Broadcast Planting Research Articles

Effect of Tillage, Crops Residues and Crops Management Practices on Runoff Erosion, Soil Loss and Soil Properties in Ethiopa: Review

The conducted investigations showed that tillage practices with crop residue and proper cropping systems protect loss of soil from runoff erosion which depletes soil nutrients and affects soil physical and chemical properties. The review was conducted with aim of reviewing the effect of tillage, crops residues and crops management practices on runoff, soil loss and soil properties in Ethiopia. The three years study conducted in the Upper Blue Nile basin of Northwestern Ethiopia showed that reduced tillage reduced soil loss over conventional tillage, row planting reduced soil loss over broadcast planting, without trampling reduced soil loss over with trampling planting, and the sediment concentration was ranged from 0.01 to 5.37g/L and total soil loss was 0.20 to 0.50t/ha. The study conducted in the humid highlands of Ethiopia showed that the lower average soil loss was 16 t/ha.yr under zero tillage with crop residue and maximum was 30 t/ha.yr in conventional tillage without crop residue. The investigation indicated that zero tillage with maize soya bean intercrop, maize rotation, continuous maize and continuous soya bean improved soil properties than conventional tillage system. The investigation which was carried out to evaluate the effects of tillage and cropping system on soil properties showed that enrichment ratio ≤1 under no tillage with intercropping and no tillage with mulch reduce nutrient losses and enrichment ratio. The study conducted at Derashe and Arba Minch Zuriya in Ethiopia showed that some selected properties were statistically significant (P<0.05) and conservation tillage is favored for soil management relative to conventional tillage. Therefore, tillage practices like zero tillage and minimum tillage with crop residue management like mulching and crop management such as intercropping and crop rotation reduce surface runoff erosion, soil loss and soil fertility depletion, but additional continual research is needed to reveal trends in tillage, crops residues and crops management.

Can I Really Protect My Broadcast Plant From a Cybersecurity Attack?

Internet Protocol (IP) networks are fundamental building blocks of the broadcast technical plant. Integration with the legacy broadcast infrastructure can range from minimal system control functions to an end-to-end IP-based content transport facility. Regardless of the level of integration, cybersecurity cannot be ignored to ensure a reliable, secure, and protected system. Industry cybersecurity principles are commonly based on a complex framework of principles from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The NIST Framework is often a complex and daunting task to implement within a broadcast facility. An effective cybersecurity program begins with the design of the network. This article provides an understanding of practical implementable cybersecurity precautions based on the NIST Framework for the broadcast station. Specific topics to be addressed will include an overall understanding of cybersecurity principles and a step-by-step infrastructure implementation guide for the broadcast facility whether large or small. The guide will be focused on a secure network design approach, the use of Ethernet switch security capabilities, the use of packet filtering and firewalls, and an understanding of implementing common cybersecurity threat mitigation techniques.

A Comparison of Drill and Broadcast Planting Methods for Biomass Production of Two Legume Cover Crops

The effects of drill and broadcast planting methods on cover crop biomass production depend on various environmental and operational factors. We investigated whether drilling and broadcasting result in different amounts of biomass production by crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) in the upstate of South Carolina, and results vary when seeding rates are increased by 50% from the standard value (22.4 kg ha−1). Field trials were conducted during the fall–winter of 2019–2020 (season one) and 2020–2021 (season two) at the Piedmont Research and Education Center in Pendleton, SC, USA. Cover crop (hairy vetch, crimson clover), planting method (broadcast, drill), and seeding rate (standard, high) treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial in both years. Aboveground biomass was measured after 22.5 weeks from planting. At standard seeding rates, crimson clover produced a higher biomass when drilled, rather than broadcasted, whereas biomass production did not vary for hairy vetch. Even with 50% higher seeding rates, broadcasting did not always produce the same biomass as that of drilling for crimson clover. Our results suggest that the advantage of drilling over broadcasting depends upon the cover crop species, as crimson clover responds well to drilling, whereas hairy vetch does not.

