Dryland Farming Research Articles

Studi Ketahanan Pangan Rumah Tangga Petani Lahan Kering di Desa Sekotong Barat Kecamatan Sekotong Kabupaten Lombok Barat

Disparities in the availability and diversity of food consumption are caused, among other things, by regional conditions and land agro-ecosystems. The objectives of this research are 1) to determine the income and expenditure of dry land farming households and 2) to analyze the level of food security of dry land farming households in Sekotong Barat Village. The research method was carried out descriptively. The number of dry land farmers in Sekotong Barat Village is 180 households and 30 farming households were selected using simple random sampling. The results of the research show: 1) The household income of dry land farmers is IDR 42,511,641 per year which comes from farming income (on-farm) IDR 29,303,641, off-farm IDR 4,068,000, non-farm IDR 4,080,000, and income from other sources IDR 5,060,000 per year. 2) The total expenditure of dry land farming households is IDR 38,457,892 per year and allocated for food expenditure IDR 33,617,092 and non-food IDR 4,840,800 per year and 3) Level of food security Dry land farming households fall under the "Food Security" criteria. Then the level of food security in each household, 56.67% are classified as "Food Insecure" and 43.33% are classified as "Not Food Insecure.

Kajian Pelaksanaan Gerakan Tanam Jagung Panen Sapi (TJPS) Dalam Meningkatkan Nilai Tukar Petani (NTP) Di Desa Manusak, Kabupaten Kupang, Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur

Corn and cattle are the main commodities in dry land farming in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), with corn as a food source and cattle as a source of income. This province has vast dry land potential, namely 1,734,488 H, but its utilization is still less than optimal. The Cattle Harvest Corn Planting Program (TJPS) was launched to increase corn production, cattle population and farmer welfare.This research analyzes the Farmer Exchange Rate (NTP) in Manusak Village, Kupang Regency, and the factors that influence it, as well as examining government policies in supporting the efficiency of the corn-cattle farming system. Qualitative methods through interviews, observations and text analysis are used to understand farmers' experiences in farming.The results show that the NTP in the Gacinda and Leselik farmer groups is different: Gacinda has a higher NTP than Leselik, which is caused by differences in corn production costs and yields. In conclusion, corn productivity and costs incurred affect farmer welfare, with high expenditures potentially reducing NTP.

Merging weather radar and rain gauges for dryland agriculture

Merging weather radar and rain gauges for dryland agriculture

Optimizing tillage practice based on water supply during the growing season in wheat and maize production in northern China

Optimizing tillage practices to improve crop yield and crop water productivity (CWP) is essential for promoting sustainable dryland agriculture. This meta-analysis used the water supply during the growing season (WS, total soil water storage at sowing time, and growing-season precipitation) instead of mean annual precipitation (MAP), to assess the effects of different tillage practices on the yield and CWP of winter wheat and spring maize in northern China. The results showed that WS had a stronger correlation with crop yield than MAP, especially for winter wheat. Compared with conventional tillage, no-tillage combined with straw mulching (SM) increased winter yield by 36.56 % and CWP by 17.93 % when WS ≤ 650 mm, and subsoiling tillage increased winter wheat yield by 21.17 % and CWP by 9.29 % in winter wheat yield when WS > 650 mm. SM and subsoiling tillage performed better in regions with higher mean annual temperature (MAT) than that with lower MAT. For spring maize, no tillage, no-tillage combined with plastic film mulching (PM), subsoiling tillage and rotary tillage significantly increased yield and CWP under different WS conditions and the highest effect was showed in PM under higher WS condition; meanwhile, PM and subsoiling tillage performed good under various temperature conditions, while rotary tillage performed better in areas with lower temperature. Thus, the recommended tillage practice for spring maize is PM in northeast China, and subsoiling tillage in north-central and northwest China; for winter wheat, subsoiling tillage is recommended for north-central China, and SM is recommended for northwest China. Taken together, our results indicate that it is more accurate to use WS rather than the MAP to evaluate appropriate tillage practices in drylands. Furthermore, WS can also replace MAP for yield estimation and prediction.

