Increase Grain Research Articles

The organization of the territory of agricultural land use in the South of Russia on an environmental-landscape basis (using the example of an agricultural enterprise)

The key position of grain farming and livestock in the South of Russia in the economic sphere is due to the fact that it can be the main factor in ensuring food security and the main condition for the sustainable development of agriculture and the agro-industrial sector as a means of using soil, climatic, orographic and conditions of the land use effectively. These factors make it possible to consider an increase in grain and livestock production for the market a strategic task for the region, and first of all, as an indicator of the most efficient use of the natural resource potential of the territory. An analytical study is conducted on the database management of two multi-parameter systems, the environment and the crop and livestock production state on the basis of reports and statistical materials. The analysis of the current industries state is aimed at identifying decision-making methods for managing agricultural land productivity based on agro-ecological and landscape zoning of the territory of an agribusiness. Currently, there are conditions when it is necessary to switch to a new scientifically based model of the spatial business organization. This will allow implementing the strategy of environmentally adaptive intensification of crop and livestock production. This approach is based on the identification of seven agro-ecological groups of lands and the placement of field, forage and soil-protection crop rotations on them, taking into account the proposed model of the soil-protective complex, reducing the manifestation of water and wind erosion. Such an approach in the use of the territory of an agribusiness will correspond to the grain and livestock specialization of the third agricultural zone of the Stavropol region.

Simultaneous improvement of piezoelectric and magnetic properties in diamagnetic ion modified BiFeO3 film

Multiferroic BiFeO3 (BFO) and Bi0.97Y0.03Fe0.95Sc0.05O3 (BYFSO) films were fabricated on FTO coated glass substrate using sol-gel spin-coating technique. Y–Sc co-doping induces the structural distortion without changing the crystal structure (rhombohedral: R3c) of BFO. The electrical and magnetic properties of co-doped film may tuned due to increase in grain and particles size. The high dielectric constant (εr=290) and low loss (tanδ=0.084) indicates the improved insulating properties in BYFSO film. Increase in oxygen vacancy concentration in BYFSO film is explained with leakage current density, which follows Ohmic-SCLC conduction mechanism. Switching of 1800 domains into non-1800 (maximum 710 and 1090 type) ensures improved ferrolectric and piezoelectric properties in BYFSO film. The magnetic properties enhance significantly with saturation magnetization (Ms), remanent magnetization (Mr) are 9.45 emu/cm3, 6.154 emu/cm3 respectively at coercive (Hc) field of 0.822 kOe. Room temperature multiferroic BYFSO film with improved insulating and magnetic properties may be useful for non-volatile RRAM memory application.

Rice straw biochar improves soil fertility, growth, and yield of rice–wheat system on a sandy loam soil

AbstractBiochar has received attention due to its potential for mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration in soil and improving soil quality and crop productivity. This study evaluated the effects of rice straw biochar (RSB) and rice husk ash (RHA) each applied at 5 Mg ha−1and four N levels (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1) on soil fertility, growth, and yield of rice and wheat for three consecutive rice–wheat rotations. RSB significantly increased electrical conductivity, dehydrogenase activity, and P and K contents when compared to control (no amendment) up to 7.5 cm soil depth. Both RSB and RHA did not influence shoot N concentration in wheat plant but significantly increased P and K concentrations at 60 days after sowing. Grain yields of both rice and wheat were significantly higher in RSB as compared to control (no amendment) and RHA treatments. While the highest grain yields of rice and wheat were observed at 120 kg N ha−1in RHA and no biochar-treated plots, a significant increase in grain yields was observed at 80 kg N ha−1in RSB treatment, thereby saving 40 kg N ha−1in each crop. Both agronomic and recovery N efficiencies in rice and wheat were significantly higher in RSB-amended soil compared to control. Significant positive correlations were observed between soil N, P, and K concentrations and total N, P, and K concentrations in aboveground biomass of wheat at 60 days after sowing. This study showed the potential benefits of applying RSB for improving soil fertility and yields of rice and wheat in a rice–wheat system.