Comparison of Broadcast and Row Planting Methods on Growth, Grain yield and Yield Components of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Khost Province, Afghanistan

Appropriate planting method is an important work from the agronomic practices for the high and qualitative yield of wheat crop according to the agro - ecological condition of one area. This study was conducted to investigate the agronomic performance of three wheat varieties (Junt 01, Kabul 013 and Lalmi 04) in two planting methods (broadcast and row methods) in the growing season of 2019 - 2020 in Nadir shah kot District, Khost Province. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block with three replications. Planting method differed significantly (p < 0.05) for days to heading (DH) 50%, plant height (PH) and significantly (p<0.01) for grain yield (GY). Row planting methods had superior means of the mentioned traits compare to broadcast method. In case of varieties, also were significant differences (p<0.01). Junt 01 variety produced the highest GY followed by Kabul 013 and Lalmi 01 produced the lowest GY. From the study found that the above mentioned varieties to be cultivated in row planting method under Khost climate conditions, and can be used in local studied area.

Tillage and crop management impacts on soil loss and crop yields in northwestern Ethiopia

Lack of appropriate agronomic practices is one of the major causes for soil erosion and low yields in teff (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.]) production in Ethiopia. A 3-yr study was conducted at the Aba Gerima watershed in northwestern Ethiopia, to investigate the effects of two tillage practices (reduced tillage [RT] and conventional tillage [CT]), two planting methods (row planting [RP] and broadcast planting [BP]), and two compaction options (with [+T] and without [–T] trampling) on soil loss and teff yields in a split-split plot arrangement. Sediment concentration ranged from 0.01 to 5.37 g L−1 (mean, 0.25 g L−1) in our study. Accordingly, the estimated total (August–October) soil loss ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 t ha–1 (mean, 0.3 t ha–1). The sediment concentration and total soil loss were significantly influenced (P < 0.05) by tillage, planting methods, and trampling only in the third monitoring year. RT reduced soil loss by 19% relative to that of CT, whereas RP resulted in a 13% reduction in soil loss over BP. The −T plots showed a 15% reduction in soil loss as compared to + T plots. Results revealed significant increase in soil total carbon and nitrogen in RT and –T. Less soil loss and greater teff grain yield were obtained in plots with improved agronomic practices (RT and RP) compared to conventional ones (CT and BP). Based on our findings we conclude that the use of RT, RP, and –T practices can effectively minimize soil loss without any crop yield penalty.

Agro-Economic Evaluation of Alternative Crop Management Options for Teff Production in Midland Agro-Ecology, Ethiopia

Teff is an important crop for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Improved crop management practices are needed to increase teff productivity and decrease production costs. Here, we used a split–split plot design to evaluate the impacts of different tillage, sowing, and soil compaction practices, and their combinations, on agronomic performance, weed population, lodging, and cost in teff production at the Aba Gerima watershed in northwestern Ethiopia in 2018–2020. Reduced tillage (RT) improved soil moisture, resulting in increased agronomic performance and decreased production costs compared with conventional tillage (CT); however, the weed population was substantially larger with RT than with CT. Row planting (RP) reduced seed cost and lodging but increased sowing and weeding costs compared with broadcast planting (BP). Plant population and leaf area index were substantially greater with BP than with RP during early-stage growth, but this reversed during late-stage growth. Despite labor costs being significantly greater with (WC) compaction than without (NC), little to no differences were observed in the weed population or in agronomic performance. Partial cost–benefit analysis revealed that RT–RP–WC followed by RT–RP–NC was the most economical treatment combination, suggesting that RT–RP–NC could be a labor-effective means of increasing teff production by smallholder farms in Ethiopia.

Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)] rainfed yield response to planting method, seeding density, and row spacing

AbstractTeff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)] grain yield is low due to lack of improved management practices. We evaluated grain yield and cost of planting methods (broadcast, row, and transplanting), row spacing (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm), and seeding densities (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 kg ha−1) for teff in the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons at the Adet Agricultural Research Center farm in northwest Ethiopia. Transplanting (1,675 kg ha−1) resulted in 34 and 75% greater grain yield (P &lt; .05) than row (1,247 kg ha−1) and broadcast planting (958 kg ha−1), respectively. Row planting gave greater (30%) grain yield than broadcasting. Seeding density did not significantly influence grain yield in broadcast or row planting. Row spacing significantly influenced grain yield under row planting but did not significantly influence grain yield under transplanting. Regression analysis indicated grain yield increased as seeding density increased from 2.5 to 10 kg ha−1, then declined at greater seeding densities for both broadcast and row planting. Grain yield declined sharply as row spacing increased from 15 to 30 cm for both transplanting and row planting. Partial‐budget analysis showed that although teff transplanting gave the greatest grain yield, it was not economical due to low straw (biomass) yield and high cost of labor. Row planting at a spacing from 10 to 15 cm at 15 kg seed ha−1 was the most economically effective teff production method, with a net benefit of $1,640 ha−1.

Effect of Planting Dates and Planting Methods on Water Relations of Wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the uppermost cereal grain crop considered as a major stable food for the Egyptian people. Field experiments were conducted during two consecutive winter seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 to study the effect of two planting dates (PD) (20th of November and 20th of December) under four different planting methods (PM) (bed broadcast, flat broadcast, drill at 15 cm, and drill at 25 cm apart rows) on the productivity and water relations of wheat genotype (Egypt 1). The study is intended to assess the water relations for wheat planting dates and planting methods and determine the role of late planting date and planting methods on wheat productivity. Results showed that the values of grain yields and some attributed yields were highly significantly affected by planting dates and methods in the two growing seasons. Planting wheat at the optimal date (20th November) was better than sowing at the late date (20th December) for all values obtained from the studied parameters in both seasons of the study. The bed broadcast planting method gave the highest mean values for all studied parameters except the plant height which was recorded with drilling seeds at a 15 cm planting method in the two growing seasons. The highest values of water applied were recorded with the first date under the borders planting method (PD1M2), while the lowest of Aw recorded was from beds planting method with the second date. The highest mean values for WP were recorded with the bed broadcast planting method.

Onfarm Validation of Agricultural Technologies for Supporting Tef Extension Package Formulation in Ethiopia

Tef is an important crop in Ethiopian production system because of its dual function both as a staple crop that improves food security and as an income-generating crop. However, the grain yield is low, at 1.75kgha -1 . The objectives of this research were; to compare biological superiority of the treatments with full technology package; to conduct partial budget cost-benefit analysis of the treatments and to improve the full package of recommendations by incorporating benefits derived from the production with identification of possible ways to reduce the cost of production by constructing partial budget model. Economic constraints and opportunities for improving tef production systems in Ethiopia must be understood as the basis for research and developing interventions. The field experiment comprising three interventions packages on the tef production system namely: extension package, Agricultural transformation Agency of Ethiopia package and the research package (which had been split in to two sub packages which were row and broadcast planting) application was laid out in a randomized complete block design with the replication(farmers/ locations as replication). The field experimental plot size was 500m 2 . This study presented both the agronomic yield comparison of the four packages and the partial budget analysis (PBA) framework for the economic analysis of different tef package treatments for their benefit returns. The result indicates that research package on broadcast planting and raw planting systems were found to be superior in grain yield 1580kgha -1 and 1550 kgha -1 , respectively. Similarly research row sowing and broadcasting recommendations were gave higher above ground biomass 10167kgha -1 and 10000kgha -1 , respectively as compared to the ATA and Extension package practice. Thus, the result indicates that seed rate of 10-15 kgha -1 both broad cast and row sowing gives better grain yield and shoot biomass providing the highest return with marginal rate of return , whereas ATA package was found to be the least economically viable treatment having minimum MRR. The partial budget analysis revealed that net returns of treatments extension package, research row planting package and research broadcasting package exceeded the net return of the control- ATA package by Ethiopian birr (EB) (0.32), 1.09 and 1.65, respectively (US$ 1 = EB 27.49). The decrease in cost for treatment of extension package relative to the control-ATA package was EB 1.03; the added net benefit from this treatment was EB 0.75 per unit, giving a marginal rate of return of 137%. The decrease in cost of treatment research with row planting package relative to treatment of the control-ATA package was EB 71%, while the increase in net return was EB 32.6 per unit of production, giving a marginal rate of return on the increased expenditure of 218%. The relative decreasing cost of treatment research tef broadcast planting was EB 60.7% per unit of production as compared to the control-ATA package, while the increase in net return relative to treatment the control was EB 3.38 for a marginal rate of return of 1795%. Given the high cost of capital, treatments of the control-ATA and the extension package cannot be recommended as they indicate negative benefit cost ration with (0.51) and (0.31) respectively while 1.09 and 1.65 for research row planting and broadcast planting, respectively yet; the broadcast planting of tef production indicated superior in returns of EB 0.65 for EB 1 invested in the production at small scale level. Considering the lack of appropriate tef row planting at the moment, broadcast planting with 10-15 seed rate should be used as tef production package in the country. Keywords : Tef; Partial budget, Marginal cost, Benefit cost ratio, Yield, Variable cost DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-17-01 Publication date: September 30 th 2020

