Nitrogen and potassium nutrition of Australian waxflowers grown in siliceous sands. 1. Stem growth and yield responses

1996 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 355 ◽  
Author(s):  
NA Maier ◽  
GE Barth ◽  
MN Bartetzko ◽  
JS Cecil ◽  
WL Chvyl

The effects of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) on stem growth and yield responses of Australian waxflowers were investigated. Experiments were conducted in commercial plantings at 3 sites in South Australia. Plantings of Chamelaucium uncinatum cvv. Alba (2 sites) and Purple Pride (1 site) and a Chamelaucium hybrid (C. floriferum x C. uncinatum), known locally as Walpole wax (1 site), were 3-5 years old when the study began in 1990. Nitrogen and K were applied at rates up to 160 g N and 80 g K/plant.year. Application of N significantly (P<0.05) increased stem growth, with the magnitude varying considerably between sites and years. Increasing the rate of applied N from 0 to 80 or 160 g/plant.year increased mean tip-growth of flowering stems of cv. Alba by 47.7% at site 1 and 137.1% at site 3, and of Walpole wax by 144.2% at site 2. In contrast, the effect on cv. Purple Pride was minimal. Tip-growth also varied significantly (P<0.05) between sites. Applied K did not significantly affect stem growth at any site. Application of N significantly (P<0.05) increased the yield of 41-70 and >70 cm stems, and total stem yield at all sites with variation between years and cultivars. For example at site 2 increasing the applied N rate from 0 to 80 or 160 g/plant .year increased total stem yield by 13.9, 176.2 and 77.6% in 1991, 1992 and 1993, respectively. In contrast, the effect of applying K was inconsistent. Application of N significantly increased the weight of prunings at all sites and yield of prunings also varied between years. Applied K significantly affected the yield of prunings at site 3, where application of 80 compared with 0 g1plant.year decreased the yield by 17.9%. For all sites, the mean ratios between total stem weight and total biomass harvested were in the range 0.68-0.82. The effect of applied N was only significant at site 3, where the ratio decreased from 0.76 to 0.57 when the rate of applied N increased from 0 to 160 g/plant.year. The effect of K was not significant at any site. At sites 1 and 2, and for cv. Alba at site 3, application of 80 or 160 g N1plant.year decreased mean stem dry matter by 8.0, 9.3 and 11.0%, respectively. Stem dry matter content also varied significantly between years at all sites. The effect of applied K was only significant at site 3, where application of 80 g1plant.year reduced dry matter content by 5.3% compared with 34.2% for the nil rate. Based on data for all sites, stem fractionation showed that dry matter yields (as a percentage of total stem dry weight), were in the order, woody tissue (3 15-49.9%) > leaves (22.1-29.2%) > flowers (15.9-25.8%) > tip-growth (5.0-21.9%). The effect of applied K on the yield of the different stem parts was only significant (P<0.05) at site 1, where in 1991 yield of the tip-growth fraction decreased. We conclude that to develop effective N fertiliser strategies for waxflowers requires knowledge of (i) soil type, in particular residual N fertility; (ii) annual vegetative growth cycle (i.e. periods of growth flushing); (iii) harvest period; and (iv) flowering time. For cultivars or hybrids harvested when vegetative growth is negligible (e.g. winter) N nutrition can be optimised, while for those harvested during periods of vegetative flushing (e.g. September-November) lower rates of N should be applied to ensure tip-growth is not excessive. Although yield responses to applied K were inconsistent, we recommend 20 g K/plant.year to ensure that productivity is maintained over the 5-10 years flowering stems can be harvested from commercial plantings.

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
MHA Rashid

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the effects of sulphur and GA3 on the growth and yield performance of onion cv. BARI Peaj-1. The experiment included four levels of sulphur viz., 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha and four concentrations of GA3 viz., 0 (control), 50, 75, 100 ppm. The experimental findings revealed that sulphur and GA3 had significant influence on plant height, number of leaves per plant, bulb diameter and length, individual bulb weight, splitted and rotten bulb, bulb dry matter content and bulb yield. The highest bulb yield (13.85 t/ha) was recorded from 30 kg S/ha, while the lowest bulb yield (11.20 t/ha) was obtained from control. Most of the parameters showed increasing trend with the higher concentration of GA3. Application of GA3 @ 100 ppm gave the maximum bulb yield (15.23 t/ha), while the minimum value (10.10 t/ha) was observed from control. Almost all the parameters were significantly influenced by combined treatments of sulphur and GA3 except bulb length of onion. The maximum bulb dry matter content (13.50%) and bulb yield (17.10 t/ha) were produced from the application of sulphur @ 30 kg/ha with 100ppm GA3, while the minimum bulb dry matter content (9.23%) and bulb yield (9.33 t/ha) were recorded from control treatment of sulphur with GA3.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16749 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 57 - 63, 2010


