Sugar Beet Wheat Research Articles

Wheat-Sugar Beet Productivty and Land Equivalent Ratio under Intercropping System with Mineral, Nano Npk and Bio Npk Application

Wheat-Sugar Beet Productivty and Land Equivalent Ratio under Intercropping System with Mineral, Nano Npk and Bio Npk Application

Impacts of Gümüşhane cement dust emissions on soil elemental compositions

The cement dust deposition can cause environmental pollution and heavy metal contamination, which negatively impacts soil nutrient availability and hence crop productivity. Thus, this study evaluates the impact of cement dust emissions on soil elemental compositions in different tillage managements. In this study, composite soil samples were taken from conventional tillage (CT), and notill (NT) managed fields under wheat-sugar beet (potato)-fallow cropping sequence. Soil samples were randomly collected from 0-30 cm depth in three replications and different distances (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 km) from a cement plant. Soil pH, clay, and CaCO3 contents were higher under CT than those under NT, whereas; sand and K contents were greater under NT management. The CT significantly decreased K content compared to those under NT by 5% in 2014. In addition, soil Mg+2 content decreased (p < 0.002) by increasing the distance. Soil Mg+2 content at 1 km was significantly higher than those at 4 km (by 3%), 2 km (by 4%), 8 km (by 10%), 6 km (by 10%), and 10 km (by 19%). Similarly, distance significantly influence soil Cu (p < 0.001), Zn+2 (p < 0.008), and Mn+2 (p < 0.0002), and K (p < 0.001), however, there were not any clear trend according to increases in distance from cement plant. The moving average of soil bacteria and fungi populations and their ratios have shown that the bacteria and fungi populations increased with distance, where increases in the fungi population under CT were more dramatic than those under NT management. Moreover, the principal component analysis showed that soils under NT were differently influenced by cement dust emission than CT managed soils. In conclusion, cement dust accumulation under both tillage practices negatively influenced soil elemental compositions and related microbial populations.

Soil water dynamics over 12 seasons on irrigated dry bean–potato–wheat–sugar beet rotations

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) are mainstays of irrigated crop production in southern Alberta. Concerns about soil quality and sustainability instigated a 12 yr (2000–2011) rotation study to compare conventional (CONV) with conservation (CONS) management practices (reduced tillage, narrow-row dry bean, compost addition, and cover cropping). Plant-available water (PAW) was measured using a neutron probe (10–16 count days·season−1, n = 148) on all phases of 4 yr (dry bean–potato–wheat–sugar beet) rotations under CONS and CONV management. A visual monitoring approach was used for irrigation scheduling. For dry bean and sugar beet, management allowable depletion (MAD) was exceeded on only 11%–15% of neutron probe count days over 12 yr. However, MAD was exceeded on 30% of count days for wheat and 43% for potato. Significant crop × management interactions showed that PAW was higher with CONS management most frequently on potato, followed by dry bean, wheat, and sugar beet. This order reflected the prevalence of CONS practices directly impacting each crop. Regression analyses showed that potato, wheat, and sugar beet yield increased significantly as mean growing season water table depth (WTD) increased. This was explained by yield suppression due to excessive soil wetness in seasons with high rainfall and shallow WTD. This study provided comparative soil water dynamics for four major irrigated crops in southern Alberta, over a 12 yr period, which included record high and low growing season precipitation.

Estimation of Soil Quality of under Long Term Sugar Beet-wheat Cropping System by Factor Analysis

ABSTRACTSoil quality is a measurement used to calculate how well the soil will perform its functions and ensures the assessment of soils based on their physical, chemical and biological characteristics. The aim of this study was to facilitate the determination of soil quality, with soil properties selected by multi-criteria application, in a shorter time compared to that of conventional soils tests. A soil quality index (SQI) was determined by measuring the soil parameters under laboratory and field conditions in lands where agriculture has been taking place for many years. Based on the results of the factor analysis the 12 soil characteristics were selected for assessing the SQIs of each of the soil samples. The SQI results determined from physical, chemical, and biological soil properties with regards to total weight was calculated as 35.96%, 33.92%, and 30.12%, respectively. Based on the results of this study, it was determined that only 4 physical, 5 chemical and 3 biological properties could be used to evaluate soil quality. The selected indicators can be used in subsequent studies for the assessment of soil quality in areas where intensive agriculture has been used for many years.

