Biomass Dry Matter Research Articles

Kuantitas dan Kualitas Fodder Jagung, Padi dan Kacang Hijau dengan Waktu Panen yang Berbeda Menggunakan Smart hydroponic Fodder

This experiment was aimed to compare varieties and harvest time of green hydroponic fodder based on it’s quantity and quality. Green fodder is made from corn kernels, mung beans and unhulled rice. Green fodder was grown by mart hydroponics sensors and Arduino systems for controlling the water irrigation system and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Quantity of green hydroponic fodder (corn, mung bean and unhulled rice) based on the biomass production. Quality of green hydroponic fodder based on nutrient content of the forage biomass (dry matter, crude protein, ash, ether extract, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract). Experimental design for fodder productivity was a completely randomized design with 3 x 3 factorial, i.e seed varieties (corn, mung bean and unhulled rice) and harvesting age of the green hydroponic fodder (7, 14 and 21 d). The results showed that total biomass was affected significantly (p<0.05) by harvesting age. Total biomass was increased with longer harvesting age of fodder. Corn green fodder and unhulled rice green fodder produce larger biomass than mung bean green fodder (p<0.05). The nutrient content of greenfodder were higher compared to the seeds. its quality and quantity, the best harvesting age of corn and unhulled rice green fodder was 14 days. Therefore smart hydroponic fodder can be an alternative to provide good quality fodder and land preservative.
 Key words: feed, hydroponic, green fodder

A global map of root biomass across the world's forests

Abstract. As a key component of the Earth system, roots play a key role in linking Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. Here we combine 10 307 field measurements of forest root biomass worldwide with global observations of forest structure, climatic conditions, topography, land management and soil characteristics to derive a spatially explicit global high-resolution (∼ 1 km) root biomass dataset, including fine and coarse roots. In total, 142 ± 25 (95 % CI) Pg of live dry-matter biomass is stored belowground, representing a global average root : shoot biomass ratio of 0.25 ± 0.10. Earlier studies (Jackson et al., 1997; Robinson, 2007; Saugier et al., 2001) are 44 %–226 % larger than our estimations of the total root biomass in tropical, temperate and boreal forests. The total global forest root biomass from a recent estimate (Spawn et al., 2020) is 24 % larger than this study. The smaller estimation from this study is attributable to the updated forest area, spatially explicit aboveground biomass density used to predict the patterns of root biomass, new root measurements and the upscaling methodology. We show specifically that the root shoot allometry is one underlying driver that has led to methodological overestimation of root biomass in previous estimations. Raw datasets and global maps generated in this study are deposited at the open-access repository Figshare (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.12199637.v1; Huang et al., 2020).

Spatial Variability of Nitrogen Uptake and Net Removal and Actual Evapotranspiration in the California Desert Carrot Production System

Nitrogen (N) and irrigation water must be effectively used in mineral soils to produce carrots with high yield and minimal environmental impact. This study attempts to identify optimal N and irrigation management practices for low desert carrot production in California by investigating consumptive water use and N uptake and removal rates in fresh market and processing carrots. Field experiments were conducted at the University of California Desert Research and Extension Center and nine farmer fields during two growing seasons. The actual evapotranspiration (ETa) was measured using the residual energy balance method with a combination of surface renewal and eddy covariance equipment. Crop canopy coverage, actual soil nitrate-N from multiple depths as well as total N percentage, dry matter, and fresh biomass in roots and tops were measured over the growing seasons. The length of the crop season had a wide range amongst the experimental sites: from a 128-day period in a processing carrot field to as long as 193 days in a fresh market carrot field. The seasonal ETa varied between 305.8 mm at a silty loam furrow irrigated processing carrot field and 486.2 mm at a sandy clay loam sprinkler irrigated fresh market field. The total N accumulated at harvest ranged between 205.4 kg ha−1 (nearly 52% in roots) and 350.5 kg ha−1 (nearly 64% in roots). While the mean value of nitrogen removed by carrot roots varied from 1.24 to 1.73 kg N/Mg carrot roots, it appears that more N was applied than was removed by carrot roots at all sites. Within the range of N application rates examined at the experimental sites, there was no significant relationship between carrot fresh root yield and N application rate, although the results suggested a positive effect of N application on carrot yield. Sufficient soil N availability over the growing season and the lack of significant yield response to N application illuminated that optimal N rates are likely less than the total amounts of N applied at most sites.

