Dry Biomass Yield Research Articles

Influence of multi-stress factors on the growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus abundans using response surface methodology.

This study evaluated the biofuel production potential of two algal species, Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus abundans, under stress conditions induced by nutrient supplementation or starvation at varying light intensities. Central composite face-centered design response surface methodology (CCFD-RSM) was employed to optimize stress conditions by varying the sodium nitrate (NaNO3), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4), cultivation time, and light intensity. The study included both C. pyrenoidosa and S. abundans, which presented increased biomass yields when subjected to nutrient starvation. Under the optimized conditions, the dry biomass yield was 98.26mg/L for C. pyrenoidosa and 110mg/L for S. abundans. Lipid yields were approximately 22.47% for C. pyrenoidosa and 29.06% for S. abundans under these optimized growth conditions. The optimized parameters for maximum biomass and lipid production were identified as C. pyrenoidosa, and the optimized conditions required 0.805g/L NaNO3, 0.052g/L K2HPO4, 0.099g/L KH2PO4, 17days of culture, and 5168.39lx of light intensity. For S. abundans, the optimal conditions were 1.065g/L NaNO3, 0.071g/L K2HPO4, 0.058g/L KH2PO4, 22days of cultivation, and 2897lx of light intensity. Overall, both C. pyrenoidosa and S. abundans have emerged as promising candidates for sustainable biodiesel production, highlighting their potential under stress conditions induced by nutrient modulation and variable light intensities.

Influence of moisture supply during the growing period on productivity and fodder value of soybean

Abstract The paper presents the results of research on comparative study of seed yield formation and aboveground biomass yield of soybean in years with different moisture availability, under the conditions of the Central region of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. It has been found that the maximum accumulation of both raw and dry aboveground biomass, crude protein and fodder units in soybean agrocenosis is observed at the stage of full seed (R6). The average values for maximum yields in the experiment were the following: of aboveground raw biomass – 24.8 t/ha, aboveground dry biomass – 6.82 t/ha, protein yield in aboveground dry biomass – 1 278 kg/ha, yield in fodder units – 3.68 t/ha, the contribution of leaves to the yield of aboveground dry biomass being 23.0%, leaves accumulated 20.0% of protein where its content being 20.9%; the contribution of stems to the yield of aboveground dry biomass was 36.0%, stems provided 11.0% of protein accumulated where its content being 5.8%; the contribution of beans reached 41.0%, beans ensured 69.0% of crude protein where its content being 30.1%. Increased moisture availability contributed to a significant growth of the yield of aboveground raw biomass – 1.09-1.19-fold, aboveground dry biomass – 1.08-1.15-fold, protein yield in aboveground dry biomass – 1.10-1.21-fold, yield in fodder units in aboveground dry biomass – 1.07-1.14-fold. On average in the experiment seed yield reached 2.54 t/ha, yield of protein accumulated in seeds was 1 008 kg/ha, of fodder units – 3.40 t/ha. Increased level of available moisture contributed to increase in seed yield – by 1.14-1.21 times, collection of crude protein per unit area – by 1.19-1.31 times, yield of fodder units – by 1.13-1.21 times. It was found that the yield of aboveground biomass harvested at the stage of full seed (R6) significantly exceeded the seed yield: in terms of dry matter yield – by 2.69 times, protein yield – by 1.27 times, fodder units yield – by 1.08 times.

Effect of disturbed irrigation regime on the yield of Sudan grass, grown for the Southern Bulgaria environmental conditions

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of disturbed irrigation regime on dry biomass yield of Sudan grass. In the period 2021 - 2023 for the region of Stara Zagora on meadow - cinnamon soil was conducted an experiment with Sudan grass variety Endje - 1, grown after the precursor barley. The following variants were studied in the field trial 1 No irrigation (control), var. 2 Optimal irrigation 75-80% of FC (100% irrigation rate), var. 3 Irrigation with 70% of calculated irrigation rate, 4 Irrigation with 40% of calculated irrigation rate. It was found that the highest average yield of 13940 kg/ha dry biomass was obtained with the optimally irrigated variety, which was 36.5% higher than the yield of the non-irrigated variety. When the irrigation rate is reduced by 30% compared to the optimal option 1 (100%), the dry biomass yield decreases by 8.5%.

