Highest Dry Matter Yield Research Articles

Productivity and water use in forage-winter wheat cropping systems across variable precipitation gradients on the Loess Plateau of China

Fallow-winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (F-W) is the major cropping system for wheat production on the Loess Plateau of China. Integrating forage crops into the summer fallow season could improve crop yield, water productivity, and rainwater use efficiency, but this process is limited by the inter- and intra- annual variable precipitation. A 3-year (2016–2019) field experiment was conducted on the Loess Plateau to investigate the effects of fallow-winter wheat, oat (Avena sativa)-winter wheat (O-W), soybean (Glycine max)-winter wheat (S-W), and vetch (Vicia sativa)-winter wheat (V-W) systems on dry matter yield, water use, water productivity, and precipitation use efficiency under three interannual rainfall scenarios: a 30% decrease in rainfall (R-30%), normal rainfall (CK), and a 30% increase in rainfall (R+30%) by a rainfall-collection-redistribution device. In 2017–2018, under the CK scenario, the F-W, O-W, S-W, and V-W system wheat yields were 3.39, 3.63, 4.30, and 3.24 t ha−1, respectively, and the system yield values were 11.28, 16.72, 16.40, and 14.27 t ha−1, respectively. Compared to the CK scenario, the F-W, O-W, S-W, and V-W system yields increased by 22.9%, 34.5%, 20.4%, and 33.8% in 2016–2017 under the R+ 30% scenario, but the system water productivity decreased by 19.9%, 41.8%, 19.6%, and 32.4% in 2017–2018 under the R-30% scenario. Compared to those of the F-W system, the O-W, S-W, and V-W system yields significantly increased by 48.2%, 45.4%, and 26.5%, respectively, and the system water productivity increased by 51.5%, 47.3%, and 25.17%, respectively, in 2017–2018 under the CK scenario. The system precipitation use efficiency also increased by 29.3%, 42.9%, and 28.9% in 2018–2019 under the R+ 30% scenario. Across the three growing seasons, the F-W system had the highest wheat yield in the dry growing season. The S-W system had the highest dry matter yield, water productivity, and precipitation use efficiency in the normal and wet growing seasons. Therefore, we recommend the F-W system for local farmers when considering saving more soil water and maintaining wheat yield in the dry growing season. In normal and wet growing seasons, we recommend the S-W system for local farmers considering that the system increases productivity and improves environmental sustainability.

Potassium Bioavailability in a Tropical Kaolinitic Soil

Some plant species are able to acquire non-exchangeable forms of K, which improve K availability and cycling in cropping systems, and which may explain the lack of response to K. However, this would not be expected in soils dominated by kaolinite. The aim of this study was to assess non-exchangeable K (Kne) use by three selected plant species grown in a tropical Haplic Plinthosol with low exchangeable K (Ke). A greenhouse experiment was conducted with soybean (Glycine max L., Merr.), maize (Zea mays L.), and ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis) with or without K fertilization for three growing cycles. The crop treatments were compared with a control without plants. In the absence of K fertilization, all the tested plants were able to use non-exchangeable K and non-exchangeable K contributed more than 80% of the K demand of the plants in the first growing cycle, even in this kaolinitic soil. In the first growing cycle, soybean and maize took up more non-exchangeable K than ruzigrass, concomitant with higher dry matter yields. Over the three crop cycles, as both biomass yield and K uptake decreased in the unfertilized systems, the dependence of plants on non-exchangeable K decreased. Unfertilized ruzigrass showed a strong ability to acquire non-exchangeable K from the soil. Over the course of three growing cycles, K application decreased the absolute uptake of non-exchangeable K as well as its fractional contribution to total K uptake by the crops.

