Herbage Yield Research Articles

Growth, herbage yield and quality evaluation of turfgrasses species under agro-ecological conditions of Iğdir, Turkey

Growth, herbage yield and quality evaluation of turfgrasses species under agro-ecological conditions of Iğdir, Turkey

Fertilization of Annual Grasses on Gray Forest Soils of the Vladimir Opole

In a long-term stationary experiment, the effect of fertilizers on the yield of annual grasses (vetch and pea mixtures) and the nitrifying activity of gray forest soils were studied. For 8 years, both without the use of fertilizers and with them, the yield of herbs changed by 1.72–1.88 times. It was found that the use of nitrogen of mineral fertilizers provided 88.3% of the total variation in their yield, the aftereffect of manure – 8.1, the aftereffect of РК fertilizers – 1.8%. For 7 out of 8 years, a high degree of correlation between the yield of grasses and the reserves of N-NO3 in the 0–40 cm layer of soil in the phase of grass germination was revealed. At the same time, the minimum reserves of N-NO3 were formed at a hydrothermal coefficient for the growing season equal to 1.21. The use of fertilizers, increased moisture content and temperatures during the growing season of grasses led to an increase in the nitrification activity of gray forest soil. It is proposed to evaluate the participation of mobile forms of nitrogen in plant nutrition in relation to the content of N-NO3 in the soil to the content of N-NH4 in the water extract (1 : 1). The values of this parameter in the phases of germination and harvesting of grasses confirmed the determining role of N-NO3 reserves in the nutrition of annual grasses. The difference coefficients of the use of nitrogen Naa in doses N60 and N75, which ranged from 40 to 49%, were calculated. An algorithm for calculating the size of the accumulation of N-NO3 during the growing season of grasses is proposed. In nitrogen-fertilized variants, a good coincidence of the utilization coefficients of accumulating N-NO3 reserves with the difference ones has been established.

Morphological, physicochemical, and bioactive characteristics of Hypericum perforatum genotypes, and their classification by GT-Biplot approach

Thirty-three different Hypericum perforatum genotypes were characterized in terms of morphological (plant height, herbage yields), physicochemical (ash, cellulose, protein, and colour), and bioactive properties. The antioxidant and antibacterial capacity were also assessed. All genotype samples were characterized as flower part and whole plant (aerial part). It was observed that the plant height ranged between 21.6 and 96.6 cm and whole plant drog yield was in the range of 11–146 g. Bioactivity showed wide distribution for the samples and all bioactive parameter values were measured as lower for the whole plant compared to the flower part. Total phenolic content ranged between 60.39-110.54 and 49.08–89.53 mg GAE/g for the flower part and whole plant, respectively. Flower extracts also showed good inhibition activity against some Gram (+) bacteria. The GT-Biplot statistical mathematical classification approach was applied to reveal the promising genotypes.

Shoot nitrogen concentrations required for optimal herbage growth of multiple perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars relative to modern summer‐active cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivars

AbstractOne possible approach for improving the nitrogen (N)‐use efficiency of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) pastures and reducing environmental N losses is to select cultivars or incorporate alternative pasture species with lower shoot N concentrations. Viability of this strategy depends on herbage production not being unduly compromised. A pot experiment compared the shoot N concentration requirements of a diverse range of perennial ryegrass cultivars to achieve 90% and 99% of the herbage yield maxima achievable within a 20 day regrowth cycle. This research was undertaken to quantify if and what effect Australasian breeding programs have had on the N nutrition of perennial ryegrass. Our experiment found minimal genetic variation in the shoot N concentration requirements for vegetative perennial ryegrass swards to achieve near‐maximum herbage yields of living biomass. Across evaluated cultivars, swards achieving 90% and 99% of herbage yield maxima required minimum shoot N concentrations (on a dry matter basis) of 2.56% and 2.87%, respectively. Our experiment also evaluated the shoot N concentration requirements of modern summer‐active cocksfoot (syn. orchardgrass; Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) ecotypes. We found their shoot N concentration requirements to achieve optimal herbage growth to be similar to those of perennial ryegrass. Taken together, our results suggest that within the perennial ryegrass genome, and among similar high yielding temperate perennial grasses, there may be limited scope for selecting plants with lower shoot N concentration requirements.