Динаміка родючості чорнозему типового глибокого залежно від системи удобрення і ланки сівозміни

The purpose. To determine rational alternatives of fertilizer system and rotation of crops of grain-tilling link of 10-field crop rotation for preserving soil fertility, restoring the content of humus and heightening values of agrochemical indexes of soil. Methods. Field test, physical and chemical, agrochemical. Results. Agrochemical researches were carried out in formation of fertility of typical deep chernozem in links of field crop rotation depending on system of fertilizing. Use during 40 years of organic-mineral systems of fertilizing in grain-beet crop rotation has not ensured restoration of the content of humus in typical chernozem up to the level of layland. At importation of decomposed manure in dose of 8,3 t/hectare + N29.3P45K36.7 the content of humus in arable layer on completion of 4 rotations made 4,59%; 16,7 t/hectare of decomposed manure + N29.3P45K36.7 — 4,72%, and in layland — 5,20%. Application of decomposed manure in dose of 8,3 t/hectare + N29,3P45K36,7 has ensured to the end of 4-th rotation the content of mineral nitrogen in arable layer in the link barley-pease-sugar beet — 19,1 mg/kg of soil; in the link vetch-oats-winter wheat-sugar beet — 16,4 mg / kg of soil. At increase of dose of fertilizers up to 8,3 t / hectare of decomposed manure + N36P85K76.7 — 21 mg / kg of soil. That exceeds initial indexes on 8,1; 5,4 and 10 mg/kg of soil. Resources saving fertilizer system (8,3 t/hectare of decomposed manure + N29,3P45K36,7) formed to the end of 4-th rotation the heightened content of mobile phosphorus in arable layer — 119,3 mg/kg of soil, at increase of dose of fertilizers up to 8,3 t / hectare of decomposed manure + N36P85K76.7 mg/kg of soil — its content reached 200 mg/kg of soil. At importation during 4 rotations of decomposed manure in dose of 8,3 t / hectares + N29.3P45K36.7 the content of mobile potassium in arable layer made 129,2 mg/kg of soil; 8,3 t/hectare of decomposed manure + N36P55K46.7 — 145,1 mg/kg of soil. That exceeded initial indexes accordingly on 18,9; 35 mg/kg of soil. Long use during 40 years of organic-mineral system of fertilizing caused acidification of soil solution. At importation of decomposed manure in dose of 8,3 t/hectares + N36P35K46.7 pHsalt in comparison with layland decreased on 1,0–1,2, Ng increased on 2,2–2,4 smol/kg of soil, at absolute values — accordingly on 5,2–5,3 and 4,0–3,6 smol/kg of soil. Conclusions. Use of organic-mineral system of fertilizing in dose of 8,3 t/hectare of decomposed manure + N29.3P45K36.7 on typical deep chernozem in the link of field crop rotation promotes optimization of agrochemical nature of soil and preserves its fertility.

