Nil Application Research Articles

Valuation of Proceed PlusTMMD and Verification of CelestTop312.5FS Fungicides for the Control of Loose Smut of Wheat in Southeastern Ethiopia

Wheat is considered one of the utmost grown agricultural grain crops in the world to meet the food requirements of the domain’s population. In Ethiopia, wheat is one of key cereal crops whose area of cultivation and volume of produced boosted year after year. However, the production and productivity of wheat is truncated by various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, wheat loose smut disease caused by Ustilago tritici is one of quality and quantity incurring diseases but getting lower research attention. A field experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate and verify the efficacy of fungicides against wheat loose smut diseases and put updated recommendation for users. It was executed at three loose smut hot spot locations, Meraro on-station, Kulumsa main center and Wonjigora on farm in 2023 main cropping season. Two different fungicides including the test fungicide (CelestTop312.5FS) and standard check (Proceed PlusTMMD), as well as untreated plot were used as a treatment. The trial was laid out in non-replicated plots at three sites where locations were considered as replica. The result of the research finding revealed that fungicide treated treatments significantly reduced loose smut diseases severity to the lowest level possible over the nil application. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p ≤ 5%) between the test and check fungicides in reducing loose smut diseases severity. Test fungicide revealed comparable level of efficacy on loose smut diseases severity reduction compared to the standard check. There was highly significant difference (p ≤ 5%) hectoliter weight between fungicide treatments and nil application of fungicide but insignificant variation in grain yield and thousand seed weight. Both fungicide treatments also revealed significant diseases management advantage than untreated plots. Thus, the newly verified fungicide CelestTop312.5 FS at a rate of 200ml fungicide with 1 to 2 liters of water as wetting agent for 100 Kg of wheat seed is found to be very effective in controlling loose smut diseases and is recommended for registration. Similarly, proceed PlusTM MD at a rate of 0.004 liter fungicide per kilogram of seed is suggested for further use for producers to control wheat loose smut diseases as sole or integrated disease management options.

Nanopatterning on Mixed Halide Perovskites for Promoting Photocurrent Generation of Flexible Photodetector

AbstractNanoimprinting lithography (NIL) technique is widely utilized for nanostructure engineering of soft materials. Owing to the soft organic/inorganic hybrid nature, the optical and crystallographic properties of halide perovskites (HPs) are improved by the NIL process. However, the wide application of NIL into various HPs has lagged. Herein, a defect‐free nanopatterned‐(FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 (NP‐FAMA) film is successfully developed via optimized NIL. As surface energy is a key parameter to be controlled for accomplishing NIL process, trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorooctyl)silane (CF3(CF2)5CH2CH2SiCl3) treatment on polymeric mold, which prevents the peeling‐off problem. Along with surface morphology modification, NP‐FAMA exhibits enhanced crystallographic and photophysical properties. The photoresponsivity of NP‐FAMA‐based photodetectors outperforms bare (b‐) FAMA‐based devices. Surprisingly, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the NP‐FAMA‐based devices dramatically increases to 225%, photomultiplication (PM), under 1 nW illumination without any charge‐injecting materials. To clarify these PM phenomena, the trap‐assisted PM mechanism is suggested as a model system for promoting photocurrent generation of HPs that is supported by PL analysis.

THE CONSIDERATION OF ZONING COMPLIANCE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FASTRACK NIL IN JOHOR

Under Section 53 of National Land Code 1965, there were lands alienated before the commencement of NLC whereby the titles do not indicate any particular category of land use and express conditions, but instead are stated as ‘Nil’. Therefore, this paper aims to describe the procedure of Fastrack NIL implementation in Johor and its consideration of zoning compliance upon the imposition of land categories and express conditions for land stated as ‘Nil’. Using content analysis and interview with selected respondent using purposive sampling, it is confirmed that the imposition of conditions or land conversion does not need to be in accordance with the zoning compliance. However, this practice is becoming a norm due to the equitable interests held by landowners and taking into account the interest of the state government, thus zoning must be considered in the Fastrack NIL application.

English

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an important vegetable crop in Ethiopia. The yield of the crop is often constrained by low and unbalanced nutrient supply in the soil. This study was undertaken to assess effect of vermicompost (VC) on growth, quality and economic return of garlic variety Chelenko I during 2016 main rainy season in Haramaya University main campus, Ethiopia. The treatment consisted of four levels of vermicompost (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 tons ha-1) laid out in a randomized complete block design in three replication. Data were collected and analyzed on days to emergency, plant growth, quality, and economic return of garlic. Results revealed early emergency (8.07 days) with application of 7.5 tons ha-1 of vermicompost while late emergency (10.13 days) was at nil application of vermicompost. Significant (P<0.05) maximum leaf area (37.05 cm2), leaf area index (1.36) and biomass (61.54 g) were recorded with application of 7.5 tons ha-1. Besides to this, maximum total dry matter (32.71%) and total soluble solid (12.72 Brix°) were also recorded at the rate of 7.5 tons ha-1. Due to application of 7.5 tons ha-1 fertilizer, the economic analysis showed the highest net benefit cost of 431,188 ETB ha-1 and marginal rate of return (168.87%) with incurred highest total variable cost of 79,350 ETB ha-1. Thus, it can be reasonably generalized that on short time basis, the application of high amounts of VC fertilizers can result in higher economic return than the low dose of VC fertilizer. Therefore, it can be concluded that, the maximum growth and quality and economic return of garlic was obtained with application of 7.5 tons of VC ha-1 fertilizer as it gave the highest net benefit cost. However, since the experiment was done only once and at one location, similar experiments should be carried out using additional higher rates of VC fertilizer over several seasons and locations to make a conclusive recommendation. Key words: Chelenko I, economic return, marginal rate return, net benefit, total soluble solids.