Liquid bio-slurry enhances the productivity of N-fertilized maize under field conditions in Ethiopia

Enhancing maize production and productivity is critical for ensuring small-scale farmers' food security. Yet, declining soil fertility poses a substantial challenge to cereal production, including maize, in developing countries. Farmers are currently finding liquid bio-slurry to be a valuable organic amendment because it improves maize productivity and food security by altering the physicochemical properties of the soil. However, extensive research on liquid bio-slurry as an organic amendment in Ethiopia is still limited. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at two sites to identify the optimal combination of inorganic nitrogen (N) and liquid bio-slurry to improve maize productivity. The trial involved the application of two mineral N fertilizers and five different rates of liquid bio-slurry in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that the main effects of mineral N and liquid bio-slurry were significant (p< 0.05) on most of the parameters examined. The interaction between mineral N x liquid bio-slurry had a significant (p< 0.05) effect on plant height, ear length, number of rows ear-1, number of kernels ear-1, above-ground dry biomass yield, hundred-grain weight, grain yield, and straw yield. The highest grain yield (8,220 kg ha-1) was achieved by combining 46 kg N ha-1 with 18 t liquid bio-slurry ha-1. Therefore, 46 kg N ha-1 with 18 t liquid bio-slurry ha-1 is highly recommended for increasing maize yield in the study sites and other areas with similar agroecological zones.

Co-application of Parthenium biochar and urea effectively mitigate cadmium toxicity during wheat growth

Environmental contamination by cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, poses significant health risks to plants and humans. Biochar has been effectively used to promote plant growth and productivity under Cd stress. This study presents an innovative application of biochar derived from the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus to promote plant growth and productivity under Cd stress. Our study includes detailed soil and plant analyses, providing a holistic perspective on how biochar and urea amendments influence soil properties, nutrient availability, and plant physiological responses. To address these, we established seven treatments: the control, Cd alone (5 mg kg−1), biochar alone (5 %), urea alone (3 g kg−1), biochar with Cd, urea with Cd, and a combination of biochar and urea with Cd. Cd stress alone significantly reduced plant growth indicators such as shoot and root length, fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll content, and grain yield. However, the supplementation of biochar, urea, or their combination significantly increased shoot length (by 48%, 34%, and 65%), root length (by 73%, 46%, and 70%), and fresh shoot biomass (by 4%, 31%, and 4%), respectively. This improvement is attributed to enhanced soil properties and improved nutrient absorption. The biochar–urea combination also enhanced Cd tolerance by improving total chlorophyll content by 14 %, 13 %, and 16 % compared to the control, respectively. Similaly, these treatments significantly (p < 0.05) boosted the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase by 51 %, 30 %, and 51 %, respectively, thereby mitigating oxidative stress as a defensive mechanism. The Cd tolerance was improved by biochar, urea, and their combinations, which reduced Cd content in the shoots (by 60.5 %, 38.9 %, and 51.3 %), roots (by 47.5 %, 23.9 %, and 57.6 %), and grains (by 58.1 %, 30.2 %, and 38.3 %) relative to Cd stress alone, respectively. The synergistic effects of biochar and urea are achieved through improved soil properties, nutrient availability, activating antioxidant defense mechanisms, and minimizing the accumulation of metal ions in plant tissues, thereby enhancing plant defenses against Cd stress. Conclusively, converting invasive Parthenium weed into biochar and combining it with urea offers an environmentally friendly solution to manage its spreading while effectively mitigating Cd stress in crops.