Effects of plant spacing and fertilizer level on forage yield and chemical composition of hybrid <i>Urochloa</i> cv. Mulato II grass during the first 150 days of growth under irrigation supplementation, in Chagni Ranch, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and N fertilizer application on dry matter yield and chemical composition of Urochloa hybrid cv. Mulato II grass for the first 150 days after planting. A factorial experiment with 3 urea fertilizer levels (0, 50 and 100 kg/ha) and 4 spacings between plants and rows (20 × 20, 30 × 40, 40 × 60 and 50 × 80 cm) with 3 replications was used. Data collected were dry matter yield (DMY), leaf:stem ratio and chemical analyses, i.e. crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentrations. Results indicated that DMY, leaf:stem ratio, CP%, NDF% and ADF% were significantly (P<0.05) affected by interactions between plant spacing and fertilizer level. However, ash and ADL were significantly (P<0.05) affected only by main effects. The highest DMYs (9.18 t/ha and 8.93 t/ha) were recorded for narrowest plant spacing (20 × 20 cm) with higher urea fertilizer level (100 kg/ha) and narrowest plant spacing (20 × 20 cm) with medium urea fertilizer level (50 kg/ha), respectively. CP% ranged from 14.6 to 20% and leaf:stem ratio from 1.12 to 1.82:1. Similar studies need to be conducted over longer periods to determine to what extent these findings relate to performance over the life of a permanent pasture.

Dry Matter Yield and Nutrient Uptakes of Arabica Coffee Seedlings as Influenced by Lime and Coffee Husk Compost Amendments at Western Ethiopia

Nursery experiment was conducted at Haru Agricultural Research Sub Center (HARSC) of Jimma Agricultural Research Center, Western Ethiopia, to investigate dry matter yield and its nutrient uptake of Arabica coffee seedlings under different lime and coffee husk compost rates and establish optimum combination of theseagricul tural inputs that produce seedlings with better dry matter yield for field planting. The experiment was laid out in a factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included four levels of lime (0, 1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 t ha-1) and coffee husk compost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1). Nutrient uptake and dry matter yield data of coffee seedlings were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS package and treatment means were compared at 0.05 probability using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results revealed that lime and coffee husk compost rates significantly (P< 0.01) affected NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedlings. The highest NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedling were obtained from the application of 15 t.ha-1 coffee husk compost and combined lime and coffee husk compost at the modest levels of 3.2 t.ha-1 lime and 10 t.ha-1 coffee husk compost with a nonsignificant variation. From the study, it can be concluded that application of 15 t.ha-1 coffeehusk compost or combining 10 t.ha-1 of coffee husk compost and 3.2 t.ha-1 of agricultural lime could be a promising alternative amendment for acid soil management and production of vigorous coffee seedlings with high nutrient uptake and high dry matter yield in HARSC areas.

Agronomic characterization of sunflower cultivars for animal feeding in tropical conditions

This study was developed to examine morpho-agronomic traits of 18 sunflower cultivars and identify superior cultivars in terms of grain yield, forage quality, or both, for animal feeding. Twenty-two morpho-agronomic traits related to plant development and architecture; earliness of maturity; grain yield (achenes); dry matter yield; and dry matter content were evaluated. Cultivars Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Embrapa 122, BRS 321, and Hélio 360 showed inflorescence at the final stage. Aguará 4 showed the lowest flowering rate, characterizing it as late-maturing. For grain yield, cultivars Charrua, Olisun 3, BRS 321, Paraíso 103CL, Paraíso 65, Aguará 6, and CF 101 are recommended, as they showed the highest achene yields (average: 1,541.67 to 2,148.81 kg.ha−1, respectively). Cultivars Charrua, Hélio 251, Olisun 3, Hélio 360, Paraíso 55, and Paraíso 103CL exhibited higher dry matter yields (9,550.93 to 11,789.91 kg ha−1) and were thus indicated for forage production. Cultivars Charrua, Olisun 3, BRS 321, Paraíso 103CL, Paraíso 65, Aguará 6, and CF 101 are recommended for grain yield, for the diet of monogastric animals; Charrua, Hélio 251, Olisun 3, Hélio 360, Paraíso 55, and Paraíso 103CL for forage yield, for ruminant feeding; and Charrua, Olisun 3, and Paraíso 103CL for both purposes.