Depolymerised Sodium Alginate as a Eco-Friendly Biostimulant for Improving Herb Yield and Nutrient Accumulation in Hyssop

Depolymerised Sodium Alginate as a Eco-Friendly Biostimulant for Improving Herb Yield and Nutrient Accumulation in Hyssop

Yield of lucerne-grass mixtures did not differ from lucerne pure stands in a multi-site field experiment

Changing climatic conditions in north-western Europe require adaptations in management of ley grassland, requiring new grass-legume mixture designs in response to increased variability in precipitation and warmer summers. Evaluation of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)-grass swards with the grasses cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), which are potentially more tolerant to summer water shortage, have yet to be evaluated under the agro-climatic conditions of north-western Europe. We tested these grasses in three-species swards and binary lucerne grass swards and compared them against pure stands and a standard lucerne-grass mixture. The study was conducted in eight environments resulting from the combination of four soil sites during the two full main production years 2020 and 2021 with an annual precipitation range of 416–839 mm. Swards were harvested three to five times annually and the accumulated herbage dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) yields, as well as species proportions were recorded. We found an average yield of 11.1 t DM ha-1 and no significant differences in herbage DM yields between lucerne pure stands and the different mixture swards. This pattern was stable irrespective of environmental conditions, but in general herbage yield and aboveground N yield were affected by precipitation amount. Swards with cocksfoot had a greater grass proportion than those with tall fescue. The N yield of lucerne-grass swards was lower and declined as the grass proportion increased, and reached on average 353 kg N ha-1. The maximum N yield of lucerne pure stands was 547 kg N ha-1. Species mixtures yielded higher than expected from the pure stands (net mixture effect, NE) pointing at overyielding. Consequently, synergistic interspecific interactions occurred but did not lead to transgressive overyielding. The results indicate that the inclusion of grass species with tolerance to water shortage into lucerne-based swards offers the potential to diversify grasslands without losses of agronomic potential, at least during the first two main production years.

Biostimulant Application Alleviates the Negative Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Improves Growth Performance, Essential Oil Yield and Water-Use Efficiency of Mint Crop

The scarcity of water is limiting crop production and is one of the most important stressors that severely affects crop yield, and it may also decrease the quality of the final products. Most of the medicinal and aromatic plants are considered resilient to water stress and constitute a sustainable choice for crop production in arid and semiarid conditions. In the present study, we examined the effect of scheduled deficit irrigation (e.g., I1: 40% of field capacity); I2: 70% of field capacity; and I3: 100% of field capacity) combined with biostimulant application (four different products that consisted of nitrogenous compounds and carboxylic acids (M1); nitrogenous compounds and seaweed extracts (M2); humic and fulvic acids and seaweed extracts (M3); and CaO, SiO2, calcium mobilization and translocation factor and microminerals (M4)) on crop performance and essential oil production of mint plants (Mentha arvensis L.). Our aim was to define an irrigation regime that increases water-use efficiency and the biostimulant products that alleviate water stress effects. Our results indicate that moderate deficit irrigation (I2 treatment) and biostimulants that contained seaweed extracts and nitrogenous compounds and humic and fulvic acids (M2 and M3 treatments, respectively) significantly improved yield parameters in terms of fresh and dry herb yield and essential oil production. Moreover, the same biostimulant treatments significantly increased water-use efficiency of mint crops based on the various yield parameters tested in this study. In conclusion, our results indicate that selection of proper biostimulatory products may allow to apply deficit irrigation regimes in mint cultivation without compromising the crop performance in terms of both biomass production and essential oil yield. Therefore, the combination of these agronomic tools could facilitate water saving strategies in arid and semiarid regions and contribute to the sustainable management of water resources.

Plant Growth Regulator- and Elicitor-Mediated Enhancement of Biomass and Andrographolide Production of Shoot Tip-Culture-Derived Plantlets of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. (Hempedu Bumi).

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. (Acanthaceae) is revered for its medicinal properties. In vitro culture of medicinal plants has assisted in improving both the quantity and quality of their yield. The current study investigated the effects of different surface sterilization treatments, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and elicitors on culture establishment and axillary shoot multiplication of A. paniculata. Subsequently, the production of andrographolide in the in vitro plantlets was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The shoot-tip explant was successfully sterilized using 60% commercial bleach for 5 min of immersion with a 90% survival rate and 96.67% aseptic culture. The optimal PGR for shoot growth was 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 17.76 µM, supplemented into Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, producing 23.57 ± 0.48 leaves, 7.33 ± 0.10 shoots, and a 3.06 ± 0.02 cm length of shoots. Subsequently, MS medium supplemented with 5 mg/L chitosan produced 26.07 ± 0.14 leaves, 8.33 ± 0.07 shoots, and a 3.63 ± 0.02 cm length of shoots. The highest andrographolide content was obtained using the plantlets harvested from 5 mg/L chitosan with 2463.03 ± 0.398 µg/mL compared to the control (without elicitation) with 256.73 ± 0.341 µg/mL (859.39% increase). The results imply that the protocol for the shoot-tip culture of A. paniculata was developed, and that elicitation enhanced the herbage yield and the production of andrographolide.

