Planting Hole Research Articles

Field evaluation of single and interaction effects of nematode, fungus and bacterium on nodulation and pathological parameters of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterrenea (l.) Verdc.) in field condition

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of single and mixed infections of nematode (Meloidogyne javanica), fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) and bacterium (Xanthomonas axonopodis) on nodulation and pathological parameters of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterrenea (L.) Verdc.) in field condition. Nematode infested field was used while other pathogens were obtained from diseased plants. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was adopted in a 5 × 9 × 5 factorial design (5 blocks, 9 treatments and 5 replicates per treatments) resulting in 225 experimental units. In each experimental unit, three seeds were sown to a depth of 5cm and thinned to one plant per planting hole after germination at day 7. Treatments were inoculated into test plant following standard methods. As a result, the control treatment recorded the highest number of nodules (64.0 ± 6.91), followed by bacterium (45.2 ± 5.11) while N + F + B had the lowest number of root nodules (23.4 ± 2.42). Simultaneous treatment (N + F + B) gave the highest percentage reduction in nodulation (63.44%), followed by treatment N + F7 (56.25%). Fungus treatment recorded the highest mean wilted plants (3.8 + 0.20) followed by N + F7 treatment (3.40 + 0.40). Gall formation in the nematode treatment increased proportionately by 56.33% as the highest recorded, followed by treatment N + F7 with 50.0%. Treatment N + F7 had the highest reproduction factor (Rf) value of 9.30 followed by nematode (8.30), N + B7 (7.40), N + F + B (6.80) and N + F14 (6.50). Zero (0) Rf value was recorded in fungus, bacterium and control treatments. The observed differences in nodulation and pathological parameters among the treatments are significant (P < 0.05). The data provided in this work is important in the control of the three pathogens affecting the productivity of Bambara nut. Formulation of a single protectant should be designed to have potent effects on the three pathogens to achieve effective protection and good production of Bambara nut.

Analysis of exogenous lactic acid bacteria on growth and development of different herbaceous peony varieties and rhizosphere soil nutrients

There are replanting problems in the production of herbaceous peony. If ramet seedlings are replanted in the original planting hole, they weaken year-by-year until their death, which reduces the land utilisation rate and increases the production costs. In this study, exogenous lactic acid bacteria (LAB, the main component is Lactobacillus plantarum) were applied to improve the planting soil of herbaceous peony for the first time to alleviate the replanting problems, to reduce the production costs, and to provide a new way to promote the of the herbaceous peony industry. In this study, herbaceous peony main cultivars varieties ‘Dafugui’ ‘Hongxiuqiu’ and ‘Zifengyu’ were selected, and experiments were conducted using exogenous LAB. Morphological, rhizosphere soil, and root physiology indexes were measured by sampling at the end of the high-growth periods of herbaceous peony. The results showed that after LAB treatment, the plant height, flowering rate, other morphological indexes and root vitality of ‘Hongxiuqiu’ were increased, with a better promoting effect than that of ‘Dafugui’ and ‘Zifengyu’. The ‘Dafugui’ rhizosphere soil nutrient content and enzyme activity were improved, followed by ‘Hongxiuqiu’ and ‘Zifengyu’. The rhizosphere soil free salicylic acid content and root abscisic acid content decreased, whereas the soil bacterial abundance, root antioxidant enzyme activity, proline and paeoniflorin content increased in all varieties. This study found that LAB application can improve soil fertility and enzyme activity, promote the growth and development of herbaceous peony, increase the flowering rate and improve the ornamental value. However, the influence of LAB on different herbaceous peony varieties varied. Therefore, it is necessary to further expand the number of varieties, optimise the application concentration and frequency of LAB application, alleviate the replanting problems in herbaceous peony production, improve the utilisation rate of land, promote excellent varieties of herbaceous peony, and provide a new methods and references.Graphical abstract

Drone-based assessment of microsite-scale hydrological processes promoted by restoration actions in early post-mining ecological restoration stages