Effect of the sintering technique on the ferroelectric and d33 piezoelectric coefficients of Bi0.5(Na0.84K0.16)0.5TiO3 ceramic

In the search of lead-free piezoelectric materials, ceramic processing techniques offer potential tools to increase the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties in addition to new chemical compositions. Powders of pure BNKT16 (Bi0.5(Na0.84K0.16)0.5TiO3) phase were synthesized by sol-gel method with a low crystallization temperature (750 °C). Ceramic samples were sintered by pressureless sintering (PLS), sinter-forging (SF), and spark plasma sintering (SPS) techniques. Structural, morphological, and chemical characterizations were performed by XRD, Raman, EDS, and SEM. Sintered samples by PLS and SF exhibit rod-like grains associated to bismuth volatility. The highest remanent polarization (11.05 μC/cm2), coercive field (26.2 kV/mm), and piezoelectric coefficient (165 pC/N) were obtained for SF sample. The piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) analysis shows that the crystallites at the nanoscale exhibit piezoelectric phenomenon and the highest piezoelectric response is reported for PLS sample. The presence of the rhombohedral phase, the increase in grain and crystallite size, and the oriented rod-like inclusions favoring the crystallographic texture are facts that enhance the piezoelectric coefficient for BNKT16 piezoceramics.

MyPlate Food Group Consumption Predicts Metabolic Parameters Involved in Chronic Disease (P08-021-19)

ObjectivesUSDA established MyPlate as a guide to establish healthier eating choices. We investigated the influence of USDA MyPlate food group consumption on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) parameters in Weber State students. We hypothesize that variation in the consumption amount and the percentage of daily calorie goals for each of the five food groups (grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, and empty calories) will significantly modulate MetS in the study participants. MethodsetS parameters were measured in 236 Weber State University student participants, ages 18–59 years.Two-day diet records for each participant were collected and analyzed using Diet and Wellness Plus. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was conducted to determine the influences of food groups on the MetS parameters. ResultsAccording to the MLR analysis conducted using MetS and food groups as predictors; we found that for an ounce increase in grain, SBP increased by 0.67239 mm/Hg (P = .001). DBP decreased by 0.87999 mm/Hg (P = .001448) per cup increase of dairy. Similarly, a one cup increase of fruit was associated with a Glucose increase of 0.96578 mg/dL (P = .029). For each percentage increase of empty calorie percentage, HDL-C increased by 0.018054 mg/dL (P = .001)and LDL-C increased by 0.014072 mg/dL (P = .005). ConclusionsSpecific food groups accounted for some of the variability of multiple parameters. Among the food groups studied; Grain consumption was the best predictor for systolic blood pressure. Dairy was the most influential for diastolic blood pressure. Glucose was influenced by fruit amount consumption. Empty calorie consumption was the most important predictor of HDL-C and LDL-C. Finally, details on specific food components within the food groups may help to enhance the models to predict these metabolic parameters. Funding SourcesWeber State University, Office of Undergraduate Research.

The mechanism of starch content increase in grain of autotetraploid rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Net photosynthetic rate (PN), photorespiration (PR), chlorophyll (Chl) content, Chl fluorescence parameters, starch accumulation, and related key enzyme activities were determined during the grain-filling stage in two autotetraploid lines and corresponding diploid rice lines. The results showed that autotetraploid rice lines had a higher Chl content, PN, electron transport rate, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, actual photochemical efficiency of PSII, and lower PR in leaves than that in corresponding diploid rice lines during the grain-filling stage. It indicated that autotetraploid rice line had a high photosynthetic capacity and high light-utilization efficiency. The activities of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, soluble starch synthase, and starch-branching enzyme in grains of autotetraploid rice lines were higher than those in grains of corresponding diploid rice lines during the grain-filling stage. Therefore, autotetraploid rice lines were more efficient than corresponding diploid rice lines in converting photosynthetic products into starch.

Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Grain Protein of Corn as Affected by Applying Different N Levels

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is one of the most important physiological traits related to low N tolerance. The present investigation was carried out during 2016 and 2017 seasons at the Agricultural Research and Experiment Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. The objectives were to study the effect of low N level on NUE, yield and grain composition as well as to determine the relationship between physiological traits (N accumulated in grain, Ng; NUE and grain produced per unit of grain N, Gw/Ng) and grain yield/plant (Gw). Two single cross hybrids were evaluated under three N levels, namely low N level (216kg N/ha), control (288kg N/ha) and high N level (360kg N/ha). Therefore, the amounts of applied nitrogen in the soil were 3.75, 5.0 and 6.25g/plant under low N, medium N (control) and high N, respectively. A split-plot design in a randomized complete block arrangement was used with four replications. The percent change relative to control showed that high N level caused a significant increase in grain yield/plant, grain yield/ha, kernels/row, ear length, N% in grain, Ng and grain protein % by 13.8, 14.53, 9.12, 6.99, 8.25, 22.85 and 7.2%, respectively. On the other hand, low N level caused a significant increase in NUE by 27.53% and Gw/Ng by 3.70%. Results of the simple regression analyses revealed that the superior traits in their contributions to Gw were NUE where R2 values were 0.99, 0.98 and 0.96 along with Ng where R2 values were 0.95, 0.66 and 0.94 under low N, medium N and high N, respectively.

A mutation in Waxy gene affects amylose content, starch granules and kernel characteristics of barley (Hordeum vulgare)

AbstractWaxy barley referred to as low‐amylose or amylose‐free has special advantages in nutrition composition and food processing. Waxy gene encoding granule–bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) is responsible for amylose synthesis in barley. The G3935‐to‐T in Waxy gene has been previously found in amylose–free barley. In this study, G3935‐to‐T was proved to co‐segregate with the waxy phenotype of barley, but has no obvious effect on GBSSI catalytic activity and starch chain length distribution. However, recombinant inbred lines with G3935‐to‐T in Waxy gene are of significant modification in starch granules morphology and pasting properties, increase of grain β‐glucan content, and decrease of thousand kernel weight along with lower kernel width. A polymerase chain reaction with confronting two–pair primers marker was developed for economic and efficient screening of G3935‐to‐T. This study provides the basis for cultivar improvement of waxy barley then fully developing its potential value and utility in food processing.

Maximizing pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) productivity and profitability using site specific nutrient management strategy

Field experiment was conducted during kharif 2014 and 2015 at farmers’ field at Panwari village of Agra district (Uttar Pradesh) to study the effect of site specific nutrient management (SSNM) on productivity, profitability and uptake of nutrients by pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) R.Br.]. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments and three replications. Results, pooled over two years, indicated that the SSNM led to significant increase in grain and stover yield of pearl millet as compared to the state recommended NPK fertilizers and farmers’ practice. SSNM increased the grain yield of pearl millet by 30.6 and 42.2% over state recommended NPK fertilizers and farmer practice, respectively. The maximum net profits of Rupees 45209/ha with a B:C ratio of 2.71 was obtained from pearl millet under SSNM. The minimum net profits (Rupees 29818/ha) and B:C ratio (2.53) were recorded under farmer practice. Omission of P, K, S and Zn nutrients caused grain yield reductions by 22.4% , 24.0% , 7.4% and 7.0% over SSNM, respectively. The uptake of N, P, K, S and Zn by pearl millet grain and stover in SSNM was higher than that of the farmer’s practice. The protein content and protein yield also improved with various treatments over farmers’ practice and the maximum values for both were recorded under SSNM. The fertility status of soil increased with various treatments and the maximum values of organic carbon (4.0 g/kg), available N (204.5 kg/ha), P (16 kg/ha), K (144 kg/ha), S (22.4 kg/ha) and Zn (0.61 mg/kg) were recorded with 120 kg N+60 kg P2O5 + 90 kg K2O+ 20 kg S + 4 kg Zn/ha over other treatments. Omission of S and Zn caused a reduction in available S and Zn status over their initial values.