Land Evaluation of Some Soils at Al-Azhar University Farm, Assiut, Egypt

This study was initiated to assess land suitability of Al-Azhar university farm, Assiut, Egypt which is considered alluvial soils and is located about 4 km northwest of Assiut city, between Nile River and El-Ibrahimya canal. Eleven soil profiles were selected and dug down to 150 cm depth to represent the study area as a semi-detailed soil survey. The studied soils had clay, silty clay and sandy clay textures. The soil organic matter content was relatively low (0.2 to 3.9 %) and decreased with soil depth. These soils showed non-saline ECe values (1.23 to 1.52 dS/m) and non-sodic ESP values (1.6 to 5.1). They had moderately alkaline to strongly alkaline soil pH. The soils also were considered non-calcareous as the CaCO3 content varied from 1.08 to 2.93 %. High values of the cation exchange capacity (26.1- 68.3 cmol+/kg) were recorded for these soils reflecting their finer texture. The land suitability was achieved using both the microLIES (Almagra model) program and the applied system of land evaluation (ASLE) program for arid and semi-arid regions. The rating of the studied soil profiles according to microLIES (Almagra model) was suitable to marginally suitable for alfalfa, cotton, sugar beet, maize, wheat, melon, potatoes, olive, soya bean, sunflower, citrus and peach, most of these soils are suitable (S2) for these crops, while, some these soils are marginally suitable (S4) for olive, citrus and peach. However, according to ASLE program, the soil profiles class varied from highly suitable to marginally suitable for cotton, sunflower, sugar beet wheat, faba bean, maize, soya bean, peanut, alfalfa, watermelon, pepper, tomato, cabbage, onion, potato, fig, olive, grape, apple, citrus and banana, most of these soils are suitable (S2) for these crops. In addition, all of them are marginally suitable (S4), for peanut, potato, fig, grape and citrus. In conclusion, the studied area is mostly suitable for growing a wide crop variation. The main limitations for these soils were the soil texture, low drainage and low organic matter.

Economics of Conventional and Conservation Practices for Irrigated Dry Bean Rotations in Southern Alberta

Core Ideas Average differences among bean yields in conventional and conservation rotations were marginal. Net income in conventional management was $122 ha−1 higher than net income in conservation practices. Risk efficiency analysis shows 4‐yr conventional preferred to all other rotations. Undercutting narrow‐row bean in conservation increased yield and net income than bean in conventional. Higher net income of undercutting narrow‐row bean may result in a greater adoption of conservation. Given the tripling of irrigated dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in Alberta and interest in conservation (CONS) practices to improve production sustainability, a 12‐yr study was conducted to evaluate the economic effects of CONS rotations. Dry bean was grown in 3‐ to 6‐yr CONS and conventional (CONV) rotations, which included potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), and timothy (Phleum pratense L.). Conservation methods included solid‐seeded narrow‐row bean, cover crops, reduced tillage, and compost application. The 12‐yr results showed that average differences among dry bean yields in CONV and CONS rotations were marginal; however, the net income (NI) of bean in CONV rotations was higher than bean crops in CONS rotations, mainly due to greater seed expenditures for bean in CONS practices. The 12‐yr findings showed NI of CONV practices was CAN$122 ha−1 higher than CONS. Risk efficiency analysis showed CONV was preferred over CONS. The 4‐yr CONV (potato–wheat–sugar beet–bean) was the preferred rotation. In the last 2 yr of study, bean yield and NI in CONS rotations were significantly higher than bean in CONV due to the undercutting of bean in CONS rotations; therefore, it is possible that the long‐term use of undercutting practices may result in a greater adoption preference for CONS management over that of CONV systems.

Long-term effects of crop rotation, manure and mineral fertilisation on carbon sequestration and soil fertility

Abstract Carbon sequestration, recently advocated to mitigate climate change, needs a thorough knowledge of the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC), whose study requires long-term experiments. A field trial started in 1967 is still in progress in the Southeast Po valley (Italy). It compares a 9-year rotation (corn–wheat–corn–wheat–corn–wheat–alfalfa–alfalfa–alfalfa), two 2-year successions (corn–wheat and sugarbeet–wheat), continuous corn and continuous wheat. During the first 18 years (up to 1984) wheat crops were always followed by catch crops of silage corn. Within each rotation, three rates of cattle manure have been factorially combined with three mineral NP rates. In 1984 the highest manure application was stopped. Wheat straw and corn stalks have always been removed from the field. Since 1972 up to now every year we have determined the organic C and total N contents in soil samples collected from 0.40-m depth. During the first 18 years (in the presence of the catch crop) SOC exponentially declined, probably as a consequence of the intensification of tillage depth and crop succession with respect to the previous conventional agriculture. The intensification regarded ploughing, which became deeper, the number of cropped species that in most treatments was reduced, and mineral N application, which, on average, increased. The drop was faster in the sugarbeet–wheat succession than in the 9-yr rotation and continuous wheat. After 1985, without the catch crop, SOC linearly increased, faster in the 9-yr rotation and continuous wheat than in sugarbeet–wheat. The results can be ascribed to the amount and C/N ratio of debris remaining in the field after each crop, even after having taken away wheat straw and corn stalks. The debris consisted of sugarbeet tops, with a low C/N ratio, and of roots and basal culms of the two cereal crops with higher C/N ratio. Mineral fertilizers significantly increased SOC, probably for the greater amount of cereal roots and sugarbeet tops in more fertilized plots. The influence of manure was less intense, but its benefits lasted longer than 18 years after its interruption. Soil N content was more related to accumulated organic matter than to mineral N fertilisation. In conclusion the highest C sequestration was obtained with manure addition, with the highest rate of mineral fertilizers, and in the rotation containing the alfalfa ley. The effects of these factors were not additive.

