Inter-row Spacing Research Articles

Effect of intra-row spacing, gibberellic acid concentration and N:P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>:K<sub>2</sub>O ratio on growth and yield of potato variety Royal

The potato variety Royal is suitable to make French fries due to its frying qualities. However, the tubers lack the long-oval shape which is preferred in processing of French fries. Despite the lower nitrogen (N) requirement of variety Royal, farmers apply same recommendation ignoring the varietyspecific needs. Thus, two experiments were conducted to (a) evaluate the possibility of changing tuber shape by manipulating intra-row spacing and gibberellic acid (GA3) application and to (b) identify the best N:P2O5:K2O ratio to optimize growth and yield. The first experiment was conducted with 45 cm inter-row spacing, as a two-factor factorial RCBD. Factors one and two were intra-row spacing (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 cm) and foliar-applied GA3 concentration (0, 150, 200, and 250 ppm), respectively. In the second experiment, recommended N:P2O5:K2O ratio, 8.0:3.5:8.5, (Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka) with organic manure (control) and the same without organic manure were compared with three other N:P2O5:K2O ratios. Each treatment had 4 replicates, with 12 plants per replicate in both experiments. Data were analysed with Two-Way ANOVA in the first experiment and One-Way ANOVA in the second, using Minitab 17. Tukey’s mean comparison test was used to compare the mean values of both experiments. Intra-row spacing and GA3 interaction did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the tuber yield and shape. By increasing IRS, yield per plant increased, but yield per unit land area (YPL) decreased. The effect of GA3 on tuber yield was not significant (P>0.05). GA3 at 200 ppm recorded the highest number of long-oval tubers (62% increment). N:P2O5:K2O ratio had no significant (P>0.05) effect on growth, yield, and quality. Therefore, a fertilizer ratio with low nutrient input will be more sustainable and cost-effective for potato variety Royal with lower nutrient needs. Closer intrarow spacing (15 cm) with 200 ppm GA3 can be recommended for higher YPL with higher number of long-oval tubers.

Design, techno-economic evaluation, and experimental testing of grid connected rooftop solar photovoltaic systems for commercial buildings

This study aims to investigate the potential of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems for commercial buildings. Helio-Scope software is utilized to perform simulations to determine the ideal rooftop area for photovoltaic panels. The efficiency of photovoltaic systems is impacted by the shading effects of photovoltaic modules installed in parallel rows. To enhance energy output, the optimal distance between rows is determined, and it is found that 5-feet inter-row spacing provides the best results. The simulation results indicate that with 5-feet inter-row spacing, photovoltaic system has an energy generation of 371.6 MWh, specific yield of 1508.0 kWh/kWp, performance ratio of 82.1%, solar access rate of 98.9%, total solar resource fraction of 96.3% and a total irradiance of 1655.9 kWh/m2. The annual nameplate energy is 425.1 MWh, output energy at irradiance levels is 423.1 MWh, optimal DC output is 378.5 MWh, inverter output is 373.5 MWh, and total energy delivered to the national power grid is 371.6 MWh. The average daily DC inverter input power is 158881.5110 W and the average daily AC inverter output power is 152231.6311 W, showing an inverter efficiency of approximately 95.93%. Moreover, detailed testing of the installed PV system is performed on-site to make sure that equipment’s performance guarantees are achieved, the system is properly installed and its configuration is suitable for commercial operations. The maximum daily output energy generation of an installed photovoltaic (PV) system is 1.33 MWh, and its average energy generation is 1.09 MWh. The voltage of all strings is within the rated range of the inverter, with a maximum voltage of 835 V and a minimum of 698 V, as tested by PV string open-circuit voltage. The inverter efficiency test is also performed, with a maximum efficiency of 98.83% and fill factors ranging from 81.37% to 82.34%. The payback period of a photovoltaic system is 4.22 years and LCOE is 0.0229$/kWh. PV system saved 215569.818 metric tons of CO2 in the first year and a total of approximately 5068976.99 metric tons in 25 years.