Pre-Extension Demonstration of Improved Fodder oat Varieties in Selected Districts of Western Oromia, Ethiopia

The pre-extension demonstration of fodder oat technology with its full agronomic practices was done to demonstrate and popularize the newly released oat variety and thereby create awareness for farmers and agricultural extension agents. Two improved fodder oat varieties (Bate and Bonsa) were demonstrated on purposely selected AGP II districts namely; Boneya Boshe, Wayu Tuqa, Guto Gida, Diga, and Horro districts of East and Horro Guduru Wollega zones, respectively. One peasant association (PA) was selected purposely from each district based on forage production potential and compatibility with AGP II criteria. The experiment was demonstrated on a simple plot with a size of 10 x 10 m. Forage dry matter and grain yield data, and farmer perceptions and preferences were collected and analyzed by simple descriptive statistics and pair-wise ranking technique. The varieties showed remarkable variation in their dry matter and grain yield potential across the testing areas. The average dry matter yield performance of the Bate (4.67 t/ha) variety obtained from the farmer's field was relatively higher than Bonsa (4.19 t/ha) variety used as a standard check. Similarly, the average grain yield performance recorded for Bate (31.24 qt ha -1 ) variety was also higher as compared to Bonsa (25.02 qt ha -1 ) variety. Based on the procedure of variety evaluation and selection criteria, farmers set their criteria to evaluate, rank, and select the best variety following the real situation existing. Thus, against each of the criteria and weight attached, Bate variety was selected and ranked first for its high dry matter and grain yield, tolerance to disease and lodging, and leafiness as compared to Bonsa variety. Therefore; it is important to scale up this variety on a larger scale to improve the availability of quality feed and boost the production and productivity of livestock in the area. Keywords : Bate, demonstration, Farmers’ preference, fodder oat, herbage dry matter DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-18-03 Publication date: September 30 th 2021

Crop productivity and chemical compositions of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) essential oil under different cropping patterns and fertilization

Dracocephalum moldavica L. is an annual species of the Lamiacea family whose essential oil and extracts are widely used in the medicinal, food, cosmetic, and health industries. To evaluate the quantity and quality of dragonhead production under different cropping patterns and fertilization, a 2-year factorial field experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was arranged as sole cropping (SC) and intercropping of dragonhead: fenugreek (IC; 1:1), and the second factor was represented by no fertilizer (control), chemical fertilizer (CF), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM), and CF + AM. The results showed that the highest dry matter yield (DMY) of both plants was recorded in SC and the application of CF and CF + AM. Both treatments increased the DMY of dragonhead and fenugreek by 54.3 and 43.7 %, respectively, compared to control. The highest essential oil content (EO) of dragonhead was obtained in IC under CF and AM, and the highest EO yields of dragonhead and fenugreek were obtained under CF + AM treatment. Geranyl acetate (30.4–43.2 %), geraniol (15.37–29.69 %), geranial (12.83–23.29 %), and neral (8.68–17.33 %) were the main EO constituents of dragonhead. The highest content of geranyl acetate was obtained in intercropping under CF, geranial and neral in SC under CF, and geraniol in SC without fertilization. Overall, the findings of the present study indicated that dragonhead intercropped with fenugreek under AM and CF application could improve the quality and quantity of dragonhead EO and can be suggested as special treatments in production systems of pharmaceutical and industrial crops.

Chemical composition of cover crops and soil organic matter pools in no‐tillage systems in the Cerrado

AbstractIn no‐tillage systems (NTS), cover crops are recommended to increase the productivity of agricultural systems. Furthermore, a greater diversity of cover crops in NTS favours an increase in soil carbon (C) stocks. However, there are scarce published data on the relationship between the chemical composition of cover crops and the accumulation of labile and stable fractions of SOM. We evaluated the relationship between the chemical composition of cover crops and SOM fractions, C stocks and maize yield. Hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin contents were determined for Urochloa ruziziensis, Canavalia brasiliensis, Cajanus cajan and Sorghum bicolor, cultivated in the off‐season of maize. Canavalia brasiliensis had high N (20.96 g kg−1) and hemicellulose (185.67 g kg−1) contents, lower lignin content (39.50 g kg−1) and high dry matter yield (3,251 kg ha−1). All these characteristics resulted in a better SOM quality. Urochloa ruziziensis, with higher hemicellulose and lower lignin contents, and low lignin/N ratio, was associated with accumulation of TOC (19.95 and 18.33 g kg−1 in 0‐ to 10‐cm and 10‐ to 20‐cm layers, respectively) and mineral‐associated organic C (on average, 16.68 g kg−1) in the soil. Cover plants with N:lignin ratio lower than 2.0 are fundamental for soil C sequestration. In conclusion, it is recommended the adoption of Urochloa ruziziensis and Canavalia brasiliensis as cover plants improve maize production, soil organic matter quality and C sequestration in the Cerrado region.

