which positively affects the growth and development of soybean plants. The materials of this paper are of practical value for farmers in the development of new plant nutrition strategies involving biological preparations in the cultivation technology

Response of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Fertilizers with Nitrogen-Transformation Inhibitors and Timing of Their Application under Field Conditions

Winter wheat is a widely cultivated crop that requires high inputs of nitrogen (N) fertilization, which is often connected with N losses. The application of fertilizers with nitrification (NI) and urease inhibitors (UI) is an opportunity to eliminate the risk of N losses and improve N availability to plants. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of conventional nitrogen fertilizers with fertilizers containing nitrogen-transformation inhibitors as well as to evaluate the timing of their application on the wheat-grain yield and quality under the conditions of a three-year field experiment. The examined fertilizers with inhibitors were applied in a single dose or in a split application in combination with conventional fertilizers. The single application of urea with NI and/or UI resulted in a relatively average increase in the grain yield, while protein content and the Zeleny-test values were significantly increased compared to the split N application. The more significant effect of urea with NI and UI was found under the moisture-rich conditions compared to the drier conditions. A significant increase in the grain yield (by 6.3%) and in the Zeleny-test value (by 16.5%) was observed after inhibited urea application comparing to the control treatment (without inhibitors).

Impact of frontline demonstration on mustard (Brassica jancea) in Haridwar district of Uttrakhand

The major constraint on the low productivity of mustard in the Tarai and Bhabhar areas of Uttrakhand was nonadoption of recommended package of practices and lack of awareness for balanced use of fertilizers. To replace this age-old technology, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Dhanauri conducted front-line demonstrations during Rabi season 2016-17 and 2017-18. Cultivation practices comprised of the recommended dose of fertilizers (120 kg N2 + 40 kg P2O5 + 40 kg K2O) with farmers’ practices (120 kg DAP/ ha) in mustard. Results showed that the average yield obtained was 17.15 q/ha and 17.20 q/ha respectively under improved systems, whereas in Farmer’s practice the yield was recorded 15.50 q/ha and 15.25 q/ha during 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively. The average percent increase in yield with the recommended dose of fertilizers over farmers’ practice was 11.7 percent. The extension gap recorded was 1.65 and 1.95 q/ha during 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively.

The Role of Balanced Fertilization on the Reduction of Phytic Acid to Zinc Molar Ratio (PA/Zn) in the Irrigated and Rainfed Wheat Fields on the Calcareous Soils of Iran

