Losses in grain yield of winter crops from Lolium rigidum competition depend on crop species, cultivar and season

AbstractIntercropping increases the grain yield to feed the ever-growing population in the world by cultivating two crop species on the same area of land. It has been proven that N-fertilizer postponed topdressing can boost the productivity of cereal/legume intercropping. However, whether the application of this technology to cereal/cereal intercropping can still increase grain yield is unclear. A field experiment was conducted from 2018 to 2020 in the arid region of northwestern China to investigate the accumulation and distribution of dry matter and yield performance of wheat/maize intercropping in response to N-fertilizer postponed topdressing application. There were three N application treatments (referred as N1, N2, N3) for maize and the total amount were all 360 kg N ha−1. N fertilizer were applied at four time, i.e. prior to sowing, at jointing stage, at pre-tasseling stage, and at 15 days post-silking stage, respectively. The N3 treatment was traditionally used for maize production and allocations subjected to these four stages were 2:3:4:1. The N1 and N2 were postponed topdressing treatments which allocations were 2:1:4:3 and 2:2:4:2, respectively. The results showed that the postponed topdressing N fertilizer treatments boosted the maximum average crop growth rate (CGR) of wheat/maize intercropping. The N1 and N2 treatments increased the average maximum CGR by 32.9% and 16.4% during the co-growth period, respectively, and the second average maximum CGR was increased by 29.8% and 12.6% during the maize recovery growth stage, respectively, compared with the N3 treatment. The N1 treatment was superior to other treatments, since it increased the CGR of intercropped wheat by 44.7% during the co-growth period and accelerated the CGR of intercropped maize by 29.8% after the wheat had been harvested. This treatment also increased the biomass and grain yield of intercropping by 8.6% and 33.7%, respectively, compared with the current N management practice. This yield gain was primarily attributable to the higher total translocation of dry matter. The N1 treatment increased the transfer amount of intercropped wheat by 28.4% from leaf and by 51.6% from stem, as well as increased the intercropped maize by 49.0% of leaf, 36.6% of stem, and 103.6% of husk, compared to N3 treatment, respectively. Integrated the N fertilizer postponed topdressing to the wheat/maize intercropping system have a promotion effect on increasing the translocation of dry matter to grain in vegetative organs. Therefore, the harvest index of intercropped wheat and maize with N1 was 5.9% and 5.3% greater than that of N3, respectively. This demonstrated that optimizing the management of N fertilizer can increase the grain yield from wheat/maize intercropping via the promotion of accumulation and translocation of dry matter.

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Growth and grain yield of eight maize hybrids is aligned with water transport, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis in a semi-arid irrigated system

10.1101/2021.02.04.429760 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sean M Gleason ◽

Lauren Nalezny ◽

Cameron Hunter ◽

Robert Bensen ◽

Satya Chintamanani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stomatal Conductance ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Water Transport ◽

Co2 Assimilation ◽

Specific Conductance ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

Transport Pathway ◽

Crop Species ◽

Leaf Level ◽

Improved Performance

There is increasing interest in understanding how trait networks can be manipulated to improve the performance of crop species. Working towards this goal, we have identified key traits linking the acquisition of water, the transport of water to the sites of evaporation and photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and growth across eight maize hybrid lines grown under well-watered and water-limiting conditions in Northern Colorado. Under well-watered conditions, well-performing hybrids exhibited high leaf-specific conductance, low operating water potentials, high rates of midday stomatal conductance, high rates of net CO2 assimilation, greater leaf osmotic adjustment, and higher end-of-season growth and grain yield. This trait network was similar under water-limited conditions with the notable exception that linkages between water transport, midday stomatal conductance, and growth were even stronger than under fully-watered conditions. The results of this experiment suggest that similar trait networks might confer improved performance under contrasting climate and soil conditions, and that efforts to improve the performance of crop species could possibly benefit by considering the water transport pathway within leaves, as well as within the whole-xylem, in addition to root-level and leaf-level traits.