Effects of Cover Crops on Weed Suppression in the Inter-Row Spaces of Citrus Orchards

Abstract A multi-year study was carried out at two citrus groves with mature trees in Southwest Florida in the United States to evaluate the effects of cover cropping on the citrus inter-row as a sustainable weed management strategy in the Florida citrus production system. Two cover crop (CC) mixes (legume + nonlegume species and only non-legume species) were compared with a no-CC grower standard management (GSM) that utilized the herbicide paraquat for weed suppression in the citrus tree inter-row spaces. We gathered data on the biomass and density of both cover crops and weeds, during the spring and summer/fall CC planting seasons throughout the study years. Both mixes of CCs effectively reduced weed density in the citrus inter-row by 58 to 99% (P<0.05), depending on the growing season and study locations, compared to GSM. Additionally, there were no significant differences observed between the different CC mixes. Similarly, both CC mixes reduced the weed biomass by 95 to 99% (P<0.05) in the citrus inter-row compared to the GSM. However, weed suppression by CCs varied between growing seasons, mainly due to differences in germination and establishment of the CCs in each season.

Does a native and introduced cover crop species differ in their ability to suppress weeds? A study in a table grape vineyard

This study compared the weed suppression ability of a native cover crop species phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), an introduced cover crop species rye (Secale cereale L.), and a no cover crop (herbicide‑managed) system in a vineyard. Cover crops were sown in the interrow spaces of the grapevine rows. Percent weed cover after the cover crop termination was lower in the interrow of the phacelia than the no cover crop plots. During the cover crop growing season, phacelia suppressed weeds more than rye. However, the weed seedbank of the cover crop plots was greater than that of the no cover crop plots.

Assessing the contribution of spontaneous vegetation to carbon storage and biodiversity in a vineyard of Argentina

ABSTRACT Spontaneous vegetation in crop systems supports many ecosystem benefits, such as enhanced biodiversity. Vineyards are considered one of the most relevant crops in the arid lands of Argentina. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on developing more sustainable practices to enhance a balance among available resources, living organisms, and productivity in vineyards worldwide. We studied the coverage and richness of spontaneous vegetation in a vineyard of Mendoza specifically examining its contribution to biodiversity and carbon storage. We characterized, analyzed, and discussed the plant diversity and the effects of management practices on coverage and carbon storage in both the inter-row and row spaces. As expected, the inter-row areas exhibited greater number of species and higher coverage percentage under both removal and non-removal practices compared to the row spaces which were predominantly dominated by non-native species. The aboveground vegetation in both the row and the inter-row retained more carbon than the belowground biomass. The spontaneous vegetation in the inter-row space accumulated 1.6 tnC/ha, while the under row space accumulated 0.18 tnC/ha. This research provides valuable insights into the characteristics and carbon retention capabilities of spontaneous vegetation growing in a commercial vineyard from Mendoza, Argentina.

Vision-based trajectory generation and tracking algorithm for maneuvering of a paddy field robot

In this study, we propose a novel visual-based autonomous trajectory-tracking control method for steering a wheeled robot following the lines of crop row in paddy field. A rice crop rows detection method, based on the region growth sequential clustering − random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm, is developed to generate trajectory. Concurrently, a dynamics predictive controller is employed to compute the command for the desired steering angle. The controller leverages a model that incorporates slip dynamics and operates on a low power consumption industrial computer. Experimental results show that the developed algorithm can successfully obtain the correct trajectory in more than 96.25 % of the cases, with the angle error consistently below 3°. Furthermore, the single-image processing time is notably swift at 13.98 ms, underscoring the commendable adaptability and real-time performance of the proposed methodology. During movement in the paddy field, the robot exhibits maximum lateral deviations of 4.55 cm, 5.65 cm, and 6.41 cm at speeds of 0.3 m/s, 0.6 m/s, and 0.9 m/s, respectively, accompanied by corresponding heading angle errors of 4.59°, 5.63°, and 7.39°. Notably, while adeptly tracking rice crop rows at all three speeds, the robot consistently maintains a maximum lateral error below one-fourth of the inter-row spacing of rice planting. This study assumes significance in enhancing the stability of ground-traversing agricultural robots, serving as a valuable reference for advancing the research and development of intelligent and efficient agricultural robotic systems.