Onfarm Validation of Agricultural Technologies for Supporting &lt;i&gt;Tef&lt;/i&gt; Extension Package Formulation in Ethiopia

Tef grain yield is low, at 1.75kgha-1 in Ethiopia. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to compare biological superiority of the technology package; to conduct partial budget cost-benefit analysis of the technology and to improve the full package of recommendations. Three interventions packages on the tef production system which are: extension package, Agricultural transformation Agency of Ethiopia package and the research package (row and broadcast planting) application was laid out in a randomized complete block design with the replication (farmers/ locations as replication). The experimental plot size was 500m2. The result indicates that research package on broadcast planting and raw planting systems were found to be superior in grain yield 1580kgha-1 and 1550 kgha-1, respectively. Similarly research row sowing and broadcasting recommendations were gave higher above ground biomass 10167kgha-1 and 10000kgha-1, respectively as compared to the ATA and Extension package practice. Thus, the result revealed that seed rate of 10-15 kgha-1 both broad cast and row sowing gives better grain yield and shoot biomass providing the highest return with marginal rate of return, whereas ATA package was found to be the least economically viable treatment having minimum MRR. The partial budget analysis result showed that net returns of treatments extension package, research row planting package and research broadcasting package exceeded the net return of the control- ATA package by Ethiopian birr (EB) (0.32), 1.09 and 1.65, respectively (US$ 1=EB 27.49). The decrease in cost for treatment of extension package relative to the control-ATA package was EB 1.03; the added net benefit from this treatment was EB 0.75 per unit, giving a marginal rate of return of 137%. The decrease in cost of treatment research with row planting package relative to treatment of the control-ATA package was EB 71%, while the increase in net return was EB 32.6 per unit of production, giving a marginal rate of return on the increased expenditure of 218%. The relative decreasing cost of treatment research tef broadcast planting was EB 60.7% per unit of production as compared to the control-ATA package, while the increase in net return relative to treatment the control was EB 3.38 for a marginal rate of return of 17.95%. Given the high cost of capital, treatments of the control-ATA and the extension package cannot be recommended as they indicate negative benefit cost ration with (0.51) and (0.31) respectively while 1.09 and 1.65 for research row planting and broadcast planting, respectively yet; the broadcast planting of tef production indicated superior in returns of EB 0.65 for EB 1 invested in the production at small scale level. Considering the lack of appropriate tef row planting at the moment, broadcast planting with 10-15 seed rate should be used as tef production package in the country.

