Planting Depth Research Articles

Germination biology of dimorphic seeds of the annual halophyte common seepweed (Suaeda glauca)

AbstractCommon seepweed [Suaeda glauca (Bunge) Bunge] is a common salt-tolerant weed species distributed across the agricultural regions of northern China. It produces dimorphic seeds with different phenotypic characteristics and seed sizes. However, there is no information regarding the germination biology of these dimorphic seeds. Studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of ecological factors such as temperature, light, pH, osmotic stress, salt concentration, and planting depth on seed germination and seedling emergence. The results showed that brown seeds were nondormant, whereas black seeds had an intermediate physiological dormancy. The germination percentage of brown seeds was more than 80% at all temperature regimes and light conditions, but the optimum germination occurred at the cold thermoperiod of 20/10 C. In contrast, less than 6% of black seeds germinated at all temperature regimes and light conditions. Eight weeks of cold stratification did not break the dormancy of black seeds, whereas low concentrations of gibberellic acid (0.1 and 1.0 mM) significantly increased seed germination. Removal of the testa of black seeds also promoted germination and produced normal seedlings. Brown seeds showed moderate tolerance to salt stress, with 16% germination percentage at a salt concentration of 600 mM NaCl. The germination of brown seeds was 38% at an osmotic potential stress of −0.8 MPa; above that, no germination was obtained. Brown seeds germinated well in a wide pH range (4 to 10), with a germination percentage higher than 95%. Seedling emergence percentage was higher than 90% at burial depths of 0 to 2 cm, while germination percentage severely decreased for brown seeds with burial depths >2 cm, indicating that shallow tillage could be an effective measure to minimize seed germination. Information gathered from this study will help to develop an effective protocols for controlling S. glauca.

Determining factors of cottonwood planting survival in a desert river restoration project

Planting native riparian trees can help recover wildlife and fish habitat on a local scale, when full recovery of natural processes that sustain riparian ecosystems is infeasible. To help improve planting success, we determined which environmental factors and management practices most influenced survival of planted Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood) in a field experiment on the San Rafael River, Utah, U.S.A. We planted 474 approximately 2‐m‐tall trees and tracked survival for 1.25 years. We used logistic regression to evaluate whether tree height, elevation above the river channel, distance to existing cottonwood or Salix exigua (coyote willow), soil conductivity, soil texture, planting depth, planting method (mechanical auger vs. hand‐digging), and provision of natural and commercial supplements affected survival probability. Survival probability decreased with elevation above the river channel bottom and was greater in auger‐dug than hand‐dug holes. Survival probability was lower in soils with the highest salinity levels and was lower in sandy soils than soils with silt and clay. Survival may be improved by planting well above the channel to avoid flooding impacts but within 2 m above the channel in auger‐dug holes to ensure access to soil moisture. Testing soil salinity and texture in areas with suitable elevation could also help improve survival. Approximately 35% of trees survived to the end of the study period, indicating that planting can help recover riparian habitat locally, especially if survival is improved in future planting efforts. However, full recovery of desired riparian habitat throughout the floodplain will require natural flows.

Caching Propensities and Effectiveness of Five Coexisting Heteromyid Rodent Species as Dispersers of Indian Ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) Seeds

Recruitment of Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) seedlings occurs primarily from surface seed caches made by scatter-hoarding desert rodents of the family Heteromyidae. We used radiolabeled Indian ricegrass seeds in field seed-caching experiments with 5 coexisting heteromyid species (Dipodomys deserti, D. merriami, D. microps, Microdipodops pallidus, and Perognathus longimembris) to compare their potential effectiveness as dispersers. Dipodomys microps individuals deposited seeds almost exclusively in larders rather than in scatter hoards, implying that this species is unlikely to be an important seed disperser. Among the other species, individual caches made by larger species had more seeds than those made by smaller species, but smaller species made more caches. At the level of individual animals, M. pallidus was the most effective disperser in a quantitative sense; they made more caches than other species tested and placed fewer excess seeds in caches relative to optimal cache sizes for Indian ricegrass seedling establishment. However, because D. merriami individuals were considerably more abundant at the study site than other species and were also avid scatter hoarders, D. merriami is likely to be the most quantitatively effective disperser of Indian ricegrass seeds at the species level. Ranking species according to qualitative effectiveness (e.g., by considering effects such as the caching microsite on seedling establishment) was more ambiguous. For example, P. longimembris made relatively shallow caches that most closely match optimal planting depths for Indian ricegrass seedling emergence, but such shallow caches are probably more likely than deeper caches to be discovered by foraging rodents before they can germinate. With the possible exception of D. microps, any of the species we tested may be effective dispersers of Indian ricegrass seeds.

