Highest Values Of Plant Height Research Articles

The Positive Influence of AMF on Wheat Growth and Physiology under Drought Conditions

Drought is one of the most important environmental stresses threatening wheat yield in the world. With global climate change, it is predicted that the precipitation regime will change and dry periods will increase. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increases drought tolerance in wheat, affecting the physiological and biochemical properties of the plant and may increase yield. An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of nine different AMF, G.intraradices, Glomus aggregatum, Glomus mosseage, Glomus clarum, Glomus monosporus, Glomus deserticola, Glomus brasilianum, Glomus tunicatum, Gigaspora margarita on growth and physiology of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) subjected to different water statues. The seeds were sown in pots containing peat were placed in field. When the results of the study were evaluated, all traits were significantly affected by AMF application in dry conditions, except the leaf area. The highest values of plant height, root length, shoot and root dry weight were obtained by application of T3+AMF4. Shoot fresh weight, SPAD and relative water content reached the highest values under control conditions with the highest water (200 ml). The Fv / Fm value gave better results in pots at T4+AMF1. Root fresh weight and leaf area also increased with increasing water dose, and application of AMF to both seed and root gave the best results. The highest lipid peroxidation level in leaves was obtained from T1 + AMF4 application. In addition, it was observed that the proline and flavonoid content in both leaves and roots increased with AMF application in arid conditions.

Evaluating herbicide resistance in Rumex spp. and its management in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop grown with rice-wheat cropping system is infested with complex weed flora. Rumex spp. is the major broad-leaf weed of wheat crop wherein the poor efficacy of recommended herbicides and likelihood of herbicide resistance has been noticed. Hence, two herbicides - metsulfuron (X dose- 4g a.i/ha) and halauxifen + fluroxypyr (X dose- 240 g a.i/ha) applied at three doses (0.5X, X and 2.0X) were evaluated against four populations of Rumex spp. in a pot experiment carried out at screen house of college of Agriculture, CCS HAU, Hisar during rabi 2017-18. One unsprayed control was also kept for each population and herbicide for comparison. Results indicated that majority of the Rumex biotypes have attained resistance against metsulfuron and were not controlled even at double of the recommended dose. Higher values of plant height, chlorophyll fluorescence, fresh weight and dry weight and lower value of electrical conductivity was observed in the herbicidal treatments showing comparatively less efficacy against this weed. All Rumex biotypes were found highly sensitive to halauxifen + fluroxypyr at recommended dose and recorded 85-90% visual mortality. The application of halauxifen + fluroxypyr is the best alternative option to manage this weed in problematic areas.

Assessment of the productive traits of several Flax cultivars by effect of sowing dates

A field experiment was carried out in Zakhikha village in Heet district, Anbar governorate – Iraq during the winter season 2020-2021 in order to study the effect of sowing dates on the growth and yield of five cultivars of flax. The experiment was applied by arranging the split plots according to the randomized complete block design (RCBD) and with three replications, main plots included four sowing dates (15th October, 1st November, 15th November and 1st December), while the secondary plots were filled with (Sub-plots). Five types of flax (Sakha1, Sakha4, Sakha5, Sakha6, and local). The most important results are summarized as follows: Sakha6 was superior in most of the studied traits, with both the highest values for plant height, number of fruiting branches, number of capsules per plant, weight of 1000 seeds, and seed yield reached 109.40 cm, 21.02 branch plant -1, 62.32 capsule plant-1, 7.83 g and 2.377 ton ha-1, except for characteristic of the number of seeds per capsule in which the variety Sakha5 outperformed, recording 8.63 seeds capsule-1. The plants sown on the date 15 th November outperformed in the number of fruiting branches, the number of capsules per plant, the weight of 1000 seeds, and the grain yield reached 20.26 branches plant-1, 64.18 capsules plant -1, 7.07 g and 2.402 ton ha-1, while the plants of the first date of 15 th October outperformed with the highest in all these The average plant height trait was 131.17 cm, while the 1st December plants outperformed with the highest average number of seeds per capsule amount to 8.24 seeds per capsule-1.

