Narrow-row Planting Research Articles

Root Characteristics for Maize with the Highest Grain Yield Potential of 22.5 Mg ha−1 in China

In maize (Zea mays L.), rational root structure promotes high grain yield under dense sowing conditions. This study was conducted at Qitai Farm in Xinjiang, China, in 2019 and 2021. A traditional wide and narrow row planting method was adopted, with wide rows of 0.7 m and narrow rows of 0.4 m. The cultivars DH618 and SC704, which have grain yield potentials of 22.5 and 15 Mg ha−1, respectively, were selected for study of the root structure and distribution characteristics under high-yield and high-density planting conditions. The highest yield (20.24 Mg ha−1) was achieved by DH618 under a planting density of 12 × 104 plants ha−1. The root structure of DH618 was well developed at that planting density, and the root dry weight (RDW) was 17.49 g plant−1 and 14.65 g plant−1 at the silking and maturity stages, respectively; these values were 7.56% and 11.86% higher, respectively, than those of SC704. At the silking stage, the proportions of RDW at soil depths of 0–10, 10–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm were 66.29%, 11.83%, 16.51%, and 5.38%, respectively, for DH618; over the 20–60 cm soil layer, this was an average of 4.04% higher than the RDW of SC704. At maturity, the proportions of RDW at soil depths of 0–10, 10–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm were 61.40%, 11.19%, 17.19%, and 10.21%, respectively, for DH618, which was an average of 9.59% higher than that of SC704 over the 20–60 cm soil layer. At maturity, DH618 roots were mainly distributed in the narrow rows, accounting for 72.03% of the root structure; this was 9.53% higher than the roots of SC704. At silking and maturity, the root weight densities of DH618 were 471.98 g m−3 and 382.98 g m−3, respectively (5.18% and 5.97% higher, respectively, than the root weight densities of SC704). The root lengths of DH618 were 239.72 m plant−1 and 199.04 m plant−1 at the silking and maturity stages, respectively; these were 16.45% and 25.39% higher, respectively, than the root lengths of SC704. The root length densities were 0.58 cm cm−3 and 0.46 cm cm−3 at the silking and maturity stages, respectively, and these were 16.86% and 17.08% higher, respectively, than the root length densities of SC704. This study indicated that the maize hybrid DH618 had a more developed root structure with increased root distribution in the deep soil and narrow rows under high-density planting compared to cultivar SC704, contributing to high grain yield under dense planting.

Juvenile plumcot tree can improve fruit quality and economic benefits by intercropping with alfalfa in semi-arid areas

CONTEXTTo accelerate rural development, give play to regional advantages and improve economic benefits, the Chinese government has been promoting strongly the establishment of new agricultural operating entities, and adopting the planting of fruit-legume agroforestry system. However, the current popular planting pattern lacks comprehensive benefit evaluation from two aspects of yield and economy, and farmers lacks practical reference. OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to investigate the planting status, agronomical and economic benefits of agroforestry in large-scale professional farming households, and to determine the optimal planting pattern in Xinjiang. METHODSThis experiment consists of field measurements and a questionnaire. (1) According to the common planting patterns in this region, the following five treatments were compared in Xinjiang: plumcot + soybean intercropping (PSI) (1.2 m interval between two species, soybean wide narrow row planting), plumcot + alfalfa intercropping (PAI) (1.0 m interval between two species, 0.15 m interval between alfalfa rows), sole-cropped soybean (SS) (soybean wide narrow row planting), sole-cropped alfalfa (SA) (0.15 m interval between alfalfa rows), and sole-cropped plumcot (SP) (5 m interval between plumcot rows). The underground interspecific competitiveness index, yield, land equivalent ratio (LER), Soluble solids content (SSC), fruit firmness and economic benefit were measured. (2) A two-stage stratified sampling procedure was applied. Eighteen fruit-legume large-scale professional farming households in each selected administrative unit were stratified into intercropping with soybean or intercropping with alfalfa. The questionnaire survey investigated field management, sales channels, economic benefits and other information. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONLarge-scale professional farming households are scientific and market sensitive in developing agroforestry intercropping. Plumcot was consistently less competitive, and the main competitive area of the root system occurred at a depth of 0–0.2 m. The competition intensity of plumcot + alfalfa intercropping (PAI) was weaker than that of plumcot + soybean intercropping (PSI). Compared with sole-cropping, the yield of each species under intercropping decreased, especially that of alfalfa, but the land equivalent ratio increased. Plumcot intercropped with alfalfa had a higher soluble solids content. Intercropping has greater economic benefits, especially PAI. PAI was the most suitable planting pattern which can effectively solve the dilemma that fruit trees are not profitable in the juvenile growth stage of a plumcot. SIGNIFICANCEAn intercropping pattern can effectively solve the dilemma that fruit trees cannot make profits in the early stage of planting. There are few relevant research reports, and farmers lack decision-making suggestions on scientific planting and comprehensive economic benefits. Based on our findings, we suggest that large-scale professional farming households should develop the planting pattern of intercropping between fruit trees and legumes, especially new species of fruit trees and alfalfa. This will provide decision support for them to obtain benefits, improve land use efficiency and improve farmland ecology.

