Main Plots Research Articles

Determination of fertilizer requirement of Indonesian black rice in winter season under different plant spacing at Agro-ecological Zone-9 of Bangladesh

Indonesian black rice is quite popular for its highly nutritive value and profitable production. The distinct knowledge about optimum fertilizer doses and plant spacing contributes to its promising yield. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from December 2022 to May 2023 to find out the effect of fertilizer management and plant spacing on the growth and yield of Indonesian black rice in the winter season. The experiment was conducted with 5 treatments of fertilizer management viz., F1(70% of recommended doses); F2(80% of recommended doses); F3(90% of recommended doses); F4(100% of recommended doses) and F5(110% of recommended doses) with 4 plants spacing viz., S1(20 cm × 15 cm); S2(20 cm × 20 cm); S3(25 cm × 15 cm) and S4(25 cm × 20 cm). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design where the fertilizer management was allocated in main plots and the plant spacing was distributed in sub-plots with three replications. The result revealed that the fertilizer doses and plant spacings along with the interaction effects significantly influenced the growth and yield parameters of Indonesian black rice. Regarding vegetative growth, plant height (79.3cm), total tiller plant-1(21.27cm), and total leaf number plant-1 (58.47) were maximal at 100% recommended dose of fertilizer(F4) at DAT 65. Similarly, S2(20 cm × 20 cm) had better result in crop growth and yield attributes. The interaction effects of the treatments showed significant impact on plant height, total tiller and leaf number where F4S2 gave satisfied results. The highest values for the yield parameters including the maximum number of grains panicle-1 (100.70), 1000-grain weight (28.33g), and grain yield (5.69g) were found from the combination treatment of F4S2. On the other hand, the lowest grain (3.68g) yield was found from F1S4. Therefore, observing the results of the experiment, the best consideration was F4S2 at Agro-ecological Zone-9 in the winter season for the desirable growth and yield of Indonesian black rice.

Foliar Fertilization on BRRI dhan28 To Reduce Soil Application of Nitrogenous Fertilizer

The experiment was conducted at the research farm of Crop Physiology and Ecology Department, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur during November 2019 to June 2020 to find out the effect of foliar fertilization on the performance of rice var. BRRI dhan28 and to estimate how much nitrogenous fertilizer can be saved by foliar fertilization without yield reduction. The experiment was laid out following split plot design with three replications. Four levels of foliar fertilization (F0 – No foliar fertilization, F1 – Foliar fertilization with 2% KNO3, F2 - Foliar fertilization with 2% DAP and F3 - Foliar fertilization with 1% American NPKS) were placed in the main plot treatments whereas three nitrogen fertilizer levels (N50 -50% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer, N75 – 75% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer and N100 – 100% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer) were placed randomly in the sub-plots. Foliar fertilization with KNO3, DAP (Di-ammonium phosphate) and American NPKS significantly increased the grain yield (t ha−1) compare to control (F0) but KNO3 and American NPKS performed better than DAP. Foliar fertilization with KNO3 and American NPKS could save 25% of recommended nitrogen fertilizer but foliar fertilization with DAP could not save nitrogen fertilizer applied in soil for getting comparable grain yield found in F0N100. Foliar fertilization of KNO3 and American NPKS with recommended nitrogen fertilizer applied in soil could increase 11.8 and 12.5% grain yield, respectively compare to F0N100. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 77-85

Study on Nano-Zn, Inorganic, and Organic Nutrient Management Practices and Their Impact on Nutrient Availability in Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)

