Increasing Application Rates Research Articles

An Immediate but Fleeting Interest in MPH Programs After the Onset of COVID-19: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis.

The relationship between the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and interest in master of public health (MPH) programs is unknown. We examined trends in MPH application rates for 31 MPH concentrations and specifically for the MPH concentration in epidemiology and differences by race and ethnicity before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We constructed a quasi-experimental design to examine trends in MPH application rates from academic years 2015-2016 through 2022-2023 by using Centralized Application Service for Schools and Programs of Public Health data. We used an interrupted time-series analysis to test whether application rates surged after the pandemic's onset (academic years 2019-2020 through 2020-2021) and whether this increase persisted during the pandemic (academic years 2020-2021 through 2022-2023). We fit models for the overall sample, a combined racially and ethnically minoritized sample, each racial and ethnic group separately, and a non-US citizen sample. The pandemic's onset correlated with an immediate increase in application rates across most samples: overall (38%) and among American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (91%), Asian (35%), Black (42%), Hispanic (60%), multiracial (30%), racially and ethnically minoritized (44%), and White (53%) samples. However, this trend was not sustained; application rate trends during the pandemic were significantly lower than prepandemic trends. Application rate trends for all MPH concentrations and the MPH in epidemiology concentration among non-US citizens were significantly higher during the pandemic than prepandemic. Our results highlight the need for innovative strategies to sustain MPH degree interest and a diverse applicant pool.

Agro-waste based biomass residues valorization for effective adsorption of heavy metal.

In this experiment four agro-waste based biomass residues (soybean stover-SSb, buckwheat stover-BWb, Artemisia vulgaris- AVb and Chromolaena odorata-COb) was valorized into low cost amendment called biochar followed by compositional characterization for their application in heavy metal removal. Investigation was carried out on the removal of the most common heavy metal ions including arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, and copper through adsorption on four types of biomass valorised biochar. According to preliminary testing, all the biochar was effective to eliminate a mixture of six heavy metals from the aqueous phase, with the removal of arsenic being the most removed and nickel being the least. In comparison to no biochar treatment, the average removal rate of heavy metal from aqueous solution using four distinct types of biochar was 45.75-62.42% (Cd), 43.64-56.33% (Pb), 41.85-59.73% (Ni), 42.87-60.28% (Zn), 45.64-59.51% (Cu), and 49.02-60.53% (As). The percent decrease of cadmium heavy metal adsorption with increase in maximum contaminant level (MCL) from 1- to fivefold was 20.0 (SSb), 20.7 (COb), 21.6 (BWb), and 22.9 (AVb). The results of the dosage study indicated that As adsorption was the most beneficial on all four types of biochar, whereas Ni adsorption was the least effective. With increase in application rate of biochar the heavy metals adsorption (%) was also increased. Four different agro-waste valorized biochar were used to treat the wastewater, and the physical and chemical changes that occurred both before and after the biochar treatment were noted. There was a drop in the wastewater CODT, CODD, TSS, ammonia, TKN, TP and pH values of 79.7-103.5%, 57.7-81.5, 52.3-68.4%, 1.23-2.23%, 14.1-20.6%, and 1.23-3.03%, respectively. Furthermore, after being passed through a biochar, the wastewater's Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Cr and Cu levels decreased by 3.26-6.15%, 0.06-0.34%, 0.01-0.08%, 2.37-3.65%, 3.95-5.53%, and 2.24-3.34%, respectively at 2.5 and 5.0g/litre of wastewater. Thus, in order to comply with regulations for the disposal of wastewater effluent, the process of valorizing biomass into biochar offered enormous potential for the removal of heavy metals in addition to wastewater treatment.