Yield gap analysis of recommended soybean (Glycine max) production technologies and their impact on energy and carbon budgeting

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2017–18 at Research farm of ICAR-IISR, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to study the effect of different agronomic practices on productivity, energy indices and carbon balance of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The additional use of micronutrients (Zn, B and Mo) and secondary nutrients along with full package of practices showed positive yield effect by 6.08% and 3.20% as compared to whole package. The narrow row planting (30 cm) and 50% RDF + 2% urea spray along with full package of practices had very little negative effect on the yield. On pooled average basis, the deletion of any recommended practice from the full package of practices reduced the yield by 1.14–71.69%. The highest yield reduction was associated with the 50% reduction of seed rate in full package of practices. Energy output followed the similar trend as observed in seed yield. Highest energy use efficiency was recorded with 50% RDF + 2% urea spray. The maximum specific energy and energy profitability was registered under full package of practices + 50% (30 kg/ha) seed rate treatment. Highest carbon use efficiency was registered with full package of practices without RDF. Thus, when comparing the carbon intensity (biomass and seed), the maximum carbon intensity was associated with full package of practices + 50% seed rate.

Wide–Narrow Row Planting Pattern Increases Root Lodging Resistance by Adjusting Root Architecture and Root Physiological Activity in Maize (Zea mays L.) in Northeast China

Root lodging (RL) in maize can reduce yield and grain quality. A wide–narrow row planting pattern can increase maize yield in the growing regions of northeastern China, but whether it can improve RL resistance is not clear. Therefore, in this study, the root architecture distribution, root physiological activity, and root lodging rate under planting pattern 1 (uniform ridge of 65 cm, east–west ridge direction) and pattern 2 (wide–narrow rows, 40 double narrow rows and 90 wide rows, north–south ridge direction) were studied. The results showed that the RL rate under pattern 2 was significantly lower than that under pattern 1. The number and diameter of nodal roots on the upper node, the root failure moment, and the root bleeding sap intensity at the 3 weeks after VT under pattern 2 were significantly higher than those under pattern 1. Root length density in the 0–40 cm soil layer tended to be inter-row distributed. Therefore, the RL resistance of maize under pattern 2 was increased through an adjustment in the root architecture distribution and root physiological activity in northeastern China.

Design of clamping-pot-type planetary gear train transplanting mechanism for rice wide–narrow-row planting