Production of dallisgrass in response to NPK fertilizer in southwest China and its implications for cultivation

AbstractDallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.), a warm‐season forage, is a perennial grass with high nutritional value, good palatability and high‐stress resistance in subtropical regions worldwide. However, very limited information is available on the cultivation of dallisgrass, especially in southwest China. Soils in different areas with pasture cultivation histories were collected and mixed evenly as substrate soil. Pot experiments after fertilization with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are used to analyze the dallisgrass growth characteristics, dry matter biomass (DM), photosynthetic characteristics, nutrient accumulation, agronomic efficiency (AE), partial factor productivity (PFP) and recovery efficiency (RE). A three‐factor (N, P, K) and five‐level (N: 0, 48.66, 120, 191.34 and 240 kg/ha; P: 0, 68.93, 170, 271.07 and 340 kg/ha; K: 0, 30.41, 75, 119.59 and 150 kg/ha) quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination design was used with three experimental plots per management strategy for multiple comparisons within each harvest. Compared with no fertilization, the optimal treatment (OPT, N 48.66 kg/ha, P 68.93 kg/ha, K 119.59 kg/ha) increased yield by 46.3%, but the effect of NPK alone was not significant. This is because OPT improves the morphology and photosynthetic characteristics of dallisgrass, cause the dry matter during the growth period is significantly (p < .05) increased, and the average nutrient use efficiency (7.45%) under the OPT management measures was much higher than the under N, P and K fertilization alone (approximately 2.61 times). More meaningfully, we found that the demand for P and K fertilizer in dallisgrass in a typical subtropical mountainous region of China is higher than that for N. Overall, these findings have important implications for the cultivation of dallisgrass.

Response of improved Brachiaria (Urochloa) grass cultivars to foliar diseases and their agronomic performances in Rwanda

Diseases have emerged as one of the major challenges of Brachiaria production in Africa. Nine Brachiaria cultivars were evaluated for leaf rust, leaf spot and leaf blight diseases and agronomic performances in two agro-ecological zones of Rwanda. The relationships between agronomic traits and area under diseases progress curve (AUDPC) were determined using Pearson correlation analysis. Cultivars differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) for their response to these three diseases. Basilisk, Marandu, MG4, and Xaraes exhibited moderately resistant to resistant response to all three diseases, but Cayman and Cobra were susceptible to leaf rust. Site × cultivar × harvest interaction was significant for diseases and agronomic parameters (p ≤ 0.05). Cultivars also differed significantly for biomass production and dry matter content (p ≤ 0.05). The highest biomass producers were Marandu and Xaraes, and Cayman, Cobra and Piata had highest dry matter content. The AUDPC for leaf rust and leaf spot had negative and significant correlation with biomass yield. Our study concludes a satisfactory level of resistance in Basilisk, Marandu, MG4 and Xaraes to all three foliar disease in Rwanda. We recommend routine surveys for emerging and re-emerging Brachiaria diseases and studies to develop effective management measures against Brachiaria diseases.

Effect of Daily Light Integral on Cucumber Plug Seedlings in Artificial Light Plant Factory

In a controlled environment, in an artificial light plant factory during early spring or midsummer, vegetable seedlings can be uniform, compact, and high quality. Appropriate light parameters can speed up the growth of seedlings and save on production costs. Two experiments were carried out in this study: (1) cucumber seedling growth under different daily light integrals (DLIs) (5.41–11.26 mol·m−2·d−1) and optimum DLI for seedling production were explored (experiment 1: Exp. 1); (2) under the same DLI selected by Exp. 1, the effects of different light intensities and photoperiods on cucumber seedlings were investigated (experiment 2: Exp. 2). The root biomass, root-to-shoot ratio, seedling index, and shoot dry matter rate increased as the DLI increased from 5.41 to 11.26 mol·m−2·d−1, while the shoot biomass and leaf area decreased in Exp. 1. The cucumber seedlings became more compact as DLI increased, but more flowers developed after transplanting when the DLI was 6.35 mol·m−2·d−1. Under the optimal DLI (6.35 mol·m−2·d−1), the optimal intensity was 110–125 μmol·m−2·s−1, and the optimal photoperiod was 14–16 h, in which plant biomass, shoot dry matter rate, seedling index, and photochemical efficiency were higher.