Phosphorus and Biofertilizer Application Effects on Growth Parameters, Yield and Chemical Constituents of Broccoli

Broccoli is a popular vegetable throughout the world and contains important nutritional features. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect the fertilization with different phosphorus sources (i.e., soil application of rock phosphate (RP) at 428 kg ha−1, calcium superphosphate (CSP) at 670 kg ha−1, phosphoric acid (PA) at 126 L ha−1 and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) at 334 kg ha−1) combined with biofertilizers (i.e., inoculation with phosphorin or mycorrhiza) on plant growth aspects, antioxidants enzyme activity, chemical constituents, yield and quality of broccoli leaves and heads (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck). The experiment was performed according to the randomized complete block design with three replications (n = 3), for two growing seasons (2018–2019) at the experimental farm of Benha University, Egypt. The obtained results showed that the highest values of plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves/plant, head weight and diameter, and the highest yield of heads ha−1 were recorded in plants that received MAP fertilizer and were inoculated with mycorrhiza. On the other hand, the highest value of head length, total carbohydrate and total soluble solids (TSS) content were observed in plants fertilized with PA and inoculated with mycorrhiza. The highest leaf nitrogen % and head ascorbic acid content, as well as the lowest head total phenol content were recorded in plants supplemented with MAP fertilizer and inoculated with mycorrhiza. Moreover, broccoli plants fertilized with PA and inoculated with mycorrhiza showed promising results in terms of phosphorus, potassium and total carbohydrate content, antioxidant activity and dehydrogenase activity. In conclusion, phosphorus may affect plant growth, yield and chemical parameters in broccoli plants depending on the fertilizer source, while inoculation with mycorrhiza may also have a beneficial impact on these parameters.

Genetic parameters estimation for some wild wheat species and their F1 hybrids grown in different regions of Saudi Arabia

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most important crop for human nutrition that underpins the food safety of Saudi Arabia. The investigation here was to determine heterosis effects using different genetic methods: heterosis over better, mid parents, the genetic advance, and genotype, phenotypic coefficient of variation for estimation some traits among six wheat landraces and their F1 hybrids. In 2019, these landraces were sown using hand and after 100 days, the emasculation and crossing were made among these six landraces using hand emasculation of anthers. In 2020, seeds for these genotypes (six wheat landraces and their F1) were sown under normal irrigation accordingly done in 2019. The results showed that the most important parent was Mabia resulted with the highest value in number of tiller/ plant, 1,000-grain weight, and fresh shoot weight. The highest value of plant height among six parents was Naqra while highest value at the same trait among F1 hybrids was P3 XP6. The estimations of heterosis showed that out of 15 crosses, one cross (P1XP5) was significantly better yield than all crosses for these four traits. The genotype coefficient of variation (GCV) ranged from 12.5% to 8.7% while phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 17.7% to 11.3%. The correlationcoefficients was found between fresh shoot weight and number of tiller and plant height and umber of tiller. Wild wheat still serve as a source of useful germplasm with proven adaption and productivity and thus assembles of the wild wheat assortments are the initial step of breeding program.

The Application of Nitrogen Fertilization and Foliar Spraying with Calcium and Boron Affects Growth Aspects, Chemical Composition, Productivity and Fruit Quality of Strawberry Plants

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and plant components to enhance cardiac health and regulate blood sugar. This experiment investigates the effects of N fertilization and foliar spraying with calcium (Ca) and boron (B) on growth, chemical composition of plant foliage, fruit yield, and quality of strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. Fortuna). This experiment includes 12 treatments from the combination between four N fertilizers treatments (combinations of mineral and organic fertilizers) and three foliar spraying treatments with Ca+B at 2 and 4 mL/L in addition to the control treatment (spraying with tap water). Results show that the treatment where 50% of the recommended dose of N (50% RDN) was applied with mineral fertilizer + 100% organic N was the most effective one since it induced the highest values of plant height, number of crowns per plant, number of leaves per plant, fresh and dry weight per plant, especially when combined with the foliar application of Ca+B at the highest tested rate (4 mL/L). The highest values of N, P, K, Ca, B, and total carbohydrate contents were also scored for the combination of 50% RDN + 100% organic N and the foliar spraying with Ca+B at 4 mL/L in both growing seasons. In addition, the highest values of fruit yield per plant and per hectare, exportable fruit yield/ha, fruit firmness, fruit TSS, Vitamin C, total sugars, and anthocyanin, as well as the lowest values of total acidity were recorded for the combined treatment of 50% RDN + 100% organic and Ca+B at the highest rate (4 mL/L). The highest recorded value of length, diameter, and weight of fruit were scored by fertilizing strawberry plants with the recommended dose of mineral N (100% RDN) and spraying with Ca+B at the highest rate in both growing seasons. In conclusion, it could be suggested that fertilization of strawberry plants with half the recommended dose with mineral N fertilizer + 100% organic fertilizer and foliar spraying with Ca+B at 4 mL/L increases plant growth and improve yield parameters and fruit quality of the strawberry plants.

