Calcareous Soil Conditions Research Articles

Influence of Bacterial Inoculation on Growth and Plant Nutrition of Peach Grafted in Different Rootstocks in Calcareous Soil

The highly calcareous soil limits plant growth parameters due to inadequate uptake of plant nutrients. Calcareous soil conditions affect plant growth through impaired chlorophyll synthesis, root growth, enzyme synthesis, and nutrient uptake. To overcome the negative effect of calcareous soil, six bacterial strains namely Alcaligenes 637Ca, Agrobacterium A18, Staphylococcus MFDCa1, Staphylococcus MFDCa2, Bacillus M3, and Pantoea FF1 were inoculated in one-year-old plants of peach cultivar ‘Elegant Lady’ grafted onto GF677 and Nemaguard rootstocks. The bacterial treatments were observed to improve plant growth and nutrient content compared to the control. Moreover, the GF677 rootstock was observed to be more tolerant to high calcareous soil conditions than Nemaguard, showing better plant growth and nutrient content. At the Nemaguard rootstocks, the largest leaf area was observed to be upon inoculation with MFDCa2 (29.1 cm2), FF1 (28.8 cm2), and M3 (28.1 cm2), whereas at the GF677 rootstock, the highest leaf area was observed upon inoculation with MFDCa1 (34.7 cm2), FF1 (32.6 cm2), and 637Ca (31.5 cm2). The leaf iron content was higher in bacterial treatments than the control. In the Nemaguard rootstock, the highest iron content was measured in plants inoculated with 637Ca (133.49 mg kg–1) and M3 (127.64 mg kg–1), whereas in the GF677 rootstock, the treatments MFDCa1 (131.51 mg kg–1), 637Ca (131.21 mg kg–1), FF1 (127.72 mg kg–1), and M3 (127.68 mg kg–1) resulted in high iron content. The results indicate that bacterial inoculations have a significant potential to improve plant growth and can be used as biofertilizers for peach grafted onto Nemaguard and GF677 in high calcareous soil conditions.

Response of Moringa oleifera Seeds and Fixed Oil Production to Vermicompost and NPK Fertilizers under Calcareous Soil Conditions.

A shortages of soil nutrients resources and a lack of accessibility to them especially in calcareous soil are considered some of the main factors that limit plant production. In particular, the cultivation of the Moringa oleifera trees in this type of soil is of special interest given the increasing demand for every part of this tree. Several studies have focused on the production of its leaves as an herbaceous plant and not as a tree, but there has not been extensive research on its pods, seeds, and fixed oil production. In this sense, in this study, we provide an assessment of the use of fertilizers, vermicompost and NPK (as traditional minerals and as nanoparticles), in order to improve pods, seeds, and fixed oil contents, as indicators of the quality of the production of the Moringa oleifera trees in calcareous soil conditions. In this experiment, it was observed that all parameters and the yield of pods, seeds, and fixed oil of the Moringa oleifera tree were significantly improved by increasing the level of vermicompost and using NPK fertilization and combination treatments in both seasons of the study. The combination treatments of 10 and 20 ton ha−1 vermicompost plus NPK control produced the highest percentage of oleic acid with insignificant differences between them.

Effect of foliar application of zinc oxide on growth and photosynthetic traits of cherry tomato under calcareous soil conditions

Tomato is considered as a valuable vegetable crop all over the world. It prefers loose, well drained loamy soils rich in organic matter. In Pakistan, mostly soils are calcareous in nature. In calcareous soils, the production of tomato crop is low because of zinc deficiency. Therefore, current study was aimed to examine the potential of foliar application of zinc oxide in tomato cultivar Tiny Tim Cherry in calcareous soil conditions. In the current study, all the studied traits i.e. plant height, stem diameter, number of branches per plant, number of leaves, number of flowers per plant, fruit weight and yield per plant were significantly higher after foliar application of zinc oxide (30 ppm) and significantly lower in controlled treatment as compared to other treatments of zinc oxide. The maximum total soluble solids (TSS), chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolics were recorded in plants treated with 30 ppm of zinc oxide as compared to other treatments. However, the highest acidity was calculated in 10 ppm, while the lowest acidity was measured in 0 ppm (control). Conclusively, foliar application of Zn has potential to increase the nutritional components of tomato fruits.