Responses of the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans to a water depth gradient

This study investigated responses of the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans to a water depth gradient of 0.3–1.5 m in shallow lakes, and examined changes of morphology, physiological parameters, leaf-epiphytic bacteria community, and water purifying ability. Results of the morphological and physiological parameters (shoot height, root length, total chlorophyll, contents of soluble protein (SP) and malondialdehyde, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, glutamine synthetase, and alkaline phosphatase) indicated that 0.9–1.2 m was the optimal water depth for planting. Vallisneria natans suffered photoinhibition at the shallow water depth of 0.3–0.6 m and lipid peroxidation damage in water 1.2–1.5 m deep. Microbial analyses indicated that at the water depth of 0.6 m, the accumulated cyanobacteria led to the suppression of microbial organics decomposition and nutrient metabolism in the leaf biofilms. The water quality indicators (chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and fluorescent dissolved organic matter) also confirmed that 0.9–1.2 m was the optimal planting depth of Vallisneria natans. The results of this study provided theoretical guidance and technical support for the restoration of submerged macrophytes in natural shallow lakes.

Impact of Planting Depth on Fraxinus pennsylvanica ‘Patmore’ Growth, Stability, and Root System Morphology

Trees are often deeply planted as a result of nursery and landscape practices. While past research has investigated the impact of deep planting on tree growth and survival, its impact on whole-tree stability is not well documented. Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica ‘Patmore’) trees were planted at three different depths in research plots and established for nine years. In assessing aboveground growth, planting depth had no effect on stem diameter growth (measured as dbh) (P = 0.421; n = 32) or tree height (P = 0.501; n = 32). Static pull tests were conducted to evaluate the consequences of deep planting on tree stability. Using structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry-derived computer models to assess root architecture, we found the most significant factors affecting tree stability were: 1) root volumes in the top 10 cm of the soil in a 90° wedge on the side opposite of the pull direction; 2) root volumes 40.1 to 50 cm deep in a 90° wedge on the side opposite of the pull direction; and 3) root volumes deeper than 60.1 cm deep in a 90° wedge on the side opposite of the pull direction (final model: P < 0.001; n = 30; adjusted R2 = 0.852). The importance of structural root morphology throughout the soil profile and implications for urban root-soil relations on tree stability are discussed.

Development, Fabrication and Evaluation of Semi-Automatic Field Crop Transplanter

Increase the area allocated for field crops cultivation requires moving from manual agriculture to mechanical farming. The aim of this study is development, fabrication and evaluation semi-automatic field crop transplanter. Performance evaluation of the transplanter was carried out for transplanting of 20-25, 25-30, and 30-35 cm corn seedlings at three forward speed levels of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 km h-1 under actual field conditions in terms of plant spacing, planting depth, and missing plant index. The transplanter precisely plants seedlings into ground. The effect of seedling height on the planting depth was found to be significant. In addition, plant missing percentage increased with increasing of forward speed.

