Dry Matter Weight Research Articles

Evaluation of Ratoon Potential and Yield of Some Sorghum Varieties (Sorghum bicolor L)

Sorghum production needs to be increased to meet food or feed needs because sorghum grain has nutritional qualities that are comparable to other grains such as corn. One of the advantages of the sorghum plant is the growth of new shoots from the base of the harvested stem which produces new plants, ratoon, that grow until they can be harvested. This experiment examines the ratoon potential of 5 sorghum varieties, Bioguma, Samurai, Pahat, Suri4, and the local Gando Keta variety so that we can utilize ratoon technology on these sorghum varieties. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a Completely Randomized Design. It can be confirmed from this experiment that the dry matter weight of the main plants is higher compared to the ratoon plants' dry matter weight, however, the yield of the ratoon was higher than that of the main plants. Seed size contributes to the higher yield of the ratoon plants. Among all the varieties tested, Suri4 and Pahat show the best ratoon potential. Gando Keta, the local variety, has the lowest grain yield of main and ratoon compared to the other varieties.

Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer for improved root growth, nitrogen utilization, and yield of cotton under mulched drip irrigation in southern Xinjiang, China

The root system plays a crucial role in water and nutrient absorption, making it a significant factor affected by nitrogen (N) availability in the soil. However, the intricate dynamics and distribution patterns of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) root density and N nutrient under varying N supplies in Southern Xinjiang, China, have not been thoroughly understood. A two-year experiment (2021 and 2022) was conducted to determine the effects of five N rates (0, 150, 225, 300, and 450 kg N ha−1) on the root system, shoot growth, N uptake and distribution, and cotton yield. Compared to the N0 treatment (0 kg N ha−1), the application of N fertilizer at a rate of 300 kg N ha−1 resulted in consistent and higher seed cotton yields of 5875 kg ha−1 and 6815 kg ha−1 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This N fertilization also led to a significant improvement in dry matter weight and N uptake by 32.4% and 53.7%, respectively. Furthermore, applying N fertilizer at a rate of 225 kg N ha−1 significantly increased root length density (RLD), root surface density (RSD), and root volume density (RVD) by 49.6–113.3%, 29.1–95.1%, and 42.2–64.4%, respectively, compared to the treatment without N fertilization (0 kg N ha−1). Notably, the roots in the 0–20 cm soil layers exhibited a stronger response to N fertilization compared to the roots distributed in the 20–40 cm soil layers. The root morphology parameters (RLD, RSD, and RVD) at specific soil depths (0–10 cm in the seedling stage, 10–25 cm in the bud stage, and 20–40 cm in the peak boll stage) were significantly associated with N uptake and seed cotton yield. Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer supply within the range of 225–300 kg N ha−1 can enhance root foraging, thereby promoting the interaction between roots and shoots and ultimately improving cotton production in arid areas.

Effects of different cold-resistant agents and application methods on yield and cold-resistance of machine-transplanted early rice.

Cold stress is a critical factor affecting rice production worldwide. The application of cold-resistant agents may improve the cold resistance and yield of crops. To screen for suitable cold-resistant agents for machine-transplanted early rice, the effects of uniconazole, abscisic acid, and zinc-amino acids chelate and their spraying times (seed soaking stage, one leaf and one heart stage, two leaves and one heart stage, 7 days before the transplanting stage, and regreening stage) on the yield and cold resistance of machine-transplanted early rice were investigated. Moreover, the application method (spraying amount: 750 and 1125g ha-1; spraying time: 7 days before the transplanting stage, transplanting stage, regreening stage, and transplanting stage and regreening stage) for the most suitable cold-resistant agent was optimized. The zinc-amino acids chelate was better than the other two cold-resistant agents for promoting rice tillering and increasing the leaf area index, dry matter weight, antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, POD) and yield (i.e., 9.22% and 7.14% higher than uniconazole and abscisic acid, respectively), especially when it was applied in the regreening stage. The examination of spraying amounts and times indicated that the zinc-amino acids chelate dosage had no significant effect on the yield and cold resistance of early rice. However, the rice yield and antioxidant enzyme activities were highest when samples were sprayed once in the transplanting stage and the regreening stage. On the basis of the study results, 750g ha-1 zinc-amino acids chelate applications in the transplanting and regreening stages of machine-transplanted early rice plants may be ideal for increasing cold stress resistance and yield.