Breeding peculiarities of the manifestation of hemp fiberness signs

Aim. To establish the genetic features of the manifestation of signs of fibrousness and yield of stems, depending on growing conditions and harvesting periods. Methods. New methods were applied: "Method of evaluation of hemp plants for the presence of cannabinoids", "Method of evaluation of individual plants of monoecious hemp varieties by fiber content at the beginning of flowering", "Method of creation of hybrid breeding material of monoecious hemp". Results. It was established that the main conditions for obtaining the maximum amount of fiber and its quality indicators are the use of the late-ripening variety Hlukhivski 51, sowing with a feeding area of 15x5 cm, the diameter of the stems 6-8 mm, the sowing rate of 75 kg/ha (4.2 million pcs./ha) against the background of increased fertilization. Conclusions. The genetic features of the Hlukhivski 51 variety are high fibrousness and high yield of the stems, which are maximally manifested by observing the conditions of the feeding area of 15x5 cm, the sowing rate of 75 kg/ha (4.2 million pieces/ha) and the increased background of fertilization (N120P90K90). Expansion of the response of genotypes of late-ripening varieties to the level of dry biomass yield of 20 t/ha occurs with a feeding area of 50x5 and 50x10 cm and increased doses of N150P120K120 fertilizers. This can become the basis for the use of hemp for bioenergy purposes. When growing production crops for fiber in order to speed up harvesting, an important factor is the start of harvesting at an earlier time, and therefore we recommend growing two varieties of hemp: early-ripening (technical maturity occurs 2 weeks earlier than late-ripening varieties) and late-ripening varieties of hemp.

DETERMINING THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN CROP PHENOLOGY, GROWTH, YIELD, AND YIELD-RELATED PARAMETERS OF MALT BARLEY (HORDEUM VULGARE)

The study was conducted at two locations, namely Holeta and Kulumsa Agricultural research centers of Ethiopia, for 2 consecutive years from 2019 to 2021 main cropping seasons. The objective of the experiment was to determine the association between crop phenology, growth, yield, and yield-related parameters. One variety of newly harvested pre-basic seed class of malt barley variety, namely IBON 174/03, was used for the experiment. Total number of treatment combinations was eighteen. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design in two factorial arrangements with three replications. The factors are five deterioration/aging days 0 (control/un-aged), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days and three seeding rates (75, 100, and 125 kg/ha). Before artificial deterioration, the seed moisture content for all treatments was 12.5%. Seeds were subjected to artificial deterioration treatments and placed in an incubator at 42°C for 0 (control), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days at approximately 100% relative humidity. The result revealed that above-ground dry biomass (AGDBM) and grain yield (GYLD) per hectare were significantly affected both by deterioration days and seed rate. As deterioration day increased the mean value for AGDBM and GYLD per hectare was significantly reduced and as the seeding rate increased from 75 to 125 kg/ha AGDBM and GYLD per hectare increased by 30.53% and 21.01%, respectively. The main effect of deterioration days showed a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) for spike length (SL) as deterioration days increased from 2 to 10 days SL was reduced by 7.7–22.62% as compared to un-aged treatment but, the percentage reduction for barley seed deteriorated for 6 and 10 days recorded similar value which is 22.62% as compared to un-aged treatment. Seed per spike and thousand kernels weight were influenced by the main effect of seed rate but, not by deterioration days. As the seeding rate increased from 75 to 125 kg/ha, number of seeds per spike reduced by 4.75% whereas, seeds sown at a low seeding rate (75 kg/ha) recorded a higher thousand kernel weight (TKW) as compared to the seed sown at higher seed rate 100 and 125 kg/ha. Interaction effect of deterioration days and seed rate were only significant for TKW and it was non-significant for the rest of the evaluated crop phenology, growth, yield, and yield-related parameters. This study was only a field experiment result based on further conclusions on how aging can affect the genetic potential such as germination and viability; laboratory inclusive test will be required.

Enhanced Efficiency Organo-Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer improves Yield and Quality of Red Amaranth

Crop production with increased yield in a sustainable manner requires less environmental impact. Therefore, a pot experiment was accomplished to investigate the effect of newly developed enhanced efficiency nitrogen (N) fertilizer and conventional N fertilizers on the growth, yield, nutritional quality, and N use efficiency of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor cv. BARI lalshak 1). All the pots were placed at the experimental pot-house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University following a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Brown coal-urea (BCU) was applied as enhanced efficiency N fertilizer following top dressing and basal application strategy where urea and diammonium phosphate were applied as conventional N fertilizer. All the N fertilizers were applied at five rates viz., 0, 50, 75, 100, 150 kg N ha ̶ 1. The growth parameters and biomass yield of red amaranth were significantly impacted by varying amounts and types of N fertilizers. The highest dry biomass yield was obtained at 150 kg N ha ̶ 1 whereas the highest number of branch plant ̶ 1 was found at 100 kg N ha ̶ 1. Again, the highest biomass N concentration was found at 100 kg N ha ̶ 1. Application of a higher dose of fertilizer showed the highest N concentration in the post-harvest soil. Overall, the growth parameters and biomass N concentration were the highest in BCU basal-treated soil. In contrast, BCU top-dressed soil showed a higher N concentration after harvest than all other treatments. Based on the overall findings, the use of higher-efficiency organo-mineral N fertilizer has the potential to serve as a viable substitute for traditional N fertilizers in the context of sustainable crop production with reduced environmental effects. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 5(1): 37-44, 2023

