Cotton Wheat Research Articles

Effect of Zero and Minimum Tillage on Cotton Productivity and Soil Characteristics under Different Nitrogen Application Rates

Long-term conservation tillage and straw incorporation are reported to improve the soil health, growth, and yield traits of crops; however, little is known regarding the optimal nitrogen (N) supply under conservation tillage with straw incorporation. The present study evaluated the effects of conservation tillage practices (ZTsas: zero tillage plus wheat straw on the soil surface as such, and MTsi: minimum tillage plus wheat straw incorporated) and different N application rates (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha−1) on the yield and quality traits of cotton and soil characteristics in a five-year field experiment. The results showed that ZTsas produced a higher number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield, 100-seed weight, ginning out-turn (GOT), fiber length, and strength than MTsi. Among different N application rates, the maximum number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield, GOT, 100-seed weight, fiber length, strength, and micronaire were recorded at 150 kg N ha−1. Averaged over the years, tillage × N revealed that ZTsas had a higher boll number plant−1, boll weight, 100-seed weight, GOT, fiber length, and strength with N application at 150 kg ha−1, as compared to other tillage systems. Based on the statistical results, there is no significant difference in total soil N and soil organic matter among different N rates. Further, compared to MTsi, ZTsas recorded higher soil organic matter (SOM, 8%), total soil N (TSN, 29%), water-stable aggregates (WSA, 8%), and mean weight diameter (MWD, 28.5%), particularly when the N application of 150 kg ha−1. The fiber fineness showed that ZTsas had no adverse impact on fiber fineness compared with MTsi. These results indicate that ZTsas with 150 kg N ha−1 may be the optimum and most sustainable approach to improve cotton yield and soil quality in the wheat–cotton system.

Physical and chemical stabilization of soil organic matter in cropland ecosystems under rice–wheat, maize–wheat and cotton–wheat cropping systems in northwestern India

This article examines the impact of rice–wheat, maize–wheat and cotton–wheat cropping systems on total (TOC), labile and stable organic carbon (C) pools, aggregate stability and distribution of organic C in different size aggregates and the mineral fraction (silt + clay) of soil. The rice–wheat soils had significantly (p < .05) lower TOC concentration (4.46 ± 0.15 g C kg−1) compared with the other two cropping systems. Similarly, water-extractable organic C (WEOC, ∼0.48% of TOC), hot-water-soluble C (HWC, ∼5.5% of TOC) and microbial biomass C (MBC, ∼4.2% of TOC) were significantly lower in soils under rice–wheat compared to the other systems. The formation of water-stable aggregates (WSA) was related to the silt + clay (<0.053 mm) fraction of soils. As the silt + clay fraction increased, the proportion of macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm) increased with a concomitant decrease in the proportion of micro-aggregates (<0.25 mm). The carbon preservation capacity (CPC) of macro-aggregates (CPCMacA), micro-aggregates (CPCMicA) and total water-stable aggregates (CPCWSA) was significantly lower in rice–wheat soils compared with the other systems. The CPCMacA, mineral (silt + clay)-associated C (MinAC) and sodium hypochlorite oxidizable C (NaOCl-C) increased with an increase in the proportion of macro-aggregates and the mineral fraction of soils. A linear increase in the stable C pool ((silt + clay)-C and NaOCl-C) and soils’ silt + clay content implies that soils’ fine fraction was the principal mechanism of textural control on soil organic matter (SOM) stabilization.

Influence of tillage systems and herbicides on weed control and yield of cotton in wheat-cotton system