A study was conducted to assess the impact of Nano-Zn, inorganic, and organic nutrient management practices on the physico-chemical properties and nutrient availability in Kharif maize (Zea mays L.) grown during 2022 and 2023 at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. The experiment followed a split-plot design, with organic manures (Control, FYM at 10 t/ha, and Vermicompost at 5 t/ha) as the main plot treatments and various nutrient management strategies (Control, 75% RDF, 75% RDF + ZnSO4 at 25 kg/ha, 75% RDF + Nano-Zn at 10 ml/litre, 100% RDF, 100% RDF + ZnSO4, and 100% RDF + Nano-Zn) as the subplot treatments. Results showed that combining 100% RDF with Nano-Zn and ZnSO4 significantly enhanced soil nutrient availability and improved physico-chemical properties compared to control treatments. The organic carbon content was highest in the 100% RDF + Nano-Zn treatment (0.492%), suggesting an increase in soil organic matter. Nitrogen availability was significantly higher in this treatment, with a pooled value of 151.167 kg/ha, compared to 143.443 kg/ha in the control. Phosphorus availability also increased in the 100% RDF + Nano-Zn treatment (16.337 kg/ha), indicating better phosphorus mobilization. Potassium availability was enhanced, with the highest recorded value (216.39 kg/ha) in the 100% RDF + Nano-Zn treatment, while the control treatment had 213.597 kg/ha. Zinc availability was markedly improved, with the 100% RDF + Nano-Zn treatment reaching 0.853 mg/kg, compared to 0.79 mg/kg in the control. This study demonstrated that integrating Nano-Zn and ZnSO4 with inorganic fertilizers significantly improved soil fertility, nutrient availability, and potentially enhanced crop performance in Kharif maize. These findings indicate that combining inorganic and nano-fertilizers could be an effective nutrient management strategy, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and improved productivity in maize cultivation, alongside better soil health.

Effect of Nitrogen Management Practices on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Grain Yield of Wheat in High-Fertility Soil

The uneven soil fertility made it difficult to implement the recommended nitrogen (N) management practices in the North China Plain (NCP). In order to clarify the effect of N managements in high-fertility soil with a perennial wheat yield of 10,500 kg ha−1 on photosynthetic characteristics, grain yield, N agronomic efficiency (NAE), and water use efficiency (WUE), a trial was conducted from 2022 to 2024. Main plots were N rates of 0 (N1), 150 (N2), 210 (N3), and 270 (N4) kg N ha−1; The sub-plots adopted fertigation (F) and traditional fertilization method (T). The results showed that, compared with T, F increased the intercept rate of photosynthetic effective radiation of canopy, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of flag leaves, as well as the activity of phosphate sucrose synthase and sucrose content. It enhanced dry matter transport and contribution to grain. Under N2, the time required to reach the maximum grain filling rate, duration of grain filling and active grain-filling period of F were improved. Grain yield of N2 was increased by 27.81% and 6.75% compared to N1 and N3, respectively. NAE was improved by 48.63% and 51.47%, and WUE was improved by 20.71% and 9.85%. Therefore, the best effect was achieved by using fertigation and the N rate of 210 kg ha−1 in high-fertility soil.

Thiourea Supplementation Improves Drought Stress Response of Ridge‐Sown and Mulch‐Applied Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.) via Improved Leaf Source to Grain Sink Dynamics

ABSTRACTIn regions of South Asia where rainfed maize is grown, effective crop management during drought is essential for maximising yield. A variety of water‐conserving planting practices are used, and more recently, techniques such as foliar supplementation to maintain nutrients during drought have also shown promise. However, specific combinations of these approaches are often untested for optimality. Here, we explore the effects of two maize planting practices (ridge sowing and mulching) to conserve water, in combination with foliar thiourea. Drought stress response of crop was assessed at two experimental sites (L‐I and L‐II), through split‐plot design (main plots: flat sowing + mulch, flat sowing, ridge sowing + mulch [RS + M] and ridge sowing; sub‐plots: unsprayed, water spray, 500 ppm thiourea and 1000 ppm thiourea). Plant performance was assessed via dry matter accumulation, grain growth rate, stomatal parameters, grain yield, stover yield and nitrogen uptake. Rainfall breaks induced three dry spells during the pre‐anthesis and grain‐filling period. RS + M showed maximum drought tolerance by enhancing rainwater and nutrient use (N uptake [88.1 and 115.1 kg ha−1]) and recorded significantly higher periodic dry matter accumulation (149.2 and 156.8 g) along with higher 1000‐grain weight (181.0 and 196.6 g), grain‐filling duration (36.3 and 34.9 days) and leaf health parameters over the flat‐sown treatments. Furthermore, foliar supplementation of thiourea at 1000 ppm caused improved leaf health, likely through activation of a source to sink response (transfer of energy and materials from leaves to other plant organs) that alleviated moisture stress. Ultimately, the combination of RS + M and 1000 ppm thiourea led to the highest grain yields (32.1 and 39.5 qha−1).