Comparative Assessment of Water Productivity and Crop Performance of Cluster Bean, Cowpea and Pearl Millet in Arid Zones

Arid and semi-arid regions face mounting challenges due to water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, necessitating sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security and economic stability. This study compares the water productivity and crop performance of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L), Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under sprinkle irrigation in the Thar Desert, India. The experiment, conducted over two years (2022 and 2023) at ICAR – CSWRI – Arid Region Campus, Bikaner evaluated plant height, leaf number, branch development, fresh and dry biomass yields and water productivity. Pearl Millet exhibited the tallest plants (160.03 cm) and highest water productivity (1.57 kg/m³), emphasizing its drought resilience and efficient water use. Cowpea demonstrated substantial biomass production (average fresh weight of 16,348.75 kg/hac.) and moderate water productivity (1.16 kg/m³), suitable for forage and soil improvement. Cluster Bean, although less productive in biomass, showed adaptability with increased branching (from 4.65 to 7.35 branches/tiller/plant), indicative of its resilience in arid conditions. These findings underscore the importance of crop selection and management practices in maximizing agricultural productivity and resource use efficiency in water-limited environments.

Estimating Bermudagrass Aboveground Biomass Using Stereovision and Vegetation Coverage

Accurate information about the amount of standing biomass is important in pasture management for monitoring forage growth patterns, minimizing the risk of overgrazing, and ensuring the necessary feed requirements of livestock. The morphological features of plants, like crop height and density, have been proven to be prominent predictors of crop yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of stereovision-based crop height and vegetation coverage measurements in predicting the aboveground biomass yield of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) in a pasture. Data were collected from 136 experimental plots within a 0.81 ha bermudagrass pasture using an RGB-depth camera mounted on a ground rover. The crop height was determined based on the disparity between images captured by two stereo cameras of the depth camera. The vegetation coverage was extracted from the RGB images using a machine learning algorithm by segmenting vegetative and non-vegetative pixels. After camera measurements, the plots were harvested and sub-sampled to measure the wet and dry biomass yields for each plot. The wet biomass yield prediction function based on crop height and vegetation coverage was generated using a linear regression analysis. The results indicated that the combination of crop height and vegetation coverage showed a promising correlation with aboveground wet biomass yield. However, the prediction function based only on the crop height showed less residuals at the extremes compared to the combined prediction function (crop height and vegetation coverage) and was thus declared the recommended approach (R2 = 0.91; SeY= 1824 kg-wet/ha). The crop height-based prediction function was used to estimate the dry biomass yield using the mean dry matter fraction.

Intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and field beans (Vicia faba L.) for forage, increases protein production

In 2005–2007, a field study was conducted into intercropping of maize with faba bean at Pawlowice research station, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences. The main aim of the multi-year field research was an investigation into the reactions of differing maize hybrid earliness to intercropping cultivation with faba bean. The field research evaluated the effect of three maize hybrids—Wilga (early—E), Blask (medium—M) and Iman (late—L)—and the sowing rate of faba bean—18 (Fb1), 27 (Fb2) and 36 (Fb3) seeds per 1 m2—on growth dynamics and yield structure, and biomass, protein, and energy yield. Cultivation of faba bean in maize inter-rows led to significant competition with maize and affected yields, causing a decrease in maize dry matter yield from 14.1 (Fb1) to 20.6% (FB3) compared with maize sown alone. In terms of total biomass yield from maize and faba beans, no significant differences were found, but a slight increase in yield of 1.1–4.2% (repective to Fb1 and Fb3) was noted compared to maize sown alone. The early maize hybrid had a significantly lower yield but was most suitable for intercropping with faba bean. The dry biomass yield of early hybrids increased in intercropping by 25% compared to pure maize cultivation. Total protein yield from both intercropping components was higher than in the pure sowing of maize: from 24 (Fb1) to 39% (Fb3). The increase in protein production resulted in an improvement in the energy–protein ratio. The number of UFL per kg of total protein decreased from 13.2 in pure maize cultivation (M-P) to 9.3 (Fb3). A more balanced forage biomass was produced from intercropping maize with faba bean, especially when an early maize hybrid was sown with faba beans.