Wheat–cotton system is a major production system in Pakistan, however, cotton yield is declining in the system most likely due to weeds infestation and intensive tillage practices. Conservation tillage such as reduced and zero tillage in combination with appropriate herbicide may have the potential to enhance cotton yield on sustainable basis. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of herbicides under different tillage systems on weed control and cotton yield in wheat-cotton system. A field experiment was conducted at Cotton Research Station, Ratta Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, during 2017 and 2018. In the experiment, post-emergence herbicides, i.e. floxyfop-R-methyl 10.8 EC (108 g a.i. ha-1), lactofen 24 EC (168 g a.i. ha-1), floxyfop 10.8 EC + lactofen 24 EC, hand weeding, weedy check and three tillage systems (zero tillage, reduced tillage and conventional tillage) were evaluated in randomized compete block design (RCBD), with split plot arrangements, replicated 4 times. Tillage was allotted to main plots while herbicides were applied to subplots. The results revealed that hand weeding and floxyfop as post emergence alone or in combination with lactofen reduced weed density to the minimum irrespective of the tillage systems. Maximum dry weed biomass was recorded in control. Interaction effects revealed that reduced tillage in combination with broad spectrum herbicides had maximum weed population reduction percentage. Reduced tillage with broad spectrum herbicides had seed cotton yield compared to zero and conventional tillage. In conclusion, broad-spectrum herbicides under reduced tillage were more productive in wheat based cropping system on silty clay soil of D.I.Khan.

Assessing the potential of using high spatial resolution daily NDVI-time-series from planet CubeSat images for crop monitoring

ABSTRACT The agricultural land use combined with agronomic management practices shall be structured on sustainable practices, guaranteeing both the maximization of productivity and environment preservation. NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) time-series has been recognized as a useful methodology to monitor crop development and its spatial distribution. However, there is always a trade-off between spatial and temporal resolutions in satellite data. Hence, high spatial and temporal resolutions from Planet CubeSat represent a possibility to overcome this trade-off. This paper investigated the potential of using high spatial resolution daily NDVI-time-series from Planet CubeSat images for crop monitoring. One hundred nineteen images from 2017, at 3 m ground sampling distance, over cotton, spring corn and winter wheat fields, were acquired and converted into NDVI. The harmonic analysis of time series (HANTS) algorithm was applied to obtain a smoothed cloud and gap-free daily time-series. The 3 m daily time-series were resized to daily 9 and 30 m resolution; and resampled to temporal resolutions at 4, 8 and 16 days intervals to assess the impact of spatial and temporal resolution on NDVI time-series. NDVI time-series were evaluated by their minimum, maximum, average and coefficient of variation across the year. Principal component analysis (PCA) and the stepwise procedure were applied to assess optimum features (days across the year) to assist the NDVI-time-series interpretation. PCA and stepwise highlighted the best time across the year for NDVI-time-series interpretation. As the spatial resolution decreases, the range of NDVI and its standard deviation within field also decreases, leading to loss of within field spectral variability. At daily temporal resolution, slight differences in crop development can be detected in a very short time interval, but as the temporal resolution decreases the changes in crop development are detected at larger rates. The high temporal and spatial resolutions from Planet CubeSat images demonstrated great potential to monitor agricultural systems and can subsidize, on forthcoming research, the local and regional monitoring of agricultural areas and contribute to better management regarding strategic planning of governmental and corporate decision making over technical issues.

Effects of plant density and mepiquat chloride application on cotton boll setting in wheat–cotton double cropping system

Sowing cotton directly after harvesting wheat in the Yangtze River Valley of China requires early mature of cotton without yield reduction. Boll-setting period synchronisation and more yield bolls distributed at the upper and middle canopy layers are also required for harvesting. The objective of this study is to quantify the individual and interaction effects of plant density and plant growth regulator mepiquat chloride (MC) on temporal and spatial distributions of yield bolls, as well as yield and yield components. During the 2013–2016 cotton growing seasons, the experiments were conducted on a short-season cotton cultivar CRRI50 at Yangzhou University, China. Various combinations of plant density (12.0, 13.5 and 15.0 plants m−2) and MC dose (180, 270 and 360 g ha−1) were applied on cotton plants. The combination of 13.5 plants m−2 and 270 g ha−1 MC resulted in the greatest boll number per unit area, the highest daily boll setting number and more than 90% of bolls positioned within 45–80 cm above the ground. In conclusion, appropriate MC dose in combination of high plant density could synchronize boll-setting period and retain more bolls at the upper and middle canopy layers without yield reduction in the system of direct-seeded cotton after wheat harvest, and thus overcome the labor-intensive problem in current transplanting cropping system.

Effects of roughage type on particle separation, rumination, fiber mat characteristics, in situ degradation, and ruminal fermentation parameters in beef steers.