Effect of zinc and zinc solubilizing bacteria on the yield and nutrient uptake by maize in calcareous soil

Investigations were conducted for assessing the impact of different sources and levels of zinc and zinc solubilizing bacteria on the yield and nutrient uptake by maize in calcareous soil. The study was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on TNAU maize hybrid CO 6. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) with three factors replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of two sources of Zn [ZnS4Oand Zn3 (PO4)2] with three levels (0, 5, 7.5 kg Zn/ha) with and without zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB). ZnSO4 application performed better than Zn3(PO4)2 in improving the grain and stover yield. Among the levels of Zn, 7.5 kg Zn/ha registered significantly highest grain and stover yield. When compared to the treatments without ZSB inoculation, 4.2 per cent increase in mean grain and stover yield was registered with ZSB inoculation. With respect to uptake of nutrients, ZSB showed a significant increase in the grain, stover and total uptake of P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu. In addition sources of Zn also significantly increased the P uptake in grain and stover and Zn3 (PO4)2 registered higher P uptake than ZnSO. Sources and levels of Zn had no effect on the uptake of K, Fe, Mn and Cu whereas Zn uptake increased with increase in the levels of Zn and the highest uptake of Zn by maize was observed when Zn was applied at 7.5 kg/ha as ZnSO4.

ТЕРМОЦИКЛИЧЕСКАЯ ОБРАБОТКА (ТЦО) МЕТАЛЛОВ – ПУТЬ К ПОЛУЧЕНИЕЮ ОПТИМАЛЬНЫХ СТРУКТУРЫ И СВОЙСТВ

The aim of this work is to study the basic principles of thermal cyclic processing (TCТ) of metals to obtain structures that determine the optimal complex of mechanical properties. The basic provisions of metal heating centers using periodically repeated heating and cooling cycles are given. The TCТ method, as a heat treatment method, is based on constant accumulation from cycle to cycle of positive changes in the structure of metals. Studies have shown that with rapid heating, the growth of austenitic grain occurs slowly and, therefore, heating to high temperatures (up to 10000C) does not lead to an intensive increase in grain. It has been established that grain size increases at a variable heating temperature 3 times slower than under isothermal conditions at the corresponding temperature. Provided that the growth rate of the new phase (austenite) is small and the nucleation rate of grains is significant, it turns out that by the end of the a®g transformation, a fine-grained structure is retained. Further heating or holding at a constant temperature leads to a rapid coarsening of austenite grains. If cooling (for example, in air) of rapidly heated steel is performed 10–150C higher than the temperature of the Ас1 point, then fine perlite grain is formed due to reverse recrystallization. With one thermal cycle, ferrite in subeutectoid steels almost does not undergo changes. But if several such heating and cooling are performed, then the entire ferrite-pearlite structure undergoes a change. It has been established that the higher the heating rate during heating and heating and the less overheating above Ас1, the finer the grain in carbon structural steel. However, this increases the need to increase the number of heat treatment cycles. The mechanism of structure formation explaining these phenomena and practical recommendations on the implementation of the process of the technical and economic process are presented. This approach makes it possible to form the optimal metal structure. At the same time, opportunities can be significantly expanded in terms of obtaining materials with desired properties and improving on this basis machines, structures, individual units and parts. All this puts TCТ in the category of promising areas in metalworking.

Effects of Reciprocal Recurrent Selection on Grain Yield in Two Tropical-Temperate Maize Synthetic Populations Tuxpeño-Reid and Suwan-Lancaster