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Influence of row spacing and cultivar selection on annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) control and grain yield in chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Crop and Pasture Science ◽

10.1071/cp18436 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 (2) ◽

pp. 140 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gulshan Mahajan ◽

Kerry McKenzie ◽

Bhagirath S. Chauhan

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Cicer Arietinum ◽

Weed Management ◽

Integrated Management ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Integrated Weed Management ◽

Row Spacing ◽

Annual Ryegrass ◽

Lolium Rigidum ◽

Narrow Row

Annual ryegrass (ARG) (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) is a problematic weed for chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production in Australia. Understanding the critical period of control of ARG in chickpea is important for developing effective integrated management strategies to prevent unacceptable yield loss. Experiments were conducted over 2 years at the research farm of the University of Queensland, Gatton, to evaluate the effect of chickpea row spacing (25 and 75cm) and cultivar (PBA Seamer and PBA HatTrick) and ARG infestation period (from 0, 3 and 6 weeks after planting (WAP), and weed-free) on ARG suppression and grain yield of chickpea. Year×treatment interactions were not significant for any parameter, and none of the treatment combinations showed any interaction for grain yield. Average grain yield was greater (20%) with 25-cm than 75-cm rows. On average, PBA Seamer had 9% higher yield than PBA HatTrick. Average grain yield was lowest in season-long weedy plots (562kg ha–1) and highest in weed-free plots (1849kg ha–1). Grain yield losses were lower when ARG emerged at 3 WAP (1679kg ha–1). Late-emerged ARG (3 and 6 WAP) had lower biomass (4.7–22.2g m–2) and number of spikes (5–24m–2) than ARG that emerged early; at 0 WAP, weed biomass was 282–337g m–2 and number of spikes 89–120m–2. Compared with wide row spacing, narrow row spacing suppressed ARG biomass by 16% and 52% and reduced number of spikes of ARG by 26% and 48% at 0 WAP and 3 WAP, respectively. PBA Seamer suppressed ARG growth more effectively than PBA HatTrick, but only in the season-long weedy plots. Our results imply that in ARG-infested fields, grain yield of chickpea can be increased by exploring narrow row spacing and weed-competitive cultivars. These cultural tools could be useful for developing integrated weed management tactics in chickpea in combination with pre-emergent herbicides.

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Comparing the nitrogen and phosphorus requirements of canola and wheat for grain yield and quality

Crop and Pasture Science ◽

10.1071/cp08401 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 60 (6) ◽

pp. 566 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

R. F. Brennan ◽

M. D. A. Bolland

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Protein Concentration ◽

Grain Production ◽

Wheat Grain ◽

Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽

Brassica Napus L ◽

Crop Species ◽

Oil Concentration ◽

Four Levels ◽

Yield Responses

Canola (oilseed rape, Brassica napus L.) is now grown in rotation with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on the predominantly sandy soils of south-western Australia. For both crop species, fertiliser nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) need to be applied for profitable grain production. The fertiliser N requirements have been determined separately for canola or wheat when adequate P was applied. By contrast, the fertiliser P requirements of the 2 species have been compared in the same experiment when adequate N was applied and showed that canola consistently required ~25–60% less P than wheat to produce 90% of the maximum grain yield. We report results of a field experiment conducted at 7 sites from 2000 to 2003 in the region to compare grain yield responses of canola and wheat to application of N and P in the same experiment. Four levels of N (0–138 kg N/ha as urea [46% N]) and 6 levels of P (0–40 kg P/ha as superphosphate [9.1%P]) were applied. Significant grain yield responses to applied N and P occurred for both crop species at all sites of the experiment, and the N × P interaction for grain production was always significant. To produce 90% of the maximum grain yield, canola required ~40% more N (range 16–75%) than wheat, and ~25% less P (range 12–43%) than wheat. For both crop species at 7 sites, applying increasing levels of N had no significant effect on the level of P required for 90% of maximum grain yield, although at 1 site the level of P required to achieve the target yield for both crop species when no N was applied (nil-N treatment) was significantly lower than for the other 3 treatments treated with N. For both crop species at all 7 sites, applying increasing levels of P increased the level of N required for 90% of the maximum grain yield. Fertiliser P had no significant effect on protein concentration in canola and wheat grain, and oil concentration in canola grain. As found in previous studies, application of increasing levels of N decreased oil concentration while increasing protein concentration in canola grain, and increased protein concentration in wheat grain. The N × P interaction was not significant for protein or oil concentration in grain. Protein concentrations in canola grain were about double those found in wheat grain.

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Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) reduces the uptake and utilisation of fertiliser-nitrogen by wheat

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar00085 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 52 (5) ◽