To design a clamping-pot-type wide–narrow-row pot seedling transplanting (WPST) mechanism with desired spatial beak-shaped trajectory and working posture, a new design method of planetary gear train transplanting mechanism (PGTM) with non-circular gears based on several key spatial poses (position and posture) was proposed. The PGTM was simplified to a spatial open-loop chain with two-revolute (2R) joints. The geometric constraint equations containing only the structural parameters of the chain were then established on the basis of the three key spatial poses, and the homotopy algorithm was used to obtain all the required parameters of the mechanism. In accordance with the parameters obtained, the relative angular displacement relation between the planet carrier and the transplanting arm was optimized, the trajectory of the mechanism was replayed, and the total transmission ratio was determined. The degree of freedom of the spatial 2R mechanism was reduced by attaching to the unequal gear pair, and the transmission ratio was distributed in accordance with the gear type to realize the design of a non-circular gear pitch curve. Lastly, a clamping-pot-type PGTM for rice WPST driven by the combination of planar non-circular and non-conical gears was designed, and virtual simulation and prototype test were conducted. Results showed that the simulation and prototype test trajectories were consistent with the desired trajectory. Under the operating speeds of 50 r/min and 90 r/min, the success rates of seedling picking were 95.32% and 90.15%, respectively, which verified the feasibility of the theoretical method. This method could provide a reference for the design of a spatial PGTM with nonuniform transmission. Keywords: rice pot seedling, wide–narrow-row transplanting, spatial trajectory, planetary gear train, non-circular gear DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211402.5975 Citation: Wang L, Sun L, Huang H M, Yu Y X, Yu G H. Design of clamping-pot-type planetary gear train transplanting mechanism for rice wide–narrow-row planting. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(2): 62–71.

Design of clamping-pot-type planetary gear train transplanting mechanism for rice wide–narrow-row planting

Design of clamping-pot-type planetary gear train transplanting mechanism for rice wide–narrow-row planting

Nutrient Accumulation and Distribution Assessment in Response to Potassium Application under Maize–Soybean Intercropping System

Intercropping is an intensive agricultural cropping system widely practiced for enhanced yield and nutrient acquisition advantages. A two-year maize–soybean intercropping (MSI) field study was performed in 2018 and 2019 to assess the effects of potassium (K) fertilizer application on biomass accumulation and distribution of essential nutrients in the various plant parts (root, green biomass and seed) of maize–soybean intercropping (MSI). Three different treatments of K fertilizer applications (T0: no potassium application; T1: maize 40, soybeans 30 and T2: maize 80, soybeans 60 kg ha−1) were designed with 2 rows of maize by wide, narrow row planting in row arrangements of 160 cm + 40 cm. Soybeans were grown in 2 wide rows at a width of 40 cm and a row spacing of 60 cm between the rows of maize and soybeans, while the sole maize (SM) and sole soybean (SS) were grown with 70-cm and 50-cm row spacing, respectively. The results of the two-year study confirmed that, as compared to T0, T2 significantly increased nitrogen, phosphate and potassium (NPK) accumulation in all maize parts by 27%, 16% and 20% grain, 23%, 22% and 14% green biomass and 30%, 17% and 15% root, respectively. In soybean treatments, T2 significantly increased NPK accumulation by 23%, 22% and 24% grain, 16%, 15% and 12% green biomass and 18%, 19% and 20% root, respectively. The increased accumulation of nutrients under T2 raised the overall biomass and its distribution to root, green biomass and grain in maize and soybeans by 11% and 18% and 16% and 19%, 20% and 12%, respectively, compared to T0. On average, after two years of experiments, the T2 intercropped maize and the soybeans showed 103% and 64% of the sole yield and attained the maximum LER of 1.66 and 1.68, respectively. Our results reveal that managing optimum K level application (80:60 kg ha−1) can accelerate biomass accumulation and distribution of other essential nutrients in the plant parts of intercropped maize and soybeans. Therefore, it is immensely important to concern potassium application levels in developing a sustainable maize–soybean intercropping systems for achieving higher productivity and land equivalent ratio (LER).

Stink Bug Population in Cotton Plantations with Different Plant Spacings

The increase in cotton plant population by decreasing the spacing between rows cause some changes in phenotypical characteristics of cotton plants, such as decrease in number of leaves per plant, low-development leaves, and great soil shading. Stink bugs of the Pentatomidae family that migrate from soybean crops seem to benefit from the cotton narrow-row planting system. The objective of the present work was to evaluate adult and nymph stink bug populations in cotton plantations under three plant spacing. The experiment was conducted in the 2010/2011 cotton season at the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Grande Dourados, in Dourados, MS, Brazil. A randomized block experimental design was used, with three cotton growing systems and eight replications, totaling 24 plots. The cotton growing systems were selected based on spacing between planting rows (0.22, 0.45, and 0.90 m). Five evaluations were conducted to survey the stink bug populations, with two samples per plot. The number of nymphs and adults of Euschistus heros and Edessa meditabunda was counted. The spacing between cotton planting rows affects stink bug populations of the species Euschistus heros and Edessa meditabunda. Increases in cotton plant density decrease the occurrence of stink bug in the plantation. The stink bug population is greater in cotton plantations with spacing of 0.90 m between planting rows.

