Furrow Planting Research Articles

Technological effectiveness of formation of planting furrow by working body of passive type of orchard planting machine

The article presents the results of experimental studies of technological effectiveness of formation of planting furrow by working body of passive type of orchard planting machine. The authors adhered to working hypothesis that to reduce energy consumption and increase the reliability of orchard planting machine in various operating conditions, possibly due to passive type of working body, which provides undercutting the soil layer and raises it to formation of planting furrow, and after placing the seedling in it, it encloses it as before area without additional significant movement or rotation. The article presents the results of study of number of roots hooks of two-year-old apple seedlings when trying to place their root system in interval between the opener model extensions. The authors presented the models of schemes of interaction between plant stems and blade of main blade and optimized the parameters of working surface of barrel blade. The authors established the dependence of additional averaged soil resistance coefficient on planting depth. The article investigates the dependence of resistance force of working body of orchard planting machine on planting depth and soil type. The authors presented the results of technological effectiveness of prototype of working body of orchard planting machine during experimental research and production tests.

Conservation tillage methods affect soil water use and spring maize yield in a semi-humid drought-prone area of China

In the arid areas of Northwest China, water has become a key limiting factor for agricultural development, so conservation tillage management has become an important measure to improve water use efficiency and crop yield. Our experiment, conducted from 2015 to 2018, explored the effects of conventional flat planting with no mulch (NP), with straw mulch (SM), and with plastic mulch (PM); and also ridge and furrow planting without mulch (RF) and ridge-furrow planting with plastic film and straw mulch (RFPFM) on soil nutrients, soil water storage, water use efficiency, and crop yield when compared with traditional no mulch and no fertilization cultivation (CK). Four years of experiments showed that compared to CK, SM and RFPFM had significantly increased soil surface nutrient content and increased organic matter content, and the water depletion during the maize growth period of the NP, SM, PM, RF, and RFPFM treatments increased by 9.7%, 0.6%, 8.6%, 4.4%, and 14.2%, respectively. For four years, the average spring maize yields of the NP, SM, PM, RF, and RFPFM treatments increased by 36%, 87%, 115%, 40%, and 119%, compared to those of CK. The PM and RFPFM treatments' water use efficiencies were significantly different from those of the other treatments and the basic decreasing trend of water use efficiency was RFPFM > PM > SM > RF > NP > CK. In summary, we showed that because ridge-furrow planting with plastic film mulch improved both soil nutrients and crop yields, it is a preferred cultivation method for agricultural water utilization in arid areas.

Castor bean as an option for Meloidogyne incognita management in cotton

This research aimed to evaluate management of Meloidogyne incognita in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) using a rotation with castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), a potential cash crop. Reproduction of the nematode on castor bean in the greenhouse and effect of its planting on nematode populations on cotton in the field were tested. The effect of castor bean cake on nematode populations and its direct effect on cotton yield were also evaluated. Castor bean was a non-host to M. incognita in the trials. In addition, a preliminary field study showed that castor bean produced 1.2 t seed/ha when used in M. incognita infested areas, reduced populations of the nematode, and improved cotton productivity in the following season. Castor bean cake also reduced M. incognita populations. However, castor bean cake cannot be applied at doses above 100 kg/ha in the cotton planting furrow due to a phytotoxic effect on the crop. The most appropriate rate was 60 kg/ha applied to the furrow, decreasing in the nematode population at 80 days after planting and gall index as well as increasing cotton yield.

Untrafficked furrowed seedbed sustains soil physical quality in sugarcane mechanized fields

AbstractManagement strategies that reduce machinery traffic, such as creating seedbeds, could be adopted to preserve soil health and reduce soil physical restriction to sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) growth. Field experiments on clayey and sandy loam soils were conducted along four crop seasons (2013–2017) to investigate the changes in bulk density, soil penetration resistance, macroporosity and microporosity in the row and inter‐row positions, as well as sugarcane biomass production (root and stalk yield) under different machinery traffic treatments. The experimental areas were conducted in randomized block design with two treatments and four repetitions. The evaluated treatments were: (a) regular traffic, in which all operations were performed mechanically using regular machinery traffic; and (b) without traffic, in which all field operations (except those used for sunn hemp management and for opening the sugarcane planting furrow) were performed manually without machinery traffic. No critical values of physical properties were identified in either soil type in plots without machinery traffic, indicating the lowest density and soil penetration resistance values, as well as higher macroporosity, where sugarcane seedbed zones had been established. Our findings show that seedbeds resulted in greater root growth and development in the soil profile, mainly in inter‐row positions. Overall, sugarcane stalk yield was similar between the treatments in both soil types. This study reinforces the importance of the planting furrow in keeping suitable soil conditions for plant growth and concludes that sugarcane production in untrafficked seedbeds is an effective strategy to sustain soil physical conditions over the crop cycle, without the need for tillage operations during the (re)planting period.Highlights The use of seedbeds sustains soil physical quality along the crop cycle Most of root biomass were concentrated in the crop‐row Crop‐row position provides adequate soil physical conditions for root growth and plant development Untrafficked furrowed seedbed sustains soil physical quality and makes no‐tillage viable

