Simultaneous Sowing Research Articles

Simultaneous Application of Controlled Availability Fertilizers to Seeding Furrows with Seeding Increases Grain Yield and Quality of No-Till Cultivated Common Wheat in Japan

In Japan, common wheat is cultivated in upland fields converted from paddy fields, where poor drainage and high precipitation cause delay of sowing, lodging at the jointing stage, difficulty in topdressing at the ripening stage, and low yield. No-till cultivation has been promoted to overcome these problems but the yield is still low due to the lack of proper fertilizer application protocols. In this study, we determined whether an additional application of two kinds of Sigmoid coated urea as controlled availability fertilizers (CAFs) to the standard fertilization protocol for tillage cultivation can increase the yield and lodging resistance in no-till cultivated common wheat. Also, additional fertilization was applied to the seeding furrow simultaneously with seeding using a V-furrow no-till direct sowing (VFDS) machine. No-till cultivated plants had more tillers than tillage cultivated ones and consequently higher number of panicles and yield, caused by increased fertilizer application. The point-injected CAFs to the seeding furrow, which eluted at the jointing and ripening stages greatly increased the grain yield and protein content, respectively, compared to broadcast topdressing of ammonium sulfate at each stage. The simultaneous sowing and fertilization of additional CAFs using VFDS method in multi-year tests in farmers’ fields significantly increased the yield of no-till cultivated common wheat, and can be adopted by Japanese local farmers.

Intercropping Maize and Faba Bean for Silage Under Swedish Climate Conditions

Cultivation of forage maize is increasing in Sweden. Sole maize is low in protein and supplementation of protein feed is needed. This study investigated whether forage maize and legumes can be intercropped in a system suitable for farmers (simultaneous sowing and harvest) under Swedish climate conditions, and whether intercropping maize and faba bean improves the forage quality compared with sole maize. Two field experiments were performed in which maize intercropped with faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in alternate rows with 0 or 60 kg N/ha was compared with sole maize crop with 120 kg N/ha. Maize dry matter (DM) yield decreased by intercropping (from mean 14,171 kg DM/ha for sole maize to 8,888–10,791 kg DM/ha for intercropped maize). Mean yield of faba bean ranged from 2,907 to 2,966 kg DM/ha. Compared with sole maize, intercropped treatments slightly increased forage protein content (mean increase 10–15 g/kg DM). Furthermore, intercropping increased forage in vitro organic matter digestibility by 4 % units (from 80.8 to 84.7 %), while the starch concentration slightly decreased from 316 to 236–254 g/kg DM. Intercropping increased neutral detergent fibre concentration from 435 to 478–497 g/kg DM and the sugar concentration from 57.3 to 61.5–72.3 g/kg DM. The results showed that intercropping silage maize and faba beans is possible under Swedish climate conditions.

Sunflower–Soybean Intercrop Productivity under Different Water Conditions and Sowing Managements

The sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] intercrop has emerged as an option that increases land productivity in the southern Pampas of Argentina, compared with sole crops, because of complementary use of resources between species. A common management practice for this intercrop consists of delay soybean sowing, although delayed planting reduces the capacity of soybean to capture resources. Simultaneous sowing could improve total intercrop productivity because of an increase in soybean grain yield with no or little detrimental effects on sunflower grain yield. The objectives of this study were to analyze the response of the sunflower–soybean intercrop and of their component species under different sowing management (i.e., relay or simultaneous sowing) and water availability conditions. Three experiments were conducted at Balcarce, Argentina. Four cropping systems were evaluated: (i) sunflower–soybean intercrop with simultaneous sowing management (I00), (ii) sunflower–soybean intercrop with 30 d of delay between sunflower and soybean sowing (I30), (iii) sunflower sole crop (SUN), and (iv) soybean sole crop (SOY). Sunflower–soybean intercrop grain yield tend to be higher than that for sole crops of the component species. This yield advantage for intercrop increased with water availability and was associated with an increase in intercropped soybean productivity. Intercrop sowing management had no effect on total intercrop grain yield. However, simultaneous sowing increased soybean contribution to intercrop yield. Finally, our results indicate that agronomic practices that promote intercropped soybean performance increase intercrop productivity relative to the sole crops of their component species.