Six ruminally cannulated steers (average BW = 791 ± 71 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment to determine the effects of roughage type on rumination, fiber mat characteristics, and rumen fermentation variables. Three roughages were included at 7% (DM basis) in a steam flaked corn-based diet: cotton burrs (CB), wheat silage (WS), or corn stalks (CS). Steers were fitted with a sensory collar to record rumination behaviors in 2-h intervals at the beginning of the experiment. Each 30-d period consisted of 7 d of recovery, 14 d of diet adaptation, 7 d of rumination data collection (daily and bi-hourly average rumination), 1 d of rumen fluid collection, and 1 d of rumen evacuations. In situ degradation of individual roughages was determined for 4 d after period 3 evacuations. During rumen evacuations, ruminal contents were removed; the rumen fiber mat (RF) was separated from the liquid portion with a 2-mm sieve, weighed, and a subsample was dried. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with steer as the experimental unit and roughage (CB, WS, and CS) as the main effect. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not different for CB and WS (P = 0.25) and greatest for steers consuming CS diet (P ≤ 0.01). Roughage type did not influence the weight of the RF dry matter (%; DM; P = 0.92), RF weight (P = 0.69), or RF:DMI ratio (P = 0.29). Daily rumination (min/d) did not differ among roughages (P = 0.40), but min of rumination/kg of DMI was greatest for CS (18.0 min), min/kg of NDF was greatest for WS (89.8 min; P = 0.02), and min/kg of peNDF was greatest for CS (132.4 min; P ≤ 0.01). Wheat silage had the greatest percentage of soluble and degradable DM. Rumen fiber mat did not differ for roughages, although rumination min/kg of DMI and peNDF was greatest for steers consuming CS and WS. In situ degradation determined that CB-R and CS-R had the greatest percentage of ruminal undegraded DM. Based on the objective of the experiment, roughage type did not influence daily rumination or fiber mat characteristics.

Physiological and biochemical properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different mulching and water management systems in the semi-arid region of Punjab, Pakistan

In order to meet the dietary requirements of the rising human population with diminishing water resources, there is the need to adopt techniques that optimize crop yield under reduced water conditions. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was carried out to determine the effect of mulching and reduced irrigation on wheat production. The experiment included four mulching treatments (un-mulched, black plastic sheet mulch, wheat straw mulch and cotton sticks mulch) and two watering regimes (normal watering and partial root-zone drying irrigation (PRI) technique that involves alternate watering to only one side of root zone only) arranged in a completely randomized design. Wheat growth (leaf area index, plant height), water related parameters (leaf relative water contents (RWC), leaf turgor potential and physiological (chlorophyll contents, stomatal oscillation and photosynthetic rate) parameters and biochemical indicators were significantly higher with mulching than un-mulched for both irrigation levels. However, among the mulching treatments, the use of black plastic mulch gave the best results. Among the mulch treatments, RWC increased by 4.29%, 7.50% and 10.73% with black plastic mulch compared to wheat straw mulch, cotton stick mulch and control treatment, respectively. Between the two irrigation levels, higher wheat growth, physiological and water related parameters were found with full irrigation. Whereas leaf osmotic potential, quality traits and antioxidant enzymatic activities were higher with PRI. This study shows that, particularly with black plastic film, mulching combined with partial root zone drying can be effectively used in conserving soil water, thus increasing crop water use, photosynthetic rate, and yield.

The impact of different weed management strategies on weed flora of wheat-based cropping systems.