Increase in phosphorus concentration reduces the toxicity of copper in wheat roots (Triticum aestivum L.)

The increase in the availability of phosphorus (P) can reduce the toxicity of copper (Cu) to plants because it favors the formation of complexes and precipitates, reducing the bioavailability of this metal. The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of P supplementation to decrease the phytotoxicity of excess Cu in the growth and in physiological parameters of wheat plants. Plants of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were cultivated on sand substrate and, for 30 days, submitted to the control treatments - Hoagland & Arnon solution 100% (H&A); H&A + 47 mg P L−1 (H&A + P); H&A + 28 Cu mg L−1 (H&A + Cu); H&A + 47 mg P L−1 + 28 mg Cu L−1 (H&A + P + Cu). Plant growth, tissue nutrient concentration, photosynthetic pigment concentration, chlorophyll a fluorescence and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in the leaves were evaluated. We observed that the treatments H&A + P and H&A + Cu provided higher height, while H&A + P + Cu provided higher dry matter yield of shoots and roots in plants. A higher Cu content in the leaves was observed in the plants cultivated with addition of 28 mg Cu L−1, however the application of Cu did not cause loss of photochemical energy and energy dissipation in the PSII antenna complex. The addition of 47 mg P L−1 provided a higher rate of electron transport in wheat plants. Therefore, wheat plants were tolerant to increasing the concentration of Cu in the culture medium and the addition of P attenuated the toxic effects caused by Cu, mainly in the roots of plants.

Evaluation of the Sulphur-Supplying Ability of Soils to Support Plant Growth and Assessment of Relative Crop Response to Sulphur Application through Neubauer Technique

Sulphur plays a vital role in the nutrition of oilseeds and pulses. Along with nitrogen and phosphorus, it plays an important role in the formation of proteins and is involved in the metabolic and enzymatic processes of all living cells. Several biological techniques have been studied in order to assess sulphur deficiency or sufficiency in different groups of sulphur fertilizer for achieving the optimum yield of crops of which Neubauer technique is generally considered as one such tool that can be used for piloting the sulphur supplying capacity of the soils to supplement its requirement for the establishment of the plant. Surface (0-15 cm) soil samples from typical rice and pulse growing fields spread over the dominant soil groups of West Bengal which belong under 16 identified soil series were collected for this study. In order to assess sulphur availability in soils Neubauer technique was employed. Under sulphur treatment, the lowest dry matter yield and uptake by shoot was recorded in Bankul soil. Among the soils, the lowest root dry matter yield at control treatment was recorded in patapahari soil and the highest was in Hijalgara soil. A similar trend was also observed in case of S uptake by the shoot. While highest dry matter yield and maximum sulphur uptake by shoot was registered in Sukhnibasa and kusmi soil respectively. Likewise for N, P and K elements, the Neubauer technique may be used as one of the biological techniques for evaluating S response to crops as well as S supplying capacity of the soil to support plant growth.