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Sajeed Hasan Bappy ◽  
Khaleda Khatun ◽  
Tahmina Mostarin ◽  
Mutasim Fuad Shuvo ◽  
Mst. Umme Habiba ◽  
...  

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. During the period from October, 2018 to March, 2019 to find out the growth and yield of onion as influenced by Sulphur and Boron with mulch materials. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor A: Four doses of Sulphurand Boron fertilizer viz. F0 = S0kgB0kg/ha (Control), F1 = S20kgB1kg/ha, F2 = S40kgB2kg/ha, F3 = S60kgB3kg/ha and Factor B: Four types of mulch viz. M0 = No mulch and no irrigation, M1 = Black polythene, M2 = Water hyacinth and M3 = Rice straw. There were 16 treatment combinations and experiment was setup in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In case of Sulphur and Boron treatments at 60 days after transplanting (DAT), the highest plant height 53.38 cm, maximum leaf number 10.48, highest bulb length 4.83 cm,, maximum neck diameter (1.31 cm), highest dry matter content (15.98%), dry matter content of leaf (24.74%), single bulb weight (39.93 g), yield per plot (0.80 kg) and yield per hectare (9.98 t) were obtained from F3 treatment. Among the mulch materials,  highest plant height at 60 DAT (52.51 cm), maximum leaf number (10.19), highest bulb length (4.52 cm), highest bulb diameter (5.74 cm), maximum neck diameter (1.26 cm), dry matter content of leaf (23.35%), single bulb weight (39.05 g), yield per plot (0.78 kg) and yield per hectare (9.76 t) were obtained from M1 treatment. In combined effect, the highest plant height at 60 DAT (55.54 cm), maximum leaf number (11.47), longest bulb length (5.51 cm), highest bulb diameter (6.68 cm), maximum diameter of neck (1.42 cm), dry matter content of leaf (27.48%), single bulb weight (42.40 g), yield per plot (0.85 kg) and yield per hectare (11.21 t) were obtained from F3M1 treatment (S60kg/ha + B3kg/ha with black polythene mulch). The highest gross return (Tk. 3, 36, 300/ha), net return (Tk. 1, 88, 934/ha) and benefit cost ration (2.28) was obtained from the treatment combination (F3M1). Accordingly, for high growth, high yield, and economic point of view, F3M1 treatment is recommended in onion cultivation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carel W. Windt ◽  
Moritz Nabel ◽  
Johannes Kochs ◽  
Siegfried Jahnke ◽  
Ulrich Schurr

Water content (WC) and dry matter content (DMC) are some of the most basic parameters to describe plant growth and yield, but are exceptionally difficult to measure non-invasively. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry may fill this methodological gap. It allows non-invasive detection of protons in liquids and solids, and on the basis of these measures, can be used to quantify liquid and dry matter contents of seeds and plants. Unfortunately, most existing NMR relaxometers are large, unwieldy and not suitable to measure intact plants or to be used under field conditions. In addition, currently the appropriate NMR relaxometric methods are poorly suited for non-expert use. We here present a novel approach to overcome these drawbacks. We demonstrate that a basic NMR relaxometer with the capability to accept intact plants, in combination with straightforward NMR and data processing methods, can be used as an NMR plant sensor to continuously, quantitatively and non-invasively monitor changes in WC and DMC. This can be done in vivo, in situ, and with high temporal resolution. The method is validated by showing that measured liquid and solid proton densities accurately reflect WC and DMC of reference samples. The NMR plant sensor is demonstrated in an experimental context by monitoring WC of rice leaves under osmotic stress, and by measuring the dynamics of water and dry matter accumulation during seed filling in a developing wheat ear. It is further demonstrated how the method can be used to estimate leaf water potential on the basis of changes in leaf water content.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-35
Author(s):  
Akpan A U ◽  
Orji K O ◽  
Uhala S C

