Corn Plants Research Articles

Impact of nitrogen fertilizer sustainability on corn crop yield: the role of beneficial microbial inoculation interactions

BackgroundConsidering the challenges posed by nitrogen (N) pollution and its impact on food security and sustainability, it is crucial to develop management techniques that optimize N fertilization in croplands. Our research intended to explore the potential benefits of co-inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus subtilis combined with N application rates on corn plants. The study focused on evaluating corn photosynthesis-related parameters, oxidative stress assay, and physiological nutrient use parameters. Focus was placed on the eventual improved capacity of plants to recover N from applied fertilizers (AFR) and enhance N use efficiency (NUE) during photosynthesis. The two-year field trial involved four seed inoculation treatments (control, A. brasilense, B. subtilis, and A. brasilense + B. subtilis) and five N application rates (0 to 240 kg N ha−1, applied as side-dress).ResultsOur results suggested that the combined effects of microbial consortia and adequate N-application rates played a crucial role in N-recovery; enhanced NUE; increased N accumulation, leaf chlorophyll index (LCI), and shoot and root growth; consequently improving corn grain yield. The integration of inoculation and adequate N rates upregulated CO2 uptake and assimilation, transpiration, and water use efficiency, while downregulated oxidative stress.ConclusionsThe results indicated that the optimum N application rate could be reduced from 240 to 175 kg N ha−1 while increasing corn yield by 5.2%. Furthermore, our findings suggest that replacing 240 by 175 kg N ha−1 of N fertilizer (-65 kg N ha−1) with microbial consortia would reduce CO2 emission by 682.5 kg CO2 −e ha−1. Excessive N application, mainly with the presence of beneficial bacteria, can disrupt N-balance in the plant, alter soil and bacteria levels, and ultimately affect plant growth and yield. Hence, highlighting the importance of adequate N management to maximize the benefits of inoculation in agriculture and to counteract N loss from agricultural systems intensification.

Host range characterization of Phytophthora sansomeana across corn, soybean, wheat, winter cereal rye, dry bean and oats, and an in vitro assessment of seed treatment sensitivity.

Formally described in 2009, Phytophthora sansomeana is a pathogen of increasing interest in native, agricultural, and horticulturally important plant species. The objective of this study was to elucidate the symptomatic and asymptomatic host range of P. sansomeana on six agricultural crop species commonly used in field crop rotations in Michigan. In addition, sensitivity to oomicides commonly used in seed treatments including, oxathiapiprolin, mefenoxam, ethaboxam, and pyraclostrobin was performed to aid in disease management recommendations. Plant biomass, quantity of P. sansomeana DNA in roots, and reisolations were used to assess pathogenicity and virulence of eighteen isolates of P. sansomeana on each plant species using an inoculated seedling growth chamber assay. Isolates displayed varying levels of virulence to the hosts tested. Reisolations were completed for each plant species tested, and varying quantities of P. sansomeana DNA were found within all plant species root samples. Corn, wheat, soybean, dry bean, and winter cereal rye plants were symptomatic hosts with significant reduction observed in total plant biomass. No significant reduction in total plant biomass was observed in oats, and oat roots harbored the least amount of P. sansomeana DNA. No P. sansomeana isolates were insensitive to the oomicide compounds tested with mean absolute EC50 values of 7.8 x 10-2 µg/ml for mefenoxam, 1.13 x 10-1 µg/ml for ethaboxam, 2.6 x 10-2 µg/ml for oxathiapiprolin, and 3.04 x 10-1 µg/ml for pyraclostrobin. These results suggest that common crop rotations in Michigan may not be a viable option to reduce soilborne inoculum accumulation and oomicide seed treatments should be considered for early season management of P. sansomeana.