Evaluation of Nitrogen Fertilizer Supply and Soil Nitrate Thresholds for High Yields of Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet is an important cereal crop in the North China Plain. However, excessive nitrogen fertilizer application over the years has led to declining yield and soil quality. This study investigated nutrient management strategies for foxtail millet based on crop yield levels and soil nutrient availability. In a field where targeted fertilization was conducted over six seasons, nitrogen fertilization effects and the dynamics of soil-available nitrogen were monitored continuously for two consecutive years (2022–2023) across five different foxtail millet varieties with varying yield levels. The study aimed to determine the optimal nitrogen application rate for achieving a high yield of foxtail millet, the minimum soil nitrate threshold required to maintain soil fertility, and the effective nitrogen application rate range for sustaining soil-available nitrate levels. Results showed that fertilization significantly affected dry matter weight during flowering, while variety affected dry matter weight at maturity. The average nitrogen application rate for achieving high yield across all five millet varieties was 141.3 kg·ha−1. Specifically, the average nitrogen application rate of nitrogen-efficient varieties achieving high yield (5607.32–5637.19 kg·ha−1) was 151.5 kg·ha−1, while the average nitrogen application rate of nitrogen-inefficient varieties achieving high yield (4749.77–4847.74 kg·ha−1) was 134.5 kg·ha−1. Soil NH4+-N and NO3−-N content increased when nitrogen application rate exceeded 360 kg·ha−1, posing environmental risks. To achieve high yield, soil nitrate levels would be maintained at an average of 17.23 mg·kg−1 (before sowing) and 9.75 mg·kg−1 (at maturity). A relationship between soil nitrate and nitrogen application rate was established: y = 867.5 − 50z (where y represents the optimal nitrogen application rate for high yield (kg·ha−1), and z represents soil NO3−-N content in the 0–20 cm layer before sowing, ranging from 10.0 to 17.35 mg·kg−1), which provided a practical method for nitrogen fertilization to achieve high yield of foxtail millet. In this study, the fertilization strategy was optimized according to soil nutrient level and yield targets, and the nitrogen application rate was controlled within 360 kg·ha−1 based on the soil nitrate nitrogen content, which will be instructive for reducing fertilizer use, maximizing fertilizer efficiency, and increasing yield.

Soil Enzyme Responses and Crop Productivity Indices Assessment in Agricultural Soil Impacted with Heavy Metals