Enhancing productivity, quality, and economics of rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) through a novel integrated approach to phosphorus application

Phosphorus limitation is a major factor that adversely affects rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) herbage followed by essential oil yield which is extracted from the green herbage of this high-value aromatic plant. To ensure sustainable yield, the need to improve phosphorus use efficiency in geranium cultivation is inevitable. Current study was undertaken to develop a cost-effective integrated phosphorus management package for the grower’s community to maximize yield, quality, and economics of geranium by combining optimizing phosphorous dose with paddy straw mulch and inoculation with vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM). Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years (2020–21 and 2021–22) at the research farm of CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India. Twelve treatment combinations were executed in a split plot design. Treatment comprised of two levels of paddy straw mulch (7.5 t ha−1 and no mulch), two levels of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) inoculation (6.5 kg ha−1and no VAM), and three levels of phosphorous doses (100 kg P2O5 ha−1, 150 P2O5 kg ha−1, and no Phosphorus). Mean data of two years revealed that rose scented geranium is a highly responsive crop towards all the variables applied. Growth parameters, yield attributes, herbage and oil yield, and essential oil quality were significantly improved. Nutrient uptake which is a prime concern of this study was also enhanced due to improvement in soil enzymatic activity, soil microbial biomass carbon, and soil nutrient status due to the combined effect of paddy straw mulching, VAM application, and optimum P doses. Maximum fresh herb yield (657.41 kg ha−1) was recorded in M1V1P1 while the highest volatile oil content, and oil yield (0.131% and 69.11 kg ha−1 respectively) were found in M1V1P2. At both the crop stages, maximum nutrient uptake (N = 1.44% and 1.85%, P = 0.30% and 0.35%, and K= 2.03% and 2.45% respectively) were also recorded with M1V1P2. The same treatment combination (M1V1P2) was recorded with maximum gross return (10403.3 US$ ha−1), total net profit (7795.5 US$ ha−1), and B:C ratio (2.99). Thus, this study recommends that geranium should be grown with appropriate phosphorus dose i.e. 150 kg P2O5 ha−1 along with VAM application (6.5 kg ha−1) and paddy straw mulching @ 7.5 t ha−1 for higher, cost-effective, and better quality oil production.

The Effect of Different Forms of Titanium Dioxide on the Yield, Chemical and Microbiological Parameters of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Herbage and Silage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of three forms of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and their effect on the yield, chemical and microbiological quality of perennial ryegrass herbage and silage. Two types of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and a commercial product, labeled here as TiO2Com, were selected for the studies. The yield and chemical parameters of herbage did not improve significantly in response to the TiO2 treatment, in comparison to the control group (CONT). The crude protein content of silage was significantly lower in the TiO2Com-treated group than in the TiO2NPs2 group (117 vs. 129 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)). The use of water-soluble carbohydrates during fermentation was limited in the TiO2NPs2 and TiO2Com groups. The fermentation pattern was similar for each investigated group, and a significant difference in pH values was noted between the TiO2NPs2 (pH = 4.49) and CONT (pH = 4.68) group. Lactic acid concentration was the highest in the TiO2NPs1 group (94.8 g kg−1 DM), and the difference relative to the CONT group (83.2 g kg−1 DM) was statistically significant. It was concluded that TiO2 and its nanoparticles have the potential to improve the physicochemical and microbiological quality of herbage and silage.

Effect of Row Ratio and Planting Methods on Growth, Yield Performance of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Mentha (Mentha arvensis L.)

