Subtropical Agriculture Research Articles

Bio-fertilizer applications from poultry slaughterhouses in subtropical agriculture – Interactions between soil structure and nitrate dynamics

The No-till system and organic fertilization combined can be a potential strategy to avoid nutrient leaching, as the soil structure plays a crucial role in retaining them. In this study, we evaluated the influence of different rates of a bio-fertilizer made of industrial organic waste (IOW) from a poultry slaughterhouse on the percolation and stocks of nitrate in disturbed and undisturbed soil samples collected from a subtropical no-till field in southern Brazil. In an incubation experiment, we performed a percolation experiment using lysimeters and simulated rainfall for 180 days and evaluated the remaining soil nitrate stock after the incubation period. We set up a completely randomized experiment with three replicates using four IOW rates (equivalent to 0, 2, 4, and 8 Mg ha−1) and two sample types: disturbed and undisturbed soils. Using the bio-fertilizer increased nitrate mineralization from 0.77 to 1.55 kg ha−1 day−1. Overall, the IOW application increased the amount of percolated nitrate, significantly influenced by the simulated rainfall (p < 0.01). The amount of water flushed through the lysimeters was significantly higher for the disturbed soils (p < 0.05, LSD test), suggesting that the loosened structure promoted a higher water flux. No differences were observed between undisturbed and disturbed samples for nitrate percolation, implying that the amount of nitrate in the liquid soil phase may be a more critical factor in determining nitrate leaching than the water flux. The disturbed samples presented significantly higher nitrate percolation with increasing IOW rates, regardless of precipitation. Stocks in the 0–5 cm depth were 6.6 kg ha−1 higher for undisturbed samples (p < 0.05, LSD test). This result suggests preserving the soil structure can significantly increase the nitrate stocks upon IOW application.

Enhancing Wheat Yield and Economic Viability in Subtropical Rainfed Agriculture through Combined Herbicide Application

The management of weeds remains a critical aspect of agricultural production, particularly in rainfed subtropical regions where weed pressure can significantly impact crop yield and economic returns. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined herbicide applications on both the yield and economic viability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in subtropical rainfed agricultural systems. Field trials were conducted over two consecutive growing seasons, employing a randomized complete block design with four treatments: (1) pre-emergence application of herbicide A, (2) pre-emergence application of herbicide B, (3) combined pre-emergence application of herbicides A and B, and (4) control (no herbicide application). The study assessed various parameters including weed density, wheat yield, and economic returns. Results indicated that the combined pre-emergence application of herbicides A and B significantly reduced weed density compared to individual herbicide applications and the control, consequently enhancing wheat yield. Furthermore, economic analysis revealed that the combined herbicide treatment resulted in the highest economic returns compared to individual herbicide applications and the control, indicating its economic viability in rainfed wheat cultivation in subtropical regions. These findings underscore the importance of integrated weed management strategies, particularly the judicious use of combined herbicide applications, for optimizing wheat yield and economic sustainability in subtropical rainfed agriculture.

Occurrence, multiphase partitioning, drivers, and ecological risks of current-use herbicides in a river basin dominated by rice–vegetable rotations in tropical China

Rice–vegetable rotation practices prevail in subtropical and tropical agriculture worldwide, with applications of current-use herbicides (CUHs) vital for nontarget plant control. After application, CUHs migrate to environmental compartments, where the occurrence, fate, and ecological risks have not been well characterized. To further understand the occurrence and multiphase partitioning, as well as to evaluate potential drivers and mixture risks in environmental compartments, we analyzed 11 CUHs in 576 samples from 36 rice–vegetable rotations in Nandu River basin, Hainan, China. Samples included soil, water, suspended particulate matter, and sediment collected during both rice and vegetable planting periods. The CUH concentrations varied across environmental compartments, but with high levels of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid organophosphorus herbicides (OPHs) frequently detected, accounting for 82.3 % to 99.0 % in environmental compartments. Phenoxy acid (PAA) and chloroacetanilide (ANH) herbicides were detected at lower frequencies. Spatiotemporal variation was significantly different among OPHs, ANHs, and PAAs, with geographic and crop-related patterns most evident for CUHs rather than OPHs. Structural equation model, redundancy, and boosted regression tree analyses indicated environmental compartment properties (pH, organic matter, and Fe/Al oxides), crop type, and wet/dry climate were important drivers of spatiotemporal patterns. Fugacity ratios indicated multiphase partitioning and transport of CUHs differed in rice and vegetable planting periods. A new assessment framework based on species-sensitive distributions and environmental compartment weight index indicated unacceptable risks of CUHs (risk quotient >1 in >50 % of sites), with most risks from OPHs (10.5 % to 98.0 %) and butachlor, acetochlor, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Risk hot spots were identified as the soil, the central region, and the vegetable planting period, potentially threatening nontarget organisms (e.g., Lemna minor, Glomus intraradices, and Apis mellifera). This study provides a new risk assessment framework and demonstrates the domination of OPHs in CUH contamination and risks in the tropics, thus helping guide policymakers and stakeholders on herbicide management.