The world population will rise in future, which would demand more wheat production to fulfil dietary needs of wheat-dependent population of the world. Food security in wheat-dependent regions will greatly rely on wheat productivity. Weed infestation is a major constraint reducing wheat productivity globally. Nonetheless, cropping systems and weed management strategies strongly influence weed infestation in modern agriculture. Herbicides are the key weed management tool in conventional agriculture. However, frequent use of herbicides have resulted in the evolution of herbicide-resistance weeds, which made weed management a challenging task. Sustainable and eco-friendly weed management strategies shift weed-crop competition in the favour of crop plants. Limited studies have evaluated the interactive effect of cropping systems and weed management strategies on weed flora of wheat-based cropping systems (WBCSs). This two-year study evaluated the impact of different weed management strategies (WMSs) on weed flora of WBCSs, i.e., fallow-wheat (FW), rice-wheat (RW), cotton-wheat (CW), mungbean-wheat (MW) and sorghum-wheat (SW). The WMSs included in the study were, false seedbed, allelopathic water extracts and herbicide application, while weed-free and weedy-check were maintained as control treatments. Data relating to diversity and density of individual and total broadleaved and narrow-leaved weeds were recorded. The WBCSs, WMSs and their interaction significantly altered diversity and density of individual, total, broadleaved and narrow-leaved weeds. Weed-free and weedy-check treatments recorded the lowest and the highest values of diversity and density of individual, total, broadleaved and narrow-leaved weeds. Herbicide application effectively reduced density and diversity of weeds. Allelopathic water extracts and false seedbed proved less effective than herbicides. On the other hand, SW cropping system not only reduced weed density but also limited the weed flora. It is concluded that false seedbed and SW cropping system can be efficiently used to manage weeds in WBCSs. However, long-term studies are needed to infer the impact of SW cropping system and false seedbed on soil properties, soil microbes and productivity of wheat crop.

Soil organic carbon and biological indicators of uncultivated vis-à-vis intensively cultivated soils under rice–wheat and cotton–wheat cropping systems in South-Western Punjab

Soil carbon (C) pools and biological indicator plays an important role in maintaining soil quality. Land use change from naturally undisturbed to intense cultivation had significant impact on C storage due to change in soil biological properties. The present study was conducted to understand the impact of land use change from the uncultivated to intensively cultivated soils under rice–wheat and cotton–wheat cropping system on labile and stable C pools, soil microbial and enzymatic activity, and a change in nutrient availability. The Olsen’s P concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in soils under rice–wheat, while ammonium acetate (NH4OAc)-K was higher in the uncultivated soils, compared with others. Soils under cotton–wheat cropping system had significantly lower total organic carbon (TOC) in contrast to rice–wheat soils. The uncultivated soils had the highest TOC concentration, which was ∼20.2% higher than rice–wheat and ∼46.4% than the cotton–wheat soils. The water extractable organic carbon (WEOC) was the smallest organic C fraction (∼0.31%–0.40% of TOC), and was significantly lower in cotton–wheat soils. The basal soil respiration (BSR) and mineralization quotient (qM) were significantly higher for rice–wheat, compared with the cotton–wheat soils. These microbial indices were improved due to increased alkaline phosphates (Alk-P) and dehydrogenase (DHA) enzymatic activity in soil. Soil microbial biomass C (MBC) was significantly higher (by ∼31.7%–57.3%) in the uncultivated than the cultivated soils which has increased the C mineralization in soil. The stable C pool comprised ∼68.8% of TOC in the uncultivated soils, almost similar to rice–wheat soils (∼68.5%), but higher than cotton–wheat soils (∼61.9%). The stable C pool leads to C rehabilitation indicated by higher C management index for rice–wheat soils. The principal component analysis (PCA) distinct the uncultivated soils from the cultivated soils under two cropping systems based on BSR and labile C (Fract. 2) in PC1 (explaining ∼82.7% of total variability), and the microbial (qmic) and mineralization (qM) quotient in PC2 (∼17.3% variability). These indicators were most influential for studying C dynamics of the natural ecosystem and restoring the cropland ecosystem by suitable soil management practices.

Interspecific grafting between Gossypium hirsutum, G. barbadense and G. herbaceum lines

