Fallow Crop Research Articles

DNA-metabarcoding of cyanobacteria and microalgae in chernozem soils of temperate continental climate of the forest-steppe zone of Eurasia under different degrees of agrotechnology intensification.

Chernozem soil is a valuable resource and contains a great diversity of microorganisms that play a global role in the process of soil formation, the species diversity of which has changed over the last five years under the influence of different agrotechnologies. For the first time, under the conditions of the Central Chernozem region, grain and fallow crop rotation, studies using the DNA-metabarcoding method were carried out to study the taxonomic structure of bacteria, fungi, cyanobacteria, and microalgae communities in the arable horizon of typical medium loamy chernozem under winter wheat cultivation. A comparative analysis of the composition of the genotypes showed significant differences in the presented level of mineral nutrition of the soil NPK (60) and NPK (100) compared with the control variant. After processing the 16S and 18S rRNA datasets, a similar trend of decreasing numbers of pro- and eukaryotic species was found from 6296 (control without MF) to 5310 with NPK (60) and to 4643 with NPK (100), respectively. The Chao1 index indicated that the expected diversity within the prokaryotic group was higher in the control without MF at 211, but decreased to 182 and 193 with NPK (60) and NPK (100) fertilizers, respectively. Analysis of the eukaryotic group revealed a 2.6- and 2.9-fold decrease in diversity by class and genus, respectively, depending on the nutritional levels in agrotechnologies, owing to the use of MF. In the prokaryotic community, Alphaproteobacteria microorganisms predominated at an amount of 14.20-14.46%, with Cyanophyceae accounting for 5.2-9.9%. The diversity of eukaryotes was smaller than the number of classes of prokaryotes; the main dominant were Zygnematophyceae 19.5-41%, Chlorophyceae occupied 10.4-15.8%. On the other hand, the doses of fertilizers used contributed to the emergence of dominant species adapted to high doses of mineral nutrients for plants.

Winter wheat yield stability as affected by fertilizer‐N, tillage, and yield environment

AbstractWith an increase in the frequency of hot‐dry‐windy weather and reported significant increase in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in‐season average temperatures, it is important to understand how soil management affects yield stability. This study quantified the combined effects of tillage and fertilizer‐N on winter wheat yield stability in a wheat–sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–fallow crop rotation. The research was conducted from 1975 to 2022 and the experimental design was a randomized complete block with a split‐split‐plot arrangement. Crop phases were the main plots, tillage (conventional tillage [CT], reduced tillage [RT], and no‐tillage [NT]) in the sub‐plot, and N application rates (0, 22, 45, and 67 kg N ha−1 or 0, 45, 90, and 134 kg N ha−1) in the sub‐sub‐plot. Results showed winter wheat yield under NT increased by 0.8 Mg ha−1, compared with about 1.1 Mg ha−1 for CT and RT, when environmental average increased by 1 Mg ha−1 for N rates ≤90 kg ha−1. Yields with CT and RT increased by 0.8 Mg ha−1, compared with about 1.1 Mg ha−1 rate for NT, when environmental average increased by 1 Mg ha−1 for N >90 kg ha−1. In 30%–52% of the time, CT wheat yield was greater than NT, but yield advantage with CT decreased as fertilizer‐N rate increases. Yield stability of winter wheat varied by tillage and fertilizer rate. We concluded that NT wheat required greater N rates to reach the same yield potential as CT and RT, and long‐term CT or RT wheat at 45 kg N ha−1 was most stable.

Promising potato hybrids in Siberia

The results of studying potato hybrids in the nurseries of preliminary and competitive variety trials are presented. The research was conducted in 2018–2022 in the Krasnoyarsk Territory in grain and fallow crop rotation. The soil of the experimental plot is represented by leached chernozem, low- and medium-moist heavy loam of granulometric composition. Experiment design, yield recording and data processing were carried out in accordance with the generally accepted recommendations for work with the crop. Based on the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient, the weather conditions of the vegetation periods of the years of research can be characterized as slightly arid. The HTC was 1.1 in 2019 and 2021, in 2020, 2022 – 1,3. According to the results of the preliminary variety trials, lines A-114, A-326, A-529, A-635a exceeded or were at the level of the standard variety Krasnoyarsky Ranniy by the number of marketable tubers and yield. During 4 years of research in the nursery of competitive varietal trial, the studied breeding lines on average formed yields at the level or higher than the standard varieties. According to the elements of the yield structure in the competitive variety trial lines A-114, A-529 significantly exceeded the standard variety in marketability, as well as had a smaller number and weight of unmarketable tubers. Based on the results of the evaluation in 2019–2021 of the chemical composition of tubers for dietary and functional food, lines with low starch content (up to 14%) are proposed: A-114 (12.2%), А-672а (9.9), А-635а (12.7%). Based on the study in 2019–2022 of the line A-114 in competitive trials, preliminary and production multiplication, ecological assessment, application materials for admission to use and protection of the new potato variety Akrux were submitted to the State Variety Commission.