Desempenho do Milho Safrinha e da Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. Comum em Consórcio

The present work aimed to evaluate the performance of second-crop maize intercropped with Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. Common cultivated on different sowing seasons, as well as its response to mineral fertilization in a no-tillage system. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, in a split plot scheme, with four replicates. The plots consisted of the Brachiaria ruziziensis fertilization (with and without fertilization of 270 kg ha-1 of the 08-20-20 formula). The subplots consisted of three sowing seasons of Brachiaria ruziziensis (0, 15 and 30 days after the maize sowing). Second-crop maize yield components were evaluated (ear size, base diameter, center and top ear, number of grain rows per ear, mass of a thousand grains and productivity) and dry mass production of Brachiaria ruziziensis in three evaluations (0, 15 and 30 days after maize sowing). The results obtained in the present work evidence the technical viability of the intercrop, if both species are implanted simultaneously, since the intercropped system would permit the maize grain production, without B. ruziziensis establishment impairment. Dry mass production of Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. comum shows different responses regardingsowing seasons and the use of chemical fertilization, whereby the simultaneous sowing of the two species had the biggest productions of dry mass.

DESEMPENHOS TÉCNICOS E ECONÔMICOS DA CONSORCIAÇÃO DE MILHO COM FORRAGEIRAS DOS GÊNEROS Panicum E Brachiaria EM SISTEMA DE INTEGRAÇÃO LAVOURA-PECUÁRIA

The objective of this research was to evaluate the technical and economic performance of methods for corn cropping with Brachiaria and Panicum genuses forages, in crop-livestock integration systems under no-tillage. The experiment was conducted in Selviria, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, in a Distroferric Red Latosol (Oxisol), during the growing seasons of 2007 and 2008. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications. The treatments consisted of eight methods for growing corn intercropped with Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania, Panicum maximum cv. Mombaca, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, and Brachiaria ruziziensis , sown simultaneously or at side dressing nitrogen fertilization, besides single grown corn. The operating cost analysis was based on prices of inputs and operations, and the revenue at the average price for corn in Sao Paulo State. The decreasing cost-benefit ratio and the best economic returns, obtained due to higher index of contribution margin, determined the most feasible cropping methods. The Panicum maximum cv. Mombaca and Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, intercropped simultaneously with corn, provided less grain yield than single grown corn. As related to technical and economic benefits of the consortium to be used in crop-livestock integration systems, the most recommended is corn with Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania, mainly in the simultaneous sowing. However, technical and economic results in the long term, with different prices and yields, must be evaluated. KEY-WORDS: Contribution margin; grain yield; cost-benefit ratio; no-tillage system; Zea mays L.

Large scale application of diaspore transfer with plant material in restoration practice – Impact of seed and microsite limitation

Seed and microsite limitation are seen as the main obstacles in the restoration of species-rich meadows. Past restoration projects of flood meadows along the northern Upper Rhine focusing solely on the re-creation of adequate site conditions were unsuccessful. In the present study, seed containing plant material was transferred on large scale of ca. 50 ha to former arable fields and some species-poor grassland to enhance species establishment. Additionally, we tested the effect of sward disturbance by rotovation in grassland and simultaneous sowing of grass at arable restoration sites. Four years after the application of plant material, 92 species were successfully re-established at the restoration sites, including 25 Red List species. Co-occurring vegetation had the highest impact on establishment success, with a negative effect of grasses. Establishment success at the arable fields was threefold higher than at grassland sites. In the latter, rotovation of the sward had only a small positive effect on establishment success. Simultaneously sown grass in former arable fields barely hampered establishment of plant material species. Although supply of phosphorus and potassium at the restoration sites was higher than at donor sites, we found no indication that this had negative effects on establishment success of plant material species. The transfer of plant material is a very effective measure to overcome dispersal limitation. A remaining obstacle for restoration are established swards with highly competitive species, whereas raised P and K levels seem to be tolerable in the case of limited N-supply at restoration sites.

Influence of competition by sown grass, disturbance and litter on recruitment of rare flood-meadow species