Seedling grafting could provide additional crop improvement strategies for cotton. However, there existed limited studies on interspecific grafting and approaches. Four different grafting approaches were developed and compared between lines representing three of the four cultivated cotton species G. hirsutum, G. barbadense and G. herbaceum. Grafting approaches of this study focused on the cotyledon node and cotyledon leaves retained on scions, rootstocks, without cotyledon node and cotyledon leaves on scions and rootstocks or halved cotyledon node and single cotyledon leaf on scions and rootstocks. Evaluations of the grafting approaches were made by comparing survival and growth rate during the second and fifth weeks after transplantation, respectively. The formation of any lateral shoots at the grafted sites were studied in two of four grafting approaches in the first and the second year during flowering stage. DNA alterations due to grafting were investigated using microsatellite markers. There were no statistically significant differences between grafts and their control in survival rate and locus specific DNA alteration. Growth rate and lateral shoot formation, on the other hand, were different among grafting types and grafts. We concluded that grafting without cotyledon node and cotyledon leaves on rootstocks, and with cotyledon node but without cotyledon leaves on scions were easy to perform and suitable for interspecific cotton grafting. Results suggested that grafting seedlings and allowing time to heal graft wounds prior to spring transplanting or double cropping is suitable for wheat–cotton intercropping to prevent late or early chilling damage associated with seed sowing or conventional transplanting of susceptible seedlings. Furthermore, the rapid and consistent wound healing in seedling grafts along with lateral shoot formation occurring in two of four grafting approaches make them a suitable approach to investigate possible genetic and epigenetic movement between scions and rootstocks, especially across species.

Does adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices improve farmers’ crop income? Assessing the determinants and its impacts in Punjab province, Pakistan

The agriculture sector, particularly in developing countries, is the more victim of the impacts of climate change due to less adaptation. The low response to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices raises questions about the factors influencing adaptation determinants. Therefore, the present study is designed to explore the adoption of CSA practices and the intensity, assessing through its determinants, and estimating its benefits in terms of its impacts on crop yield and farm income. For this purpose, 420 farmers were interviewed across three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. The study employs multinomial logistic regression to examine the factors that determine the adoption of single to a full package of CSA practices. Further, it uses a two-stage least square estimation technique to control the endogeneity problem and to estimate its conditional impact on crop yield and farm income. The study reveals interesting findings and demonstrates that the adoption of single to a full package of CSA practices is mostly explained by the institutional factors, financial resources, size of land holding, and level of education attained by the farmers. Similarly, more affected farmers due to climatic shocks were more intended to adopt CSA practices. Findings confirm that farmers who adopted a full set of CSA practices gain higher yield 32% and 44% kg/ha, and higher farm income 45% and 48% US$ per ha than non-adopted farmers for cotton–wheat and rice–wheat crops, respectively. Further, the impact of adaptation also varies to the intensity of CSA practices adopted by the farmers. This study suggests effective institutional and policy implications for creating awareness and financial support to the farmers to accelerate the adoption of CSA practices. These measures can enhance the farmers’ adaptive capacity that is needed for the sustainable livelihood of rural masses and food production.

Study under Area, Production and Product of Cotton Cultivation in Haryana State

Cotton is one of the most important fiber and cash crop of India and plays an important role in the industrial and agricultural economy of the country. In the present paper an attempt has been made to study the trends in area under cotton and production of cotton in Haryana. The area under cotton in state of Haryana has decreased over the time period from 1966 to 2017. There is not any uniform or continuous pattern regarding cotton cultivation in Haryana. The wide disparity of temperature, rainfall and soil features found in Haryana permits growing of different types of crops. They include cotton, rice and bajara crop in Kharif season and wheat, pulses and oilseeds etc in Rabi season. In order to examine the trend in area and production of cotton in the state, data have been computed for the period 1966-67 to 2016-17. Haryana has recorded almost many fold increase in the area under cotton and production as per the data available.

Nutrient management impacts on net ecosystem carbon budget and energy flow nexus in intensively cultivated cropland ecosystems of north-western India

Nutrient management has led to unprecedented increase in crop production, but with significant carbon (C) trade-off that has close nexus with energy flow. We quantified the impacts of nutrient management on emission of greenhouse gases, net ecosystem C budget (NECB) and energy flow in three cropland ecosystems (rice–wheat, maize–wheat and cotton–wheat). Carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in rice than cotton, while maize ecosystem was in-between. The greenhouse gas intensity was significantly higher for rice–wheat (by 0.2 kg CO2e kg−1 grain) and maize–wheat (by 0.1 kg CO2e kg−1 grain), compared with cotton–wheat. The higher carbon emission ratio for maize–wheat (9.59) and rice–wheat (8.07) suggested their higher potential to fix C per unit loss, compared with cotton–wheat (7.03). Atmospheric CO2 assimilated into net primary production (NPP) totalled 14.1 ± 0.18, 11.5 ± 0.13 and 9.7 ± 0.13 Mg C ha−1 for rice–wheat, maize–wheat and cotton–wheat ecosystems, respectively. With an estimated net ecosystem exchange of 9.5 ± 0.29, 5.8 ± 0.19 and 2.7 ± 0.23 Mg C ha−1, respectively, for three ecosystems, rice–wheat (2427 kg C ha−1 year−1) had significantly higher NECB, compared with maize–wheat (27.1 kg C ha−1 year−1) and cotton–wheat (− 3834 kg C ha−1 year−1). Rice–wheat had significantly higher C addition in soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, compared with other two ecosystems. Conversely, cotton–wheat had depletion of SOC pool (− 817 kg C ha−1). Although the three ecosystems did not differ significantly for fertilizer-related energy input (EI), energy output (EO), energy ratio (ER) and net energy gain were significantly higher for cotton–wheat, compared with other ecosystems.