A high seed yield and associated attributes of dry matter production achieved by recent Japanese soybean cultivars

Field experiments were carried out in 2014 and 2015 to characterize the associated attributes responsible for dry matter accumulation in high-yielding soybean. We attempted to create a high-yielding environment by introducing narrow-row planting at two planting densities, using a new cultivar ‘Hatsusayaka’ and a current leading cultivar ‘Sachiyutaka’ in an upland experimental field. Dry matter accumulation was assessed in terms of light interception and radiation use efficiency (RUE). Growth analysis was performed to evaluate the crop growth rate (CGR) and the contribution of the net assimilation rate (NAR) and mean leaf area index to CGR. Maximum soybean yields of 590 and 658 g m−2 were obtained for Hatsusayaka and Sachiyutaka, respectively, in 2015 at the high planting density, with the corresponding maximum aboveground dry matter equaling 1463 and 1331 g m−2 and maximum LAI equaling 8.5 and 7.6. Although cumulative intercepted solar radiation was lower than in previous studies, early canopy closure at around the beginning of the flowering stage and very high RUE (1.54 and 1.68 g MJ−2 for Hatsusayaka and Sachiyutaka, respectively) contributed to the high dry matter accumulation. In contrast to the high yield in 2015, continuous excess soil moisture in early August 2014 may have inhibited nodule nitrogen fixation and decreased the nitrogen content, resulting in an extremely high specific leaf area and low leaf greenness, which agrees well with the low NAR during the corresponding period.

Effect of narrow-row planting patterns on crop competitive and economic advantage in maize–soybean relay strip intercropping system

Narrow-row planting patterns directly affect crop yield and competition in intercropping systems. A two-year (2012 and 2013) field experiment was conducted to determine the interactive behavior between intercrops in a maize–soybean relay strip intercropping system. Maize plants were planted in different narrow-wide row planting patterns, whereas soybean was planted in wide rows. The total biomass and grain yield of maize increased with increasing maize narrow-row spacing, but the opposite trend was observed for soybean. The aggressivity, competitive ratio, and partial relative crowding advantage values for maize were greater than those for soybean. Moreover, the competitive interaction of the intercrops was affected by the distance between maize and soybean rows. The highest intercrop land equivalent ratio (LER) 1.61 and 1.59 was found in the 40:160 planting pattern (i.e. 40 cm narrow-row spacing and 160 cm wide-row spacing of maize) during 2012 and 2013, respectively. Combined with actual yield loss and LER, the intense intra-specific competition of maize plants reduced the depression for the associated soybeans when the maize narrow-row spacing was less than 30 cm. When the narrow-row spacing was wider than 50 cm, soybean growth was seriously depressed by maize because of the stronger inter-specific competition between maize and soybean. The maximum yield and economic advantage appeared in the 40:160 narrow-wide row planting pattern. Therefore, intercropping advantage may be achieved by changing the row spacing and distance between intercrop rows to coordinate the inter-specific competition between maize and soybean.

Weed management in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) through weed-crop competition: A review

