Growth and flowering of young cocoa plants is promoted by organic and nitrate-based fertiliser amendments

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Smilja Lambert ◽  
Hussin bin Purung ◽  
Syawaluddin ◽  
Peter McMahon
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Calcium Nitrate ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Aluminium Toxicity ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Available P ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Organic Fertiliser ◽  
Soil C

Summary Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) farmers in Sulawesi, Indonesia typically use subsidised, ammonium-based rice fertilisers that in combination with poor agricultural practices have resulted in soil acidification, loss of organic matter, aluminium toxicity and lower soil fertility. As a result, these soils are only marginally appropriate for replanting cocoa to boost production. A field experiment was performed to test alternative soil amendments for successful replanting of cocoa on these deficient soils. In a trial with a randomised block design, 6-month old seedlings, top-grafted with the local MCC02 clone, were planted under light Gliricidia sepium shade and after 3 months treated quarterly with two options of mineral fertilisers: either a customised fertiliser, consisting of Nitrabor (a combination of calcium nitrate and boron), dolomite, rock phosphate and KCl or a NPK/urea mix used by farmers, each supplied with or without ‘micronutrient’ rock salt, organic fertiliser and beneficial microorganisms or their culture medium, a mixture of chitin and amino acids (a total of 20 treatments). Over a 4-year period, the marginal mean rates of stem diameter increment and flowering score were higher in customised fertiliser than NPK/urea treatments. The average growth rate was highest in the first year and was increased by supplying organic fertiliser. A significant correlation (r = 0.22, p < 0.05) occurred between growth and available P, but concentrations of available P were higher in the NPK/urea plots, which also had lower mean growth rates. Combined supply of organic fertiliser and microbes increased available P, as well as growth rates, in both the customised and NPK/urea treatments. In contrast, NPK/urea-treated plots without these amendments demonstrated very low growth rates. The customised formulation was more effective with or without added organic fertiliser or inoculated microbes. Micronutrient supply stimulated flowering. Growth rates in trees supplied with NPK/urea were also promoted by micronutrients. Leaf flush production occurred in regular cycles and was unaffected by the nutrient amendments. After 3 years, the customised and organic fertiliser application increased soil pH and exchangeable Ca and Mg concentrations, although they remained below recommended levels for cocoa production. These treatments had little impact on soil C content (about 1.3%) which was also deficient. Exchangeable Al and total Zn concentrations were higher in soils amended with NPK/urea. The results of the trial provide evidence that utilisation of organic fertiliser in combination with customised nitrate-based formulations improves cocoa establishment, growth and soil properties and should be recommended as a replacement for the NPK/urea fertilisers traditionally used by farmers.

scholarly journals Effect of Potassium Humate and Micronic Sulfur on the Chemical Properties of Some Soils of Toshka, Egypt

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Atef A. A. Sweed ◽  
Ahmed A. M. Awad
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Loamy Sand ◽  
Available P ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Soil Drainage ◽  
Potassium Humate ◽  
And Control

Low soil organic matter, low nutrient availability and the higher soil pH (more than 8) are the major problem of agricultural practices in region of Toshka. An incubation trial at October 2019 was conducted to investigate the effect of potassium humate (KH) and micronic sulfur (MS) on some chemical properties of different soils (sandy clay soils, loamy sand and sandy soils). The used amendments (KH and MS) were added to the studied soil at 4 levels of each amendment i.e. 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0%. A two way randomized completely block design and provided with three replications. Studied parameters were included soil pH, EC, exchange Na and the content of available - P and K. Results showed that, the MS application at 1% level caused a significant decrease in soil pH values compared with the KH application and control treatment. These reductions were more pronounced in case of soil B (loamy sand). Also, KH application gave an increase on exchange Na and available-K. While MS application was cause an increased in soil EC and available-P in the three soils under study. Moreover, the increases in the percentage of available – K with added of KH were higher than added of MS for soils under study. While the percentages of available-P with added of KH were higher than with added of MS for studied soils. It may be recommended to add KH and MS at a rate of 1% to improve the soil chemical properties. But the effect of application from MS has greater than KH to increase dissolved sodium salts on the form of sodium sulfate, which facilitates disposal during soil drainage.

scholarly journals EKSPLORASI DAN IDENTIFIKASI MIKORIZA DARI BERBAGAI MACAM VEGETASI PADA LAHAN AGROFORESTRY

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-376
Author(s):  
Jessica Maria Purba ◽  
Budi Prasetya
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Available P ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Randomized Block Design

Soil fertility degradation has been accelerated by the heavy use of inorganic fertilizers for a long time, especially in agroforestry lands of Sumbermanjing Wetan, Malang, East Java. This study was aimed to find out arbuscular mycorrhizae that can be used for improving soil fertility. This study was conducted by purposive random sampling continued by randomized block design with the measured variables were basal area, canopy, number of spores, percentage of root mycorrhizal colonization, soil pH, soil C-organic, available P, litterfall, and types of spores. The results showed that the most common type of spore found was Glomus sp. The spore populations depended on vegetation and were most commonly found in Albicia falcataria. The soil pH of agroforestry land ranged from 5.1 to 5.4, organic carbon content ranged from 3.43 to 4.04%, and available P content ranged from 7.7-9.9 kg P2O5 ha-1. Vegetation affected the soil physicochemical and biological properties.