Стабилизация развития сельскохозяйственных культур в низовьях Амударьи в условиях маловодья

Установлены оптимальные варианты размещения сельскохозяйственных культур и режимов орошения, позволяющие устойчиво вести сельское хозяйство в экологически неблагополучных почвенно-климатических условиях Южного Приаралья. Определены поливные и оросительные нормы хлопчатника, подсолнечника, озимой пшеницы и люцерны в различных условиях обеспеченности водой. Наиболее требовательными к поливам оказались хлопчатник и озимая пшеница. Наибольший урожай хлопчатника и зерна озимой пшеницы отмечены в вариантах с обеспеченностью водой при поливах по схеме 1 – 3 – 0 (число поливов в фазу развития растений до бутонизации, в фазу цветения, в фазу спелости) при оросительной норме 3600 и 8000 м3/га соответственно. При низкой обеспеченности водой наивысшая урожайность наблюдалась у подсолнечника и люцерны при схеме полива 0 – 1 – 0 и оросительной норме 640 и 1000 м3/га соответственно.

Simulating Crop Productivity in a Triple Rotation in the Semi-arid Area of the Aral Sea Basin

Farmers face increased risks and vulnerability to the effects of climate change and land degradation on crop production due to the lack of information and impact assessment. This is especially true in the Khorezm, an irrigated agricultural region near the Aral Sea Basin (Uzbekistan) which represents eight million of irrigated land in Central Asia. Water scarcity requires research and introduction of alternative crops into a common winter wheat–cotton rotation. Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is considered as a drought-tolerant crop that could be implemented in Khorezm and other similar drought prone areas. The main objective of this study was modeling the triple rotation sequenced the winter wheat (WW), summer mung bean (MB) and cotton (C) as a single cropping system. Specific objectives were to (1) update the parameterization of the irrigated winter wheat and cotton modules in CropSyst to identify the key variables impacting the triple rotation (WW–MB–C) on overall crop yield; (2) to parameterize and validate the developed (CropSyst-based) model using controlled triple rotation data and (3) carry out scenario analyses to capture the influence of soil fertility levels and irrigation water shortage on crops growth, development and yields. The results revealed, for the first time, the impact of different soil-ecological factors such as high soil fertility (HSF) and low soil fertility (LSF) varying levels of irrigation water availability on crops in the triple crop rotation. Compared to LSF simulated yields of winter wheat and cotton under HSF were increased with 0.58 Mg ha−1 for WW grain and 0.21 Mg ha−1 for cotton while mung bean grain yields were not affected by different soil fertility levels. Scenario analyses showed the possibility of reduced (by 20%) irrigation for triple crop without the effect on yield. However, compared to full irrigation scenario, reduction of irrigation for 40 and 60% could decrease the rotation crops yields up to 33% and 40%, respectively. The developed model could be useful to increase the understanding of the nexus of food, energy and water in Khorezm and comparable regions of Central Asia, and to inform decision-making about sustainable use of available water resources.