Effect of Planting Methods and Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Yield Components of Maize

The research was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during May 2017. The research was laid out in RCBD with split plot arrangement having 4 replications. Deficit Irrigations (Full irrigation (10 irrigations), one irrigation missing at six leaves stages, one irrigation missing at twelve leaves stage, one irrigation missing at flowering stage and one irrigation missing at grain filling stage) was allotted to main plots, while planting methods (Ridge, Flat and Broadcast) was allotted to sub plots. Deficit irrigations had significant (P ≤ 0.05) affect on all parameters excluding emergence m2, days to emergence, number of plants at harvest, ears plant–1, ears m2. Full irrigation (10 irrigations) had significantly more plant height (189.25 cm), 1000 grain weight (211.25 g), grain yield (3352.75 kg), shelling percentage (47.78). Whereas one irrigation missing at six leaves stages produced maximum Harvest index (33.99%). In case of planting methods, ridge planting had significantly higher plant height (186.10 cm), Plant at harvest (61316.60), thousand grain weight (205.90 g), grain yield (2948.35 kg). While broadcast planting produced high Shelling percentage (46.90). The interaction of planting methods and deficit irrigations, maize grow on ridge method and give full irrigations produced higher plant height (192 cm), ridge and one irrigation missing at six leaves stages had more Harvest index (35.06%)) and high Shelling percentage (49.27)was obtained on broadcast planting with full irrigation. On the basis of the above results it is recommended that in water scarce area grow maize on ridge planting method and give deficit irrigation at vegetative stage (one irrigation missing at six leaves stages) in order to increase water productivity (Efficiency).

Dendrometric Analysis of Early Development of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis with Gypsum use Under Subtropical Conditions

ABSTRACT Gypsum can be used as a source for calcium (Ca) and sulphurum (S) for plants, as well as an acid, that is, a natural soil conditioner. Aiming to determine the influence of gypsum on the development of Eucalyptus urograndis in Brazil, an experiment was conducted at two locations in Parana State. Experiments were conducted with rates of 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, 4.8 and 9.6 Mg ha-1 to verify the method of broadcast planting in a randomized block design with four repetitions. Diameter and height of plants were measured every six months and volume was determined after 36 months. There was a difference in Eucalyptus growth between the two areas, possibly related to differences in planting season and climate. Gypsum did not influence on the dendrometric growth of Eucalyptus trees. The lack of a response to gypsum, as a source of Ca, S and soil conditioner, was discussed based on soil type, Eucalyptus tolerance to soil acidity, and climatic conditions in the period evaluated.

PSVII-12 Effect of planting method on forage production of annual ryegrass and stocker performance

Abstract Different planting methods are alternatives for early grazing and/or extend the grazing season of winter pastures. The objective was to evaluate different planting methods on forage and animal performance. In three consecutive years, ryegrass cv. ‘Marshall’ was conventionally planted (33 kg seed/ha), and no-till and broadcast planted on a bermudagrass stand on nine 1.33 ha pastures (3 replicates/treatment). Urea was split applied at a rate of 40 units of N/ha on d 40 after planting and on d 40 after grazing started. Each pasture was continually stocked with five steers (245 ± 12 kg initial BW). Grazing started when ryegrass was at least 25 cm tall and 1,600 kg DM/ha. In the conventional planted pastures, steers were moved out (to a ryegrass pasture) when ground was too soft, returning to experimental pastures when grazing conditions were appropriate. Forage production was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for conventional and no-till (2,800 and 2,389 kg DM/ha) than for broadcast pastures (1,770 kg DM/ha). Planting method and yr affected (P &amp;lt; 0.03) start of grazing. Conventional and no-till planting started 51 and 49 d earlier than broadcasted. In 2 yr, rainfall delayed by 17 d the start of grazing in the conventional planted pastures. Grazing days was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for no-till (95 d) than conventional and broadcast planting (61 and 49 d, respectively). While on experimental pastures, ADG was similar (P = 0.08) between treatments. Due to the difference in grazing days, production per ha was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for no-till (450 kg/ha) than for broadcast and conventional (199 and 241 kg/ha, respectively). No-tilled pastures offered better grazing environment while broadcast pastures had the disadvantages of slow germination and less forage production. Greater number of grazing days on no-tilled pastures allowed for better animal performance and dilution of input costs.