Effects of sowing date and depth on Fusarium wilt development in chick pea cultivars

Fusarium wilt is one of the most prevalent diseases which threaten chick pea production worldwide. The impacts of planting date on Fusarium wilt and yield in chick pea sown at different depths are little understood. Field trials established in Kermanshah province, Iran, during 2009–2011 examined interactions among planting date and depth, and cultivar on Fusarium wilt and chick pea yield. According to Wald test results, disease incidence levels differed among test planting dates and depths, cultivars and years. In 2009–2010, disease levels on November-planted Arman, Hashem and ILC482 for all test depths were often lower than those for the March date. For the 9 cm and 13 cm depths, often greater disease levels were observed in cvs Arman and ILC482 than in cv. Hashem. In 2010–2011, disease levels on 5-cm-March-planted Arman and Hashem were greater than those planted at the depth of 5 cm in November and December. Lowest 100-seed weight was found on March-planted Hashem in 2010–2011. Highest yields were observed on November-planted ILC482 in 2010–2011. Lowest yields were detected on March-planted Hashem in both years. From principal component analysis, three factors accounting for 69.4% of the total variance demonstrated that the development of Fusarium wilt epidemics corresponded mainly to planting date and yield (factor 1), cultivar (factor 2), and planting depth (factor 3).

Effect of Planting Depth and Mulching Materials on Yield and Yield Attributes of Potato in Dadeldhura, Nepal

Potato, a staple crop for hill and mountainous region has significant contribution in maintaining food and nutrition security. It alone shares around 2.17% of Gross Domestic Product. With phenomenal climate change, pest and disease are increased, hills are and mountains are getting dried leading to moisture deficit which in turn are decreasing the yield of potato. So, with this existing trouble this study has focused to discover innovation in major two agronomic practices: planting depth and mulching. But, the farmer of Nepal often uses haphazard planting depth and mulching which contribute to the low yield. Thus, in order to study, its effect on planting depth and mulching, a research was conducted in the Dadeldhura district of Nepal in 2019. The research was carried out in factorial 2×3 Randomized Complete Block Design which consist of mulch and un-mulched condition as 1st factor and three different planting depth of (10cm, 15cm and 20cm) as 2nd factor. So altogether there are six treatments with four replications. Data were collected on growth, tuber yield and quality parameter and analyzed using R-studio software. Regarding 1st factor, mulched treatment was found significantly superior than un-mulched treatment in case of all yield attributes like plant height, stem number, canopy and leaves number. Total tuber yield was found 3.626 kg/m2 in mulch treatment which was highly significant (P<0.01). In case of 2nd factor, tuber planted at a depth of 15cm produced maximum number of aerial stem per plant 5.2 (P<0.001) number of large size tuber per plant 9.025 (P<0.01) and tuber yield 3.82kg/m2 (P<0.01) as compared to other planting depth of 10cm and 20cm. There was no any significant difference in case of interaction between the two factors. Therefore, it can be concluded from the result that with the use of mulching and planting depth of 15cm all yield attributes and yield of potato was found to be superior under the climatic condition of Dadeldhura, Nepal.

Assessment of Flood Hazard and Agriculture Damage Under Climate Change in the Bagmati River Basin of Nepal

Assessment of flood hazard and damage is a prerequisite for flood risk management in the river basins. The mitigation plans for flood risk management are mostly evaluated in quantified terms as it is important in decision making process. Therefore, analysis of flood hazards and quantitative assessment of potential flood damage is very essential for mitigating and managing flood risk. This study focused on assessment of flood hazard and quantitative agricultural damage in the Bagmati River basin including Lal Bakaiya River basin of Nepal under climate change conditions. Flood hazards were simulated using Rainfall Runoff Inundation (RRI) model. MRI-AGCM3.2S precipitation outputs of present and future climate scenarios were used to simulate flood hazards, flood inundation depth, and duration. Flood damage was assessed in the agricultural sector, focusing on flood damage to rice crops. The flood damage assessment was conducted by defining flood damage to rice crops as a function of flood depth, duration, and growth stage of rice plants and using depth-duration-damage function curves for each growth stage of rice plants. The hazard simulation and damage assessment were conducted for 50- and 100-year return period cases. The results show that flood inundation area and agricultural damage area may increase in the future by 41.09 % and 39.05 % in the case of 50-year flood, while 44.98 % and 40.76 % in the case of 100-year flood. The sensitivity to changes in flood extent area and damage with the intensity of return period was also analyzed.