Stover removal has minimal impact on pennycress seeded into standing corn

AbstractIn the Upper Midwest, corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are the most prominent agricultural crops, occupying land for only half the year. Their fallow periods are associated with nutrient leaching and soil erosion, but they also represent an opportunity to establish winter‐hardy crops, like pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.), that can reduce negative environmental impacts while contributing to farm profitability. A lack of agronomic best management practices remains a barrier to pennycress adoption. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of stover presence on pennycress stand establishment and seed yield after seeding pennycress into R4 corn. This study was conducted over the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 growing seasons with MN106 pennycress at three locations in Minnesota. At maturity, corn plants were removed from plots in 25% increments between 0% and 100% to simulate stover removal scenarios. Pennycress seedlings were unable to compete with corn for available light resources and did not have enough time following corn harvest to establish a dense stand in the autumn with only 5% and 10% green cover in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Despite poor early season emergence, the average seed yield, 1223 kg ha−1, was high relative to other studies using MN106, indicating that challenges of growing pennycress under adverse conditions may not be a barrier to competitive seed yields. Experimentation on the corn–pennycress system should continue in the future to further explore and establish best management practices for this double crop.

Carcass and meat characteristics of Nellore young bulls fed diet using cottonseed cake as a replacer of the forage fiber source

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of substituting traditional forage fiber sources with cottonseed cake in the diet on both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of carcass and meat in Nelore young bulls. Twenty-four Nelore steers starting with an average weight of 377.8 ± 43.5 kg, were individually housed in stalls and provided with individualized feeding over a 112-day confinement period. The study followed a completely randomized design with two treatments and 12 replications. The diets incorporated either whole plant corn silage (WPCS) and, cottonseed cake (CSC) as fiber sources, at a rate of 300 g/kg of dry matter. The CSC diet promoted higher carcass weight. Aging animal meat for seven days significantly decreased the shear force from 83.4 to 71.6 N. Although diets did not influence meat composition, WPCS diet provided higher concentrations of C16:1, C18:1n9c, C18:3n3, and C22:2 acid, and CSC diet higher concentrations of C15:0, C18:1n9t, C18:2n6c, and 20:3n3. The WPCS diet provided higher concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids and ω9, and the CSC diet had higher concentrations of ω6 and ω6:ω3 ratio in meat. Cottonseed cake used as a fiber source increases the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and ω6 fatty acids in the meat of young bulls finished in feedlot.

Correlation of Soil Chemical, Biological, and Physical Characteristics on Productivity of Maize in Cibugel District, Sumedang Regency

Maize as one of the national food commodities, experiences an increase in demand every year. Both internal and external factors influenced the growth of corn plants. Internal factors originated from the plant, such as inherited genetic traits, while external factors came from the environment, including soil properties and climate. External factors that affected plant growth included biological, physical, and chemical soil characteristics. This research aimed to understand the interrelation between soil acidity (pH), phosphorus availability (P), cation exchange capacity (CEC), nitrogen-fixing bacteria, earthworm population, carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N), and soil texture on the productivity of maize in Cibugel District and how these factors were interconnected to support plant growth. The research employed a descriptive survey and comparative method, with soil samples taken from 18 soil samples from six villages in the Cibugel Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency. The correlation analysis results showed a significant positive relationship between cation exchange capacity and corn productivity and a significant negative relationship between available phosphorus and corn productivity. This implied that increasing cation exchange capacity could enhance productivity while increasing available phosphorus could decrease productivity. The research aided in identifying soil characteristics influencing high land productivity in the area. 

Whole genome sequencing revealed the capability of Paenarthrobacter sp. KN0901 to simultaneously remove atrazine and corn straw at low temperatures: from gene identification to empirical validation

Corn planting is often associated with serious atrazine pollution and excessive corn straw amounts, causing severe threats to environmental and ecological security, as well as to green agricultural development. In this context, a Paenarthrobacter sp. KN0901 strain was applied to simultaneously remove atrazine and straw at low temperatures. The results of whole genome sequencing indicated that KN0901 encoded over nine straw biodegradation-related enzymes. In addition, 100% and 27.3% of atrazine and straw were simultaneously degraded by KN0901 following an incubation period of seven days at 15ºC and 180rpm in darkness. The KN0901 strain maintained high atrazine and straw biodegradation rates under temperature and pH ranges of 4-25ºC and 5-9, respectively. The simultaneous atrazine and corn straw additions improved the microbial growth and biodegradation rates by increasing the functional gene expression level, cell viability, inner membrane permeability, and extracellular polymeric substance contents of KN0901. The hydroponic experiment results demonstrated the capability of the KN0901 strain to mitigate the toxicity of atrazine to soybeans in four days under the presence of corn straw. The present study provides a new perspective on the development of bioremediation approaches and their application to restore atrazine-polluted cornfields with large straw quantities, particularly in cold areas.