Rice Blast: A Disease with Implications for Global Food Security

Rice blast is a serious fungal disease of rice (Oryza sativa L.) that is threatening global food security. It has been extensively studied due to the importance of rice production and consumption, and because of its vast distribution and destructiveness across the world. Rice blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae Cavara 1892 (A), can infect aboveground tissues of rice plants at any growth stage and cause total crop failure. The pathogen produces lesions on leaves (leaf blast), leaf collars (collar blast), culms, culm nodes, panicle neck nodes (neck rot), and panicles (panicle blast), which vary in color and shape depending on varietal resistance, environmental conditions, and age. Understanding how rice blast is affected by environmental conditions at the cellular and genetic level will provide critical insight into incidence of the disease in future climates for effective decision-making and management. Integrative strategies are required for successful control of rice blast, including chemical use, biocontrol, selection of advanced breeding lines and cultivars with resistance genes, investigating genetic diversity and virulence of the pathogen, forecasting and mapping distribution of the disease and pathogen races, and examining the role of wild rice and weeds in rice blast epidemics. These tactics should be integrated with agronomic practices including the removal of crop residues to decrease pathogen survival, crop and land rotations, avoiding broadcast planting and double cropping, water management, and removal of yield-limiting factors for rice production. Such an approach, where chemical use is based on crop injury and estimated yield and economic losses, is fundamental for the sustainable control of rice blast to improve rice production for global food security.

Yield and Yield Components Response of tef (Eragrostis tef) Varieties to Seed Rates in the Highland Vertisols of North Shewa, Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted at Enewari, Ethiopia to determine appropriate seed rate for broadcast planting of tef in the highland Vertisols during 2012 and 2014 from July to December. Factorial combination of two varieties (‘Dega-tef’ and ‘Holetta-key’) with six seed rates (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 kg/ha) was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Main effects of varieties and seed rates showed significant effect on some parameters considered including grain- and straw yield. Most of the interaction effects showed non-significant effect on most parameters measured. However, seed rate of 25 and 30 kg/ha found to be economically optimum for variety ‘Dega-tef’ and ‘Holetta-key’, respectively, by showing highest net benefits and marginal rate of return. Accordingly, use of variety Dega-tef at a seed rate of 25 kg/ha and variety Holetta-key at a seed rate of 30 kg ha -1 found to be preferable under broadcast sowing of tef at Enewari and similar areas where feed shortage is very critical. Keywords : Broadcast sowing, Economic analysis, Reduced seed rate, Tef intensification, Vertisols , Yield DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-13-04 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

Building the World’s Most Complex TV Network: A Test Bed for Broadcasting Immersive and Interactive Audio

Fraunhofer and its partners have developed a TV audio system based on the new MPEG-H Audio standard, now part of the ATSC 3.0 A/342 standard adopted for Korean broadcasts in 2017. Given its complexity, a complete broadcast plant was built to test the features envisioned. At NAB 2015, we demonstrated “The MPEG Network” on the show floor. It was perhaps the most complex combination of broadcast audio content ever made in a single plant, involving 13 different formats. The network was designed to handle immersive audio in both channel and HOA-based formats, with each using audio objects for interactivity. Live mixing at a simulated sports remote was contributed to a network operating center, with distribution to affiliates, and then emission to a consumer living room, all using the MPEG-H audio system. Both system and equipment design are presented, including an Audio Monitoring and Authoring Unit to mix signals using existing consoles.