The present study assessed the productivity of cultivated garden vegetable among other ecological assessments in soil samples impacted with heavy metals. Assay of soil enzyme responses showed the activity of: catalase, peroxidase, lipase and ureasewith corresponding OD reading of 0.750, 2.05, 0.22 and 1.704 respectively. There were noticeable increases in the activity of ureaseandperoxidasewhilecatalaseandlipaseactivitywererelativelylowinthesampledsoil. Out of the 321g of the vegetable seedstested for viability, 45% representing 144.45g was used for the planting and further experiment. After three days of cultivation, germination process was recorded faster in the <i>T. oleifera </i>potted ridge while <i>Amaranthus </i>and <i>Solanum </i>sp seed took 3-4 day for break full dormancy. Determination of total chlorophyll a and b in the selected vegetables showed a correlative increase in chlorophyll a and b in soils contaminated with Zn, Cu and Fe in all the cultivated vegetables: T<i>. oleifera</i>, <i>Amaranthus </i>and <i>Solanum </i>sp, respectively. There are significant increase in total cholorphyl a (0.9mg/g) and b (0.8mg/g) contents from the results when compared with the control experiment as other soil contaminated with heavy metals such as: Pb, and As repressed the selected vegetables cultivated in the soil samples. However total chlorophyll a was seems lightly higher than cholophyl b in all the selected vegetable cultivated in soil. Analysis on the impact of heavy metals on the shootlength of the cultivated vegetables analysed for thirty-one days showed regressive increase in the shootlength of the cultivated vegetables as the period of harvest increases from 0-31 when compared with the control experiment. However Cd and As had the most estimated impact on the vegetables in all the cultivated soils and its impact progresses as the period of harvest increases. Dry matter weight contents of the cultivated vegetables cultivated in the polluted soils were analysed; also the same index was assessed in the vegetables from the unpolluted soils. There was a significant increase in the dry matter contents of the cultivated vegetables in soil polluted with Cu, Fe and Zn respectively. However, dry matter contents were seen progressively low in vegetables cultivated in soils polluted with Cd, As and Pb. When compared with the control experiment. The results from the present study have shown the vulnerability of agricultural soil and cultivated vegetables to effluent from industrial bias sources used for irrigation and its impact on agricultural productivity.

Growth, Phenology and Yield Attributes of A White Maize Genotype Sauwmopmdt273 Under Different Planting Configurations

A field experiment was carried out at the agronomy field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, during the period from July to October, 2018 with fifteen planting configurations viz., T1 (40 cm × 15 cm), T2 (40 cm × 20 cm), T3 (40 cm × 25 cm), T4 (45 cm × 15 cm), T5 (45 cm × 20 cm), T6 (45 cm × 25 cm), T7 (50 cm × 15 cm), T8 (50 cm × 20 cm), T9 (50 cm × 25 cm), T10 (55 cm × 15 cm), T11 (55 cm × 20 cm), T12 (55 cm × 25 cm), T13 (60 cm × 15 cm), T14 (60 cm × 20 cm), and T15 (60 cm × 25 cm) to study the growth, phenology, yield attributes and yield of a white maize genotype SAUWMOPMDT273. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Regarding growth and yield parameters, the treatment 60 cm × 25 cm showed significantly the maximum plant height, tassel length and leaf area at silking, grain filling and at harvest. The highest area of an individual leaf 477.9, 879.3, and 496.3 cm2 as well as stem dry matter weight of 28.73, 21.35, and 27.40 g plant-1 respectively, below cob-node, at cob-node and above the cob-node during silking obtained from treatment 60 cm × 25 cm. The treatment 55 cm × 25 cm showed maximum biological yield (14.64 t ha−1) and 60 cm × 20 cm showed significantly the highest cob length (15.94 cm) and number of grains row−1 (20.00), but the highest number of grains cob−1 (231.50), 100 seed weight (29.99 g), grain weight cob−1 (59.81 g) were recorded from 55 cm × 25 cm. Sparser configuration (60×20 cm) requiring less seed rate, this configuration may be followed. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 67-76

Exploration of Biomass-related Genes in the FOX-superroot Lines of Lotus corniculatus and its Impact on Agronomic Traits

Background: Identifying biomass-related genes to meet the increasing demand for food supply is important approach for agricultural and scientific efforts. In this study, we employed the Full-length cDNA Over-eXpressing gene hunting system (FOX hunting system) to identify biomass-related genes through ectopic expression of Arabidopsis thaliana full-length cDNA in bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Methods: A total of 66 FOX superroot lines (FSLs) from Lotus corniculatus cv. Viking were transferred in vermiculite after two weeks in half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. These FSLs were then grown in a growth chamber for four weeks, during which their plant length and root length were measured. High biomass lines were selected from this group. FSL #83 and #121 were then grown for an additional four months in a greenhouse until they reached maturity, at which point they were evaluated for their agronomic traits. Result: Out of the 66 analyzed FSLs, 15 displayed superior growth characteristics in plant length and total root length. Arabidopsis cDNA, categorized into genes related to various functions such as membrane transport, photosystems, phytohormone synthesis, amino acid synthesis and unknown genes, was introduced into these lines. Two lines were grown to maturity in the greenhouse and their agronomic traits were analyzed in detail. FSL #83 expressed brassinosteroid biosynthetic pathway gene (CPD) led to significant differences in internode length, number of stems, number of flowers and above-ground dry matter weight compared to non-transgenic Super-growing roots (SR). On the other hand, FSL #121 expressed Asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (SYNC1) gene exhibited increases in plant length and the number of stem nodes.