AB mix-NPK fertilizer combination effect on corn plants growth using Nutrient Film Technique

Corn (Zea mays) is one of the important food crops in Indonesia. Efforts to increase corn production continue to be made, one of which is by using appropriate fertilizer. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of the combination of AB Mix and NPK fertilizers on the growth of corn (Zea mays) plants using the NFT hydroponic system. This study used qualitative research methods. The data collection technique in this research is literature study, while data analysis is carried out in three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The findings from the research show that the use of a combination of AB mix and NPK fertilizers in the growth of corn (Zea mays) using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) technique has a significant impact. Using these two types of fertilizer together increases the growth of corn plants by increasing plant height, number of leaves, and development of the root system. In addition, with optimal nutrient availability from the fertilizer combination through the NFT technique, corn production is increased efficiently. The findings show the potential for using a combination of AB mix and NPK fertilizers in increasing agricultural yields.

Voltinism and life‐history traits of the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) feeding on corn

AbstractVoltinism and life‐history traits of the invasive fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda were investigated under semi‐natural conditions for a period of 2 years. The FAW invaded the corn field in the suburbs of Nanchang (28°46′ N, 115°50′ E) in early summer and produced six complete generations. FAW had the characteristics of short developmental time, high survival rates and strong fecundity. The development time of female pupae was significantly faster than that of male pupae, resulting in the emergence of female pupae earlier than male pupae. Except for the sixth generation in 2021, there was no significant difference between female and male sex ratio, which was close to 1:1. FAW showed male‐bias sexual size dimorphism with male pupae being significantly larger than female pupae. Unlike pupal weight, in most generations, male adult weighed significantly less than females, because the weight loss of male pupae during metamorphosis was significantly greater than that of female pupae. The temporal variation of pupal weight did not conform to the temperature–size rule. Compared with 22.8°C, the 29.2°C high temperature not only significantly reduced the development time of larvae but also significantly increased pupal weight. The adult fecundity feeding on fresh corn leaves was higher than that feeding on live corn plants in most generations. In most generations, pupal weight was positively correlated with larval development time and adult weight was positively correlated with fecundity. In conclusion, climate differences between generations and years have significant effects on developmental time, body weight, sexual size dimorphism and fecundity of the FAW. These results add to the understanding of the evolution of life‐history traits in the FAW and may have important implications for predicting population dynamics of the FAW and optimising control strategies.

Influence of flowering red clover on flower visitation in a sweet corn agroecosystem

Agricultural intensification and the conversion of natural landscapes into annual cropping systems have contributed to declines in pollinator abundance and biodiversity. Increasing the abundance of flowering plants within crop fields is an often-overlooked practice that may be used to help sustain and enhance pollinator populations. In this study, the influence of red clover (Trifolium pratense) used as an interplanted living mulch on pollinator richness and visitation rates was evaluated and compared with monoculture sweet corn habitats. Treatments included sweet corn interplanted with red clover or monoculture with or without cover crop residue. Weekly visual observations of foraging floral visitors revealed that multiple species of bumblebees and butterflies, as well as honeybees frequently visited red clover flowers. Observations of visitors foraging on sweet corn tassels during pollen shed revealed distinct insect communities were attracted by sweet corn and red clover plants. Findings provided evidence that the inclusion of red clover in crop fields can increase the diversity and abundance of bees and butterflies on arable lands by serving as an important food source.

The Growth and Production of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Various Distance Planting and Biofertilization.

