Successive Crops Research Articles

Efficiency and residual effect of alternative potassium sources in grain crops

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency and the residual effects of both molten and ground alkaline potassium-silicate rocks (K1) and of ground phonolite rock (K2), as sources of potassium, compared with the traditional source (KCl), in grain crop successions. Two experiments – one with the succession soybean-wheat-corn and the other with the succession corn-millet-soybean – were conducted on a Typic Haplorthox in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of three sources (KCl, K1, and K2) and four rates of K (corresponding to 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 times the recommended rates for soybean and corn). The used sources did not affect leaf K concentration in soybean, but KCl and K2 similarly increased leaf K concentration in corn. Regardless of the source, K application increased the yield of all crops. The K1 and K2 sources present agronomic efficiencies equivalent to that of KCl. K1 and K2 show a more pronounced residual effect than KCl, especially on crops grown approximately one year after their application and under K rates above those recommended for the crops.

Wet and dry spell analysis for crop planning using Markov's chain model

The Indian monsoon is characterised by a series of wet and dry spells. In semi-arid regions the number and length of dry spells decide the success or failure of the kharif crops. Hence, study of onset of monsoon and wet- and dry- spells assumes much importance in rainfed cropping systems in the country. In the present study, the Markov chain probability model was used to calculate the chances of occurrences of dry- and wet- spells for Rahuri using 44-year (1975 to 2018) weekly rainfall data. The average annual rainfall is found to be 564.55 mm and the coefficient of variation (CV) as 32.88% which is higher than the threshold limit (25) indicating the uneven distribution of rainfall. Monsoon starts on the 25th SMW (18th – 24th June) and remains active up to 43rd SMW (22–28th October) with a total length of 18 weeks (126 days). Initial, conditional and consecutive dry- and wet-week probabilities showed that chances of occurrence of a week getting wet is high at the beginning and ending of kharif season excluding 25th to 33rd weeks. Chances of occurrence of the wet week of more than 35% at the beginning of kharif season in the 23rd and 24th SMW indicates that summer ploughing and initial seed bed preparations and sowing operations could be taken up since 25th SMW with supplemental irrigations. Lower values of CV in kharif season showed that variability of rainfall during this period is less which supports the growing of rainfed crops. The significant contribution of weekly rainfall (>20 mm) during 34th – 40th SMW with high consecutive wet week probability indicates the potential of harvesting excess runoff water for future supplemental irrigations and also soil erosion measures to be taken up for soil erosion control.

The Financialization of Slavery by the First and Second Banks of the United States