pp. 573 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

J. A. Palta ◽

S. Peltzer

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Field Trial ◽

N Uptake ◽

Wheat Plant ◽

Control Treatment ◽

Grain Protein ◽

Annual Ryegrass ◽

Lolium Rigidum ◽

Plant Densities ◽

Rates Of Growth

The effect of timing of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) emergence on the uptake and utilisation of N by wheat was investigated in a field trial on a duplex soil at Katanning, Western Australia, and in a glasshouse study in which 15N-fertiliser was applied. Three treatments were used to investigate the effect of timing of annual ryegrass emergence on the uptake and utilisation of N by wheat: simultaneous sowing of wheat and annual ryegrass, sowing of annual ryegrass 1 week before wheat, and sowing of the annual ryegrass 1 week after wheat. A control treatment, consisting of wheat sown alone, was also included. Plant densities during the field trial were 105 and 140 plants/m2 for wheat and annual ryegrass, respectively, whereas in the glasshouse they were 105 plants/m2 for wheat and 155 plants/m2 for annual ryegrass. Fertiliser-N was applied at seeding of wheat at 50 kg N/ha in the field trial and 60 kg N/ha in the glasshouse. The introduction of annual ryegrass into the wheat system reduced the production of biomass and the grain yield of wheat. The earlier the annual ryegrass was introduced into the system, the greater the reduction in the biomass and grain yield of wheat. Poor tillering and slow rates of growth were accountable for the reduction in biomass, whilst the reduction in wheat grain yield was caused by the reductions in ear number, kernels per ear, and kernel size. Grain N content and hence grain protein was also reduced by the introduction of annual ryegrass into the wheat system. Irrespective of the timing of introduction of annual ryegrass, the low N uptake of wheat resulted from a reduction in the uptake of both soil and fertiliser-N. This indicates that annual ryegrass competed with wheat not only for the fertiliser-N that was applied at seeding of wheat, but also for mineralised soil N. The competition for N reduced the total recoveries of fertiliser-N in the wheat plant. Total recoveries of fertiliser-N in the wheat plant suggest that 59% of the fertiliser-N was not taken up by wheat when annual ryegrass was sown 1 week earlier than wheat or at the same time as wheat, whereas only 32% was not taken up by the wheat when annual ryegrass was sown 1 week later than wheat. More competitive wheat genotypes would be those with better efficiency in the uptake of N and its utilisation in maintaining yield and grain protein under infestations of annual ryegrass.

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Fertiliser N and P applications on two Vertosols in north-eastern Australia. 1. Comparative grain yield responses for two different cultivation ages

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar07169 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 59 (3) ◽

pp. 247 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

David W. Lester ◽

Colin J. Birch ◽

Chris W. Dowling

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Yield Response ◽

Average Yield ◽

Crop Species ◽

Winter Cereal ◽

North West ◽

The North ◽

Winter Cereals ◽

Eastern Australia

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the 2 most limiting nutrients for grain production within the northern grains region of Australia. The response to fertiliser N and P inputs is influenced partly by the age of cultivation for cropping, following a land use change from native pasture. There are few studies that have assessed the effects of both N and P fertiliser inputs on grain yield and soil fertility in the long term on soils with contrasting ages of cultivation with fertility levels that are running down v. those already at the new equilibrium. Two long-term N × P experiments were established in the northern grains region: one in 1985 on an old (>40 years) cultivation soil on the Darling Downs, Qld; the second in 1996 on relatively new (10 years) cultivation on the north-west plains of NSW. Both experiments consisted of fertiliser N rates from nil to 120 kg N/ha.crop in factorial combination with fertiliser P from nil to 20 kg P/ha.crop. Opportunity cropping is practiced at both sites, with winter and summer cereals and legumes sown. On the old cultivation soil, fertiliser N responses were large and consistent for short-fallow crops, while long fallowing reduced the size and frequency of N response. Short-fallow sorghum in particular has responded up to the highest rate of fertiliser N (120 kg N/ha.crop). Average yield increase with fertiliser N compared with nil for 5 short-fallow sorghum crops was 1440, 2650, and 3010 kg/ha for the 40, 80, and 120 kg N/ha, respectively. Average agronomic efficiency of N for these crops was 36, 33, and 25 kg grain/kg fertiliser N applied. This contrasts with relatively new cultivation soil, where fertiliser N response was generally limited to the first 30 kg N/ha applied during periods of high cropping intensity. Response to P input was consistent for crop species, VAM sensitivity, and starting soil test P level. At both the old and new cultivation sites, generally all winter cereals responded to a 10 kg P/ha application, and more than half of long-fallow sorghum crops from both sites had increased grain yield with P application. At the old cultivation site, average yield gain for 10 kg P/ha.crop treatment was 480 kg/ha for all winter cereal sowings, and 180 kg/ha for long-fallow sorghum. Short-fallow sorghum did not show yield response to P treatment.