Farmers habits in cultivating corn plants, including excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, causing environmental pollution and decreasing soil quality, both chemical, physical, and biological, which results in low production, therefore some efforts are needed to remain productive, namely by using biological fertilizers to improve soil improvement and improve spacing. This study aims to determine the growth and production of maize at various distance planting and to apply biofertilization. The research was conducted in Sei Beras Sekata Village, Deli Serdang in December 2019 to March 2020. The research used factorial randomized block design, the first factor was various of distance planting 70 cm x 10 cm, 70 cm x 15 cm, 70 cm x 20 cm, and the second factor was biological fertilizer consisting of 0 g/ha, 400 g/ha, 800 g/ha, 1200 g/ha. The observed parameters were plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, dry seed weight per plant, dry seed weight per plot, cob length, ear diameter, number of seeds per cob and root dry weight. The results showed that planting distances 70 cm x 20 cm significantly affected the stem diameter, length of cob, ear diameter, number of seeds per cob, weight of dried seeds per plant, and weight of dried seeds per plot. Biological fertilizer has a significant effect on the diameter of the cob. There was no interaction between the distance of planting corn and the application of biological fertilizer to the growth and production of corn.

Characteristics of the photosynthetic activity of corn using different drugs under stress

Goal. To study under controlled conditions the effect of hormonal preparations based on humus extracts and anti-stress stimulants with a high content of amino acids and biologically active substances on the development of corn under conditions of stress, as well as their effect on the photosynthetic activity of plants.
 Methods. The research was carried out in a climatic chamber (a room with adjustable control of temperature, daylight and air humidity) of the Ukrainian research plant quarantine station of the Institute of Plant Protection of the National Academy of Sciences. Photosynthetic activity was measured using a portable fluorometer «Floratest». During the growing season, two foliar feedings were carried out in the phase of development of corn VVSN 12, the first application of drugs during the growing season — VVSN 13, — the second application of drugs during the vegetation period — VVSN 14.
 Results. The analysis of the induction curves of chlorophyll fluorescence and the indicators of the maximum background fluorescence showed a difference between the plants that were under soil moisture of 70% and 50% RH. When corn plants were in a state close to stress for a long time, the difference between the curves of chlorophyll fluorescence intensity between the two controls increased. The use of the studied drugs provided the finding of the indicator of the maximum value of fluorescence induction above the dry control in all variants of the experiment. Best results provided: preparation B (high concentrated suspension for nutrition and plant stress decreasing based upon the humus extract. They contented N — 150 g/l, K2O — 300 g/l, Mg — 30 g/l, metal cations in В, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn with additional adhesive effects and surfactant), at rate of application 0.5 and 0.25 l/ha; Axofol (high concentrated suspension from extract of brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum with microelements, B — 38.1 g/l, Mn — 10.2 g/l, Zn — 6.4 g/l) at rate of application 1.0 and 0.5 l/ha.
 Conclusions. As the time of corn plants being in a state close to stress increases, the difference between the curve of chlorophyll fluorescence intensity in the wet control and the dry control increases. The use of the studied drugs provided the finding of the indicator of the maximum value of fluorescence induction above the dry control in all variants of the experiment. The use of the researched preparations in conditions of soil moisture of 50% ensured the improvement of vegetation indicators of plants.

The Effect of Application Compost and Biochar from Salak Leaf Sheaths on Carbon Status and Growth of Corn Plants (Zea mays L.) in Ultisol Soil

. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan dan dosis terbaik aplikasi pelepah daun salak dalam bentuk kompos maupun biochar pada status karbon serta pertumbuhan tanaman jagung (Zea mays L.) di tanah Ultisol. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Rumah Kaca Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Sumatera Utara, dimulai pada bulan Juni 2022 sampai Januari 2023. Rancangan yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah Rancangan Acak Kelompok Non Faktorial yang terdiri dari 4 ulangan dengan tingkat dosis bahan kompos pelepah daun salak dan biochar pelepah daun salak (20, 40 dan 60 ton/ha). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi kompos dan biochar pelepah daun salak nyata meningkatkan status karbon pada masa inkubasi 20 hari serta pertumbuhan tanaman jagung di tanah Ultisol. Pelepah daun salak dalam bentuk kompos lebih baik dalam meningkatkan bahan organik dan pertumbuhan tanaman jagung, sedangkan pH H2O lebih baik pada pengaplikasian pelepah daun salak dalam bentuk biochar. Aplikasi pelepah daun salak dalam bentuk kompos dan biochar terbaik dalam meningkatkan status karbon serta pertumbuhan tanaman jagung terdapat pada dosis 60 ton/ha.
  