Sugarcane filter cake application to coffee crop and soil physical attributes

Filter cakes are solid organic byproducts of the sugarcane industry that are generally used as fertilizers for crops such as coffee. Filter cake application has improved soil chemical, physical and microbiological attributes, especially for weathered soils. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of filter cake applications on the soil attributes cultivated with coffee in a Cerrado region. The study was conducted in a commercial coffee crop area (coffee cultivar Topázio MG 1190) in a Dystrophic Oxisol. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme of 4 x 4, with four doses of filter cake applied in the planting furrow (0, 4, 8, 12 L m-1) and four soil depths (0-0.1, 0.1-0.2, 0.2-0.3, 0.3-0.4 m). Soil density, soil mechanical resistance to root penetration, moisture, porosity (micro, macro, and total) and aggregate stability were evaluated. In general, the application of sugarcane filter cake over a long period has little effect on the soil's physical attributes, regardless of the filter cake rate used in the coffee crop. Only the soil porosity is affected by 12 L m-1 of filter cake, increasing the micro and macroporosity of the soil and promoting adequate conditions for the growth of coffee root, which can generate large soil water retention, benefiting coffee crops in the long-term.

Economics of forest biomass for bioenergy: potential site preparation savings from coarse woody harvesting residue removal in a short-rotation Eucalyptus globulus (Labill.) plantation

The study used time studies and cost analysis to assess potential economic benefits from site preparation cost reductions resulting from producing coarse woody harvesting residue (CWHR) for bioenergy. In contrast, previous studies have predominantly used anecdotal estimates of site preparation costs.The study was performed in a recently clearfelled 15-year-old plantation of Eucalyptus globulus (Labill) in Tasmania, Australia. The study area consisted of the control area (0.51 ha), containing ~35 m3 ha-1 of CWHR and the CWHR harvest area (2.47 ha), containing ≤12 m3 ha-1 of CWHR. The control area had been harvested with a harvester – forwarder system, which left all harvesting residue (HR) onsite, where-as the CWHR harvest area had been harvested with a feller-buncher – skidder – processor system which removed most of the HR. The latter site was used to simulate an area where CWHR had been harvested. The study examined productivities and costs of machines performing site preparation in each area. The preparation of the control area site was performed with an excavator that windrowed CWHR, fol-lowed by a skidder-mounted plough constructing planting furrows. Residual CWHR post-windrowing was <1 m3 ha-1. Productivities and costs were 0.53 ha PMH0-1 and AUD$319 ha-1 for the excavator and 1.1 ha PMH0-1 and AUD$139 PMH0-1 for the skidder-mounted plough. The excavator was not required in the CWHR harvest area. In this area, skidder-mounted plough productivity and cost were 1.16 ha PMH0-1 and AUD$109 ha-1 suggesting CWHR reduction to ≤12 m3 ha-1 could reduce site preparation costs by AUD$319 ha-1. Further studies on costs and revenues associated with CWHR removal and sale are required to determine net economic benefits and determine excavator cost and productivity for a range of CWHR quantities.

Effect of ridge film mulching and nitrogen application rate on seed quality, oil yield and nitrogen-use efficiency of winter oilseed rape in northwest China

ABSTRACT Three-year field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of ridge film mulching plus furrow planting (RFMF) and traditional flat planting (FP) on the seed quality, oil yield and nitrogen-use efficiency of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and to determine the optimal rate of nitrogen (N) application under the two planting patterns. Six N rates, 0, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 kg N ha−1, were applied under both patterns. RFMF significantly increased seed yield, oil yield, N agronomic efficiency (NAE) and N partial factor productivity (NPFP) by 15.5–43.5%, 18.0–48.3%, 2.1–70.6% and 17.9–48.2% respectively, compared with FP. The optimal N application rates were 235 and 218 kg N ha−1 under RFMF and FP, respectively. In conclusion, RFMF could be adopted with N rate of 235 kg N ha−1 for the cultivation of winter oilseed rape in northwest China to improve shoot nutrient uptake, oil yield and N use efficiencies.

Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity and Deficit Irrigation on Soil Ions Variation and Uptake by Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Under Two Planting Methods

A 2-years field experiment in a split-split plot arrangement was considered to investigate the effects of different irrigation water salinity [0.45 (well water, S1), 1.0 (S2), 2.0 (S3), 3.0 (S4) dS m−1], irrigation water levels [100% (I1), 75% (I2) and 50% (I3) of saffron water requirement (WR)] and planting methods [basin (P1) and in-furrow (P2)] on the dynamics of salt ions and their uptake by saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.). The electrical conductivity of soil saturation extract (ECe) was increased by 104% in S4 compared to control (S1), on average, in two growing seasons. S4 treatment increased concentration of sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl−) in soil by 102%, 92%, 124% and 128% in comparison with S1, on average, in two growing seasons. The concentration of Na+, Ca2+, K+ and Cl− in soil in S4 were 30%, 15%, 28% and 29% higher and NO3 was 30.3% lower in I1 in comparison with I3, respectively. The ions concentration in soil were 3.5–14.7% higher in P1 in comparison with those in P2. Leaf Na+, Ca2+ and Cl− concentration was increased by increase in irrigation water salinity while K+, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were decreased by 28.4%, 25.7% and 29.8% in S4 in comparison with that obtained in S1, on average, which is presumably due to reduced NO3 and P concentrations in soil and increased Na+ uptake by saffron. Also, deficit irrigation reduced soil and leaf ions (Na+ and Cl−) threshold and increased the slope of relative yield-ions concentration reduction function, which indicated that water stress aggravates saffron sensitivity to salinity and ions concentration in soil and leaf. Results indicated that saffron was more sensitive to Na+ concentration in soil extract compared with Cl−. Na+ and Cl− threshold was 19.3% and 27.1% higher in P2, on average, in different irrigation levels, respectively. Therefore, the in-furrow planting method is suggested to cope with unfavorable saffron field conditions.

Winter wheat root distribution with irrigation, planting methods, and nitrogen application

Soil water uptake is a function of root growth and distribution. Therefore, restrictions on root system growth may reduce water and nutrient uptake, which results in slower plant growth. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different irrigation strategies, nitrogen application rates, and planting methods on the winter wheat root growth. The experimental factors included two irrigation strategies (variable alternate furrow irrigation defined as partial root-zone irrigation and ordinary furrow irrigation), two planting methods (in-furrow planting and on-ridge planting), and three nitrogen (N) application rates (0, 150, and 300 kg N ha−1) in 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 growing seasons. Results indicated that the in-furrow planting decreased mean root length density and root mass density (8% and 10%, respectively, in the fertilized treatments) compared to that obtained in the on-ridge planting. The partial root-zone irrigation reduced root length density by about 5% and 7% in the fertilized treatments compared to that obtained in full irrigation in the first and second year, respectively; however, these reductions were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the results implied that nitrogen fertilizer application increased root length density by 48% and 24% in the first and second year, respectively. Likely, root mass density increased by 32% and 5% in the first and second year, respectively. The exponential decaying relationship between root length density and soil depth indicated that the in-furrow planting with 300 kg N ha −1 produced the highest root density at the soil surface layer and reduced deep root penetration compared to the on-ridge planting and the other N treatments. Further analysis revealed that grain yield linearly correlated with root length density and root mass density in the first year. However, a polynomial (quadratic) relationship was obtained in the second year. Consequently, increasing the main root traits, including root length and root mass, enhanced winter wheat grain yield until it reached a threshold value. Higher values negatively affected grain yield, which might be due to allocating carbon to roots instead of grains.

Filter Cake as a Long-Standing Source of Micronutrients for Sugarcane

The aim of this study was to evaluate the residual effects of micronutrient application with or without filter cake on the supply of micronutrients, i.e., zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo), and sugarcane ratoon performance based on stalk and sugar yield. Two experiments were established in Sao Paulo state, Brazil, in a Rhodic Hapludox and a Typic Quartzipsamment in a randomized block design with an 8 × 2 factorial scheme. Seven micronutrient treatments (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, B, Mo, and all micronutrients) plus one control treatment combined with two filter cake rates (0 and 30 t ha−1) were applied in the planting furrow. Leaf micronutrient concentrations and stalk and sugar yields in the first, second, and third sugarcane ratoons were evaluated. The leaf concentrations of micronutrients were not affected by their application in the planting furrows but were affected by filter cake application. In addition, filter cake application increased stalk and sugar yields in both soil types and all ratoons. The micronutrients and filter cake applied in the planting furrow were able to supply micronutrients to sugarcane ratoons. The best plant response was attributed to B and Zn application, and a residual effect of filter cake application was observed in successive ratoons, with increased stalk and sugar yields.