Effect of fertility levels and stress mitigating chemicals on nutrient content, uptake, intercropping advantage and competition effect in cowpea-baby corn intercropping

The primary goal of this study was to analyze how various row ratios of intercrops, in conjunction with different fertilizer levels with spray of two stress mitigating chemical, affect nutrient content, land productivity, and economic viability during Summer season. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the competitive dynamics within legume/cereal intercropping systems. Hence, A field experiment at Agriculture University, Kota, during the summers of 2019 and 2020, investigated different cowpea + baby corn intercropping system's intercropping indices, nutrient dynamics, uptake, and post-harvest soil nutrient balance under varying recommended fertilizer levels and foliar spray of stress mitigating chemicals. Using a split-split plot design replicated four times, the experiment involved thirty treatment combinations, including five intercropping techniques viz. Sole cowpea, sole baby corn, cowpea + baby corn 2:1, cowpea + baby corn 3:1, cowpea + baby corn 4:1 in the main plot, three fertility levels viz. 100 %, 125 % and 150 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in subplots, and two stress mitigation chemicals; CaCl2 0.5 % and KNO3 1% in sub-subplots. The findings revealed notable trends, including nitrogen (N) and (P) content in cowpea seeds and straw, baby corn cobs and fodder, as well as enhanced land-equivalent ratio (LER) and monetary advantage index (MAI) within the cowpea + baby corn 2:1 row ratio. However, despite these advantages, total N and P uptake were markedly higher in sole crops. Notably, sole cowpea demonstrated the highest actual N and P balance and lowest was under sole baby corn. Among the fertility levels, the 150 % RDF level exhibited the most favorable outcomes across various parameters, including LER, MAI, NP content, and uptake in both crops. Additionally, higher fertility levels correlated with increased apparent and actual soil nutrient balances. While, among stress mitigation chemicals, CaCl2 0.5 % resulted in significantly heightened N and P uptake. Hence, to optimize intercropping dynamics and maintain soil nutrient balance, it is advisable to intensify cowpea cultivation along with baby corn in a 2:1 row ratio, utilizing 150 % RDF is beneficial. Additionally, alleviating higher temperature stress during the summer season can be achieved by applying a 0.5 % solution CaCl2 through spraying at the flowering and pod development stages of cowpea.

Effect of Nano-ZnO on Growth and Yield of Summer Maize under Drip Irrigation in Laterite Soil

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, West Bengal, India during summer season (February–June), 2022 and 2023, respectively to investigate the effects of drip irrigation and nano zinc oxide biofortification on maize. In the main plot, four drip irrigations scheduling treatments viz., once-in-2 days, once-in-3 days, once-in-4 days and Irrigation by surface flooding method were accommodated. The sub-plot treatments consisted of five methods of zinc applications viz., control, soil application of ZnSO4 at 20 kg ha-1, foliar application of ZnO NP at 40 ppm, seed priming of ZnO NP (NP:Nano Particles) at 40 ppm, and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm. Growth parameter like plant height and number of leaves were highest with application water through drip irrigation once-in-3 days and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm at 30 DAS for both the years but at 90 DAS, drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP recorded highest growth parameters. Aerial dry matter accumulation in unit area recorded maximum in drip irrigation once-in-3 days and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm at 30 DAS but at 90 DAS drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP recorded highest. Cob girth, number of grains cob-1, seed index, grain yield and biological yield was observed highest with drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP in zinc treatment for both the years.

Growth Performance of Sabia Grass Irrigated by Drippers Installed in Subsurface

Studies to improve the use of subsurface drippers in pasture formation are needed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the germination and emergence of Sabia grass as a function of drippers installed at different depths. The study was conducted in pots in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with four replicates. The experimental layout featured split plots over time, where the main plots consisted of three cultivation cycles and the subplots represented various dripper installation depths. The three sowing dates were 26 March, 12 April, and 29 April 2022. Drip tapes were installed at seven different depths: 0 (superficial), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm. The results showed that the reduction in water potential, associated with increased temperature, resulted in lower performance of Sabia grass seeds. Seed germination and parameters related to germination speed were negatively impacted by the increase in dripper installation depth, with a 30–40% reduction in germination speed observed at depths greater than 15 cm. Drippers installed at 15–20 cm depth in clayey soil were ideal, providing a balance between reducing soil water evaporation and maintaining seedling emergence rates. Compared to surface installation, this depth improved seed performance by up to 25%, while enhancing operability and minimizing water loss. It is recommended to install drippers at a depth of 15–20 cm in subsurface drip irrigation systems in clayey soil areas to achieve benefits such as decreased soil water evaporation and improved operability compared to surface systems.