Sowing maize as a rotation crop in irrigated cotton cropping systems in a Vertosol: effects on soil properties, greenhouse gas emissions, black root rot incidence, cotton lint yield and fibre quality

Although sowing winter cereal crops in rotation with irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is practised by many Australian cotton growers, summer cereals such as maize (Zea mays L.) are sown more frequently than previously. Our objective was to quantify the impact of sowing maize rotation crops on soil properties, greenhouse gas emissions, incidence of black root rot (BRR) disease and crop yields in an ongoing long-term experiment located in a Vertosol in north-western New South Wales. The historical treatments were cotton monoculture (sown after either conventional or minimum tillage) and a minimum-tilled cotton–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation. The experiment was redesigned in 2011 by splitting all plots and sowing either maize during summer following the previous year’s cotton or retaining the historical cropping system as a control. pH and exchangeable cation concentrations were highest, and electrical conductivity (EC1:5) lowest during 2012, the season following a flood event, but were unaffected by sowing maize. In subsequent seasons, with the onset of dry conditions, pH and cation concentrations decreased, and EC1:5 increased. The upper horizons (0–0.3 m) of plots where maize was sown had higher concentrations of exchangeable Ca and Mg during 2012, and 0.45–1.20 m had higher concentrations of exchangeable Na and exchangeable sodium percentage, but these differences disappeared in subsequent years. Soil organic carbon (SOC) in the surface 0.15 m was higher with maize, with differences becoming evident three years after maize was first sown but without any increases in SOC storage. Soil under maize was less resilient to structural degradation. BRR incidence was lower in maize-sown plots only during 2012. Stepwise linear regression suggested that high concentrations of exchangeable Ca and Mg in the surface 0.15 m played a role in reducing BRR incidence during 2012. Maize rotation introduced into cotton monocultures improved lint yields and reduced greenhouse gas emissions but had little impact in a minimum-tilled cotton–wheat rotation. Maize is a suitable rotation crop for irrigated cotton in a two-crop sequence but is of little advantage in a cotton–wheat–maize sequence.

Impact of invasive plant species on the livelihoods of farming households: evidence from Parthenium hysterophorus invasion in rural Punjab, Pakistan

Invasive plant species often have negative impacts on agriculture and society in addition to their detrimental effects on biodiversity and environment. It is important to assess such impacts to devise effective management plans. A field survey study was carried out to assess the socio-economic effects of a highly invasive plant species, parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) across the three different cropping regions in Punjab province of Pakistan. The farming communities of different cropping regions reported significant effects of parthenium weed on their crop and livestock production, health and social well-being. The mixed cropping region was heavily infested and most affected region, whereas the cotton–wheat region was least affected. Farmers were well-aware of parthenium weed presence, its biology, habitat, and mode of dispersal across the landscape. All the major crops cultivated were infested by varying degrees of weed densities with potato, sugarcane and maize being the most infested crops. Farmers were generally good at managing the weed in crops which cost them significant amounts of money (ca. $205 per household). Parthenium weed also infested the fodder collection and grazing sites affecting the livestock production negatively. Each farmer lost an additional ca. $935 annually due to the weed infestations on fodder collection sites. A significant proportion of farmers also reported negative effects of the weed on animal health (22–36%) and human health (14–24%). The average annual costs associated with animal health and human health were ca. $2031 and $73 per household, respectively. Despite acknowledging the value of weed management in non-cropped areas, fewer farmers managed it practically in such areas. Most farmers reported parthenium weed as a very difficult-to-manage weed. About 37% of farmers were willing while 60% were likely to participate in a potential management program in future. A comprehensive management strategy is urgently needed to address the looming crisis of parthenium weed invasion across the province and similar approach must be implemented at the national and international level.

Leaching of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen under cotton farming systems in a Vertisol

AbstractLeaching with deep drainage is one of the loss pathways of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in cropping fields. However, field studies in irrigated row cropping systems are sparse. A 3‐year investigation on C and N leaching associated with deep drainage was overlaid on a long‐term experiment on tillage practices and crop rotations in Australia. The treatments included cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) monoculture and cotton–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) or maize (Zea maize L.) rotations with maximum or minimum tillage. The deep drainage C and N concentrations at 0.6 and 1.2 m depth were measured after furrow irrigation with ceramic cup samplers during the 2014–15, 2015–16 and 2016–17 cotton seasons. Pre‐planting dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in soil at 0.6–1.2 m depth during 2016–17 was 64 mg kg−1 for maximum tilled cotton monoculture, 36 mg kg−1 for minimum tilled cotton monoculture and 39 mg kg−1 for cotton–wheat, and in maize and cotton subplots 51 and 41 mg kg−1, respectively. Post‐harvest DOC values in soil were similar in all treatments (average of 32 mg DOC kg−1). Total organic carbon (TOC) losses in deep drainage were equal to 2%–30% of TOC gained in irrigation water. Oxidized N losses in deep drainage ranged from 0.7% to 12% of applied N (260 kg ha−1). NOx‐N concentrations in leachate under maize systems (20 mg L−1) were up to 73% lower than those in cotton systems (75 mg L−1). Maize sown in rotation with cotton can improve cotton yield, reduce N leaching and improve N use efficiency of subsequent cotton.