Identifying the optimal phenological period for discriminating subtropical fruit tree crops using multi-temporal Sentinel-2 data and Google Earth Engine

The accurate and appropriate monitoring of the spatial distribution of fruit tree crops is crucial for crop management and yield forecasting. Owing to both inter- and intra-farm fragmentation and overlapping phenological cycles, the classification of fruit tree crops in subtropical agriculture using single-date images is challenging. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the optimal temporal window in which the crucial phenological stages can be used to classify fruit tree crops in Levubu, Limpopo province, using a random forest (RF) classifier. Phenological metrics were extracted from 12-month Multispectral Instrument (MSI) images from Sentinel-2 (S2). The RF classification algorithm attained an overall accuracy of 84.89% and a kappa coefficient of 83%. The user accuracy ranged from 62 to 100%, while the producer accuracy ranged from 60 to 100%. An analysis of variance was used to assess whether the overall accuracies among the S2 monthly composites were statistically significant. The results showed distinct spectral differences between fruit trees. In April, there were differences observed during the harvesting and senescence of the mango and macadamia nut crops. In May, there were differences observed during the senescence of the macadamia nut, mango, and guava crops. In June and July, there were distinct spectral differences during the peak flowering stage of the avocado, macadamia nut, and mango crops, as well as in the fruiting stage of the banana crops. Followed by the red-edge bands, the shortwave infrared bands were significant in differentiating between the respective fruit tree crops. The results of this research provide evidence-based information that can assist farm managers and horticulturists in making informed decisions. This is critical in achieving effective agricultural management and in ensuring the sustainability of local horticultural systems.

Management of Whiteflies (&lt;em&gt;Bemisia tabaci.&lt;/em&gt; Gennadius) Using &lt;em&gt;Amblyseius swirskii&lt;/em&gt; Athias-Henriot (Swirski-Mite) in Chilli Crop

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

The Status of &lt;em&gt;Bactrocera dorsalis&lt;/em&gt; as an Emerging Predominant Pest in the Commercial Fruit Industry in Sri Lanka

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Stem Cuttings as Propagules for Vegetative Propagation of Cashew (&lt;em&gt;Anacardium occidentale&lt;/em&gt; L.)

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Effect of the Rate and Split Application of Albert’s Fertilizer on Growth and Yield Performances of Cabbage Under the Protected House in the Low Country Wet Zone of Sri Lanka

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Growth Performances and Grain Yield Response of Rice Varieties (&lt;em&gt;Oryza sativa&lt;/em&gt; L.) Established at Different Seed Broadcasting Rates in Irrigated Fields of Low Country Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

An Assessment of Power Distance and Leadership Styles in Agro-Based Small-Medium Enterprises in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Decision Support System Enabled Digital Mobile Platform to Assist Farmers Towards Agricultural Production Sustainability in Sri Lanka

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Development of In-Vitro Protocol to Enhance Mass Production of Turmeric (&lt;em&gt;Curcuma longa&lt;/em&gt; L.)

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Quantitative and qualitative aspects of cinnamon (&lt;em&gt;Cinnamomum verum&lt;/em&gt; J. Presl) bark yield under modified planting systems

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Evaluation of phytotoxicity of composts produced from spent mushroom substrate using seed germination bioassay of &lt;em&gt;Raphunus sativus&lt;/em&gt; L.

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Plant growth, foliage senescence and rhizome yield of turmeric (&lt;em&gt;Curcuma domestica&lt;/em&gt; L.) as affected by inorganic and organic fertilizers

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Livelihood development in the hill ecosystems of Bangladesh: the role of agroforestry

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Covid-19 restrictions counterfactuals: an overview of postharvest value chain actors in Nigeria

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Phylogenetic relationship of mangrove species found in Sri Lanka based on &lt;em&gt;rbcL&lt;/em&gt; gene sequence

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Existence, origin and ecohydrological significance of soil water repellency: a review

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Efficacy of extracts of the different plant parts of &lt;em&gt;Piper nigrum&lt;/em&gt; against bruchid beetle (&lt;em&gt;Callosobruchus maculatus&lt;/em&gt;) in stored cowpea

The official journal of Agricultural Sciences published by the Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Chenkalady, Sri Lanka.AGRIEAST publishes research information of broad practical significance pertaining to both tropical and subtropical Agriculture.