The Financialization of Slavery by the First and Second Banks of the United States Sharon Ann Murphy (bio) On October 5, 1818, Baltimore residents Philemon C. Wederstrandt, Henry Didier Jr. (in trust for Rebecca Smith), and Henry Thompson entered into a seven-year partnership to purchase the Magnolia Grove plantation from Samuel B. Davis. Sugar prices were on the rise, and this fully operational plantation in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, would enable the Baltimoreans to get in on the lucrative emerging market. Included in the purchase price of $140,000 (about $3 million in 2020) were the land, buildings, improvements, stock, crop, utensils, and forty-three enslaved workers. Paying $30,000 (about $627,000) down in cash, the partners promised to remit to Davis the remainder in five equal installments of $22,000 (about $460,000) on each first of May from 1819 to 1823. Davis would retain a mortgage on the property until these payments were completed.1 The year after the agreement was signed, Rebecca Smith's husband, [End Page 385] Dennis A. Smith—one of the directors of the Second Bank of the United States—successfully applied for a loan of $24,000 (about $500,000) with the local Baltimore branch, offering his wife's one-third interest in Magnolia Grove as collateral. Although the property was still under mortgage to Davis, Smith argued that the plantation had already increased in value to $180,000 (about $3.8 million) due to the addition of forty more enslaved laborers and the expected success of the sugar crop. Smith intended to use this loan as the down payment for the purchase of another Louisiana sugar plantation.2 In agreeing to this mortgage, the Second Bank—through its Baltimore branch—both defied prevailing banking principles and violated its federal charter in order to openly embrace the financialization of slavery. Unfortunately for all involved, 1819 was an inauspicious year to be borrowing money in anticipation of future agricultural profits. The Panic of 1819 resulted in a global economic contraction that sent prices for land, enslaved labor, and goods plummeting by as much as 50–75 percent off their post–War of 1812 peak values. Reaching a top price of 22 cents per pound in 1814–1815, sugar had already declined to 15–16 cents per pound in 1817–1819, before dropping sharply to 11–12 cents per pound by the early 1820s. Prices never recovered, bottoming out at under 6 cents per pound by 1831.3 Dennis Smith reported to the Baltimore branch in March 1820 that "the unexampled reduction in the value" of sugar was putting the Magnolia Grove plantation in danger of foreclosure, and that he would need an additional loan of $5,000 (about $113,000) to meet his wife's portion of the mortgage payment due to Davis.4 When the branch balked at this further investment, Mrs. Smith's Magnolia Grove partners pleaded with the Bank on her husband's behalf. Thompson warned that the "decision was probably made without knowing how important this loan would be towards your [the Bank's] security," while Wederstrandt informed them that Davis—who possessed the first mortgage on the property—"has arriv'd with the express design of seizing upon the estate & slaves if payment is not [End Page 386] punctually made."5 The Bank relented, extending to Dennis Smith another $5,000 loan secured by his wife's portion of the plantation and enslaved laborers and further endorsed by his brother John K. Smith.6 Yet Dennis Smith was not only overextended in Louisiana; he was also implicated in an embezzlement scandal that engulfed the Baltimore branch bank's cashier, James W. M'Culloh.7 By April 1822, with Smith embroiled in lawsuits and still unable to pay his Bank loans, the Baltimore branch took ownership of Mrs. Smith's one-third portion of the estate.8 That same fall of 1822, Helen Wederstrandt wrote to the New Orleans branch cashier, pleading that the Bank assist her husband, Philemon, who ran Magnolia Grove on behalf of the partners. In addition to his continued difficulties in meeting his portion of the mortgage payments to Davis...

Sowing date and maturity groups on the economic feasibility of soybean-maize double summer crop system

Abstract: The success of soybean-maize double summer crop is very dependent on the sowing date and relative maturity group of cultivars. This study aimed to evaluate the economic feasibility of the adoption of soybean-maize double cropping under different sowing periods and soybean maturity groups. The production data used were obtained from two summer growing seasons (2016/17 and 2017/18) in an experiment carried out at Dois Vizinhos-PR, Brazil. The economic feasibility of each treatment was evaluated through the indicators of gross revenue, gross margin, operating profit, and profitability index. Soybean-maize succession is viable and presents positive profitability. Soybean establishment on October 15th makes it economically unfeasible to sow maize (outside the zoning) as a 2nd summer crop. Soybean maturity groups from 5.1 to 5.3, when sown on October 1st allow profitability and better financial balance, being this combination the most suitable for a double summer crop. Soybean genotypes with maturity group 6.0 are an option for sowing in the middle of September, being the most lucrative and efficient arrangement, providing maize sowing in the middle of February, within the agroclimatic zoning of the region.

Direct and residual fertilizer values of maize (Zea maysL.) stover co-compostedwith Tithonia diversifolia(Hemsl.) A. Graygreen manure