Приемы увеличения продуктивности горчицы сарептской яровой – культуры многоцелевого назначения

In 2021–2023, we studied influence of compound fertilizers on seed productivity, yield of green and dry biomass, oil content in seeds and oil yield of spring brown mustard on fields of the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops (Krasnodar), on leached black soil of Western Ciscaucasia. Foliar fertilizing with microfertilizers had a positive effect. Comparing to the variant without fertilizer application, these traits increased: seed yield – by 0.29–0.58 t/hа, green mass – by 8.8–10.2, dry biomass – by 1.4–1.8, oil yield – by 0.15–0.26 t/hа, oil content in seeds – by 0.8–1.6 %. However, efficiency of foliar fertilization was controversial. Thus, to obtain the highest seed yield (2.03 t/hа) and oil yield (0.86 t/hа) of spring brown mustard, it is necessary to conduct foliar fertilizing with a complex fertilizer Brassica in a dose of 2 l/hа in a phase of stem growth. The highest vegetative mass of mustard (33.6 t/hа) is formed at foliar fertilization with a fertilizer Vegetative in a dose of 2 l/hа in a phase of crop seedlings. The subsequent application of the complex fertilizer Vegetative in a dose of 2 l/ha in a phase of seedlings and the complex fertilizer Brassica in a dose of 2 l/ha in a phase of stem growth allowed obtaining yield of dry bi-mass of spring brown mustard by 0.4 t/hа higher comparing to other foliar fertilizations.

Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) yield and nutritive characteristics in response to different cutting regimes in a temperate region

The present study was carried out at the Research Farm of Regional Research Station, ICAR-IGFRI, Rangreth, Srinagar, to evaluate three harvesting stages and three cutting intervals for achieving higher fodder yield and quality in orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L). Among the harvesting stages, H3 (harvesting at the flowering stage) recorded the highest green (27.04 t/ha) and dry(8.05 t/ha) fodder yield. Among the cutting intervals, CI 3 (cutting at 60-day intervals) recorded higher fresh and dry biomass yield. Fodder yield increased with harvesting at later stages and increased cutting intervals. The highest crude protein content (11.87%), lowest NDF (55.87%) and ADF (31.65%) contents were recorded when grass was harvested at the vegetative stage. Digestible dry matter (DDM) varied significantly with both harvesting stage and cutting interval and was found to be highest with H1 (64.23%) and CI 1 (63.54%). The highest relative feed value (RFV) of 106.92% and highest total digestible nutrients (TDN) of 65.68% were found in the orchard grass cut at the vegetative stage (H1), which was at par with orchard grass harvested first at the booting stage (H2). Harvesting at both vegetative and booting stages resulted in good quality (RFV &gt;103%) and energy-rich (TDN&gt; 65%) forage. Harvesting at the flowering stage resulted in fair quality (RFV 96.67% and TDN 63.65%) fodder.

Biomass yields, reproductive fertility, compositional analysis, and genetic diversity of newly developed triploid giant miscanthus hybrids