Versatile method for grapevine row detection in challenging vineyard terrains using aerial imagery

Accurate detection and differentiation of grapevine canopies from other vegetation, along with individual grapevine row identification, pose significant challenges in precision viticulture (PV), especially within irregularly structured vineyards shaped by natural terrain slopes. This study employs aerial imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and introduces an image processing methodology that relies on the orthorectified raster data obtained through UAVs. The proposed method adopts a data-driven approach that combines visible indices and elevation data to achieve precise grapevine row detection. Thoroughly tested across various vineyard configurations, including irregular and terraced landscapes, the findings underscore the method’s effectiveness in identifying grapevine rows of diverse shapes and configurations. This capability is crucial for accurate vineyard monitoring and management. Furthermore, the method enables clear differentiation between inter-row spaces and grapevine vegetation, representing a fundamental advancement for comprehensive vineyard analysis and PV planning. This study contributes to the field of PV by providing a reliable tool for grapevine row detection and vineyard feature classification. The proposed methodology is applicable to vineyards with varying layouts, offering a versatile solution for enhancing precision viticulture practices.

Optimization of NPS Fertilizer Rate and Row Spacing for Growth and Yield of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) at Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum greecum L.) is an important self-pollinated seed spice crop belonging to family Fabaceae. Fenugreek production and productivity in the study area is very low as compared to its potential yield mainly due to inappropriate application of fertilizer rates and plant spacing. Hence, field experiment was conducted in 2022 at Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia. The objective of study was to investigate and determine optimum inter row spacing and NPS fertilizer for growth and yield of fenugreek. Methods: Treatments consisted of four NPS fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) and four inter-row spacing (10, 20, 30 and 40 cm) that gave a total of 16 treatments laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Result: The ANOVA result indicated that the main effects of fertilizer rates, inter-row spacing and their interactions significantly (p less than 0.05) affected most traits investigated. Accordingly, the highest number of pod (17.10) and seed yield per plant (13.70 g) were recorded by application of 150 kg ha-1 NPS with 40 cm inter row spacing. The maximum total above ground biomass (3.46 t ha-1) and seed yield (1.60 t ha-1 ) were obtained by application of 150 kg ha-1 NPS with 10 and 20 cm inter row spacing, respectively. Moreover, the economic analysis revealed that the highest net benefit (279,130 ETB ha-1 ) with marginal rate of return of 2,976% was obtained by 150 kg NPS ha-1 with 20 cm inter row spacing. Hence, 150 kg ha-1 NPS with 20 cm inter row spacing could be recommended for production and productivity of fenugreek in Wolaita area.

Optimization of hemp production technology for fiber and seed

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the most intriguing agricultural crops worlwide. The hypothesis of this work was that industrial hemp properties would be affected by cultivar, seeding date, and row spacing effects on fiber and seed yield as measures of optimal production technology for specific hemp production outcomes. Field experiments were conducted in Bački Petrovac, Serbia (45.3568° N, 19.6173° E, at 82 m) during the 2020 and 2021 seasons following a multi-year pilot study. The study included 5 cultivars (Helena, J x USO31, Bob-1, H x USO31, and Marina). The three seeding dates were at the beginnings of April, May, and June, respectively. The three inter-row spacings were 12.5, 25, and 50 cm (4.92, 9.84, and 19.68 in., respectively). The results indicate that the tallest plants were obtained from plots seeded at 12.5 cm. Plants sown at a spacing of 50 cm exhibited a significant increase in stem thickness compared to those planted with a spacing of 12.5 cm. Overall, the fiber content varied between 26 % and 49.7 %. Cultivar Marina had the highest hemp fiber content (HFC) of all cultivars. The highest seed yield was obtained from cvs. H x USO31 and J x USO31, while cv. Marina had the lowest seed yield. Hemp seeds contained on average 88.6 % unsaturated fatty acids and 66.78 % new polyunsaturated fatty acids. Major polyunsaturated fatty acids in hemp oil were linoleic (C18:2 n6), gamma-linoleic (C18: n6) and linolenic (C18:3 n3) acids of which linoleic acid was most abundant, and it ranged from 45.3 % to 54.8 % in the analyzed seeds. The major monounsaturated fatty acid in the hemp seed oil analyzed in this study was oleic acid (an average of 15.09 % for all cultivars, seeding dates, and row spacing combinations). While the findings from this study are immediately applicable to the traditional hemp-production region of Vojvodina in Serbia, they can also be readily utilized by hemp fiber and seed growers at the same latitude across the world who want to improve agronomic sustainability of hemp, as well as for scientific readers all over the world.

