Dry Grain Research Articles

Evaluating the performance of traditional paddy (Oryza sativa L.) landraces under floating cultivation techniques in southern Tamil Nadu

Floating rice cultivation, a novel method, is essential for boosting crop yields and resilience amid climate change using flood-prone and water-saturated environments. This approach leverages aquatic resources such as lakes and reservoirs, enhancing agricultural productivity and ecosystem health. This study was conducted in 2023 at the Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai to assess the suitability and production potential of cultivating traditional paddy varieties viz., Chinnar and Chithiraikar under floating conditions. Various substrates including soil, coir pith, wooden chips, sugarcane trash, thermocol, leaf compost, and jute bags were levelled out over paddy seeding trays (60 × 30 cm) and placed over bamboo rafts (120 × 120 cm) which served as the float base. Various parameters viz., germination (%), leaf area index (LAI), vigour index, plant population, dry matter production (g/m2), grain yield (kg/ha) and straw yield (kg/ha) were analysed. Results revealed that better crop establishment and crop growth were highly influenced by nursery and conditions with coconut coir outperforming other substrates. However, findings indicated that thermocol substrate is more productive in realizing higher yield attributes and yield (9.83 g/plant, 9.90 g/plant, respectively) of both Chinnar and Chithiraikar landraces of rice. Thus, floating rice cultivation offers a sustainable way to enhance productivity and adaptability, with traditional paddy varieties suitable for soilless media, though further research is needed to optimize its effectiveness.

Growth Rate and Production of Hybrid and Local Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Response to Various Doses of Nitrogen Fertilization

Corn (Zea mays L.) is a strategic commodity after rice so that the productivity need to be optimize through nitrogen fertilization. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of various doses of urea fertilizer on the growth rate and yield of hybrid corn and local corn. This research was conducted from June to October 2022 on the pilot land of the Agricultural Training Center (Bapeltan), Hajimena, Bandar Lampung. The factorial experiment (5x2) was arranged in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The first factor is urea fertilizer doses, namely: 200 kg/ha (N1), 250 kg/ha (N2), 300 kg/ha (N3), 350 kg/ha (N4) and 400 kg/ha (N5), while other fertilizers were given to all experimental plots in the same rate (150 SP-36 kg/ha and 100 kg KCl kg/ha). The second factor is the corn variety, included V1 (BISI-18) and V2 (Tongkol Merah) varieties. The results showed that increasing dose of urea from 200 to 400 kg/ha was not able to increase the growth rate of both corn varieties. The productivity of the BISI-18 corn variety is higher than that of the Tongkol Merah as indicated by the wet weight of the cobs (g), the dry weight of grains per plot (g), and the yield of corn dry grains (tons/ha). The yield of dry corn seeds for the BISI-18 corn variety was 11.7 tons/ha, while for the Tongkol Merah variety was 9.44 tons/ha. Keywords: Fertilizer dosage, Hybrid corn, Local corn, Nitrogen use efficiency, Yield.

Performance of Small-Scale Hermetic Storage Systems Under Periodic Access

This study characterizes the grain management performance of a novel integrated grain drying and storage system (iGDSS) adapted from 208 L drums to combat postharvest loss in developing countries through providing in situ mechanized drying and hermetic storage. The six-month storage trials of 14% moisture content maize compared different access mechanisms and two levels of pest pressure: 0 and 10 maize weevils/kg grain. This experiment allowed comparisons of differential oxygen consumption rates in small-scale hermetic systems with and without storage pests, which has not been widely reported in the literature. The iGDSS system was found to maintain grain quality parameters in dry grains with and without storage pests. After six months of storage, the results demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the moisture content, test weight, germination, proportion of broken and damaged kernels, and presence of colony-forming units between inoculated and non-inoculated systems. The iGDSS was also found to maintain oxygen intrusion rates of 0.10–0.13% O2/day, below recommended thresholds of 0.15% required to maintain benefits of modified atmosphere storage. These results indicate that the iGDSS can provide safe and reliable grain storage to smallholder farmers in developing countries, and that the drying functions of iGDSS can promote outcomes in hermetic storage.

Evaluation of Two Levels of Trace Mineral Supplementation to Beef Calves Prior to Weaning.