Can dual mulching outperform single mulching in arid agriculture—Loess Plateau? A meta‐analysis based on crop yield and water use efficiency

AbstractField mulching is an important technique for dryland crop cultivation in the Loess Plateau (LP) of China, which alleviates the local agricultural water shortage. However, under different precipitation and temperature conditions, the effects of mulching on moisture conservation and yield enhancement are not consistent. A meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the variations of mulching across various variables (mulching types, rainfall precipitation and annual average temperature) based on data from 203 peer‐reviewed publications, including 1466 yield and 991 water use efficiency data points. The results indicated that compared with no mulching (CK), plastic mulching (PM), straw mulching (SM), and dual plastic and straw mulching (SPM) significantly increased both yield and water use efficiency (WUE), with SPM demonstrating the most substantial yield improvement. Under conditions of low temperature (<7°C), PM significantly improved both crop yield and WUE. Similarly, when temperatures were below 7°C and rainfall ranged from 400 to 600 mm, SM also significantly enhanced yield and WUE. Compared with PM, SM does not enhance yield and WUE under high‐temperature low‐precipitation (>12°C, ≤400 mm) and low‐temperature high‐precipitation (≤7°C, >600 mm) conditions. SPM outperforms SM and PM in enhancing yield and WUE under diverse hydrothermal conditions. Furthermore, we conducted green development assessment using the DPSIR model, and after 20 years of development, we found that green development potential of SM and SPM is greater than that of PM. Overall, SPM not only enhances crop yield and WUE but also serves as an effective replacement for PM, thereby boosting crop production in dryland agriculture. Its crucial role in advancing regional green development has been validated by scientific research.

Farmer Behavior in Cocoa Farming Activities in Gitak Demung Village, Gangga District, North Lombok Regency

The aims of this study is to investigate farmers' behavior in cocoa farming activities in dryland farming in Gitak Demung Subvillage, Village of Gangga, Sub-district of North Lombok District. The research was conducted using surveys and in-depth interviews (FGD) to collect data on the cultivation practices carried out by cocoa farmers and the factors that influence their behavior (How Many Samples were taken). The survey results showed that farmers in Gitak Demung Village have a very good level of behavior, with the majority of farmers implementing good cultivation practices and in accordance with recommendations. In-depth interviews revealed that farmers' knowledge and awareness of good cultivation practices are the main factors influencing their behavior. In addition, adequate access to resources and technology also plays an important role in shaping good farmer behavior. The findings suggest that the extension and education efforts that have been undertaken by the government, agricultural institutions, and related organizations have had a positive impact in improving farmers' behavior. In conclusion, this study concludes that farmers in cocoa farming activities in Gitak Demung sub-village a very good level of behavior, and improvements in farmers' knowledge and access to agricultural resources and technology need to be considered to maintain and improve this good behavior to achieve sustainable agricultural production of cacao

DUS Characterization of Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgare L.) Genotypes for Morpho-physiological Traits under Rainfed Conditions

Background: The current investigation was carried out in the year 2021-22 at Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Budgam. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications in field and completely randomized design (CRD) in vitro conditions for evaluating different traits of genotypes. DUS characterization was conducted as per the DUS testing guidelines by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Act, Authority, Descriptors for rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) GOI, New Delhi [reproduced from Plant Variety Journal of India. Vol.1 (1), 2007]. Methods: The observations were recorded on 18 DUS characters including morphological and quality attributes and physiological characters. For all the features studied, the analysis of variance for morpho-physiological and qualitative attributes found significant differences, providing adequate chance to select the genotypes with desired qualities. DUS traits were examined in accordance with the descriptor, “state” and “code” provided for each character. Result: The observed range of variation were recorded for different traits for different genotypes. Cluster analysis for morphological, maturity, yield and quality characteristics arranged the rajmash genotypes into 11 clusters, as per Mahalanobis D2 analysis using Tocher’s method with cluster III having the maximum number of genotypes (8), followed by cluster I, II, IV and V with 6 genotypes, 2 genotypes were grouped in cluster VII and XI and the remaining clusters with 1 genotype each. Diversity analysis showed grouping of genotypes in 11 clusters, which will help in selection of genetically divergent parents for exploitation in hybridization programme and would constitute an essential gene pool for future breeding programme.