Foliar and Fertigation Application of NPK Fertilizers Impact on Growth, Seed Yield and Yield Components of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an annual oil crop that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The experimental studies were conducted at two different research stations in the Kurdistan Regional of Iraq to determine various liquid NPK application methods on the growth, yield, and yield components of three safflower varieties. The experimental design was a complete block design under split-plot system with three replications. NPK application methods (Foliar, Fertigation, Foliar + Fertigation) and no fertilizer application are the main plots. While three safflower varieties (Iden, AL-Shamia, and Zaafarani) as sub-plots. Foliar NPK application had the highest dry matter yield and seed yield of 29.544ton ha-1 and 7.185ton ha-1, respectively, at the average of both locations. Zaafarani safflower variety recorded the maximum dry matter yield and seed yield of 22.204ton ha-1 and 4.794ton ha-1, respectively, at the average of both locations. However, the statistical analysis for both locations' average shows non-significant differences between Iden and Zaafarani varieties have the highest performance for seed yield under foliar NPK application. Based on the average effectiveness of the different methods of applying NPK and safflower varieties on most components of growth, yield, and yield components, the order was as follows: Foliar > Foliar + Fertigation > Fertigation > Control. While for safflower varieties, it was as follows: Zaafarani > Iden > AL-Shamia. The results indicated that the number of capitula plant-1 is an essential character in safflower's seed yield.

Evaluation of Desho (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin) grasses for dry matter yield and nutritive quality for the mid Rift Valley of Oromia at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center

Study was conducted at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center for two years of 2018 and 2019 cropping season to identify adaptable, high quality and high biomass yielder Desho grass varieties. Four desho grass varieties and Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Current result indicated the agronomic performance of leaf length, number of tiller per plant, leaf to stem ratio, plant cover and vigor were not shown significance difference (P>0.05). While plant height (cm) and total dry matter yield (t/ha) were shown significance difference (P<0.05). The highest dry matter yield were produced from KK1-DZF # 591 (15.12 tha-1) and KK2-DZF # 589 (14.04 tha-1) varieties and 0.79 and 0.78 leaf to stem ratio, respectively. DM% content had strong positively correlation with leaf to stem ratio(r= 0.85; P <0.01), plant height(r=0.61; p<0.05). TDMY strongly correlated with PH(r=0.88; p<0.01) and LSR strongly correlated with number of tiller per plant(r=0.89; p<0.01). Based on the result, KK1-DZF # 591 (15.12tha-1) and KK2-DZF # 589 (14.04 tha-1) were well adapted from the varieties evaluated. Therefore, selected varieties should be further evaluated under irrigation condition and demonstrated at around Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center and similar agroecologies.

Substitution of Fishmeal with Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens Linnaeus, 1758 Larvae in Finfish Aquaculture – A Review

The reliance of aquaculture feed industry on fishmeal has been challenged by ecological, economic, and ethical limitations leading fish nutritionists to look for viable alternatives, and conventional animal-based protein sources showed varying degrees of success in this regard. However, a non-conventional protein source, black soldier fly Hermetia illucens Linnaeus, 1758 larvae (BSFL), received due attention as a focal point in fish nutrition research. Though many studies were conducted on H. illucens as a potential protein source for fish, a comprehensive review is not available. Therefore, this article aims to review the existing literature on the use of BSFL as a fishmeal replacer in aquaculture. The nutrient composition of BSFL varied with the developmental stage and the composition of growing medium. High crude protein levels (40.4–56.2 %) and high crude fat levels (4.8–24.8 %) made BSFL suitable for high protein and high energy diet. Early prepupa was the best stage for harvesting, considering its high crude protein content and dry matter yield and less chitin content. Up to 100 % inclusion levels of BSFL meal were tested in a wide range of fish species. Most studies revealed that up to 50 % of fishmeal replacement would be possible without negative effects on the fish. Notable adverse effects were found beyond 50 % of fishmeal replacement, mainly due to high chitin levels in the pupal stage and high crude fat levels. Harvesting BSFL before the pupal stage and defattening made it possible to replace 100 % of fishmeal without adverse effects on fish.