Productivity and quality parameters of Allium fistulosum L.

ABSTRACT The growing demand for non-traditional plant products encourages research into new plant species and cultivars. Allium fistulosum is the earliest leafy plant cultivated in the open field in Lithuania. Therefore, it is important to study plant cultivars and determine the harvesting time to obtain quality products. The study was conducted in the experimental vegetable field of the Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2022–2023. The phenological stages of two different cultivars, morphological characteristics, productivity, and the plant's winter hardiness were observed. Measurements were performed and harvest was done three times: in spring, summer, and autumn. The results showed that genetic origin and harvesting time influenced differences in the morphometric parameters, productivity, and ascorbic acid accumulation of A. fistulosum cultivars. Cultivar ‘Bajkal’ is distinguished with longer and wider foliage, the highest productivity rate, and better adaptivity. This cultivar's most intensive plant growth was determined in autumn, but the highest weight of the plant reaching 0.5 kg was determined in spring. Cultivar ‘Marozka’ is distinguished by the higher ability of ascorbic acid accumulation compared with the cultivar ‘Bajkal’. The content of ascorbic acids reached 34.9 mg g−1 of cultivar ‘Marozka’ during the spring harvesting and up to 8,8 mg g−1 of ‘Bajkal’, respectively. The total sugar amount and weight of dry matter were more intensive in spring for both cultivars. In the cultivars ‘Marozka’ and ‘Bajkal’ leaves were found a higher amount of nitrates at 45.7 and 50.9 mg kg −1 in autumn.

Effect of Pinus halepensis Mill. Reforestation on the Above-Ground Biomass and Internode Elongation and Leaf Size of Native Species in Morroco

This study aims to determine the effect of the reforestation of Pinus halepensis Mill. on the above-ground biomass and morphological characteristics of native species (internode elongation and leaf size) in the Beni Sohane forest. Plant biomass of the herbaceous layer was harvested on randomly selected 2 m2 quadrats in reforested plots of ± 12, ± 25, and ± 45-year-old, and native forest controls. The internode length and leaf size (length and width) were measured on plants randomly selected belonging to four native species Quercus ilex L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Phillyrea angustifolia L., and Cistus creticus L.. The results showed that P. halepensis reforestation had no significant effect on the above-ground biomass and the leaves and internodes dimensions in the young plantations ± 12-year-old. However, as the pine trees mature, the average dry matter weight decreases, especially in stands 45 years old, where this weight was significantly lower than that of natural forests. This fact has led to herders abandoning important pastures previously used by their cattle. In addition, the fast growth of P. halepensis trees formed a canopy above all indigenous species resulting in changes in the dimensions of internodes and leaves. For the two oldest plantations, the internode length, leaf width, and length of the 4 species have been significantly increased. However, the leaf length-to-width ratio decreased significantly, with leaves in reforested plots being larger rather than longer compared to control samples in native forests. Planting P. halepensis can negatively impact the long-term growth of native plants, so we recommend periodically removing some of the pines (thinning) to restore the balance of these ecosystems. Thus, species selection for reforestation should consider maximizing rather than destroying ecological and socioeconomic services.