Survival and growth of understory trees in oak forests of the Hudson Highlands, New York

1981 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 689-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig G. Lorimer
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Average Growth Rate ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Red Oaks ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Understory Trees

Mortality and growth rates of trees in various crown classes and size classes were analyzed from 40-year permanent plot records of slope and ravine forest dominated by chestnut oak (Quercusprinus L.) and northern red oak (Quercusrubra L.). Average 5-year mortality rates for suppressed trees ≥2.5 cm dbh of chestnut oak and red oak in the slope forest were 26 and 45%, respectively. None of the suppressed red oaks survived the 40-year period, compared with 14% of the chestnut oaks and 33% of the red maples (Acerrubrum L.). Mortality of oak trees in the intermediate crown class was less than half that of suppressed trees, but still much higher than that of maples and birches on the tracts. Survival was reasonably high for oaks as long as the top of the crown was receiving direct sunlight, but the expected 40-year survival rate of red oaks in such a position is only 20%, with an average growth rate of 1.0 mm in diameter per year. Curves and equations expressing average mortality and growth rates at various levels of competition are presented for each species.

Responsiveness to seasonal temperature and nitrogen among genotypes of kikuyu, paspalum and bermuda grass pastures of coastal New South Wales

1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
CJ Pearson ◽  
H Kemp ◽  
AC Kirby ◽  
TE Launders ◽  
C Mikled
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Bermuda Grass ◽  
Base Temperature ◽  
Seasonal Temperature ◽  
Potential Productivity ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Nitrogen Concentrations ◽  
Calcium Magnesium ◽  
Phosphorus And Potassium

Three experiments were carried out to test the hypotheses that (a) there are quantitative differences in growth rate and quality between newly registered cultivars and older cultivars in response to changes in temperature and fertility, and (b) responsiveness to temperature varies between sites because cultivars acclimatize to their current environment. Performance in simulated swards indicated that potential productivity was highest from bermuda grass (Cynodon x Burton Pearson). This was, however, a poor indicator of performance in the field, where yield of bermuda grass was depressed by weeds whereas that of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) was unaffected. In the field, a newly registered kikuyu, cv. Crofts, outyielded bermuda grass and paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum) either alone or when combined with lucerne. A further experiment compared cvv. Crofts, Whittet and common kikuyu at three levels of nitrogen at three sites. Peak growth rates were the same at all locations but Crofts outyielded the other genotypes by 60, 13 and 18% at Bega (37�S.), Camden (34�S.) and Taree (32�S.) respectively. Average growth rates varied seasonally and were correlated with temperature (r > 0.9). Analysis of temperature responsiveness (kg/ha.�C) indicated that responsiveness varied consistently between genotypes at any location. Furthermore, the base temperature (the temperature below which there was negligible growth) was the same for all genotypes at any location but it increased with increasing latitude. That is, there was a tendency to greater dormancy with increasing coldness of location. Nitrogen responsiveness was the same for all genotypes and sites. Seasonal variations in digestibility and mineral concentrations in kikuyu, bermuda grass and paspalum were similar in the field and in simulated swards; quality was the same in all kikuyu genotypes. Calcium, magnesium and nitrogen concentrations of plant tops (but not phosphorus and potassium concentrations) increased with increasing rates of application of nitrogen fertilizer.

Application of Gliricidia sepium Tree Leaves and Nitrogen Fertilizer to Improve Tomato Production and Soil Properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-87
Author(s):  
SS Keya ◽  
MG Miah ◽  
MA Rahman ◽  
MT Islam
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
N Fertilizer ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Tree Leaves ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Soil Fertility Improvement