In this 2-year study, approximately 84 days prior to weaning, 24 calves/year (Angus × Hereford) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: trace mineral (Cu, Se, and Zn) supplementation following NASEM (2016) recommendations (Control) or trace mineral supplementation above NASEM (2016) recommendations (Super). Calves were individually fed, and trace minerals were provided in 0.5 kg of dry distiller's grains three times weekly. Body weight (BW), blood, and liver samples were collected on d 0 and at weaning (d 84). Additional BW and blood samples were collected post-weaning on d 85, 87, 88, 91, 95, and 99 during the preconditioning phase. Initial liver concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn were similar between treatments (p ≥ 0.69). At weaning, a year effect (p < 0.001) and a tendency for treatment × year effect (p = 0.09) were observed for Cu liver concentration. In year 2, but not in year 1, calves assigned to the Super treatment tended to have greater liver Cu concentration than calves assigned to the Control treatment. Except for Cu, a notoriously limited trace mineral in multiple geographical locations, the supplementation of trace minerals above the NASEM (2016) recommendations did not improve the mineral status of calves in this environment.

Assessment of Activated Charcoal and Phosphorus for Promoting Maize Production

The most continuous farming practice is the yearly addition of phosphorus fertilizers to soils in arid and semi-arid regions that all suffer from shortages of phosphorus availability. A vital approach is rationalizing applied fertilizers and trying to benefit from their reservoir in yearly-fertilized old soils using an activated charcoal-fertilizer mixture. Thus, a field experiment was conducted at a private farm in Mushtuhur, Toukh, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. This trial was set up to study the effect of phosphorus (P) fertilizer sources (phosphoric acid Ph.A and super phosphate S.Ph), the P application rates (P0=control, P1=50%, P2=75% and P3=100% of P requirements), activated charcoal (A.Ch) rates (A.Ch0=control, A.Ch1=1, A.Ch2=3 and A.Ch3=5 g/hole, corresponding to 41, 124, and 207 kg ha-1, respectively) and the interaction between them on promoting maize growth, production and its nutrient status. Generally, adding phosphorus improved plant height (m), dry grains (t ha-1), and ash yield (t ha-1) without a significant difference between all P rates. Phosphoric acid affects most studied parameters, mainly the biological, ear, and ash yield (t ha-1); it was the best compared with superphosphate. Adding the 1st rate of A.Ch improved the studied growth and yield parameters significantly compared with the control. Slight enhancement was induced by the 2nd A.Ch dose, and there was no significant difference between the 3rd and 4th rates in most studied parameters. The heighest value of grain yield resulted from the third interaction between A. Ch3 x P0, followed by A. Ch2 x P0, and the next is Ph.A x A. Ch2 x P1 without significant difference among them. These results shed light on the fact that there is no need to add P fertilizers yearly, as described by the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture. Different materials can move the fixed P in old clayey soil, such as A.Ch.

Influence of water on crystallographic preferred orientation patterns in a naturally deformed quartzite

Abstract. Laboratory experiments demonstrate that intragranular water exerts an important control on deformation within quartz, causing weakening and promoting plasticity. The role of water in natural quartz deformation, however, remains unclear, as recent studies find an inverse relationship between water content and the magnitude of plastic strain. Furthermore, little work has investigated the effects, if any, of water on the relative activity of various slip systems in quartz. We focus on a naturally strained quartzite from the Antietam Formation of the Blue Ridge in Virginia, USA. Quartz water content ranges from &lt; 50 to &gt; 2000 ppm H2O. Water content and crystallographic data were correlated for 968 grains, enabling us to explore the relationship between water content and quartz crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) patterns. “Dry” (&lt; 150 ppm H2O) and “wet” (&gt; 500 ppm H2O) subsets show distinct CPOs; c axes of dry grains define a cross girdle oriented perpendicular to the extension direction (x), whereas c axes of wet grains are concentrated along the perimeter of the pole figure. All water content subsets show grains clustered near the direction of maximum shortening (z), consistent with activity of the basal 〈a〉 slip system. The cross girdle in the driest grains suggests activity of prism 〈a〉 and possibly rhomb 〈a〉, whereas the orientation of the wettest grains implies a contribution from prism [c] slip. These slip system interpretations are supported by analyses of intragranular misorientations. These results indicate that water content impacts the relative activity of various slip systems in natural quartz, potentially affecting application of the quartz opening angle thermometer.