The effect of time and depth of planting on obtaining the planned potato yields

In 2014-2017 In the northern forest-steppe zone of the Chelyabinsk region The influence of planting dates and the depth of seed placement of potatoes on the size and quality of tubers was studied. During the study period, physical soil maturity in the first decade of May was observed twice in 2014 and 2017. The early planting of potatoes (May 5) was accompanied by an increase in the harmfulness of rhizoctoniosis (in the Rosara variety - by 22.8%, Kuzovok - by 63.7%) and the Colorado potato beetle (by 26 and 43%, respectively) compared with the May 12-15 planting. . The seedlings of the early variety of Rosara potato on May 30 in 2014 were damaged by frost (–1.0 ° C). From meteorological and phytosanitary positions, the optimum term for planting potatoes in this is the beginning of the second decade of May. Planting potatoes on May 12-15 with embedding of seed material to a depth of 5-6 cm ensured the formation of the planned yield of 40 t / ha with a planting scheme of 70x19 cm (Rosara - 41.4 t / ha, Kuzovok - 44.6 t / ha), and in the variety Kuzovok - additionally with the scheme 75x27 cm (38.3 t / ha). The planting of potatoes on May 25-29 provided a predetermined level of productivity (40 t / ha) of the Kuzovok variety in all variants of the experiment, and the Rosara variety in the variant of thickened planting. However, the starch content in Rosara tubers decreased by 1.60%, Kuzovok - by 1.26%, starch collection from 1 ha decreased by 0.60 and 0.37 t / ha, respectively, and the accumulation of nitrates in tubers increased by 25.8 and 52.5% compared with the optimal landing period. The advantage here was a deep embedment of seed tubers: an increase in the yield of the Rosara variety averaged 0.88 t / ha, Kuzovok - 1.23 t / ha. During the late planting period (June 5–12), there was a significant decrease in productivity (Rosara - by 3.49 t / ha, Kuzovok - by 5.18 t / ha) and the quality of potato tubers compared to planting from May 12-15. The starchy content of tubers decreased by 1.87 and 2.11%, the collection of starch from 1 ha to 1.10 and 1.45 t / ha, respectively, and the accumulation of nitrates increased 2.05 and 2.19 times. The planned yield of 40 t / ha was achieved only in the variety Kuzovok in thickened planting variants. At the same time, deep seeding of seed material increased the yield of the Rosara variety on average by 1.39 t / ha, and the Kuzovok variety - by 1.90 t / ha. Early landing (May 5) in 2014 and 2017. did not lead to an increase in potato productivity compared to planting in the second decade of May. At the same time, the yield decrease of the Rosara variety was 5.82 t / ha, Kuzovok - 2.75 t / ha. The planned yield of 40 t / ha was noted only in the variant of the thickened planting of the variety Kuzovok.

New design universal working bodies of tillage and seeding equipment

New designs of tillage and seeding equipment are presented. Technological and technical deficiencies of the existing working bodies for surface tillage and sowing techniques of row crops are noted. To eliminate the shortcomings, new universal working bodies of tillage and sowing units have been proposed, which provide for the mechanization and automation of working processes of tillage and seeding of various row crops. Their technological and technical advantages over the existing traditional working bodies are given. The technical characteristics of the new working bodies are presented, which allow to simultaneously perform four operations: cultivation, fissure, seeding and leveling the field surface. Execution of the sieve in the form of two discs with rollers on its inner surface allows cutting a slit along the sides from the vertical axis of seed placement, at a depth of almost twice the sowing depth to improve the water-air regime, with simultaneous compaction of the soil by the rollers. The final operation to level the soil across the entire width of the cultivator's paw grip is carried out by embedding a train. Also presented is the design of a modernized pneumatic sowing unit for various sowing methods, ensuring the simultaneous sowing of seeds of several types of row crops with their placement at different planting depth in accordance with agrotechnical requirements

Carolina redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana) vegetative growth and rhizome production as affected by environmental factors and planting depth