As a response to the sharp decline in species-rich flood-meadows along the northern Upper Rhine during the past decades, large-scaled restoration projects have been started recently. For the implementation of restoration measures knowledge about the effects of topsoil disturbance, litter and simultaneously sown grasses on seedling recruitment are of special interest. This applies in particular to the role of sown of grasses that may accelerate sward development and ease the incorporation of newly created meadows into local farming systems. As study species we selected six typical, but rare or declining flood-meadow species which differed in seed size, since this may influence the impact of the applied treatments. We studied effects of simultaneously sown grasses on germination and recruitment success of these flood-meadow species in two former arable fields situated in the functional and fossil floodplain along the northern Upper Rhine. The effects of litter and topsoil disturbance in an existing grass sward on the recruitment of the six flood-meadow species were experimentally assessed in a species-poor grassland in the functional floodplain. The individual fate of emerging seedlings was followed over two years. The effects of the applied treatments were species-specific and rather inconsistent. Responses towards disturbance and litter application corresponded to differences in seed size, with large-seeded species showing a lower susceptibility to the influence of treatments. In addition, simultaneous sowing of grass did not hamper seedling recruitment in most cases, and thus seems to be a feasible measure to accelerate the integration of newly created flood-meadows into farming systems.

Studies on intercroping in winter irrigated cotton

Field experiments were conducted during 1994-95 and 1995-96 at the Cotton Breeding Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the suitable intercrops (cowpea, blackgram, greengram and soybean) for winter irrigated cotton (MCU.5). The intercrops were sown on two dates viz., 20 days in advance and sown simultaneously with cotton. Soybean (Co. 2) recorded the highest grain yield (1483 kg/ha) when sown 20 days in advance to cotton followed by cowpea (Co. 6). When intercrops were sown simultaneously, cowpea recorded the highest grain yield (1108 kg/ha) followed by soybean (1099 kg/ha). Under both advance and simultaneous sowing, blackgram (Co. 5) and greengram (Co. 5) recorded lesser grain yield than soybean and cowpea. The kapas yield of cotton was reduced drastically by soybean compared to that of sole of cotton. The intercrops viz., cowpea, blackgram and greengram increased the kapas yield compared to that of sole of cotton, when they were sown in advance. When sown simultaneously with cotton, the seed cotton yield was increased by cowpea and blackgram. Based on net return and benefit cost ratio, cowpea was found to be the best suited intercrop for MCU.5 cotton.

PROFITABILITY OF EFFICIENT CROP SEQUENCE UNDER RAINFED AREAS IN NORTH EASTERN ZONE OF TAMIL NADU

The results of the three years INP sequence study revealed the possibility of raising three crops in the sequance of groundnut - blackgram- gingelly or cumbu soybean or blackgram - gingelly under rainfed conditions, when the monsoon is early and well distributed. When monsoon is erratic raising of two crops in the sequences of groundnut + redgram or groundunt - mustard, or cumbu-soybean or cumbu-mustard were found to be ideal. Raising of second crop of rainfed groundnut after the harvest of July sown kharif groundnut was not economical. Simultaneous sowing of redgram as an intercrop in groundnut in 6:1 proportion gave better yield and net return (Rs.5163/ha) during normal as well as erratic monsoon years.

Relative Sowing Time and Density of Component Crops in a Maize/Cowpea Intercrop System

SUMMARYThe effect of variations in the relative sowing time and density of component crops in a maize/cowpea intercrop were examined in two experiments. In the first experiment, maize and cowpea were sown together, and either 10 or 21 days before or after each other. Maize yield was reduced when sown at the same time or after cowpea; intercrop cowpea yields were less than sole cowpea yields at all sowings. In the second experiment, maize densities of 35, 50 and 70 × 103plants ha−1were combined with cowpea densities of 70, 100 and 140 × 103plants ha−1. Increasing the density of either crop in the mixture resulted in increases in total yield. Maize reduced cowpea yields more than the effect of cowpea on maize yields. In terms of LER and total seed protein yield, there was no advantage of either staggered sowings over simultaneous sowing or of the various intercrop density combinations, except between the lowest and the highest densities of either maize or cowpea. The LERs appeared to follow the trends in cowpea yields and total seed protein yields the trends in maize yields.

Relative Sowing Time and Density of Component Crops in a Maize/Cowpea Intercrop System

SUMMARYThe effect of variations in the relative sowing time and density of component crops in a maize/cowpea intercrop were examined in two experiments. In the first experiment, maize and cowpea were sown together, and either 10 or 21 days before or after each other. Maize yield was reduced when sown at the same time or after cowpea; intercrop cowpea yields were less than sole cowpea yields at all sowings. In the second experiment, maize densities of 35, 50 and 70 × 103plants ha−1were combined with cowpea densities of 70, 100 and 140 × 103plants ha−1. Increasing the density of either crop in the mixture resulted in increases in total yield. Maize reduced cowpea yields more than the effect of cowpea on maize yields. In terms of LER and total seed protein yield, there was no advantage of either staggered sowings over simultaneous sowing or of the various intercrop density combinations, except between the lowest and the highest densities of either maize or cowpea. The LERs appeared to follow the trends in cowpea yields and total seed protein yields the trends in maize yields.