The effect of bio-fertilization and nitrogen fertilizer spraying on some growth traits and yield of two hybrids of chilli pepper (Capsi-cum annuum L.)

This study was conducted to determine the role of azotobacter bacteria and nitrogen fertilizer in the growth and yield of two hybrids of chilli pepper. The experiment included two factors: the first factor was two hybrids of chilli pepper (Barbarian and Hyffa), while the second factor was the fertilizer treatments, which consisted of eight treatments: the controle treatment, spraying with distilled water (T1), inoculation with the Azotobacter biofertilizer (T2), spraying urea fertilizer at a concentration of 150 mgl-1 (T3), spray urea fertilizer at a concentration of 300 mgl-1 (T4), spray urea fertilizer at a concentration of 450 mgl-1 (T5), Azotobacter + spraying urea fertilizer at a concentration of 150 mgl-1 (T6), Azotobacter + spraying urea fertilizer at a concentration of 300 mgl-1 (T7), and Azotobacter + spraying urea fertilizer at a concentration of 450 mgl-1 (T8). The experiment carried out according to a split plot system design within a randomized complete block design(RCBD) with three replications. The first factor (hybrid) placed in the main plots and the second factor (fertilizer treatments) was placed in the sub-plots. The means compared according to the least significant difference test. (L.S.D) at a probability level of 5%. The results can summarized as follows: The interaction treatment between the fertilizer treatments and the chilli pepper hybrid (T8×Barbarian) showed significant superiority in most of the studied indicators compared to the other interaction treatments and gave the highest values in the percentage of elements in the leaves: Nitrogen (3.021%), Phosphorus (0.567%), Potassium (3.791%). It excelled in indicators of vegetative growth and chlorophyll content in leaves (362.1 mg 100 g - 1 fresh weight). It also excelled in quantitative indicators of yield represented by fruit weight (33.66 g), number of fruits (34.16 fruits Plant-1), and plant yield (1.149 kg plant-1), and it also excelled in the qualitative indicators of the fruits and their vitamin C content (121.3 mg 100 g-1 ).

Optimization of Machining Parameters for Product Quality and Productivity in CNC Machining of Aluminium Alloy

This study focused on optimizing the process of CNC machining to enhance productivity and product quality of surface finish Ra via the process parameters of the cutting speed (vc), feed rate (vf), and cutting depth (doc). Experimentation was performed on workpieces of AA-6061 to investigate the response Ra through variation of the process parameters to analyze their best fit using RSM with 23 full factorial designs L-8 of DOE. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was then used to find the major contributors among them that were responsible for the Ra. Based on the result, better Ra was obtained at 0.103 μm using the best fit of vf (150 mm/min), vc (220 m/min), and doc (0.1 mm). ANOVA shows vf contributed better Ra followed by vc and doc respectively. In addition, the level of Ra’s was analyzed through contour plots represented by different colours. It continued to analyze the effect of the process parameters via the main effects plot, Pareto chart, and the contour plot in the predictive desirability model, which indicated that the plots and chart confirmed the vf had more influence compared to others. The studyconfirmed that the low-level parameters provided better Ra to be used for polishing.

PSVIII-9 Effects of growth implants and timing of vaccination on calf immunity and growth performance