Evaluation of cactus pear clones subjected to salt stress

Cactus pear is an important source of fodder for herbivores, though its production is affected by soil salinity. This work aimed to evaluate the development of cactus pear clones subjected to salt stress as a measure of their salinity tolerance. The experimental design was a randomized block with 6 replications. Twenty genotypes of cactus pear were used from the Active Germplasm Bank, with variability in resistance to carmine cochineal [Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell)] as this insect species destroys many stands of cactus on farms. One cladode was planted per pot containing 12 kg of sandy soil. Water with a salinity of 3.6 dS/m was applied at 14-day intervals. The clones were scored at 28-day intervals for degree of damage to cladodes (1‒5) and were harvested when they reached a score of 5, showing 100% damage (chlorosis and dehydration) to the whole plant. The Liso Forrageiro clone took 419 days to reach Score 5, indicating its greater tolerance to salinity. Highest dry matter yields were achieved by Orelha de Elefante Mexicana and Orelha de Elefante Africana clones with 51.5 and 50.8 g/plant, respectively, while Liso Forrageiro yielded only 36.1 g/plant, despite having similar surface area and weight of roots to these 2 clones. Further studies in the field involving these better-performing clones seem warranted to determine how the pot trial results are repeated in the field, especially in areas where carmine cochineal insect is prevalent.

The effect of single-nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of bovinealpha-lactalbumin(LALBA) gene onLALBAexpression in milk cells and milk traits of cows

Polymorphisms of milk protein genes have been proposed as candidate markers for dairy production traits in cattle. In the present study, a polymorphism was detected in the 5'-flanking (promoter) region of the bovine alpha-lactalbumin (LALBA) gene, a T/C transition located at nucleotide -1,001 relative to the transcription start site g.-1001T > C (NC_037332.1:g.31183170T > C), which is recognizable with PstI restriction endonuclease. In silico analyses showed that this mutation created novel retinoid X receptor alpha and vitamin D receptor transcription factor binding sites. Real-time PCR found that cows with different genetic variants of the promoter demonstrated different levels of expression of LALBA mRNA in milk somatic cells (MSCs). The TT genotype cows demonstrated low expression, whereas those with CT demonstrated much higher expression (P < 0.05). ELISA analysis found milk LALBA protein levels also differed between the TT and CT cows (P < 0.05) and that these levels were not correlated with the mRNA abundance in MSC. Association analysis found that the g.-1001T > C polymorphism in the promoter region of the LALBA gene influenced milk production traits in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. High daily milk yield and dry matter yield, and high lactose yield and concentration were associated with the TT genotype. The TT genotype cows also had a lower number of somatic cells in the milk, considered as an indicator of udder health status. Therefore, the TT genotype could be more desirable from the breeder's perspective.

Soil Amendments and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Influenced the Growth and Heavy Metal Accumulation of Colosphospermum Mopane (Kirk Ex Benth.) In Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil

ABSTRACT The potential of Colosphospermum mopane for phytoremediation of heavy metal (HM) contaminated soil was evaluated. C. mopane seedlings were planted on soils from the vicinity of Cu-Ni mine as affected by different soil amendments (Compost and fly ash-FA) and mycorrhizal inoculation in terms of growth and HM accumulation through a 2-factorial pot experiment. The survival and dry matter yield of C. mopane seedlings was enhanced by FA and compost as well as mycorrhiza. Soils with compost had high survival and dry matter yield and were enhanced by mycorrhiza. FA also enhanced the survival and dry matter yield but at lower magnitude. Except for Mn, FA and compost reduced the concentration of Cu, Ni, Pb, As, and Zn in shoots and roots of the C. mopane seedlings. Mycorrhiza reduced the Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn concentrations in shoots but not with As. FA and compost modified the soil pH, EC, and the total and available contents of heavy metals in soil thus the difference in growth and uptake of HMs. Overall, results showed that FA or compost together with mycorrhiza can enhance the survival and growth of C. mopane seedlings in HM contaminated soils by reducing its availability and uptake by plants.