The Effect of Nitrogen and Potassium Interaction on the Leaf Physiological Characteristics, Yield, and Quality of Sweet Potato

This study selected two sweet potato varieties as research subjects and conducted a field experiment using a two-factor design with two potassium (K) levels (K0 and K1) and five nitrogen (N) levels (N0–N4). The physiological changes in sweet potato leaves under different N and K treatments were measured, and nutrients such as the soluble sugar, protein, and starch content of sweet potato roots were analyzed. The results indicate that the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) and the soluble protein content in sweet potato leaves increase first and then decrease with increasing N application, while K application can significantly increase the activity of GS and the soluble protein content. The N metabolic capacity of leaves is strongest when the fertilizer ratio is K1N2. The SPAD value of sweet potato leaves increases with increasing N application. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration first increase and then decrease with increasing N application. K fertilizer has a significant effect on these parameters. As the N application rate increases, the starch and protein content in the tubers increase, while the soluble sugar content decreases. However, the number of tubers per plant, fresh weight of the tubers, and dry weight of the tubers increase initially and then decrease, while the vine length continuously increases. The application of K fertilizer can significantly increase the number of tubers per plant and stem thickness of sweet potato. In conclusion, the appropriate N–K combined application can promote N metabolism, enhance the photosynthetic capacity of sweet potato, increase yield, and improve quality.

Nitrogen reduction enhances crop productivity, decreases soil nitrogen loss and optimize its balance in wheat-maize cropping area of the Loess Plateau, China

In winter wheat-summer maize double cropping, fertilization changes the nitrogen (N) balance in the soil N pool, grain N uptake, N loss, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), ultimately impacting crop productivity and environmental health. For agricultural systems to maintain yields at lower environmental costs, N budgets must be balanced. Still, there is a deficiency in the reporting of N budgets of farming systems that incorporate all N flows. We evaluated the effects of various N fertilizer application rates on soil N balance and crop productivity in the 2017–2021 winter wheat-summer maize growing seasons. These rates included non-N fertilization (N0), 75 kg·N·ha−1 (N75), 150 kg·N·ha−1 (N150), 225 kg·N·ha−1 (N225), and conventional N fertilizer application rate, 300 kg·N·ha−1 (N300). Our analysis was based on a long-term field fertilization experiment and in-situ observation (established in 2010). The results show that fertilization significantly increased crop yields (wheat: 29.2 %–97.6 %; maize:25.4 %–98.1 %; annal: 27.0 %–96.7 %), among which N225 showed the highest increase value, compared with N0. Moreover, the N225 maximized grain N uptake by 201.0 %, reducing N losses and increasing N sequestration compared to the conventional N application rate of N300. N balance changes from negative to positive as the N application rate increases (wheat: −63.78–85.24 kg·ha−1; maize: −55.77–82.25 kg·ha−1; annal: −119.58–167.46 kg·ha−1·yr−1). Combining years of N inputs and outputs, the N225 is more balanced. Therefore, our study shows that an appropriate reduction of N fertilizer (N225) can help maintain agricultural productivity and promote N sequestration in farmland by reducing environmental N loss. Maintaining the virtuous cycle of N in the farmland ecosystem is beneficial and essential for the efficient utilization, high yield, and sustainable development of farmland resources.

Dairy manure influences soil properties, plant nutrient uptake, and tuber quality in potatoes

AbstractDairy manure applications are a common practice in Idaho potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, however the impacts on tuber yield and quality are not well understood. Our objectives were to determine (1) how repeated dairy manure applications impact soil properties and plant nutrient uptake, and (2) how these changes influence plant nutrient interactions, tuber yield, and quality. Stockpiled dairy manure was fall‐applied over a 6‐year period to two adjacent potato production fields in Kimberly, ID. Eight treatments included application frequency (annual and biennial), manure application rate (18, 36, and 52 Mg ha−1 application−1 [dry weight basis]), fertilizer‐only, and a non‐amended control. Manure treatments were supplemented with fertilizer to prevent nutrient‐limiting conditions. Compared to fertilizer treatments, mean soil organic matter, total N, and K were greater for annual manure by 53%, 47%, and 426%, and biennial manure by 24%, 23%, and 199%, respectively. For annual applications only, mean soil nitrate, P, and electrical conductivity were greater than fertilizer treatments by 247%, 431%, and 222%, respectively. Manure promoted P and K luxury consumption with increasing application rate and frequency. Foliage Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu correlated negatively against foliage K, potentially due to cation competition and translocation disruption. Annual applications decreased mean tuber specific gravity from 1.078 to 1.073, which may be attributed to saline‐sodic conditions and delayed maturity from late‐season N mineralization. Our findings suggest that biennial manure applications may prevent specific gravity issues. Agronomic parameters related to N, K, and soluble salts should be closely monitored in these systems.