Conservation Management Practices and Rotations for Irrigated Processing Potato in Southern Alberta

Irrigated processing potato production is an important part of southern Alberta’s agricultural economy. A 12-year (2000–11) study compared conservation (CONS) and conventional (CONV) management for potato in 3- to 6-year rotations which also included dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), and soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Oat (Avena sativa L.) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) were added to the longest rotation. Conservation management included reduced tillage, cover crops, feedlot manure compost addition, and solid-seeded dry bean. Averaged over 12 years, a 5-year CONS rotation (potato–wheat–sugar beet–wheat–dry bean) resulted in 18 % higher marketable tuber yield than a 3-year CONV rotation (potato–dry bean–wheat). Reduced incidence of potato early dying was also found with CONS management. Results indicate that integration of CONS management practices led to yield and disease control benefits without negatively impacting tuber quality.

Surface Soil Quality Attributes following 12 Years of Conventional and Conservation Management on Irrigated Rotations in Southern Alberta

Rapid expansion of irrigated row crop production, viz., potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), in southern Alberta in the late 1990s provided the impetus for a 12‐yr (2000–2011) study to evaluate cropping systems that maintained or improved soil quality. The study compared conservation (CONS) and conventional (CONV) management in rotations of 3‐ to 6‐yr duration. Conservation management included reduced tillage, cover crops, feedlot manure compost addition, and solid‐seeded narrow‐row dry bean production. After 12 yr, particulate organic matter C (POM‐C) and N (POM‐N) showed &gt;145% increases (POM‐C, 2.2–5.8 Mg ha−1; POM‐N, 0.20–0.49 Mg ha−1) with CONS management compared with 45 to 50% increases in total organic C and N (TOC, 10.2–15.3 Mg ha−1; TN, 1.06–1.53 Mg ha−1) and 20% increases in fine organic matter (FOM)‐C and ‐N (FOM‐C, 8.3–10.1 Mg ha−1; FOM‐N, 0.87–1.04 Mg ha−1). Aggregate stability of the pre‐wet &gt;1‐mm fraction increased significantly from 13% under CONV to 21% under CONS management. Overall, the 5‐yr CONS rotation (sugar beet–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–dry bean–potato–wheat) ranked highest for soil quality (100%), with CONV rotations substantially lower (33–38%). Adoption of CONS management enhanced a wide range of soil quality attributes that could safeguard sustainable expansion of irrigated specialty cropping in southern Alberta.