Implications of the Mn:ligand ratio for Mn uptake by Glycine max L. plants fertilized with heptagluconate and gluconate complexes.

The environmental risk of the application of synthetic chelates has furthered the implementation of biodegradable complexes to correct manganese (Mn)-deficient plants. This study used the biodegradable ligands of heptagluconate (G7) and gluconate (G6) to test the influence of the Mn2+ :ligand ratio on their fertilizers' capacity to provide Mn to plants. The efficacy of these complexes to correct Mn-deficient soybean was evaluated in hydroponics and calcareous soil conditions and compared with the synthetic chelate EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). This study demonstrated that G7 was a biodegradable alternative to EDTA for supplying Mn, maintaining an adequate nutritional balance compared with G6, which reduced iron (Fe) uptake by the plants. The efficacy of the Mn complexes depended on both the ligand and the Mn:ligand ratio, with the 1:1 and 1:2molar ratios of Mn2+ :G7 being the most effective complexes in the short term on the basis of their chemical structure and stability. The Mn2+ :G7 (1:1 and 1:2) complexes were found to be effective Mn sources for plant nutrition due to their chemical structures providing adequate stability in alkaline solution and their fast-action effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of biochar rates on A-mycorrhizal fungi performance and maize plant growth, Phosphorus uptake, and soil P availability under calcareous soil conditions

ABSTRACT A pot experiment was carried out to identify the effect of biochar rates on the performance of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Rhizoglomus irregularis and the growth and phosphorus (P) uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) plants under calcareous soil conditions. Eight integration treatments, four biochar rates (zero (control) (B0), 5 (B1), 7.5 (B2), 10 g biochar/kg soil (B3)), and two AMF inoculations (untreated (NM) and inoculated with AMF (M)) were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 5 replicates. The results showed that biochar had a positive effect on the growth of maize, P uptake, and available P in soil. It was also found that this positive effect of biochar increases with increasing rates, but it was found that there were no significant differences between the two highest rates of biochar B2 and B3. Plants treated with AMF had an influential role in the maize growth and its elemental content of P, as well as increasing the availability of P in soil. However, it was found that biochar reduces the effect of AMF but does not completely discourage the activity of AMF. Therefore, it is recommended that under the same circumstances of this experiment, using a rate B2 of biochar and treated with AMF which having the highest maize plant growth and its elemental P content.

Technical and Environmental Impacts of Coal Waste Used as a Soil Stabilizer in Construction Projects of Forest Roads

Many pozzolans are waste products from industrial processes. Every year a huge amount of coal waste is gathered from the coal washing plant in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. These materials can be used for soil stabilization in construction and maintenance projects of forest roads. This paper aims to (a) investigate the role of coal waste (CW) as a soil stabilizer and (b) determine the changes in soil specification regarding the environmental pollution in different combinations of materials (soil, lime (4 and 6%) and CW (3, 6, 9 and 12%)). For this purpose, different technical and environmental analysis and laboratory tests were performed. Technical tests showed that the soil liquid limit and maximum dry density decreased with an increase in lime and CW contents. Addition of CW could increase the soil CBR, UCS and OMC. According to XRD test, the addition of CW and lime can increase the size of crystals in stabilized soil samples. Environmental analysis showed that the use of stabilizer significantly reduced the concentration of heavy metals such as Cd, Cr and Pb. Also, all of the metal concentrations leached from samples satisfied the required criteria, but the addition of lime and CW increased the concentration of N, P, and K. These changes can increase the invasive species consistent with calcareous soil conditions along the roads. According to the results, the combination of coal waste and lime can be one of the best methods for in situ remediation. It would, however, be better to use a minimum amount of stabilizer in pavement layers of access roads due to environmental sensitivity.