Effect of Biostimulants on the Growth Attributes and Yield of Rice

A field investigation was conducted at Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu during September - February 2022 to study the effect of biostimulants on the growth attributes and yield of rice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of T1 - 100% RDF (150:50:50 kg of N, P2O5 and K2O), T2 - 100% RDF + 3% Panchagavya spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T3 - 100% RDF + 5% Jeevamirtham spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T4 - 100% RDF + 3 % Dasagavya spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T5 - 100% RDF + 2% Humic acid spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T6 - 100% RDF + 5% Seaweed liquid fertilizer (Sargassum wightii) spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T7 - 100% RDF + 2% Effective microorganism inoculation spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T8 - 100% RDF + 1% Liquid biofertilizer spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT and T9 - 100% RDF + 5% Seaweed liquid fertilizer (Ascophyllum nodosum) spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT. Among these treatments, it is observed that the application of a recommended dose of fertilizers along with 2 per cent humic acid spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT had a remarkable effect on the resulted in enhanced values of growth attributes and yield viz., plant height (95.6 cm), number of tillers hill-1 (25.01), leaf area index (5.43), dry matter production (12927 kg ha-1), root length (24.63 cm), root volume (34.73 cc), grain yield (5540 kg ha-1) and straw yield (8200 kg ha-1) of rice.

The role of superior varieties in increasing rice productivity on tidal lands in South Sumatra

The development of tidal land as agricultural land is one opportunity to meet food needs. The study aimed to determine the contribution of superior varieties in increasing tidal rice productivity in South Sumatra. The research was conducted in Banyuasin Regency in 2021 using survey and interview methods. The number of sub-districts where sampling was taken was 9 sub-districts which are representative of low tide land. The data collected in this research were the results of harvested dry grain (tiles), the varieties used, the type and dose of fertilizer used, planting methods and cropping index. Apart from primary, secondary data was also collected as supporting data in the form of land area for each region and climatic conditions. The data taken was tabulated and analyzed descriptively. The research results show that the productivity level of superior rice varieties is higher than the district average productivity. Increasing productivity by applying superior varieties reaches 1.5 t/ha.

Responses of Khao Dawk Mali 105 and Pathum Thani 1 Rice to Different Soil Moisture Regimes on Physiological Traits and Productivity

Khao Da wk Mali 105 (KDML105) and Pathum Thani 1 (PTT1) are two popular rice cultivars in Thailand; KDML105 is known for its unique texture and fragrance and PTT1 for its high yield and ability to be grown year-round in various conditions. This research aimed to (1) study the morphological and physiological processes of two rice cultivars KDML105 and PTT1 under six levels of soil moisture including 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70% available water holding capacity (AWHC) in clay soil and sandy clay loam soil (SCL); (2) identify the critical soil moisture content (CMC) using the physiological response to drought. All physiological traits decreased with reduced soil moisture levels across all growth stages and soil types. The 20% AWHC maximum reduced plant height (1.61-folds), predawn leaf water potential (LWPpd, 3.07-folds), net photosynthesis rate (3.26-folds), stomatal conductance (17.00-folds), chlorophyll fluorescence (1.28-folds), dry matter (2.70-folds), grain yield (3.91-folds) in flowering stage. All physiological traits positively correlated with dry matter and grain yield in both cultivars and both soils, but the highest correlation was found between LWPpd with dry matter (0.884–0.961**) and grain yield (0.790–0.936**) in PTT1, or dry matter (0.883-0.973**) and grain yield (0.818–0.945**) in KDML105. Therefore, LWPpd was used to evaluate the CMC from the linear regression between LWPpd and soil moisture contents. At the seedling stage, the CMCs of PTT1 were at 60% AWHC in both soils, while KDML105 was at 60 and 70% AWHC in clay and SCL soils, respectively. At the tillering and flowering stages, the CMCs of both cultivars were at 70% AWHC in both soils. The results indicate that CMC values vary with soil texture, rice cultivar, and growth stage. This information is crucial for optimizing irrigation practices, such as implementing alternate wetting and drying systems tailored to specific soil textures and rice cultivars.

