Preceding Winter Crop Research Articles

Comparative Assessment of Different Crop Rotation Schemes for Organic Common Bean Production

The aim of the current study was to contribute to the establishment of sustainable organic crop rotation schemes for common bean under mild-winter climatic conditions. Common bean was cultivated according to organic or conventional farming practices during spring-summer in two successive years with crop and treatment during the preceding winter as either: (a) organic broccoli, (b) conventional broccoli, (c) organic faba bean used as green manure, or (d) fallow. Common bean was either inoculated with Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 or non-inoculated, while faba bean was inoculated or non-inoculated with Rhizobium laguerreae VFLE1. Inoculating faba bean with rhizobia enhanced dry biomass production and biological N-fixing ability in both experimental years. Furthermore, organic farming did not restrict the yield of broccoli compared to conventional practices during the first year, while the reverse was the case in the second year, due to reduced soil N availability. Furthermore, green manure enhanced the fresh pod yield in the following organic crop of common bean in both years. The lowest yield was recorded in organically grown common bean when the preceding winter crop was organically grown broccoli in both years. Rhizobia inoculation of the common bean during the first year slightly increased atmospheric N fixation by common bean.

Double-cropping systems based on rye, maize and sorghum: Impact of variety and harvesting time on biomass and biogas yield

Climate change affects the frequency and intensity of extreme weather, the results of which include production losses and climate-induced crop productivity fluctuations. Double-cropping systems (DCSs) have been suggested as a way to increase biomass-production while simultaneously delivering environmental benefits. In a three-year field-test, two DCSs based on maize and sorghum as the main crop and rye as the preceding winter crop were compared with each other and compared with 2 single-cropping systems (SCSs) of maize or sorghum; there were comparisons of growth dynamics, optimal harvesting and growing time as well as biomass and methane yield. In addition, the impact of variety and harvest time on the winter rye optimal biomass yield was studied. The experiments clearly showed the superiority of the DCS over the SCS. Within the DCS, the rye/sorghum combination achieved significantly higher biomass yields compared to those of the rye/maize combination. The highest dry matter biomass yield was achieved during year 1 at 27.5 ± 2.4 t∙ha−1, during which winter rye contributed 8.3 ± 0.7 t∙ha−1 and sorghum contributed 19.2 ± 1.8 t∙ha−1. At the experimental location, which is influenced by a Pannonia climate (hot and dry), the rye/sorghum DCS was able to obtain average methane yields per hectare, 9300 m3, whereas the rye/maize combination reached 7400 m3. In contrast, the rye, maize and sorghum SCSs achieved methane yields of 4800, 6100 and 6500 m3 ha−1, respectively. The study revealed that the winter rye and sorghum DCS is a promising strategy to counteract climate change and thus guarantee crop yield stability.

Effect of Preceding Winter Crops and Residue Management on Growth Performance, Weed, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Clusterbean (Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba L. Taub.] Under Zero-Till Semi-Arid Condition

Field experiments under zero-till rainfed ecosystem were conducted during 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Indian Agricultural Research Institutive New Delhi for identifying the agronomic performance, weed dynamics, nutrient uptake and profitability of clusterbean based cropping systems (clusterbean-wheat, clusterbean-mustard and clusterbean-chickpea) as influenced by three residue management practices (no residue, crop residues and Leucaena twigs) applied to both summer and winter seasonal crops. Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications were used to conduct the trials. Significantly higher green-pod yield of clusterbean (10.08 t ha-1 and 6.70 t ha-1) was recorded with the application of Leucaena twigs, followed by crop residue mulching and the least with no-residue application in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Wheat and chickpea as preceding crops produced significantly higher clusterbean green-pod yield (6.54 t ha-1 and 6.43 t ha-1) than mustard (5.18 t ha-1). The yield attributes viz. pod-clusters and weight of pods per plant showed significant variation. Significantly higher dry matter yield (299.9 g m-2) of Cyperus iria was recorded with mustard residues followed by chickpea (253.1 g m-2) and wheat (194.0 g m-2) residues. The nutrient uptake showed the same trend as that of dry pod and stalks yields and resulted significant influence due to residue management and preceding crops. Economic analysis exhibited the highest returns and net returns per Rupee invested under wheat with Leucaena twigs followed by chickpea with Leucaena twigs. Clusterbean after wheat and chickpea with Leucaena twigs was high yielding and profitable for rainfed areas under zero-till semi-arid condition.