Effect of irrigation management and organic manuring on the growth and physiological attributes of direct sown rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Aggressive water stress and low productivity of rice are driving the exploration for location specific feasible agronomic management practices to increase water productivity and yield potential in rice farming. Field experiments were conducted to study the rice production using modified methods of irrigation and integrated nitrogen management, at Annamalai University Experimental Farm, Tamil Nadu, India during Kuruvai(June-October) and Navarai(Jan-April) rice growing seasons of 2016 and 2017. Two irrigation regimes viz., alternate wetting and slight soil drying (when soil moisture content reaches 75% level of the field capacity) and alternate wetting and acute soil drying (when soil moisture content reaches 50% level of the field capacity) and four nutrient management practices viz., RDF as control, 50% N through legume based green leaf manuring (GLM), 50% N through non-legume based GLM and 50% N through mixture of legume and non-legume based GLM (1: 1 ratio). The results reveled that irrigation management involving alternative wetting with acute soil drying along with 50 per cent of recommended dose of nitrogen (60 kg/ha) as mixture of legume and non-legume GLM (1: 1 ratio) and remaining 50 per cent of nitrogen as inorganic source registered the higher values of plant height of 101.76 and 97.11 cm, number of tillers/m2 of 438.10 and 384.64, DMP of 11.34 and 11.39 t/ha, root volume of 22.07 and 18.39 cc, LAI of 5.32 and 4.71 and CGR of 15.26 and 14.56 mg/m2/day during Kuruvai and Navarai seasons, respectively. Therefore, this treatment combination is used for wet spot-seeded rice cultivation in coastal regions of Tamil Nadu.

A Preliminary Study on the Response of Confectionery Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)

This preliminary study was carried out to investigate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on yield, seed characters and chlorophyll content of confectionery sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The experiment was conducted at Tavas/Denizli in the 2018 growing season. The experimental design was “Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)” with four replications. Seed coating and soil spraying of AMF applications were compared with control (non-treatment AMF). The differences among treatments were significant for plant height (cm), head diameter (cm), seed width (mm), single plant yield (g), thousand kernel weight (g), yield (kg ha-1), chlorophyll content index (CCI) and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) values. The seed coating had significant and higher values for plant height (cm), head diameter (cm), seed width (mm), single plant yield (g), thousand kernel weight (g), yield (kg ha-1), chlorophyll content index (CCI) and SPAD values, whereas hull ratio was found to be similar between AMF applications and control. It was concluded that seed coating with AMF can be profitable for confectionery sunflower producers due to increased yield and low cost. The results of this preliminary study should be supported by findings from multiple locations and years.