Abstract This study assessed calf growth performance and blood parameters of beef calves under different growth implants and timing of vaccination protocols. Crossbreed beef calves (n = 59) were stratified by birth body weight (BW) and age (41 ± 5.2 kg of BW and 70 ± 8 d of age) and randomly assigned in a split-plot design with implant strategy as the main plot and timing of vaccination as the subplot. The main plot (treatment) consisted of 3 implant strategies: 1) Synovex C (SC; n = 20; 100 mg progesterone/10 mg estradiol benzoate, or 2) Synovex One Grower (SG; n = 19; 150 mg trenbolone acetate and 21 mg estradiol benzoate; or 3) no implant (CON; n = 20). Subplot treatments were the timing of vaccination booster against bovine respiratory disease pathogens on 1) weaning (WV; n = 29) or 2) 7-d post-weaning (PWV; n = 30). Cow-calf pairs were treated alike in a single pasture during the pre-weaning phase, receiving the same vaccine (Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot and Ultrabac 7) on d 0 (implantation day) and booster time (WV or PWV). After weaning (approximately 187 d of age), calves were allocated in a single pen receiving ad libitum hay until d 60 post-weaning. Body weight and blood were collected on d 0, weaning, d 0 and 28 relative to vaccination booster, and d 60 post-weaning. Blood was collected to determine insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), cortisol, and leptin concentrations and to perform a complete blood cell count. WV calves had decreased cortisol concentrations on booster day and 28 d post-vaccine (P = 0.01). Regardless of implant treatment, calves tended to have decreased IGF-1 concentrations 28-d post-vaccine booster (P = 0.09). An effect of treatment (P < 0.01) was detected for lymphocyte counts, with CON having greater concentrations vs. SG and SC calves. A treatment × timing of vaccination (P < 0.01) interaction was detected for monocyte counts, where SG-PWV calves had the greatest concentrations. A treatment effect (P < 0.02) was observed for eosinophil percentage, where SG had reduced percentages than CON, while SC was intermediate. An effect of treatment was detected for leptin (P < 0.01), with SG calves having the least, CON being intermediate, and SC the greatest concentrations. From d 0 to 60 d post-weaning, SG tended to have greater ADG (P ≤ 0.07) compared with CON, while SC was intermediate. On d 28 and d 35 post-weaning, calves implanted with SG were heavier (P ≤ 0.04) than the CON but not than SC. In summary, this study demonstrates that growth implants and timing of vaccination significantly affect both physiological parameters and growth performance in beef calves. Implanting calves with Synovex One Grower resulted in improved growth performance.

PSIII-4 Exploring the behavioral effects of glycerol supplementation in ruminally cannulated cows grazing wheat pasture

Abstract Energy intake and metabolism have a key role in the control of dry matter intake (DMI), fermentation processes, and grazing behavior of beef cattle, and is likely affected by intertwined relationships between forage availability and stage of maturity, offering of energy supplements and climate- and animal-related factors. Ruminally cannulated mixed-breed nonlactating cows [n = 9; initial body weight (BW) = 564.4 ± 101.6 kg] grazing wheat pasture were used in a split-plot design with the objectives of evaluating the effects crude glycerine supplementation and forage maturity on grazing behavior. Treatment was the main plot, and stage of forage maturity was the subplot. Treatments were unsupplemented control (CON) and crude glycerine supplementation (SUP). Crude glycerol (37.2% glycerol, DM basis) was offered at 0.11% of BW (DM basis) and dosed intraruminally via rumen cannula at 0700 and 1900 h daily. The stages of wheat pasture maturity were March (MAR; vegetative stage) and April (APR; early reproductive stage). All cows were fitted with LoRa WAN tracking collars, housing GPS and triaxial accelerometers and allowing real-time inspection of cow position and activity data through time. Hourly (d 10 and 23) and daily change of walking distance (m), activity index and budget for grazing, resting, and walking time (min) were analyzed with a repeated measure mixed model for the split-plot design. Walking distance (1,200 ± 13 m), activity index (10,006 ± 122), resting time (607 ± 5 min), grazing time (662 ± 8 min) and walking time (171 ± 8 min) were not affected (P ≥ 0.52) by crude glycerine supplementation or by stage of forage maturity (P ≥ 0.07), but varied (P < 0.001) by day and by hour of day, likely indicating circadian effects on meal frequency and duration associated with the hour of the day and forage depletion through time. Grazing behavior was more likely affected by climate, pasture, animal, and management variables and less affected by GLY dose. Results indicate that crude glycerine may be used in supplements for cattle grazing wheat pasture to increase energy intake and without adversely creating associative or substitution effects, grazing behavior or sacrificing pasture utilization.

Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) Varieties to Blended NPSZnB and Potassium Chloride Fertilizers Rates at Assosa District, Western Ethiopia

Potato production is constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, among which poor soil fertility is the prime one. Thus, the objectives of the study were to evaluate effect of NPSZnB plus potassium chloride rates fertilizer on growth performance, yield and yield components of potato and to determine optimum fertilizer rate and economically feasible for potato production at target Assosa areas. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with split plot arrangement with three replications. Two potato varieties, Belete and Gudane were assigned to main plot whereas six blended NPSZnB with potassium chloride fertilizers rates assigned to subplots. Totally, the experiment had twelve treatments. The interaction effects of blended NPSZnB and potassium chloride fertilizers rates not significantly (P>0.05) influenced marketable yield, unmarketable yield and total tuber yield. However, the main effects of blended NPSZnB and potassium chloride fertilizers rates were highly significantly (P<0.01) affected marketable tuber yield. The partial budget analysis was revealed that highest net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return (1027.27%) was obtained with the application of NPK (110 kg N + 90 kg P2O5 + 69 kg K2O ha-1) fertilizers. We conclude that application of NPK (110 kg N + 90 kg P2O5 + 69 kg K2O ha-1) fertilizers were economically feasible to recommend for potato production in the study area.

287 Effects of crude glycerin supplementation of beef cattle grazing wheat pasture on forage intake and characteristics of rumen fermentation

Abstract Crude glycerin (CG), mainly composed of glycerin, is a by-product of biodiesel production. Glycerin can be utilized as a substrate of gluconeogenesis by either rapid fermentation to propionate in the rumen or can be directly absorbed through the rumen epithelial wall, resulting in the conversion to glucose in the liver. Therefore, CG supplementation may increase the energy intake of cattle grazing wheat pasture. Ruminally cannulated Angus-crossbred cows [n = 9; 564.4 ±101.6 kg initial body weight (BW)] grazing wheat pasture were utilized in a split-plot design with the objective of evaluating the effects of CG supplementation and forage maturity on forage intake and rumen fermentation characteristics. Treatment was the main plot, and stage of forage maturity was the subplot. Treatments were unsupplemented control (CON) and crude glycerin supplementation (SUP; 37.2% glycerin, DM basis) dosed at 0.11% BW (DM basis). Supplementation levels correspond to 5% of the diet, assuming forage intake of 2.2% of BW on a DM basis. The stages of wheat maturity pasture were March (MAR; vegetative stage) and April (APR; early reproductive stage). Cows grazed a single wheat pasture and were supplemented directly through the rumen cannula twice daily at 0700 and 1900 h. Forage intake in kg/d and as % of BW was greater (P = 0.04) for SUP than CON. Ruminal pH, ammonia, and VFA concentrations, as well as proportions of VFAs, were not affected by CG supplementation (P ≥ 0.34; Table 1). However, ruminal pH (5.77 and 5.99 ± 0.049) and ammonia concentration (0.67 and 3.37 ± 0.307 mM) were greater, while total VFA concentration (136.3 and 110.8 ± 5.23 mM) was less (P = 0.01) for APR compared with MAR. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate molar proportions, as well as acetate: propionate ratio, were not affected (P ≥ 0.27) by the stage of wheat pasture maturity. Results indicate that crude glycerin used as an ingredient in supplementation strategies for cattle grazing wheat pasture may increase cattle energy intake without negatively affecting forage intake and ruminal fermentation.

Causal association between mental disorders and cerebrovascular diseases: Evidence from Mendelian randomization study