Supplementary Applications of Phosphorus to Improve Yield and Fruit Quality of 'Le Conte' Pear Trees under Calcareous Soil Conditions

Supplementary Applications of Phosphorus to Improve Yield and Fruit Quality of 'Le Conte' Pear Trees under Calcareous Soil Conditions

Growth, chlorophyll content and productivity responses of maize to magnesium sulphate application in calcareous soil

Abstract Magnesium (Mg) is an essential plant macronutrient responsible for modulating many physiological or biochemical processes such as photosynthetic activity, amino acid synthesis and nucleotide metabolism. Agricultural soils with a more-than-adequate availability of calcium (Ca) have inherent Mg deficiency, potentially resulting in overall reduced soil productivity and crop yield potential. We conducted a field experiment to investigate the optimum soil application of Mg to increase crop growth and productivity under calcareous soil conditions. In addition to recommended soil application of mineral fertilizers, we applied the following four levels of Mg to the soil in the form of anhydrous MgSO4: control, 4 kg Mg ha−1 (Mg4), 8 kg Mg ha−1 (Mg8) and 16 kg Mg ha−1 (Mg16). Results showed that Mg16 application enhanced the plant height (21%), number of grains (18%), 1,000 grains weight (20%), grain yield (20%) and biological yield (9%) over control (p ≤ 0.05). Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were generally higher at the Mg8 and Mg16 levels than at the control level. Contrasting to increases in growth traits, the concentration of K significantly decreased in grains, leaves and shoots of maize along the soil’s Mg gradient (p ≤ 0.05). We suggest that Mg16 overcomes the deficiency of soil Mg and can increase the crop yield traits in calcareous soils. More investigations of the effect of soil Mg on various crops grown in calcareous soils may add to our knowledge related to the stressing impact of soil Mg on plant K concentration.

Impact of Biofertilizers on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth and Yield under Calcareous Soil Conditions.

Impact of Biofertilizers on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth and Yield under Calcareous Soil Conditions.

Alleviation of cadmium and lead stress by A‐mycorrhizal fungi and rock phosphate on maize (Zea mays L.) growth under calcareous soil conditions

AbstractThis research was carried out to investigate the impact of A‐mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rock phosphate (RP) (alone and combined) under polluted soil with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on maize plant growth and soil nutrients availability under calcareous soil conditions. A greenhouse pot experiment was designed as a two‐factor experiment, remediation sources (RS) as the sub‐main factor with four treatments [control, M (mixed of the two mycorrhizae species, Rhizoglomus irregulare and Rhizoglomus macrocarpium), RP, and M + RP], and soil pollution sources (PS) as the main factor with nine treatments [control, Pb1 (100 mg Pb /kg soil), Pb2 (500 mg Pb/kg soil), Cd1 (6 mg Cd/kg soil), Cd2 (24 mg Cd/kg soil), Pb1 + Cd1, Pb1 + Cd2, Pb2 + Cd1, Pb2 + Cd2]. The results showed that, under the same conditions of this study, we can recommend the use of coapplication of AMF and RP (M + RP) particularly in contaminated soil with Pb and/or Cd, which supports plants to (i) confront the pollution stress, (ii) improve plants growth and their nutrients content, and (iii) increase the soil available nutrients. Also, maize plants could be labeled as the accumulator of Pb based on (translocation factor > 1) as control and under calcareous soil conditions.