The present investigation highlights and compares the direct and residual fertilizer values of maize (Zea mays L.) stover composted with Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray-green manure on maize (Zea mays L.) and successive potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Two field studies were installed with maize and successive potato crops in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates. Statistical analyses were performed using R commander, version 4.0.2. Grain yields, root biomass, above ground biomass and calculated parameters (Root/Shoot ratio, Harvest Index and GinningRate) were evaluated for maize. Total potato yields were evaluated and categorized into small size tubers (SST 65 mm). Treatments under evaluation were: T1=Control, T2=Farm (cow) manure alone, T3=Maize stover co-composted with Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn green manure; T4= Maize stover co-composted with Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray green manure; T5= Farm (cow) manure+45-60-30; T6= Maize stover co-composted with Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn green manure+45-60-30; T7=Maize stover co-composted with Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray green manure+45-60-30; and T8=Farm (cow) manure+FOMI Imbura+FOMI Totahaza. Obtained results indicated highest maize yields with FOMI organo-mineral fertilizers (2.7 T/ha) seconded by the recommended fertilizer practice T5 (2 T/ha). In the same line, highest R/S value (=0.38) was registered with the same FOMI treatment (T8), while the highest HI value (0.21) was observed with the maize stover co-composted with Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray (T4). Highest potato total yields were observed with the maize stover compost enriched with Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray and supplemented with mineral fertilizer (7.61 T/ha), followed by the same compost without mineral fertilizer addition (6.35 T/ha). We conclude our study with the following statements: i) the highest direct fertilizer value was observed with the FOMI treatment; ii) the residual fertilizer effects were more expressed with the maize stover co-composted with Tithonia diversifolia A. Gray green manure with or without mineral additive, followed by farm manure and maize stover enriched with Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn green manure. Consequently, we restate that the effects of compost-based organo-mineral fertilizers on crop yields should be definitely evaluated on a multiseasonal basis so as to fully capture their residual fertilizer potentials.

Yield Responses of Maize (Zea maysL.) and Successive Potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) Crops to Maize Stover co-compostedwith Calliandra CalothyrsusMeisn Green Manure

The present investigation aimed at evaluating the effect of Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn green manure on the quality improvement of maize (Zea mays L.) stover compost. To that end, two field experiments were installed with maize (Zea mays L.) and a successive potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crop, which was specifically set up to investigate the potential residual effects of tested organo-mineral fertilizers. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crop did not receive any fertilizer, either organic or mineral. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replicates. The basic experimental plot was 1.6 m wide and 3 m long (4.8 m²). Treatments under evaluation were: T1=Control, T2=Maize stover co-composted with mineral fertilizer, T3=Maize stover co-compost with Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn green manure; T4=Farm manure+45-60-30; and T5=Maize stover co-composted with Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn green manure+45-60-30. Evaluated parameters were grain yields, root biomass, above-ground biomass, Harvest Index, and Root/Shoot ratio for maize (Zea mays L.). Potato yields were categorized into small size ( 65 mm). Significant effects (p 0.05) of fertilizer treatments could be noticed on the harvest index (HI=0.31-0.38) or R/S ratio (0.079-0.088). For the successive potato crop, a significant effect (p < 0.001) of tested treatments was only observed for the seed-oriented medium size tubers (MST) potato yield. Overall, the most relevant observation of the maize experiment is that treatments T4 and T5 gave higher and equivalent grain and biomass yields. From there, we derive that maize stover co-composted with Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn green manure could be a sound substitute to farm manure. Additionally, the potato experiment highlighted the residual effects of the T3 treatment, statistically equivalent to that of T2. Consequently, we advise that the effects of compost-based organo-mineral fertilizers on crop yields should be evaluated beyond a single seasonal crop, in order to fully catch their residual fertilizer potentials.

Impact of different crops on the spatial variability of the chemical attributes of Indian black earth in Southern Amazonas