EFFECT OF MINERAL AND ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF SOME EGYPTIAN AND OMANI WHEAT CULTIVARS

Two field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt during two successive growing seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. The aims of the experiments were to investigate the effects of mineral and organic fertilizers (1.100% N as mineral fertilizer; 50% N + 50% compost; 50% N + 50% biochar; 50% N + 50% biogas; and 50%N + 50% poultry manure) as soil amendments on yield and grain quality of some Egyptian (Gemmiza 12 and Sakha 95) and Omani (Missani and Cooley) bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties. The treatments were arranged in a spilt-plot design with three replications, where the wheat varieties were occupied in the main plots, while the fertilization treatments were randomly distributed in the sub- plots. The results can be summarized as follows: Egyptian wheat varieties had the highest values of yield and its components and carbohydrates, while the Omani wheat varieties had the highest values of plant height, straw yield/ fed and protein percentage. Application of organic fertilizers (i.e. 50% biogas or 50% poultry manure) in a combination with 50% mineral N had positive effects on yield and quality of wheat. Significant improvements in grain yield and carbohydrate percentage were obtained from Gemmeiza 12 and Sakha 95 varieties when fertilized with 50% mineral N + 50% biogas or 50% mineral N + 50% poultry manure along with 100% mineral N, which were found to be the most optimal combined treatments for maximize wheat grain yields and under the environmental conditions of studies regions (i.e. Menoufia Governorate). While, Missani and Cooley varieties fertilized with 50% mineral N + 50% biogas or 50% mineral N + 50% poultry manure along with 100% mineral N produced the highest plants, straw yield/ fed and protein percentage.

Potato Production under Different Soilless Systems

The main aim of this research is to study the comparison between the aeroponic and substrate systems for potato production to reduce production costs and increasing the potato yield. To achieve that study, the effect of different soilless systems (aeroponic and substrate) on plant length, root length, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf length and potato yield. The obtained results refer to the highest value of plant height was 114.33 cm for aeroponic system and the highest value of number of leaves was 15.50 at aeroponic system.. The highest values of stem diameter, number of internode and number of branches were found T2 system. The highest value of leaf area and leaf length (491.26 cm2 and 32.57 cm) was found with aeroponic system (T2). The highest value of total fresh yield 2039.12 g plant-1 was observed with aeroponic system (T2), while the lowest value of total fresh yield (658.37 g plant-1) was found with substrate system (T3).

Impact of Date Residues, Humic Acid and The Level of Irrigation in Growth and Yield of Onions (Allium cepa L.)

A field experiment was carried out in Anbar Governorate, Heet city, during December 2018 to May 2019 in sandy clay loamy soil .The experiment included three factors : Date residues were added at two levels (0 and 5%) of soil weight mixed with the soil, Humic acids was added to the soil in three levels (0, 15 and 30 kg ha−1 ),The amount of irrigation 100 % and 50% of the net irrigation depth calculated from the measurements of the American type A evaporation basin were added. Study factors were distributed according to the split -split plot design within RCBD with three replications. The results showed that the study parameters had a significant effect on the values of plant height, fresh weight of leaves, number of leaves, average bulb weight and total bulbs yield. The highest values of plant height, number of tube leaves, average weight of bulb, and total bulbs yield were 78.3 cm, 25.0, 85.0 gm and 30.82 ton ha-1 respectively when adding 5% of date residues and the humic level was 15 kg ha-1 and irrigation water 100% compared to 27.1 cm and 3.0, 26.1 gm and 2.0 ton ha-1 when date residues are not added, and a humic level of 0 kg ha-1 and the amount of irrigation water 5 0%. The bilateral and triple interaction between the three factors also show a significant effect on some plant traits.

Effect of Brassinolide Levels on Some Growth of Sunflower Hellanthus annuus L.

Field experiment was carried out at Research Station, College of Agriculture, Anbar University, during 2019 spring season to study the effect of four level of brassinolide (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 mg L-1) on some Morphological characters of three sunflower varieties (Ishaqi 1, Akmar and Sakha) The results of the statistical analysis showed the significant effect of the cultivars and brassinolide concentrations on the studied characters. The sprayed plants with 1.5 mg L−1 of brassinolide recorded the highest values of plant height (197.5 cm), leaf area (6179 cm2. plant1), mean of dry weight (171.5 g plant1), Crop Growth Rate (17.709 gm. m −2. days −1) and Net Assimilation Rate (1.47 gm−2. day −1). Whereas the cultivars differed significantly in all the studied traits, as Sakha variety recorded the highest values for plant height, leaf area, mean of the dry weight to plant, Crop Growth Rate and Net Assimilation Rate, (182.2 cm, 7738 cm2.plant−1, 212.6 g. plant1, and 13.317 gm .m−2. days 1, and 1.96 gm−2.day1) respectively.