Weed seed bank as affected by crop rotation and disturbance

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of crop rotations on soil seed bank to provide a comparison between crop fields and non-crop lands. Crop rotations were continuous dryland wheat (Wd), continuous irrigated wheat (Wi), wheat-sugarbeet (WS) and wheat-chickpea (WCh). Nearby pastures (P) and orchards (Or) were also studied for comparison purposes. Estimates of the density of seed banks ranged from 52779 seed m−2 in P to 9906 seeds m−2 in Wd. A total of 114 plant species from 24 families were identified from seeds collected from different farms. 33 weed species were at high frequency in weed communities. Crop rotations were dominated by annual weed species, while the weed species dominated in P were mostly not found in any crop rotation. The two weed species Roemeria refracta and Eragrostis cilianensis were frequently present in all the study sites. Amaranthus chlorostachys and Euphorbia esula were more abundant in the areas of moderate to high disturbance. In SW and WS rotations, due to use of grass herbicides and hand weeding, winter annual broadleaves such as Lactuca serriola and Anchusa italica were the prominent species in the seed bank. Results showed that a number of weed species are adapted to a specific crop sequences and disturbance levels. Weed species richness, seed bank abundance and diversity in soil depths are highly dependent on disturbance levels. The current study highlights the importance of agricultural practices including crop sequences or disturbance levels in determining the characteristics of weed populations. This provides useful information to improve methods for maintaining plant population balance.

Cropping systems, tillage and fertilization strategies for durum wheat performance and soil properties

Many sustainable agronomical practices can be adopted to contain environmental risks of crop production and, at the same time, sustain yield and quality. In this framework, the aim of this research was to study the effects of continuous cropping (CC) and crop rotation, tillage and fertilization strategies on durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) production. The responses of soil properties were further investigated. The research was carried out from 1998 to 2006 in two two-year rotations repeated two times and in a continuous cropping. The wheat yield and total nitrogen (N) uptake mean value were significantly higher in rotation (by 9.7 and 21.5%, respectively) than in CC. Moreover, the broad bean-wheat rotation significantly increased wheat performance, in particular yield (+35.2 and 47.9% in conventional and in minimum tillage, respectively) compared to sugar beet-wheat rotation. The minimum tillage increased total organic carbon compared to the conventional one and this enhancement was observed both in CC and rotation (+11.6 and 10.6%, respectively). The reduced tillage also increased total N in both cropping systems and mineral N (+25.4%) in rotation. On the whole, the findings of this research provide an opportunity to identify best cultivation strategies to improve wheat performance in rainfed farming systems.

Effect of cropping systems and crop rotations on weeds

Dynamics of weed populations in arable fields are influenced by environmental and soil characteristics and also by cropping system and management practices. Manipulation of cropping systems to improve weed management requires a better understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of weeds, seed losses and seed production. To assess the effect of different cropping systems and various crop rotations on the weed population and seed bank, we conducted a field study at the experimental farm in Khorasan Agricultural Research Center, Mashhad, Iran. The experimental design was a split plot with 3 crop rotations as the main plots, and five cropping systems consisting of high-input, medium-input, low-input, organic and integrated systems applied to the sub-plots. Our results show that weed seed densities in organic and integrated cropping systems, of about 5000-6000 seeds/m 2 were higher than conventional and high-input cropping systems showing about 2000 seeds/m 2 . Weed seed density in continuous winter wheat of approximately 6300 seeds/m 2 was higher than other rotations with about 5000 seeds/m 2 . Weed composition in the high-input system was 11 species with 66 plants/m 2 . Whereas in the low-input and organic systems, the weed populations were 15 and 13 species with 145 and 220 plants/m 2 , respectively. Changes in weed seed bank density and species composition often occur when crop management practices and crop rotations are altered. For example, continuous winter wheat fields showed more annual grass weeds, but broadleaf weeds were more abundant in sugar beet-winter wheat rotation. The weed population in continuous winter wheat plots comprised 90% grass and sedge weeds, while in sugar beet-wheat rotation, it was only 43% of total weed density. Broadleaf weeds were 55.2% in sugar beet-winter wheat but 9.4% of total weed density in continuous winter wheat. Different rotations that include crops with different life cycles such as winter wheat-maize and winter wheat-sugar beet could lead to additional benefits of reducing the weed seed bank. conventional agriculture / ecological farming / integrated crop management / low-input crop production / organic farming

Different Nitrogen Fertilization Sources, Soil Tillage, and Crop Rotations in Winter Wheat: Effect on Yield, Quality, and Nitrogen Utilization