AbstractCarolina redroot [Lachnanthes caroliniana (Lam.) Dandy] is a frequent weed of New Jersey cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) bogs that competes with the crop for nutritional resources. Studies were conducted in 2018 to determine the effects of planting depth, soil moisture, lighting conditions, rhizome water content, and duration of rhizome submersion under water on L. caroliniana shoot emergence, vegetative growth, and rhizome development. Only planting depth greater than 12 cm significantly reduced shoot emergence (54%), biomass shoot and root production (27% and 65%, respectively), and rhizome formation (65%) compared with a 2-cm depth. Complete inhibition of new rhizome production was observed when the rhizome water content dropped to 30%. Soil moisture ≤30% decreased shoot biomass by ≥53% compared to 60% soil moisture, but marginally affected root biomass and had no impact on rhizome formation. Rhizome submersion for at least 120 d had minor effect on shoot emergence but reduced plant biomass by ≥28% and completely inhibited the formation of rhizomes. Finally, shading did not influence emergence but had a more dramatic effect on root and shoot biomass, which were reduced by 53% and 75%, respectively, and prevented the development of new rhizomes. This study demonstrates the plasticity of L. caroliniana to drought stress or long-lasting flooding conditions, therefore preventing consideration of cranberry bed temporary flooding or limitation of irrigation volume and frequency as viable management options. Sanding would not provide a layer of material sufficiently thick for reducing L. caroliniana shoot emergence. Reducing the quantity of light reaching the soil with black tarps or promoting rapid crop canopy closure are options that can complement the use of mesotrione for controlling L. caroliniana. Future research should address the practicality of these options, especially in bogs with low L. caroliniana pressure when early-summer weed regrowth occurs following dissipation of PRE herbicide activity.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ АССИМИЛЯЦИОННОЙ ПОВЕРХНОСТИ ЛИСТЬЕВ КАРТОФЕЛЯ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ ГЛУБИНЫ ПОСАДКИ КЛУБНЕЙ И СПОСОБА ПРЕДПОСАДОЧНОЙ ПОДГОТОВКИ КЛУБНЕЙ К ПОСАДКЕ

The article deals with the influence of the seeding depth of tubers and pre-sowing treatment methods on the formation of the assimilation surface of potato leaves in the southeastern part of Volga-Vyatka zone. The depth of planting of tubers and preplant preparation methods of tubers for planting have a direct impact on the formation of the assimilation surface of potato leaves on the leached chernozem of the south-eastern part of Volga-Vyatka zone. The future harvest of potatoes depends on the formation of the leaf surface. Indeed, during the entire growing season, the leaf surface of potato plants does not remain unchanged. It is the leaf surface that is the key element in the synthesis of organic substances, from which tubers are subsequently formed - the future harvest. Therefore, one of the main tasks is to conduct such agrotechnical techniques that can provide assimilation surface of potato leaves of optimal size. In order to get a potato crop of 40-45 tons per hectare, the required assimilation surface area of the leaves of potato plants should reach 40-50 thousand m2 per hectare, and in this case potato plants will provide themselves with nutrients, carbon dioxide and water. The formation of the assimilation surface of potato leaves is inextricably linked with the methods of preparing planting material, the prevailing weather conditions, as well as the level of mineral nutrition. The maximum leaf area was recorded in the flowering phase of potato plants. The leaves of the upper tier had the highest absorption capacity, since they were least shaded. Due to the fact that the leaves of the lower tiers form less organic matter in the process of photosynthesis, their growth and development is largely due to the influx of nutrients from the leaves of the upper tier. The incoming substances are quickly consumed by the leaves, as a result of which they quickly die off. In order to obtain a high yield of good quality, it is necessary to create conditions under which the leaf surface area reaches the optimal size as quickly as possible and remains as long as possible.

Effect of Seed Tuber Planting Depth and Nitrogen Rate on Yield and Yield Related Traits of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Haramaya and Hirna, Eastern Ethiopia

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important cash and food security crop in the eastern highlands of Ethiopia. However, the yield of the crop is constrained by low soil fertility and poor agro...

