Reliability of production of quick to medium maturity maize in areas of variable rainfall in north-east Australia

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 326 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Birch ◽  
K. Stephen ◽  
G. McLean ◽  
A. Doherty ◽  
G. L. Hammer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
North East ◽  
Grain Crop

Maize may assume a more significant role in grain crop production systems in north-east Australia if the probability of producing low yields associated with given amounts of available water can be reduced. Growing hybrids with very early maturity provides a possible way to achieve this. Simulation studies of dryland maize production in areas of highly variable rainfall in north-east Australia were undertaken using long-term weather data input to the APSIM model configured for quick to medium maturity maize. The studies focussed on sowing time options, population density, cultivars, and water availability at sowing. Simulation outputs included predicted mean and median yield, measures of yield variability, and the probability of producing low to very low yield (<2 t/ha). The study showed that optimum sowing date varied with location, and that low populations gave more reliable production, despite some potential yield losses in favourable years. The results of the simulation study provide estimates of yield and thus economic viability of maize production that are interpreted in terms of seasonal variability. They indicate that maize is a viable dryland cropping option provided that cultivar, sowing time and starting water conditions are optimised. Non-optimal conditions of water supply at sowing should be avoided, as greater variability in yield and reduced viability are predicted.

scholarly journals Drought-tolerant Varieties as an Adaptation Strategy in the Context of Climate Change: Insight from Maize Production Systems in Benin

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Mohamed Nasser Baco
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Drought Tolerant ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Previous studies suggested that maize is set to become a cash crop while ensuring food security better than any other crop. However, climate change has become one of the key production constraints that are now hampering and threatening the sustainability of maize production systems. We conducted a study to better understand changes here defined as adaptations made by smallholder farmers to ensure food security and improve income through maize production in a climate change context. Our results show that maize farmers in northern Benin mainly rely on traditional seeds. Drought as abiotic stress is perceived by farmers in many agro-ecological zones as a disruptive factor for crop production, including maize. When drought is associated with pest damages, both the quantity (i.e. yield) and the quality (i.e. attributes) of products/harvests are negatively affected. The adverse effects of drought continue to reduce production in different agro-ecological zones of the country, because of the lack of widespread adoption of tolerant varieties. The study suggests actions towards the production of drought-tolerant maize seeds, a promotion of seed companies, the organization of actors and value chains. Apart from climate change, the promotion of value chains is also emerging as one of the important aspects to take into account to sustain maize production in Benin.

scholarly journals Empirical Analysis of the Factors that Affecting Maize Production of Farmers among Smallholders: The Case of Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-145
Author(s):  
Murad Mohammed
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Maize Crop ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Smallholder Farm

In Ethiopia, maize is the second largest in production areas and first in its productivity but there are high yield gaps between the actual yield currently producing and the potential yield. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify factors that affecting maize production of smallholder farmers at the farm level in the Meta district in the east Hararge zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A two-stage random sampling technique was employed and a total of 200 smallholder farmers were randomly and proportionally selected to collect primary data. Multiple linear regression models were used to analysis factors that affect maize production among smallholder farmers. The result showed that the production of maize was influenced by several factors. The coefficient provided that as the farmers obtained 1 dollar from non-farm activity, the maize production of farmers increased by 293.2 kg, keeping other factors constant. Thus, the farmers who had money from non-farm sources used as additional income to gain agricultural inputs for maize production and thus generate more maize quantity. The result was pointed out that the size of the cultivated areas of land had a positive influence on the quantity of maize production of farmers. The coefficient entailed that as the size of the cultivated areas of land increased by one hectare, the farmer’s quantity of maize production increased by 140.4 kg by keeping other factors constant. The result was also indicated that other factors being constant, the maize crop production of smallholder farmers of Meta district was decreased by 4 kg as Development Agent’s (DA’s) office distance increased by one minute. The possible explanation was that extension services were a critical source of information on agronomic practices. Therefore, policy makers should encourage the current maize production and supplying improved seed and chemical fertilizer which support to improve smallholder farm households’ welfare by increasing their sources of income.