ABSTRACT In the Amazon region, soil patches with an anthropic A horizon are found, called Indian black earths (IBEs). Indian black earths are highly fertile and, therefore, are deforested by small local farmers to cultivate without basic management that maintains soil and crop sustainability. Therefore, in order to evaluate the effect of using different cultures on the spatial variability of soil chemical attributes, three cultivated IBEs and one IBE under natural forest were selected for georeferencing and sample collection. The collection was made with a mesh system with 88 points per IBE, stratified in three layers: 0–0.05, 0.05–0.10 and 0.10–0.20 m. The soil was sampled, dried in the shade and sieved to obtain the fine earth fraction for analysis of chemical attributes. Descriptive statistical and geostatistical analyses were applied to the results. The use and management of soil influenced the spatial behavior of the chemical attributes of IBEs. The cultivation of Brachiaria over many years favored the reduction of the spatial variability of chemical attributes. The use of cacao and coffee crops also favored the homogeneity of the IBEs in relation to the natural forest, but not as much as for Brachiaria, likely due to the succession of crops that preceded these crops. The IBE in the forest contains a high natural spatial correlation in the first 0.1 m of the surface; however, more than 70% of this correlation is linked to a random variation.

Genetic diversity and population structure of bread wheat varieties grown in Bulgaria based on microsatellite and phenotypic analyses

Determining the genetic diversity and population structure of the modern hexaploid wheat varieties currently grown in Bulgaria is fundamental for selection of genotypes with desirable traits resilient under climatic fluctuations and development of successful crop improvement programmes. In this study, simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to characterize a population of 117 modern wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) from Bulgaria and several Western, Central and Eastern European countries. The genetic diversity was higher in the Western and Central European varieties than in the Bulgarian and the remaining Eastern European ones. Model-based population structure analysis defined 2 sub-populations (K = 2) dividing the Central and Western European varieties from the Bulgarian ones. Subsequent genetic structure analysis at K = 3 revealed an additional separation of the Bulgarian varieties in two distinct sub-populations. The phenotypic diversity among the varieties was evaluated in the fields of Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, G. Toshevo in North-Eastern Bulgaria for three consecutive years. The distribution of the varieties in the biplot analysis in terms of grain yield and its components revealed differences in their adaptation to the agro-climatic conditions of North Bulgaria according to their geographical origin. These results and the prevalence of specific SSR alleles in the sub-populations suggest distinct adaptive mechanisms to specific agro-ecological regions. The data will be of interest for both breeders and farmers and could serve as a basis for wheat improvement programmes and further association mapping for important agronomic traits expressed under different environmental conditions. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13102818.2021.1996274 .

Remote sensing and GIS application for land resources appraisal of Ridhora watershed in Nagpur district, Maharashtra

Accomplishment about morphological, physical and chemical characteristics of soil is an essential requirement for successful crop endowment and achievement in an area. Captivating this concept into jurisdiction, twelve representative soil series were exposed and mapped as series and complex with phases on 1: 50000 scales based on landform-soil relationship in Ridhora watershed of Nagpur district of Maharashtra. Six major landform units viz. plateau top, escarpment, isolated mound, pediment, upper valley and lower valley, were identified and delineated. Based on image interpretation, seven major land use/land cover were identified, i.e. cultivated land, wasteland with scrub, dense forest, moderately dense forest, degraded forest and habitation. Cultivated land is again classified into single and double crop based on temporal data. Soils on very gently sloping plateau top and moderately to steeply sloping escarpments and isolated hillocks are very shallow, somewhat excessively drained and classified as Typic Ustorthents. whereas soils on very gently sloping undulating land, foot slope, alluvial plain and valley are moderately deep to very deep, moderately well drained to well drained, very dark gray to very dark grayish brown in colour, calcareous and have clay textural class and qualify for Typic/Vertic Haplustepts. These soils were grouped into IIIes, IIIesf, IVs, IVsf, VIs, VIIe, VIIs and 2st, 3s, 3st, 4s, 4st and 5t land capability and irrigability subclasses, respectively. The land suitability evaluation indicates that Kachari sawanga-3 (99.69 ha), Bhiwari-2 (66.46), Ridhora-2 (358.04 ha) and Subkund-2 (238.70) series soils are highly suitable for cultivation of cotton, sorghum, soybean, pigeonpea, wheat, chickpea, groundnut and citrus whereas Kokarda-2 (180.00 ha), Mendhe pathar (120.00 ha), Kachari sawanga-2 (26.06 ha) and Bhiwari-1 (17.38 ha) series soils are not suitable for cultivation of cotton, sorghum, soybean, pigeon pea, wheat, chickpea, groundnut and citrus. Suitable conservation measures and interventions have been suggested to improve the productivity of these soils.