This study was investigates the effects of row ratio and planting methods on the cultivation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and mentha (Mentha arvensis L.). Mentha is also called Japanese mint, it is an important essential oil-bearing plant of the family Lamiaceae. Essential oil obtained from the leaves used in aromatherapy, flavour, and pharmaceutical industries. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during 2016-17 at the Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm to investigate the response of mentha when intercropped with wheat under various row ratios and planting methods. The trial was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications keeping one variety of Mentha ‘Shivalik’& Wheat ‘Halna’. The experiment consisting of nine treatments are T1:Sole Mentha direct sowing (50 cm apart), T2:sole mentha transplanting (50 cm apart), T3:sole wheat (25 cm apart), T4:wheat+mentha (1:1), T5:wheat+mentha (1:1), T6:wheat+mentha (2:2), T7:wheat+mentha (2:2), T8:wheat paired+mentha (2:3), T9: wheat paired+mentha (2:3). The results showed that the highest number of leaves per plant (457 at maturity) and number of branches per plant (80.97 at 90 DAS) were observed in Wheat Paired+Mentha (T9). The sole wheat (T3) exhibited the maximum number of tillers per plant in wheat (6.20). wheat+mentha (T4) had the highest yield attributes for wheat. The higher herbage yield of mentha (177 q/ha) was found in wheat+mentha (T7). Sole Mentha direct sowing (T1) gave the highest oil content (0.85%) and oil yield (163.35 l/ha) of mentha. The wheat paired+mentha (T8) recorded the highest equivalent oil yield (189.97 l/ha) and land equivalent ratio (1.50). However, sole wheat (T3) yielded the maximum grain yield (39.80 q/ha), straw yield (74.52 q/ha), and harvesting index (38.95%).

Assessing the suitability of traditional food crops and resource use efficiency in kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall ex. Nees] based intercropping systems

Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall ex. Nees] has industrial potential due to the presence of bioactive substances, which always upsurges its demands in the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of the present study was to identify the suitable companion crops (cereal crops: maize, pearl millet, and sorghum; vegetable crops: okra, cluster bean, tomato, and brinjal; oilseed crops: sunflower and sesame; and pulses crop: pigeon pea) in kalmegh based intercropping system. To accomplish this goal, a field experiment was conducted at the experimental research farm of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) Lucknow, India, for three successive years. The results of the experiment revealed that among all the treatments of intercrops, T10 (Kalmegh + Pigeon pea), T4 (Kalmegh + Okra) in vegetables, T2 (Kalmegh + Pearl millet) in cereals had significantly higher kalmegh dry herbage yield (increased by 30.55%, 29.32%, and 16.53%, respectively), and andrographolide yield (increased by 87%, 49.09%, and 53.17%, respectively) in comparison to kalmegh sole-crop, this is likely related to the sciophytic behavior of kalmegh. Although, kalmegh shows strong competitiveness with all the treatments except T6 (Kalmegh + Tomato), T7 (Kalmegh + Brinjal), and T9 (Kalmegh + Sesame). In a similar manner, the land equivalent ratio ranged from 1.37 to 2.19 and the area time equivalent ratio ranged from 1.25 to 2.0, demonstrating that the kalmegh based intercropping system is a beneficial approach to maximize resource use efficiency. Consequently, in a world facing limited land resources, our research outcomes could help smallholder’s in improving their agricultural systems to achieve greater production efficiency.

Herbage Yield Evaluation of Pennisetum purpureum Grass Genotypes

This trial was conducted to assess the agronomic traits and forage dry matter yield of six Pennisetum purpureum grass genotypes in the great rift valley of Ethiopia. The experiment was carried out for four consecutive years in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg/ha was uniformly applied at planting and additionally, urea at the rate of 50 kg/ha was top dressed after each forage harvesting. Data on plant height, tiller number, dry leaf stem ratio, and forage dry matter yield were analyzed using the general linear model procedures of SAS, and the least significant difference was used for mean comparisons. Combined analysis indicated that the tested genotypes varied significantly (P<0.05) for plant height at harvest, number of tillers per plant, dry leaf stem ratio, and forage dry matter yield. Genotype 16788 gave the longest mean plant height while the standard check (Zehone-03) gave the shortest value. The highest mean number of tillers per plant was recorded for genotype 14983 followed by 16788, Zehone-03, 16808, and 14984 genotypes, respectively while the lowest was recorded for genotype 15743. The highest dry leaf stem ratio was measured from genotype 14983 and Zehone-03 followed by 14984, 15743, and 16808 genotypes, respectively while genotype 16788 gave the lowest value. Genotypes 14983 and 15743 gave the highest herbage yield while the lowest was from genotype 16808 and standard check (Zehone-03). In general, P. purpureum grass genotypes showed variations in terms of agronomic performance and herbage yield in the study area.