Effect of Pinus halepensis Mill. Reforestation on the Above-Ground Biomass and Internode Elongation and Leaf Size of Native Species in Morroco

This study aims to determine the effect of the reforestation of Pinus halepensis Mill. on the above-ground biomass and morphological characteristics of native species (internode elongation and leaf size) in the Beni Sohane forest. Plant biomass of the herbaceous layer was harvested on randomly selected 2 m2 quadrats in reforested plots of ± 12, ± 25, and ± 45-year-old, and native forest controls. The internode length and leaf size (length and width) were measured on plants randomly selected belonging to four native species Quercus ilex L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Phillyrea angustifolia L., and Cistus creticus L.. The results showed that P. halepensis reforestation had no significant effect on the above-ground biomass and the leaves and internodes dimensions in the young plantations ± 12-year-old. However, as the pine trees mature, the average dry matter weight decreases, especially in stands 45 years old, where this weight was significantly lower than that of natural forests. This fact has led to herders abandoning important pastures previously used by their cattle. In addition, the fast growth of P. halepensis trees formed a canopy above all indigenous species resulting in changes in the dimensions of internodes and leaves. For the two oldest plantations, the internode length, leaf width, and length of the 4 species have been significantly increased. However, the leaf length-to-width ratio decreased significantly, with leaves in reforested plots being larger rather than longer compared to control samples in native forests. Planting P. halepensis can negatively impact the long-term growth of native plants, so we recommend periodically removing some of the pines (thinning) to restore the balance of these ecosystems. Thus, species selection for reforestation should consider maximizing rather than destroying ecological and socioeconomic services.

Optimal nitrogen management for high yield and N use efficiency of ratoon sorghum

Sorghum ratooning, a time and labor-saving cultivation practice, is increasingly being adopted by farmers in Southwest China as an alternative. Efficient N fertilizer management is critical for economical production of sorghum and the long-term protection of the environment. To investigate the impact of N management on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiencies (NUEs) of ratoon sorghum system, a three-year field experiment was conducted for Jinyunuo3 (a hybrid cultivar) and Guojiaohong1 (an inbred cultivar) using 12 combinations of N rates and splitting ratios. The results showed that increasing N rate and splitting application times led to improvements in various growth parameters such as dry matter weight, crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI), and photosynthetic potential (PP). The main, ratoon, and annual yields increased with N rate increase, but there was no significant difference between 225 and 150 kg N ha−1 in the ratoon and annual yields. Splitting the application of N fertilizer enhanced grain yield compared to a single dose application method, especially three-split applications yielded higher than two-split applications. Compared with N rates of 225 and 150 kg ha−1, N rate of 75 kg ha−1 increased apparent recovery rate of applied nitrogen (REN), agronomic efficiency of applied nitrogen (AEN), and partial factor productivity from applied nitrogen (PFPN) in both main season and whole year. But through splitting application methods at high N rates could achieve similar or even higher levels of NUEs compared to all applied as basal fertilizer at low N rates. Therefore, it could be recommended that applying 150 kg N ha−1 with a basal-jointing-heading fertilizer ratio of 2:4:4 represented an efficient N management practice to synchronously obtain high grain yield and NUEs in ratoon sorghum system in Southwest China.

Digestive characterization and its relationship with digestibility, performance traits of local breed Mexican Cuino mini-pigs

The effect of sex on the characteristics of the digestive tract and its relationship with the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and performance traits was studied in 14 Mexican Cuino (MC) mini-pigs averaging 57.2 ± 8.1 kg, fed ad libitum a diet based on sorghum and soybean meal. Nitrogen ATTD was significantly better in females than in castrated male pigs. A trend was found for the relative weight of the entire digestive tract to be heavier in castrated males than in female pigs. Large intestine contribution to total digestive tract weight was relatively high in both sexes, 48.7 and 50.8%, respectively, for castrated males and females. A significant, though not strong relationship between large intestine relative weight and ATTD of dry matter (DM) was observed. These results indicate that sex would appear to be a factor influencing digestive processes in MC mini-pigs.