Potential of conservation tillage and altered land configuration to improve soil properties, carbon sequestration and productivity of maize based cropping system in eastern Himalayas, India

Poor soil properties especially low soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient and water retention capacities are major concern for sustainable agriculture in Himalayas. Field experiments were conducted to assess the effects of six combinations of tillage [conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT)] and land configurations [flat bed planting (FB), ridge and furrow planting (RF), and raised bed planting (RB)] on productivity and carbon (C)-sequestration potential of maize [(Zea mays L.) for green-cob in summer]-maize (for grains in rainy season)-field pea [(Pisum sativum L. in winter] cropping system under humid mild-tropical climate of Tripura, India. The maize under NT-FB in 2012 and NT-RF in 2013 produced significantly higher green cob yield than that under CT-RF. However, in rainy season, CT produced higher maize grain yield than NT systems. Field pea seed yield was significantly the highest under NT-RB. After two cropping cycles, NT systems had higher available N, P, K and 18.6–31.4% higher soil moisture content after rainy season maize than CT system. The highest SOC-stock (0–30 cm) was observed under NT-FB, whereas, SOC-sequestration rate was maximum under NT-RB (0.85 Mg ha−1 year−1). Therefore, NT based systems can enhance the productivity and improve SOC-sequestration in cultivated soils of eastern Himalayas. Hence, study recommended adoption of NT-RB/NT-FB to raise maize-maize-field pea system for improving productivity, improving C- sequestration and soil properties in the eastern Himalayas and similar eco-regions elsewhere.

Potassium application for sugarcane in a sandy loam Oxisol of the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate rates and methods of potassium application for plant cane (Saccharum spp.) grown in a dystrophic Typic Haplustox with a sandy loam texture in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Aporé, in the state of Goiás, using the RB92579 sugarcane variety. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks, with three replicates, in a 5x3 factorial arrangement, with five potassium rates (0, 60, 110, 160, and 200 kg ha-1 K2O as potassium chloride) and three application methods (100% at the bottom of the planting furrow and covered with soil, 100% side-dressed on the sugarcane rows 60 days after planting, and 50% in the planting furrow and 50% side-dressed). The amount of potassium in the stalks in the control treatment was greater than that of the potassium stock extractable by Mehlich-1 in the 0-60 cm soil layer. Stalk and sugar yields increase linearly with potassium rates, approximately 20% with 200 kg ha-1 K2O compared with the control treatment (without potassium). Potassium content in stalks also increases with potassium rates. There is no significant effect of the potassium application methods on stalk and sugar yields and on cane quality variables.

Corrective and maintenance phosphorus fertilization on sugarcane yield in Oxisols

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) yield in response to corrective and maintenance phosphorus fertilization in Oxisols. Two experiments were carried out in randomized complete blocks with four replicates. In the corrective fertilization treatments, 150 kg ha-1 P2O5 were broadcast and incorporated before planting. In the maintenance fertilization treatments, 40 kg ha-1 P2O5 per year were applied over the trash blanket. All treatments, except the control, were fertilized with 170 kg ha-1 P2O5 in the planting furrow. The first experiment was carried out in a sugarcane expansion area and the second, in a replanting area, in Oxisols with a low and high phosphorus availability, respectively. In the first experiment, corrective fertilization increased cane yield in 13.4 Mg ha-1 for plant cane and in 14.6 Mg ha-1 for the average of four ratoon crops, whereas maintenance fertilization increased yield in 17.7 and 8.1 Mg ha-1 for the average of four ratoon crops for the treatments without and with corrective fertilization, respectively. In the second experiment, there were no significant differences between treatments regarding yield. Corrective and maintenance phosphorus fertilization should be considered for sugarcane in areas where soil phosphorus availability is limiting.