A research on growth and yield components of some turmeric varieties (Curcuma longa L.) as affected by inorganic fertilizer levels in Umudike, South Eastern Nigeria was carried out at the teaching and research farm of the University, during 2018/2019 cropping seasons. It was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Results, showed that plant height and number of tillers for both varieties and fertilizers levels increased at 2, 4, and 6 months after planting (MAP) during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. Variety 021 and 400 NPK (15:15:15) Kg-1 produced tallest plants and highest number of tillers over other varieties and fertilizer levels. Crop growth rate was positive at 2 – 4 MAP and negative at 4 – 6 MAP, with 021 and 400 NPK (15:15:15) kgha-1 producing higher growth rate. Heaviest rhizomes fresh weight (kg plot-1) of 3.74 and 3.75, rhizome dry matter content of 14.49 and 16.8%, rhizome dry weight of 23.57 and 23.90g and harvest index of 2.60 and 2.70% was yielded by UMT 021 variety over other varieties. The level of 400 NPK (15:15:15) kg ha-1 produced heaviest rhizome fresh weight of 4.47 and 4.57 kg plot-1; rhizome dry matter content of 19.42 and 25.8%; rhizome dry weight of 27.54 and 27.8g and harvest index of 2.81 and 3.20%, over other levels. Consequently, variety 021 and 400 NPK (15:15:15) kgha-1 are recommended for sole production of turmeric in Umudike, South Eastern Nigeria.


Author(s):  
H. J. Hernández ◽  
T. Acuña ◽  
P. Reyes ◽  
M. Torres ◽  
E. Figueroa

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is known as the driest place on Earth, with an average rainfall of about 15 mm per year. Despite these conditions, it contains a rich variety of flora with hundreds of species characterised by their extraordinary ability to adapt to this extreme environment. These biotic components have a direct link to important ecosystem services, especially those related to carbon storage and sequestration. No quantitative assessment is currently available for these services and the role of the desert in this matter remains unclear. We propose an approach to estimate above-ground biomass (AGB) using Landsat-8 data, which we tested in the Taparacá region, located in the northern section of the desert. To calibrate and validate the models, we used field data from 86 plots and several spectral indexes (NDVI, EVI and SAVI) obtained from the provisional Landsat-8 Surface-reflectance products. We applied randomised branch sampling and allometry principles (non-destructive methods) to collect biomass samples for all plant biological types: wetlands, steppes, shrubs and trees. All samples were dried in an oven until they reached constant weight and the final values were used to extrapolate dry matter content (AGB) to each plot in terms of kg m-2. We used all available scenes from September 2014 to August 2015 to calculate the maximum, minimum and average value for each index in each pixel within this period. For modeling, we used the method based on classification and regression trees called random forest (RF), available in the statistical software R-Project. The explained variance obtained by the RF algorithm was around 80-85%, and it improved when a wetland vector layer was used as the predictive factor in the model to reach the range 85-90%. The mean error was 1.45 kg m-2 of dry matter. The best model was obtained using the maximum and mean values of SAVI and EVI indexes. We were able to estimate total biomass storage of around 8 million tons (~ 4 million tons of C) for the whole region.


2012 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Jelonkiewicz ◽  
Andrzej Borowy

In the first two years of study, method of cultivation did not affect the emergence of cucumber seedlings. In the third year, a drought occurring during the spring was the cause of poor seedling emergence on no-tilled plots. Six weeks after seed sowing, the shoots of cucumbers grown on the no-tilled plots were much shorter, especially in the last study year. At the time of cucumber seed sowing, no-tilled soil contained less phosphorus and potassium and in the middle of the fructification period the content of these elements in cucumber leaves was higher under no-tillage cultivation. Additional spring fertilization of rye with ammonium nitrate resulted in a higher N-NO<sub>3</sub> content in soil and later in a higher nitrogen content of cucumber leaves. The content of calcium and magnesium in soil and than in cucumber leaves was independent of the cultivation method. In the first two years, method of cultivation did not affect the yield of cucumber fruits and in the third year the yield was much lower under no-tillage because of poor seedling emergence. Moreover, in the third year the fruits were smaller and dry matter content of the fruit was significantly higer under no-tillage cultivation.