Varietal variations of lowland rice in response to N-urea rates: implications on nitrogen use efficiency and crop performance in a derived savanna

Low N-urea rate increased nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield in lowland rice. The questions remain what constitutes low N-urea rate in a derived Savanna and to what extent would there be differential response of these traits in interspecific varieties of lowland rice. Field experiments were conducted in the inland valley, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, (Latitudes 7° 15'N, Longitude 3° 25'E, altitude 144 above sea level) in 2020 and 2021 to determine the performance of interspecific lowland rice cultivars at low rates of N-urea. Application rates of N-urea (0, 30 and 60 kg N ha−1) were applied on lowland rice cultivars (ARICA 3, NERICA L-34, WITA-4 and Ofada cv.) that constituted the main plot and sub plot, respectively. The Experiments were in split plot arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Increased N uptake and delayed phenology were observed with increasing application rates of N-urea, while grain yield of lowland rice sown at 30 and 60 kg N ha−1 were similar. NERICA L-34 had significantly higher Partial Factor Productivity of N (PFPN) and Nitrogen Harvest Index with higher sink strength than other cultivars. Similar pattern was observed on grain yield. These evidences suggested that application of 30 kg N ha−1 could sustain the reproductive growth of lowland rice because of prolonged phenology and N uptake in a derived Savanna with higher efficiency (PFPN, Agronomic efficiency N and Recovery efficiency N) despite the similarities in their root growth and activities.

Electronic Monitoring Is Not the Only Problem Here

Over the past 25 years, few alternative sanctions have received as much attention as electronically monitored house arrest. In the view of relatively dynamic development of electronic surveillance technologies and related ethical and legal issues at stake, this interest continues to this day. In the Czech Republic, electronically monitored house arrest was introduced in 2010. Somewhat oddly, the electronic surveillance system had not been implemented at the time. Yet, legislators and sanctions policy makers placed high hopes in this form of punishment. In particular, it was expected to significantly help combat the relentless hypertrophy of the prison population. But the expectations of sanction policy makers were not met due to the reluctance of the courts to impose house arrest. This had remained unchanged over the years, and opinions had begun to emerge that the state's failure to introduce electronic monitoring was primarily to blame. In 2019, electronic monitoring was eventually implemented, but the number of sentences imposed still did not increase. If the legislature's sanctions policy is not translated into practice, its aims cannot be achieved. For this to happen, it is essential that house arrest becomes more prevalent in the structure of sentences imposed. Increased application rates will not happen spontaneously; certain steps need to be taken to address the reasons for the current state of affairs and to mitigate factors that negatively affect application practice. For this purpose, such causes and negative factors must first be identified. This paper therefore examines the importance of electronic monitoring in terms of the application practice of house arrest in the Czech Republic, and the main reasons for not imposing house arrest. Building on these findings, it offers suggestions that would contribute to more frequent imposition of house arrest in appropriate cases.

Evaluating effects of selected water conservation techniques and manure on sorghum yields and rainwater use efficiency in dry region of Zimbabwe

Sorghum production in semi-arid areas of Zimbabwe is constrained by low and erratic rainfall, low fertility and soil moisture stress. Sorghum grain yields ranges from 0.2 to 0.4 t ha−1 in sandy-to-sandy loam soils respectively. The objective of the study was to assess cattle manure and rainwater harvesting techniques in improving sorghum grain yield in a semi-arid region of Zimbabwe. The experiment used a randomised complete block design with rainwater harvesting technique as a main treatment factor at three levels. Sub-plot factor was cattle manure at five levels (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 t ha−1) and two sorghum varieties (Macia and SV1) as sub-sub plot factor. Sorghum grain yields were improved significantly (p < 0.05) for both varieties using tied contours. Increasing application rates of cattle manure, showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in sorghum grain yield over the control (0 t ha−1). Tied contour had higher grain yield (1.15 t ha−1) with the use of Macia variety. Stover yield was highly influenced by rainwater harvesting method of tied contour (p < 0.05) compared with infiltration pit and standard contour. Increase in application levels of cattle manure show significant (p < 0.05) increase in stover yields. Tied contour had the highest (3.11 kg ha−1 mm−1) rainwater use efficiency which show significant differences (p < 0.05) from infiltration pits and standard contour. Interaction of tied contour and different rates of cattle manure showed significant increments in rainwater use efficiency with increases in manure application rates. Tied contours, 15 t ha−1 cattle manure and Macia variety are potential strategy to achieve climate smart agriculture and improve food security in semi-arid areas. Sorghum production in marginalised areas can be productive with adoption of tested techniques.