A successful choice of post-mining restoration activities in dry climates may depend on relevant features related to topographic characteristics, hydrological processes and vegetation development, which will determine functional recovery in these ecosystems. The combination of different restoration techniques to reestablish vegetation, such as sowing and plantation, implies the interspersion of bare-soil areas with vegetated areas in early plant development stages, which may result in an associated mosaic of hydrologic functioning. In this study, we conducted a drone-based assessment to disentangle the role played by microsite-scale hydrological processes (i.e., planting hole slope, sink volume capacity, individual catchment area, Flow Length Index) promoted by restoration actions in soil protection and vegetation development on the hillside scale. Based on two contrasting restoration scenarios (Steep hillside and Smooth hillside), the different applied restoration treatments conditioned the microtopographic processes on the planting hole scale and, therefore, resource redistribution. The main results showed higher planting hole functionality on the smooth hillsides than on steep hillside, which resulted in greater water availability and bigger vegetation patches.By addressing the role of hydrological processes on the microsite scale, our study contributes substantially to prior knowledge on the relevant factors for ecosystem development and post-mining restoration success. It also demonstrates that high-resolution drone images can be a very useful tool for monitoring restoration actions, especially in large, inaccessible and unstable restored areas.

Vegetative Growth Response of Entog Dwarf Coconut (Cocos Nucifera L.) to Different Planting Hole Size and Compound Inorganic Fertilizer Application

Entog Dwarf coconut is a national superior variety. The purpose of this study was to determine the vegetative growth of Entog Dwarf coconut at 7-10 months of age. The research was conducted at the Palm Plant Research Institute in Manado (Upper Kima Experimental Garden and Ecophysiology Laboratory) using a factorial group randomized design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was the planting hole with a depth of 100cm and 60cm. The second factor was compound inorganic fertilizer with doses of 1.5kg, 1.0kg, 0.5kg, and control. Nutrient analysis of soil and leaves without fertilization at 7 and 10 months and after fertilization at 10 months. The results of the analysis of variance at the 5% level showed that planting holes had a significant effect, while compound inorganic fertilizers had a significant effect on vegetative characters. The tallest plants were about 51.2-63.7cm with a dose of 0.5-1.5kg while the shortest was 27.2cm, the largest stem circumference was 10.8-11.3cm with a dose of 0,5kg and 1.5kg while the smallest was 6.42cm, and the largest number of leaves was 3.67 midribs with a dose of 1.5kg while the smallest number was 2.67 midribs, where all vegetative characters were categorized as low in control plants. The interaction between the two factors had no significant effect on vegetative growth. The vegetative characters observed were positively correlated. The results of nutrient analysis of pH, moisture content, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, stomatal index, and chlorophyll showed little difference both without fertilization and after fertilization.

Early and long-distance uptake by Eucalyptus grandis of N, K and Ca tracers injected down to a depth of 7 m

Eucalyptus plantations are commonly fertilized at planting to sustain high biomass production over successive rotations in nutrient-poor soils. However, the dynamics of nutrient uptake by tree roots in the early stages of stand development, depending on the lateral distance from the trees and the depth in the soil, are poorly documented. We assessed the potential uptake of N, K and Ca, from 6 to 18 months after planting, by Eucalyptus grandis trees depending on: i) the lateral distance from the tracer injection point and ii) the depth in the soil. At 6 months after planting, we injected 15NO3–, Rb+, Sr2+ and Cs+ tracers at depths of 1, 3, 5, and 7 m, respectively. Recently expanded leaves were then sampled monthly on 16 target E. grandis trees located at lateral distances ranging from 0.75 to 11.1 m from the injection points, and on 4 more distant E. grandis control trees; 15N contents (atom %) and concentrations of Rb, Cs and Sr in the leaves were determined at each sampling date, and compared to those of control trees to detect the dates of tracer uptake for each individual. A LOESS model was applied to account for the temporal trend and inter-tree variability among the control trees. Tracer uptake by a target tree was detected if the measurements exceeded the upper limit of the prediction interval (α = 0.005) generated by the model. Only the 6 target trees located within 2.0 m from the injection point took up the 15NO3– tracer. However, Rb+, Sr2+ and Cs+ tracers were taken up to lateral distances of approx. 11 m from the injection point. Tracer uptake occurred as early as 9, 7, 8 and 9 months after planting for 15NO3–, Rb+, Sr2+ and Cs+, respectively. Four trees located within 2.8 m from the injection point took up the 3 cation tracers, injected between the depths of 3 m and 7 m. All but one of the target trees took up at least one cation tracer. The potential of Eucalyptus trees to take up nutrients early, at long distance and at depth, can be promoted by silvicultural practices enhancing rapid root development after planting, as subsoiling in commercial plantations and large planting holes in smallholder plantations. Our results also suggest that fertilization could be applied only once at planting in Eucalyptus stands established on deep tropical soils, with low risks of nutrient losses by deep drainage.