AbstractMiscanthus ×giganteus (giant miscanthus), first found as a naturally occurring hybrid, has shown promise as a bioenergy/biomass crop throughout much of the temperate world. This allotriploid (2n = 3x = 57) hybrid resulted from a cross between tetraploid Miscanthus sacchariflorus (2n = 4x = 76) and diploid Miscanthus sinensis (2n = 2x = 38) and is particularly desirable due to its low fertility that minimizes reseeding and potential invasiveness. However, there is limited genetic diversity in commonly grown cultivars of triploid M. ×giganteus and breeding and development efforts to improve and domesticate this crop have been minimal. Here, we report on newly developed M. ×giganteus hybrids compared with the industry standard M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780'. Dry biomass yields of new hybrids ranged from 19.5 to 32.4 Mg/ha/year for the fourth growing season, compared with 21.0 Mg/ha/year for M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780'. Plant reproductive fertility remained low for all accessions with overall fertility [(seed set × seed germination)/100] ranging from 0.3% to 4.5% for new hybrids compared to 0.4% for M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780'. Culm density and height varied among accessions and were positively correlated with increased biomass. Based on compositional analyses, theoretical ethanol yields ranged from 9, 740 to 16,278 L/ha/year for new hybrids compared to 10,406 L/ha/year for M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780'. Relative feed value indices were low overall and ranged between 66.0 and 72.8 for new hybrids compared to M. ×giganteus '1993‐1780' with 71.3. The genetic diversity of new hybrids, compared with existing cultivars, was characterized using whole genome sequences. Based on pair‐wise distances, cluster analysis clearly showed increased diversity of new hybrids compared with earlier selections. These results document new triploid hybrids of M. ×giganteus with enhanced biomass and theoretical ethanol yields in combination with broader genetic diversity and lowreproductive fertility.

Evaluating the effects of the CERES-Rice model to simulate upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield under different plant density and nitrogen management strategies in Fogera Plain, Northwest Ethiopia

This study assessed the optimal nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate and planting density for the well-adapted upland rice cultivar NERICA_4 on the Fogera Plain. The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of varied planting densities and N-fertilizer rates on upland rice yield and other agronomic parameters. A two-year field study (2020 and 2021) was conducted at the Fogera Rice Research Field Station, testing nine plant densities (75, 87, and 98; 72, 82, and 91; 70, 79, and 89 plants per m2 and two N rates (115 and 138 kg N ha−1). The Crop Simulation Model Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CSM-CERES-Rice) within the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) framework was calibrated and validated using site-specific weather, soil, crop, and agronomic management data from the experiment. Results on the subsequent RMSE, RMSEn, and d index values during the calibration phase were 0.074 t ha−1, 1.82 %, and 0.86 of grain yield; 0.307 t ha−1, 3.36 %, and 0.87 of by-product yield; 0.489 t ha−1, 3.74 %, and 0.79 of top dry biomass yield; and 0.28, 8.24 %, and 0.63 of leaf area index values, respectively. Whereas results on the corresponding RMSE, RMSEn, and d index values during the evaluation phase were: 0.58 t ha−1, 1.33 %, and 0.90 of grain yield; 0.69 t ha−1, 0.58 %, and 0.99 of by-product yield; 0.678 t ha−1, 4.36 %, and 0.67 of top dry biomass yield; and 0.75, 13.92 %, and 0.74 of leaf area index, respectively. The findings of the long-term simulation showed that a 23 % increase in grain yield was achieved with 138 kg N ha−1 and 87 plants per m2 of planting density, as compared to 115 kg N ha−1 and 75 plants per m2 of plant density. The recommended optimum plant density and N fertilizer rate were 138 kg N ha−1 with PD2 of plant density for upland rice production in the Fogera Plain.

Biomass yield and metal phytoextraction efficiency of Salix and Populus clones harvested at different rotation lengths in the field experiment