Breeding Amaranth for Biomass: Evaluating Dry Matter Content and Biomass Potential in Early and Late Maturing Genotypes

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a promising biomass crop for silage and biogas production. Under long-day conditions, it exhibits prolonged vegetative growth. To evaluate the breeding potential of amaranth for biomass production, we characterized phenotypic variation in biomass yield components, quantitative genetic parameters, and the relationships between traits. We conducted field trials of 10 biomass-type genotypes exhibiting a ‘giant’ growth habit derived from spontaneous hybridization between genetically diverse parents, and used the variety “Bärnkrafft” as check. We observed two contrasting growth patterns: Bärnkrafft is a variety for grain production and was characterized by a short vegetative growth followed by a long seed ripening. In contrast, the biomass genotypes displayed a long vegetative growth followed by a short seed ripening. We observed strong correlations between dry matter content and stem diameter (r =−0.78, p < 0.01) and between plant height and biomass score (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). High values for broad-sense heritability of stem diameter (H2 = 0.88) and plant height (H2 = 0.92) suggest that the dry matter content and yield can be improved by indirect phenotypic selection. We hypothesize that selection for dry matter content and yield implies a trade-off between earliness and photoperiod sensitivity. Hence, dry matter content should be improved first by recurrent selection, which can be then combined with short-day genes to improve dry matter yield. Overall, this work provides an avenue to the breeding of biomass amaranth.

Monthly and seasonal variations of biomass partitioning and macronutrients in the invasive grass Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff

Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. (Poaceae) is a serious invasive plant in Africa, capable to colonize several riverine wetlands. Controlling of any invasive plant is hampered by the lack of studies involving its growth ecology. Here, we aimed to evaluate the monthly and seasonal variations in the dry biomass partitioning of V. cuspidata and its macronutrients in three aquatic habitats (slopes, water edges and open water) along the banks of the River Nile in Cairo, Egypt. In the study area V. cuspidata started its growth in February 2018 by the formation of shoots, which sprouted from buds on the underground rhizomes, showed its maximum growth in autumn and entered the senescent stage in early winter. The monthly maximum biomass dry matter (BDM) of the root system (48.9 g DWm−2) occurred in October, and in April for rhizomes (110.4 g DWm−2). The BDM production of leaves was minimum in March at the three habitats while its maximum was obtained in September or October reaching 326.6 g DWm−2 on slopes, 303.6 g DWm−2 in water edges and 246.6 g DWm−2 in open water, respectively. The maximum monthly total BDM partitioning of V. cuspidata was 604.5 g DWm−2 on the slopes during September and reached 543.8 and 550.0 g DWm−2 in open water and water edges, respectively, during October. The highest total BDM production was obtained in autumn, while the mean of BDM of the four seasons was 1869.7 g DWm−2 ±150.9. Generally, the concentrations (% biomass DW) of the analyzed nutrient elements (K, Ca, Mg, N and P) showed mostly a gradual decrease with time during the year; starting from spring until summer or autumn, then increased again in autumn or winter. An important result of this study is that to conserve other native species, then the harvest of the aboveground organs of V. cuspidata should be carried out during late autumn in November after the translocation of reserved materials from the belowground organs to maximize V. cuspidata biomass removal.

Wieloletnie użytkowanie ślazowca pensylwańskiego – wartościowego źródła biomasy

Next-generation biomass feedstocks are needed to optimize sustainability in a wide range of soils and climates. Species that has been recently noticed in Europe is Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita L. Rusby). A critical question with research of this species is its field propagation. A long-term (2003–2012), field experiment was conducted to determine the impact of propagation method on yields and productivity this species. The hypothesis was higher yields of S. hermaphrodita biomass from vegetative propagations than from generative propagations, also over the long term. On average, from first 10 years of lifespan of Virginia fanpetals (2003–2012), biomass dry matter (DM) yields were significantly higher by vegetative propagation (16.8 Mg ha–1) as for generative (10.9 Mg ha–1). The average gross energy yield obtained by the vegetative propagation reached 304 GJ ha–1 while by the generative propagation was 196 GJ ha–1. The determined heat of combustion reached 18.1 GJ Mg–1 DM, the ash content was 28 g kg–1, and the nitrogen (N), sulphur (S), and chlorine (Cl) contents were 1.9 g kg–1, 0.52 g kg–1 and 0.23 g kg–1, respectively, regardless of propagation methods.