Efektivitas Pembuatan Lubang Tanam di Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit dengan Quality Control Circle


 
 
 
 The study investigates the effectiveness of planting hole creation in oil palm plantations using the Quality Control Circle (QCC). Field observations were conducted to measure the hole-digging tool's diameter and depth before and after modification. Results showed that the modified tool is more effective than the old tool, requiring only 13 seconds per polybag to create holes. The T-PLANT tool produced uniform holes with optimal depth, resulting in improved productivity, reduced costs, and improved work quality. Implementing QCC with this modified tool can enhance the effectiveness of planting hole creation, improve productivity, reduce costs, and improve work quality in oil palm plantations.
 
 
 

Monitoring and Control System Development on IoT-Based Aeroponic Growth of Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.)


 
 
 
 One of the methods that can be used by Indonesian people in urban farming is the Aeroponic method of planting plants. The aeroponic method has a faster nutrient delivery speed than hydroponics and normal plant cultivation. The main objective of this study was to design an aeroponic monitoring and control system for Pakcoy (Brassica rapa. L) using the blynk application as an interface for remote control. The control system used is NodeMCU V3, DHT22 sensor, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor and TDS sensor. Plants in the system use a container box measuring 110 cm x 80 cm with 10 nozzles on the inside of the box attached to a ½ inch pipe, with 24 planting holes on the lid of the box with a spacing of 20 cm. The pump will automatically turn on when the temperature in the box is >25oC and will stop when the temperature is =24oC, or when the humidity is <80%. The results obtained during the 30 days of research showed that the average R2 value of the DHT22 sensor was 0.9864 and 0.9864, the HC-SR04 sensor was 0.996 and the TDS sensor was 0.9899. Observations on the growth of pakcoy plants obtained an average height of 13.3 cm for system plants and 13.4 cm for control plants. The average leaf width in system plants was 4.3 cm and 3.6 cm in control plants. the average number of leaves on system plants is 8 leaves and 9 leaves on control plants. The system plant weight was 5.493 gr and that of the control plant was 2.961 gr. The control system that has been made can work well and can be used in aeroponic cultivation of plants.
 
 
 

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa Sindangsari Kabupaten Sumedang Jawa Barat dalam Pengenalan Tanaman Murbei sebagai Tanaman Multiguna

Purpose: Sindangsari Village is one of the villages in Sumedang Regency with an area that is quite suitable for planting potential crops including mulberry plant. This activity aims to introduce and cultivate the mulberry as a multipurpose plant by empowering the PKK group of women and the Sindangsari Village community group. Methodology: Methods of activity include surveys, interviews, counseling, planting mulberry plants and monitoring. The material or knowledge given to participants related to mulberry includes growing conditions, land preparation, preparation of planting material, planting in the field and harvesting. The activities carried out in the form of planting mulberry in the yards of the participants included determining the spacing, making planting holes, and good planting methods. Results: The result of the activity is the recognition of the mulberry as a multipurpose plant that has the potential to be planted more widely in Sindangsari Village, Sumedang Regency, West Java. In addition, within this activity, some attempt has been exercised to plant mulberry individually by the local community and it is expected that eventually it can bring in additional income and increase agricultural knowledge, especially the science of mulberry plants. The result of filling out the questionnaire that was distributed during the activity was an increase in public awareness, knowledge, interest about mulberry plants by 42.86%, 71.71%, and 28.57%, respectively. Conclusion: This activity was useful in introducing mulberry plants and empowering the people of Sindangsari Village, Sumedang Regency,West Java to plant them. In addition, if the mulberry plant has been widely planted, it is hoped that this plant can be used as a source of income for the community.