Background and objectiveObservational studies have suggested that mental disorders and cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) may be risk factors for each other, but genetic evidence of a causal relationship is still lacking. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) studies to explore the causal relationship between mental disorders and CVDs from the genetic perspective. MethodsTo investigate the causal association between major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and schizophrenia five kinds of mental disorders and CVDs using two-sample two-way MR analysis based on publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. We used as instrumental variables (IVs) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were strongly associated with mental disorders and CVDs. IVW method was used as the main analysis method, and MR-IVW, MR-Egger methods, MR-PRESSO test, leave-one-out analysis and funnel plot were used for sensitivity analysis. We further conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the currently available MR analyses. ResultsThe results of forward MR study showed that there was a significant causal relationship between ADHD and AS (any stroke) (p(AS) = 0.001, OR (95%CI) =1.118 (1.047–1.195)), any ischemic stroke (AIS) (p(AIS) = 0.004, OR (95%CI) =1.118(1.035–1.206)) and large artery stroke (LAS) (p(LAS) = 0.026, OR (95%CI): 1.206(1.023–1.422)). No heterogeneity, pleiotropy and outliers were found in sensitivity analysis. The reverse MR study showed that IA (intracranial aneurysm) (p(IA) = 0.033, OR (95%CI) = 1.123(1.009–1.249)) and UIA (unruptured intracranial aneurysm) (p(UIA) = 0.015, OR (95%CI) =1.040(1.008–1.074)) were risk factors for schizophrenia. Sensitivity analysis showed no pleiotropy, but there was heterogeneity. After excluding outliers, MR analysis showed that IA and UIA were still risk factors for schizophrenia. Our meta-analyses found statistical significance in causal relationships between ADHD and LAS (OR (95%CI) =1.18 (1.06–1.32), p = 0.003), IA and schizophrenia (OR (95%CI) =1.05 (1.02–1.08), p = 0.002) and UIA and schizophrenia (OR (95%CI) =1.03 (1.01–1.06), p = 0.010). ConclusionThe MR study and meta-analysis suggest that genetically predicted ADHD is a risk factor for LAS, and IA and UIA increase the risk of schizophrenia. The result has implications for the development of feasible prevention strategies in the future.

Growth of cocoa seedlings (Theobroma cacao L.) in application of cow manure compost and density of Bacillus subtilis bacteria

Cocoa rejuvenation is important to maintain high productivity. The rejuvenation mainly uses seedlings; thus providing high-quality seedlings is important. This research aimed to determine the effect of various doses of cow manure compost and the density of Bacillus subtilis bacteria on the growth of cocoa seedlings. The research was implemented at the Teaching Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar City, from 2021 to 2022. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plot was the dose of cow manure (without compost, 1.25 kg per polybag, and 2.5 kg per polybag). The subplot was the density of Bacillus subtilis (without bacteria, 104 CFU.mL-1, 108 CFU.mL-1, and 1012 CFU.mL-1). The results showed an interaction between the dose of cow manure 2.5 kg per polybag and the bacterial density 1012 CFU.mL-1 on chlorophyll a (347.91 mol.m-2), chlorophyll b (158.33 mol.m-2), total chlorophyll (444.57 mol.m-2), and leaf area of cocoa seedlings (813.96 cm2). A compost dose of 2.5 kg per polybag showed the best results for plant height (8.98 cm). Keywords: bacteria density; bivariate correlation; chlorophyll content; manure dose; organic fertilizer

Promoting salt tolerance, growth, and phytochemical responses in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L. cv. Balady) via eco-friendly Bacillus subtilis and cobalt

In plant production, evaluation of salt stress protectants concerning their potential to improve growth and productivity under saline stress is critical. Bacillus subtilis (Bs) and cobalt (Co) have been proposed to optimize salt stress tolerance in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L. cv. Balady) plants by influencing some physiological activities. The main aim of this work is to investigate the response of (Bs) and (Co) as eco-safe salt stress protectants to resist the effect of salinity, on growth, seed, and essential oil yield, and the most important biochemical constituents of coriander produced under salt stress condition. Therefore, in a split-plot factorial experiment design in the RCBD (randomized complete block design), four levels of salinity of NaCl irrigation water (SA) were assigned to the main plots; (0.5, 1.5, 4, and 6 dS m−1); and six salt stress protectants (SP) were randomly assigned to the subplots: distilled water; 15 ppm (Co1); 30 ppm (Co2); (Bs); (Co1 + Bs); (Co2 + Bs). The study concluded that increasing SA significantly reduced coriander growth and yield by 42.6%, which could be attributed to ion toxicity, oxidative stress, or decreased vital element content. From the results, we recommend that applying Bs with Co (30 ppm) was critical for significantly improving overall growth parameters. This was determined by the significant reduction in the activity of reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and non-enzyme: proline by 5, 11.3, 14.7, and 13.8% respectively, while increasing ascorbic acid by 8% and preserving vital nutrient levels and enhancing plant osmotic potential to buffer salt stress, seed yield per plant, and essential oil yield increased by 12.6 and 18.8% respectively. The quality of essential oil was indicated by highly significant quantities of vital biological phytochemicals such as linalool, camphor, and protein which increased by 10.3, 3.6, and 9.39% respectively. Additional research is suggested to determine the precise mechanism of action of Bs and Co's dual impact on medicinal and aromatic plant salt stress tolerance.