ованных горных лугов и пастбищ Центрального Кавказа

Abstract. The authors presented the results of scientific developments and a new device for improving and restoring mountain pasture areas by sowing grass seeds on depleted and thinned grass. The absence of small-sized maneuverable units capable of sowing grass seeds on sparse grass in the mountains was revealed. The purpose of the study is to develop and manufacture a laboratory sample of a block module based on a mini-tractor “Fenshow-180”, for surface sowing of grass seeds. The object of the study is agrotechnical techniques and an aggregate for the introduction of grass seeds, providing accelerated restoration of mountain pasture areas, increasing the yield of perennial grasses and soil resistance to water and wind erosion. The objectives of the research included the substantiation of the technology, the assessment of the effect of sowing grass seeds on the change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the herbage, the possibility of improving plant nutrition and water-air regime, enriching the fodder herbage by sowing valuable types of herbs. Methodology and methods. The tests were carried out in the mountainous zone of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania, in areas located at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level. The planting of herbs was carried out on a rarefied section of the northern slope with a steepness of 160 in the area Sugsadtanrag. A technical examination of the unit was carried out according to the agrotechnical requirements and the terms of reference. The surface application of grass seeds was carried out according to the application standards. Results. It was found that the laboratory sample of the unit meets the agrotechnical requirements and technical specifications, the herbage yield increased in various areas from 90–170 %, the botanical composition of the herbage changed, which affected the quality of feed, provided an increase in the nutritional value of meadow grasses from 0.7 to 2.8–3.5 thousand fodder units/ha, with a content of 120–145 g digestible protein per 1 feed unit of dry mass of feed. The conclusion is made about the expediency of using the developed block module in mountain meadows and pastures with a slope of up to 16°. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a technology has been developed and a small-sized seeder based on a mini-tractor for the restoration of mountain pastures has been manufactured.

Determination of Forage Yield and Other Characteristics of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Cultivars Sown at Different Times

In this study, which was carried out in Erzurum conditions to utilize cowpea cultivars and a cowpea landrace sown at different times as feed crops and determine some of their characteristics, 5 genotypes including 4 different cowpea cultivars (Akkız-86, Karagöz-86, Karnıkara, and Ülkem) and 1 landrace (red cowpea) were used, and treatment groups with 3 different sowing times (25 April, 10 May, and 25 May) were formed. The study was conducted with the Randomized Complete Block Design and 4 replicates. According to the results, after the sowing of the cowpea cultivars and landrace at different times, the ranges of the values were 21.50-90.50 cm for plant height, 11.50-25.25 cm for first pod height, 8.25-18.75 cm for pod length, 1.75-19.00 for number of pods, 1.50-13.75 for number of seeds per pod, 935-3537.55 kg/daa for green herbage yield, 157.40-760.38 kg/daa for dry herbage yield, 8.93-12.27% for crude protein ratio, 16.48-26.71% for ADF ratio, and 21.89-36.99% for NDF ratio. Among the sowing times, the dates 25 April and 10 May were prominent. Consequently, the treatment at the sowing time of 25 April was found optimal in terms of the green herbage yield, crude protein ratio, ADF, and NDF values in terms of the identification of sowing times of the plant as a feed crop in Erzurum conditions. Among the cultivars, the Ülkem cultivar and the red cowpea landrace provided the best results as feeds.

Influence of N fertilizing on Single-cut Sorgum × Sudangrass Hybrids’ Forage Yield and Nutritive Profile

The study aimed to observe the effects of two forage sorghum hybrids and different nitrogenous (N) fertilizer rates. The current study was set up in randomized complete block (RCB) as a split-plot design with triplicate at the Field Crops Department experimental area, University of Ankara in the 2022 summer season. This experiment included two treatments which had forage sorghum hybrids (Hay day and Super-graze) and nitrogen fertilization rates in the form of 18% ammonium sulfate [control group with no nitrogen (N0), 120 kg ha-1 N (N1), 180 kg ha-1 N (N2)]. N fertilizing rates positively influenced in agronomic profiles, yield components and nutritive profiles. The plant height (197.24-221.72 cm), green herbage yield (GHY) (60.42-70.89 ton ha-1), dry matter (DM) yield (17.77-23.98 ton ha-1), crude protein (CP) yield (0.97-1.90 ton ha-1), metabolic energy (ME) yield (33070.17-51840.85 Mcal ha-1), net energy production (NEp) yield (21164.91-33178.15 Mcal ha-1) increased with applied N rates. The maximum of DM (33.83%), CP (7.90%), TDN (58.63%), ME (2.16 Mcal kg-1 DM), NEp (1.80 Mcal kg-1 DM), and the minimum of ADF (33.09%), NDF (53.17%), ADL (5.14%) were obtained in N2 rates. In light of the results; “Hay-day” had more GHY. “Sugar-graze” had more DM yield and it was determined more digestible forage. It was inferred that the best yield components and nutritive profiles were obtained in N2 rate.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability of Some Local Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Genotypes Using Different Statistical Analysis