Влажность почвы, динамика элементов питания и засоренность посадок в зависимости от расчетных доз удобрений, глубины посадки и подготовки клубней к посадке

Влажность почвы, динамика элементов питания и засоренность посадок в зависимости от расчетных доз удобрений, глубины посадки и подготовки клубней к посадке

Mother corm origin and planting depth affect physiological responses in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under controlled freezing conditions

Considering the prevalence of cold and dry winter in many saffron cultivation regions, the freezing-induced damage is one of the most adverse factors increasing electrolyte leakage and reducing corm growth. These effects justify the necessity of studying agronomic strategies to promote plant tolerance to freezing stress. Herein the effects of planting depth, freezing injury and mother corm origin on some biochemical responses and regrowth mechanisms of saffron were evaluated based on a completely randomized design arranged in factorial with four replicates. In this study, different planting depths (10, 15 and 20 cm), mother corms harvested from different farms (1–4 years old), and freezing stress (natural temperature, −10 and −20 °C) were tested. The maximum N, P, and K concentrations in leaf, root and corm mass were found when mother corms originated from a 4-year-old farm. By contrast, the minimum values were obtained in the mother corms originating from a 1-year-old farm. The same trend was also observed for proline accumulation in above- and underground organs. With dropping temperature, electrolyte leakage in leaf (ELL) and whole underground part (ELU) significantly increased, while the proline accumulation increased. Moreover, ELL and ELU significantly decreased with increasing planting depth. Although chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents decreased on account of freezing stress, the pigments recovery process accelerated at −20 °C, compared with −10 °C. Moreover, the highest recovery rate of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid was observed when the planted corms originated from a 4-year-old farm. Overall, it seems that mother corms planting, harvested from 4-year-old farms, at 20 cm soil depth can effectively alleviate the adverse effects of freezing injury in saffron.

PENGARUH KEDALAMAN PENANAMAN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN Kappaphycus alvarezii HASIL KULTUR JARINGAN DI PERAIRAN DESA SERIWE, LOMBOK TIMUR

This research aimed to address the effect of seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii (result of tissue culture) planting depth on the seaweed growth. This reasearch was conducted in Seriwe Village water, Jerowaru subdistrict, East Lombok Regency known as the largest minapolitan area in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Method used in this research was completely randomized design consisting of five treatments of planting depth which were 0.15 m, 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, and 2 m. Each treatment was repeated four times. Main parameters measured were the seaweed Daily Growth Rate, Absolute Growth. In addition, water quality parameters measured were temperature, light intensity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, Phosphate, ammoniac, TAN, TDS, and current speed. Data collected were analyzed using ANOVA with significant level of 5% and any significant difference between the treatments was analyzed using LSD in the same significant level. The result of data analysis shows that the most optimum planting depth appropriate for K. alvarezii growth is 0.5 m.&#x0D;

Evaluation of land suitability on arabica coffee plantation by parametric method in Lintongnihuta District

This study aims to establish the land suitability class and improvement efforts that need to be done in each of the Soil Map Unit (SMU) on arabica coffee fields in Lintongnihuta district. Results of overlaying the map of soil type, the map of altitude and slope map with a scale of 1: 50,000 produced 13 SMU. Evaluation of several soil characteristics (texture, coarse fragment, CaCO3 and salinity) must consider the appropriate soil depth, where the normal root depth of the Arabica coffee plant is 150 cm, so that it uses 6 (six) parts of the depth of the soil with a depth of 25 cm for each section. Correction indexes used in succession are: 2.00 - 1.5 - 1.00 - 0.75 - 0.5 - 0.25.The results showed that all SMU in Arabica coffee land in Lintongnihuta District has the actual land suitability class S3 (f) (marginally suitable, limiting factor: soil fertility). Improvement efforts that can be done are: giving lime, organic material, fertilization and reclamation. All SMU has the potential land suitability classS2 (c,s)(moderately suitable, limiting factor: climate and natural soil).

Transport characteristics of salt ions in soil columns planted with Tamarix chinensis under different groundwater levels.