Morphoecological characteristics of grasses used to restore degraded semi‐arid African rangelands

AbstractProgressive loss of productivity and plant diversity is a concern in global rangelands. In African rangelands, this process is partly attributed to heavy and uncontrolled grazing by livestock and wildlife, leading to land degradation. Therefore, restoring such degraded rangelands is critical for enhancing ecosystem health and securing the livelihoods of millions of people.Active restoration strategies, for example, reseeding using indigenous perennial grasses, have been identified as a viable ecological solution for restoring degraded African rangelands. Grass species indigenous to African rangelandsCenchrus ciliarisL. (African foxtail grass),Eragrostis superbaPeyr. (Maasai love grass),Enteropogon macrostachyus(Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Monro ex Benth. (Bush rye grass),Chloris roxburghianaSchult. (Horsetail grass) andChloris gayanaKunth. cv Boma (Rhodes grass) were established in a semi‐arid rangeland in Africa under natural conditions to compare their morphoecological characteristics and suitability for use in ecological restoration. Biomass dry matter yields, plant densities, basal cover, seed production, tiller densities and plant height were measured.Chloris gayanacv Boma andE. superbaproduced significantly higher dry matter biomass yields and attained higher seed production than other species. High biomass and seed production indicate their suitability to support livestock production and replenish depleted soil seed banks, respectively.Enteropogon macrostachyusandC. ciliarisdisplayed significantly higher values for components of establishment and ecological restoration success, that is, plant densities, tiller densities and basal cover. Overall,C. roxburghianaranked lowest in the measured morphoecological characteristics.Successful restoration of degraded African semi‐arid rangelands using indigenous grass reseeding can best be achieved through careful selection of grasses to take advantage of their specific morphoecological characteristics. This selection should primarily be informed by the intended use of the rangeland and the specific challenges of restoring each site.

Effects of Combined Biochar and Vermicompost Solution on Leachate Characterization and Nitrogen Balance from a Greenhouse Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Cultivation Soil

ABSTRACT Both biochar (B) and vermicompost (V) can provide the soil with soluble organic matter. We evaluated the effect of B in reducing nitrate and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) losses from soil via leaching together with the effect of B combined with V solution (vermiwash) in increasing the efficiency of plant nitrogen. Tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were cultivated in a greenhouse with soil under three different amendments (B, V and a mix BV). B was applied at a rate of 2% w/w corresponding to 34 t ha−1. V was applied at 25 mg per plant through fertigation. Leachate and soil were monitored in terms of nitrates and DOC throughout the trial (120 days), and plants and fruits were monitored in terms of nitrogen balance index (NBI) and dry matter biomass. B and BV significantly decreased NO3 –_N content in the leachate in all recovered times by 66.8% and 71.3%, respectively. In contrast, the absence of biochar in the V treatment led to a 38.1% increase in NO3 –_N concentration. Similar results were found for DOC content. The dry biomass of plants increased in B and BV treatments by 19.5 and 28.7%, respectively. The dry biomass of tomato fruits was enhanced by 18.5, 12.1, and 37% in V, B and BV treatments, respectively. Synergisms were found between the char material and complex organic compounds derived from the vermicompost process in terms of safeguarding the quality of the soil, the underground water, and the sustainability of crops.

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in water, sediment, and organs of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. in River Nile ecosystem: implication for phytoremediation.