Silvicultural Management Strategies: A Determinant for a Successful NGP Plantation in Northern Isabela, Philippines

The National Greening Program is the most extensive reforestation program in the Philippines. It aimed for climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and food security. This paper provides initial information on the performance of NGP in Northern Isabela, focusing on the general information of the plantation site, the participation of stakeholders, and the implementation of selected forestry management strategies. Three sites were considered, which are located in Delfin Albano, Cabagan, and San Pablo, Isabela. Findings revealed that the plantation sites were grasslands and previously were of corn plantations. Yemane is the common species planted in the three study sites because it is less susceptible to the effects of drought, fire, pests, diseases, and typhoons, according to the implementers. Other tree species planted in Delfin Albano are teak, kadamba, acacia, and mahogany. It was further validated during the field site visit and inspection that the above-mentioned tree species have 100% survival because the implementers were equipped with knowledge on some silvicultural strategies for maintaining the plantation. Implementers considered the period of planting, the ideal size of seedlings, the proper spacing, fertilization requirements, and intermediate treatments for sanitation. Nevertheless, it is recommended to all plantations that the implementers should integrate agroforestry crops in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture. Finally, since the DENR was tasked with the monitoring and validation of the performance of the program, the DENR should also partner with various research institutions, including academic institutions, to assess the progress of the NGP for enhancement.

An Ensemble-Based Framework for Sophisticated Crop Classification Exploiting Google Earth Engine

Corn and soybeans play pivotal roles in the agricultural landscape of the United States, and accurately delineating their cultivation areas is indispensable for ensuring food security and addressing hunger-related challenges. Traditional methods for crop mapping are both labor-intensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, the advent of high-resolution imagery, exemplified by Sentinel-2A (S2A), has opened avenues for precise identification of these crops at a field scale, with the added advantage of cloud computing. This paper presents an innovative algorithm designed for large-scale mapping of corn and soybean planting areas on the Google Cloud Engine, drawing inspiration from symmetrical theory. The proposed methodology encompasses several sequential steps. First, S2A data undergo processing incorporating phenological information and spectral characteristics. Subsequently, texture features derived from the grayscale matrix are synergistically integrated with spectral features in the first step. To enhance algorithmic efficiency, the third step involves a feature importance analysis, facilitating the retention of influential bands while eliminating redundant features. The ensuing phase employs three base classifiers for feature training, and the final result maps are generated through a collective voting mechanism based on the classification results from the three classifiers. Validation of the proposed algorithm was conducted in two distinct research areas: Ford in Illinois and White in Indiana, showcasing its commendable classification capabilities for these crops. The experiments underscore the potential of this method for large-scale mapping of crop areas through the integration of cloud computing and high-resolution imagery.

Morphological Character and Clorophyl Content Index of Corn Infected with Dowry Disease on Land Applied With Slow Realease Fertilizer Based on Corn Cob Biochar

Downy mildew is a significant disease of corn plants caused by the pathogenic fungus Peronosclerospora maydis, with attack rates reaching 95%. The application of slow-release fertilizer based on corn cob biochar is expected to increase the resistance of corn plants. Similarly, Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. are known as antagonistic microorganisms. Bacteria can produce antibiotic compounds that hydrolyze fungal cell walls, siderophores, and other antibiotic properties that inhibit pathogen growth. This study aims to determine the morphological characteristics of downy mildew-infected corn on biochar-applied land. Treatments were arranged factorially in a Factorial Randomized Block Design repeated four times. The treatment was the application of slow-release fertilizer from biochar mixed with NPK fertilizer, namely control, slow-release fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer + cow urine, and slow-release fertilizer + cow urine + bacteria (Azobacter and Bacillus). The results showed that slow-release fertilizer gave the best growth to both normal and downy mildew-affected maize plants. The stomata of typical corn leaves were more open with regular vascular bundles, while those affected by downy mildew had more closed and irregular stomata. The chlorophyll content index in downy mildew-affected maize can also improve by applying biochar-based slow-release fertilizer.