Seasonal variation in sowing and its effect on ethanol and biomass yield of sweet sorghum

ABSTRACT This paper compares and assesses various sweet sorghum genotypes in terms of their biological yield, juice yield and computed ethanol at four different sowing dates. Twenty-three genotypes and one hybrid were examined and the study reveals that RSSH-50 recorded higher values for plant height, stem girth, photosynthetically active radiation, juice yield, computed ethanol yield, fresh biomass yield and harvest index during the rainy season. In contrast, CSV-19SS showed significantly higher green cane yield and computed ethanol yield followed by RSSV-454, RSSV-446 and RSSV-545 during the summer. The variations in different seasons were due to the distinct weather and climatic conditions. Thus, crops that are sown in late rainy, timely summer and late summer take longer to attain physiological maturity and have reduced biological yield than crop sown in the timely rainy season. Among all genotypes, RSSV-260, SPV-2057, RSSV-540, CSV-19SS and hybrid RSSH-50 during the rainy season and CSV-19SS, RSSV-453 and RSSV-545 during the summer showed balanced performances in terms of ethanol and biomass yield.

Enhancing Productivity of Sweet Marjoram in Substrate Culture

Sweet Marjoram is considered as one of the important herbal plants, grown in many countries for medical and nutritional purposes and is an abundant source of valuable biologically active substances and mineral components. An experiment has been carried out on sweet marjoram at the experimental site of Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculutre and land reclamation, Egypt under a net duble span house, during seasons of 2019and 2020. The experiment was carried out to study the effect of different nutrient solution sources and verimicompost rates on production of Sweet Marjoram grown in sand culture. In this experiment, Three sources of nutrient solution were under investigation (chemical nutrient solution “CN. S.” as a control treatment, vermi-liquid “V. L.” and mixture of chemical nutrient solution andvermi-liquid (50%:50%) “CN.S.+V.L.”), also, five rates of vermicompost have been added to sand culture(zero% of vermicompost "V.C. 0%"as a control treatment, 10% Vermicompost "V.C. 10%", 20% Vermicompost "V.C. 20%", 30% Vermicompost "V.C. 30%"and 40% Vermicompost "V.C. 40%").Regarding the effect of nutrient solution source; results illustrated that chemical nutrient solution recorded the highest values for vegetative growth, yield and chemical measurments. also data clearfied that the mixture of chemical nutrient solution and vermi-liquid (50%:50%) “CN.S.+V.L.” recorded a promising results very close to the chemical nutrient solution and more healther; because the amount of chemicals used in this nutrient solution have been reduced into the half amount only comparison with chemical nutrient solution. For that, the mixture of chemical nutrient solution and vermi-liquid (50%:50%) could be considered as the most suitable nutrient solution for sweet marjoram. Concerning the effect of different vermicompost rates, results showed that adding vermicompost rate by 30% to sand culture recorded the highest values for plant height, number of branches /plant, Fresh and dry weights of the aerial parts /plant, yields of the fresh and dry herb/ m2, yield of aromatic oil/ m2 (V.C. 40% recorded higher values for yield of the aromatic oil/m2 than V.C. 30% but the difference between both of them was not significant), and N,P,K% in leaves.

Evaluation of yield, yield components and nutritive value in intercropping of Barley with Vetch

To evaluate some agronomic properties and forage characteristics in the intercropping of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and vetch (Vicia ervilia L.), an experiment was conducted during 2014-2016 cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Intercropping patterns included 80% barley+ 20% vetch, 60% barley+ 40% vetch, 40% barley + 60% vetch and 20% barley + 80% vetch along with the sole culture of both crops (100% barley and100% vetch). The result showed that the highest value of plant height, grain number, thousand-grain weight, biological yield, grain yield and harvest in barley was observed from 80% barley + 20% vetch intercropping ratio, however, for vetch, it was detected from 100% vetch. Furthermore, the highest land equivalent ratio was obtained from 80% barley+ 20% vetch. Based on the results, the highest crude protein content and dry matter digestibility were observed in sole cropped vetch, whereas the highest neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were recorded in sole cropped barley. These results suggested that intercropped barley and vetch as 80% barley + 20% vetch ameliorated the grain yield and yield components, and forage quality compared to other intercropping ratios.