Author(s):  
H. J. Hernández ◽  
T. Acuña ◽  
P. Reyes ◽  
M. Torres ◽  
E. Figueroa

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is known as the driest place on Earth, with an average rainfall of about 15 mm per year. Despite these conditions, it contains a rich variety of flora with hundreds of species characterised by their extraordinary ability to adapt to this extreme environment. These biotic components have a direct link to important ecosystem services, especially those related to carbon storage and sequestration. No quantitative assessment is currently available for these services and the role of the desert in this matter remains unclear. We propose an approach to estimate above-ground biomass (AGB) using Landsat-8 data, which we tested in the Taparacá region, located in the northern section of the desert. To calibrate and validate the models, we used field data from 86 plots and several spectral indexes (NDVI, EVI and SAVI) obtained from the provisional Landsat-8 Surface-reflectance products. We applied randomised branch sampling and allometry principles (non-destructive methods) to collect biomass samples for all plant biological types: wetlands, steppes, shrubs and trees. All samples were dried in an oven until they reached constant weight and the final values were used to extrapolate dry matter content (AGB) to each plot in terms of kg m-2. We used all available scenes from September 2014 to August 2015 to calculate the maximum, minimum and average value for each index in each pixel within this period. For modeling, we used the method based on classification and regression trees called random forest (RF), available in the statistical software R-Project. The explained variance obtained by the RF algorithm was around 80-85%, and it improved when a wetland vector layer was used as the predictive factor in the model to reach the range 85-90%. The mean error was 1.45 kg m-2 of dry matter. The best model was obtained using the maximum and mean values of SAVI and EVI indexes. We were able to estimate total biomass storage of around 8 million tons (~ 4 million tons of C) for the whole region.


2002 ◽  
Vol 127 (6) ◽  
pp. 984-990 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Schwarz ◽  
H.-P. Kläring ◽  
M.W. van Iersel ◽  
K.T. Ingram

An increase in nutrient solution concentration to produce high-quality fruit vegetables, such as tomatoes, may reduce growth and yield. One reason might be inhibition of photosynthesis, but results of photosynthesis studies in the literature are inconsistent. In this study, we investigated growth and photosynthesis of whole `Celebrity' and `Counter' tomato [Lycopersicon esculentum (L.) Mill.] plants in response to nutrient solution concentration, measured as electrical conductivity (EC). The effects of two levels of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPF = 400 or 625 μmol·m-2·s-1) on plant response to nutrient solution EC in a range between 1.25 to 8.75 dS·m-1 in a series of four experiments in gas exchange chambers placed in larger growth chambers were examined. Increasing PPF enhanced tomato growth and photosynthesis but increasing EC diminished them. Reduction of dry weight was 1.9% to 7.3%, while plant photosynthesis was reduced between 1.7% and 4.5% for each 1 dS·m-1. Increasing EC did not decrease dry matter content and leaf photosynthesis. Mean plant dry matter content ranged between 70 and 95 g·kg-1, and net leaf photosynthesis on the last measurement day was between 7.5 and 11.3 μmol·m-2·s-1, depending on experiment. The decrease in whole plant photosynthesis with an increase in EC was caused by decreased leaf area but not by a decrease in leaf photosynthesis.


2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Moniruzzaman ◽  
MH Akand ◽  
MI Hossain ◽  
MD Sarkar ◽  
A Ullah

An experiment was carried out at farmer’s field in Debigonj, Panchagorh during November 2009 to February 2010 to evaluate the effect of four levels of applied nitrogen on the growth and yield of carrot. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The maximum plant height (47.36 cm), root length (16.17 cm), fresh weight of leaves (145.1 g), dry matter content (11.66 g) of leaves, fresh weight of root (68.33 g), dry matter content of root (15.90%), gross yield (22.55 t/ha) and marketable yield (20.67 t/ha) were found in 100 kg N/ha. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v11i1.15246 The Agriculturists 2013; 11(1) 76-81


1977 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. N. Maurya ◽  
K. N. Rai ◽  
S. Lal

SUMMARYAn investigation was carried out to study the effects of boron (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg/ha) and nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg/ha) on the growth and yield of radish cv Pusa Rashmi. Various growth characters such as number, fresh weight and dry matter content of leaves, and length, girth, fresh weight and dry matter content of roots increased with increase in boron and nitrogen levels, the highest application of both nutrients giving the best results. Treatment combinations showed significant effects on fresh weight of leaves and roots, with the best results from 3 kg boron + 200 kg of nitrogen/ha.


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