Efficiency of weed control in winter pea in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. To analyze the features of weed control in winter pea in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. The research was conducted at the Salyvonky State Enterprise of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine (Bila Tserkva district, Kyiv region) in 2020–2023. The agronomic practices used in the experiment were conventional for the zone of insufficient moisture of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine, with the exception of the studied elements. Results. The development of the concept of autumn weed control for winter pea from requires a fairly competent selection of herbicides, taking into account weather forecasts, the specifics of the effect of active substances on weeds and cultivated plants, etc., as conditions for sowing winter pea do not allow to effectively apply conventional weed control system with the use of soil tillage and, if necessary, the limited application of herbicides during the vegetation season. This is explained by the fact that the terms for soil preparation and sowing are quite limited, and soil herbicides at high air temperatures work unpredictably and have limited efficiency in case of moisture deficit. Herbicide Corum, developed by combination of active substances bentazone (480 g/l) and imazomox (22 g/l), had better indicators in terms of total efficiency at an increased application rate (1.5 l/ha) – 92.9% in the BBCH 12 and 91.7% in the BBCH 14. At the same time, the efficiency of an application rate of 1.25 l/ha was within 80%. The latter is probably related not only to the autumn conditions of application of the [reparation, but also to the fact that such species as Fumaria officinalis, Sinapis arvensis, Solanum nigrum and thistles sprouted later, when the main mass of weeds was already in a development stage that was less sensitive to low rates of the herbicide. Conclusions. The application of Corum herbicide in the BBCH 12 at an application rate of 1.25 l/ha contributed to the destruction of 73.8% and an application rate of 1.5 l/ha resulted in 86.7% of weeds. When the herbicide was applied in BBCH 14, the total efficiency of crop treatment at an application rate of 1.25 l/ha was higher by 2.4% and at a rate of 1.5 l/ha it was higher by 1.2% compared to application in the BBCH 12. This is due to the fact that Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Polygonum convolvulus, Persicaria maculosa, Solanum nigrum, Polygonum lapathifolium and thistles sprouted in the pea crops, and the herbicide was highly effective against them. On the other hand, weed plants that sprouted earlier continued to vegetate and were already less sensitive even to increased application rates of herbicide. The application of the maximum recommended application rates was, for the most part, the most effective measure to reduce the number of weeds in winter pea crops. At the same time, such rates affected crop plants, causing stress, especially in the late periods of growth and development, which further affected the formation of pea yield. Therefore, the use of herbicides in the late phases of crop development should be avoided.

EVALUATION OF THREE BATTERY- POWERED BACKPACK SPRAYERS TO APPLY ADULTICIDES AGANIST AEDES AEGYPTI

Backpack mist sprayers have been used for control of adult mosquitoes on limited small scales. A study was conducted to evaluate three battery powered backpack sprayers to assess their suitability to apply adulticides. The three sprayers are the Field King 190515, the Ryobi One+, and the Tornado (model Spray Mate). The Field King operated at 276 kPa, the Ryobi One+ at 414 kPa, and the Tornado at 414kPa (option at 276 or 414 kPa) were used for this study. Due to higher flow rates of these sprayers compared to ULV sprayers, Aqualuer™ 20-20 was used as an adulticide by diluting with water. To achieve application rates of 9, 37, 74, and 148 mL/ha for different sprayers at their flow rates, the formulation was diluted 26 to 1,209 times. All dilutions were replicated three times and one application rate of all sprayers was tested in a day. Adult female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes at 25 /cage were used for the experiment. Caged mosquitoes were placed on the poles before spray and removed after the spray ended. Mortality was recorded at 24 -h after treatment. The Tornado backpack sprayer provided the highest mortality, better than or similar to Ryobi One+ and Field King provided the least mortality. The sprayers were effective up to 3.0 m from the spray line. By increasing application rate from 9 to 74 mL/ha, mortality increased but did not increase as the rate went from 74 to 148 mL/ha. Application with the Tornado at 74 mL/ha was the best option for short distance control.