Phosphorus fertilizer input threshold shifts bacterial community structure and soil multifunctionality to maintain dryland wheat production

As an important factor affecting crop yield in agroecosystems, phosphorus (P) fertilizer addition can significantly alter the soil microbial community, functional gene composition, and multifunctionality. However, the major factors that determine wheat grain yield and the changes in wheat yield caused by the P fertilizer input threshold in dryland wheat production have not been adequately characterized. Based on a long-term field experiment (18 years) with five P addition gradients (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg P2O5 ha−1 yr−1) in the Loess Plateau of China, amplicon (16 S rRNA) and metagenomic sequencing were used to investigate the effects of long-term P fertilization on soil bacterial communities, rhizosphere microbial functions, soil multifunctionality, and wheat grain yield. Long-term P input significantly affected the compositions and functions of the soil bacterial communities. Conversely, long-term high-P treatment (P200) inhibited soil bacterial diversity and soil P cycling genes but increased carbon (C) cycling genes and soil multifunctionality. Meanwhile, there is a threshold of P fertilizer (71.6−78.1 kg ha−1 yr−1) input for wheat grain yield, beyond which the grain yield of wheat did not significantly increase. In addition, the rhizosphere selection effect significantly increased the complexity of the rhizosphere network and microbial interactions and directed the recruitment of microorganisms and genes with special functions to maintain wheat grain yield. Therefore, this study revealed that the threshold of P fertilizer input can provide a basis for reducing P fertilizer and regulating microorganisms to maintain soil multifunctionality and network complexity in the dryland agriculture system of the Loess Plateau to maintain wheat grain yield.

The Agricultural Economy of the Sanxingdui Culture (3700–3100 BP): Archaeological and Historical Evidence from the Chengdu Plain

Agriculture is a critical foundation for the development of large-scale complex and urban societies. Sanxingdui, located on the Chengdu Plain in western Sichuan and linked with the ancient Chinese Shu Kingdom, is one of the most distinctive archaeological sites in the world. However, despite its importance, the agricultural economy of the Sanxingdui culture and the Chengdu Plain remains poorly understood and heavily debated. This study synthesizes recent archaeological and historical evidence concerning the agricultural economy underpinning the increasing scale and social complexity at Sanxingdui and the greater Chengdu Plain prior to 2200 BP. Our analysis finds a mixed rice and dry-land millet farming economy, in conjunction with pig and chicken husbandry, during the Sanxingdui culture (3700–3100 BP). This integrated agricultural system likely began with the Baodun culture (4500–3700 BP), passing to the Sanxingdui culture (3700–3100 BP), Shierqiao culture (3100–2600 BP) and later, the Shu culture (2600–2300 BP). In addition, although gathering, hunting, and fishing accounted for relatively low proportions of the overall subsistence, the ancient peoples at Sanxingdui and across the Chengdu Plain continued these practices, supporting a diverse agricultural and food system. Understanding the subsistence at Sanxingdui offers key insights into the development of complex societies in southwest China, the contributions to Chinese culture, and the role of agriculture worldwide.

Development of technology and technical means of direct seeding for dryland farming conditions

Development of technology and technical means of direct seeding for dryland farming conditions

Analysis of Rainwater Availability and Water Requirements in the Amarasi District Area Kupang Regency