Minimum tillage and no-tillage winter wheat–summer fallow for low precipitation regions

Dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the principal crop grown on 3.35 million ha (8.28 million ac) of the semiarid Inland Pacific Northwest of the United States. In areas with less than 300 mm (12 in) of annual precipitation, challenges for wheat production are similar to those found in the Mediterranean region and Australia. Successful crop production depends on adequate precipitation capture and storage and weed control, which prove problematic under no-tillage (NT), the most effective soil conservation practice. Sweep-tillage (ST) is proposed as an equally effective conservation system, with local conventional wisdom saying that it produces higher yields than NT systems. A study established in 2006 and concluded in 2018 evaluated the performance of NT and ST winter wheat–summer fallow production systems. The null hypothesis for this research assumed no statistically significant differences in any of the soil and plant characteristics measured between NT and ST treatments. Sixteen 0.04 ha (0.10 ac) plots were established in a randomized complete block design, with two rotation entry points for a total of four treatment plots per year replicated in four blocks. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. The NT system produced significantly higher crop yields and higher precipitation use efficiencies than the ST system (NT 3.38 ± 0.33, ST 2.66 ± 0.27 Mg ha–1 [NT 50 ± 5, ST 40 ± 4 bu ac–1]). Infiltration rates were higher and soil temperatures were lower in the NT system. The higher yields and lower soil temperatures in the NT system were unexpected and contrary to previous research conducted in this region.

Computerized analysis of seedling performance in evaluating the phytotoxicity of chemical treatment of soybean seeds

Abstract: Chemical treatment of soybean seeds is very important to ensure successful crop establishment. However, problems such as phytotoxicity of product combinations that can reduce seed physiological performance require attention. The use of computational resources has shown potential in identifying phytotoxic effects and contributing to the steps of quality control of treated seeds. The aim of this study was to determine if computerized image analysis of seedlings enables the phytotoxicity of chemical treatment of soybean seeds to be assessed in an effective and simplified manner. Samples from two soybean seed lots were treated with fungicides, insecticides, micronutrients, and their combinations, as well as with polymer and drying powder (coatings). After chemical treatment, the seeds were evaluated for germination, first germination count, seedling emergence in sand, accelerated aging, and seedling performance with and without the correction of regions not automatically demarcated (Vigor-S). We found high correlation of the Vigor-S parameters with the traditional tests for detection of phytotoxic effects of chemical treatment, regardless of correction made in the system. Computerized image analysis of seedlings is an effective and highly sensitive resource for evaluating possible phytotoxicity effects due to chemical treatment of soybean seeds.

Yield of four sugar beet genotypes in acidic soils with various soil amendments

Soil acidity is one of the crucial abiotic stresses that reduces crop yield. Proper tuning of soil pH is, therefore, utmost importance for successful crop production in acidic soil. A pot experiment was carried out at the experimental field of agronomy, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh to examine the yield of different sugar beet genotypes in response to various soil amendments in acidic soil. The treatment consists of four sugar beet genotypes viz., HI-0044, HI-0473, KWS-Allanya, and KWS-Serendara, and five soil amendments viz., without lime and fertilizers (T1), lime @ 1 t ha-1 CaCO3 + inorganic fertilizer of recommended dose (RD) (T2), lime @ 1 t ha-1 CaCO3 + compost @ 10 t ha-1 (T3), lime @ of 2 t ha-1 CaCO3 + inorganic fertilizer of RD (T4), lime @ 2 t ha-1 CaCO3 + compost @ 10 t ha-1 (T5). Based on growth pattern and yield performance, the cultivar HI-0044 showed the highest values for all the parameter measured followed by KWS-Allanya, and KWS-Serenada while HI0473 was the worst performer. Soil amendments, T4 and T2 were found most effective while T1 was less effective in managing acidic soil to grow sugar beet. According to the results of the experiment, the maximum outputs were obtained by the genotype HI-0044 when soil amended with CaCO3 @ both 1 and 2 t ha-1 along with the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizers. But CaCO3 @ 1 t ha-1 was found the most suitable from an economic point of view.