Influence of peat-derived humic acid on the growth of agarwood seedlings

Humic acid (HA) is widely used in agriculture as a biostimulant to enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake. Studies on the early growth promotion of agarwood seedlings using plant biostimulants have not been explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to extract and characterize peat-derived HA and to determine the optimum rate that would exert biostimulant action on the early growth of agarwood seedlings at the nursery stage. HA was extracted from peat soil using a modified rapid alkaline hydrolysis method. Produced peat humic acid (PHA) was compared with commercial humic acid (CHA) for its chemical and spectroscopic characteristics. One-month-old agarwood seedlings were treated with PHA at different rates (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg kg−1) before the commencement of the experiment. The study was conducted for four months. The C/N ratio of both PHA and CHA were 25.85 and 26.93, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra observation reveals that PHA and CHA have similar surface morphology and functional groups respectively. Results revealed that agarwood seedlings treated with 80 mg kg−1 of PHA significantly increased the plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter weight, N and P concentrations in plant tissues, and N, P and K uptakes. Based on the findings, incorporation of PHA at the rate of 80 mg kg−1 with planting medium could be used as an optimum rate to enhance the growth of agarwood seedlings in the nursery stage.

Establishment of a Comprehensive Evaluation System for Low Nitrogen and Screening of Nitrogen-Efficient Germplasm in Peanut

Screening for nitrogen (N)-efficient germplasm to achieve high yield and high N efficiency is an important strategy to enhance the sustainability of modern agriculture. In this study, 127 peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) germplasm resources were comprehensively evaluated by seedling hydroponics and field. At the seedling stage, with the range of low-nitrogen screening concentrations gradually narrowed through a comprehensive membership function analysis, standard normal distribution test, and variance analysis, we found that 0.15 mM N for 24 days could be the optimal condition for evaluating the N efficiency of peanuts. Through principal component analysis and correlation analysis, dry matter weight, root/shoot ratio, N content, N accumulation, N-use efficiency, and N use index were considered to be the N efficiency parameters, and a regression mathematical model was established accordingly. In the field, peanut genotypes that differ in resistance to low-nitrogen stress were evaluated by a yield nitrogen efficiency index under normal nitrogen and no nitrogen applications to verify the results at the seedling stage. Based on the multiple phenotypic analysis, N-efficient and N-inefficient peanut genotypes among germplasm were screened, and a comprehensive evaluation system was established to provide the theoretical basis for peanut breeding and cultivation techniques.

Enhancing crop productivity in photovoltaic greenhouses using extended PAR-based photosynthesis

With the global population expected to reach 11 billion by the end of this century, the imperative of enhancing crop productivity per unit of land while conserving resources is paramount. This paper presents a novel approach to achieving these goals through Extended PAR-based photosynthesis (EPBP) methodology, specifically tailored for standalone Photovoltaic Greenhouses (PVGHs). By leveraging LED technology and extending photosynthesis during dusk and dawn periods, this methodology aims to enhance crop yield without substantial additional infrastructure investment. A comprehensive real-field experiment, conducted over a complete tomato crop cycle of 96 days, demonstrates a significant increase in crop yield, with a 51.29 % improvement compared to conventional PVGH without additional photosynthesis. Through meticulous analysis of key performance indicators such as leaf area index, specific leaf area, and dry matter weight, this study substantiates the efficacy of EPBP in optimizing crop growth within PVGHs. Further, the ROI of 14.11 % and 12.54 % have been observed for tomato crop grown with and without EPBP under the PVGH environment. It not only reduces crop growth period but also enhances both quality and yield quantity without additional operational expenses. The scope of the presented work is limited to the quantitative measurement; however, its impact on the quality of the crop yield could be further explored.