Efficient Monitoring of ST2059-2 Based Time Transfer Performance

In any mission critical-broadcasting application, reliable synchronization is mandatory. For traditional black burst or trilevel-based synchronization, redundant sync signal generators are used, whose quality is monitored together with their respective switch-over units. To make the best use of a single shared communication medium within an all-IP studio, synchronization is accomplished using the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP). Although multiple sync sources are deployed for redundancy purposes, the monitoring of their availability and precision is not sufficient to guarantee the defined level of accuracy. Additional data has to be gathered and analyzed by every node prior to deployment and as part of its ongoing operation. After briefly describing the main effects influencing PTP accuracy, several monitoring methods using both in-band and out-of-band are described, including how this benefits operations in the broadcast plant. Finally, we verify their respective merits through a series of measurements in a datacenter class multihop network architecture.

Large-Scale PTP: How Big Can It Get?

Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is a standard to synchronize clocks across a network with submicrosecond accuracy. In the area of professional media networking, PTP is poised to replace traditional black burst sync methods, allowing both media and synchronization to be carried over the same network connection. To be useful, vendor PTP protocol implementations must scale to the size of the largest broadcast plants. This paper describes the results of PTP tests with more than 1,000 “slave” clocks, including an examination of scaling performance with both boundary and transparent modes of operation on the network devices. It also discusses the pros and cons of the end-to-end delay and peer delay mechanisms, and provides details on the performance seen using a range of sync message intervals and delay request intervals. These tests suggest several best practices for large-scale PTP installations using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment, and provide real-world data to assist in planning and implementing a professional media Ethernet network leveraging PTP synchronization.

Development of the MPEG-H TV Audio System for ATSC 3.0

A new TV audio system based on the MPEG-H 3D audio standard has been designed, tested, and implemented for ATSC 3.0 broadcasting. The system offers immersive sound to increase the realism and immersion of programming, and offers audio objects that enable interactivity or personalization by viewers. Immersive sound may be broadcast using loudspeaker channel-based signals or scene-based components in combination with static or dynamic audio objects. Interactivity can be enabled through broadcaster-authored preset mixes or through user control of object gains and positions. Improved loudness and dynamic range control allows tailoring the sound for best reproduction on a variety of consumer devices and listening environments. The system includes features to allow operation in HD-SDI broadcast plants, storage, and editing of complex audio programs on existing video editor software or digital audio workstations, frame-accurate switching of programs, and new technologies to adapt current mixing consoles for live broadcast production of immersive and interactive sound. Field tests at live broadcast events were conducted during system design and a live demonstration test bed was constructed to prove the viability of the system design. The system also includes receiver-side components to enable interactivity, binaural rendering for headphone, or tablet computer listening, a “3D soundbar” for immersive playback without overhead speakers, and transport over HDMI 1.4 connections in consumer equipment. The system has been selected as a proposed standard of ATSC 3.0 and is the sole audio system of the UHD ATSC 3.0 broadcasting service currently being deployed in South Korea.

Effect of Sowing Method and Seeding Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Rainfed Rice (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Oryza sativa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Varieties in Woliso, South-West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted on a farmer’s field in Woliso District of Oromia Region to determine the effect of sowing method and seeding rate on growth, yield components and yield of rice varieties under rainfed conditions. Factorial combinations of three varieties (X-jigna, Gumera and Superica-1), two sowing methods (broadcast and row planting) and three seeding rates (75, 100 and 125 kg/ha) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Analysis of variance showed significantly higher difference among varieties for productive tillers, higher grain yield and total biomass. Significantly higher number of tillers at maturity and productive tillers/0.5m² as well as higher grain yield and total biomass/0.5m² were produced by Gumera. On the other hand, significantly greater grain yield/ha was produced by Gumera than that of Superica-1 and X-jigna. The effect of sowing method was non-significant on the growth parameters, yield and yield components of rice plants. Significantly greater grain yield/ha was obtained at seeding rate of 100kg/ha than 75 and 125 kg/ha. Hence, based on this experimentation, Gumera at seeding rate of 100kg/ha with broadcasting or row planting method recommended for Woliso areas.