Liquid bio-slurry enhances the productivity of N-fertilized maize under field conditions in Ethiopia

Enhancing maize production and productivity is critical for ensuring small-scale farmers' food security. Yet, declining soil fertility poses a substantial challenge to cereal production, including maize, in developing countries. Farmers are currently finding liquid bio-slurry to be a valuable organic amendment because it improves maize productivity and food security by altering the physicochemical properties of the soil. However, extensive research on liquid bio-slurry as an organic amendment in Ethiopia is still limited. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at two sites to identify the optimal combination of inorganic nitrogen (N) and liquid bio-slurry to improve maize productivity. The trial involved the application of two mineral N fertilizers and five different rates of liquid bio-slurry in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that the main effects of mineral N and liquid bio-slurry were significant (p&lt; 0.05) on most of the parameters examined. The interaction between mineral N x liquid bio-slurry had a significant (p&lt; 0.05) effect on plant height, ear length, number of rows ear-1, number of kernels ear-1, above-ground dry biomass yield, hundred-grain weight, grain yield, and straw yield. The highest grain yield (8,220 kg ha-1) was achieved by combining 46 kg N ha-1 with 18 t liquid bio-slurry ha-1. Therefore, 46 kg N ha-1 with 18 t liquid bio-slurry ha-1 is highly recommended for increasing maize yield in the study sites and other areas with similar agroecological zones.

Co-application of Parthenium biochar and urea effectively mitigate cadmium toxicity during wheat growth

Environmental contamination by cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, poses significant health risks to plants and humans. Biochar has been effectively used to promote plant growth and productivity under Cd stress. This study presents an innovative application of biochar derived from the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus to promote plant growth and productivity under Cd stress. Our study includes detailed soil and plant analyses, providing a holistic perspective on how biochar and urea amendments influence soil properties, nutrient availability, and plant physiological responses. To address these, we established seven treatments: the control, Cd alone (5 mg kg−1), biochar alone (5 %), urea alone (3 g kg−1), biochar with Cd, urea with Cd, and a combination of biochar and urea with Cd. Cd stress alone significantly reduced plant growth indicators such as shoot and root length, fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll content, and grain yield. However, the supplementation of biochar, urea, or their combination significantly increased shoot length (by 48%, 34%, and 65%), root length (by 73%, 46%, and 70%), and fresh shoot biomass (by 4%, 31%, and 4%), respectively. This improvement is attributed to enhanced soil properties and improved nutrient absorption. The biochar–urea combination also enhanced Cd tolerance by improving total chlorophyll content by 14 %, 13 %, and 16 % compared to the control, respectively. Similaly, these treatments significantly (p < 0.05) boosted the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase by 51 %, 30 %, and 51 %, respectively, thereby mitigating oxidative stress as a defensive mechanism. The Cd tolerance was improved by biochar, urea, and their combinations, which reduced Cd content in the shoots (by 60.5 %, 38.9 %, and 51.3 %), roots (by 47.5 %, 23.9 %, and 57.6 %), and grains (by 58.1 %, 30.2 %, and 38.3 %) relative to Cd stress alone, respectively. The synergistic effects of biochar and urea are achieved through improved soil properties, nutrient availability, activating antioxidant defense mechanisms, and minimizing the accumulation of metal ions in plant tissues, thereby enhancing plant defenses against Cd stress. Conclusively, converting invasive Parthenium weed into biochar and combining it with urea offers an environmentally friendly solution to manage its spreading while effectively mitigating Cd stress in crops.

Winter Wheat Experiments to Optimize Sowing Dates and Densities in a High-Yielding Environment in New Zealand: Field Experiments and AgMIP-Wheat Multi-Model Simulations

This paper describes the data set that was used to test the accuracy of twenty-nine crop models in simulating the effect of changing sowing dates and sowing densities on wheat productivity for a high-yielding environment in New Zealand. The data includes one winter wheat cultivar (Wakanui) grown during six consecutive years, from 2012-2013 to 2017-2018, at two farms located in Leeston and Wakanui in Canterbury, New Zealand. The simulations were carried out in the framework of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project for wheat (AgMIP-Wheat). Data include local daily weather data, soil profile characteristics and initial conditions, crop measurements at maturity (grain, stem, chaff and leaf dry weight, ear number and grain number, grain unit dry weight), and at stem elongation and anthesis (total above ground dry biomass, leaf number per stem and leaf area index). Several in-season measurements of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (FIPAR) are also available. The crop model simulations include both daily in-season and end-of-season results from twenty-nine wheat models.