Effects of Deep Vertical Rotary Tillage on Soil Water Use and Yield Formation of Forage Maize on Semiarid Land

Forage maize is one of the most important feed crops for livestock production, and is mainly grown in northwest China. However, their growth is often stressed by limited soil water availability due to the arid climate. To provide more soil moisture, a high-efficiency tillage technique was required to make crops effectively use soil moisture in deep soil layers. Deep vertical rotary tillage is a promising choice for this purpose. In this study, a long-term (2020–2022) field experiment consisting of three treatments, i.e., traditional tillage (TT), deep rotary tillage (DT), and deep vertical rotary tillage (VRT), was carried out in semiarid areas of Loess Plateau, northwest China, to investigate the effects of VRT on soil water storage (SWS), phase crop evapotranspiration (ETc) during the pre- and post-flowering periods, dry matter accumulation, grain yields and the water use efficiency (WUE) of forage maize. The results showed that VRT significantly improved the absorption of soil moisture from deep layers, especially in dry years. During the pre-flowering period of a dry year (2020), VRT decreased SWS by 7.6%–10.0% in the 60–180 cm layer, and by 17.6%–18.5% in the 180–300 cm layer, respectively, compared to DT and TT. As a result, VRT increased ETc during the pre-flowering period by 6.1% and 9.2%, respectively. In wet years (2021 and 2022), VRT increased total ETc by 2.0%–7.9% in 2021, and by 10.1%–14.9% in 2022, respectively. On average, VRT increased the dry matter weight per plant by 1.0%–7.8%, grain yields by 2.4%–38.6%, biomass yields by 3.4%–16.2%, and WUE by 10.1%–30.0%, respectively. Particularly, the benefit of VRT for increasing yields and WUE was more noticeable in dry years. It can be concluded that VRT is a drought-tolerant and yield-boosting tillage technique that is suitable for rain-fed forage maize in semiarid areas of Loess Plateau, northwest China.

Yeast Culture Is Beneficial for Improving the Rumen Fermentation and Promoting the Growth Performance of Goats in Summer

This study aimed to investigate the effects of yeast cultures on the antioxidant capacity, rumen fermentation, and growth performance of goats in the summer. An in vitro experiment was conducted using yeast culture supplemented at 0% (control), 0.6% (test 1), 0.9% (test 2), and 1.2% (test 3) of the dry matter (DM) weight of the basal diet. With a 24 h fermentation, the pH value; the total short-chain fatty acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid concentrations; and the degradability of the DM, the neutral detergent fiber, and the acid detergent fiber were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in tests 2 and 3 compared with the control group. In the feeding experiment, thirty-six crossbreed goats aged 3.0 ± 0.5 months with a body weight of 11.08 ± 1.41 kg were divided, and the yeast culture was supplemented at 0% (control), 0.90% (test 1), and 1.20% (test 2) of the basal diet. Similar effects on rumen fermentation parameters were obtained in test 1 and 2 groups compared to the in vitro experiment. Moreover, the dry matter intake, average daily gain, serum total antioxidant capacity, and the activities of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher and the malondialdehyde concentration was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in tests 1 and 2 compared with the control. The results indicated that yeast culture (0.90%) could improve the antioxidant capacity, rumen fermentation, and growth performance of goats in summer. The optimal supplementation concentration is 0.90% DM.

Impacts of soil type and drought stress on growth and cesium accumulation in Napier grass.