One of the most important quality factors in the wheat grain, which directly affects the quality of the bread, is the molar ratio of phytic acid to zinc (PA/ Zn) index. In order to evaluate the role of balanced fertilization on increasing the yield, quality, and reducing PA/Zn in wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.), the first experiment was implemented with two fertilizer treatments (Farmer’s conventional fertilization practice, i.e. NP-fertilizers) and the optimum use of fertilizers (fertilization was on the basis of soil test results) in three different irrigated farms in Mianeh, East Azarbaijan province and the second experiment was carried out in 10 different dryland farms on the outskirts of the Khodabandeh, Zanjan Province in 2010-2011 growing season with an average of 380 mm annual rainfall. This experiment had three treatments, i.e. T1=Control (no fertilizer); T2=Farmer’s conventional fertilization practice (NP-fertilizers), and T3=Fertilization based on soil test values (Optimum use of fertilizers) in four replications with a randomized complete block design. The wheat cultivar in the irrigated farms was Alvand and in the rainfed farms was Azar-2. Protein, phytic acid, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) in wheat grains were analyzed according to the standard methods. The collected data were analyzed by using a t-test and SAS Software. The results revealed that in the irrigated wheat fields, the optimal use of fertilizers increased the grain yield up to 27 percent, protein content, all micronutrients especially Zn significantly, but it decreased PA/Zn molar ratio significantly in comparison to Farmer’s conventional fertilization practice. While phytic acid concentration in the control plots was 8.70, it decreased up to 7.41gkg-1, Zn concentration was increased from 29 to 43 mgkg-1 and subsequently, PA/Zn molar ratio was reduced from 30 to 17. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference for phytic acid, Zn, and PA/Zn molar ratio in all wheat farms in the second experiment, the results demonstrated that while the average grain yield in T1 was 975kgha-1, it has increased up to 1401kgha-1 in T2 and over 1628kgha-1, respectively. The average yield increase was significant at the 5% level despite the existing drought situation in the fall of 2010. The mean concentration of P and Zn in wheat grains in the control plots were 0.26 percent and 21mgkg-1, in Farmer’s conventional fertilization practice were 0.24 percent and 25mgkg-1 and in the fertilization based on soil test values were 0.21 percent and 30mgkg-1, respectively and they were significant in the 5% level. While PA/Zn in the control plots was 29, it has been decreased to 22 in T2 and to 15 in T3 plots, respectively. Comparison between PA/Zn molar ratios revealed that due to the existing water during the growing season in the irrigated fields, the availability of all nutrients including Zn was slightly higher, but in drylands, the amount and distribution of rainfall is much important and it is clear that by increasing the amount and distribution of rainfall during the growing season, more grain yield and lower PA/Zn molar ratio is expected. It is obvious that these variations are widely dependent on climate change, cultivars, and management factors. This project is recommended to be continued at least in the wheat-grown provinces all over the Iran.

The Role of Balanced Fertilization on the Reduction of Phytic Acid to Zinc Molar Ratio (PA/Zn) in the Irrigated and Rainfed Wheat Fields on the Calcareous Soils of Iran

One of the most important quality factors in the wheat grain, which directly affects the quality of the bread, is the molar ratio of phytic acid to zinc (PA/ Zn) index. In order to evaluate the role of balanced fertilization on increasing the yield, quality, and reducing PA/Zn in wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.), the first experiment was implemented with two fertilizer treatments (Farmer’s conventional fertilization practice, i.e. NP-fertilizers) and the optimum use of fertilizers (fertilization was on the basis of soil test results) in three different irrigated farms in Mianeh, East Azarbaijan province and the second experiment was carried out in 10 different dryland farms on the outskirts of the Khodabandeh, Zanjan Province in 2010-2011 growing season with an average of 380 mm annual rainfall. This experiment had three treatments, i.e. T1=Control (no fertilizer); T2=Farmer’s conventional fertilization practice (NP-fertilizers), and T3=Fertilization based on soil test values (Optimum use of fertilizers) in four replications with a randomized complete block design. The wheat cultivar in the irrigated farms was Alvand and in the rainfed farms was Azar-2. Protein, phytic acid, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) in wheat grains were analyzed according to the standard methods. The collected data were analyzed by using a t-test and SAS Software. The results revealed that in the irrigated wheat fields, the optimal use of fertilizers increased the grain yield up to 27 percent, protein content, all micronutrients especially Zn significantly, but it decreased PA/Zn molar ratio significantly in comparison to Farmer’s conventional fertilization practice. While phytic acid concentration in the control plots was 8.70, it decreased up to 7.41gkg-1, Zn concentration was increased from 29 to 43 mgkg-1 and subsequently, PA/Zn molar ratio was reduced from 30 to 17. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference for phytic acid, Zn, and PA/Zn molar ratio in all wheat farms in the second experiment, the results demonstrated that while the average grain yield in T1 was 975kgha-1, it has increased up to 1401kgha-1 in T2 and over 1628kgha-1, respectively. The average yield increase was significant at the 5% level despite the existing drought situation in the fall of 2010. The mean concentration of P and Zn in wheat grains in the control plots were 0.26 percent and 21mgkg-1, in Farmer’s conventional fertilization practice were 0.24 percent and 25mgkg-1 and in the fertilization based on soil test values were 0.21 percent and 30mgkg-1, respectively and they were significant in the 5% level. While PA/Zn in the control plots was 29, it has been decreased to 22 in T2 and to 15 in T3 plots, respectively. Comparison between PA/Zn molar ratios revealed that due to the existing water during the growing season in the irrigated fields, the availability of all nutrients including Zn was slightly higher, but in drylands, the amount and distribution of rainfall is much important and it is clear that by increasing the amount and distribution of rainfall during the growing season, more grain yield and lower PA/Zn molar ratio is expected. It is obvious that these variations are widely dependent on climate change, cultivars, and management factors. This project is recommended to be continued at least in the wheat-grown provinces all over the Iran.