Effect of Nano Urea on Growth, Yield and Nutrient uptake of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Aim: The foliar application of nano urea is aimed at reducing the soil application of conventional urea. Nano fertilizers enhance crop growth and yield while enhancing nutrient uptake and reducing costs. They provide precise nutrient management, match crop growth stages, and offer an increased surface area for metabolic reactions. This boosts photosynthesis, leading to higher dry matter production and crop yield. Foliar application of nano urea (liquid) at tillering and booting stages in finger millet fulfills the nitrogen requirement and reflects higher crop productivity. Higher productivity of crops in a sustainable manner could be achieved by applying an appropriate combination of conventional fertilizers and nano fertilizers. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted in deep black soils at Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, during kharif 2022. Methodology: There were sixteen treatment combinations, consisting of different doses of nitrogen (no nitrogen, 50% RDN, 75% RDN and 100% RDN) with different concentrations of nano urea and conventional urea sprayed at tillering and booting stages for HR-13 variety of finger millet. Results: Application of 100% RDN has recorded significantly higher plant height, tillers plant-1, total dry matter accumulation, grain yield and straw yield (129.82 cm, 10.10, 36.17 g plant-1, 36.87 q ha-1 and 71.72 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to no nitrogen and 50% RDN. However, 75% RDN (123.04 cm, 9.61, 34.02 g plant-1, 34.84 q ha-1 and 68.01 q ha-1, respectively) found on par with 100% RDN. Among foliar nitrogen, spray of nano urea @ 4 ml L-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (121.59 cm), tillers plant-1 (9.37), total dry matter accumulation (33.16 g plant-1), grain yield (31.97 q ha-1) and straw yield (65.52 q ha-1) compared to 0.5% and 1% conventional urea. However, nano urea @ 2 ml L-1 was on par with 4 ml L-1 nano urea and 1% conventional urea. Similar trend was recorded with regard to nutrient uptake by finger millet. Conclusion: Foliar application of nano urea reduced the dosage of conventional urea by 25 per cent.

Impact of Weather Parameters and Application Methods of Micronutrients on Dry Matter Production and Yield of Chickpea Under the Riverine Area of Bihar Region of India

ABSTRACT Weather and climate uncertainties significantly impact crop and food production, particularly in the Bihar region of India. Crop cultivation in this region faces significant risks due to several climatic challenges: rising minimum temperatures in the winter (rabi), extreme temperatures in the spring, intense rainfall, and extended dry spells during the kharif ;(monsoon) season. The growth and development of the plants majorly depend on the climatic and nutrient factors. The plant uptake and utilization of nutrients are surprisingly reliant on the weather conditions. Therefore, understanding the interaction of climatic factors and nutrient application methods is crucial for achieving higher growth and yield stewardship. A two-year field experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2021 in the riverine area (Diara) of Bihar, India, to evaluate the relationship between weather parameters and application methods of Molybdenum and Boron on the dry matter production (DMP) and grain yield of chickpea. Six different application methods of Boron and Molybdenum were tested. The study aimed to identify the ideal micronutrient application methods for chickpea production in the rabi season under the Diara ;(riverine) area. Results indicated that the combination of boron basal + molybdenum seed treatment produced the highest grain yield (1740 kg ha−1) and dry matter production (5.81 g plant−1) at all phenological phases, performing on par with boron basal + molybdenum foliar application for both years. Concerning the weather parameters, the correlation studies showed that all the direct weather parameters and agrometeorological indices showed positive and negative effects (p = .05) on DMP and grain yield of chickpea during both years. This study contributes to the development of site-specific application methods for molybdenum and boron, identifies optimal sowing times, minimizes the negative impacts of climate change, and maximizes chickpea production in the riverine (Diara) area of Bihar.

Pomegranate-Quinoa-Based Agroforestry System: An Innovative Strategy to Alleviate Salinity Effects and Enhance Land Use Efficiency in Salt-Affected Semiarid Regions.