EVALUATION OF THERMAL FOGGER FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF LARVICIDE-ADULTICIDE MIXTURE AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI

A hand-held thermal fogger was evaluated to spray a mixture of adulticide (Aqualuer 20-20® containing permethrin and piperonyl butoxide) and a biological larvicide (VectoBac®12AS, containing Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis). Adulticide was applied at maximum label rate of 37 mL/ha while larvicide rates were 0.58, 1.76, 2.64, and 3.50 L/ha (Maximum label rate 2.34 L/ha). Two rows, 7.6 m apart, of bioassay cages containing susceptible 25, 5-7 days old female Aedes aegypti were used to assess effectiveness of the adulticide. Along with each cage were two 473 mL empty plastic cups at 0 and 1.3 m above ground to collect the larvicide. Two control cages and two empty cups were placed upwind in the field for five minutes and removed before the spray. The study was conducted in the evening with five separated replications of a rate. The exposed cages and cups were retrieved from the field and brought back to the laboratory for further observations and tests to determine mortality at 24 and 48 h, respectively. All the adults in all treatment cages and all tests died within 24 h of the spray application. In the lab, larval mortality was assessed by introducing Ae. aegypti larvae, where mortality decreased with increasing distance from the spray line and increased with increasing application rate. The larval mortality at all distances was strongly correlated with application rate (R2 = 0.98). The highest rate used produced 64 -95% larval mortality at all distances. The results indicate that Aqualuer 20-20 and VectoBac 12AS can be applied simultaneously as a mixture achieving complete adult control and considerable larval control.

Taxa de aplicação e pontas associados à eletrificação de gotas afetam a qualidade da pulverização em feijoeiro

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the application efficiency of different nozzle tips associated with increasing application rates. A field experiment was conducted in a factorial 3 × 4 randomized block design with four replicates. The first factor consisted of three types of nozzle tips (simple flat fan, hollow cone, and hollow cone with the electrification of the drops), and the second factor constituted the four application rates (50, 100, 200, and 250 L ha-1). Electrostatic technology and a hollow cone tip increased the deposited volume on leaves on the upper and medium strata of the common bean plant, regardless of the application rate used. The increase in the application rate increased the volume of spray solution captured in the upper, medium, and lower strata, the drop density, the volumetric median diameter (VMD), and the percentage of foliar coverage, regardless of the spray tip evaluated. The percentage of leaf coverage on the adaxial and abaxial leaf was not influenced by the simple fan or hollow cone spray tips, with or without the association of electrostatic technology.

Hydraulic characteristics and vegetation performance of the Yellow River sediment modified by biochar

The Yellow River sediment (YRS) is an important potential soil resource for the mine land reclamation and ecological restoration in the arid regions of northern China. However, it has the shortcomings of poor water-holding capacity and needs to be modified urgently. Therefore, two types of biochar, namely rice husk biochar (RHB) and coconut shell biochar (CSB), were utilized in this study to modify the YRS and compared with rice husk ash (RHA). Some engineering properties of the modified YRS (MYRS), including pore structure, water retention, permeability, and vegetation performance, were investigated by considering the effects of biochar types and dosages. Results showed that the addition of the three materials decreased the bulk density of the YRS and increased the volume of extremely micro pore (d<0.3 µm), as well as the effective porosity and capillary porosity, thus contributed to an increase in the water-holding capacity of the sediment. Among the three conditioners, RHB is optimal choice for improving the water-holding capacity of YRS. Furthermore, the effect becomes more pronounced with increasing application rates. With the addition of the three materials, the permeability coefficients of MYRS gradually decreased, while the water retention rate during evaporation significantly increased. The pot experiment showed that the three conditioners all had significant promoting effect on the growth of oats. In particular, compared to plain soil, the total biomass of oats grown for 21 days increased by 17.46%, 32.14%, and 49.60% after adding 2%, 4%, and 8% RHB, respectively. This study introduces a new approach for using YRS as planting soil in arid and semi-arid areas of China to facilitate mine ecological restoration.