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the variation among local grass pea varieties in Türkiye by using some statistical analysis. Methods: The investigation was carried out according to the randomized block design with three replications during the growing season of 2018 and 2019 with 9 different genotypes and 2 registered varieties of grass pea at the Batý Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute. Days to flowering, green herbage yield, dry herbage yield, seed yield, thousand seed weight, plant main stem length, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod, straw yield, biological yield and harvest index were determined. Furthermore, the results of investigated features were subjected to correlation, regression, path and cluster analysis. Result: The results showed sufficient variability in seed yield based on characteristics among the tested genotypes. Regression analysis showed that days to flowering, harvest index, number of pods per plant, straw yield and biological yield should be given more importance during selection. This study resulted in three clusters with the maximum intergenetic distance between genotypes Ls17 and Ls23. According to the results of the research, it was determined that genotypes Ls15 and Ls32 were equivalent to commercial cultivars in terms of the investigated characteristics.

Assessing the effect of various doses of organic manures on herbage yield, essential oil, and compositions of sage grown under climate chamber and field conditions

Assessing the effect of various doses of organic manures on herbage yield, essential oil, and compositions of sage grown under climate chamber and field conditions

Restoring Technology and a Seeding Unit for Recovering Mountain Meadow and Pasture Ecosystems

The paper shows that the constant use of mountain meadows and pastures leads to soil degradation and herbage depletion. It is noted that grass overseeding on the sparse mountain grass meadows and pastures helps to increase their yield and nutritional value. It is revealed that there is a lack of small-sized maneuverable machines capable of grass overseeding in the sparse mountain areas. (Research purpose) To develop and manufacture a laboratory model of a block module aggregated with the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor for surface grass overseeding, to ensure an accelerated increase in the perennial grass yield and soil resistance to water and wind erosion. (Materials and methods) The restoring technology was substantiated and a laboratory block module was developed for sowing legumes and cereals. The seeding unit and technology were tested in the mountainous zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania at a 1540-meter altitude above sea level. Grasses were overseeded on a sparse section of a 13-16-degree steep northern slope in the area of Sugsadtanrag. The technical examination of the unit was carried out in accordance with the agrotechnical requirements and terms of reference. The surface application of grass seeds was performed according to the norms. (Results and discussion) A laboratory block module aggregated with the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor for surface grass overseeding was produced. It is established that the laboratory model of the unit complies with the agrotechnical requirements and terms of reference. (Conclusions) It is found that within the second year of using the unit, there was a 90-170 percent increase in the herbage yield and a certain improvement in the botanical composition, which positively affected the feed quality. The use of the developed block-module is proved to be reasonable and helpful in mountain meadows and pastures having 16-degree steep slopes.

Livelihood enhancement and resource use efficiency under lemongrass intercropping with food crops

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus L.) is an important multi-harvest aromatic grass that grows mainly in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Wider plant geometry of lemongrass provides a better opportunity for intercropping at the crop commencement stage. Intercropping will restore and maximize resource use efficiency thereby it enhances productivity. A field experiment conducted during 2018–2019 at CSIR-CIMAP, Research Centre, Bengaluru with thirteen treatments: sole crop of lemongrass, pigeon pea, okra, finger millet, field bean, cowpea, soybean and intercropping of these crop species with lemongrass was followed under randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that cowpea intercropping with lemongrass recorded higher herb yield (30.36 t ha−1) and oil yield (364.32 kg ha−1). Whereas, field bean intercropping performed better in terms of equivalent yield of lemongrass oil. Among different competition indices worked out to know the performance of the intercropping system, the indices to access biological efficiency such as LER (1.33), ATER (1.12), LUE (189.22%), LEC (0.33), SPI (38.27), percent land saved (24.87) recorded highest in lemongrass + okra intercropping system. Values of CR (1.57) and A (0.32) indicate the dominance of pigeon pea over lemongrass. Economic indices RVT (1.28), RNR (1.26), cost-benefit ratio (2.39) and net returns (5173 US $) were found highest in field bean which was closely followed by the okra intercropping system. Thus, intercropping of field bean or okra with lemongrass has the potential to increase the profit of the farmer with greater resource use efficiency.