Probiotic Bacteria, Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation, and Mustard Cover Crop Biofumigation Suppress Soilborne Disease and Increase Yield of Strawberry in a Perennial Organic Production System.

Black root rot complex and crown rot of strawberry caused by soilborne fungi limit sustainable strawberry production in the northeastern United States, especially in perennial systems, including matted row and plasticulture. As pathogen populations build up over time in the rhizosphere and infect the root system, feeder roots are pruned, which diminishes nutrient and water uptake and causes stunted plant growth or death. Alternative management options are needed for many organic and small growers who can't use chemical fumigants due to new regulations and potential health hazards. Strawberry plug plants were grown on beneficial microbe-inoculated or uninoculated planting mix followed by transplanting in fruiting field plots that either was biofumigated with mustard cover crop (MCC), anaerobically disinfested (ASD), or left untreated. Different combinations of plug plants and field plot treatments were used to determine the efficacy of individual treatments or synergistic effects from combination treatment. Plug plants were transplanted in pretreated plastic mulched raised beds and grown following a typical organically recommended production system. Plants grown on TerraGrow (TG)-inoculated planting mix showed enhanced plant vigor in the fruiting field compared with untreated plants. Weeds that grew through planting holes were significantly (P ≤ 0.045) suppressed in ASD plots compared with untreated plots in the first year. Plants treated with a combination treatment of TG and ASD had significantly higher fruit yield in both years (2019 and 2020), although the difference was greater in the second year. Plant vigor and survival in treated plots except MCC were also significantly higher in the second year compared with the untreated control. Suppression of pathogenic microbes and plant vigor improvement in treated plots appear to be the factors providing beneficial effects and higher net economic return. Taken together, our results suggest that a combination of beneficial microbes and ASD could be an alternative to synthetic fumigation in a perennial strawberry production system.

STRATEGI PENINGKATKAN PENDAPATAN PADA USAHATANI SAYUR SISTEM HIDROPONIK DI KOTA KENDARI

This study aims to determine farmer strategies in increasing income in hydroponic system vegetable farming in Kendari city and to find out how much income hydroponic farmers in Kendari city have. The time of research was conducted in January 2023 with a total of 25 respondents who were hydroponic vegetable farmers identified at the Kendari City Agriculture Service. Data analysis used SWOT analysis and income analysis. The results of the study show that the weighting and weighing of internal and external factors can produce coordinates 0.3 and 0.32 where the coordinates are in quadrant 1, so this supports a progressive strategy or SO strategy. This strategy provides prime and stable conditions so that it is possible to continue to expand, increase growth and achieve maximum progress in hydroponic vegetable farming in Kendari City. The results also showed that the average income level in hydroponic vegetable farming was IDR 15,001,412, with an average number of planting holes of 6,740.

Reclamation Plan on Stone Land of The Ex-Nickel Mining at PT Vale Indonesia Tbk Central Pinnacle Condemnation

Environmental and occupational safety issues in the world's mining business have always been the most important issues. The main problems that arise in ex-mining areas include environmental changes which include chemical changes, physical changes and biological changes (Hoskin, 2002). Reclamation is an activity carried out throughout the stages of the mining business to organize, restore and improve the quality of the environment and ecosystem so that they can function again according to their designation (Ahmad, 2006). Primary data collection was obtained using a mobile phone as evidence of the implementation of research activities for research location data, reclamation locations were taken using GPS (global position system) and drones. Secondary data is given directly from supervisors in the company. Land arrangement is intended to obtain a surface finish that is stable and has a natural shape so that it is in harmony with the shape of the pristine landscape, supports the success of plant growth, facilitates access to further work throughout the area, and increases the aesthetic value of the land (Munir, 2017). All irregular heaps are tidied up and leveled, deposits that have the potential to form a collection of water are filled with the result of pushing material from the leveled heap. Ex-mining land with irregular and uneven terrain (holes, relatively steep slopes) must be laid out in such a way as to be stable with low landslide and erosion hazard potential (Noor Rizqoon, 2004). Piling of rocks using top soil as thick as 50 cm on rocky ground. Activities that are no less important are sowing topsoil, making contour drains and making planting holes, these activities are carried out by making arrangements for making drainage and pocket ponds have been completed. Planting holes with a spacing of 3.5 meters and 4 meters can be ascertained that in 1 hectare of reclamation land for Konde Central Pinnacle 714 planting holes can be made, so it can be concluded that the planting holes for Konde Central Pinnacle are good with spacings of 3.5m and 4m.