The agriculture sector is embracing energy efficient conservation systems and technological innovations to meet the ever increasing demand for food, fibre, and fuel in tune with the rapidly increasing human population. The genetic modification of plants is one of the technological innovations that is adopted rapidly across the world. In cotton, many major producing countries have adopted herbicide-tolerant genetically modified crops. Over-reliance on herbicides for weed management in both genetically modified and conventional systems has led to the rapid evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds. Poor weed management can cause up to 90% yield loss in cotton. Undoubtedly, integration of non-chemical methods and diversifying weed control options would ensure the sustainability of available weed management options, including herbicides. Increasing crop competitiveness is one of the approaches that could be integrated with the current weed management systems. Choosing cultivars with early vigour, use of narrow row planting, orienting crop rows with regard to sunlight, and adjusting planting density are some of the approaches that could enhance the competitiveness of crops over weeds. Review of the available literature on cotton indicates weed suppressive benefits by enhancing crop competitiveness through increasing planting density and narrow row spacing. Early canopy closure in narrow row spaced systems would suppress many problem weeds. In addition, herbicide efficacy may be increased due to competition offered by a dense crop stand, which may reduce herbicide selection pressure on weeds. However, the use of narrow row spacing is still in an infant stage in many cotton-growing countries and the success may depend on the environment, soil type, and resource availability. This review analyses and reports the potential benefits of increasing crop competition as a weed management option and also highlights research to be undertaken to ensure the adoption of different strategies on a much wider scale.

WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND WATER DISTRIBUTION RESPONSE TO DIFFERENT PLANTING PATTERNS IN MAIZE–SOYBEAN RELAY STRIP INTERCROPPING SYSTEMS

SUMMARYUnderstanding crop water use in mixed crops over sole cropping is vital for developing optimum water management systems for crop production. In this study, a two-year field experiment with typical maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] relay strip intercropping (2:2 maize-to-soybean rows; 200 cm bandwidth) was carried out in the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons. The quantitative effects of various planting patterns on the water-use efficiency (WUE) and water distribution were investigated. Our results indicated that soil volumetric water content and soil evaporation in the intercropping systems showed decreasing trends in the order: maize row (MM) < maize-to-soybean row (MS) < soybean row (SS). The highest leaf transpiration (1.91 and 2.07 mmol m−2 s−1) for the intercropped maize was measured in each of the two years in the 20 cm maize narrow-row planting pattern and decreased thereafter. Opposite trend was observed for the intercropped soybean; the highest soybean leaf transpiration (7.01 and 6.80 mmol m−2 s−1 for 2013 and 2014, respectively) was recorded in the 70 cm. The WUE of maize and soybean intercrops was lower than that of sole crop counterparts. However, the maximum group water use efficiency (GWUE) of 26.08 and 26.20 kg ha−1 mm−1 in the 40–50 cm maize narrow-row planting pattern was, respectively, 39.6% and 23% higher compared with that of sole crops. The water equivalent ratio (WER) values ranged from 1.60–1.79, suggesting better crop water use in the intercrops over sole cropping. Planting patterns provided by 40–50 cm maize narrow-row spacing were considered the most efficient in terms of maximum total yields, GWUE and WER. These results suggest that an appropriate reduction in the spacing of narrow maize row with wide soybean row could be an efficient crop management method to achieve optimal WUE and homogeneous water distribution in maize–soybean intercropping systems.

NS-Kaca: High-protein, very early soybean cultivar

NS-Kaća, a new, very early soybean cultivar, has been created at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad by crossing domestic and foreign genotypes. The main traits of the cultivar are its early maturity, which placed it into the 000 maturity group, and excellent technological quality of grain. Due to the short vegetation period, it is primarily sown as the second crop in our country, or as the first crop in northern countries (Russia, Ukraine, Austria, Slovenia) and hilly regions. It provides economically justifiable yield gain during the second crop harvest if sowing is conducted by the end of early July, so each day of sowing delay significantly reduces yield. It achieved significantly higher yields in the multiannual macro- and micro-trials compared to standard cultivars from the same maturity group. Producers are advised to sow 600,000 germinated seeds per hectare. The cultivar is also suitable for narrow-row planting (with inter-row spacing of 12.5 cm or 25 cm), whereby the planting rate can be increased by 15-20%. Seed of the cultivar NS-Kaća can also be used as raw material in the production of products intended for human consumption, thanks to the high protein content which is usually between 44% and 47% (in absolutely dry grain). It is suitable for the production of soy milk and soy milk products, due to its large grain, coated with light-yellow seed coat without mottled appearance, and weak expression of hilum colour same as the seed coat, which provides a natural, milkywhite colour of the final products. Development and dissemination of the newly released cultivar NS-Kaća is a major step forward in soybean breeding, as the cultivar exhibited a significantly higher protein content while maintaining its high-yielding potential, despite the strong negative correlation of these traits.