Effect of pre-sowing treatments on germination and growth of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The experiment was laid out to study the effect of pre-sowing treatments with growth regulators viz. Indole acetic acid (IAA), Salicylic acid (SA) and Gibberellin acid (GA3) with different concentrations like 50 ppm and 100 ppm on physiological and growth attributes of French bean. The seeds treated with growth regulators for 8 hrs. And 12 hrs. Duration along with three replications of treatments. The experimental approaches like plot size 2.5×2.5 m, spacing 45×15 cm and ridge & furrow planting method used and transplanting followed. The significantly maximum germination percentage (95.95%) recorded with 100 ppm concentration of IAA in this seeds soaked for 12 hrs. (T6) which was better over control (87.17%). The maximum change in seed diameter (0.86 cm) was noticed in T6 i.e. seeds treated with IAA 100 ppm concentration and soaked for 12 hrs. And minimum recorded in control (0 cm). The better length of radical (9.03 cm) when seeds treated with 100 ppm concentration of GA3 and soaked for 12 hrs. (T4). The minimum days taken to emergence (5.11 days) occurred with T6 i.e. seeds treated with 100 ppm IAA and soaked for 12 hrs. Over control. The results revealed that significant change in growth attributes of French bean like maximum plant height (66.46 cm), number of branches per plant (7.85), minimum days taken to 50% flowering (31.15 days) recorded when seeds treated with 100 ppm GA3 and soaked for 12 hrs. (T4) over control or water treated seeds.

AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF SUGARCANE INOCULATED WITH Nitrospirillum amazonense (BR11145)

ABSTRACT Sugarcane cultivation areas are usually characterized by low soil fertility and high nutrient demand, especially for nitrogen. Technologies that can raise crop yield and lower the use of pesticides and fertilizers are among the main needs of this crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of sugarcane after in-furrow application of the diazotrophic bacterium Nitrospirillum amazonense (BR11145). The treatments consisted of applying five doses of N. amazonense-based product to the planting furrow, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 L commercial product (c.p.) ha-1; a treatment consisting of the combination of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis; one control without fertilization; and one control with fertilization. Based on the results obtained from the pooled analysis of two field experiments, the N. amazonense-based product improved the growth parameters of sugarcane plants, and at doses of 1.0 and 1.5 L c.p. ha-1, these benefits resulted in a significant increase in yield and in the amount of sugar per hectare. Inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria can benefit sugarcane, especially because it promotes the growth and yield of the crop similarly to fertilizers.

YIELD OF IRRIGATED CABBAGE SUBMITTED TO DIFFERENT SOURCES AND DOSES OF BORON

Cabbage is an important vegetable for food. The use of micronutrients, more specifically boron, is important for plant development and head formation. The study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance and yield of the cabbage crop submitted to the application of different sources and doses of boron. The study was carried out in the Água Verde farm, located in Nova Glória-GO, under irrigation by a center pivot system. The soil tillage consisted of operation with a subsoiler and a disk harrow. The fertilization was carried out by applying 48 kg ha-1 of N, 360 kg ha-1 of P2O5, and 120 kg ha-1 of K2O, in the planting furrow. The seedling transplant took place on 06/22/2019. At 20 days after transplanting, topdressing fertilization was carried out, with 200 kg ha-1 of N and 200 ha-1 of K2O. A randomized block design with four replications in a 4x5 factorial scheme was used. Four boron sources (boric acid, borax, ulexite, and Sulforgan) and five boron doses (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kg ha-1) were evaluated. Each experimental plot consisted of four rows of five meters in length. The evaluations were carried out on the two central rows, with 0.50 m at each end. The variables analyzed were plant height, longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, number of outer leaves, and yield (kg ha-1). There was no significant difference between the different boron sources evaluated. For the different boron doses applied, only the number of outer leaves did not obtain a significant regression. The application of boron at a dose of 1.8 kg ha-1 resulted in the highest cabbage-head yield, totaling 82.58 t ha-1.

Utilizing comprehensive decision analysis methods to determine an optimal planting pattern and nitrogen application for winter oilseed rape