In our previous study, the decontamination efficiency of cesium-137 (137Cs) by Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) in the field was shown to be variable and often influenced by natural environmental factors. To elucidate the factors influencing this variable 137Cs-decontamination efficiency, we investigated the influences of soil type and drought stress on Cs accumulation using cesium-133 (133Cs) in Napier grass grown in plastic containers. The experiment was performed using two soil types (Soil A and B) and three different soil moisture conditions: well-watered control (CL), slight drought stress (SD), and moderate drought stress (MD). Overall, our results indicate that soil type and drought have a significant impact on plant growth and 133Cs accumulation in Napier grass. Plant height (PH), tiller number (TN), leaf width (Wleaf), and dry matter weight of aboveground parts (DWabove) and root parts (DWroot) in Soil B were greater than those in Soil A. Drought stress negatively affected chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (maximal quantum efficiency of photosystem (PS) II photochemistry and potential activity of PS II), PH, TN, Wleaf, DWabove, DWroot, and total 133Cs content (TCs), but it had a positive effect on 133Cs concentration. The 133Cs concentration in the aboveground parts (Csabove) was increased by MD approximately 1.62-fold in Soil A and 1.11-fold in Soil B compared to each CL counterpart. The TCs in the aboveground parts (TCsabove) decreased due to drought by approximately 19.9%-39.0% in Soil A and 49.9%-62.7% in Soil B; however, there was no significant effect on TCsabove due to soil type. The results of this study indicate that soil moisture is a key factor in maintaining Napier grass 137Cs-decontamination efficiency.

Polypeptide urea increases rice yield and nitrogen use efficiency through root growth improvement

ContextElucidating rice root growth and development characteristics is essential for improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and grain yield (GY) of crops, particularly in light of innovations such as polyaspartic acid (PASP)–urea formulations. However, the effectiveness of PASP–urea on the morphological properties of rice roots is insufficiently explored. ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the effect of PASP–urea on root morphology properties, NUE, and grain yield of mid-season rice in southwest China. MethodsIn 2016 and 2017, a two-factor randomized block design experiment was conducted in Sichuan, China, during the rice planting season. Three N treatments: no N (control), conventional urea [CU], and polyaspartic acid–urea [PU] were administered to two rice varieties: Yixiangyou 2115 and Fyou 498. ResultsOur findings showed that grain yield and nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) of rice were closely related to the root surface area density (RSAD), root length density (RLD), and root volume density (RVD) of rice. Compared to the CU treatment, the PU application significantly boosted the root dry matter weight, RLD, RVD, and RSAD of both varieties by 12.00–16.87 %, 0.16–28.98 %, 12.41–37.06 %, and 8.14–33.66 % at the jointing, heading, and maturity stages, respectively. This contributed to a 0.37–15.63 % and 23.45–48.12 % increase in grain yield and NRE, respectively, in both years, and a 12.26–15.69 % increase in N partial productivity efficiency (NPPE) in 2017 by improving the effective panicle number per unit area, spikelets per panicle, and N uptake. ConclusionNRE and grain yield of rice were significantly increased by PU application by improving the rice root system. ImplicationsThe study findings offer insight on how PASP–urea application influences the root morphology of rice and its relationship with grain yield and NRE while offering novel strategies and concepts for optimizing N use in rice cultivation.

Irradiating roots of komatsuna (Brassica napus) with various light qualities affects growth and nutrient content in leaves, stems, and roots

Generally, plants grow without light exposure to their roots. Although the effects of light intensity and irradiation at different wavelengths on plant growth and composition in leaves and stems are becoming clearer, the effects of wavelength irradiation on roots remain largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, the effects of root irradiation with seven light wavelengths on the growth and ion and vitamin contents in hydroponically-grown komatsuna (Brassica napus) were investigated. Compared to the control treatment, the 940-nm treatment significantly increased root dry matter weight, whereas the other treatments exhibited no effect on leaves, stems, or roots. At specific irradiation wavelengths, the ion content of potassium, magnesium, calcium, boron, manganese, and zinc in the leaves and stems increased significantly compared to that in the control. The changes in ion contents in the leaves and stems were consistent with those in the roots, except for boron. Furthermore, regarding vitamins, the contents of nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and phylloquinone in the leaves and stems increased significantly under irradiation compared with the control. Trends in the respective vitamin contents in leaves and stems did not coincide with those in roots. In some cases, irradiation significantly decreased the ion and vitamin contents compared to the control. These results indicate that a photoreceptor mechanism exists in roots, leaves, and stems and that irradiation of roots at different wavelengths affects the growth and nutrient content of komatsuna.