Research on the optimal design of roadway support for fully mechanized coal seam working face

Abstract For the optimal design of surrounding rock deformation and support in the shallow buried coal seam of large-scale fully mechanized mining face, this paper took the surrounding rock of the roadway as the research object, used theoretical calculation and numerical simulation to establish the mechanical model of the deformation of the surrounding rock structure, and proposed and analyzed the reasonable roadway support scheme of the shallow buried coal seam. The numerical simulation results showed that the top anchor rod with Φ18×2200 mm and the inter-row distance of 1100×1000 mm, the anchor cable with Φ15.24×6300 mm and the inter-row spacing of 2200×2000 mm, the upper part anchor of Φ16×2200 mm, and the C30 concrete with a thickness of 200 mm for laying the bottom plate are selected, which was certified as the optimal support scheme. In practical engineering applications, the deformation of surrounding rock has been effectively controlled, and the supporting effect of surrounding rock was obvious, which was of great significance to ensure the safe production of coal mines.

Засоренность посевов и урожайность сои в зависимости от способов обработки почвы, посева и защиты от сорных растений

The primary soil treatment along with herbicide application plays an important role in decreasing weed number in soybean sowings as this crop is differed with slow growth and is not competitive with weeds in the initial phase of development. The purpose of the research is improvement of soybean cultivation tech-nology through increasing of the efficiency of main technological methods (primary soil treatment, sowing method, and chemical ways of weeds control) on leached black soil of the Western Ciscaucasia that will promote high yield of seeds. The research was conducted in 2020–2022. The experiment scheme includes two sowing methods: wide-row (70 cm inter-row spacing) and common row (15 cm interrow spac-ing); three methods of the primary soil treatment: moldboard (25–27 cm), subsurface (25–27 cm), and surface (12–14 cm) ploughing; three herbicide applications in a phase of 1–3 true leaves: Concept, OD (1.0 l/ha), tank mixtures Geyzer, CCS (2.0 l/ha), Tan-to, CCS (0.75 l/ha), Harmony, DFS (7.0 g/ha), Ba-zagran, WS (3.0 l/ha), and Shogun, EC (1.0 l/ha) (standard). The highest weed infestation of soybean sowings was stated in variants with subsurface and surface soil treatments. The application of Concept and the tank mixture of Harmony, Bazagran, and Shogun was very effective – to 87.7% and 88.3%, respectively. The highest yield (2.57–2.68 t/hа) was obtained in variants with subsurface and surface soil treatments in common row sowing at the application of a herbicide Concept and a tank mixture of Har-mony, Bazagran, Shogun.

Solar energy modelling and proposed crops for different types of agrivoltaics systems

Canada can radically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by aggressively deploying agrivoltaics and reach its goal of cutting emissions by increasing the non-emitting share of electricity generation to 90 % by 2030. To help reach this goal, this study evaluated the potential energy production for vertical bi-facial solar photovoltaic arrays as well as the solar irradiation reaching the ground with three different spacings (5 m, 15 m and 45 m) and three different Canadian farming locations (London, Calgary and Winnipeg) using irradiance modeling with Ladybug tools plug-ins for Grasshopper and Honeybee. The crops currently grown in each region were identified and their sunlight requirements were analyzed. Based on the amount of solar radiation reaching the ground surface and the solar requirements of the crops, inter-row spacings that were suitable for agrivoltaic applications for the three locations were identified. Next the land acreage of a select few crops, which were proven to be satisfactory for agrivoltaic systems, were identified for each province and their electrical energy potential was ascertained using the open-source System Advisor Model. The results indicate that more than 84 % of the total national electricity requirements can be met by employing agrivoltaics on agricultural land where these crops are cultivated in the three provinces.