Reid, Lancaster, Tuxpeno and Suwan are the most common maize (Zea mays L.) germplasms. Reid × Lancaster and Suwan × Tuxpeno are very important heterotic patterns in temperate areas and tropical areas, respectively. Broadening the genetic basis of maize has usually been conducted in inter-populations formed by crossing temperate and tropical germplasms. Reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) is a breeding procedure to improve the inter-populational cross of two base populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of reciprocal recurrent selection on grain yield in the TR (Tuxpeno-Reid) and SL (Suwan-Lancaster) maize populations. The populations and the inter-populational crosses of each selection cycle, as well as two commercial hybrids, were evaluated in four environments. The effect of mean grain yield on TR × SL inter-population crosses was 4.63% (or 0.365 Mg·ha-1) cycle-1. The grain yield of SL increased by 2.78% (or 0.20 Mg·ha-1) cycle-1, but the grain yield of TR essentially did not change. Most changes in other agronomic traits occurred in the desired direction. After 3 selection cycles, the ear tip-barrenness length decreased in TR × SL, TR and SL by 39.70%, 37.50% and 24.57%, respectively, which indicates that the increase in grain yield may be largely due to a decreasing ear tip-barrenness length. The mid-parent heterosis of grain yield of the inter-populational cross increased from 15.49% to 25.96% from C0 to C3. The mean grain yields of TRC3 × SLC3 were 100.01% and 103.88% of the mean grain yields of the commercial single-crosses GD8 and QD16, respectively. The results suggest that Tuxpeno-Reid × Suwan-Lancaster may be possible new heterotic patterns in the southern region of China.

Divergent changes in cropping patterns and their effects on grain production under different agro-ecosystems over high latitudes in China

Drastic rice paddy expansion and rapid upland crop loss have occurred over high latitudes in China, which would affect national food security. Different agro-ecosystems (i.e., state farms guided by the central government for agriculture and private farms guided by individual farmers for agriculture) could lead to different agricultural land use patterns; but this topic has not been investigated, which has limited our understanding of the dynamics of cropping patterns (i.e., rice paddies and upland crops) under different agro-ecosystems and their effect on total grain production. Thus, this study examined these issues over high latitudes in China. The results showed that: the developed methodology for determining cropping patterns presented high accuracy (over 90%). Based on the cropping pattern data, first, a satellite evidence of substantial increase in rice paddies with the loss of upland crops was found, and the large-scale conversion from upland crops to rice paddies has become the principal land use changes during the period of 2000–2015. Second, the new phenomenon was observed with rice paddies in state farms expanding at faster rates (at proportions of 12.98%–70.11%) than those in private farms (4.86%–30.48%). Third, the conversion of upland crops into rice paddies contributed 10.69% of the net increase in grain, which played a significant role in ensuring food security. The study provided new evidence of different changes in cropping patterns under different agro-ecosystems, thereby affecting rice cropping pattern and total grain production. This information is important for understanding and guiding the response to food sustainability and environmental issues.

Залежність якості зерна пшениці озимої від погодних умов та систем удобрення у Південному Степу України

У статті відображено результати досліджень, отримані у тривалому польовому стаціонарному досліді упродовж 46 років. Метою досліджень було визначення якості зерна пшениці озимої за різних погодних умов та систем удобрення у Південному Степу України. Дослідження виконували у тривалому польовому стаціонарному досліді відділу агрохімії та родючості ґрунтів Одеської державної сільськогосподарської дослідної станції НААН на чорноземі південному малогумусному важкосуглинковому на лесовій породі, закладеному у 1971 р. Аналіз результатів тривалого польового стаціонарного досліду забезпечив отримання об’єктивних даних впливу погодних умов та дії добрив на якість зерна пшениці озимої упродовж шести ротацій сівозмін. Встановлено, що тривале використання на чорноземах південних органо-мінеральної системи удобрення забезпечувало кращу якість зерна пшениці озимої, найвищий вм іст білка і клейковини у якому відповідав вимогам другого класу. Відмічено, що показники якості зерна пшениці озимої залежали від особливостей погодних умов упродовж вегетаційного періоду. Достатня кількість тепла і вологи сприяла кращому засвоєнню азоту і нагромадженню білка та клейковини в зерні пшениці озимої із застосуванням всіх систем удобрення.

FRACTIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND TOOLS FOR POST-HARVEST GRAIN TREATMENT AND PROCESSING WITH CRUSHING

The use of fractional technologies for post-harvest treatment and processing of grain heap delivered from field with further special purpose use of grain fractions leads to a significant increase in grain production efficiency. (Research purpose) Developing a fractional technology for post-harvest treatment and processing of grain with crushing and preservation of feed grain fraction and designing a technological line and machines for it. (Materials and methods) The authors have analyzed the technological level and developed a fractional technology for grain post-harvest treatment and processing by crushing with subsequent preservation of the feed grain fraction. They have offered a technological line and presented the design and technological parameters of the corresponding technical means (МЗУ-20Д - grain cleaning universal machine, МПО-30ДФ - preliminary grain cleaning machine with fractionation, ПЗД-3,1, ПЗД-10 – two-stage grain crusher). (Results and discussion) The authors have designed, manufactured and tested a universal grain-cleaning machine МЗУ-20Д. It efficiently cleans grain material coming from the field after its threshing by combine harvesters, and divides it into fractions: seed and feed grain – 60-70 percent, waste material - up to 10 percent, grain fodder - up to 40 percent. Further on, the grain is sent for crushing (for wet grain), followed by preservation and hermetic storage of the products obtained before their feeding to animals. Tests have shown that the developed feed preparation machine efficiently performs the technological process. The authors have developed a two-stage grain crusher (ПЗД-3,1), performing the crushing of grain material in two stages by three rollers, followed by preservation (for wet grain) of the feed grain fraction. (Conclusions) It has been established that the use of the new fractional technology and equipment contributes to an increase in grain cleaning productivity – by 30-40 percent, and the estimated annual economic effect of the renovation is 400,000 rubles. The estimated annual economic effect of the use of the two-stage grain crusher (ПЗД-3,1) has proved to be more than 60 thousand rubles, and the level of production intensification has increased by 26 percent as compared to the MURSKA crusher produced in Finland.

Genetic yield gains of winter wheat in Germany over more than 100 years (1895–2007) under contrasting fertilizer applications

For highly productive regions such as Germany, the increase of wheat grain yields observed throughout the 20th century is largely attributed to the progress in crop breeding and agronomic management. However, several studies indicate a strong variability of the genetic contribution across locations that further varies with experimental design and variety selection. It is therefore still unclear to which extent management conditions have promoted the realization of the breeding progress in Germany over the last 100+ years. We established a side-by-side cultivation experiment over two seasons (2014/2015 and 2015/2016) including 16 winter wheat varieties released in Germany between 1895 and 2007. The varieties were grown using 24 different long-term fertilization treatments established since 1904 (Dikopshof, Germany). Averaged over all cultivars and treatments mean yields of 6.88 t ha−1 and 5.15 t ha−1 were estimated in 2015 and 2016, respectively. A linear mixed effects analysis was performed to study the treatment-specific relation between grain yields and year of variety release. Results indicate a linear increase in grain yields ranging from 0.025 to 0.032 t ha−1 yr−1 (0.304 to 0.387% yr−1) in plots that were treated with combined synthetic-organic fertilizers without signs of a leveling-off. Yields from low or unfertilized plots do not show a significant progress in yield. Responsiveness of mean yields to fertilizer management increases with year of release and indicates small yield penalties under very low nutrient supply. Results highlight the need to consider the importance of long-term soil fertilization management for the realization of genetic gains and the value of long-term fertilization experiments to study interactions between genetic potential and management.

Foliar antitranspirant and soil superabsorbent hydrogel affect photosynthetic gas exchange and water use efficiency of maize grown under low rainfall conditions.

Two lysimeter experiments with maize plants were conducted to investigate the effect of combined superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and fulvic acid (FA) application on photosynthetic gas exchange and water use efficiency (WUE) under deficit irrigation conditions. Soil SAP (45 kg hm-2 ) was applied while sowing, and FA solution (2 g L-1 ) was sprayed onto the crop canopy three times at later plant growth periods. Combining SAP and FA application significantly improved plant photosynthesis, chlorophyll contents and instantaneous WUE while maintaining optimal leaf stomatal transpiration. The effect of using the combined chemicals on photosynthesis and leaf instantaneous WUE was superior to the effects of their individual applications. Compared with plots not treated with chemicals, soil SAP significantly improved the yield by 12% and grain WUE by 10% when averaged across the two experiments, whereas foliar FA application did not affect yield and grain WUE. In contrast, the combined use of the two chemicals significantly increased the yield by 20% and grain WUE by 26%, largely attributed to the increase in grain number. Soil SAP and foliar FA use under low rainfall conditions had little influence on crop water consumption but improved plant WUE by enhancing photosynthesis and increasing kernel number. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Soil Maize Cultivar-related Challenges on Striga hermonthica Infested Fields in Western Kenya