Effect of binder type and application rate on asphalt layer bonding evaluated by LCB test

Bonding between asphalt layers is a crucial factor affecting the durability and mechanical response of flexible pavements. The effect of tack coat application on this bonding has been extensively studied, with several factors influencing the degree of bonding achieved. These include the type of tack coat, application rate, temperature, and moisture, among others. This study evaluated the effect of binder type and application rate on the interface shear strength of bituminous layers made of asphalt concrete type MDC-19, using the Laboratorio de Caminos de Barcelona (LCB) shear test. Two types of asphalt emulsions, CRL-1 and CRL-1hm (conventional and modified with polymers, respectively), were used as tack coats at five residual application rates. The results of the study showed that the CRL-1hm tack coat developed a higher shear strength than the CRL-1 tack coat. Additionally, there was a variation in strength with an increase in application rate, leading to the determination of an optimum rate. These findings demonstrate the importance of binder type and application rate in achieving optimal bonding between asphalt layers, with potential benefits for the longevity and performance of pavements. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for pavement engineers seeking to optimize the bonding between asphalt layers. The study highlights the potential of modified emulsions, such as CRL-1hm, and the importance of carefully considering the application rate to achieve the desired bonding performance.

Increasing access in the ECE enrollment process: Evidence from an information intervention in New Orleans

Enrolling in publicly funded early childhood programs in the U.S. often requires families to navigate a complex, multistep process. Families must pick a program, apply, verify their eligibility, and enroll. Prior research shows that families that complete this process tend to be advantaged relative to eligible non-applicants. In this study, we illuminate the enrollment pathway in New Orleans, showing that many would-be enrollees are lost at each step along the way. Next, we examine the effects of an information intervention that aimed to help families with the “apply” step. We find that a simple text-message intervention increased application rates by 33 %. However, due to leaks at subsequent steps, the intervention had no effect on enrollment rates. We discuss the implications for understanding and improving the enrollment process for publicly funded early childhood programs.

Morphophysiological characteristics of upland rice plants with organic approach through reduced NPK fertilizer and wood vinegar application

Unefficient use of synthetic fertilizer in upland rice production leads to the low productivity and tends to harm the environtment. An organic approach by using wood vinegar is promising to improve the fertilizer efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the response of upland rice with the application of different wood vinegar and synthetic fertilizer N-P-K rates on morpho-physiological characters. A split plot design with the main plot of N-P-K fertilizer and a subplot of wood vinegar was applied with three replications. Growth and physiological character were observed. The data were analyzed by the F test, then proceed with the Duncan Multiple Range Test at p≤0.05. The results showed that a half and full recommended synthetic fertilizer rate of N-P-K had a similar result to gaining optimum morpho-physiological character of upland rice. Wood vinegar with a rate of 75 L ha-1 obtained the highest performance on morpho-physiological character of upland rice. An increasing application rate of wood vinegar improved the morpho-physiological character of upland rice at different rates of N-P-K synthetic fertilizers.

Efficiency and safety of combined herbicide Avrora, OD for corn protection

Field small-plot experiments were carried out in the Moscow region, Rostov region and the Republic of Dagestan in 2021-2022. Herbicide Avrora, OD (100 g/l mesotrione + 80 g/l amicarbazone + 60 g/l nicosulfuron + 5 g/l aminopyralid) was studied during the two growing seasons. The high biological efficiency of Avrora, OD at the stage of 3-6 leaves of corn and the early growth stages of weeds was established. The optimal herbicide rates, the timing of protective measures, and the sensitivity of certain types of weeds were determined depending on the type of weed in crops to combat annual and perennial weeds. The increased application rate of the tested herbicide up to 1.0 l/ha led to an increase in the effectiveness of the pesticide in the number and weight of weeds and was 92.497.9 and 92.497.8 %, respectively. By the harvesting time, infestation of corn crops in the control decreased to 1617 plants/m2. In the variants with herbicides, infestation of crops did not exceed 8 plants/m2. High yields of green mass in the first zone and corn grains in the second and third soil-climatic zones were noted in all tested experimental variants. The use of Avrora herbicide in the early phases of weed growth on vegetative corn plants does not have a negative effect on crop plants and contributes to yield increases of up to 53.756.2 % when cultivating grain corn and up to 138.5 % when cultivating green mass corn.