Forage Yield and Nutritive Values of Vetches Grown as a Sole and Intercropped with Desho Grass at Different Row Spacing in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Legume forage, like vetches, is an important feed source for animals as a supplement to low-quality feeds. This study was conducted to evaluate the forage yield and nutritional values of vetches intercropped at various spacings of desho grass. The study was designed in a factorial arrangement with a randomized complete block design with three inter-row spaces (0.50 m, 0.75 m, and 1 m) and intercropping two vetches (<i>Vicia sativa</i> ICARDA 61509 and <i>Vicia dasycarpa</i> lana) and desho grass with three replications. Agronomic parameters, forage and seed yield, chemical analysis, and in vitro digestibility of vetch forage samples were determined. Results showed that significant differences (p<0.05) were observed for all measured agronomic parameters of vetches, except leaf length, due to spacing and interaction effects. Dry matter yield of vetch (DMY) was only affected by row spacing, while crude protein yield (CPY) was affected by row spacing and their interactions. Higher DMY (3.87 - 4.04 t/ha) and CPY (0.74 - 0.79 t/ha) were obtained from solely grown vetches as compared to intercropped vetches (2.26 - 2.42 t/ha and 0.417 - 0.423 t/ha), respectively. Forage yield significantly decreased as row spacing increased. Seed yield decreased as the row space increased, and the yield obtained from <i>Vicia sativa</i> ICARDA 61509 was higher (0.6 and 1.23 t/ha) than <i>Vicia dasycarpa</i> lana (0.41 and 0.82 t/ha) when either intercropped with desho grass or sown alone, respectively. The interaction of intercropping with spacing unaffected vetch's chemical composition. However, crude protein (CP) and acid detergent lignin of vetches were influenced by intercropping, whereas CP, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were affected by spacing (p<0.05). Intercropped <i>Vicia dasycarpa</i> gave higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), <i>in vitro</i> organic matter digestibility, and metabolizable energy than <i>Vicia sativa</i>, and IVDMD increased as row spacing increased from 0.5 to 1 m.

Effect of NPS Rates and Row Spacing on Production of Faba Bean (Viciafaba L.) at High-land of North Shewa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Plant density and poor soil fertility are among the major factors that limit faba bean production in the study areas. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to determine the optimum NPS (nitrogen, phosphate, and sulfur with the ratio of 19% N, 38% P2O5, and 7% S) rate and appropriate inter-row spacing for faba bean production in the highlands of the north Shewa zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. Factorial combination of four rates of NPS (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) and four inter-row spacing (30, 40, 50, 60cm) were laid out in a Randomized Compete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The result of the study indicated that the soil required amending with organic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility. Both the main and the interaction effects of NPS and inter-row spacing significantly influenced the faba bean phenological and growth parameters. However, NPS had more profound effects in enhancing the growth response of the crop than inter-row spacing. Increasing the rate of NPS from nil to 100 kg ha-1 resulted in a 30% increase in grain yield, with no further increases noted beyond this level. However, the result revealed that increased inter-row spacing from 30cm to 60cm decreased grain yield. Decreasing inter-row spacing implies high plant density, which consequently correlates with high yield. The total yield per unit area depends not only on the performance of individual plants but also on the density of plants per unit area, as confirmed in this study. The maximum net benefit of 91,639.5 ETB ha-1 with an acceptable marginal rate of return 486.3% was obtained from the application of 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate and 30 cm inter-row spacing. Thus, this rate and inter-row spacing are suggested for faba bean production in the north shewa zone.

Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Three Inoculation Methods for Valsa sordida in Populus alba var. pyramidalis.