The present study aimed at investigating (1) the seasonal concentrations of heavy metals in different organs of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. in its main natural habitats in the River Nile ecosystem in Cairo, Egypt, (2) the bioaccumulation and translocation of heavy metals in the organs of V. cuspidata and its potentials as a phytostabilizer, and (3) the seasonal changes in the dry matter (DM) biomass of the organs. Two river islands were selected for seasonal sampling of water, sediment, and plant organs in eighteen randomly distributed quadrates (0.5 × 0.5 m each) during the period from February 2018 to January 2019. The total annual mean DM biomass was ≈ 18.7 ton ha-1. The aboveground organs had significant seasonal variations in DM biomass (p < 0.05). The belowground DM biomass represents 23% of the aboveground DM biomass. Belowground organs had the highest DM biomass values in winter for the roots (23.85 g DM m-2, 4.75% from the total DM) and spring for the rhizomes (108.96 g DM m-2, 37.3% from the total DM). Regardless of the heavy metals concentrations in water and sediment, V. cuspidata can accumulate Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb at high levels. There was a statistically significant interaction between the effects of seasons and organs on the concentrations of Mn, Ni, and Pb at p < 0.001. The root was the main accumulating organ for the analyzed elements in the present study. Vossia cuspidata can transfer low concentrations of the analyzed metals from belowground to aboveground organs. We recommend V. cuspidata as a potential phytostabilizer to Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Pb from the mainstream of River Nile.

Economic viability of protein concentrate production from green biomass of intermediate crops: A pre-feasibility study

Green biomass is a major potential source of proteins for food and feed. This pre-feasibility study evaluates the use of green biomass of buckwheat, phacelia, hemp and oilseed radish grown as intermediate crops (IC) as a feedstock for production of protein concentrates to produce protein-rich food and feed products. We investigated the biomass yield, protein concentration and protein recovery potential of non-fertilized IC, nitrogen-fertilized IC and IC intercropped with legumes, harvested in late summer to autumn during 2017 and 2018 in southern Sweden. In addition, economic assessment of potential protein and fibre feed and food products were evaluated. The results showed that IC fertilized with 40 kg ha−1 N and intercropping with legumes contributed to a higher biomass dry matter (DM) yield of 4.9–5.8 t ha−1 as compared to between 2.2 and 3.1 t ha−1 for non-fertilized IC. Intercropping with legumes also resulted in higher protein yield of 154 g kg−1 vs. 103 g kg−1 for non-fertilized IC. Among IC, hemp, phacelia and oilseed radish showed up to ca. 25% higher DM yield and up to ca. 70% higher protein concentration as compared to buckwheat. Higher DM yield was obtained when IC were harvested in October and November than in August and September. Economic assessment was made on two feasible protein production pathways; (A) Green and white proteins and (B) total recoverable combined protein fraction (CPF). For all IC, cost per t DM was higher in August due to lower biomass yield as compared to other harvesting months. Nitrogen concentration was the main factor determining the size of revenues. Nitrogen concentration was 34% higher in 2018 compared to 2017 and therefore resulted in higher revenues in that year. Intercropping resulted in higher protein content and therefore contributed to lower breakeven prices of recovered green proteins for all IC. Breakeven price analyses showed that green protein and CPF were economically feasible to market as both bulk and premium products depending on lower (≤2 € kg−1) or higher (2–10 € kg−1) price ranges, respectively. The results demonstrate that use of IC biomass could be a feasible option to produce high value protein-rich products, which can contribute extra income from IC for farmers.

Precision planting impacts on winter cereal rye growth, nutrient uptake, spring soil temperature and adoption cost

AbstractGrowing winter cereal rye (Secale cereale) (WCR) has been identified as an effective in-field practice to reduce nitrate-N and phosphorus (P) losses to Upper Mississippi River Basin, USA. In the Midwestern USA, growers are reluctant to plant WCR especially prior to corn (Zea mays L.) due to N immobilization and establishment issues. Precision planting of WCR or ‘skipping the corn row’ (STCR) can minimize some issues associated with WCR ahead of corn while reducing cover crop seed costs. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ‘STCR’ vs normal planting of WCR at full seeding rate (NP) on WCR biomass, nutrient uptake and composition in three site-yrs (ARC2019, ARC2020, BRC2020). Our results indicated no differences in cover crop dry matter biomass production between the STCR (2.40 Mg ha−1) and NP (2.41 Mg ha−1) supported by similar normalized difference vegetative index and plant height for both treatments. Phosphorus, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) accumulation in aboveground biomass was only influenced by site-yr and both STCR and NP removed similar amount of P, K, Ca and Mg indicating STCR could be as effective as NP in accumulating nutrients. Aboveground carbon (C) content (1086.26 kg h−1 average over the two treatments) was similar between the two treatments and only influenced by site-yr differences. Lignin, lignin:N and C:N ratios were higher in STCR than NP in one out of three site-yrs (ARC2019) indicating greater chance of N immobilization when WCR was planted later than usual. Implementing STCR saved $8.4 ha−1 for growers and could incentivize growers to adopt this practice. Future research should evaluate corn response to STCR compared with NP and assess if soil quality declines by STCR practice over time.