Response of three Faba bean Varieties to Number of irrigations on Physiological traits, Yield and Yield Components, and Water Productivity under Calcareous Soil Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Nubaria Agricultural Research Station, Agricultural Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, El-Behiera Governorate, Egypt, during the two successive winter seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 to study the effect of three irrigation treatments (I1: three, I2: two, and I3: one irrigation after sowing irrigation) on the physiological response, productivity, amounts of applied irrigation water, water consumption, and productivity of irrigation waterof three faba bean varieties (Nubaria 3, Nubaria 1, and Giza 716). Results could be summarized as follows: - Deficit irrigation treatment (I3) significantly decreased leaves chlorophyll content, seed protein content, plant height (cm), number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/plant, seed yield/plant, seed yield, relative water content (RWC), and transpiration rate (TR) in both seasons. While, proline content, total soluble carbohydrate of leaves and stomatal resistance were significantly increased. - Increasing irrigation water led to decrease in water use efficiency values. Maximum productivity of irrigation water (PIW) values were obtained from applying I3 irrigation treatment with Giza 716 variety. - Regarding the effect of varieties, Nubaria 3 recorded the highest values of protein percentage (%), total soluble carbohydrates, chlorophyll content, and RWC. However, the highest values for proline content, number of seeds/plant and seed yield (ardab/fed) were recorded from Nubaria 3 and Giza 716 varieties. The maximum values of stomatal resistance (SR) were recorded for Nubaria 3 followed by Giza 716, and Nubaria 1. An opposite trend was observed for transpiration rate (TR). - The interaction effects between irrigation treatments and varieties were found to be significant in all tested traits. Maximum values of protein of seeds content, plant height, no of pods/plant, no of seed/plant, and RWC were obtained when Nubaria 3 and Giza 716 varieties irrigated with three irrigations after sowing irrigation (I1). Nubaria 1 recorded the highest number of branches/plant under such treatment. The highest accumulation of total soluble carbohydrates and proline contents in leaves, the highest values of stomatal resistance and lowest transpiration rate recorded in Nubaria 1 variety under the dry treatment (I3). - In the light of the present study, the maximum faba bean yield and its components were obtained from Nubaria 3 and Giza 716 irrigated by treatment I1 (three irrigations after sowing irrigation) followed by medium treatment I2 (two irrigations after sowing irrigation) with insignificant difference. On the other hand, the maximum values of Productivity of irrigation water (PIW) were obtained from Giza 716 followed by Nubaria 3 under I2 (two irrigations after sowing irrigation) compared to Nubaria 1. However, sowing Nubaria 3 and Giza 716 varieties irrigated with two irrigations after sowing irrigation is recommended under calcareous soil conditions and surface irrigation system, while if irrigation water is the limiting factor for faba bean production, or if the farmer is facing water scarcity, we recommend sowing Nubaria 3 variety with only one irrigation, which gave an average seed yield 7.82 (ard/fad) (2.88 ton/hectare) for the two years, and saved about 412 m3 of irrigation water compared to three irrigations after sowing irrigation.

Mycorrhizae can support squash plant growth in Phosphorus deficient calcareous soil

This work was aimed to select the proper Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) inocula strain to enhance the growth of squash plants in calcareous P-deficient soil. Three treatments of phosphorus fertilizer of calcium triple phosphate, 15.5% P2O5 were tested at different rates. In parallel, pots were inoculated with 4 AM strains (Rhizoglomus irregulare) namely M49; M139; M301 and M 510. Treatments were repeated 5 times and arranged in the greenhouse in a randomized completely block design (RCBD) and plants were harvested after 57 days. In conclusion, from the results and under the same conditions of this experiment, we recommended that all mycorrhizal strains were effective in improving plant growth. The strain M301 enhanced squash plants growth and P uptake. Also, inoculation with this strain could improve P availability in soil. The two mycorrhizal strains (M49 and M139) can be used for improving the growth of squash plants under low P level and in calcareous soil conditions. This study is one of the few studies that indicate the specialization of mycorrhizal fungi strains on the host plant and this study must be followed by many other studies in different climatic conditions, different soil properties and on different genus and strains of AM fungi on different plants family to confirm or deny this hypothesis.

Effect of Surface Irrigation Regimes and Potassium Levels on Growth, Physiological Characters and Productivity of Fodder Beet (Beta vulgaris, L.) under Calcareous Soil Conditions