The hydrological conditions of the Amarasi District, Kupang Regency have 3-4 wet months and 8-9 dry months according to Oldeman’s classification. Annual rainfall in the last ten years shows the lowest rainfall was 1,461mm and the highest was 2,688mm, the average annual rainfall was 1,859mm. The Amarasi region is included in zones D and E of the Oldeman climate classification. The practice of utilizing limited water resources by planting fodder crops in the form of legumes and grasses as well as food crops in integrated dry land agriculture has been carried out by the Amarasi community. This research examines the availability and demand for domestic, agricultural and livestock water and will produce an availability index as the carrying capacity of regional water availability. The method used to calculate the availability of water originating from rain is runoff analysis based on weighted coefficients for each land use, then analyzed in a monthly series and compared with the level of water demand for each use. Domestic water needs, livestock drinking and irrigation follow SNI 19-6728.1.2002. Then the analysis results are interpreted with tables and time series graphs. The research results show the following time series of water availability: January: 44,626,635.13m3; February: 31,210,646.01m3; March : 20,050,098.53m3; April: 11,726,074.47m3; May : 3,023,180.66m3; June: 1,747,689.52m3; July : 973,284.18m3; August : 168,880.36m3; September: 1,026,614.82m3. October 2,846,522.91m3; November 10,713,903.37m3; and December: 26,871,976.23m3. The amount of water demand in the time series is as follows: January: 1,929,491.70m3; February: 1,391,817.98m3; March: 1,697,543.42m3; April: 781,567.95m3; May : 883,736.22m3; June: 755,911.95m3; July : 284,777.42m3; August : 384,569.42m3; September: 387,871.95m3. October 355,448.02m3; November 3,242,283.15m3; and December: 2,631,159.26m3. Water availability index: January: 4.32 (good), February: 4.46 (good), March: 8.47 (good), April: 6.67 (good), May: 29.23 (slight critical), June: 43.25 (mild critical), July: 29.26 (mild critical), August: 227.27 (bad/severe critical), September: 37.78 (mild critical), October 12.49 (good), November: 30.26 (mild critical) and December 9.79 (good).

EROSION HAZARD LEVEL PREDICTION IN LAKE OF SENTARUM AREA

The Sentarum Lake region, a conservation area in Kalimantan, is integral to the Kapuas River Basin, which is recognized nationally. Ensuring its sustainability demands diverse studies, including erosion risk assessment. Accurate predictions are vital due to the region's ecosystem role in West Kalimantan. Estimating erosion magnitude provides crucial data on sedimentation, which impacts the sustainability of endemic flora and fauna. This study aims to (a) pinpoint erosion factors in Lake of Sentarum, (b) assess erosion hazard levels, (c) create an erosion hazard map with ArcGIS, and (d) prescribe soil conservation measures. Methods encompassed (a) field and institutional surveys for data gathering and (b) the USLE method for erosion hazard analysis. Identifying erosion factors in the Sentarum Lake area reveals rainfall, soil type, slope, and land cover as significant influencers. Analysis indicates heavy erosion hazards for Inceptisol and Utilosol soils, except in areas with primary dryland forest or flat-sloped dryland agriculture where hazards are heavy. Peat-containing soils are especially prone to erosion. Oxisol soils on flat slopes with agricultural land cover face heavy hazards, while moderate hazards occur in dryland agriculture on steeper slopes. The region faces considerable erosion risk, particularly in specific soil and land cover conditions, emphasizing the need for targeted soil conservation measures. Thus, the Sentarum Lake area is highly susceptible to erosion, necessitating specific soil conservation measures. Structural methods like constructing bench terraces prove more effective than non-structural ones, such as tillage and contour line planting, reducing erosion hazard by approximately 96%.

Improving dryland maize productivity and water efficiency with heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria via nitrification and cytokinin activity

A two-year field experiment conducted under dryland conditions in semi-humid and drought-prone regions of China aimed to assess the effect of ammonia-oxidizing bacterial on maize water use efficiency and yield. A heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (HAOB) strain S2_8_1 was used. Six treatments were applied: (1) no irrigation + HAOB strain (DI), (2) no irrigation + blank culture medium (DM), (3) no irrigation control (DCK), (4) irrigation + HAOB (WI), (5) irrigation + blank culture medium (WM), and (6) irrigation control (WCK). Results revealed that HAOB treatment increased maize growth, yield, and water use efficiency over controls, regardless of whether the year was wet or dry. This improvement was attributed to the accelerated nitrification in the rhizosphere soil due to HAOB inoculation, which subsequently led to increased levels of leaf cytokinins. Overall, these findings suggest that HAOB inoculation holds promise as a strategy to boost water use efficiency and maize productivity in dryland agriculture.