A key step in the study of tree pathology is the identification of an appropriate method for inoculating pathogens of diseases in branches and trunks. Pathogens of diseases in branches and trunks are commonly inoculated through punching, burning, and toothpick inoculation. However, there is a lack of comparative analyses of the inoculation outcomes of these three methods. In this work, six-year-old P. alba var. pyramidalis were inoculated with V. sordida using punching, burning, and toothpick techniques to investigate the differences in the effectiveness of these inoculation methods. Results reveal that the incidence rate was 93.55% in the toothpick inoculation group, significantly higher than the 80.65% in the burning inoculation group (chi-square, n = 90, p = 0.007), while punching inoculation exhibited significant pathological responses in the early stages, with spontaneous healing in the later stage. Additionally, toothpick inoculation was more efficient in inducing Valsa canker when inoculating the pathogen at the bottom of the tree, with lower intra- and inter-row spacing (stand density) providing better outcomes than higher intra- and inter-row spacing. The results of this study demonstrate that toothpick inoculation is an optimal option for studying the artificial inoculation of V. sordida in six-year-old P. alba var. pyramidalis, providing technical support for research on poplar diseases and offering a theoretical basis for the inoculation of other diseases in the branch and trunk.

TEHNOLOGII ȘI SOLUȚII CONSTRUCTIVE PRIVIND MANAGEMENTUL INTERVALULUI DINTRE RÂNDURILE DE VIȚĂ DE VIE ȘI POMI FRUCTIFERI

The management of inter-row space of vineyards and fruit trees has emerged as an essential approach in sustainable agriculture, optimizing resource use and improving ecosystem services. This paper reviews a range of innovative technologies and solutions aimed at revolutionizing line management practices. Modern sensing and monitoring systems provide real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and plant health, facilitating precision row-to-row management. Furthermore, techniques for grassing the space between rows of vines and fruit trees are important for space management, ensuring good air circulation and facilitating agricultural activities such as maintenance and harvesting. In addition, the advent of inter-row seeding machines simplified the implementation of cover crops. These machines use advanced seed delivery mechanisms, precisely distributing the cover seed into the spaces between the rows. This not only encourages soil health and erosion prevention but also mitigates weed competition, increasing the overall resilience of the agroecosystem. The purpose of this review is to discuss the combination of state-of-the-art technologies such as 3D LIDAR technology, intelligent systems used for inter-row management of vines and fruit trees, and inter-row solar panel systems, all these examples have revolutionized inter-row management in vineyards and orchards. This holistic approach optimizes resource allocation, improves soil health, and encourages sustainable agricultural practices, paving the way for greener and more resilient inter-row spaces in modern agroecosystems.

A native plant species cover crop positively impacted vineyard water dynamics, soil health, and vine vigor

Cover cropping is associated with multiple ecosystem and agronomic benefits. However, in irrigated orchards and vineyards of the dry, Western United States, cover crop adoption rates are low, often owing to concerns over their uptake of critical soil water. Regional concerns, such as this, must be addressed to identify sustainable agricultural practices that meet unique needs of diverse growing regions. A two-year study was conducted to determine the impacts of cover crops on soil water dynamics, soil health, and crop growth during the establishment of an Autumn King table grape vineyard in a semi-arid, Mediterranean climate, specifically the Central Valley of California. Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), a plant species native to the region, and an introduced species, rye (Secale cereale L. ‘Merced’), were planted as cool season cover crops in the interrow spaces of the grapevines and compared to a standard management practice of no cover crop interrow spaces. The cover crop treatments differentially impacted soil microbial biomass and soil aggregate stability, with the phacelia treatment enhancing both metrics from the first season. The phacelia treatment plots resulted in higher soil moisture beneath the vines in both years, while the rye treatment showed similar benefits only after two consecutive years of cover cropping. Vine vigor was also higher in the phacelia treatment, which was likely consequential of enhanced soil moisture in the rows. Compared to the rye, the phacelia had lower plant tissue carbon to nitrogen ratio and higher above ground plant biomass, which may underpin the soil health benefits associated with the phacelia, although variances in soil total carbon and nitrogen and ammonium and nitrate were not determined for any treatment. Altogether, we present information on cover crop plant traits that show quicker return on investment with regards to soil health improvements and water savings. Further, we demonstrate that cool season cover crops offered benefits for vineyard water productivity. In summary, for Mediterranean vineyards, cover crops can promote vineyard soil quality and be a component of sustainable water management.