Evaluation of soil moisture, irrigation parameters and post nutrient status influenced in six fallow crops with limited number of irrigations

Evaluation of soil moisture, irrigation parameters and post nutrient status influenced in six fallow crops with limited number of irrigations

Yield assessment of rice-black gram, rice-maize and rice-groundnut sequential cropping system influenced by rice establishment methods and nutrient management practices in the dry tract of the Southern zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Integrated nutrient management (INM) practices and suitable cropping systems are an effective and promising way for enhancing crop productivity. However, the impact of proper INM practices and cultivation methods in rice cropping systems in dry tracts remains unclear. The field study evaluated the suitable cropping system under different rice establishment methods with INM practices in a sequential cropping system( rice-black gram, rice-maize, and rice-groundnut). Treatments were designed as two rice establishment methods [Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and Transplanted Rice (TPR)] and five INM practices [RDF-Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (120:40:40 kg NPK ha-1) alone, RDF + Poultry manure compost @ 5 t ha-1, RDF+ Coir pith compost @ 5 t ha-1, RDF+ Green manure @ 6.25 t ha-1 and RDF-Green leaf manure @ 6.25 t ha-1]. TPR with the INM practice of RDF + poultry manure compost @ 5 t ha-1 recorded maximum productive tillers m-2 (351), number of filled grains panicle-1 (130.2), grain yield (6709 kg ha-1) and straw yield (9015 kg ha-1) of rice. Rice fallow crops (black gram, maize and groundnut) recorded 10 – 24,10-18 and 10 - 21 % higher values of yield components and yield, respectively, in DSR with INM treatment of RDF + Green manure @ 6.25 t ha-1 . Thus, RDF plus green manure or poultry manure application is an apt INM practice for a rice-based sequential cropping system under DSR, and the rice-black gram is an economical and sustainable cropping system for dry tracts of the southern zone of Tamil Nadu.

Assessment of Rice-mustard & Rice-chickpea Cropping Sequence through Conservation Agricultural Practices under Rice- Fallow Cropping System in Satna District of Madhya Pradesh, India

Rice – Fallow land due to the growing of a longer more extended duration variety of Rice by farmers affect timely sowing of rabi crop and land remains fallow due to inadequate moisture in field along with terminal heat stresses (about 14000 ha area) in district Satna (M.P.).The trial consisted of three treatments viz., T1- Rice (Variety with maturity above 125 days) in Kharif- fallow in Rabi, T2- Rice (MTU-1010)-Mustard (Pusa Mustard 28), T3- Rice (MTU-1010)-Chickpea (RVG-202). The Rice- Mustard cropping system recorded higher Rice equivalent yield over Rice-fallow by 42.12 q ha-1, system productivity 36.97 kg ha-1day-1, profitability by ₹470.94 ha-1day-1 and net return ₹ 103608 ha-1. Similarly, Rice-Chickpea cropping system gave 37.84 q ha-1 Rice equivalent yield, 35.11 kg ha-1day-1 higher productivity, ₹ 431.56 ha-1day-1 and net return ₹ 94942 ha-1 higher profit than Rice-fallow cropping system. Thus, from the present study, it can be concluded that Rice-Chickpea and Rice-Mustard cropping systems are appropriate and effective ways to use fallow land under Rice- Fallow cropping system.