Excess use of agrochemicals for intensive cultivation affects crop quality and destroys agro-ecosystems, and eventually creates health hazards. The study aims to investigate the effect of Gliricidia sepium (GS) tree leaf as suitable green manures for supplementing nutrient supply along with nitrogen (N) fertilizer to produce quality tomato and soil fertility improvement. A field experiment was conducted at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh, from November 2016 to March 2017. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (two factors) with three replications. There were nine treatment combinations with three levels of GS tree leaves (5, 10 and 15 t ha−1) and three doses of N (0, 50 and 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer). The highest tomato yield was recorded in GS15×N100 treatment combination, which was 41.68% higher compared to the control treatment. Decreasing C: N ratio in increasing dose of GS and N treated plot indicated the quality of tree leaves that ensures faster decomposition and high nutrient release pattern of this species. Increasing rate of soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in different treatments as compared to initial soil showed soil fertility improvement. Overall, the results indicated that quality tomato could be grown successfully by the application of G. sepium tree leaves along with an appropriate amount of N fertilizer. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2020) 24(1) : 77-87

scholarly journals Planting density and initial growth of two tree species adapted to the semi-arid region

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 951-960
Author(s):  
Paulo Sérgio Lima e Silva ◽  
Alexandre Emanuel Régis Holanda ◽  
Haroldo Nogueira de Paiva ◽  
Fábio Henrique Tavares de Oliveira ◽  
Odaci Fernandes de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Plant Age ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Semi Arid Region ◽  
One Year

Planting densities influence several aspects of forest formation, including management practices, timber yield, quality, and extraction, and consequently its production costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate Mimosa caesalpiinifolia and Gliricidia sepium growth as a function of planting density (400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 plants ha-1) and plant age. The species were evaluated every 90 days for plant height (PH), crown diameter (CD) and root collar diameter (RCD) (10 cm above the ground), with the first evaluation performed at 90 days and the last at 720 days. When plants were one year of age and beyond, evaluations were conducted also for stem diameter at breast height (DBH) (1.30 m above the ground). A randomized block design with split-plots and three replicates was adopted. Species were assigned to plots, planting densities were assigned to subplots, and evaluation ages were assigned to subsubplots. The four traits in both species had their values decreased as planting density increased, but continually increased as plant age increased. For PH and RCD there was an alternation between species superiority, with gliricidia being superior to sabiá at some ages, while the opposite occurred at other ages. As to CD the species only differed in the last measurement, gliricidia being superior. With regard to DBH, gliricidia was superior starting from the second measurement. There was an effect of the species × ages interaction for the four traits and also an effect of the densities × ages interaction for CD and DBH.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF LATE BLIGHT RESISTANT POTATO CONTAINING RB GENE ON THE SOIL MICROBES, PESTS AND PLANT DISEASES

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Eny Ida Riyanti ◽  
Edy Listanto ◽  
Alberta Dinar Ambarwati
Keyword(s):  
Late Blight ◽  
Soil Microbes ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Late Blight Resistance ◽  
Alternaria Solani ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Bacterial Populations ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Negative Effect

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is an important disease on potato.  Several potato hybrids have been generated by crossing local varieties (Atlantic and Granola) with Katahdin SP951 which contains late blight resistance gene RB.  Prior to release, these hybrids need to be evaluated for their environ-mental effects on non-target organisms and natural pests and diseases. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of LBR potato hybrids on beneficial soil microbes, pests and diseases. The trial was conducted in the confined field trial (CFT) in Lembang, West Java. The parental non-transgenic (NT) clones (Granola, Atlantic and Katahdin) and LBR hybrids (four clones of Atlantic x Katahdin SP951 hybrids; 10 clones of Granola x Katahdin SP951) were planted at a plant spacing of 30 cm x 70 cm. Fungicide applications were used as treat-ments (no spray, five and twenty times sprays). The experi-ment was arranged in a randomized completely block design with three replications. The parameters determined were popula-tions of N2 fixing and P solubilizing bacteria, soil C/N ratio as well as natural pests and diseases. The results showed that the transgenic LBR potato hybrids did not have negative effect on N fixing bacteria. The bacterial populations were around 1010-11 cells g-1 soil before planting, 1012 cells at 1.5 months after planting (MAP) and 108 cells after harvest. For P- solubilizing bacteria, their populations were 1010 cells before planting, 1012 cells at 1.5 MAP and 1011 cells g-1  soil after harvest. The soil C/N ratio of the transgenic plot was not statistically different compared to non-transgenic plot, i.e. 12-15 before planting, 10-11 at 1.5 MAP, and 10 after harvest in non-spray plot. Pests and diseases such as Alternaria solani, Liriomyza, potato tubber moth, aphid and mites on the transgenic and non-transgenic plots were statistically not different. The resistance score for A. solani was 7.2 (parental tansgenic) and 7.6 (parental non-transgenic); for Liriomyza it was 2.07 (parental transgenic) and 2.32 insect per plant (parental non-transgenic), the PTM was 0.63 (parental transgenic) and 0.73 insect per plant (parental non-transgenic), aphid and mites were 0.75 (parental transgenic) and 1.68 insects per plant (parental non-transgenic). The study indicated that LBR potato hybrids did not have any negative impacts on non-target organisms.