ABSTRACT A two-year field study examined the effect of different sources of nitrogen (N) fertilization, soil tillage depths, and crop rotations on winter wheat yield, quality, and N utilization. Nitrogen fertilization treatments were: mineral N at 100 kg N ha−1 (Nmin); municipal solid waste compost at 100 kg N ha−1 of organic N (Ncomp); 50 kg N ha−1 of both compost and mineral N fertilizer (Nmix); unfertilized control (control). Tillage treatments were conventional and minimum tillage applied on the rotations tomato—wheat, sugar beet—wheat, and sunflower—wheat. The Nmix treatment had the highest yield and N uptake (5.29 t ha−1 and 157.9 kg ha−1, respectively). The partial substitution of mineral with organic N fertilizer increased yield by 8% and 33%, and N uptake by 2% and 31%, with respect to Nmin and control treatments, respectively. In comparison with Nmin, Nmix had a higher stability in these parameters throughout years and rotations, and no reduction in grain protein level and in N utilization. Conversely, the Ncomp performance was lower than Nmin and Nmix treatments, and the grain yield was only 12% higher than the control. Tillage affected yield and N uptake only in the year characterized by high rainfall during the vegetative stages, while no significant differences were found in protein content and N utilization in both years. Among the crop rotations, wheat after sugar beet had the highest grain yield (4.91 t ha−1) and a good protein content (11.9%), while sunflower and tomato rotations had a lower grain yield (4.35 t ha−1) and protein content (10.3%).

Evaluation of the DRAINMOD–N II model for predicting nitrogen losses in a loamy sand under cultivation in south-east Sweden

The DRAINMOD–N II model (version 6.0) was evaluated for a cold region in south-east Sweden. The model was field-tested using four periods between 2002 and 2004 of climate, soil, hydrology and water quality data from three experimental plots, planted to a winter wheat–sugarbeet–barley–barley crop rotation and managed using conventional and controlled drainage. DRAINMOD–N II was calibrated using data from a conventional drainage plot, while data sets from two controlled drainage plots were used for model validation. The model was statistically evaluated by comparing simulated and measured drain flows and nitrate–nitrogen (NO 3–N) losses in subsurface drains. Soil mineral nitrogen (N) content was used to evaluate simulated N dynamics. Observed and predicted NO 3–N losses in subsurface drains were in satisfactory agreement. The mean absolute error (MAE) in predicting NO 3–N drainage losses was 0.16 kg N ha −1 for the calibration plot and 0.21 and 0.30 kg N ha −1 for the two validation plots. For the simulation period, the modelling efficiency ( E) was 0.89 for the calibration plot and 0.49 and 0.55 for the validation plots. The overall index of agreement ( d) was 0.98 for the calibration plot and 0.79 and 0.80 for the validation plots. These results show that DRAINMOD–N II is applicable for predicting NO 3–N losses from drained soil under cold conditions in south-east Sweden.

Nitrate leaching in intensive agriculture in Northern France: Effect of farming practices, soils and crop rotations