Effects of panicle position on seed viability and vigor in some selected castor seed accessions

Castor bean is widely cultivated around the world because of the commercial importance for its oil. The fruits of castor are set on a panicle-like structure called raceme. The racemes are classified into the primary, secondary and tertiary racemes as a result of their different time of initiation on the mother plant. The possibility that the raceme initiation points could affect seed viability attributes through its association with time to seed set exists. This study, therefore, determines variation in seed viability and vigor of seeds originating from different racemes positions on the same mother plant. The germination study was conducted in a screen house with 7 castor accessions using sand as a substratum. They were planted in the field under rain-fed conditions in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The castor seeds were planted in 3 rows plot with intra- and inter-row spacing of 1 m. Three seeds from each accession were sown per hole. The racemes were found to be statistically similar in terms of germination ability. However, secondary racemes had the highest mean (64.4%) for the germination percentage and germination rate index (GI) of 5.9. Accession NKAN had the higher germination ability with mean germination percentage of 68.9 and germination rate index (GI) of 6.4. In conclusion, the seed viability and vigor of castor seeds are not significantly affected by raceme positions on the mother plant.

Sorghum Densification with Changes in Plant Spacing Arrangement: Productivity and Qualitative Characteristics of Silage Material

The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of sorghum grown in different combinations of row spacing and plant density, as well as possible interferences on silage quality. No other study dedicated to identifying the interference of plant spatial arrangement on the cultivation of silage material has been developed in the productive context of the Amazon Biome, making it necessary to understand the behavior of the studied factors. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot scheme: the plots corresponded to three row spacings (0.45 m, 0.60 m, and 0.75 m) and subplots at four densities (105,000, 120,000, 135,000, and 150,000 plants ha−1). The agronomic and productivity characteristics of sorghum and the fermentative and bromatological characteristics of forage and silage were evaluated. The sorghum plants showed an increase in plant height and green and dry mass yield when using higher densities (p < 0.05). For the culm diameter variable, an isolated effect of the factors was observed, with reduced diameter when grown closer to inter-row spacing or using higher plant densities. No effect of the factors was found (p > 0.05) for morphological plant components. In silage, wider spacing promoted higher dry matter content. Regarding crude protein in the silage, higher percentages were obtained at closer spacing and higher plant density. The sorghum growing in dense conditions is indicated, given the positive performance in productivity and bromatological composition.

Evaluation of Agrivoltaic System in Thar Desert of India

The present study examined the performance of the 100 kWp agri-voltaic systems at ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur. The average PV generation from the 100 kWp AVS connected to the grid via a bi-directional energy meter or net meter was about 342 kWh day-1. The average yields of mung bean, moth bean, and cluster bean in the inter-row spaces between the modules in the two-row and three-row PV array were 1155, 670, and 2008 kg.ha-1, respectively. Thus, there were 4.6%, 8.6%, and 11.8% reductions in the yield of mung bean, moth bean, and cluster bean, respectively, in inter-row spaces between the panels compared to control. During Rabi (irrigated) 2021-22, the yield of chickpea, cumin, and isabgol (2490, 1000, and 700 kg ha-1, respectively) in interspaces of the AVS was lower than that of the control (2670, 1120, and 760 kg ha-1, respectively). AVS resulted in a yield reduction of 6.6, 10.3, and 7.8% in chickpea, cumin, and isabgol, respectively, compared to the control. The AVS shows the maximum IRR (20.38%), while PV-GM shows the lowest (19.42%) at the prevailing bank loan interest rate of 12%. The PBP estimated 7.47 years for AVS with irrigated crops and 8.11 years for AVS with rainfed crops, while it was 8.61 years for PV-GM. The lower value of the discounted PBP, the faster the repayment of the investment cost. Therefore, the highest LCOE (INR 3.45 kWh-1) is estimated based on the break-even electricity tariff in PV-GM, and the lowest LCOE is calculated in AVS (INR 3.17 kWh-1).