Evaluation of silkworm rearing houses from Western Maharashtra

Maharashtra has emerged as highly potential state for silk production during last one decade. Many modern technologies have been adopted by the farmers resulting in high and quality silk production. Among various technologies, silkworm rearing house is one of the most important for success of the silk crop. The farmers in Maharashtra have constructed silkworm rearing houses with large variability in design, construction materials, etc. It is time to study these rearing houses for improvement in silk production. A study was conducted in three districts of Western Maharashtra during the period from August -2018 to March-2019 to know present status of design, materials used in construction, structures, construction cost and various other parameters related to rearing houses for mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori L. The data was collected from sericulture farmers by personal visits and interaction at the sites. It was found that only 12.5 percent farmers possess rearing house with modern amenities for silkworm rearing. About 25 percent were having medium level structures where as 62.5 percent of the farmer’s constructed low cost rearing house. The present study revealed the exact status of rearing house structures available with farmers in relation to the size, area of the rearing house, materials used for construction, location, actual area available for rearing of silkworm, capacity of dfls (Disease free layings) to be brushed and income generated. The data was also analysed for the various correlation and regression analysis to know the relationship status between the rearing house structures, area, income and many other factors. In the present investigation it was realised that, intervention of civil engineers is highly required in planning of rearing house construction, selection of site, materials to be used, and area to be considered for construction, passive heating and cooling, etc.

Strengthening Quality Seed Potato Production in Sri Lanka through Viable Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

Among various inputs, seeds are inevitably critical for successful crop production, farm productivity, and profitability. Potato requires inputs intensively for its cultivation in comparison with other field crops. Only the seed accounts for more than 50% of the total cultivation cost due to the scarcity of locally produced quality seed potatoes at a reasonable price. One of the sustainable solutions to resolve this issue is to form viable Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in order to strengthen the production of quality seed potato in Sri Lanka. In light of this, the central objective of this study is to determine the prospects in initiating PPPs to improve the production of quality seed potato in Sri Lanka. Study adopts a normative approach. Two hundred and seventy six potato farmers were selected using multi-stage random sampling covering four DS Division in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts. Pre-tested structured questionnaire and focus groups were deployed to gather data. Further, key informant interviews with 35 entities of both public and private entities were conducted. ANOVA was carried out to assess the cost efficiency of different seed types. Study identified that, provision of quality inputs and dissemination of technical know-how are the two main aspects expected from the PPPs. Mini tuber and Generation Zero (G0) production should be limited only to public entity while, PPP should form for production of G1 and further continuation. Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) approach is an option for the government to outsource public projects to the private sector. This enhances the efficient resource allocation between both parties. Further, farmers could reduce total cost of production by 10% using locally produced pre-basic seeds. However, strategies should be aligned with the best possible manner in order to meet the requirement of many stakeholders.

COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF FOUR INSECTICIDES AGAINST AMERICAN BOLLWORM (Helicoverpa armigera) UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

The tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L., is the 2nd major crop which is widely grown on the large area of Pakistan. This crop is affected by the fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). Although some predators and parasitoids have been recorded in the field for their natural control, their manipulation to a successful crop management is still awaited. The present study was planned to evaluate the toxic effects of four insecticides, i.e. Coragen 20SI (Chlorantraniliprole), Steward (indoxicarb), Belt 39.4 (Flubendiamide), Proclaim (emamectin benzoate) against tomato fruit borer (H. armigera) under field conditions. The research trial was laid out under randomized complete block design (RCBD) together with control. Findings of the bioassays displayed that Coragen 20SI exhibited noteworthy mortality (75.23%) of H. armigera after exposure of 6 days, among the four tested insecticides. Whilst Proclaim and Chlorantraniliprole exhibited relatively lower mortalities of 70.90% and 65.41%, respectively. While relatively lower mortality values i.e. 61.10, 55.41, 52.76 and 48.19% were recorded after 4 days and 57.80, 50.12, 46.09 and 39.24% after 2 days. Overall, results disclosed that all four tested insecticides gave enhanced control under controlled experimental conditions. Hence, Coragen 20SI and Steward can be used in integrated pest management (IPM) of H. armigera.