The present investigation was carried out in the farm of Nubaria Agricultural Research. Station during the two winter seasons 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 to study the effect of three surface irrigation treatments (I1=100%, I2= 80%, I3= 60% of ETp) and four potassium levels (control 0, 57.12, 114.24 and 171.36 K2O/ha) on fodder beet growth, physiological characters, productivity and forage quality under calcareous soil conductions. The main results were as follows: 1- Increasing irrigation levels up to 100% ETp led to significant increase in crop growth rate at the two periods (90-120) and (120-150 DAS), root diameter, leaf area per plant, root dry matter/ plant, root fresh weight/plant, total yield, crude protein percentage, digestive crude protein percentage, shoot K%, crude fiber percent and carbohydrate percent. There was insignificant difference between 100% and 80% ETp in leaves dry matter /plant, foliage fresh weight /plant, foliage yield (ton/ha) and K% in root. Whereas the total digestible nutrient percent and root length were significantly increased by increasing water stress. Medium treatment at 80% of ETp give the maximum values of water use efficiency (WUE). 2- Increasing potassium fertilization levels up to 171.36 kg K2O/ha significantly increased CGR at (90-120 and 120-150 DAS), root length, root diameter, leaf area, root dry matter /plant, leaves dry matter /plant, CP%, DCP%, CF% and carbohydrate % In root. Adding 171.36 or 114.24 kg K2O/ha had insignificant differences in the first CGR period (90-120) DAS, root fresh weight (kg/plant), foliage fresh weight (g/plant), K% in shoot and root. TDN (%) decreased by increasing potassium fertilization levels. Maximum water use efficiency (WUE) was obtained when plants received 171.36 kg K2O/ha. 3- The interaction effect between water regime and potassium fertilization was found to be significant for CGR at the two periods, root length, leaf area/plant, leaves dry matter/plant, root and leaves fresh weight / plant, total yield, root yield, CP%, DCP%, K% in shoot and carbohydrate% in the combined analysis. The maximum value of WUE was obtained when plants were watered by 80% from ETp and received 171.36 kg K2O/ha.

Physiological Response and Productivity of Alfalfa to Potassium Foliar and Soil Applications under Saline Calcareous Soil Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Nubaria Agricultural Research Station, El-Behira Government, Egypt along the duration of 2015 to 2017 to study the physiological response and productivity of alfalfa (cv., Nubaria1) to seven potassium fertilization treatment of 0, 28.6, 57.14Kg/ha as soil dressing, spraying with 1%K2O and 2% K2O alone or in combination with adding 28.6Kg K2O/ha under saline calcareous soil conditions. Experimental design was Randomized Complete Block design with four replications. Eighteen successive cuts were taken (Nine cuts /year), to estimate growth and physiological parameters, and alfalfa productivity. Potassium fertilization treatments had significant effects on all studied traits in individual cuts except the 1st and 9th cuts in the first year and 2nd cut in the second year for plant height, the 2nd and 7th cuts in the two years for dry matter%, the 2nd cut in the second year for dry forage Kg/m2 and 1st, 4th and 5th cuts for protein content in the first year. In general, plant height, leaf steam ratio, green forage yield Kg/m2, dry matter%, dry forage yield Kg/m2, relative water content, K+ content, K+/Na+ ratio and protein content increased significantly when plants received 28.6 K2O/ha + 2%K2O and 57Kg K2O/ ha with insignificant difference as compared with other potassium treatments. Also, a significant increase was recorded in Na+ content in leaves under control K+ treatment (0 K2O/ha). Linear relationship was found between potassium fertilization rates (soil dressing, foliar application as well as 28.6KgK2O/ha +foliar1 and 2% applications) and fresh forage weight t/ha. The linear regression equation showed that as potassium fertilizer rate (soil dressing) increased by one unite/ha, fresh forage weight/ha increased by 1.139t/ha and as potassium fertilizer rate (foliar application) increased by one unite/ha, fresh forage weight/ha increased by 3.112t/ha. In addition, the highest fresh forage weight/ha (125.850 t/ha) was produced under treatment of 28.6KgK2O/ha + 2%K2O. Highly positive significant correlation coefficients were found for all traits except the relation between Na+ content and other traits which was a highly significant negative relationship. Profitability assessment results revealed that addition of 28.6KgK2O/ha with foliar application of 2%K2O as potassin 30%K2O followed by addition of 57.14KgK2O/ha markedly obtained the highest values of alfalfa yield with insignificant difference. These results were incorporated with the highest values of output, net income and the investment ratio. Results indicated that controlling soil fertility, especially K+ as soil application, in addition to foliar application under saline calcareous soil condition is considered to be one of the most important factors to overcome the negative effects of salinity stress.