Complementary Irrigation in a Maize Silage Double Crop using the BAHICU Software: A Case Study in Northern Buenos Aires, Argentina

Northern Buenos Aires (Argentina) is a rain fed agricultural region. Complementary irrigation, which is mainly used in maize crop, requires the contemplation of strategies that minimize the soil solidification risk. The first alternative to mitigate the limited water quality is to perform an irrigation schedule by using the water balance methodology. The BAHICU software, developed in the study region, is a soil water balance model for agricultural systems under irrigation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the forage production of irrigated and rain fed double crop of silage maize, using the BAHICU software as a tool to make a more efficient water use and to attenuate the adverse effect of the sodium present in the irrigation water. A field experiment was conducted on a clay soil with a sequence of two maizes during the 2015-2016 growing season: short season maize (maize 1) and late sown maize (maize 2). There were two preceding winter crops: ryegrass and oat. Plant height, dry matter (DM) percentage and DM yield were measured. Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) of irrigated and rain fed treatments was obtained from the BAHICU software. Irrigation was applied using a sprinkler system. Irrigation influenced only the yield of maize 2. Water use efficiency (WUE) did not vary with irrigation incorporation. Maize 2 presented higher forage production and WUE than maize 1. An R2 value of 0.82 was found after relating DM yield with maize ETc. The preceding winter crops only influenced the yield of the maize 1. The DM yield was linked to plant height. The irrigated maize 2 was the only treatment that presented an optimal DM percentage for silage conservation. Using the BAHICU software allowed comparing the WUE of the maizes analyzed. Irrigation influenced crop yield but not WUE.

Effect of Preceding Winter Crops and Herbicidal Combinations on Weeds, Yield and Econemic Feasability of Broadcast-Seeded Rice Productivity.

Nowadays, in Egypt there is a big shift towards increasing the cultivated area with broadcast-seeded rice which needs to overcome the heavy out weeds infestation in this case. Thus, four field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Farm of El-Serw Agri. Res. Station, Damietta Governorate in 2014 and 2015 summer seasons, to investigate effect of clover and wheat as two preceding winter crops before sowing the rice as broadcast-seeded rice and six weed control treatments [Saturn at 2.0 L/ faddan + Basagran at 1.5 L/ faddan, Ronstar at 0.75 L/ faddan + Enpul at 20 g/faddan, Rainbow at 0.4 L/ faddan + Enpul at 20 g/ faddan, Rainbow at 0.4 L/ faddan + Basagran at 1.5 L/ faddan combinations, hand weeding twice and untreated check] in each experiment on weeds, rice grain yield and its components with economic evaluation. The main findings indicated that sowing the rice as broadcasted after clover; and weed control treatments irrespective of the preceding winter crops decreased significantly the dry weight of both dicot and monocot weeds and markedly increased rice grain yield (ton/faddan) and its components i.e., plant height, number of tillers/m2, number of panicles/m2, number of filled grain/panicle and weight of grain/panicle, that is true in both seasons. In first season the interaction between clover as a preceding winter crop and herbicides combinations i.e. Rainbow 2.5% OD (penoxsulam) at 0.4 L/ faddan followed by Enpul 75% WG (halosulfuron-methyl) at 20 g/faddan; Rainbow 2.5% OD at 0.4 L/faddan followed by Basagran 48% AS (bentazon) at 1.5 L/ faddan; Ronstar 25% EC (oxadiazon) followed by Enpul 75% WG at 20 g/faddan and Saturn 50% EC (thiobencarb) at 2.0 L/faddan followed by Basagran 48% AS at 1.5 L/faddan reduced the total weeds by 91.7, 91.3, 88.5 and 86.3%, respectively, at 70 DAS, and accompanied with significant increases on rice grain yield by 145.3, 154.0, 122.0 and 148.0% than untreated check, respectively. Whilst, hand weeding twice was less effective on reducing the total weeds by 56.5 and 53.4% at the respective assessments and reflect that to increase rice grain yield in both seasons. The highest net income/faddan were obtained by the previous herbicidal combinations in trials preceded with clover than wheat during the two seasons. This study throw lights about suitable and satisfactory herbicidal combinations to overcome the heavy weeds infestation problem in broadcast-seeded rice. These results indicated that under heavy infestation with weeds in broadcast- seeded rice, it is possible to grow broadcast-seeded rice after clover with using one herbicides combinations,( Rainbow at 0.4L/fed + Enpul at 20 g/fed, Rainbow at 0.4L/fed + Basagran at 1.5 L/fed, Ronstar at 0.75 L/fed + Enpul at 20g/fed; and Saturn at 2.0 L/fed + Basagran at 1.5 L/fed) which, gave the highest redution weeds, increase broadcast- seeded rice yield and the highest economic values in both seasons.