Responses of Soybean (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Glycine max&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Varieties to NPS Fertilizer Rates at Bako, Western Ethiopia

Soybean (<i>Glycine max. L</i>) is among the most important legume crops produced in western Ethiopia. However, declining soil fertility and poor soil fertility management practices decrease yields. A field experiment was conducted in Bako Agricultural Research center during 2018 main cropping season to investigate the effect of NPS rates on yield and yield components of soybean varieties and to identify economically feasible rates of blended NPS rate that increase the productivity. Dhidhessa, Ethio-yugoslavia and Wello of soybean varieties and five rates of NPS (0, 50,100,150 and 200 kg ha^-1). The experiment was laid out in arrangement in RCBD with three replications. The highest hundred seed weight (16.9g) was recorded from Ethio-yugoslavia and the lowest (15g) from Wello. Significant effect was exhibited on days to 50% flower, above ground biomass yield and seed yield due to main effects of NPS rate. The highest (55.78) and the lowest (53.78) numbers of days to flowering were recorded due to application of 200 kg NPS ha^-1 and 0 kg NPS ha^-1, respectively. The tallest (81.63cm) and the shortest (65.60 cm) plants were recorded under 200 kg NPS ha^-1 and 0 kg NPS ha^-1, respectively. The highest (8718 kg ha^-1) above ground dry mass was obtained at the highest rate of 200 kg NPS ha^-1 and the lowest (6910 kg ha^-1) was due to 0 kg NPS ha^-1. The highest (2763 kgha^-1) seed yield was recorded from the application of 100 kgha^-1 NPS rate and the lowest (1935kgha^-1) seed yield was recorded from nil application of NPS fertilizer rate. The best combination with high grain yield and economic benefit is 100kgha^-1 NPS fertilizer rate with Didhessa Variety. The major measured parameters contributing for grain yield were above ground biomass, number of pod per plant and no of primary branch per plant. This experiment generally confirmed as 100kgha^-1 NPS for soybean was appropriate. This trial was conducted at strong acid soil, these it is expected as the plants might not have access to use the applied fertilizer and if it was conducted with lime application the responses might be changed. Thus, it can be concluded that combined application of 100 kg ha^-1 of blended NPS with Dhidhessa variety could be used at similar agro ecology. However, since the study was conducted for one season at one location, it has to be repeated over seasons and locations to make a conclusive recommendation.

The interaction of seasonal rainfall and nitrogen fertiliser rate on soil N2O emission, total N loss and crop yield of dryland sorghum and sunflower grown on sub-tropical Vertosols

Summer crop production on slow-draining Vertosols in a sub-tropical climate has the potential for large emissions of soil nitrous oxide (N2O) from denitrification of applied nitrogen (N) fertiliser. While it is well established that applying N fertiliser will increase N2O emissions above background levels, previous research in temperate climates has shown that increasing N fertiliser rates can increase N2O emissions linearly, exponentially or not at all. Little such data exists for summer cropping in sub-tropical regions. In four field experiments at two locations across two summers, we assessed the impact of increasing N fertiliser rate on both soil N2O emissions and crop yield of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) or sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Vertosols of sub-tropical Australia. Rates of N fertiliser, applied as urea at sowing, included a nil application, an optimum N rate and a double-optimum rate. Daily N2O fluxes ranged from –3.8 to 2734g N2O-Nha–1day–1 and cumulative N2O emissions ranged from 96 to 6659g N2O-Nha–1 during crop growth. Emissions of N2O increased with increased N fertiliser rates at all experimental sites, but the rate of N loss was five times greater in wetter-than-average seasons than in drier conditions. For two of the four experiments, periods of intense rainfall resulted in N2O emission factors (EF, percent of applied N emitted) in the range of 1.2–3.2%. In contrast, the EFs for the two drier experiments were 0.41–0.56% with no effect of N fertiliser rate. Additional 15N mini-plots aimed to determine whether N fertiliser rate affected total N lost from the soil–plant system between sowing and harvest. Total 15N unaccounted was in the range of 28–45% of applied N and was presumed to be emitted as N2O+N2. At the drier site, the ratio of N2 (estimated by difference)to N2O (measured) lost was a constant 43%, whereas the ratio declined from 29% to 12% with increased N fertiliser rate for the wetter experiment. Choosing an N fertiliser rate aimed at optimum crop production mitigates potentially high environmental (N2O) and agronomic (N2+N2O) gaseous N losses from over-application, particularly in seasons with high intensity rainfall occurring soon after fertiliser application.