Influence of genotype, sowing date, and seeding rate on wheat development and yield

1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 751 ◽  
Author(s):  
DR Coventry ◽  
TG Reeves ◽  
HD Brooke ◽  
DK Cann
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Triticum Aestivum L ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Wheat Cultivars ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Spike Density ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
North Eastern

A 3-year study was conducted to measure the effect of sowing time and seeding rate on the development and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown under high-yielding conditions in north-eastern Victoria. A range of wheat cultivars with different development responses, including 'winter' types, was used in 2 experiments in each season. High grain yields for dryland wheat were measured in the first 2 seasons (1985-86), and in 1985, near-optimal water use efficiencies (>18 kg/ha. mm effective rainfall) were obtained. In the third season (1987) grain yield was limited by adverse climatic conditions-in the me- and post-anthesis period. In each season, grain yield declined with delay in sowing time. In 1985 there was a loss of 200-250 kg grain/ha for each week's delay in sowing time. In 1987, yield loss with delayed sowing was 50-110 kg grain/ha. In each season, cultivars with late or midseason maturity development gave the highest mean yields, and the use of these maturity types allowed earlier sowing, in mid April. However, with late sowing of wheat there was a trend for early maturity types to give higher yields, and so the use of 2 wheat cultivars with distinct maturity development responses to climate is recommended. If only 1 wheat cultivar is to be used, then a late maturity type is recommended. Higher wheat yields were also obtained as spike density increased, as a result of higher seeding rates. Our data suggest that in the higher rainfall region of north-eastern Victoria, a spike density of about 500 spikes/m2 is required to optimise wheat yields.

scholarly journals Effect of Sowing Dates and Varities on Yield and Yield Attributes of Direct Seeded Rice in Chitwan Condition

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 121-130
Author(s):  
KP Dawadi ◽  
NK Chaudhary
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Yield Attributes ◽  
Net Return ◽  
Sowing Dates ◽  
Direct Seeded ◽  
Use Efficiency

Rice transplanting and sowing time sometimes get delayed due to lack of assured irrigation or surplus of rainfall. Moreover, no specific varieties have been specifically developed for this purpose. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of sowing dates and varieties on growth and yield of direct seeded rice during rainy season in 2010. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four sowing dates and three varieties in sub plot. Sowing date on June 13th contributed to higher grain yield; higher gross return; net return and higher B:C ratio per hectare. Similarly, the variety Hardinath-1 excelled better in all these parameters with early maturity. The interaction effect of Hardinath-1 with June 13 sowing took lower days for maturity; produced higher number of effective tillers (386.3); heat use efficiency (2.14); straw yield (7.43 t ha-1); and relatively higher grain yield (4.22 t ha-1); gross return (Rs.108.55 thousand); net return (Rs. 51.22 thousands) and B:C ratio (1.89). Therefore, variety Hardinath-1 with June 13 sowing is best suited to get higher yield, timely maturity and higher economic return in Chitwan conditions.

scholarly journals Role of Sowing Time in Maize Production (Review)

2003 ◽  
pp. 36-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferenc Rácz ◽  
Ottó Illés ◽  
István Pók ◽  
Csaba Szőke ◽  
Zsuzsanna Zubori
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Maize Plant ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Year Effect

Many authors, both in Hungary and abroad, have reported on experiments carried out to determine the role of sowing time in maize, but the results are often contradictory. This is hardly surprising, since the maize plant exhibits enormous genetic variability and the hybrids created through selection and inbreeding may have very specific requirements as to sowing date. The year effect, too, often complicates the efforts of scientists to provide clear guidance to farmers on the optimal sowing date for each hybrid.