Influences of Some Preceding Winter Crops and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Quality of Intercropped Maize with Cowpea

A field study was conducted in Mallawi Agricultural Experiments and Research Station, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), El-Minia governorate, Egypt to decrease mineral nitrogen (N) inputs of maize with good yield quality and increase farmers' benefit. Local maize cultivar T.W.C. 310 was grown under intercropping and sole cultures in one row/ridge that received three mineral N fertilizer rates (75, 87.5 and 100% of the recommended N rate of maize), while local cultivar of cowpea seeds Keraim ‐ 1 were drilled in one row and two rows/ridge under intercropping and sole cultures, respectively. A split split plot design with three replicates was used. Quality of maize grains was tested in the laboratories of Seed Technology Research Department, Field Crops Research Original Research Article

Depressed attainable wheat yields under continuous annual no-till agriculture suggest declining soil productivity

The increase in annually cropped area that has occurred in the eastern Pampas of South America (Uruguay) since 2002 was largely achieved by converting crop-pasture rotations to continuous annual no-till cropping systems. We studied the impact of this intensification on the attainable wheat yield (Yatt) and the yield gap (Yg), with the latter defined as the difference between Yatt and actual yield (Ya). Our measure of agricultural intensification is the length in years of continuous cropping (YCC). We computed both Yatt and Yg from 1072 wheat yield records obtained from producers between 2009 and 2012. The database included grain yield, agro-climatic region, preceding crop, sowing date, cultivar, nitrogen (N) fertilization rate and YCC. For each field, we calculated a climatological index (CI) that combines temperature, radiation and precipitation during both the spike and grain growth phases. To estimate Yatt, we fitted a stochastic frontier production function that uses CI, cultivar, region and YCC as explanatory variables, and includes a term representing the inefficiency function. The latter quantifies management practice effects on Yg. A relative yield gap (RYg) was calculated as the ratio Yg/Yatt. We used regression trees to uncover relationships between RYg and variables integrated in the inefficiency function. The mean Yatt was 4.9±0.7Mgha−1. Its variation was a function of the cultivar and the interaction of CI and YCC. The interaction term indicated that Yatt was highest and independent of YCC when the CI was favorable for wheat growth (high CI, sunny and temperate before flowering and during grain filling as opposed to low CI, rainy and warm), but declined rapidly with YCC when CI was unfavorable for wheat growth. The average Yg and RYg were 1.5±0.8Mgha−1 and 0.31±0.17. The fertilizer N rate explained most of the variation in RYg. When the CI was low, YCC was the second most important variable explaining RYg. When the CI was high, the variation in RYg was best explained by the preceding winter crop. Our results indicate that under low CI, intensifying crop production with continuous annual no-till cropping can cause a measurable reduction in Yatt and Ya. The negative effect of YCC on Ya was significantly higher under weather conditions unfavorable for wheat growth, increasing the RYg. These effects could not be compensated for with the maximum N fertilization rates used by producers under low CI or with a rotation of annual crops. Our interpretation is that shifting cropping systems from a crop-pasture rotation to continuous annual no-till cropping generates a progressive limitation in soil productivity that reduces wheat yield and increases its inter annual variability.