Estimation of the in‐field variation in fertiliser application

Variation in field application from a centrifugal fertiliser spreader has, in the past, been difficult to assess due to the intensive field testing required. However, with the application of current technologies such as Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information Systems, the assessment of field application variation is now possible. The aim of this research was to develop a method to assess field application variation using basic transverse spread pattern test and vehicle tracking data. The information was used to measure and compare the effect of spread pattern, driving accuracy, driving method and paddock shape. Two differently shaped paddocks were used for analysis, one rectangular, the other triangular. A simple analysis method was initially used to calculate which areas of the paddock received nil, single, or double application. An advanced assessment method was also developed to measure application variation within the paddock and to calculate field application variation. Transverse spread pattern data was averaged at 2 m increments and linked to GPS tracking data from the spreading vehicle using ArcGIS 9.1©. The dataset was then analysed and a field application map produced. The field coefficient of variation (CV) was then calculated from the application map. Three simulations of perfect driving width and perfect application pattern were also conducted as a means of comparison to the actual field data. Simple analysis results showed, in both paddocks, the area receiving the correct application rate was between 70 and 80%, with 5–15% of the area receiving nil application. Using the advanced analysis method, the calculated field CV was 32.9 and 43.0% for the triangular and rectangular paddocks, respectively. However, when simulated “perfect driving” tracking data were used, the average field CV was reduced to 24.8 and 23.5%, respectively. When both perfect driving and a perfect spread pattern were used field application variation could be reduced to less than 20% for either shaped paddock. The results concluded that there is far greater variation in field application of fertiliser than that measured from a single transverse test, with the single biggest gain in calculated field CV being from driver accuracy and driving method.

Long term trends in total nitrogen of a vertisol subjected to zero-tillage, nitrogen application and stubble retention

The effects of conservation practices, zero-tillage and stubble retention, on long-term trends in total N (0-0.1 m depth) of a Vertisol used mainly for wheat cropping were studied in a semi-arid subtropical environment (28�12'S. and 152�06' E.) in Queensland. Trends in total N content of a Vertisoi (65% clay, pH 7.2) were discerned during a 22-year period of management practices including: zero-tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT); stubble retention (SR) and stubble burning (SB); and fertilizer N application of nil (Nl), 23 kg N ha-1 yr-1 (N2) and 69 kg N ha-1 yr-1 (N3). Soil total N (0-0.1 m) declined under all treatments at an overall rate of 25f 2 kg N ha-1 yr-1 although after 22 years soil under ZT, SR and N3 treatments still contained higher soil total N than under CT, SB and N1 treatments. Apparent fertilizer N recovery in the soil-plant system was poor (34 64%) under CTSB, CTSR and ZTSB and ZTSR treatments, because N removed by the wheat crop was equivalent to less than 20% of fertilizer N in the first 12 years of management practices, due mainly to disease. Deep leaching losses of NO3-N was the likely factor for poor recovery of N. The ZTSR treatment showed better apparent N recovery than the CTSB treatment, most likely due to greater immobilization of fertilizer N, more N uptake in grain due to additional available soil water and hence less leaching losses of NO3-N. Under the current cultural practices, soil total N (0-0.1 m) may decline further to reach a steady state (about 1000 kg N ha-1). However, the apparent N recovery in the soil-plant system can be increased by disease control (for example, resistant cultivars and winter-summer crop rotations) and optimum utilisation of soil water (opportunity cropping) to minimize NO3-N leaching losses and to maximise production of crop biomass.

Short-term effects of changes in soil management and nitrogen fertilizer application on ‘Bramley’s Seedling’ apple trees.

Soil managment in a ‘Bramley’s Seedling’ orchard, established in a system of herbicide treated tree rows and mown grass alleys, was changed to provide three treatments: complete grass cover, overall herbicide and a continuation of the existing system. Differential rates of N fertilizer (nil, 62.5 kg ha-1) were applied to each soil management regime. In comparison with herbicide strips, complete grass was intensely competitive, particularly with nil application of N fertilizer, reducing tree growth and yield and greatly decreasing leaf N. Leaves from trees in complete grass (nil N) plots contained higher concentrations of P, K and B but lower ones of Ca, Mn and Cu. Compared with the change from herbicide strip to complete grass management, effects of changing to overall herbicide were smaller. There were slight increases in leaf N concentration but no increases in tree growth or fruit yield. Leaf Mn concentration was increased in overall herbicide. Although application of N fertilizer to grass plots increased leaf N concentration by 0.4% and the three-year girth increment, yield was less than that of trees in herbicide strips. Nitrogen fertilizer applied to herbicide strips or overall herbicide plots slightly increased leaf N content but there was no effect on yield or girth increase. Applying N fertilizer to complete grass plots reduced the concentration of P, K and B in leaves but increased leaf Ca, Mn and Cu.