Seedling growth, root development and nutrient use efficiency of Cypress clones in response to calcium fertilizer

Cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.) is an important tree species in the subtropical regions of China; it is also a major tree species for afforestation and forest land restoration under low-fertility soil conditions. Cypress is considered a calcicolous tree, and its growth and development can be promoted significantly by exchangeable calcium (Ca2+) in the soil. However, most of the subtropical regions have low-fertility acidic soils, in which Ca2+ gradually becomes a limiting element for Cypress growth. In this study, different concentrations of Ca2+ fertilizer were added under fertile soil (3 g·kg-1 NPK fertilizer added) and low-fertility soil (0 g·kg-1 NPK fertilizer added) conditions. Cypress clones responded differently to Ca2+ addition in different soil conditions. The seedling height and dry matter quality of Cypress in fertile soil were significantly greater than those in low-fertility soil, but plant height and dry biomass did not differ significantly among Ca2+ treatments. The accumulation efficiencies of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and Ca all differed significantly among the Ca2+ treatments. In low-fertility soil, the addition of 3 g·kg-1 Ca2+ significantly promoted development of roots 0.5–2 mm in diameter, and both the C1 and C2 clones achieved their highest N, P and Ca accumulation efficiencies. When the Ca2+ concentration increased to 6 g·kg-1, the seedling height, dry matter quality and root development were lower than those of the 3 g·kg-1 Ca2+ treatment. In the fertile soil, the addition of Ca2+ significantly inhibited development of roots 0.5–1 mm in diameter. The highest N accumulation efficiency was achieved under the 0 g·kg-1 Ca2+ treatment, and the highest Ca accumulation efficiency was achieved under the 6 g·kg-1 Ca2+ treatment. Seedling height, root dry weight, roots 0–1.5 mm in diameter and Ca accumulation showed a significant interaction effect between NPK fertilizer and Ca2+. Therefore, Ca accumulation was more efficient in low-fertility soils. Under low-fertility soil conditions, the addition of CaSO4 can promote the root development of seedlings and advance and prolong the fast growth period of seedling height. Cypress clones can be used as an important tree species for afforestation under low-fertility soil conditions, especially under calcareous soil conditions.

Integrative Application of Soil P-Solubilizing Bacteria and Foliar Nano P Improves Phaseolus vulgaris Plant Performance and Antioxidative Defense System Components under Calcareous Soil Conditions

Potential influences of soil inoculation using phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in integration with or without foliar spraying using mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) or nano-phosphorus (NP) on performances, physio-biochemical attributes, and antioxidative defense system components in Phaseolus vulgaris plants were identified. A greenhouse preliminary and main pot experiments were conducted in calcareous soil (22% CaCO3) during fall and summer seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 in a completely randomized design. Preliminary experiments showed that the four concentrations: 1.0, 0.1, 0.5, and 0.05 g L−1 were the best for MAP, NP, and MAP when applied in integration with PSB, and NP when applied in integration with PSB, respectively, yielding the best results for plant growth and yield, total chlorophylls and P contents, and PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm). Therefore, these concentrations were selected for the main study. In main experiments, soil PSB or foliar MAP or NP resulted in significant increases in plant growth and yields, photosynthetic efficiency, gas exchange, relative water content, membrane stability index, ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents and their redox states, contents of P, soluble sugars, glycine betaine, and activities of proline dehydrogenase (ProDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) compared to controls. In contrast, oxidative stress biomarkers (electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide), contents of proline and P5C, and activities of P5SC and phosphatase were significantly reduced. However, integrative PSB+MAP or PSB+NP treatment further improved all abovementioned parameters in plants. Integrative PSB+NP was the best treatment, awarding best improvements in all investigated parameters. Therefore, it can be recommended for cultivation and sustainability of Phaseolus vulgaris crop in calcareous soils.