Soil quality bioindicators in initial eucalyptus growth under organomineral fertilization based on sugarcane filter cake

Pelletized organomineral fertilizers (OMFs) are a promising, sustainable alternative for eucalyptus fertilization, the most widely cultivated hardwood tree globally. However, little is known about the effects of OMFs on initial plant development and soil quality. We evaluated the effects of different doses of a pelletized OMF derived from sugarcane filter cake (0%, 50%, 100%, 150%, and 200% relative to the recommended phosphorus dose for cultivation) and a mineral treatment (mineral fertilizer at the recommended dose for eucalyptus), as well as the effects of time (30, 60, 90, and 120 days after transplanting), on the morphophysiological responses of eucalyptus plants (diameter at neck height, plant height, and chlorophyll a and b content) and soil pH, microbial biomass (MBC), and microbial activity (soil basal respiration [SBR]). Increases in fertilizer dose led to increased chlorophyll a values, but values decreased under the highest doses (150% and 200%). OMF addition led to an initial increase in soil pH, followed by a reduction. The highest values of plant height, stem diameter, and fresh and dry masses of leaves, stems, and roots were observed when the OMF dose of 50% was administered. MBC values were inversely proportional to the OMF dose, and the SBR and metabolic quotient (qCO2) values observed under the 50% and 100% treatments were equal to or better than those observed under the mineral fertilizer treatment. Pelletized OMFs derived from filter cake could potentially replace mineral fertilization in the early development of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis without damaging soil quality

Utilization of Fish Farm Effluent for Irrigation Short Rotation Willow (Salix alba L.) under Lysimeter Conditions

Efficient utilization, treatment, and disposal of agricultural wastewater and sewage sludge are important environmental risks. In our research, effluent water from intensive aquaculture was evaluated for the irrigation of short rotation energy willow in a lysimeter experiment. Two different water types and their combinations were applied with weekly doses of 15, 30, and 60 mm, respectively. Our results revealed that implementing effluent water instead of fresh water could potentially increase the yield of the willow due to its higher nitrogen content (29 N mg/L). The biomass of irrigated short rotation coppice (SRC) willow plants were between 493–864 g/plant, 226–482 g/plant, and 268–553 g/plant dry weight during experiment period (2015–2017), respectively. However, due to the chemical properties (Na concentration, SAR value) of effluent water, the increase of the soil exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) was significant and it can lead to soil degradation in the long term. The current study also investigated the relationship between chemical composition of the plant tissue and the irrigation water. In the case of K-levels of willow clones, an increasing trend was observed year-by-year. In terms of N and Na content was localized in leaf parts, especially in samples irrigated with effluent. Less N and Na values were detected in the stem and in the samples irrigated with surface water. In SRC willow plants, phosphorus was mostly localized in the stem, to a lower extent in the leaf part. The difference is mostly observed in the case of the amount of irrigation water, where the P content of the examined plant parts decreased with the increase of the amount of irrigation water. In the case of phenological observations, higher values of plant height were measured during diluted and effluent irrigation. Moreover, the SPAD of the plants irrigated with effluent water exceeded the irrigated ones with surface water.

Effect of Application of Biochar, Poultry and Farmyard Manures in Combination with Synthetic Fertilizers on Soil Fertility and Cotton Productivity under Arid Environment

ABSTRACT Sustainable cotton production is under threat due to poor soil health, exhaustive nature of cotton crop in terms of depleting soil fertility and conventional farming practices. Hence, we investigated the role of soil amendments like biochar, poultry and farmyard manures with synthetic fertilizers to improve the soil mineral nutrients uptake, cotton productivity and overall reduction in nutrients losses. Two year field experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of soil amendment of biochar, poultry and farmyard manures with synthetic fertilizers in improving the soil fertility and cotton productivity under arid climate of South-Punjab, Pakistan in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Experimental findings showed that highest values of soil available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and soil organic matter (SOM) were recorded with the soil incorporation of 5 Mg ha−1 poultry manure (PM) with 80:45:30 kg ha−1 NPK which was followed by soil incorporation of 10 Mg ha−1 farmyard manure (FYM) with 80:45:30 kg ha−1 NPK and soil incorporation of 3.5 Mg ha−1 biochar (BC) with 80:45:30 kg ha−1 NPK and ultimately improved soil fertility. Similarly, highest values of plant height, leaf area index (LAI), monopodial, sympodial branches and total bolls plant−1, boll weight, seed cotton and biological yield were recorded with amendment of 5 PM Mg ha−1 with 80:45:30 kg NPK ha−1 which was followed by 10 Mg FYM ha−1 with 80:45:30 kg NPK ha−1 and soil incorporation of 3.5 Mg BC ha−1 with 80:45:30 kg NPK ha−1 and ultimately improved cotton productivity. Conclusively, soil incorporation of biochar, poultry and farmyard manures with synthetic fertilizers as integrated nutrient management strategy might be a promising adaptation strategy for improving soil mineral nutrients uptake, cotton productivity and overall reduce the nutrients losses under arid environmental conditions