BackgroundPhytoextraction belongs to environmentally well-accepted remediation technologies to remove metals from contaminated soils. Due to long-time requirement, sufficient data for proper phytoextraction evaluation are missing. Four clones of fast-growing trees: two willow species (S1), Salix viminalis L. (Salix schwerinii E.L.Wolf × S. viminalis) × S. viminalis) and (S2)—Salix smithiana (Salix × smithiana Willd.), and two poplar clones (P1), Populus Max-4 (Populus nigra L. × Populus maximowiczii A. Henry) and (P2) Wolterson (P. nigra L.) were cultivated under field conditions at medium-to-high Cd and Pb, and low Zn soil contamination to assess trees’ long-term ability of biomass production and removal of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The biomass yield and PTE uptake were measured during 8 years of regular growth under three rotation lengths: four harvests following 2-year periods (4 × 2y), two harvests in 4-year periods (2 × 4y), and one harvest representing 8 years of growth (1 × 8y).ResultsIn most cases, the highest annual dry biomass yield was achieved with a 2 × 4y rotation (P1 = 20.9 t ha−1 y−1, S2 = 18.4 t ha−1y−1), and the yield decreased in order 2 × 4y > 1 × 8y > 4 × 2y of harvesting periods. Only clone S1 showed a different pattern. The differences in biomass yield substantially affected the PTE phytoextraction. The greatest amount of Cd and Zn was removed by willow S2, with the highest biomass yield, and the strongest ability to accumulate PTEs. With 2 × 4y rotation, S2 removed a substantial amount of Cd (9.07%) and Zn (3.43%) from the topsoil horizon (0–20 cm) and 5.62% Cd and 2.04% Zn from horizon 20–40 cm; phytoextraction rate was slightly lower for 1 × 8y rotation. The poplar P1 removed the most Pb in the 1 × 8y rotation, but the overall Pb phytoextraction was negligible. The results indicated that lignin and cellulose contents increased, and hemicellulose content decreased with increased concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn in poplars wood.ConclusionsThe data confirmed that phytoextraction over longer harvest periods offered promising results for removing Cd from medium- to high-level contaminated soils; however, the ability of Pb removal was extremely low. The longer harvest period should be more economically feasible.Graphical

Effects of organic amendments on yield determining properties and macronutrient content of maize

The use of organic fertilization is declining in Hungary due to the sharp fall of livestock stand since the middle of the 1980s. Most farmers are forced to use solely chemical crop enhancers. A bifactorial small plot experiment was carried out between 10 May 2023 and 19 October 2023 in Keszthely, in order to examine the effects of farmyard manure (M), green manure (GM) and stem residues (SR) on the nutrient uptake and nitrogen utilization efficiencies of maize at equidistantly increasing (0–70–140–210–280 kg N ha–1) nitrogen doses. The relationship between some vegetative traits (dry biomass weight, Leaf Area Index (LAI)) and yield, furthermore leaf relative water content (RWC) was also examined. According to the results, organic fertilizer substitution significantly increased the N content both in whole plant and grain samples of NPK+M and NPK+GM+SR treatments, compared to the chemically fertilized control (NPK). In case of P and K only slight differences were observed. Whole plant K contents of NPK+M were significantly higher than in the other treatments (P = 0.045; P = 0,005), furthermore P contents in grain samples were significantly higher in NPK+M (P = 0.004) and NPK+GM+SR (P = 0.05) than in control. Harvest index (HI [%]) of NPK+M and NPK+GM+SR were 1.06 and 1.05 times higher than in NPK. Depending on the treatment, P0023 maize hybrid absorbed 58.7–74.64% of total N uptake in the grain (HIN%), and the utilization of 1 kg N fertilizer for the extra yield above the yield of the individual control was 0.39–1.38 kg (AREN). Significant positive correlations were observed between dry biomass weight and yield (NPK: r = 0.937, P = 0.019; NPK+M: r = 0.971, P = 0.006; NPK+GM+SR: r = 0.88, P = 0.049), furthermore LAI and yield (NPK: r = 0.9, P = 0.037; NPK+M: r = 0.983, P = 0.003; NPK+GM+SR: r = 0.784, P = 0.117). Highest RWC values – which may be related to better soil aggregate stability – were measured in NPK+GM+SR treatment, therefore there may be a great potential in this treatment among drought conditions. The effect of organic amendments is particularly noticeable with smaller nitrogen doses so they should be used to reduce inorganic fertilizer application and the resulting environmental risks.