EFFECT OF PRECEDING WINTER CROPS, RELAY CROPPING, INTERCROPPING SYSTEM AND NITROGEN FERTILIZER RATES ON SOME SOIL PHYSICAL, HYDROPHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Field experiments were carried out on clay soil at the experimental farm of El-Gemmeiza Agricultural Research Station, El-Gharbia governorate, during two years (2006 and 2007), to investigate the effect of preceding winter crops, relay cropping, intercropping system and N fertilization levels on soil properties. The experiments were conducted in randomized complete block design in a split–plot, with three replicates, where preceding winter crops (i.e., wheat, sugar beet and faba bean) occupied the main plots and nitrogen fertilizer rates for maize plant (90, 105, 120 and 135 Kg N/fed.) were assigned to the sub plots, in both years. Results can be summarized as follows:- 1- All preceding winter crops induced significant changes in all soil properties under study, but faba bean was more effective than wheat or sugar beet on decreasing the values of soil bulk density (Db), settling %, water consumption (CU), soil reaction (pH), soluble Ca, Mg and HCO3 andC/N ratio of the soil, where take the following order: faba bean > sugar beet > wheat. On the other hand, the effects of preceding winter crops on total porosity (E), void ratio (e), pore size distribution (>9µ, 9-0.2 µ and <0.2 µ), hydraulic conductivity (Kh), soil moisture content (θw) just before harvesting, saturation percentage (SP), field capacity (FC), wilting point (WP), available water (AW), water use efficiency (WUE), soil salinity (EC), soluble Na, K, Cl, SO4, total N, organic carbon (OC) and availability of soil macronutrients (N, P and K) were increased these characters and take the same order. 2- Faba bean planting as a preceding winter crop with the addition of 90 Kg N/fed to maize in summer season gave the lowest values of (CU), while faba bean with 135 Kg N./fed to maize was the best treatment, since it gave the highest value of (WUE) in the first and second years. 3- The addition of 135 Kg N/fed resulted in a decrease of (pH), soluble HCO3 and C/N ratio of the soil and increase in (WUE), total N, organic carbon (OC) and availability of soil macronutrients (N, P and K). 4- It could be concluded that the sowing of faba bean, sugar beet and wheat plants in winter season, relay cropping and intercropping system with increasing nitrogen fertilizer for summer crops led to a markedly improvement in soil physical, hydrophysical and chemical properties as well as the status of nutrients which reflect on higher yield of summer season crops.

Incidência de podridões do colmo, grãos ardidos e rendimento de grãos em híbridos de milho submetidos ao aumento na densidade de plantas

A adequada combinação entre a escolha da densidade de plantas e do híbrido é um dos fatores que contribuem para o aumento da produtividade do milho. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do incremento na densidade de plantas sobre a incidência de podridões do colmo, de grãos ardidos e o rendimento de grãos de dois híbridos de milho contrastantes quanto a tolerância ao adensamento. O experimento foi conduzido em Lages, SC, nas safras agrícolas 2002/03 e 2003/04, em área de semeadura direta e monocultura, sob sucessão de cobertura morta constituída de aveia preta+ervilhaca. Estudou-se a combinação de dois fatores: híbrido e densidades, utilizando-se o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados com parcela sub-dividida. Na parcela principal avaliaram os híbridos: Speed (simples, tolerante ao adensamento) e AG 303 (duplo, intolerante ao adensamento). Nas sub-parcelas testaram-se cinco densidades de plantas: 25, 50, 75, 100 e 125 mil plantas ha-1. O aumento da densidade de plantas, proporcionou incremento linear na incidência das podridões do colmo e grãos ardidos para os dois híbridos e duas safras avaliadas. O fungo Colletotrichum graminicola foi o mais detectado em colmos doentes, seguido do Fusarium graminearum, F. verticillioides e Stenocarpella sp. Nos grãos ardidos, os fungos predominantes foram F. verticillioides, F. graminearum e Penicillium spp. O híbrido AG 303 demonstrou menor resposta no rendimento do que o híbrido Speed com o aumento da população de plantas. Não foi observada associação direta entre o maior rendimento de grãos do híbrido simples em estandes adensados e a menor incidência de doenças de colmo e de grãos ardidos.