Pengaruh Pemberian Pupuk Bokashi Feses Sapi Sumba Ongole Terhadap Nilai Nutrisi Legum Indigofera Zollingeriana

This study aims to determine the effect of bokashi fertilizer on the feces of Sumba Ongole cattle on the nutritional value of the Indigofera Zollingeriana legume. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications namely; P0: without the application of bokashi manure of Sumba Ongole cattle, P1: bokashi fertilizer of 200 grams/planting hole, P2: bokashi fertilizer of 500 grams/planting hole of Sumbanese Ongole cattle feces, P2: 800 gram/planting hole of Sumbanese Ongole cattle faeces bokashi fertilizer planting hole, P4: 1000 grams of bokashi fertilizer from the faeces of Sumba Ongole cattle/planting hole. The variables measured were crude protein and crude fiber. The results showed that the treatment had a significant effect (P<0.05) on crude protein and crude fiber. The conclusion of the application of bokashi fertilizer on the faeces of Sumba Ongole cattle at a level of 200 g/planting hole produces crude protein content and the higher the level of fertilizer application, the lower the crude fiber content.

MORPHOPHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS AND PRODUCTION OF COWPEA DUE TO VARIATION IN THE NUMBER OF SEEDS AND FERTILIZATION COMBINATION

Cowpea, known as a food crop, demonstrates thrive on land with low soil fertility. Albina IPB is a new superior variety of cowpea with a potential yield of 3.88-4.69 t ha-1. This study aims to evaluate the productivity of Albina based on differences in the number of seeds and fertilization. Minus one test method was applied to find out which nutrients among N, P, and K had the most influence on the growth and production of cowpea. The results showed that one seed per planting hole gave the best results which were significantly different from others, while the combination of three seeds per planting hole with minus K resulted in the lowest growth in general. Nevertheless, anthocyanin in the combination of three seeds per planting hole with minus K produced the highest value, significantly different from the other treatments. These results indicate that element K is a limiting element in the growth of cowpea. However, neither the fertilization treatment nor the number of seeds was significantly different in the yield and yield components. Plant productivity ranged from 0.82-1.42 t ha-1 for all treatments.

Dynamics of Tractor Aggregated with Continuously Operating Planting Hole Digger

Abstract Digging holes for planting, which is a minimal tillage method, is beneficial in terms of reducing energy consumption and preventing erosion. Current popular hole diggers operate intermittently to give low productivity, and this problem can be solved by continuous hole digging machine with active tillage unit. On the basis of established principles, the kinematics of machine and its optimal parameters have been studied and determined. This paper presents the results of the study on dynamics of a tractor combined with a continuous excavator, as a basis for determining the combination’s working parameters, such as the speed of the unit and the number of rows. The experimental data on digger’s drag torque and the characteristics of Kubota B2530 tractor are the basis for simulating the working process at different speeds. The inequality of rotation speed and the moment of engine crankshaft is determined. Aggregates with single-row digger work stably in gears P1 to P6, while with double-row digger, stable operation is in gears P1 to P5. The productivity of a continuous operating digger is superior to that of an intermittent operating one. A continuous operating digger can reach 3500 pits·hour-1 with a double-row or 2400 pits·hour-1 with a single-row tractor aggregate.