Unraveling the Impact of Cumin-Centric Cropping Sequences on Cumin Yield, Economic Viability, and Dynamics of Soil Enzymatic Activities in Hot Arid Climatic Conditions

A comprehensive study spanning three kharif and rabi seasons (2018–2019, 2020–2021, and 2021–2022) was conducted to investigate the intricate interactions among different cropping sequences and their impacts on cumin yield, financial outcomes, and soil microbial dynamics. The experiment was designed using a randomized block design, comprising eight distinct treatment combinations, each replicated three times. The results revealed compelling insights into the potential of specific cropping sequences to enhance multiple aspects of agricultural sustainability. The results revealed that the highest cumin yield (averaging 592 kg ha−1 over the three years) was achieved when cumin was cultivated subsequent to pearl millet, showcasing significant increases of 14.28% and 23.07% over the cumin–fallow and cumin–cotton cropping systems, respectively. When it came to cumin equivalent yield, the cumin–cotton cropping sequence (985 kg ha−1) emerged as the most favorable, closely followed by cumin–groundnut (968 kg ha−1). Furthermore, analyzing net realizations and benefit–cost ratios demonstrated that the cumin–pearl millet cropping sequence stood out with the maximum values (₹88,235 ha−1 and 2.7, respectively), followed by the cumin–mung bean cropping system (₹84,164 ha−1 and 2.47, respectively). Among the various cropping sequences studied, cumin–mung bean, cumin–cluster bean, cumin–pearl millet and cumin–groundnut were recorded as statistically similar in terms of soil microbial enzymatic activities viz. fluorescein diacetate (FDA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and microbial biomass carbon and were at par over the cumin–sorghum, cumin–sesame, cumin–cotton and cumin–fallow cropping systems. These findings emphasize the significance of strategic crop sequencing for sustainable agriculture practices that simultaneously optimize productivity and maintain soil health.

Straw Residual Retention on Wheat Photosynthetic Characteristics, Utilization of Water and Nitrogen, and Reactive Nitrogen Losses

Straw residual retention is an emerging and promoted practice in rain-fed northwest China, but its effect on wheat photosynthetic characteristics, the utilization of water and nitrogen, and reactive nitrogen losses is poorly understood. A two-year consecutive field experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of residual incorporation into soil and nitrogen application on wheat nitrogen and water utilization, yield and nitrogen losses during 2018–2020. The split-plot design of two tillage systems [conventional tillage (CT), and straw residue incorporated into soil (SR)] and three nitrogen rates [0 kg ha−1 (N0), 144 kg ha−1 (N144), 180 kg ha−1 (N180)] was implemented. Our results demonstrated that compared to CT, SR significantly influenced several key metrics. Compared with CT, SR increased the wheat photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), leaf area index (LAI), leaf total chlorophyll (Chl-total), glutamine synthetase (GS) and nitrate reductase (NR) by an average of 5.38%, 12.75%, 8.21%, 5.79%, 16.21% and 20.08%, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, SR increased the wheat grain yield and nitrogen uptake accumulation (NUA), evapotranspiration (ET), precipitation storage efficiency (PSE), and mineral nitrogen residual after harvest (except for SR-N180 in 2019–2020), but decreased the apparent nitrogen recovery when compared with CT. However, there was an insignificant difference in the ammonia (NH3) volatilization and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions of SR and CT. With an increase in the N-fertilization rate, the Pn and Tr, NH3 volatilization, N2O emission, mineral nitrogen residual (except for SR-N180 in 2019–2020), LAI, Chl-total (except for SR-N180 and CT-N180 in 2018–2019), GS, NR, grain yield, WUE, and NUA increased significantly; however, the ET, PSE, apparent nitrogen recovery (ANR), and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) decreased significantly. Furthermore, the differences between N144 and N180 in terms of the photosynthetic characteristics of wheat, the utilization of water and nitrogen, and yield were not significant. Overall, straw retention with N144 could be recommended as a resource-saving and environment-friendly management practice in a rain-fed winter wheat–fallow cropping system in northwest China.