Incidência de podridões do colmo, grãos ardidos e produtividade de grãos de genótipos de milho em diferentes sistemas de manejo

A monocultura do milho é uma prática comum em algumas regiões do Brasil, sendo responsável pelo incremento dos danos causados pelas doenças. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes sistemas de produção de milho contrastantes quanto ao investimento em manejo sobre a incidência de podridões do colmo, grãos ardidos e produtividade de grãos. Foram testados quatro sistemas: S1 (baixo nível de manejo), S2 (médio), S3 (alto) e S4 (proposto para maximizar o produtividade). Os níveis de manejo diferiram quanto à densidade de semeadura, espaçamento entre linhas, quantidade de fertilizantes e uso da irrigação. Em cada sistema, foram utilizadas três genótipos de milho: BRS Planalto (variedade de polinização aberta), Traktor (híbrido duplo) e P32R21 (híbrido simples). Os experimentos foram conduzidos nas safras 2002/03 e 2003/04, em área de plantio direto e monocultura, sob sucessão de cobertura morta de aveia preta+ervilhaca. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com parcelas subdivididas e quatro repetições. Nas duas safras agrícolas, a variedade Planalto apresentou maior incidência de podridões do colmo do que os híbridos em todos os sistemas de manejo. O fungo Colletotrichum graminicola foi o principal patógeno associado às podridões do colmo. A produtividade de grãos oscilou entre 3.986 a 13.489kg ha-1 em 2003 e entre 1.787 a 13.849kg ha-1 em 2004, variando conforme o genótipo e o sistema de produção. As maiores produtividades foram obtidas em S4 com a utilização do híbrido simples P32R21. A incidência de grãos ardidos nas duas safras foi baixa, não atingindo em nenhum tratamento o valor de 6% considerado no desconto. O fungo Fusarium verticillioides foi o principal patógeno associado aos grãos ardidos. Por outro lado, C. graminicola não foi detectado nos grãos ardidos, demonstrando que sua alta incidência nos colmos não significa sua presença nos grãos. Não foi possível identificar um sistema de manejo que reduzisse a incidência de podridões do colmo e grãos ardidos na cultura do milho.

Response of Brazilian maize hybrids from different eras to changes in plant density

Maize ( Zea mays L.) hybrids differ in their response to plant population density. Enhancements in tolerance to crowding have been obtained around the world as the result of selecting the best yielding hybrids at dense stands over a wide testing area. However, the understanding of morpho-physiological determinants of maize endurance to the population density stress still needs improvement. This study aimed to evaluate the response of maize hybrids from different eras grown extensively in Brazil to the increase in plant sowing density and to identify agronomic traits that can account for the contrasting tolerance to high interplant competition. The trial was conducted in Lages, southern Brazil, during the growing seasons of 1999/2000 and 2000/2001. A split plot design was used. The double-cross hybrids Agroceres 12, Agroceres 303, and the single-cross hybrid Cargill 929, commercially released during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, respectively, were evaluated in the main plots. Four plant population densities were tested in the split plots: 25,000, 50,000, 75,000 and 100,000 plants ha −1. Maize was sown in no-tillage system, having black oat as the preceding winter crop. Canopy architecture parameters, tassel dry matter accumulation, flower synchrony, grain yield and its components were evaluated. The older hybrids Agroceres 12 and Agroceres 303 out-yielded modern-hybrid C 929 at the lowest plant population density. The increase in plant population increased barrenness, lengthened the anthesis–silking interval and decreased kernel set per ear more drastically for the older than for the modern-hybrid. Consequently, the higher the number of plants per unit area, the greater the edge between grain yield and kernel number per area of C 929 in relation to its older counterparts. Current hybrid’s better performance at supraoptimum plant population densities was favored by three sets of traits. First, by lower dry matter partition to the tassel, stimulating a more balanced allometric relationship between male and female inflorescence. Second, by a more compact canopy architecture, with shorter plants, fewer and more upright leaves, enhancing solar radiation interception. Third, by low ear insertion to plant height ratio, promoting greater resistance to stalk lodging. These traits contributed to higher grain yield and positive response to higher densities in the modern-hybrid.