Salinity is a major problem, impeding soil productivity, agricultural sustainability, and food security, particularly in dry regions. This study integrates quinoa, a facultative halophyte, into a pomegranate-based agroforestry with saline irrigation in northeast Morocco. We aim to explore this agroforestry model's potential in mitigating salinity's effects on quinoa's agronomic and biochemical traits and evaluate the land equivalent ratio (LER). Field experiments in 2020 and 2021 used a randomized block design with three replicates, including monocropping and agroforestry systems, two salinity levels (1.12 and 10.5 dS m-1), four quinoa genotypes (Titicaca, Puno, ICBA-Q4, ICBA-Q5), and a pomegranate control. Salinity significantly decreased total dry matter (40.5%), root dry matter (50.7%), leaf dry matter (39.2%), and root-to-shoot ratio (7.7%). The impact was more severe in monoculture than in agroforestry, reducing dry matter (47.6% vs. 30.7%), grain yield (46.3% vs. 26.1%), water productivity (47.5% vs. 23.9%), and total sugar (19.2% vs. 5.6%). LER averaged 1.86 to 2.21, indicating 86-121% higher productivity in agroforestry. LER averaged 1.85 at 1.12 dS m-1 and 2.18 at 10.5 dS m-1, reaching 2.21 with pomegranate-ICBA-Q5 combination. Quinoa-pomegranate agroforestry emerges as an innovative strategy, leveraging quinoa's salt resistance and agroforestry's potential to mitigate salinity impacts while enhancing land use efficiency.

The Effect of Using Compost on Cowpea Productivity in the Semi-Arid Region of Brazil

The production of cowpea is part of the agricultural activities of farmers in the semi-arid region of Brazil, being important in the aspect of acquiring income and source of food, in this sense, the use of rooster tree (Calotropis procera) mixed with cattle manure in cowpea productivity in the semi-arid region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted from August to November 2023 at the Rafael Fernandes experimental farm, in the district of Alagoinha (5º03'37 "S, 37º23'50" W), northwest of Mossoró, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, with an area of 400 hectares. The experimental design used was randomized complete blocks in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, with three replications. The first factor consisted of four quantities of cattle manure (0.0; 1.1; 2.2 and 4.4 kg m-2), the second factor being the presence and absence of rooster tree. Each plot consisted of dimensions of 2.2 m x 1.2 m, with a total area of 2.64 m2. Each plot had eight holes with three plants, making a population of 90,900 plants ha-1. After harvesting the dried pods, they were stored in plastic bags, identified and taken to the DCAF/UFERSA Post-Harvest laboratory, where the following characteristics were measured: pod length, expressed in cm, number of pods plant-1, expressed in plant-1 units, weight of five pods, expressed in grams, weight of 100 grains, expressed in grams and dry grain productivity, expressed in kg ha-1. The highest cowpea productivity was observed at a dose of 4.4 kg m-2, with a maximum value of 2,858.85 kg ha-1. The presence of rooster tree did not influence any of the characteristics evaluated. The use of cattle manure is an option for farmers in the semi-arid region.

Black Pepper Response to Different Irrigations Depths

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation depths on development, productivity and water use efficiency of black pepper. Theoretical Framework: Irrigation management is a very important technique from an economic and environmental point of view in an irrigated agricultural activity. Proper irrigation management can save water and energy, increase crop productivity and improve product quality. Method: The experiment had five treatments, four replications, with depth irrigation replacement related to the crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The treatments were T1: 25% of ETc; T2: 50%; T3: 75%; T4: 100%; and T5: 125%. In the first year we evaluated: number of leaves per plant (NLP), plants height (PH), stem diameter (SD) and leaf temperature (LT). In the second year the number of bunches per plant (NBP) and the productivity of fresh grains (PFG) and dry grains (PDG). Results and conclusion: The best results were, respectively, 52.5 (NLP); 173.1 cm (PH) and 13.5 mm (SD), with 100% of ETc. The lowest values of leaf temperature were in the 100% treatment. The best results for NBP and PDG were found in 75% and 100% depths, respectively. The total evapotranspiration that promoted the highest PDG was 563.2 mm, with a yield of 875.2 kg ha-1 and 0.155 kg m-3 of water use efficiency. Implications of research: Producing satisfactorily with water use efficiency is essential for the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. Originality/value: Studies that evaluate the efficiency of water use and its relationship with crop yield are in evidence and need to be encouraged.

How Do Off-Season Cover Crops Affect Soybean Weed Communities?