P-legacy effect of soluble fertilizer added with limestone and phosphate rock on grassland soil in subtropical climate region

P-fertilization can be applied to cropped soil through two main ways, namely: by using soluble phosphates to increase P pools, rapid release and uptake by plants or by using less soluble rock phosphate powder to trigger synchronization between P solubilization and its uptake by plants. The aims of the current study were to evaluate whether there is no dissolution of P-bearing minerals in the long-term when phosphate rock is used, as well as to analyze its response associated with P-legacy and plant dry-matter production in comparison to that of fertilization based on soluble phosphate added with limestone. A 20-year-old field experiment is in progress at Pampa grassland, Southern Brazil. Two rates of phosphate rock and triple superphosphate plus limestone (118 and 250 kg ha−1 of P), as well as a P-free control, were tested. The P-legacy effect of fertilizers were analyzed by phosphorus lability and apatite minerals recalcitrance. Additionally, a historic data set of dry matter production was considered to access phosphorus use efficiency. The use of soluble P source and limestone (triple superphosphate at rate of 250 kg ha−1 of P add with limestone at rate of 3.2 Mg ha−1) resulted in greater nutrient use efficiency (42 kg kg−1 - five times greater than that of phosphate rock) and in higher dry matter yield (22 %). In addition, the use of phosphate rock (at rate of 250 kg ha-1 of P) has led to higher total P and moderate-lability P levels in the soil due to low apatite dissolution (even under favorable soil thermodynamics conditions). P-apatite minerals were found in sand and silt soil fractions subjected to phosphate rock treatment, which presented up to 6-year P dissolution and promoted low P bioavailability. Agronomic use of soluble phosphate added with limestone is the most suitable technique used to increase grassland yield and P-use efficiency.

Prospects for the introduction of Symphytum asperuminto the Far North of the Russian Federation

Background.The choice of crops with greater adaptability to the environments of the Northern Region and higher yield of dry matter per hectare, rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, sugars, carotene, and trace elements, would solve the problem of providing livestock with highquality feeds.Materials and methods.The object of the study was rough comfrey (Symphytum asperumLepech.). The research was carried out in the experimental field of the N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research in Kotlas from 2006 to 2019 using generally accepted techniques. The soils were sod-podzolic loams. Planting of S. asperumwas carried out with cuttings (4–5 pieces per 1 m2) in May 2006. The record plot area was 5 m2, the number of replications was three, and the arrangement of variants was regular.The nutritional value of the introduced plant was compared with that of red clover (cv. ‘Prior’) in the biochemical laboratory in a NIR SCANNER 4250 infrared analyzer, calculated for 1 kg of dry matter.Results.Successful introduction of rough comfrey (S. asperum) into the subarctic zone of the European North of Russia from its natural gene pool was assessed on the basis of a study of economically useful traits with the purpose of its possible utilization in agricultural production. This species was seen to pass through the entire cycle of ontogenesis, which is the evidence of a high degree of adaptation to the conditions of the region. The introduced species is characterized by high winter hardiness, good aftermath yield, early-spring regrowth, stable productivity, resistance to diseases and pests, and high nutritional value of the feed.

Accumulation of total nutrients, dry matter and phytochrome content in Boesenbergia stenophylla R.M Smith as affected by different light conditions