Winter Crop, Tillage, and Planting Date Effects on Double‐Crop Cotton

Canola (Brassica napus L.) can be profitably grown as a winter crop in a double‐crop system in the southeastern USA. However, stand reductions of double‐cropped cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) following canola have been observed. Field experiments were conducted over 2 yr to examine the effects of previous crop, tillage, planting date, and pesticide use on stand establishment of double‐cropped cotton. In all 1999 experiments, cotton stand and seed cotton yields were reduced following canola compared with following winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In four of five comparisons, cotton seedling infection by Rhizoctonia solani was greater following canola than following wheat or fallow. All R. solani isolates were anastomosis group AG‐4, indicating that canola production did not selectively increase an unusual biotype of R. solani In both years, R. solani AG‐4 infection rates were enhanced by use of aldicarb [2‐methyl‐2‐(methylthio)propionaldehyde O‐(methylcarbamoyl)oxime] granular insecticide regardless of the preceding winter crop. The fungicide treatment did not prevent seedling infection by R. solani but did reduce stand and yield losses in 1999. Tillage had no consistent affect on R. solani AG‐4 infection, stand, or yield following any winter crop treatment. Delayed cotton planting also did not consistently affect R. solani AG‐4 infection or cotton stand but did reduce seed cotton yield at Tifton. Thus, modified tillage practices and delayed cotton planting are not viable management tools for controlling R. solani AG‐4 infection and minimizing stand losses of cotton when double‐cropped following canola.

Winter Crop, Tillage, and Planting Date Effects on Double-Crop Cotton

Canola (Brassica napus L.) can be profitably grown as a winter crop in a double-crop system in the southeastern USA. However, stand reductions of double-cropped cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) following canola have been observed. Field experiments were conducted over 2 yr to examine the effects of previous crop, tillage, planting date, and pesticide use on stand establishment of double-cropped cotton. In all 1999 experiments, cotton stand and seed cotton yields were reduced following canola compared with following winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In four of five comparisons, cotton seedling infection by Rhizoctonia solani was greater following canola than following wheat or fallow. All R. solani isolates were anastomosis group AG-4, indicating that canola production did not selectively increase an unusual biotype of R. solani In both years, R. solani AG-4 infection rates were enhanced by use of aldicarb [2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propionaldehyde O-(methylcarbamoyl)oxime] granular insecticide regardless of the preceding winter crop. The fungicide treatment did not prevent seedling infection by R. solani but did reduce stand and yield losses in 1999. Tillage had no consistent affect on R. solani AG-4 infection, stand, or yield following any winter crop treatment. Delayed cotton planting also did not consistently affect R. solani AG-4 infection or cotton stand but did reduce seed cotton yield at Tifton. Thus, modified tillage practices and delayed cotton planting are not viable management tools for controlling R. solani AG-4 infection and minimizing stand losses of cotton when double-cropped following canola.

Studies on the Improvement of Upland Farm Cropping : (II) Growth of succeeding summer crops on soil with cropping of different preceding winter crops

We had non-fertilizers and 3 nutrient elements plots in soils that 4 winter cops had been cultivated on, and millet and peanut under these plots were cultivated in pots. The highest growth and dry matter of millet following winter crops, were in the following order : common vetch>rape>naked barley and wheat, in the dry matter of peanut so like. Residual P2O5 and K2O in these soils were more effective on succeeding crops than the N, but generally we recognized a little effect on the crops following wheat and naked barley. The effect of 3 nutrient elements was remerkable on the crops following common vetch and rape, on all crops that of N was so, but on the crops following wheat and naked barley that of P2O5 was a little. As stated above, this test showed the same results as field test, application of N did remerkable effect, and so pot test instead of field test may be able to know the relation of succeeding crops to preceding crops.