Fertilizer nitrogen use by cereal crops in arid conditions of Buryatia

The results of research in a long-term (1982–2021) stationary experiment to determine the coefficients of nitrogen use of mineral fertilizers by the crops of grain and fallow crop rotation in the conditions of the dry-steppe zone of Buryatia are presented. Chestnut loamy sand soil on the studied variants was characterized by very low content of humus, total nitrogen and nitrates before sowing of the crops. During the research period, the prevalence of dry years was noted. Nitrogen use coefficients of mineral fertilizers in the conditions of the dry-steppe zone of Buryatia on average for 39 years of research were 69% for wheat, 54% for oats and 90% for oats for grain haylage. The variation of the coefficients was significantly influenced by summer moistening conditions. They were 32% under extreme and severe drought, 57% under moderate and weak drought, and increased significantly (up to 124%) under favorable moisture conditions. The utilization of nitrogen of solid mineral fertilizers was maximum in the third crop (oats for grain haylage) and more responsive to the atmospheric moistening. The smallest consumption coefficients and the range of its changes were observed in oats for grain. The first crop of the rotation (fallow wheat) occupied an intermediate position in this assessment. The data on the influence of soil moisture and hydrothermal conditions of separate critical periods of vegetation on the variation of the coefficient of mineral fertilizer nitrogen utilization (N40) by wheat, oats, and oats for grain haylage were obtained. The correlation analysis showed that the most critical period for nitrogen consumption in wheat is June (r = 0.61), in oats – July (r = 0.51) and July–August for oats for grain haylage (r = 0.50–0.52). Multiple linear models of dependence of N fertilizer use coefficients on productive moisture content and hydrothermal conditions were made.

Sweet Sorghum as a Potential Fallow Crop in Sugarcane Farming for Biomethane Production in Queensland, Australia

Biogas from lignocellulosic feedstock is a promising energy source for decentralized renewable electricity, heat, and/or vehicle fuel generation. However, the selection of a suitable energy crop should be based on several factors such as biomass yields and characteristics or biogas yields and economic returns if used in biorefineries. Furthermore, the food-to-fuel conflict for the use of a specific energy crop must be mitigated through smart cropping techniques. In this study, the potential use of sweet sorghum as an energy crop grown during the fallow periods of sugarcane cultivation was evaluated. Nine sweet sorghum cultivars were grown on sandy loam soil during September 2020 in North Queensland, Australia. The overall results showed that the crop maturity had a profound influence on chemical composition and biomass yields. Further, the total insoluble and soluble sugar yields varied among the tested cultivars and were dependent on plant height and chemical composition. The biomass yields ranged from 46.9 to 82.3 tonnes/hectare (t/ha) in terms of the wet weight (w/w) of the tested cultivars, with the SE-81 cultivar registering the highest biomass yield per hectare. The gross energy production was determined based on the chemical composition and methane yields. Biochemical methane potential (BMP) studies in batch experiments at 37 °C showed that methane yields of 175 to 227.91 NmL CH4/gVSadded were obtained from the tested cultivars. The maximum methane yield of 227.91 NmL CH4/gVSadded was obtained for cultivar SE-35. However, SE-81 produced the highest methane yields on a per hectare basis (3059.18 Nm3 CH4/ha). This is equivalent to a gross energy value of 761.74 MWh/year or compressed biomethane (BioCNG) as a vehicle fuel sufficient for 95 passenger cars travelling at 10,000 km per annum. Overall, this study demonstrated that sweet sorghum is a potential energy crop for biogas production that could be cultivated during the fallow period of sugarcane cultivation in Queensland.

The Impact of Perennial Covers on Soil Microbiome and Nutrient Dynamic

Our study discusses the impact of different cropping practices on soil health indicator and crop yield. The combination of no fertilization and perennialization enhanced soil health indicators and crop yield compared to conventional tillage annual crop fallow. The results showed that excessive nitrogen fertilization increases soil bulk density, while perennialization with no fertilizer added improves it. Higher carbon content was recorded under corn cultivation, but higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio was shown in perennial covers. The study highlights the benefits of adopting perennial crops without fertilization for soil health and suggests improved management practices for sustainable agriculture. Our finding is particularly significant as it suggests an alternative approach to farming that improve soil health while reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizer. It provides valuable insights for farmers, policymakers, and researches enabling them to make informed decisions and implement practices that support both productivity and environmental stewardship, Overall, it underscores the importance of responsible fertilizer use and improved management practices for maintaining soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture system.