大豆品種「シュウレイ」の狭畦栽培における安定多収に向けた摘芯処理の検討

大豆品種「シュウレイ」の狭畦栽培における安定多収に向けた摘芯処理の検討

Narrow row planting increases yield and suppresses weeds in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in a semi-arid agro-ecology of Nyagatare, Rwanda

Narrow row planting has potential to increase crop growth and yield by increasing radiation interception (RI) and minimizing intra-specific competition in the crop. It reduces weed growth and competitiveness, making resources that are normally taken up by weeds available for crop uptake. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of row spacing on weed biomass, bean growth and yield in a semi arid agro-ecology at Nyagatare, Rwanda. The study was set up as a randomized complete block design in October–December 2009 and repeated in 2011. Planting patterns at a constant bean population density of 111 000 plants ha−1 random planting (normal practice), narrow row planting (30 cm × 30 cm), medium row planting (45 cm × 20 cm) and wide row planting (60 cm × 15 cm) were treatments tested in this study. The narrow row square planting pattern significantly (P < 0.01) out-yielded the wide and random planting patterns by 22–31% in the wet 2009 season and by 27–70% in the dry 2011 season. Bean plant dry weight (P < 0.01) and number of pods per plant (P < 0.01) was highest in the narrow row and lowest in the random planting pattern in the dry 2011 season. Bean plant dry weight was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) in the wet 2009 season but number of pods plant−1 (P < 0.001) was highest in the narrow row and lowest in the random planting pattern. Weed biomass was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the narrow row and the random than in the medium and wide row planting patterns at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after emergence in 2009, but the random planting had the highest weed biomass in 2011. The results suggest that the effects narrow row planting in alleviating the negative impact of inter- and intra-specific competition were more strongly expressed in the dry 2011 season than the wet 2009 season when water was probably not a limiting factor to crop growth and yield. The results also indicate that narrow and equidistant planting has potential to increase bean yield by 30%–70%, when compared to random planting (normal practice) while at the same time suppressing weed growth and is recommended for smallholder farmers in Rwanda and other semi-arid areas in sub-Saharan Africa.

Root biomass distribution of triploid Populus tomentosa under wide- and narrow-row spacing planting schemes and its responses to soil nutrients

Aims Triploid Populus tomentosa, a main clone for pulpwood forestry in the North China Plain, is usually planted using a wide- and narrow-row spacing planting schemes(WNRPS). Our objectives were to make water and fertilizer management recommendations for P. tomentosa under a WNRPS based on root form characteristics,and determine the relationship between the vertical distribution of P. tomentosa fine roots(FR) and soil nutrient factors.Methods We obtained 2 106 soil samples by soil coring down to 150 cm depth around eight sample trees in a five-year-old P. tomentosa plantation located in Gaotang County, Shandong Province, China. The samples were used to measure root distribution, organic matter(OM), available P and alkaline N content.Important findings FR biomass density(FRBD) in the wide row zone(WRZ) decreased with increasing depth in the 0–30 cm soil, but was distributed evenly below 30 cm depth(p = 0.079). The vertical FRBD profile in the narrow row zone(NRZ) showed a bimodal pattern. In different layers at 10–150 cm depth, FRBD in the NRZ was17%–148% higher than in the WRZ. With increasing depth in both WRZ and NRZ, coarse root biomass density(CRBD) increased and then decreased. However, the FRBD to CRBD ratio(F/C) varied slightly with depth(p 0.05), and the mean F/C in the NRZ was 60% higher than that in the WRZ. Horizontally, in both WRZ and NRZ,the FRBD distribution was almost even, while the CRBD and F/C decreased and increased, respectively, with increasing distance from the trunk. On a two dimensional scale, the FRBD distribution within the NRZ was relatively even, but FR were mainly concentrated in surface soil within the WRZ. CRBD was distributed asymmetrically around the trunk. The ranges of 0–20 cm depth and 160–300 cm distance from the tree were the areas with high mean FRBD and F/C in the WRZ, which were 1.8 and 0.1 times larger than the mean values of corresponding variables in the WRZ, respectively. FRBD scaled positively with OM, available P and alkaline N content at0–30 cm depth, but showed no obvious trend with respect to soil characteristics below 30 cm depth. In conclusion,the differences in P. tomentosa root distribution between WRZ and NRZ were reflected in the one-dimensional vertical FR distribution and two-dimensional FR and coarse roots distribution. OM, available P and alkaline N were key controls on the vertical FR distribution at 0–30 cm depth, but had no effects on FR distribution below 30cm depth. For P. tomentosa plantations under WNRPS, water should be provided mainly to the NRZ, and slowand fast-release fertilizer should be supplied to the shallow soil in the area near the wide row center and in the NRZ, respectively.