Productivity and Physiological Response of Fodder Beet to Drip Irrigation Regimes and Potassium Levels Under Calcareous Soil Conditions

Productivity and Physiological Response of Fodder Beet to Drip Irrigation Regimes and Potassium Levels Under Calcareous Soil Conditions

Effect of Irrigation Regimes on Alfalfa Productivity and Quality under Saline Calcareous Soil Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Nubaria Agricultural Research Station during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 to study the effect of irrigation regimes under saline calcareous soil on fresh and dry yields, quality, water requirements and productivity. Four irrigation regimes with amount of water equals potential evapotranspiration were used as irrigation with amount of water equal potential evapotranspiration (ETp) plus 10%, 20%, 30% and/or 40% as leaching requirements (LR). Average of calcareous soil salinity treatments were S1 equal 2 dSm-1, S2 equal 6 dSm-1 and S3 equal 10 dSm-1. Results indicated that there were significant effects among irrigation and soil salinity treatments on fresh and dry alfalfa yields through the combination of two years. The highest values of fresh and dry yields were 217.736 and 49.861 ton/ha, respectively that was obtained by I1S1 interaction, while the lowest values were 140.0 and 35.91 ton/ha was obtained by I4S2 interaction. Fresh and dry yields were decreased by 28.4 and 18.13% at I1S2 and by 14.6 and 13.19% at I1S3, respectively compared with that obtained by I1S1. Results of I3S3 and I4S3 were given the highest values of N and CP percentages. The water requirements values for alfalfa were 126.0, 135.2, 144.3 and 153.9 cm in the first year, while in the second year they were 128.8, 140.2, 152.0 and 163.8 cm for irrigation treatments, respectively. Also, the highest values of the productivity of irrigation water (PIW) were 8.93 and 8.17 kg/m3 water in 1st and 2nd years, which was I1S1.

Long-term agronomical performance and iron chlorosis susceptibility of several Prunus rootstocks grown under loamy and calcareous soil conditions

The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance (vigor, yield, yield efficiency, number of root suckers), fruit quality (fruit weight, fruit size, flesh firmness, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity), leaf and fruit mineral nutrition (macro and micro elements), leaf chlorophyll concentration and iron chlorosis susceptibility of ‘Big Top’ nectarine cultivar grafted on 20 Prunus rootstocks and grown in loamy and calcareous soil under the hot climate conditions of the Ebro river basin (Spain). After the 10 years of the study (at 11th leaf), statistical analysis showed significant differences among rootstocks for most of the traits evaluated. Based on vigor and cumulative yield, ‘Big Top’ trees from Padac 04-03 rootstock were found to be the most vigorous and productive, followed by Castore, GF-677, Ishtara®, PS and Rootpac® 70. However, the most efficient rootstocks were Controller 5, Adesoto® 101, Rootpac® 40, Krymsk® 1, Ishtara®, Penta, IRTA-1, Polluce, and Padac-150. ‘Big Top’ fruits from Rootpac® 40 had the highest fruit weight and fruit size (>70 mm), with good soluble solids content and titratable acidity, but less firmness than the other ‘Big Top’ fruits. After 3 months with no application of chelate, chlorosis symptoms were visible in most of the trees, with those from Krymsk® 1 and PS showing the highest susceptibility. In contrast, AD-105, Adesoto® 101, Cadaman®, GF-677, Padac-150, Rootpac® 40 and Tetra were the least susceptible rootstocks. Controller 5, IRTA-1, Padac-04.03 and Penta had moderate susceptibility. In conclusion, Rootpac® 40, Ishtara®, IRTA-1 and Padac-150 may represent a good compromise between canopy size control, yield, yield efficiency, fruit size, and susceptibility to iron chlorosis.

Saline water as supplementary irrigation and plant distance in relation to the productivity and quality of quinoa under calcareous soil conditions.

Two field experiments were conducted during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 winter seasons soil at the Experimental Farm of City of Scientific Researches and Technological Applications in Borg Al-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt. The experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementary irrigation and planting distance on Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) cv. Nat oil yield, yield components, seed quality and water use efficiency using saline water in the arid land. The experiment design was split-plot with three replications at two seasons. Main plots were assigned to supplementary irrigation and the sub-plots were occupied by the plant distance. Under groundwater with E.C 8.3 ds/m was used for irrigation. The results revealed that there was a significant difference among the supplementary irrigation where the application of three supplementary irrigation in addition to rainfall at the first season and the application of whatever two or three supplementary irrigation in addition to rainfall grain yield and its components. Concerning the plant distance, the results illustrated that the best treatment is planting with 15 cm distance