Associated growth of wheat and annual ryegrass. 2. Effect of varying the time of ryegrass germination in stands of wheat

In a field experiment, wheat cv. Gamenya and annual ryegrass cv. Wimmera were sown in four proportions, 80W : 20R, 60W : 40R, 40W : 60R, 20W : 80R, at a total density of 300 plants m-2 and in which a high level of nitrogen fertilizer application was maintained. Ryegrass was sown 17 days before, simultaneously with, and 17 days after wheat. At the simultaneous sowing there were also pure cultures of wheat and ryegrass; pure culture data for ryegrass corresponding to all the germination treatments were obtained in a supplementary experiment. All treatments were harvested on five occasions. Observations were made on tiller numbers, yield of dry matter, seed numbers and the yield components of wheat. There were marked effects of early and simultaneous sowing of ryegrass and of proportions; the results also showed interactions between the later sowings and proportions. In all treatments wheat tiller numbers rose to a maximum and declined to about half after about 100 days. A similar rise and fall was observed in the early and simultaneous germination of ryegrass, but not in the late one. In ryegrass, tiller numbers were much greater than in wheat, and the rate of decline was not as marked. In the late germination treatment ryegrass development and growth were seriously depressed. With respect to wheat, seed yield and ear numbers per unit area in the early and simultaneous sowings were less, while ears and grains per plant were greater in the presence of ryegrass than in pure culture. In ryegrass, seed production was highest in the early and least in the late treatments and was depressed as the proportion of wheat was increased; even in the treatment with the lowest proportion of ryegrass, seed numbers of ryegrass remained high. Relative reproductive rates showed a consistent pattern with time of sowing and with proportion, and the results suggest that control of ryegrass seed numbers cannot be achieved by manipulating planting treatments but requires positive intervention. Relative crowding coefficients (k) calculated from the data suggest that wheat was the stronger competitor. The results are discussed in terms of the competitive effects between species and the likelihood that wheat has the greater competitive ability. As in the previous study, it was noted that effects of competition were discernible at 28 days.

Methods of rhizobial inoculation and sowing techniques for Trifolium subterraneum L. establishment in a harsh winter environment

Placement of Rhizobium trifolii by vertical band spraying of commercial inoculant in suspension with adsorbing clay and fine lime in the soil, above the fertilizer and below the seed of Trifolium subterraneum L., resulted in better seedling nodulation and establishment on low-fertility problem soils over a wide range of soil moisture conditions, when compared with conventional drill-sowing of inoculated, lime-coated seed. Spray inoculation was especially effective in areas where low winter temperature put substantial stress on development of the symbiotic associations. Seed pelleting required favourable soil moisture to permit movement of the bacteria from the pellet to the rhizosphere. The combination of banded spray inoculation with fungicidal seed dusting significantly increased both the numbers and size of nitrogen-fixing nodules on seedlings, and also young plant growth and winter survival. It is concluded that this technique of simultaneous fertilizer application, seed-bed inoculation and sowing of fungicide-dressed seeds greatly increases the options available in commercial practice, particularly in the harsh winter climate of the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales.

Undersowing Rice (Oryza sativa) with Stylosanthes guyanensis. III. Nitrogen Supply

SUMMARYThe growth and nitrogen yield of Stylosanthes guyanensis undersown with upland rice were negatively related to level of urea application at Khon Kaen, north-east Thailand. In the absence of applied urea the nitrogen yield of rice monoculture was 3·3 gm./m.2 whilst the addition of stylo increased nitrogen yield of the association to 9·6 gm./m.2 Stylo was initially dominated by rice but exploited environmental growth factors more effectively in the latter part of the growing season, accentuating competition for water and phosphorus. Simultaneous stylo and rice sowing reduced rice grain yield by 12 per cent, the greatest reduction occurring at a low level of urea application, mainly due to abortion of spikelets after panicle exsertion.