The groundwater level is the main factor affecting the distribution of soil salinity and vegetation in the Yellow River Delta (YRD), China, but the response relationship between the spatial distribution of soil salt ions and the groundwater level in the soil-Tamarix chinensis system remains unclear. In order to investigate the patterns of soil salt ions responding to groundwater levels, in the ‘groundwater-soil-T. chinensis’ system. Soil columns planted with T. chinensis, a constructive species in the YRD, were taken as the study object, and six groundwater levels (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8 m) were simulated under saline mineralization. The results demonstrated the following: As affected by groundwater, Na+ and Cl- were the main ions in the T. chinensis-planted soil column, with a trend of decreasing first and then increasing by the increase of soil depth. However, the contents of K+ and NO3- gradually decreased and CO32-+HCO3- gradually increased. As affected by groundwater evaporation, all the salt ions except CO32-+HCO3- exhibited different degrees of surface aggregation in the 0–20 cm layer. However, due to the impact of root uptake, the contents of the salt ions rapidly decreased in the root distribution layer (20–50 cm soil layer), which rendered a turning-point layer that was significantly lower than the surface soil layer; such decreases in ion contents showed a relatively large rate of variation. In the whole T. chinensis-planted soil column, with increasing groundwater level, the contents of Na+, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+, and NO3- all tended to first decrease, then increase and decrease again, but the content of CO32-+HCO3- first decreased and then increased. Therefore, the 0.9 m groundwater level was the turning point at which the main salt ions underwent significant changes. The contents of Na+, Cl-, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the T. chinensis planted soil column exhibited moderate variability (14.46%<CV<86.46%), with a relatively large degree of variability across the 20–50 cm root-concentrated distribution layer and the surface soil layer. However, the K+ content exhibited greater variability (CV>111.36%) at most groundwater level except less than 0.9 m. Therefore, planting T. chinensis could effectively reduce the accumulation of salt ions in the 20–50 cm soil layer with a concentrated root distribution, suggesting that the planting depth of T. chinensis should be greater than 20 cm under saline mineralization. This study can provide references for the control of soil secondary salinization and the management of T. chinensis seedling cultivation under saline mineralization.

Evaluating system of rice intensification using a modified transplanter: A smart farming solution toward sustainability of paddy fields in Malaysia

This paper presents the study reports on evaluating a new transplanting operation by taking into accounts the interactions between soil, plant, and machine in line with the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) practices. The objective was to modify planting claw (kuku-kambing) of a paddy transplanter in compliance with SRI guidelines to determine the best planting spacing (S), seed rate (G) and planting pattern that results in a maximum number of seedling, tillers per hill, and yield. Two separate experiments were carried out in two different paddy fields, one to determine the best planting spacing (S=4 levels: s1=0.16 m×0.3 m, s2= 0.18 m×0.3 m, s3=0.21 m×0.3 m, and s4=0.24 m×0.3 m) for a specific planting pattern (row mat or scattered planting pattern), and the other to determine the best combination of spacing with seed rate treatments (G=2 levels: g1=75 g/tray, and g2= 240 g/tray). Main SRI management practices such as soil characteristics of the sites, planting depth, missing hill, hill population, the number of seedling per hill, and yield components were evaluated. Results of two-way analysis of variance with three replications showed that spacing, planting pattern and seed rate affected the number of one-seedling in all experiment. It was also observed that the increase in spacing resulted in more tillers and more panicle per plant, however hill population and sterility ratio increased with the decrease in spacing. While the maximum number of panicles were resulted from scattered planting at s4=0.24 m×0.3 m spacing with the seed rate of g1=75 g/tray, the maximum number of one seedling were observed at s4=0.16 m×0.3 m. The highest and lowest yields were obtained from 75 g seeds per tray scattered and 70 g seeds per tray scattered treatment respectively. For all treatments, the result clearly indicates an increase in yield with an increase in spacing. Keywords: system of rice intensification, sustainable cultivation, smart farming, modified transplanter, paddy fields, Malaysia DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20191202.2999 Citation: Shamshiri R R, Ibrahim B, Balasundram S K, Taheri S, Weltzien C. Evaluating system of rice intensification using a modified transplanter: A smart farming solution toward sustainability of paddy fields in Malaysia. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2019; 12(2): 54–67.