Optimization of ethylene and propylene yields from n-hexane catalytic cracking over H-ZSM-5 catalyst using model based design of experiments (DOE)

Catalytic cracking of n-paraffins of varied carbon chain length (C6-C11) to represent light naphtha and gasoline was studied using extrudates of H-ZSM-5 (zeolite: binder = 70: 30) as a catalyst in a fixed bed reactor. Optimization of ethylene and propylene yields using model-based design of experiments (DOE) was carried out for n-hexane cracking by varying the temperature (550–650℃), weight hourly space velocity (3.3–9.9 h−1) and carrier gas (N2) flowrates (3–10 L/h). These variables showed significant effect on the conversion of n-hexane and yield of ethylene and propylene under studied reaction conditions. The Box-Behnken design coupled with response surface methodology was used to determine the effect of reaction temperature, WHSV and N2 flow rate on the yield of ethylene and propylene. Empirical models were constructed for the response variables namely n-hexane conversion, ethylene (E) yield, propylene (P) yield and total ethylene and propylene (E+P) yield. Main effect plot showed that the average yield of ethylene and propylene increased with increase in reaction temperature and decreased with increase in WHSV. The optimization study of multiple responses showed maximum 94.7% conversion of n-hexane and 46.1 wt% yield of ethylene and propylene at 650℃ catalyst bed temperature, 3.3 h−1 WHSV and 8.3 L/h N2 flow rate. The model predicted ethylene and propylene yields matched closely with experimental data for catalytic cracking of naphtha feed at 550 and 650℃ cracking temperature.

Higher Seed Rates Enlarge the Effects of Wide-Belt Sowing on Root Length Density, Thereby Improving Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiencies in Winter Wheat.

The optimized sowing method and appropriate seed rate can improve wheat N use efficiency. However, the interactive effect of the sowing method and seed rate on N use efficiency, particularly N uptake and root length density, are unclear. A field experiment was conducted for two growing seasons in southern Shanxi province, China, using a split-plot design with the sowing method as the main plot (wide-belt sowing, WBS, and conventional narrow-drill sowing, NDS) and seed rate as the sub-plot (100-700 m-2). Our results showed that WBS had a significant and positive effect on N use efficiency (yield per unit of available N from the fertilizer and soil, by 4.7-15.4%), and the relatively higher seed rates (>300 or 400 m-2) enlarged the effects. The N use efficiency increases under WBS were mainly attributed to the increases in N uptake before anthesis, resulting from the promoted nodal roots per plant and per unit area, and root length density in the top layer(s). WBS promoted N translocation and the N harvest index, resulting in equivalent grain protein concentration and processing quality compared to NDS. Thus, adopting higher seed rates (>300 m-2) combined with WBS is recommended for achieving greater N efficiencies while maintaining the grain protein concentration and processing quality of winter wheat.

Impact of winter coverage crops and nitrogen fertilization on soil respiration and nitrogen mineralization in no-tillage systems

Microbiological activity in soil is crucially important to maintaining soil quality. Soil is sensitive to management practices, and microbiological activity plays a crucial role in processes like transforming organic N into inorganic fractions. The objective of this study was to assess how winter coverage crop residues influence soil respiratory activity and N mineralization during successive corn crop developments under a no-tillage regime. We employed a randomized block experimental design with subdivided plots and three replications. The main plots comprised various coverage crops (Black Oats, Ryegrass, Rye, White Lupin, Common vetch, Turnip, consortia of Oats + Vetch and Oats + Vetch + Turnip, while subplots received doses of N-mineral (0 and 180 kg ha-1) during the corn growth stage. We evaluated the respiratory activity of microorganisms and levels of inorganic N in the soil throughout the corn crop cycle. The consortia of coverage crops exhibited distinct responses in respiratory rates, with Oats + Vetch having superior results compared to Oats + Vetch + Turnip. We observed positive responses in nitric N (N-NO3-) due to the mineralization of common vetch residues within the first fifteen Days After Sowing (DAS). However, N-mineral doses from nitrogen fertilization during the corn coverage age phase did not alter the respiratory of the microorganisms nor did it alter the concentrations of N-NH4+ in the soil. Mineral fertilization resulted in the immediate availability of N in the form of N-NO3-.