The de‐domestication of Ornithopus sativus Brot. to develop cultivars with physical dormancy (hardseed)

AbstractOrnithopus sativus Brot. (French serradella) is a forage legume that is well adapted to acidic coarse textured soils (sands) which are characterized by poor nutrition and an inability to retain water. During the process of domestication of O. sativus, there was an unintentional loss of seed physical dormancy (PY) thus compromising its self‐regeneration after a cropping interval. Through mass screening of seed, we identified for the first time that heritable sources of PY exist in three populations of O. sativus. This rare genetic material was then incorporated into suitable genetic backgrounds of differing maturity through targeted hybridization. We demonstrated that the heritability of PY was dominant in the population of 97ZAF5sat but inconsistently recessive in the population of cv. Emena. Flowering time was variable in each source population, with a large variation in time to emergence of first flowers (95–175 days). Selection for early flowering maturity was heritable and stable. F6 generations selected for PY in different maturity classes were then evaluated in situ to establish whether PY would allow a proportion of seeds to survive in the soil through consecutive seasons exposed to a Mediterranean climate. The breeding lines FHS3, 7 and 23 remained dormant, thus viable, in the soil for up to 3 years, indicating the likelihood that O. sativus with PY could survive and persist in a ley farming system. The de‐domestication program in O. sativus has resulted in commercially successful cultivars (most recently cv. Fran2o) suited to sustainable dryland agriculture in a Mediterranean climate.

Soil Amendment Combining Bentonite and Maize Straw Improves Soil Quality Cropped to Oat in a Semi-Arid Region

Soil amendments have been proposed as an effective way to enhance soil carbon stocks on degraded soils, particularly in dryland farming areas. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in improving soil quality, and soil aggregates are known to be crucial in sequestering and protecting SOC. However, how aggregation and protection of SOC by aggregates respond to a single application of bentonite combined with maize straw remains unknown, especially in the sandy soil of a semi-arid region. A three-year field experiment with four treatments [no amendment (CK), maize straw amendment addition only (T1, 6 Mg ha−1), bentonite amendment addition only (T2, 18 Mg ha−1), and maize straw combined with bentonite amendment (T3, 6 Mg ha−1 maize straw plus 18 Mg ha−1 bentonite)] was conducted in the Loess Plateau of China to assess the effects of bentonite and maize straw on aggregation and SOC. The results indicated that soil bulk density decreased by 2.72–5.42%, and soil porosity increased by 3.38–8.77% with three years of T3 application, especially in the 20–40 cm layer, compared with CK. T3 increased the amount of C input, SOC stock, and SOC stock sequestration rate by 1.04 Mg ha−1 y−1, 0.84–1.08 Mg ha−1, and 0.49 Mg ha−1 y−1, respectively, and it increased the mass proportions and aggregate-associated C stock of >0.25 mm aggregates by 1.15–2.51- and 1.59–2.96-fold compared with CK. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of total SOC stock with the C concentration of >2 mm, 0.25–2 mm, and 0.053–0.25 mm aggregates. Aggregates of various sizes in sandy soils have the potential for greater SOC stock. Our findings suggest that the application of maize straw (6 Mg ha−1) combined with bentonite (18 Mg ha−1) would be an effective management strategy to enhance the bulk soil C pools by improving the soil structure and thereby improving soil fertility.

Energy Compensation for Crop Growth under Plastic Mulching: Theories, Models, and Limitations

Plastic film mulching (PM) is a useful agronomic means to adapt to the environmental conditions of dryland agriculture and improve crop production. To improve the theoretical framework of PM technology, this study focuses on the interaction between the soil temperature change caused by PM and crop growth. The definition, action mechanism, and simulation of the compensatory effect of PM on growing degree days are introduced to reveal the effect of soil temperature under PM on crop development and growth. Our summary shows that the strength of the warming effect changes with the growth and development of crops, strengthening during the early stage of crop growth and gradually weakening as a crop canopy develops. Generally, the warming effect has a good promotion effect on crop growth, but the crop growth is hampered even with a yield reduction when the increased soil temperature caused by PM exceeds the tolerant temperature for plant growth. Moreover, the compensatory effect of PM could be used to quantify the growth and development of crops under PM and has been widely applied to cotton, corn, winter wheat, and rice. The compensation coefficient is larger in the early stage of crop growth than in the later stage. The compensation coefficient has certain differences for the same crop because of the influence of climate factors, soil moisture content, and soil microtopography. In future research, the theoretical integration of the safety period of PM and the time threshold of the compensatory effect could be theoretically interpreted, and the construction of the compensatory effect module in the crop models will also be an important issue.