Effect of different level of molasses inclusion on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass parameters of Afar sheep in Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing different levels of molasses and concentrates mix with a basal diet of cultivated pasture hay on intake, body weight and carcass quality of Afar sheep. Twenty four yearling Afar sheep, grouped in to four groups of six animals each in a randomized complete block design. The experiment consisted of four months feeding trial each group will receive the experimental feeds. Treatments were mixed concentrate + 20% inclusion molasses (T1), mixed concentrate + 15% inclusion molasses (T2), mixed concentrate + 10% inclusion molasses (T3) and 0% inclusion (T4). In this experiment with mean initial weight of 15.9±0.39 kg (mean ± SD), 16.2 ±0.41 kg, 16.3±0.42k.g and 16.1kg±0.42 respectively, were used in each treatment group. The experiment was consisted of 90 days of feeding trial followed by carcass evaluation. The concentrate mix were 2:1 (wheat bran and cotton seed cake) The CP content of the panicum antidotale hay, concentrate mix and molasses were 95g/kg DM, 252g/kg DM, and 38.4g/kg, respectively. Hay DM intake was did not differ (P&lt;0.05) among all treatments. Average daily weight gain (ADG) was higher (P&lt;0.05) for T2 (69.59g/kg) compared to other treatments. Hot carcass weight also higher (P&lt;0.05) for T2 (14.41kg). Weight gains 12.31kg, 13.83kg, 11.25kg and 10.26kg for Tx1, Tx2, Tx3 and Tx4, respectively). All Carcass parameters gave advantage (P&lt;0.01) to Tx2. From the present study, it can be concluded that Tx2 sheep performed better than Tx1, Tx3, and Tx4 in terms of body weight gain, Feed intake, and carcass parameters.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2019, 5(1): 23-30

Transplanting improves the allometry and fiber quality of Bt cotton in cotton–wheat cropping system

AbstractIn cotton–wheat cropping system of Pakistan, wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is harvested in late April; however, the optimum sowing time of Bt cotton is mid-March. This indicates a time difference of 4–6 weeks between the harvest of wheat and cotton sowing. It is hypothesized that this overlapping period may be managed by transplanting cotton seedlings (30–45 days old) in late April, after the harvest of wheat due to better performance of already established seedlings. To this end, this study was conducted to evaluate the allometric traits and fiber quality of transplanted Bt cotton after harvesting wheat in the cotton–wheat cropping system. The Bt cotton–wheat cropping systems were flat sown wheat (FSW)–conventionally tilled cotton, FSW–zero tilled cotton, ridge sown wheat–ridge transplanted cotton using 30- and 45-days-old seedlings, and bed sown wheat (BSW)–bed transplanted cotton (BTC) also using 30- and 45-days-old seedlings. The study was conducted at Vehari and Multan in Punjab, Pakistan. Bt cotton in BSW–BTC with 45-days-old seedlings showed better performance for allometric (leaf area index; (LAI), net assimilation rate; (NAR), and crop growth rate; (CGR)), seed cotton yield, and fiber traits (fiber uniformity, fiber length, fiber strength, and fiber fineness) in comparison to other treatments. Most of the fiber quality traits were positively correlated with allometric traits and biological yield (dry matter yield at maturity) at both locations, except correlations of CGR and LAI with fiber fineness and fiber length and NAR with fiber length. As plant growth and fiber quality of transplanted cotton was significantly higher than conventionally grown cotton, our data indicate transplanting is an interesting management practice for improving productivity in wheat–cotton cropping systems.