The Potential for Pyroxasulfone to Selectively Control Resistant and Susceptible Rigid Ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) Biotypes in Australian Grain Crop Production Systems

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Walsh ◽  
Tarnya M. Fowler ◽  
Bronwyn Crowe ◽  
Toshihiro Ambe ◽  
Stephen B. Powles
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Cereal Species ◽  
Evolution Of Resistance ◽  
Grain Crop ◽  
Rigid Ryegrass

The widespread evolution of resistance in rigid ryegrass populations to the highly effective, in-crop, selective herbicides used within southern Australian grain-crop production systems has severely diminished the available herbicide resource. A new PRE grass-selective herbicide, pyroxasulfone, may offer Australian grain producers a new option for rigid ryegrass control in wheat crops. The efficacy and level of selectivity of rigid ryegrass control with pyroxasulfone was investigated for a range of annual crop species in potted-plant, dose–response studies. In comparison with other currently available PRE herbicides, pyroxasulfone provided effective control of both resistant and susceptible rigid ryegrass populations. Additionally, control of these populations was achieved at rates that had little or no effect on the growth and survival of wheat. This crop was also the most tolerant of cereal species, with triticale, barley, and oat being more injured at higher pyroxasulfone rates than wheat was. In general though, pulse-crop species were found to be more tolerant of high pyroxasulfone rates than cereal-crop species. There were subtle effects of soil type on the efficacy of pyroxasulfone, where higher rates were required to achieve effective control on soils with higher clay or organic matter contents. The ability of pyroxasulfone to selectively control resistant and susceptible rigid ryegrass populations as identified in these studies clearly indicate the potential for widespread use and success of this herbicide in Australian cropping systems.

ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF USING MULCH FROM MULTI-PURPOSE TREES IN MAIZE-BASED PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

1999 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. M. Kormawa ◽  
A. Y. Kamara ◽  
S. C. Jutzi ◽  
N. Sanginga
Keyword(s):  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Shifting Cultivation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Maize Grain

Cutting and carrying of mulch from established tree plots is an alternative to in situ mulch in agroforestry systems. Through the cut-and-carry method, the undesirable effects of tree-crop competition characterized by in situ mulching can be avoided. An economic evaluation of the cut-and-carry method of providing nutrients for maize production was carried out based on investigations in south-western Nigeria. The results showed that the use of mulch from multi-purpose trees (MPTs) through the cut-and-carry method contributed to higher maize grain yields than those obtained with fertilizer or in the untreated controls. However, because of high labour requirements and scarcity of land in the study area, providing nutrients for crop production by this method is unprofitable both in the short and the long term. This may serve as a constraint for the adoption of this technology by farmers. Alternative options requiring less labour and land requirements should be investigated in the quest to replace shifting cultivation.

scholarly journals Optimizing sowing time for boosting productivity and nutritional quality of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) genotypes under Mediterranean climate

2020 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Paolo CASINI ◽  
Gherardo BIANCOFIORE
Keyword(s):  
Flea Beetle ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Amaranthus Cruentus ◽  
Breeding Lines ◽  
The Third ◽  
Grain Crop

<p class="MDPI17abstract">Currently, there is increasing interest in the cultivation of alternative grain crops, such as amaranth (<em>Amaranthus cruentus </em>L.)<em> </em>in Italy. However, few information exist for the most optimal sowing date (SD) of amaranth especially under rainfed conditions. A field-trial was conducted in Tuscany during 2018 to evaluate SD effects on amaranth genotypes (‘Kharkov’ and two new breeding lines coded ‘A-61’ and ‘A67’). The three SD were March 27 (first), April 20 (second), June 4 (third). Only the first and second SD coincided with increasing photoperiod. Cumulative Growing Degree Days (GDD) for ripening were 2282, 1990 and 1480 for the first, second and third SD, respectively. Compared to the first two SD, ground-cover was 20 % less  from panicle formation in the third SD, therefore potentially less competitive towards weeds. A-67 was more “palatable” to the incidence of sugar beet flea beetle (<em>Chaenoctema tibialis</em> Illinger) from the earliest stages of growth. In contrast, ‘Kharkov’, was significantly less attacked by the insect over all three SD.</p><p class="MDPI12title">‘Kharkov’, demonstrated greater flexibility with stable yields of 1.3 t ha<sup>-1</sup> for the first and second SD. In contrast, significant yield reductions (1.5 to 1.2 t ha<sup>-1</sup>, from the first to second SD, respectively) were evident for both lines of amaranth in response to SD delay. Adverse effects of the third SD, included significant decline in yield, protein content and 1000 seed mass. In conclusion, amaranth,  March-April SD may be recommended for obtaining optimal grain yield of amaranth along with making it successful as a viable alternative grain crop under  under agro-ecological conditions of Central Italy.</p>

scholarly journals Agroecological zones and the assessment of crop production potential