Growth response and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merill) on saline soil unaffected and affected by tsunami using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)

The production of soybean nationally is still low. Therefore, the expansion of agricultural land in Aceh can be applied to marginal lands, such as peatlands, swamps, tidal lands, and even land affected by the tsunami. This study examined the use of saline soil unaffected and affected by Tsunami for soybean (Glycine max var. kipas merah) cultivation by adding Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). Kipas merah was grown in unaffected and affected by Tsunami soil, with 0, 5, 10 and 15 g AMF per planting hole, in a Split plot with n=3, in a completely randomized layout. The results revealed that the dose of AMF affected all variables observed. The growth and yield of soybean increased as the AMF dose increased. AMF on land affected and not affected by the tsunami could increase the growth and yield kipas merah soybean variety. The application of AMF 15 g/plant and affected soil was the best treatment.

Application of Ascophyllum nodosum extract and its nutrient components for the management of Meloidogyne javanica in soybean

Nematodes of the Meloidogyne genus are among the main limiting factors of world agricultural productivity. Its management is quite complex and alternative methods such as the use of extracts have been widely studied. This study aimed to evaluate the penetration and development of M. javanica in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) treated with Ascophyllum nodosum extract and assess this algal product and its nutrient components in nematode management. Experiment 1 comprised five sampling times (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 d after nematode inoculation) and three application methods (planting hole, foliar spraying, and untreated control). Soybean plants were inoculated with 2000 eggs+second-stage juveniles of M. javanica and treated with algal extract. Total nematode number, number of nematodes per developmental stage, and population density (nematodes g-1 root) were determined. Experiment 2 consisted of 11 treatments: Algal extract, N, K, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, combined nutrients, and untreated control. Soybean crops were evaluated for total nematode number, population density, gall index, plant height, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight. In Experiment 1, algal extract reduced nematode penetration, regardless of application method. There was a decrease in the total number of nematodes and number of nematode g-1 root by 83% and 56% in the application via furrow and 68% and 70% via foliar application, respectively. In Experiment 2, all nutrient treatments reduced at least one nematode parameter, with P, Ca, Mg, Fe, and combined nutrients (Trial 1) and algal extract, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe and combined nutrients (Trial 2) achieving 83% to 95% reductions in population density. Nutrient treatments positively influenced vegetative development, as a 20% increase in height for the nutrients A. nodosum, N, K, P, Ca, Mg, Cu and Fe. Ascophyllum nodosum and its nutrient components have potential in the management of M. javanica in soybean.

Effectiveness of eco enzyme administration and rhizobium isolation against the growth and production of onions red (Allium ascolonicum L)

Effectiveness of Eco Enzyme Administration and Rhizobium Isolation Against Growth and Production of Shallots (Allium ascolonicum L). The research aims to determine the effectiveness of eco enzyme administration and rhizobium isolation and eco enzyme interaction and rhizobium isolation against the growth and production of shallots (Allium ascolonicum L). This study uses Design Randomized Group (DRG) Factorial consisting of 2 factors, 16 treatments, and 3 blocks. The first factor is the effectiveness of giving eco enzymes that are given the symbol " T " which consists of 4 levels, namely: T0 = 0 ml / liter of water / plot, T1 = 75 ml / liter of water / plot, T2 = 150 ml/liter of water/plot, T3 = 225 ml/liter of water/plot. The second factor of rhizobium isolation consists of 4 levels, namely: S0 = 0 g / planting hole, S1 = 50 g / planting hole, S2 = 100g/planting pit, S3= 150 g/planting hole. Parameters observed in the study These are: plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), number of tubers per sample (tubers), production of wet tubers per sample (g), production of wet tubers per plot (g), production of dried tubers per sample (g), production of dried tubers per plot (g). Result Research shows that the effectiveness of eco-enzyme administration and isolation rhizobium exerts an influence on the parameters of plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), number of tubers per sample (tubers), production of wet tubers per sample (g), wet tuber production per plot (g), dry tuber production per sample (g), production dried tubers per plot (g). Interaction of the effectiveness of eco enzyme administration and isolation rhizobium does not exert an influence on the parameters of plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), number of tubers per sample (tubers), production of wet tubers per sample (g), wet tuber production per plot (g), dry tuber production per sample (g), production dried tubers per plot (g).