Effect of New Bio-component of Cytoplasmic Polyhedrosis Virus (Cypovirus1) with Silver Nanoparticles against Four Pests in Stored Food Products

This study was conducted to develop an approach for reducing severe damage to grains caused by various insect pests using the biological control agent Cypovirus1 and silver nanoparticles, both alone and in combination. Four types of beetles that infest stored products, including drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum), saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis), warehouse beetle (Trogoderma variabile), and Cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculates), were collected from seven different areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically Mecca regions. We determined the morphological characteristics of the pests in various grains. Corn borer pupae and larvae of corn plants infected with Cypovirus1 were collected from the stems of live and dead maize plants in fields in Mecca regions to isolate Cypovirus1. Infected samples were examined using triple antibody sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELIZA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed virus-containing occlusion bodies inside infected cells of corn borer larvae with irregular shapes and dimensions of 2.2–4.9 µm. The effects of different concentrations of the virus activated by synthetic spherical silver nanoparticles with an average diameter of 36.32 nm on the larva of grain pests taken were evaluated, and all treatments led to an increased mortality percentage after 72 h compared to at 48 h. The treatment mixture consisting of 10/100 viral and 400 µg/kg AgNPs led to the highest average death rates of the four insect larvae at 72 h after treatment. Protein bands that were present in the virus-infected larvae of the four pests were absent from healthy larvae, indicating viral infection.

Comparison Study of Corn Leaf Disease Detection based on Deep Learning YOLO-v5 and YOLO-v8

Corn is one of the primary carbohydrate-rich food commodities in Southeast Asian countries, among which Indonesia. Corn production is highly dependent on the health of the corn plant. Infected plants will decrease corn plant productivity. Usually, corn farmers use conventional methods to control diseases in corn plants. Still, these methods are not effective and efficient because they require a long time and a lot of human labor. Deep learning-based plant disease detection has recently been used for early disease detection in agriculture. In this work, we used convolutional neural network algorithms, namely YOLO-v5 and YOLO-v8, to detect infected corn leaves in the public data set called ‘Corn Leaf Infection Data set’ from the Kaggle repository. We compared the mean average precision (mAP) of mAP 50 and mAP 50-95 between YOLO-v5 and YOLO-v8. YOLO-v8 showed better accuracy at an mAP 50 of 0.965 and an mAP 50-95 of 0.727. YOLO-v8 also showed a higher detection number of 12 detections than YOLO-v5 at 11 detections. Both YOLO algorithms required about 2.49 to 3.75 hours to detect the infected corn leaves. This all-trained model could be an effective solution for early disease detection in future corn plantations.

Determination of height in corn (Zea mays L.) crops through the use of images produced by UAVs

Behind only soybean production, corn is the second most produced grain in Brazil. Remote sensing is generally considered one of the most important technologies for precision agriculture and smart agriculture, enabling producers to monitor various parameters in agricultural crops. This work aimed to determine the height of plants in corn crops through the photogrammetry technique using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Montividiu, State of Goiás, Brazil, in the 2023 harvest. The mapped crop was corn, the georeferenced images were captured via drone, with 249 photos generated during approximately 14 min of flight. The geoprocessing of the orthomosaic and digital surface model was ArcGIS, in which the sketch was plotted on the orthophoto (georeferenced image) to later extract the height data for each treatment. The original data were subjected to the normality test with 5% significance and homogeneity test with 5% significance, then the data were subjected to analysis of variance using the F test with p < 0.05 and, when significant, it was used if the Tukey test with p < 0.05. Block A had the best performance for average plant height with values above 0.8 m. The use of UAVs proved to be an important and efficient tool in determining the height of corn plants for future work on phytopathology, nutrient deficits, areas with leaching or even distinguishing different cultivars.