scholarly journals Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Production in South Western Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
S. O. Olanipekun ◽  
A. O. Togun ◽  
A. K. Adebayo ◽  
F. B. Anjorin
Keyword(s):  
Seed Yield ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Hibiscus Cannabinus ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Inorganic Fertilizers ◽  
Organic Fertiliser

Farmers use Inorganic Fertilizers (IF) to improve kenaf yield in Nigeria. However, the detrimental effects of mineral fertilizers and its high cost calls for the use of organic fertilizers that are locally available and environment friendly. Combination of Organic Fertiliser (OF) with IF may reduce the bulkiness of OF while harnessing the benefit of both for higher yields. Field trials were conducted at Ibadan and Ilora in 2013 and 2014 to investigate the effects of combined fertilizers on the growth and yield of kenaf. Organic and IF (NPK 20:10:10) fertilizers as: (i) 160 kg ha-1 (sole organic), (ii) 100 kg ha-1 (sole IFl), (iii) Organic and IF at 50:50 ratio and (iv) control (no fertilizer). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Results showed that plant height (220.17 cm, 216.80 cm) and stem diameter (2.27 cm, 1.16 cm). Bast fiber (2.27 t/ha, 2.27 t/ha) and seed yield (1.69 t/ha, 1.78 t/ha) in Ibadan and Ilora respectively were significantly higher in plots with combined fertilizer. Combined fertilizers had the highest fiber and seed yield above sole application and control (no fertilizer application). Hence it is recommended for kenaf cultivation in Southwest Nigeria.

scholarly journals Leguminous Alley Cropping Improves the Production, Nutrition, and Yield of Forage Sorghum

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 636
Author(s):  
Robson da Costa Leite ◽  
José Geraldo Donizetti dos Santos ◽  
Rubson da Costa Leite ◽  
Luciano Fernandes Sousa ◽  
Guilherme Octávio de Sousa Soares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alley Cropping ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Mineral Fertilization ◽  
Crop Cultivation ◽  
Forage Sorghum ◽  
Crop Cycle ◽  
Presence And Absence

This study aimed to evaluate the growth, production, and leaf contents of macronutrients, as well as the yield of forage sorghum cultivated on the alleys of Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp.) and Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) in the presence and absence of mineral fertilization. The experiment was conducted in two different periods: During the 2016/2017 double crop (cultivation carried out at the end of the crop cycle) and during the 2017/2018 crop (cultivation carried out at the beginning of the crop cycle). A randomized block design, in which the first factor refers to cultivation systems (single sorghum, sorghum cultivated in Gliricidia alleys, and sorghum cultivated in Leucaena alleys) and the second factor refers to mineral fertilization (presence and absence of fertilization), in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement was used. The leguminous plants were cut, and the residues were deposited in the alleys. The cultivation in alleys without mineral fertilization increased total forage biomass when compared to the single crop cultivation. Cultivation in Leucaena alleys showed a higher leaf content of nitrogen (N) when compared to the single crop, both in the presence and absence of mineral fertilization. In the double crop, sorghum cultivated in Leucaena alleys without fertilization presented a higher forage yield (up to 67%) when compared to the single crop system. However, there was no difference in yield when mineral fertilization was applied to the treatments. Overall, the alley crops were able to increase the morphological (plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), panicle diameter (PD), and panicle length (PL) and yield (leaf dry mass (LDM), stem dry mass (SDM), total green mass (TGM), and total dry mass TDM) variables of the crop, improving the productivity of forage sorghum.

Health, growth and development of pre-school children in Newcastle upon Tyne

1979 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 411-424
Author(s):  
H. Mary Fellowes ◽  
Catherine A. Hytten ◽  
W.Z. Billewicz ◽  
A.M. Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Transient Effect ◽  
Normal Children ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Respiratory Illnesses ◽  
Developmental Test ◽  
One Year ◽  
Newcastle Upon Tyne

SummaryOne hunderd and forty 'normal' children aged 0—5 years, selected from three large general medical practices to represent a wide socioeconomic range, were seen monthly for periods of at least one year. Average growth patterns, previously shown to be related to the energy value of diets, conformed to British standards. Height and weight were not significantly related to socioeconomic status, maternal 'efficiency', number of sibs nor place in family. About half the children aged 0.5 years or less changed growht 'channels', falling to 0.4% in children aged 2 years or more. Respiratory illnesses showed seasonal changes, but growth rates did not, and there was no evidence that illness of any kind or severity had more than a transient effect on growth rates. Developmental test scores were not found to be related to growth rates. Girls tended to have higher scores than boys. Children from non-manual families and those with sїbs at least 5 years older scored more highly in tests of language than those in other types of family.

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