Impact of Social Forestry Program Forest Partnership Scheme on Forest Sustainability and Forest Farmer Income

One of the Government's efforts to create a prosperous society, sustainable forests, and maintained food security in Indonesia is the issuance of Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 83/2016, Concerning Social Forestry. Social Forestry (Social Forestry) is a system in the management of forest resources in state and private forests by involving communities around the forest as the main actors in forest management. This research is conducting to determine the impact of the Forestry Partnership Scheme Social Forestry Program on forest conservation and forest farmer income. The Social Forestry Program has a good impact on forest sustainability and the income of forest farmers. In 2017-2019 the high level of involvement of LMDH and farmers can support the success of crops with a value of 90-97% or tremendous growth, for overcoming forest and fire security disturbances. In 2019, the involvement of Farmers and LMDH was very high in 6 times a year, supporting the small number of forest security disturbances that only occurred four times with a loss of only Rp. 7,012,000, and can reduce the area of forest fires from 17 Ha to 4 Ha. In the income sector, through the PS program of the forestry partnership scheme, the average net income of farmers in a year is Rp. 324,950,000 or 62.5% of the total gain and Rp. 195.510.00 or 37.5% obtained from other sources of income (livestock, trading, and other jobs).

Экологическое испытание сортов льна масличного в условиях Ростовской области

Oil flax is still commercially successful crop at the market, its seeds demand is going up, and export of agricultural production is rising. Production scale-up and seed qualities improving require for introduction of new highly productive varieties adapted to a local cultivation conditions. Environmental testing of varieties allowed estimating a potential of productivity and reaction of oil flax varieties in zone of insufficient moistening (Oporny settl., Azov district, Rostov region) at the different conditions of the moisture supply, selecting the most adaptive genotypes possessing breeding value. As object of the research we used 12 varieties of oil flax. The years of the research (2016– 2018) were differed with contract weather conditions; hydrothermal coefficient is equal to 1.30; 1.38; 0.30, respectively. As favorable for the crop development 2016 and 2017 were noted. Maximal seed yield in 2017 was showed by the following varieties: Avangard (2.42 t per ha), Raduga (2.37 t per ha), VNIIMK 622 (2.33 t per ha) and Sapphire (2.30 t per ha), reliably exceeding the standard variety VNIIMK 620. The variety Avangard formed the highest seed yield increase – 0.21 t per ha in average for three years. We revealed the highest compensative ability in the varieties Avangard (1.46) and Raduga (1.47). We noted as the most adaptive to the different cultivation conditions varieties Sapphire, VNIIMK 622 and Avangard, which variation coefficient was 60.7– 69.5%. A positive correlation between seed and oil yield per a hectare (r = 0.90 ± 0.17) is fixed. Due to our results the varieties Raduga and Avangard combined high seed yield and oil yield per a hectare and are differed with high economic efficiency of production, clear profit 21650 and 21078 RUR/ha, respectively, and can update agricultural production. Studying of oil flax varieties in the contrast conditions showed their wide environmental plasticity that allows recommending them for production in the different regions.