Effects of long-term organic and inorganic fertilization on greenhouse gas emissions and soil nutrient stoichiometry in a rice–rice–fallow cropping system

Long-term use of organic and inorganic fertilizers can have a negative impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nutrient stoichiometry in paddy soil. However, production of sufficient crops to meet food and feed demands globally requires the use of fertilizer in crop production. In the present study, we assessed the environmental impacts of five fertilizer treatments in a rice–rice–fallow cropping system: no fertilizer (CK); inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers (NPK); manure (M); inorganic phosphorus and potassium fertilizers with manure (PKM); and inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers with manure (NPKM). Soil parameters were analyzed to examine the relationships between GHG emissions, net ecosystem carbon budgets (NECBs), and soil nutrient stoichiometric ratios. Both the PKM and NPKM treatments increased grain yield and the soil carbon–nitrogen (C:N), carbon–phosphorus (C:P), and nitrogen–phosphorus (N:P) ratios compared to the CK treatment; they also decreased the nitrogen–potassium (N:K) ratio. In the combined fertilization treatments, the fallow season accounted for 9–13% of annual methane (CH4) emissions, whereas early rice accounted for 55–62 % and late rice contributed 38–45 %. Compared to the CK, PKM and NPKM fertilization increased the annual nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions by 52–73 % and 103–115 %, respectively, in both the rice and fallow seasons. In early rice, the C:P ratio and GHG intensity (GHGI) were negatively correlated with CH4 and N2O emissions, whereas both yield and CH4 emissions had strong positive associations with global warming potential (GWP). In the late rice season, GHGI was negatively correlated with carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4 emissions, and N2O had strong positive associations with GWP. CO2 and N2O emission levels were greater from late rice than from early rice, although CH4 emissions from early rice contributed more to the annual GWP, resulting in higher carbon equivalent emissions but a lower carbon efficiency ratio in early rice output. A Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) optimization analysis suggested that PKM was the best fertilization method to improve yield while minimizing negative environmental impacts, followed in descending order by the NPKM, NPK, and M treatments.

Fertilizer efficiency on wheat crops in the northwestern zone of the Kurgan region

The results of long-term (1968-2021) experiment on the use of fertilizers for the 10th and 11th rotations of grain and fallow crop rotation in the experimental field of the Kurgan region are presented. Crop rotation included fallow and three crops of wheat. Fertilizer efficiency varied depending on the combination of the nutrients, the place of wheat in the rotation, and the moisture conditions of the growing season. Moderate effect of phosphorus fertilizer and high effect of nitrogen fertilizer on heavy loamy leached chernozem of the experimental field in these rotations was observed on the crops distant from the fallow. The combination of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers gave a higher yield increase. Nitrogen fertilizer also had a positive effect on the quality of wheat, increasing the gluten content and the thousand-kernel weight. With the increase of gluten accumulation in wheat grain against the background of nitrogen fertilizer, the repeatability of wheat quality compliance with the requirements for the 3rd class of grain increased. The effect of fertilizers and the duration of their application on the agrochemical properties of soil became visible. The content of mobile nutrients, humus, total nitrogen and phosphorus increased more noticeably with the use of fertilizers, but the рНsan value decreased. High economic efficiency related to nitrogen fertilizer applied on the second and third wheat after fallow with a payback of 1 kg of nitrogen 12-19 kg of grain. The effect of phosphorus fertilizer was moderate, since the content of mobile Р2О5 in the topsoil remained high. The use of ammophos had a stronger effect on the yield of wheat when the plants were well supplied with nitrogen in the first fallow crops.

Evaluation of Growth and Yield Parameters of Six Different Rice Fallow Crops under Zero-Till System with Limited Irrigation

A field experiment was conducted in sandy loam soils to study the Growth and Yield parameters of six different crops with limited number of irrigations under a zero-till system in rice fallows during rabi, 2021-22 at Agricultural College Farm, Naira. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design, replicated thrice with three irrigation levels viz., two irrigations (I1), three irrigations (I2) and four irrigations (I3) assigned to main plots and six fallow crops viz., Maize (C1), Sorghum (C2), Finger millet (C3), Mustard (C4), Sunhemp (C5) and Blackgram (C6) assigned to sub plots. With regard to number of irrigations, dry matter production at harvest, seed yield, Blackgram equivalent yield, stover yield, were recorded progressively higher with four irrigations (I3) and were decreased gradually and significantly with a reduction in number of irrigations to two (I1). Pertaining to six fallow crops, the dry matter production, seed yield, and stover yield recorded, was significantly superior and highest in Maize (C1) while recorded lowest in Mustard (C4). With regard to the interaction effect with number of irrigations and six fallow crops was significant and statistically measurable. The highest dry matter production, seed yield, and stover/haulm yield was recorded in Maize (C1) with four irrigations (I3) and these parameters were found to be lowest in Mustard (C4) with two irrigations (I1).