Effect of Growth Retardants on Plant Yield and Seed Quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was carried out during Kharif, 2023 at dryland farm of S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati campus of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications and two Genotypes as main factor (G1- Dharani, G2- K-6), growth retardants as sub factor (T1- Control + RDF of NPK, T2- MH @ 2000 ppm at 20 DAS, T3- MH @ 2000 ppm at 45 DAS, T4- PBZ @ 250 ppm at 20 DAS, T5- PBZ @ 250 ppm at 45 DAS , T6- ABA @ 250 ppm at 20 DAS, T7- ABA @ 250 ppm at 45 DAS, T8- ABA @ 500 ppm at 20 DAS, T9- ABA @ 500 ppm at 45 DAS, T10- CCC @ 5000 ppm at 20 DAS, T11- CCC @ 5000 ppm at 45 DAS). The current experiment was conducted with an objective to study the impact of growth retardants on reduction of plant stature thereby enhancing the reproductive and assimilates partitioning efficiency. Results revealed that application of T5- PBZ @ 250 ppm at 45 DAS recorded higher Pod yield, Kernel yield, 100 kernel weight, protein content and oil content.

Identifying high-value tactical livestock decisions on a mixed enterprise farm in a variable environment

Context Australia is renowned for its climate variation, featuring years with drought and years with floods, which result in significant production and profit variability. Accordingly, to maximise profitability, dryland farming systems need to be dynamically managed in response to unfolding weather conditions. Aims The aim of this study is to identify and quantify optimal tactical livestock management for different weather-years. Methods This study employed a whole-farm optimisation model to analyse a representative mixed enterprise farm located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Using this model, we investigated the economic significance of five key livestock management tactics. These included timing of sheep sales, pasture-area adjustments, rotational grazing, crop grazing and sheep nutrition adjustments. Key results The results showed that, on the modelled dryland mixed-enterprise farm in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, short-term adjustments to the overall farm strategy in response to unfolding weather conditions increased expected profit by approximately 16%. Each tactic boosted profit by between A$7704 and A$53,171. However, we outline several complexities that farmers must consider when implementing tactics. Conclusions The financial gains from short-term tactical management highlighted their importance and farmers’ need to develop and apply those skills. The tactical skills promote business resilience and adaptability in the face of climate uncertainties. Implications The study highlighted the economic value of dynamic livestock management in response to climate variations, offering farmers in the Great Southern region the means to underpin profitable and sustainable farm practices.

Implementation of geographic information system in relation to land cover changes in the Leuser National Park area from 1990 to 2020

In recent years, there have been pressing issues that need immediate attention regarding land cover change in Leuser National Park, particularly in BPTN Region III Stabat, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to analyze the land cover changes that have occurred between the years 1990 and 2020 in BPTN Region III Stabat, Leuser National Park, Indonesia. The methodology employed includes temporal and spatial analysis, with data processing carried out using ArcMap 10.4 software. The land cover categories considered in the analysis include primary dryland forest, secondary dryland forest, shrubland, plantation, open land, water body, dryland agriculture, and mixed dryland agriculture. The findings of this study indicate that the largest land cover area was recorded in 1990, with primary dryland forest covering approximately 192,188.92 hectares, while the smallest land cover area was open land, covering around 3.31 hectares. Over the entire period from 1990 to 2020, the largest decrease in land cover area was observed in secondary dryland forest, amounting to approximately 5,546.23 hectares, whereas the largest increase in land cover area was observed in dryland agriculture, totaling around 4,201.75 hectares.

Forage quality profiling of pre-selected alfalfa genotypes: towards genetic enhancement and adaptation for arid dryland farming

Forage quality profiling of pre-selected alfalfa genotypes: towards genetic enhancement and adaptation for arid dryland farming