Indigenous/traditional climate-smart practices effects on soil fertility and maize yield in Mauritius agricultural system

Abstract The study investigated the compounding effects of a climate smart package based upon indigenous/traditional practices implemented by local farmers decades ago. The package comprised combinations of various practices such as mulch, no-tillage, tillage and nitrogen based fertilizer. Their compounding effects were investigated on maize growth, grain yield, and plant biomass in three successive crop cycles in the region of Vacoas, Mauritius. Nitrogen based fertilizer (ammonium sulphate) was applied at 120 kg/ha to its corresponding treatment, and maize mulch was applied as full coverage (24 t/ha). A 4 × 3 × 2 completely randomized block design with 4 treatments: mulch, fertilizer, tillage and no-tillage was tested at 2 levels and replicated 3 times in the trials. Results showed that fertilizer was the most important factor in maize production; maize treated with fertilizer, by itself or in combination with other treatments, gave the highest yield. Tillage was seen to increase bulk density, while mulch was observed to limit loss of soil organic carbon, and potassium. Addition of fertilizer was found to be the cause in reducing pH. The combination of tillage-mulch-fertilizer was expected to be high yielding; however it was observed that potassium was the limiting factor that induced a reduction in overall yield.

Edaphic invertebrate macrofauna associated with cassava crop in different soil coverages

This study aimed to identify and assess the edaphic invertebrate macrofauna associated with cassava crop in succession to different soil coverages. The experimental design was randomized blocks as 6 x 3 factorial design with four replications. The first factor was soil cover cultivated from December 2014 to April 2015 (fallow, pearl millet, forage sorghum, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Urochloa ruziziensis and Corn+Urochloa ruziziensis). The second factor was sampling periods (March/2015, October/2015 and June/2016). We sampled four blocks of 0.25 x 0.25 x 0.20 m in each system, following the TSBF (Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility) collection method. The taxonomic composition and abundance of organisms, richness of groups and the diversity indexes of Shannon, Pielou equitability and Simpson dominance were evaluated. There was no interaction between the factors (soil cover x season) for the variables studied. There was difference in the dominance of organisms according to the soil cover (isolated), being the highest index (0.44) obtained by previous cultivation of forage sorghum. The abundance of organisms, group richness and diversity index were influenced by sampling period, demonstrating the influence of seasonality on the invertebrate macrofauna community of the soil

Impact of management of cover crop–soybean agroecosystems on rhizosphere microbial communities

AbstractKnowledge of the rhizosphere and use of quality microbial bioinputs are tools to achieve agricultural sustainability. The impact of management of cover crop–soybean agroecosystems on rhizosphere microbial communities was evaluated. A field experiment in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement in sub‐divided plots was performed. Effects of fertilization (0 and 45 kg·ha−1), oats, rye and control without cover crops, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) co‐inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens, and three sampling times on microbial counts, community‐level physiological profiles (CLPP) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RLFP) were studied. CLPP were drastically changed at three sampling times: before glyphosate, after glyphosate and at soybean harvest. Before glyphosate application, the interaction between PGPR inoculation and coverage treatments modified the functional and structural profiles of the rhizosphere microbial communities. Furthermore, the highest microbial counts and the greatest functional diversity indices were observed before glyphosate application but significantly decayed after glyphosate application and at soybean harvest, showing a permanent impact of glyphosate application on the rhizosphere microbial community functionality, which was confirmed with several statistical analyses. For the cover crop–soybean agroecosystems, we can conclude that the rhizosphere microbial communities showed high sensitivity to glyphosate. PGPR inoculation only increased the aerial biomass of rye at the jointing and grain‐filling stages. Inoculated plants without fertilization and non‐inoculated plants with fertilization showed similar aerial biomass production of this crop. This work demonstrates that different management decisions can change plant–microorganism relationships in the rhizospheres of cover crops and impact aboveground biomass production. A better understanding of microbial ecology will allow the sustainable use of available resources.Highlights A field experiment was conducted using oats and rye as cover crops in succession with soybean. Management decisions changed plant–microorganism relationships and impact on microbial ecology. Management of cover crops with glyphosate had negative impacts on rhizosphere microbial communities. Co‐inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens increased the aerial biomass production of rye.