Evaluating adoption of climate smart agricultural practices among farmers in the Fujian Province, China.

This study examined the adaptation level of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices among the farmers and the factors influencing the adoption of CSA practices in the Fujian Province, China. In this study, questionnaire survey data was analyzed, and 600 respondents were randomly selected as sample through randomly sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, adoption level index (ALI), and binary logit model were used for data analyses. These results indicated a moderate adoption level of CSA practices in the Fujian Province. Use of improved varieties, conservation tillage, fallow cropping, new technology, and intercropping were prevalent CSA practices among the farmers in the study area. In addition, farmers were not very interested in using herbicides on their farmlands, and only 20% of the respondents used herbicides in the Fujian Province. Except for Nindge village in the Fujian Province, all other studied villages have adapted to using organic fertilizer (around 50% of total respondents). However, more than 60% of respondents have claimed they still use chemical weed/insect/disease control in their farmlands. Age and working experience of farmers were the most influencing factors affecting the increase in the adoption of CSA practices among the farmers, and to the results of the binary logit model, education was not significant. Landholding, loan access, and access to agricultural extensions and organizations considerably impacted the adoption level of CSA practices among the farmers in the Fujian Province. Finally, this study will be helpful to decision-makers to make appropriate decisions to minimize the impact of climate change on agriculture and improve the standard of human life and food security.

Effect of the most severe summer-autumn droughts on the yield of winter wheat on different precursors in the arid conditions of the Eastern Caucasus

Relevance. To study regularities of severe droughts influence and to develop measures on decreasing their negative consequences on crop capacity are important tasks of arable farming. Methods. A long-term experiment was laid in the Prikumskaya experimental station in 1969. The research was conducted in the 6-field grain and fallow crop rotation in the years with HC 0,12–0,30 in July – October. The aim of the research was to study the effect of the most severe droughts of the summer-autumn period on the moisture supply, growth, development and yield of winter wheat on background of bare fallow and semi-fallow in the arid zone of Stavropol Territory. Results. The reserves of productive moisture in the 1 m layer of soil in autumn for sowing on background of bare fallow in 4, semi-fallow – in 5 out of 7 years were below the norm, and in 3 years on non-fallow predecessor were completely absent. This leads to a significant or complete delay of seedlings, weak plant development, thinning and formation of a reduced number of productive stems for harvesting, and this indicator of the structure largely determines the value of the crop. By spring, the moisture content on background of fallow in 3 (43%) and semi-fallow in 4 years (57%) was lower than the average annual value. Of the 7 years in 3 severe summer-autumn droughts were combined with varying degrees of aridity in the spring-summer period. Yields of winter wheat averaged 3.71 t/ha on background of bare fallow and 1.85 t/ha on semi-fallow but in some years ranged from 2.74 to 5.68 and from 1.06 to 2.79 t/ha, or by 2.1–2.6 times, respectively. The size of a yield on background of fallow is by 2 times higher, than that on non-fallow; that testifies to expediency of application of fallow and of its stabilizing role in droughty conditions.

Crop agro-technologies adaptation in organic farming

The materials of long-term field experiments carried out in the forest-steppe of the Ob region of the Novosibirsk region and in the northern forest-steppe of the Kuznetsk basin of the Kemerovo region in various types of crop rotations on leached chernozems were analyzed to assess the possibility of developing organic farming. The most stable crop rotation in relation to weeds is a grain-fallow crop rotation with winter rye, where the coefficient of crop rotation productivity decrease with an increase in infestation by 1 unit of specific weed biomass was 0.205.The number of interstim pests per plant was less on wheat crops placed on vetch-oats, winter rye and rapeseed than on fallow and spring grain predecessors. The most productive crop rotations without the use of fertilizers and pesticides were grain fallow crop rotations with winter rye (2.46 t/ha) and legumes (2.44 t/ha). It has been established that organic farming can only be carried out under conditions of crop diversification (increase in biodiversity within crops of winter rye, cabbage, leguminous grasses and grain legumes), a decrease in the intensity of mechanical impact on the soil, the introduction of organic fertilizers and plant residues of crops, sideration.