POSSIBLE MECHANISMS OF A BARLEY RESISTANCE TO THE MILDE

The work was performed at the Dagestan experimental station VIR. The research material was collected samples of barley. A field study of the resistance of 1089 samples of cultural barley to powdery mildew was carried out. Field experiments were laid in one term during winter sowing. Laboratory and field studies were conducted in accordance with the VIR Guidelines. The possibility of linking the variety's resistance to the pathogen with the plant's habitus is considered. The size and shape of the leaves, the nature of their location in space, height and productive bushiness create a special microclimate in sowing, both on small plots and on large areas. The differentiation of subspecies according to the studied feature is shown. There are more susceptible forms among the six-rowers. The probability of detecting resistant varieties is higher among double-row barley. Nudibranchs are highly sensitive to disease. No resistant samples were found. With increasing density of productive stalks, the frequency of mildew-resistant varieties increases. In the search for possible protective mechanisms, resistance has also been studied in relation to the type of development. Southern Dagestan has relatively mild winters, which allows simultaneous autumn sowing of spring and winter crops. Among spring barley, the share of resistant to the pathogen is higher than among winter barley. The results show that ultra-ripe and late barley are susceptible to the disease, and the former to a greater extent. Short -, medium-and mid-late varieties are differentiated by sensitivity to the pathogen. Precocious barley is more susceptible (72.3) than the average late (12.9%). The opposite trend is observed in the content of stable barley in the same variants: 0.89 and 10.5%, respectively. In both cases, the middle-aged forms occupy an intermediate position. It is shown that the frequency of susceptible forms among high – productive samples is minimal, and among low-productive samples-maximum. As a result of many years of research, the sources of resistance to powdery mildew are mainly selected from European countries, recommended as a source material for selection.

The Growth of Cereals

PERHAPS nowhere is the influence of the different climatic factors on the rapidity of growth so well illustrated as on the plains of Russia. Therefore W. Kowaleuski's careful researches into this subject, summarised in the Memoirs of the St. Petersburgh Society of Naturalists (xv. 1), are especially worthy of attention. The author has gathered all necessary information for showing the periods of growth of various cereals on the soil of Russia, from the far north of Arkhangelsk, to the southern province of Kherson, and he has arrived at most interesting results, of which the following is a summary. If the periods of growth of the same cereal be taken throughout Russia, it appears that, altogether, it is in the higher latitudes that it ripens fastest. Oats and spring wheat take 123 days and barley no days to ripen about Kherson, and only 98, 88, and 98 days at Arkhangelsk, the difference in favour of the north being respectively thus: 25, 35, and 12 days. The intermediate regions show also intermediate differences, while for each latitude the growth of cereals proceeds faster in the eastern parts of Russia than in the western. It is obvious that if the rapidity of growth were due to temperature, the phenomena would be the reverse of what they are. Moreover, the want of moisture in the southern steppes is also a condition in favour of the rapidity of growth: so that it is in the insolation that we must seek for the cause of the above-stated difference. In fact, oats being usually sown about May 17 at Arkhangelsk, and the harvest usually occurring about Sept. I, the insolation continues there for 2000 hours in 98 days, not to speak of the 240 hours of bright nights; while at Kherson, during 123 days (from April 1 to Aug. 1) the insolation lasts only for 1850 hours. The difference in favour of Arkhangelsk is thus equal to 150 hours (to 400 hours, if the bright nights be added), and it compensates for the influence of temperature. It is useless to add, moreover, that the cereals cultivated in the north have already undergone a certain accommodation to their conditions. As to the intensity of light, Prof. Famintzin's work on the subject, corroborated by ulterior researches, shows that the great intensity of light in Southern Russia, combined with the great transparency of the atmosphere, is rather a condition against the rapidity of growth, the intensity of light exceeding the limits of the maximum of decomposition of carbonic acid. Winter rye shows the same differences as the spring cereals. It appears from M. Kowalewski's tables that in the Arkhangelsk district winter rye takes 375 days to arrive at ripeness, of which there are 202 days of winter rest, 68 days of autumn growth, and 105 days of spring and summer growth, making thus a total of 173 days of growth. At Kherson the total growth lasts for 290 days, of which only 101 days of winter rest and 189 days of productive growth (63 during the autumn and 126 during the summer). The difference reaches thus 16 days in favour of the north, and it would rise to 20 or 25 days if only spring and summer be taken into account. The graphical representation of all these data is most interesting. Thus the lines of simultaneous sowing of winter rye from north-west to south-east correspond to the isochirnenes, while the lines of simultaneous ripening of the spring cereals—oats, barley, sarrazin, wheat—run from south-west to north-east, corresponding to the lines of equal summer temperatures. The retarding influence of rain comes out also pretty well.