Interaction of Cultivar, Planting Pattern, and Weed Management Tactics in Peanut

Planting peanut in narrow rows for weed control has not been investigated in recently released Virginia market peanut cultivars. Research was conducted in North Carolina from 2007 to 2009 to determine the effect of cultivar, planting pattern, and level of weed management inputs on weed control, peanut yield, and estimated economic return. Experiments consisted of three levels of weed management (clethodim applied POST, cultivation and hand-removal of weeds, and clethodim and appropriate broadleaf herbicides applied POST), three levels of planting pattern (single rows spaced 91 cm apart, standard twin rows spaced 20 cm apart on 91-cm centers, and narrow twin rows consisting of twin rows spaced 20 cm apart on 46-cm centers), and two Virginia cultivars (‘NC 12C’ and ‘VA 98R’). Weed management affected common lambsquarters, common ragweed, eclipta, nodding spurge, pitted morningglory, Texas millet, and yellow nutsedge control, irrespective of cultivar or planting pattern. Cultivar and planting pattern had only minor effects on weed control and interactions of these treatment factors seldom occurred. Weed control achieved with cultivation plus hand-removal was similar to weed management observed with grass and broadleaf herbicide programs. Pod yield did not differ among treatments when broadleaf weeds were the dominant species but did differ when Texas millet was the most prevalent weed. The highest yield with conventional herbicide weed management was in standard twin and narrow twin row planting patterns, although no differences among planting patterns were noted when cultivation and hand-removal were the primary weed management tactics. Differences in estimated economic return were associated with weed species, and interactions of treatment factors varied by year for that parameter.

Twin or narrow-row planting patterns versus conventional planting in forage maize production in the Eastern Mediterranean

Producing forage maize (Zea mays L.) in twin-row planting pattern has been attempted in past years. This research was performed to determine effects of planting patterns and densities on yields of forage maize hybrids. We also examined other plant characteristics associated with forage yield under second crop conditions in Hatay, East Mediterranean region of Turkey, during 2003 and 2004. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in a split-split-plot arrangement with three replications. The planting patterns of twin row (55:20 cm), conventional row (75 cm) and narrow row (50 cm) were main plots, the plant densities (80,000, 100,000 and 120,000 plants ha −1) were split-plots, and the hybrids (PR-1550, MAVERIK and DK-585) were split-split plots. Forage and dry matter yields were significantly affected by planting patterns, plant densities and maize hybrids. Our results revealed the advantage of twin-row planting pattern over conventional and narrow row plantings at all plant densities. Twin row planting out-yielded conventional row (16% more forage and 10.2% more dry matter yield) and narrow-row (7.9% more forage and 5.9% more dry matter yield) plantings. Twin-row planting pattern may be a profitable production technique for forage maize producers.

Effect of Gypsum Application on Growth and Yield in Soybean cv. Enrei Grown with Narrow Row Planting

Effect of Gypsum Application on Growth and Yield in Soybean cv. Enrei Grown with Narrow Row Planting

Growth, yield and antioxidant activity of supernodulation Soybean Sakukei 4 grown in the narrow row planting with compost, as a succeeding crop of barley

Growth, yield and antioxidant activity of supernodulation Soybean Sakukei 4 grown in the narrow row planting with compost, as a succeeding crop of barley