Influence of cultivation technology on the yield of winter wheat

A comprehensive study has been carried out on the influence of technological methods of growing winter wheat on the process of formation of the above-ground mass of plants in the conditions of the forest-steppe of Ukraine. Crop rotation was carried out with two predecessors: black fallow and spring barley at a seeding rate of 3 and 5 million viable seeds/hectare. Evaluation of the intensity of plant development in the initial period of vegetation (measurement of absolutely dry weight of 100 plants 15 and 30 days after the emergence of full seedlings) was recorded in winter wheat plants in black fallow crops. The largest above-ground mass of the plant was formed 30 days after the emergence of full seedlings. A direct correlation was established between the amount of productive moisture in the soil layer of 0-25 cm and the period of emergence of winter wheat seedlings. The highest level of winter wheat yield was obtained for black fallow 3.46 t/ hectare when sown in the second decade of October.

Forage sorghum grown in a conventional wheat–grain sorghum–fallow rotation increased cropping system productivity and profitability

Intensifying winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum)–grain sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–fallow (W–GS–FL) crop rotation with annual forages can increase productivity and resource use efficiency. The objective of this research was to quantify the impact of increasing crop intensity by growing forages in a traditional W–GS–FL rotation on cropping system productivity, water use, precipitation use efficiency, and net income. The study was conducted at the Southwest Research-Extension Center near Garden City, Kansas, from 2013 through 2020. Winter wheat (W), grain sorghum (GS), forage sorghum (FS), and forage oats (FO, Avena sativa L.) were used to generate six crop rotation treatments. These rotation treatments interspersed with fallow periods (FL) were W–GS–FL, W–FS–FL, W/FS–GS–FO, W/FS–FS–FO, W/FS–GS–FL, and W/FS–FS–FL. A W/FS indicates winter wheat double crop FS planted in the same year. The yield of FS was 45%–56% more with W/FS–FS–FO and W/FS–FS–FL compared with W–FS–FL. Available soil water at GS planting was 23%–30% less, and GS yield was 52%–60% smaller with W/FS–GS–FL compared to W–GS–FL. Water productivity and pre-season soil water storage were greatest with W/FS–FS–FL and W/FS–FS–FO. Inclusion of W/FS increased cost of production compared with W–GS(FS)–FL rotations. Gross return was greatest with W/FS–FS–FO and W/FS–FS–FL. The W/FS–FS–FO increased cropping intensity, productivity, resource use, and gross margin relative to other rotations in the semi-arid Great Plains. Producers should consider double-cropping of FS after wheat harvest, followed by a second year of FS in dryland cropping systems if there is sufficient forage demand.

Farmers’ Rice Yield in Fallow - T. Aman Rice - Fallow Cropping Pattern Due to Variability in Genotype And Management

Farmers’ existing rice production practices provide key indications of interventions for improving yield in their environments. This study aimed to explore those indications in the Fallow - T. Aman rice - Fallow cropping pattern (CP) under rainfed farming practiced by the farmers in Kapasia, Gazipur. Research method employed one-to-one and face-to face interview of 154 farmers practicing the CP. The average yield of T. Aman was estimated as 3.23 t ha-1, slightly below the national average yield of 3.93 t ha-1, in the range of 1.18 to 5.65 t ha-1. Variety was one of the two broad factors that determined the yield variation. The high yeld potential (HYP) category absolutely preferred the production aim, where Swarna-Ranjit (31.2% by farmer) and BRRI dhan49 (24.7% by farmer) were the dominated varieties where average yields were very close (3.51 and 3.36 t ha-1) for Swarna-Ranjit and BRRI dhan49, respectively). Management was the second factor determining the yield variation within varieties. While both the varieties received similar maximum yield (5.65 t ha-1), Swarna-Ranjit produced the minimum yield of 1.40 t ha-1 and BRRI dhan49 of 1.98 t ha-1. This study did not find a consistent pattern of response of the three measured management components - transplanting time, seedling age and seedling density to yield in either variety. The yield variance of BRRI dhan49 under three management components was higher compared to Swarna-Ranjit. Farmers practiced relatively a wide range of three management combinations to achieve high yield in Swarna-Ranjit, but a narrow range of the three management combinations for BRRI dhan49 to achieve the same level of yield. It is concluded that the variety-specific agronomic management to be the avenue for yield improvements in farmers’ fields. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(1): 23-36