Maize production in Western Kenya is constrained by Striga hermonthica and declining soil fertility. Integrated Striga Management (ISM) packages have been proposed. An ISM field experiment assessed combination of 4 maize varieties with 5 levels of soil fertility amendments. Imazapyr Resistant (IR) maize and local yellow seed Shipindi had highest germination percentages of 90% and 81% respectively, compared to commercial white seed Duma and local white seed Rachar. Duma had significantly large plants in terms of leave size and plant height; and taking least time to silking and tasseling while producing heaviest cobs and grains per plant. Synthetic fertilizer (DAP+CAN) was associated with the least germination percentage, but produced the largest plants with many leaves, took the shortest time to silking, and produced highest cob weight and grain weight, with very low S. hermonthica infestations regardless of the maize varieties. Cattle manure (CM) and water hyacinth compost containing cattle manure culture (HCM) and Effective Microbes™ (HEM) had the highest S. hermonthica population per unit area. Maize grown with water hyacinth compost containing Effective Microbes™ (HEM) positively influenced cob weight than those receiving cattle manure (CM) and the controls; while being associated with the highest numerical increase in grain yield/area. Alternative soil fertility interventions based on these observations are therefore proposed.

PECULIARITIES OF FORMATION AND FUNCTIONING OF SOYBEAN-RHIZOBIAL SYMBIOSIS UNDER THE USE OF NEW B. JAPONICUM CULTURES

In field conditions, the nodulation and nitrogen-fixing activity of new analytically-selected culturesof B. japonicum AC-15, AC512, PC-18, as well as the productivity of two varieties of soybeans Almaz andVasylkivska under inoculation by these strains was studied. It has been proved that B. japonicum AC512strain is the most effective in the formation of symbiosis with soybean, it provides a significant increase ingrain yield (10.7-11.5 %) compared with the production strain 634b. The selected strain is a highlycompetitive (92 %) and technologically advanced, and accordingly, promising biological agent for theproduction of bacterial fertilizers for soybean.

Simulation of the irrigation requirements for improving carbon sequestration in a rainfed cropping system under long-term fertilization on the Loess Plateau of China

The nutrients and water supplied to rainfed agroecosystems need to be properly managed to meet food security and global warming challenges in the coming decades. A revised CENTURY model was adopted to evaluate the effects of long-term fertilization and supplemental irrigation (SI) on carbon (C) sequestration in a conventional 3-year rotation on the Loess Plateau of China (CWWM): spring corn in the first year, followed by 2 years of winter wheat, and fallow millet was sown in June of the third year. The simulation showed that grain C and soil organic C (SOC) benefited from long-term synthetic nitrogen (N) application. The contribution of this treatment to SOC accumulation was less than that of manure, but the concomitant increase in grain C was greater than that under manure treatment. Fertilization coupled with SI exerted a positive effect on grain C and SOC accumulation for both corn and wheat. The supply of 142 mm of irrigation water when the soil moisture status fell below 80% of the soil available water content (SAWC) in April for spring corn improved grain C accumulation by 33.7% compared with the control (CK); similarly, supplying 83 mm of irrigation water to winter wheat in October increased its grain C by 16.8%. Simulated SOC at the end of a 30-year period in which SI was applied once per month was higher than that obtained under SI in a single month. The highest SOC of 2256.5 g m−2, 4% higher than in CK, was obtained when SI was applied during corn growing season when the soil moisture fell below 50% of the SAWC. These findings implied that irrigation should be seriously considered for improving C sequestration in rainfed agroecosystems.