English

Effects of the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) on transformations of urea N in an alkaline calcareous soil were investigated at different temperatures. The urease inhibitor was incorporated in urea granules at 7 different concentrations ranging from 0 to 6% of N. The amended urea granules were applied at 250 mg N kg−1 on the soil surface and incubated for 20 days at 18, 25 and 35°C. Effects of NBPT on NH3 volatilization from the surface applied urea were also investigated at different temperatures. In the absence of urease inhibitor, most (96–98%) of the applied urea was hydrolyzed within 5 days. During this period, NBPT significantly inhibited urea hydrolysis at all temperatures (6–46% reduction); the extent of inhibition increased with increasing NBPT application rate and with decreasing temperature. After 10 days, almost all urea was hydrolyzed at all temperatures with NBPT applied up to 2% of N, whereas up to 23% inhibition was recorded with higher NBPT application rates. In the absence of NBPT, 23–41% of the applied urea-N was lost as NH3 during 20 days, with the highest loss recorded at 35°C. However, the application of NBPT significantly reduced NH3 volatilization loss at all temperatures; the beneficial effect of NBPT increased with increasing application rate. Results suggested that application of the urease inhibitor NBPT can cause up to 50% reduction in NH3 volatilization loss when applied at economically feasible application rates ranging from 0.5% of urea-N (during winter season; 18°C) to 1% of urea-N (during fall and summer seasons; 25–35°C).

Leader Signals and “Growth Mindset”: A Natural Field Experiment in Attracting Minorities to High-Profile Positions

We conduct a large-scale natural field experiment with a Fortune 500 company to test several light-touch approaches to attract minorities to high-profile positions. A total of 5,000 prospective applicants were randomized into treatments that vary a small portion of recruiting materials. We find that self-selection at two early-career stages exhibits a substantial race gap. We then show that this gap can be strongly influenced by several treatments, with some closing the race gap and increasing application rates of minorities by 40% and others being particularly effective for minority women. These effects are not accompanied by any declines in application rates of majority group job seekers. In addition, we do not find that endorsing the “business case” for diversity reduces the race gap or raises application rates by minorities or women. The heterogeneities we find by gender, race, and career stage shed light on the underlying drivers of self-selection barriers among minorities. This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis. Funding: The authors thank the Brigham Young University College of Family, Home, and Social Science for generous research support. This research was funded in part by the Lowe Institute of Political Economy at Claremont McKenna College as well as the Australian Research Council Future Fellowship grant Nr. 190100252. Christina Rott thanks the School of Business and Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, for research support through the Hermine Weijland Fellowship. Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4909 .

Utilisation of press mud for organic cultivation of Andrographis paniculata Wall. ex Nees in reclaimed sodic soil

ABSTRACT Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant used to treat many different ailments. The biomass of A. paniculata can be used safely either as fresh plant material, after decoction, or in pharmaceutical formulations. In the present study, different application rates of press mud were evaluated for organic cultivation of A. paniculata in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh, India. The vegetative plant growth parameters were positively affected by increased application rates of press mud up to 7.5 and 10 t ha-1. Macro- and micro-nutrient (N, P, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo and Ni) concentrations of the plant tissue increased with the application of press mud. Yields of active compounds in the A. paniculate, i.e. andrographolide, neo-andrographolide and wogonin, increased in line with the increased total plant biomass in response to increased press mud application rates. Soil microbial populations, total heterogeneous bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and Azotobacter also increased with increased rates of press mud, as did soil enzyme activities, i.e. dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, urease, protease and acid phosphatase. Soil pH and bulk density decreased with increased rates of press mud, which was seen as indications of improved soil properties. Furthermore, available macro- and micro-nutrient concentrations in the soil increased with increased rates of press mud. The present study demonstrated that in organic cultivation of A. paniculata, optimised application rates of press mud can be used not only to supplement soil nutrients but also to enhance yields of plant biomass and active constituents of A. paniculata.