Modeling long-term nitrogen utilization under alfalfa–corn rotation in Northeast China

ContextNortheast China is the main commodity grain base in China owing to its intensive corn (Zea mays L.) planting and heavy nitrogen (N) application. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and corn rotation have the potential to decrease N application and enable efficient N utilization, but its long-term impacts remain unclear. ObjectiveThis study utilized Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) to evaluate the N process of long-term alfalfa–corn rotation, including the soil N status and N legacy benefits of subsequent corn crops, and to optimize alfalfa–corn rotation. MethodsAPSIM was calibrated and validated utilizing datasets of crop N uptake (Nupt), soil inorganic N, and soil total nitrogen (TN) under continuous corn, continuous alfalfa, and rotations of three, four, and five years of alfalfa followed by two years of corn, defined as CC, CA, and 3A2C, 4A2C, and 5A2C treatments, respectively, which were collected from a field experiment in Quanyangou–Lishu, Jilin Province, China during 2014–2022. The validated APSIM was then utilized to simulate long-term (1981–2020) effects on N utilization under CC, 3A2C, 4A2C, and 5A2C treatments at Quanyangou–Lishu, Fujia–Lishu, Chaoyang, and Hailun in Northeast China. ResultsAPSIM effectively simulated the Nupt, inorganic N, and TN, with normalized root mean square errors of 5%–19%, 20%–30%, and 2.0%–4.2%, respectively, between the observed and simulated values. Compared with the CC treatment, alfalfa–corn rotation treatments reduced the N fertilizer application by 143 kg N ha−1 and significantly improved the net N mineralization and Nupt by 41 and 107 kg N ha−1, respectively, achieving increases of 50% and 517% in N use efficiency and N partial factor productivity based on corn equivalent yield, respectively. Alfalfa–corn rotation also consumed 94% of 200–500 cm inorganic N through alfalfa roots absorbing N after 9–14 years, which decreased the risk of soil inorganic N accumulation and N leaching. After 40 years, SON values of alfalfa–corn rotation treatments were 8% and 4% higher in the 0–20 and 20–60 cm soil layers and 1.6% lower in the 60–200 cm soil layer than those of the CC treatment at Quanyangou–Lishu, Fujia–Lishu and Hailun. The SON values of alfalfa–corn rotation treatments were 2.9% lower in three soil layers at 0–200 cm deep relative to those of the CC treatment at Chaoyang, with low precipitation of only 478 mm. Alfalfa–corn rotation also improved the first-year corn yield following alfalfa by 2.3%–8.8% at Quanyangou–Lishu and Fujia–Lishu. ConclusionsThe 4A2C treatment at Quanyangou–Lishu, Fujia–Lishu, and Hailun and the 3A2C treatment at Chaoyang are recommended in Northeast China to increase N use efficiency and N partial factor productivity by decreasing N fertilizer application, increasing SON, and absorbing inorganic N from the 200–500 cm soil layer during the alfalfa growing period and increasing mineral N during the corn growing period. ImplicationsOptimal alfalfa–corn rotations show great potential to reduce soil inorganic N residue and increase N use efficiency and SON in Northeast China.

Biochar technology to increase cassava crop productivity: A study of sustainable agriculture on degraded land

Abstract The aim of this study is to improve soil fertility in cassava, corn, and peanut plants by using biochar technology on degraded land. This research is experimental. This trial used five treatments, No organic amendments, farm yard manure (FYM) 20 Mg ha−1 once, FYM 20 Mg ha−1 yearly, FYM biochar technology 15 Mg ha−1 once, and cassava stem (CS) biochar technology 15 Mg ha−1 once. The design used in this study was a randomized group design (RAK) with three repeats. Before the experiment, the characteristics of treatment material, namely, the manure, biochar, and CS waste biochar were studied. It was observed that cassava, corn, and peanut crops increased nutrient C, water availability, N, P, K, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). From the observations, the treatment of using biochar technology on intercropping cassava and corn can increase C by 25.7 g kg−1, K by 177 cmol, CEC by 17.63 cmol , and water availability by16.87%. Meanwhile, the application treatment of biochar FYM technology on cassava and peanut intercropping can increase C by 24.4 g kg−1, N by 1.3 g kg−1, P by 12.2 g kg−1, K by 1.74 cmol, CEC by 17.93 cmol, and water availability by 17.41%. The use of biochar technology (15 Mg ha)−1 in intercropping cassava with maize or groundnut within 2 years can improve soil fertility and maintain yields. Intercropping cassava with corn or peanuts within 2 years can increase soil fertility and maintain crop yields. Thus, biochar technology has greater potential for the improvement of degraded land in the relatively short term (2 years) and supports sustainable agriculture.