Oilseed rape is one of the most important oil crops globally. Attaining the appropriate cultivation method (planting pattern and nitrogen level) is necessary to achieve high yield, quality and resource utilization efficiency. However, the optimal method for oilseed rape varies across countries and regions. The objective of the present study was to determine an appropriate cultivation method, including planting pattern and nitrogen application, for winter oilseed rape in northwestern China. Two planting patterns: ridge film mulching and furrow planting (RFMF) and flat planting (FP), and six nitrogen (N) amounts: 0 (N0), 60 (N60), 120 (N120), 180 (N180), 240 (N240), and 300 (N300) kg N ha−1 were applied across three growing seasons (2014–2017). Three comprehensive decision analysis methods: principal component analysis, grey correlation degree analysis and the combined entropy weight and dynamic technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method were used to evaluate the growth and physiological indicators, nutrient uptake, yield, quality, evapotranspiration, and water use efficiency of winter oilseed rape. Planting pattern, nitrogen amount and their interaction significantly affected the indicators aforementioned. The RFMF pattern significantly increased all indicators over the FP pattern. Application of N also markedly increased all the indicators except for seed oil content, but the yield, oil production and water use efficiency were decreased when N fertilizer exceeded 180 kg N ha−1 under FP and 240 kg N ha−1 under RFFM. The evaluation results of the three comprehensive decision analysis methods indicated that RFMF planting pattern with 240 kg N ha−1 is an appropriate cultivation method for winter oilseed rape in northwestern China. These findings are of vital significance to maximize yield, optimize quality and improve resource use efficiencies of winter oilseed rape.

BIOCARVÃO COMO ATENUANTE DA FITOTOXICIDADE DE HERBICIDAS EM MUDAS PRÉ-BROTADAS DE CANA-DEAÇÚCAR

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do biocarvão na sensibilidade de mudas pré-brotadas (MPB) ao clomazone, imazapic e indaziflam aplicados em pré-plantioisoladamente ou em associação. Foram avaliadas duas variedades de cana-de-açúcar (RB975952 e RB 985476). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 4repetições, em esquema fatorial 9 x 2, sendo nove tratamentos (imazapic 52,5 e 200 g i.a. ha-1, clomazone 1000 g i.a. ha-1, indaziflam 100 g i.a. ha-1 e associações de imazapic +clomazone (52,5 + 600; 52,5 + 1000; 200 + 600 e 200 + 1000 g i.a. ha-1 e testemunha) e apresença ou ausência do biocarvão no sulco de plantio. A RB 985476 apresentousensibilidade aos herbicidas clomazone e imazapic. A toxicidade provocada pelosherbicidas imazapic + clomazone diminiu pelo efeito do biocarvão. Para o imazapic nãohouve efeito do biocarvão na redução da fitotoxicidade. Em relação a RB 975952 foiverificada sensibilidade ao clomazone + imazapic e clomazone isolado, sendo o biocarvãoeficaz na redução da fitotoxicidade. O indaziflam foi seletivo para as duas variedades. Podese concluir que o biocarvão atuou de forma efetiva para clomazone isolado ou emassociação com o imazapic, sendo pouco efetivo para o herbicida imazapic isolado.

Effect of Planting Methods on Growth and Yield of Groundnut Cultivars

Background: The low yield in groundnut which can be partly attributed to poor land preparation methods necessitated the need for alternative strategy of land preparation that will promote higher productivity in groundnut farming. Methods: A field experiment was carried out in two separate locations between May and August in 2016 to assess the effect of planting methods on growth and yield of groundnut cultivars. Result: The results revealed that groundnut crop sown on modified ridges and furrow with narrow furrow planting recorded significantly higher plant height, number of leaves, 50% flowering, yield attributes and yield when compared to other methods of planting All the groundnut cultivars responded positively to all planting methods except those grown on flat surface without beds. However, modified ridges and furrow with narrow furrow planting proved to be the best method.

Plastic-Covered Ridge-Furrow Planting Combined with Supplemental Irrigation Based on Measuring Soil Moisture Promotes Wheat Grain Yield and Irrigation Water Use Efficiency in Irrigated Fields on the Loess Plateau, China

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether combining plastic-covered ridge and furrow planting (RF) and supplemental irrigation based on measuring soil moisture (SIMSM) can increase the grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in irrigated fields of Loess Plateau, China. In 2016–2018, the experiment was conducted at Doukou experimental farm (34°36′ N, 108°52′ E) with two plant systems (RF and traditional planting (TF)) and three irrigation treatments (S1 and S2: SIMSM with a target relative soil water content of 85% and 100%, respectively). The results suggest that under the TF system, SIMSM decreased the grain yield and nitrogen utilization. The reason for this may be the local low precipitation. However, the combination of RF and S2 significantly increased the WUE, protein and wet gluten concentration in the grain. In addition, the grain yield of the RF plus S2 treatment was not significantly different than that of the traditional irrigation method. These results suggest that combining RF and SIMSM with a target relative soil water content of 100% is beneficial to the synergistic improvement of the wheat yield, the wheat quality, and the water and fertilizer use efficiency in irrigated fields on the Loess Plateau.