A study was conducted to determine the best agronomic practices for the cultivation of jerangau merah as a new medicinal crop. Jerangau merah is scientifically known as Boesenbergia stenophylla is a ginger plants that is highly endemic to the Borneo Highland. This understorey herb grows in cluster and under the heavy shades of forest canopies and perceived only the sunflecks that pass through the forest canopies. Jerangau Merah has been consumed by the locals for its medicinal values since decades ago. Generally, B. stenophylla is well known for its function as antidote for alcohol. Moreover, the B. stenophylla is also beneficial for rheumatic pains, remedies for stomach ache and toothache and as antiseptic wash as well. This herb is not propagate by the locals due to its sensitivity to sunlight and lack of agronomic information for B. stenophylla. Harvesting it from their natural habitat, however, seen the decline it its population size hence cultivation is essential. This paper aimed to determine the total nutrients, dry matter yield and phytochrome content of Bosenbergia stenophylla R.M. Smith under different light regimes. A study for determining suitable planting media for B. stenophylla was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The treatments are: i) (M1) with the ratio of 3:2:1 top soil: sand: organic matter, media ii) (M2) consists of soil mixture 3:2:1 placed in water-logged polyethylene bags and media iii) (M3) contained only leaf litters. The results showed that the herbs showed significantly higher number of shoots and leaves in the common soil mixture. But, better root development in media containing leaf litters. The study proceeded with field experiment at Ba’Kelalan to determine the effect of different shade levels and fertilizing regimes on growth. B. stenophylla was cultivated under two different levels of shade cloths: 70% and 90% level of shade and different fertilizing regimes (T1 as control, no fertilizer applied to the plants; T2, chicken dung; T3, NPKMg and T4, mixed of chicken dung and NPKMg). The study for determining the effects of different shade level and fertilizing regimes on seedling’s growth which conducted at Ba’Kelalan in factorial randomized completely blocked design (RCBD). The data collected for 9 weeks of planting which include nutrient content in soil, leaf, PAR and phytochrome content and growth parameters. Regarding the nutrient uptake, the results showed no interactions between fertilizing regimes and shade levels. There were no significant different in nutrient elements except for magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is essential for the formation of chlorophyll which ensure efficiency of photosynthesis when under higher light intensity. Among all the fertilizer treatment, it was showed that chicken dung amendment has higher nutrient uptake. Thus, it is recommended chicken dung should be added into the NPKMg for better nutrient uptake. Further study on suitable fertilizer rates apply to B. stenophylla should be taken into consideration. Moreover, plants cultivated under 70% have been higher and have higher dry matter yield than those plants cultivated under 90%. The result also revealed that there was significant different in chlorophyll content of B. stenophylla cultivated under 70% which treated either with chicken dung and NPKMG respectively. However, plants under 90% have higher chlorophyll content than those under 70%. Based on the results, plants under 70% shade was taller than those under 90% and there were significant difference in height among treatments under 70%. It was observed plant treated with NPKMg was taller. This study showed that shade and fertilizers significantly affected the dry matter yield of B. stenophylla. Moreover, adding NPKMg to the treatments yields more dry matter content of jerangau merah. As for phytochrome content, there was no significant effect of fertilizer on phytochrome content. However, there was significant difference among the shade levels. 90% shade showed higher phytochrome content than those under 70%. In overall, both shade and fertilizer is important in cultivation of Jerangau Merah. 70% shade was observed to have significant effects on growth of jerangau merah and also more economical compared to 90%. Moreover, combination of organic matter and NPKMg also promote the growth of jerangau merah enhance the nutrient uptake efficiency of jerangau merah. However, further investigation of suitable fertilizer and application rate are required to determine suitable fertilizer for jerangau merah and application rate for optimum growth of jerangau merah.

Effects of continous cropping and NPK fertilizer on growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) grown on soils from different management systems

Studies were conducted to investigate the effect of continuous cropping and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) grown on soils from different management systems. The investigations were carried out in two parts. The first dealt with the effect of continuous cropping while the other focused on the effect of NPK fertilizer on cowpea. Representative soil samples were obtained at 0-15 cm depth from land which had been continuously cropped, under forest tree fallow, and secondary bush fallow. These were bulked, processed, and analyzed. Six (6) kg of each type of soil were weighed into 25 x 22 cm polybag of 500 gauge. The continuous cropping experiment involved three cropping cycles of 35days each of cowpea on the same soils from 3 cropping systems. In the second experiment, a 2 x 3 factorial involving 2 levels of fertilizers (0, 40 kg NPK/ha) and 3 sources of soil were carried out to test their effects on cowpea. The growth parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves/plant and number of branches/plant. Number of nodules/plant, number of pods/plant, dry matter and grain yield were also estimated. Successive cropping of soils significantly reduced cowpea growth. Cowpea plants grown on soils from continuously cropped land had the least growth performance. Number of nodules/plant increased with successive cropping. Higher dry matter yield was obtained from the continuously cropped land. A significant (r = +0.55) positive correlation was found between soil P and dry matter yield of cowpea. NPK fertilization had only significant effect on plant height at 10 WAP but not on other growth parameters measured. The highest grain yield was obtained from unfertilized secondary bush fallow soil. Sources of soil (soil management system) had significant effect on some of the agronomic characters of cowpea.