Quality of hydroponic forage corn cultivated on different by-product substrates

Abstract Hydroponic corn cultivation is an efficient, fast, and feasible alternative for periods of food scarcity; however, there is still little information on the qualitative and quantitative parameters of the produced biomass, especially with regard to substrates. This study aimed to evaluate the productive and qualitative aspects of hydroponic feed corn grown on different substrates with a cultivation period of 15 days. Four substrates were evaluated: 1) fermented whole açaí seeds, 2) crushed açaí seeds, 3) sugarcane bagasse, and 4) ground Tifton hay, with five replications under a randomized block design. Substrate temperature was monitored during the production period. After harvesting on day 15, roots length (RL), shoot length (SL), biomass dry matter content (BDM), dry biomass yield, forage dry mass productivity, crude protein (CP), and ash content were assessed. There was no correlation of growth period and substrate temperature. RL was not affected by substrates, BDM was lower in treatment 3, CP was not influenced, and ash content was higher in treatment 1. In general, the best development was observed in treatment 1 because of the absence of distinction regarding qualitative parameters (CP and ash) and higher granulometry of whole açaí seeds which affects mass density and substrate aeration, thus allowing higher dry biomass yield.

Seasonal performance of aquatic macrophytes in improving physicochemical parameters of swine wastewater.

Swine wastewaters (SW) present organic load and nutrient content, what have caused degradation of water quality in many watercourses. Thus, the aquatic macrophytes represent an alternative for the depollution of these wastewaters, due to the high recovery power. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Pistia stratiotes L. and Salvinia auriculata Aubl. in improving the physicochemical targets of SW, as well as to quantify the total ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4+) and total phosphorus (total P) in the plant tissue of the macrophytes and the dry matter biomass (DMB) in two seasons of the year (spring and winter). The experiment was designed in a randomized block design, with 4 treatments (T) with 4 replicates: T1 = Control (without plants); T2 = E. crassipes; T3 = P. stratiotes; and T4 = S. auriculata, submitted to a SW diluted in 50% water. The monitoring is done in tanks during a period of 30 days of each season. Electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, NH4+ and dissolved phosphorus (P) were analyzed in the SW. In the plants, the contents of NH4+, total P and DMB were determined. It was verified that, in the spring, the plants showed higher production of DMB and a more significant reduction of EC, NH4+ and P, when compared to the plants managed in the SW in the winter. E. crassipes was more efficient at removing P (39%) and total NH4+ (80.2%), and EC reducing (92%) of SW and DMB production in the spring. The results demonstrated that the NH4+ uptake by E. crassipes contributed to a considerable removal of NH4+ and P from SW.

Maize-alfalfa intercropping induced changes in plant and soil nutrient status under nitrogen application

ABSTRACT Intercropping research interest is increasing globally due to its contribution to agriculture sustainability, crop productivity, and soil quality. To better understand the advantageous effect of intercropping, a pot and field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of maize-alfalfa intercropping on the plant and soil nutrient contents under nitrogen fertilization (N0 and N1 at 2.0 g pot−1 and 225.0 kg hm−2) in Changchun, China. The results revealed that intercropping with or without nitrogen fertilizer application significantly (p < 0.05) improved the yield, biomass dry matter and plant-soil nutrient contents. The increased yield and biomass dry matter (140.7 and 268.7 g pot−1) and (38% and 25%) suggested the improved efficiency of the intercropping system with nitrogen in maize. Moreover, the nutrient concentration of maize and alfalfa such as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were also improved in the intercropping system under nitrogen fertilizer application. In general, the findings also indicated that maize-alfalfa intercropping with nitrogen fertilizer application significantly improved the soil-based N, P, K, and soil organic matter. The results suggest that the use of intercropping with reasonable nitrogen fertilizer application can improve the growth, yield, plant, and soil nutrient status.