Weeds compete for environmental resources, leading to reduced soybean yield. In this context, integrated weed management strategies related to cultural control with the use of cover crops are necessary. Our aim was to evaluate weed occurrence in soybean systems with different cover crops. Field studies were conducted at Júlio de Castilhos, Santa Maria, Capão do Leão, Barra do Ribeiro, and Santo Ângelo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Treatments consisted of black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb.), white oats (Avena sativa L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), hairy vetch (Vicia sativa L.), forage turnip (Raphanus sativus L.), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in pure stands or in mixtures. The analyzed variables were relative frequency, density, abundance, and importance value index, similarity index of weeds, dry shoot mass of cover crop, and soybean yield. Cover crops containing white or black oats reduced the relative importance value index of weeds, such as Lollium multiforum, Conyza spp., and Bidens pilosa. Forage turnip, hairy vetch, and white clover showed distinct responses. Black oats and forage turnip did not differ from cover crop mixtures in terms of dry shoot mass and grain yield, being superior to fallow, white clover, and hairy vetch.

Impact of 240 g/L glyphosate IPA on weed control and upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and yield in a no-tillage system

Glyphosate IPA 240 g/L herbicide is known as one of the effective chemical solutions in weed control, especially in no-tillage systems. No-tillage systems offer advantages in upland rice cultivation by reducing soil damage and production costs. However, the main challenge in the application of no-tillage systems is the presence of pre-planting weeds that can compete with plants in the absorption of growth factors such as nutrients, light, and water. This experiment aims to test herbicide doses that effectively suppress weed growth and optimize the growth and yield of upland rice with the no-tillage system. The experiment was conducted from December 2023 to April 2024 at Ciparanje Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor District, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The experiment used Randomized Block Design (RBD), consisting of 7 treatments, each repeated four times. The treatments consisted of 5 doses of glyphosate IPA 240 g/L herbicide 2.00, 3.00; 4.00, 5.00; 6.00 L/ha with no-tillage system; manual weeding; and control with perfect tillage system. Experimental results showed that glyphosate IPA 240 g/L herbicide at a dose of 3.00 - 6.00 L/ha with the no-tillage system can be used to replace the perfect tillage system because it can suppress the growth of broadleaf weeds, namely Ageratum conyzoides, Cleome rutidosperma, Mollugo pentaphylla and Synedrela nodiflora, and grass Digitaria ciliaris. No phytotoxicity symptoms were found, and had a favorable effect on rice plant growth regarding population size and tillers. The yield of rice plants with the highest milled dry grain yield was 4.45 t/ha.

DETERMINING THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN CROP PHENOLOGY, GROWTH, YIELD, AND YIELD-RELATED PARAMETERS OF MALT BARLEY (HORDEUM VULGARE)

The study was conducted at two locations, namely Holeta and Kulumsa Agricultural research centers of Ethiopia, for 2 consecutive years from 2019 to 2021 main cropping seasons. The objective of the experiment was to determine the association between crop phenology, growth, yield, and yield-related parameters. One variety of newly harvested pre-basic seed class of malt barley variety, namely IBON 174/03, was used for the experiment. Total number of treatment combinations was eighteen. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design in two factorial arrangements with three replications. The factors are five deterioration/aging days 0 (control/un-aged), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days and three seeding rates (75, 100, and 125 kg/ha). Before artificial deterioration, the seed moisture content for all treatments was 12.5%. Seeds were subjected to artificial deterioration treatments and placed in an incubator at 42°C for 0 (control), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days at approximately 100% relative humidity. The result revealed that above-ground dry biomass (AGDBM) and grain yield (GYLD) per hectare were significantly affected both by deterioration days and seed rate. As deterioration day increased the mean value for AGDBM and GYLD per hectare was significantly reduced and as the seeding rate increased from 75 to 125 kg/ha AGDBM and GYLD per hectare increased by 30.53% and 21.01%, respectively. The main effect of deterioration days showed a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) for spike length (SL) as deterioration days increased from 2 to 10 days SL was reduced by 7.7–22.62% as compared to un-aged treatment but, the percentage reduction for barley seed deteriorated for 6 and 10 days recorded similar value which is 22.62% as compared to un-aged treatment. Seed per spike and thousand kernels weight were influenced by the main effect of seed rate but, not by deterioration days. As the seeding rate increased from 75 to 125 kg/ha, number of seeds per spike reduced by 4.75% whereas, seeds sown at a low seeding rate (75 kg/ha) recorded a higher thousand kernel weight (TKW) as compared to the seed sown at higher seed rate 100 and 125 kg/ha. Interaction effect of deterioration days and seed rate were only significant for TKW and it was non-significant for the rest of the evaluated crop phenology, growth, yield, and yield-related parameters. This study was only a field experiment result based on further conclusions on how aging can affect the genetic potential such as germination and viability; laboratory inclusive test will be required.