Nutrient uptake and recovery potentials of Ocimum basilicum and Corchorus olitorius in a polyculture aquaponic system

The nutrient recovery potentials of the plants Ocimum basilicum and Corchorus olitorius in a polyculture aquaponic system were evaluated. Two treatments of polyculture aquaponics (fish + crayfish + O. basilicum; and fish + crayfish + C. olitorius) and a conventional recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) as the control (fish + crayfish) were set up in triplicates, randomly. The fish and crayfish were stocked at 75 fish:50 crayfish per treatment while three seedlings of each plant were placed in each planting cup. There were five plant throughs with each having 14 planting holes, making a total of 70 planting holes per treatment. The water quality parameters, growth performance and nutrients uptake of the fish, crayfish and plants were determined after 14 weeks observation. The results showed that the dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and nitrates in the culture tanks of both plant treatments were significantly higher than recirculating aquaculture system treatment, especially from eight weeks and above. The fish and crayfish in the O. basilicum-polyculture aquaponic system had higher final weight gain, 53.6 g and 14.8 g respectively, while higher survival rate (97.33 ± 0.77 and 82.67 ± 2.9, respectively), and lower feed conversion ratio (2.46 ± 0.06 and 2.68 ± 0.04, respectively) were observed in the RAS treatment, although there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) across treatments. The yield of O. basilicum (274 g m−2) was significantly higher than C. olitorius (213 g m−2), while the N-uptake by O. basilicum (128.4 g culture unit−1) was significantly higher than C. olitorius (102.2 g culture unit−1). However, there were about 37–41% of N, 38–41% of P and 44–48% of K after harvest which is an indication that aquaponics polyculture system can either accommodate more plant troughs (increase plant densities) or more planting cycle of the herbs.

Why Healthy Pine Seedlings Die after They Leave the Nursery

Artificial regeneration is successful when high-performing seedlings are transported with care to the planting site, stored for a short period in an environment without desiccation or fungal growth, and planted in a deep hole, so roots are in contact with moist soil. One of the requirements for success is the ability to avoid common planting mistakes. Due, in part, to the use of container stock plus an increase in rainfall, the average first-year survival of pine seedlings (89%) in the southern United States is about 15% greater now than 45 years ago. However, when survival is less than 50% six months after planting, some landowners seek reimbursement for their loss. Some assume poor seedling quality was the cause without realizing that anaerobic soils or sudden freeze events, shallow planting holes, pruning roots, a lack of rain or underground insects can kill pines. With a focus on pines planted in the southern United States, we list non-nursery factors that have killed seedlings in North America, Africa and Europe.

Nutrient‐charged biochars increased nutrient‐use efficiency in a cotton–maize rotation in Burkina Faso

AbstractSoil nutrient depletion, low crop nutrient‐use efficiency, and limited access to fertilizers are serious issues leading to poor yield in agroecosystems of Burkina Faso. Blending biochars with organic or inorganic nutrients could slow down nutrient release, which can enhance fertilizer‐use efficiency. This study investigates whether charging biochar with nutrients and Acacia gum (Acacia senegal L.) coating can improve nutrient‐use efficiency in a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) rotation system using low application rates (<5 t ha−1). The experiment was conducted in western Burkina Faso during three cropping seasons (2018–2020) with five treatments: T0, control; T1, conventional practice with compost and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) application; T2, microdose (planting hole application) of NPK; T3. nutrient‐charged biochar activated with dissolved NPK; T4, nutrient‐charged biochar activated with dissolved NPK and coated with Acacia gum. Biochar‐based fertilizers significantly increased soil organic C content, as well as bioavailable P and calcium (Ca), without significantly improving crop yields, compared to conventional practice and microdose of NPK. When nutrient‐charged biochar was coated with Acacia gum, N‐use efficiency (NUE; N recovered in grain/N fertilized) was improved compared to uncoated nutrient‐charged biochar, although the difference was not significant. Despite no significant effects on crop yields during three cropping seasons, the use of coated biochar‐based fertilizer may be a technically effective solution to improve NUE in the long term in agroecosystems characterized by nutrient‐impoverished soils under a constraining South‐Sudanese climate.