Application of molibidenum seed treatment (TS)

Due to the advancement of soybean production, alternatives are sought to improve the ability to biologically fix nitrogen, however, the effectiveness of this procedure may be impaired by the lack of micronutrients, such as molybdenum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive and developmental aspects and the nodulation of soybean, submitted to different inoculation doses and varied application techniques of Molybdenum. The experiment was conducted with the application of Mo in 4 ways, seed treatment, leaf pathway, added seed pathway treatment and sowing furrow. Height and stem diameter, nodulation, dry matter and plant biomass were analyzed. Significant data were observed for plant height and biomass, where the best application was in the treatment of seeds added from the leaf pathway. The presence of inoculant provided characteristics very close to the treatment where no inoculant was used.

The effect of maize-alfalfa intercropping on the physiological characteristics, nitrogen uptake and yield of maize.

In Northeastern China, the intensive cropping system and increased use of chemical fertilizer has caused severe problems in terms of sustainable agricultural development. Therefore, to improve agricultural sustainability and crop productivity the farming system needs to be modified in the region. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of maize-alfalfa intercropping on the physiological characteristics, nitrogen (N) uptake and yield of the maize crops in northeast China in 2017-2018. The study findings showed that intercropping under N fertilization progressively improved the physio-agronomic indices of the maize crop as compared to mono-cropping. The grain yield, 100 seed weight and biomass dry matter of maize crop improved in intercropping when it was practiced with N fertilizer. Furthermore, intercropping with N fertilization increased the chlorophyll content of the maize crop at bell-mouthed, silking, filing and mature stages by 19%, 44%, 12%, and 9% in 2017 and by 23%, 43%, 15%, and 11% in 2018, respectively, as compared with the monocropping system. Unlike monocropping, intercropping with N fertilization increased the photosynthesis rate (14% and 15%), stomatal conductance (74% and 98%) and transpiration rate (74% and 75%) in 2017 and 2018, respectively. However, intercropping reduced intercellular CO2 (Ci ). Moreover, intercropping with N fertilization increased the maize N content of grain and leaves as well as total N uptake by 49%, 31% and 93% in 2017 and 53%, 34% and 132%, respectively, in 2018 as compared to monocropping. In conclusion, our results suggest that maize-alfalfa intercropping with optimal N fertilization provides a practical method for improving growth, yield and N accumulation in the maize crop.

Effect of harvesting frequency and maturity stage of Jerusalem artichoke forage on yield, chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of the tubers and forage

Aim of study: To evaluate the effect of maturity stage and harvesting frequency of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) forage on the nutritional quality of the tubers and forages.Area of study: The plant cultivation and laboratory experiments were carried out in Karaj (Alborz, Iran) and Tehran (Tehran, Iran), respectively.Material and methods: Forages were harvested every 60, 90 and 120 days during the growing season (four, three and two harvests per year, respectively). Tubers were harvested just once, at the end of the growing season, from plots with four, three and two forage cuts per year. Biomass production, chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation of the forages and tubers were assessed.Main results: Compared to 90 and 120 days, the forages harvested every 60 days contained the highest (p&lt;0.05) yearly dry matter (DM) biomass (27.16 t/ha), crude protein (98.6 to 145 g/kg DM), organic matter digestibility (0.607 to 0.691) and microbial biomass production (350 to 369 g/kg DM). Compared to 60 and 90 days, harvesting JA forage every 120 days caused the tubers with the higher (p&lt;0.05) water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), in vitro digestibility and DM yield (7.63 t/ha). Jerusalem artichoke forages and tubers contained the low phenolics (4.93 to 13.2 g/kg DM) and nitrate (1.12 to 3.19 g/kg DM). Overall, the best harvesting interval of JA forage to achieve tubers with the highest yearly yield, WSC and digestibility was every 120 days, while the highest nutritive value and yield of the forages were observed with harvesting JA every 60 days.Research highlights: The best harvesting interval of JA forage to obtain the highest yearly DM, protein and energy biomass from both tubers and forage was every 60 days.