The extent of multiallelic, co-editing of LIGULELESS1 in highly polyploid sugarcane tunes leaf inclination angle and enables selection of the ideotype for biomass yield.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) is a prime feedstock for commercial production of biofuel and table sugar. Optimizing canopy architecture for improved light capture has great potential for elevating biomass yield. LIGULELESS1 (LG1) is involved in leaf ligule and auricle development in grasses. Here, we report CRISPR/Cas9-mediated co-mutagenesis of up to 40 copies/alleles of the putative LG1 in highly polyploid sugarcane (2n = 100-120, x = 10-12). Next generation sequencing revealed co-editing frequencies of 7.4%-100% of the LG1 reads in 16 of the 78 transgenic lines. LG1 mutations resulted in a tuneable leaf angle phenotype that became more upright as co-editing frequency increased. Three lines with loss of function frequencies of ~12%, ~53% and ~95% of lg1 were selected following a randomized greenhouse trial and grown in replicated, multi-row field plots. The co-edited LG1 mutations were stably maintained in vegetative progenies and the extent of co-editing remained constant in field tested lines L26 and L35. Next generation sequencing confirmed the absence of potential off targets. The leaf inclination angle corresponded to light transmission into the canopy and tiller number. Line L35 displaying loss of function in ~12% of the lg1 NGS reads exhibited an 18% increase in dry biomass yield supported by a 56% decrease in leaf inclination angle, a 31% increase in tiller number, and a 25% increase in internode number. The scalable co-editing of LG1 in highly polyploid sugarcane allows fine-tuning of leaf inclination angle, enabling the selection of the ideotype for biomass yield.

Potassium silicate and vinasse enhance biometric characteristics of perennial sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) under greenhouse conditions

An effective strategy for enhancing fruit production continuity during extended sweet pepper season involves adopting innovative biostimulants such as potassium silicate (PS) and vinasse. Adjusting PS and vinasse concentrations are crucial for maintaining the balance between vegetative and fruit growth, particularly in sweet pepper with a shallow root system, to sustain fruiting over prolonged season. However, the interaction between PS and vinasse and the underlying physiological mechanisms that extend the sweet pepper season under greenhouse conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PS and vinasse treatments on the yield and biochemical constituents of perennial pepper plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions. For two consecutive seasons [2018/2019 and 2019/2020], pepper plants were sprayed with PS (0, 0.5, and 1 g/l) and drenched with vinasse (0, 1, 2, and 3 l/m3). To estimate the impact of PS and vinasse on the growth, yield, and biochemical constituents of pepper plants, fresh and dry biomass, potential fruit yield, and some biochemical constituents were evaluated. Results revealed that PS (0.5 g/l) coupled with vinasse (3 l/m3) generated the most remarkable enhancement, in terms of plant biomass, total leaf area, total yield, and fruit weight during both growing seasons. The implementation of vinasse at 3 l/m3 with PS at 0.5 and 1 g/l demonstrated the most pronounced augmentation in leaf contents (chlorophyll index, nitrogen and potassium), alongside improved fruit quality, including total soluble solid and ascorbic acid contents, of extended sweet pepper season. By implementing the optimal combination of PS and vinasse, growers can significantly enhance the biomass production while maintaining a balance in fruiting, thereby maximizing the prolonged fruit production of superior sweet pepper under greenhouse conditions.

Unveiling Dissolution Kinetics of CuO Nanofertilizer Using Bio-Based Ionic Liquids Envisaging Controlled Use Efficiency for Sustainable Agriculture.

The need for sustainable agriculture amid a growing population and challenging climatic conditions is hindered by the environmental repercussions of widespread fertilizer use, resulting in the accumulation of metal ions and the loss of micronutrients. The present study provides an approach to improve the efficiency of nanofertilizers by controlling the release of copper (Cu) ions from copper oxide (CuO) nanofertilizers through bioionic liquids based on plant growth regulators (PGR-ILs). A 7-day study was conducted to understand the kinetics of Cu ion release in aqueous solution of five different PGR-ILs, with choline ascorbate ([Cho][Asc]) or choline salicylate ([Cho][Sal]) leading to 200- to 700-fold higher dissolution of Cu ions in comparison to choline indole-3-acetate ([Cho][IAA]), choline indole-3-butyrate ([Cho][IBA]), and choline gibberellate ([Cho][GA3]). The tunable diffusion of Cu ions from CuO nanofertilizers using PGR-ILs is then applied in a foliar spray study, evaluating its impact on the growth phenotype, photosynthetic parameters, and carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in Nicotiana tabacum in a greenhouse. The results indicate that nanoformulations with lower concentrations of Cu ions in PGR-IL solutions exhibit superior outcomes in terms of plant length, net photosynthetic rate, dry biomass yield, and CO2 sequestration, emphasizing the critical role of dissolution kinetics in determining the effectiveness of PGR-IL-based nanoformulations for sustainable agriculture.