1997 ◽  
Vol 352 (1356) ◽  
pp. 907-916 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. V. K. Sivakumar ◽  
C. Valentin
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
World Population ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Production Potential ◽  
Biological Potential

The rapidly growing world population puts considerable pressure on the scarce natural resources, and there is an urgent need to develop more efficient and sustainable agricultural production systems to feed the growing population. This should be based on an initial assessment of the physical and biological potential of natural resources, which can vary greatly. The agroecological zonation (AEZ) approach presents a useful preliminary evaluation of this potential, and ensures that representation is maintained at an appropriate biogeographic scale for regional sustainable development planning. The principal AEZs of the world, as described by the Technical Advisory Committee of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, are presented along with their extent and characteristics. Net primary productivity of terrestrial vegetation can be assessed from weather data, and it varies from 1 t dry matter ha −1 yr −1 in high latitude zones and dry regions to 29 t ha −1 yr −1 in tropical wet regions, depending on the climatic conditions. To assess the crop production potential, length of the growing period zones, a concept introduced by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, is very useful as it describes an area within which rainfall and temperature conditions are suitable for crop growth for a given number of days in the year. These data, combined with the information on soils and known requirements of different food crops, can be used to assess the potential crop productivity. Some perspectives on AEZs and crop production potential are presented by describing the manner in which production potential can be integrated with present constraints. Efforts to intensify production should place emphasis on methods appropriate to the socio-economic conditions in a given AEZ, and on promotion of conservation-effective and sustainable production systems to meet the food, fodder and fuel needs for the future.

Leveraging Crop Budgets to Assess the Environmental Impact of Agricultural Operations

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 573-582
Author(s):  
Luke E Monhollon ◽  
Deepak R Keshwani
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Impact Category ◽  
The United States ◽  
List Type ◽  
Life Cycle Assessments ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Agricultural Operations

Highlights Agriculture Extension Resources should be used for regional life cycle assessments of agriculture. Fertilizer is the major contributing factor of environmental impact, when using a spatial functional unit. Ecoinvent may under-estimate the environmental impact of maize production. Abstract . Current attempts to quantify the sustainability of agricultural operations are hampered by the lack of information to adequately address variation of farming operations. Differences in weather, soil, local consumers, and transportation pathways affect the agricultural operation of a given parcel of land. These differences may significantly influence life cycle assessments involving agricultural systems. Agricultural extension publications and human expertise may fill gaps present in commonly utilized databases for environmental impact calculations. A methodology was developed integrating information from Nebraska Crop Budgets with Ecoinvent 3.6 in OpenLCA, to investigate pesticide production contribution and compare environmental impacts on a per acre and per bushel basis. Seven budgets were selected, outlining no-till corn production under no-rotation, soybean/corn rotation, and ecofallow schemes. Of thirteen tested pesticides, only five were greater than 5% of the total impact relative to 19-Corn in at least one impact category. Pesticide contribution was greatest for products containing multiple active ingredients and with higher yearly applied amounts. Exclusion of pesticide production in agricultural life cycle assessments may not significantly impact results. Relative impacts between budgets were greater than 83% on a per acre and per bushel basis compared to Ecoinvent, demonstrating life cycle assessments can be impacted by operational differences within similar production systems. Per acre impacts were 4% less to 227% greater than published maize grain production in Ecoinvent 3.6 for the United States. Per bushel impacts were similar at 6% to 280% greater. Result differences are dependent on the crop budget used and impact category considered. Fertilizer was the greatest contributor toward all tested categories. Per acre calculations were defined by applied nitrogen while per bushel calculations followed nitrogen productivity. With simple integration and specificity granted with crop budgets, extension resources should be used for region-specific life cycle assessments of agricultural and bio-based products to replace general assumptions. Keywords: Crop production, Extension, Food energy water nexus, Life cycle assessment, Sustainability.

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