The Effect of Dichloromethane on Product Separation during Continuous Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Chlorella vulgaris and Aqueous Product Recycling for Algae Cultivation

Dichloromethane (DCM) is a solvent commonly used in laboratories for microalgae hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) product separation. The addition of DCM would lead to an “overestimation effect” of biocrude yield and diminish biocrude quality. However, it is currently not clear to what extent this overestimation effect will impact a continuous HTL process. In this study, Chlorella vulgaris microalgae was processed in a continuous stirred tank reactor at different temperatures (300, 325, 350, 375, and 400 °C) at 24 MPa for 15 min holding time. Two separation methods were applied to investigate the effect of using DCM in a cHTL product separation procedure in terms of product yield, biocrude elemental content, and aqueous product (AP) composition. Subsequently, the feasibility of reusing AP for algae cultivation has been evaluated. Results suggest that 350 °C is the optimal temperature for cHTL operation, leading to the highest biocrude yield, and an average increase in biocrude yield of 9 wt % was achieved when using DCM in cHTL product separation. Within the temperature range investigated, an average biocrude yield estimation can be proposed by yieldnon-DCM ≈ 0.818 × yieldDCM. The AP has been characterized by total organic carbon and total nitrogen, high-performance liquid chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Results show that at 350–375 °C more nitrogen and other ions were directed into the AP, which could be advantageous in nutrient recovery. With the help of optical density testing, algae was shown to exhibit a better growth using AP with activated carbon absorption purification treatment as compared to the standard medium. The recovery of water and nutrients from the HTL-AP could improve the economics of a microalgae biorefinery process.

Yield and zinc accumulation response of basmati rice to incremental zinc fertilisation of a zinc-deficient soil

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in basmati rice grown under submerged conditions leads to decrease in yield and nutritional quality. Fertilisation with Zn is a cost-effective and rapid way to increase crop productivity with Zn-enriched grain. A field experiment was conducted with five Zn levels (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 kg ha−1) for two consecutive years to assess the effects of Zn fertilisation on yield, Zn content and accumulation in basmati rice grown in a Zn-deficient soil. Maximum grain and straw yields were measured with Zn application of 40 kg ha−1, although statistically similar to yields with applications of 10 and 20 kg Zn ha−1. Increases in average yield compared with the control varied from 14.8% to 27.7% for grain and from 20% to 33.5% for straw with Zn application treatments. Accumulation of Zn in basmati rice grains was highest with Zn application of 40 kg ha−1, although not significantly different from accumulation with 10 and 20 kg Zn ha−1. Indexes of Zn use efficiency were as follows: agronomic efficiency 21–88 kg kg−1, physiological efficiency 6.93–7.39 t kg−1, grain physiological efficiency 14.95–15.21 t kg−1, apparent recovery efficiency 0.97–4.19%, and utilisation efficiency 6.7–31.0 t kg−1. All of these were higher at lower Zn levels and decreased at increasing levels of Zn. The highest benefit–cost ratio occurred with Zn application of 10 kg ha−1. Therefore, we conclude that Zn application of 10 kg ha−1 was the best treatment in terms of high grain yield, maximum benefit–cost ratio, and Zn accumulation in a Zn-deficient soil.