The efficacy of ‘Good Agricultural Practices’ (GAP) for reducing nitrate pollution is tested on the scale of a small catchment area (187 ha) which is almost entirely under arable agriculture. GAP have been introduced on all fields since 1990. They consist in applying carefully planned N fertiliser recommendations, establishing catch crops (CC) before spring crops and recycling all crop residues. Soil water and mineral nitrogen (SMN) were measured three times each year on 36 sites representative of crops (wheat, sugarbeet, pea, barley, oilseed rape) and soil materials (loam, loamy clay and rocks, sand loam and limestone, sand) during 8 years (1991–1999). These measurements (about 3600 soil samples) were used in LIXIM model to calculate water and nitrogen fluxes below the rooting zone. The model could reproduce satisfactorily the water and SMN contents measured at the end of winter. It simulated reasonably well the nitrate concentration measured in the subsoil (3–10 m deep) of nine fields. The mean calculated amounts of drained water and leached nitrogen below the rooting depth were 231 mm year−1 and 27 kg N ha−1 year−1, corresponding to a nitrate concentration of 49 mg L−1. Leached N varied by a five-, four- and three-fold factor according to the year, crop and soil type, respectively. Nitrate concentration was primarily affected by soil type: it varied from 31 mg L−1 in deep loamy soils to 92 mg L−1 in shallow sandy soils, and was linked to the soil water holding capacity. The sugarbeet–wheat rotation gave the lowest concentration (38 mg L−1) and the pea–wheat rotation the highest one (66 mg L−1). In spite of their moderate growth (mean biomass = 0.8 Mg ha−1), the catch crops allowed to reduce the mean concentration by 50% at the annual scale and 23% at the rotation scale. Straw incorporation was also beneficial since net mineralisation between harvest and late autumn was reduced by 24 kg N ha−1 when straw residues were incorporated. Reducing fertilisation below the recommended rate did not significantly reduce further nitrate leaching. Although GAP were not all optimal and therefore less efficient than in well controlled experiments, they appear essential in intensive agriculture in order to comply with the EU standard for nitrate concentration.

Short-term effects of municipal solid waste compost amendments on soil carbon and nitrogen content, some enzyme activities and genetic diversity

Municipal solid waste (MSW) composts have been frequently used as N and C amendments to improve soil quality and to support plant growth, with the additional benefit of reducing waste disposal costs. However, attention has been paid to the risks of MSW use for the soil environment. The presence of heavy metals in MSW composts can affect some microbiological characteristics of soil such as the structure of the soil microbiota, which are responsible for the transformations making nutrients available to plants. The effects of MSW compost and mineral-N amendments in a 2-year field trial on some physical-chemical properties, some enzyme activities and the genetic diversity of cropped plots (sugar beet-wheat rotation) and uncropped plots were investigated. Variations of pH were not statistically related to MSW compost and mineral-N amendments, or to the presence of the crop. Amendment with MSW compost increased the organic C and total N contents, and dehydrogenase and nitrate reductase activities of soil. In cropped plots amended with MSW compost, dehydrogenase activity was positively correlated with β-glucosidase activity, and both enzyme activities with organic C content. No MSW compost dosage effect was detected. No effects were observed on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and amplified rDNA restriction analysis patterns, indicating that no significant change in the bacterial community occurred as a consequence of MSW amendment.

Productivity of peas, winter wheat and technological indicators of the quality of sugar beet, depending on the activities of the main tillage

Purpose. To establish the efficiency of different systems of basic tillage of podzolic heavy loam chernozem in the crop rotation link peas-winter wheat-sugar beet in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. In the process of conducting research, general scientific and special methods were used: field research, which was supplemented by laboratory methods, to establish the relationship between the research object and measures to influence it; mathematical and statistical - to determine the reliability of the results. Replacement of plowing with cultivation and without the main cultivation in the cultivation of peas and winter wheat and arable cultivation in the cultivation of sugar beet leads to an increase in its weediness due to such a replacement. It has been established that the highest yield of peas was obtained by plowing, winter wheat by cultivation, and sugar beet by plowing. Results. The use of the system of basic tillage in the crop rotation chain (cultivation for winter wheat after peas by 5-7 cm, plowing under peas by 20-22 cm and sugar beet by 28-30 cm) increases the level of its fertility to obtain stable yields with high technological indicators quality. Conclusions. On podzolic chernozem without a significant reduction in the productivity of pea crops, it is possible to replace cultivation with various measures of basic tillage and the option without cultivation to replace plowing, for winter plowing for wheat and without basic cultivation for cultivation, and for sugar beet cultivation to be replaced by plowing. It should also be noted that tillage for many decades in Ukraine has been quite intensive, and this intensity has always been due to the need to create optimal conditions for crops for growth and development. Intensive tillage due to the lack of mineral fertilizers partially increases the crop yield and ensures high rates of mineralization of soil organic matter and humus. High energy consumption and cost of production, as well as the consequence of this, among other reasons (imbalance of organic matter, reduction of organic and mineral fertilizers, etc.).