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Molinate (S-ethyl hexahydro-1H-azepine-1-carbothioate) controls red rice (Oryza sativa) in the Burdekin Valley of North Queensland

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1071/ea9900841 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

pp. 841 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

JE Barnes

Keyword(s):

Oryza Sativa ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Weed Suppression ◽

Red Rice ◽

Whole Grain ◽

Grain Number ◽

Grain Moisture ◽

Winter Crops ◽

Low Levels ◽

1000 Grain Weight

Molinate controlled red rice (Oryza sativa) in commercial rice (O. sativa cv. Starbonnet) giving an increasing response at rates of 3.6, 4.3, 5.0, 5.7, 6.4, 7.2, 7.9 kg a.i./ha in 1 summer and 2 winter crops. No crop injury was observed at any rate of molinate, and grain yield, grain moisture, 1000-grain weight, head counts, grain number per head, germination counts, percentage bran and head yield were not affected. In 2 experiments, the percentage of whole grain was not affected by the chemical but in 1 experiment percentage whole grain increased with the rate of chemical used. Molinate provides a substantial level of control of red rice in commercial rice but the response to the herbicide is variable. In some crops weed suppression up to about 50% control is all that can be achieved, but in other crops controls of >90% are achievable. With the low levels of infestation that usually occur in North Queensland these levels of control are acceptable.

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Zero-tillage influence on canola, field pea and wheat in a dry subhumid region: Agronomic and physiological responses

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/cjps94-078 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 74 (3) ◽

pp. 411-420 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Sylvia Borstlap ◽

Martin H. Entz

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Soil Water ◽

Water Use ◽

Field Pea ◽

Water Extraction ◽

Water Evaporation ◽

Zero Tillage ◽

Crop Species ◽

Tillage System ◽

Soil Water Extraction

Field trials were conducted over 4 site-years in southern Manitoba to compare the response of Katepwa wheat, Westar canola and Victoria field pea to zero tillage (ZT). The experimental design was a split plot with tillage system as the mainplot (ZT vs. conventional tillage (CT)) and crop species as the subplot. All crops received protection from insect, weed and disease pests. Tillage system had only a limited impact on crop dry matter accumulation or grain quality. Where differences were observed, crop performance was enhanced under ZT. Seasonal evapotranspiration (ET) was either reduced or unaffected by ZT, while ET efficiency (ETE: kg ha−1 mm−1 ET) was either increased or unchanged by the shift from CT to ZT. Higher ETE under ZT was attributed to less soil water evaporation. Significant tillage system × crop species (T × S) interactions for growth parameters, ET and ETE indicated that field pea often benefitted more than wheat or canola from ZT. A significant T × S interaction at one of the four sites indicated that water extraction between 30 and 90 cm was higher for pea and canola in the ZT compared with CT treatment, while soil water extraction by wheat was reduced under ZT. At a second site, lower ET for all three crops under ZT was attributed to reduced water use between 90 and 130 cm. Despite some effects of ZT on crop growth and water use, no significant tillage, T × S, or site × tillage interactions were observed for grain yield. It was concluded that under the conditions of this study (i.e. precipitation and temperature conditions close to the long-term average), Westar canola, Victoria field pea and Katepwa wheat were, for the most part, equally suited to ZT production. Key words: Soil water extraction, evapotranspiration efficiency, crop quality, grain yield, canopy development

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Biopore-Induced Deep Root Traits of Two Winter Crops

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture10120634 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 634

Author(s):

Ning Huang ◽

Miriam Athmann ◽

Eusun Han

Keyword(s):

Soil Depth ◽

Root Traits ◽

Rooting Depth ◽

Crop Species ◽

Deep Root ◽

Rooting Density ◽

Arable Fields ◽

Soil Monolith ◽

Winter Crops

Deeper root growth can be induced by increased biopore density. In this study, we aimed to compare deep root traits of two winter crops in field conditions in response to altered biopore density as affected by crop sequence. Two fodder crop species—chicory and tall fescue—were grown for two consecutive years as preceding crops (pre-crops). Root traits of two winter crops—barley and canola, which were grown as subsequent crops (post-crops)—were measured using the profile wall and soil monolith method. While barley and canola differed greatly in deep root traits, they both significantly increased rooting density inside biopores by two-fold at soil depths shallower than 100 cm. A similar increase in rooting density in the bulk soil was observed below 100 cm soil depth. As a result, rooting depth significantly increased (>5 cm) under biopore-rich conditions throughout the season of the winter crops. Morphological root traits revealed species-wise variation in response to altered biopore density, in which only barley increased root size under biopore-rich conditions. We concluded that large-sized biopores induce deeper rooting of winter crops that can increase soil resource acquisition potential, which is considered to be important for agricultural systems with less outsourced farm resources, e.g., Organic Agriculture. Crops with contrasting root systems can respond differently to varying biopore density, especially root morphology, which should be taken into account upon exploiting biopore-rich conditions in arable fields. Our results also indicate the need for further detailed research with a greater number of species, varieties and genotypes for functional classification of root plasticity against the altered subsoil structure.

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