Effect of trees and cattle dung input on soybean yield and nutrition in Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems

In integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLS), grazing cattle influence the distribution of nutrients in the soil. When trees are present, they may affect the cattle dung distribution, as well as the nutrient cycling and crop yield. The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the influence of the presence of cattle dung and trees on soybean nutrition and yield in ICLS during 2018–2019. Two areas were used in this study, that is, with trees (CLT, 1.1 ha) and without trees (CL, 1.2 ha). Both areas have been considered as ICLS (soy–beef cattle), since 2009. The experimental design was in a split–split–plot, the main plots followed the CL and CLT systems, the subplots were the cattle dung input (presence and absence), and the sub-subplots were three positions between two tree rows (i.e., sampling points). In the CL system the plant height (+18.1%), the number of pods per plant (+51.2%), grains per pod (+7.2%), shoot biomass (+60%) and grain yield (+52.9%) were increased compared to the CLT system. The highest values for plant height, shoot biomass, grain yield, grain weight, pods per plant, grains per pod, and phosphorus (P) concentrations in soybean, were observed in the central position among the tree rows, when comparing the positions nearest to the trees. However, in the position adjacent to the rows, an increased content of P in the soil was found and an increased content of sulfur (S) in the plant. The presence of cattle dung increased the availability of soil P (+30%) and potassium (K, + 52.3%), as also the content of P (+ 4.3%), K (+ 5.2%), and S (+ 5.1%) in plant, and the grain yield (+ 22%). The great effect on soybean yield was due the trees presence (3.6 Mg ha−1 in the CL system vs. 1.7 Mg ha−1 in the CLT). The light restriction, the competition for nutrients with trees and drought periods were factors to be considered, to explain the difference in productivity between the CL and CLT systems.

Straw Biochar-induced Modification of the Soil Physical Properties Enhances Growth, Yield and Water Productivity of Maize under Deficit Irrigation

ABSTRACT Water scarcity negatively affects maize yield, whereas biochar could enhance soil physical properties and improve the growth and water productivity (WP) of maize. Thus, field experiments were conducted with three biochar addition rates of 0 t ha−1 (B0), 25 t ha−1 (B25), and 50 t ha−1 (B50) under deficit irrigation including three levels at 60% (DI60), 80% (DI80), and 100% (DI100) of the reference evapotranspiration. The results showed that growth, yield and WP of maize were higher in high biochar-amended soil than non-biochar soil. The DI100× BC50 combination showed the highest values of plant height (157 and 151 cm) and stem diameter (4.6 and 4.2 cm) providing the highest yield (10.94 and 8.72 t ha−1) values, in 2017 and 2018. In opposition, the DI 60× BC0 combination, showed the lowest values of plant height (157 and 151 cm) and stem diameter (4.6 and 4.2 cm) providing the lowest yield (10.94 and 8.72 t ha−1) values. While the former combination increased soil water content and total soil porosity, the latter combination reduced their value due to the increment in bulk density of the soil. The DI80× BC50 had the highest WP (2.61 kg m−3 and 2.37 kg m−3) values, while DI60× BC0 achieved the lowest WP (0.78 kg m−3 0.74 kg m−3) values. The results suggest that the DI100× BC50 can guarantee improvements in plant growth contributing to the higher yield of maize. However, the DI80× BC50 performed better in terms of WP of maize, therefore that combination is recommended.