Adjusting cotton planting density under the climatic conditions of Henan Province, China

Confronted with the great challenges of globally growing populations and food shortages, society must achieve future food security by increasing grain output and narrowing the gap between potential yields and farmers’ actual yields. This study attempts to diagnose the climatic and agronomic dimensions of oat yield gaps and further to explore their restrictions. A conceptual framework was put forward to analyze the different dimensions of yield gaps and their limiting factors. We quantified the potential yield (Yp), attainable yield (Yt), experimental yield (Ye), and farmers’ actual yield (Ya) of oat, and evaluated three levels of yield gaps in a rain-fed cropping system in North and Northeast China (NC and NEC, respectively). The results showed that there were great differences in the spatial distributions of the four kinds of yields and three yield gaps. The average yield gap between Yt and Ye (YG-II) was greater than the yield gap between Yp and Yt (YG-I). The yield gap between Ye and Ya (YG-III) was the largest among the three yield gaps at most sites, which indicated that farmers have great potential to increase their crop yields. Due to non-controllable climatic conditions (e.g., light and temperature) for obtaining Yp, reducing YG-I is extremely difficult. Although YG-II could be narrowed through enriching soil nutrients, it is not easy to improve soil quality in the short term. In contrast, narrowing YG-III is the most feasible for farmers by means of introducing high-yield crop varieties and optimizing agronomic managements (e.g., properly adjusting sowing dates and planting density). This study figured out various dimensions of yield gaps and investigated their limiting factors, which should be helpful to increase farmers’ yields and regional crop production, as long as these restrictions are well addressed.

Download Full-text

Effect and interaction of crop management factors and crop year on the yield of maize (Zea mays L.)

Acta Agraria Debreceniensis ◽

10.34101/actaagrar/2/7406 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 31-41

Author(s):

Karamchand Bramdeo ◽

Tamás Rátonyi

Keyword(s):

Plant Density ◽

Crop Management ◽

Growing Season ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Planting Density ◽

High Yield ◽

Treatment Level ◽

Adverse Weather ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Management Factors

The aim of this study was to determine the combination of treatment levels of crop management factors which can optimize and sustain maize yield under varying climatic conditions. The effect of winter wheat forecrop, three tillage systems (Mouldboard-MT, Strip-ST, Ripper-RT), two planting densities (60,000 & 80,000 plants ha-1), three fertilizer levels (N0-control, N80, N160 kg ha-1) with four replications in irrigated and non-irrigated treatments were evaluated over a five year period, 2015–2019. The obtained results revealed that growing season rainfall positively correlated with yield, whereas, temperature negatively correlated with yield. Impact of adverse weather on yield was less severe in biculture, irrigated plots, at lower planting density (60,000), lower fertilizer rate (N80) and in RT and ST, compared to MT. In years with favorable rainfall, yields of MT and RT were significantly (P<0.05) higher than ST. However, in a less favorable year, such as 2015, with 299 mm growing season rainfall and the lowest July rainfall (59% below mean) there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in yield among the three tillage treatments. Higher planting density (80,000), and fertilization rate (N160) in tandem with MT are treatments combination conducive for high yield under favorable climatic conditions, whereas, in years with low rainfall and high temperatures, RT and ST offer alternative to MT for optimum yield with 60,000 plants ha-1 and N80 treatment level. Crop year effect accounted for 20.7% of yield variance, fertilization 35.8%, forecrop 12.8%, plant density 3.4%, tillage 1.2% and irrigation <1%. It is conclusive that with proper selection of the appropriate levels of agrotechnological inputs the adverse effect of weather on yield can be mitigated.

Download Full-text

Evaluation and prioritization of rice production practices and constraints under temperate climatic conditions using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP)

Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.5424/sjar/2016144-8699 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. e0909 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Shabir A. Mir ◽

Theagarajan Padma

Keyword(s):

Decision Support ◽

Analytical Hierarchy Process ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Rice Production ◽

Planting Density ◽

Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process ◽

Decision Outcomes ◽

Decision Choices ◽

Production Practices ◽

Hierarchy Process

Due to overwhelming complex and vague nature of interactions between multiple factors describing agriculture, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods are widely used from farm to fork to facilitate systematic and transparent decision support, figure out multiple decision outcomes and equip decision maker with confident decision choices in order to choose best alternative. This research proposes a Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) based decision support to evaluate and prioritize important factors of rice production practices and constraints under temperate climatic conditions and provides estimate of weightings, which measure relative importance of critical factors of the crop under biotic, abiotic, socio-economic and technological settings. The results envisage that flood, drought, water logging, late sali, temperature and rainfall are important constraints. However, regulating transplantation time; maintaining planting density; providing training to the educated farmers; introducing high productive varieties like Shalimar Rice-1 and Jhelum; better management of nutrients, weeds and diseases are most important opportunities to enhance rice production in the region. Therefore, the proposed system supplements farmers with precise decision information about important rice production practices, opportunities and constraints.

Download Full-text

Determination of Basal Temperature and Its Relationship With Jatropha Crop in Irrigated and Non-irrigated System

Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.5539/jas.v11n2p465 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 465

Author(s):

Diogo H. M. Moraes ◽

Derblai Casaroli ◽

Adão W. P. Evangelista ◽

José Alves Júnior ◽

Rafael Battisti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plant Development ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Planting Density ◽

Effect Of Temperature ◽

Coefficient Of Determination ◽

Plant Responses ◽

Air Temperatures ◽

Crop Development ◽

Thermal Sum ◽

Two Phases

Full plant growth and development require, among others, air temperatures and water availability at levels appropriate to each crop. The effect of temperature on plant development can be represented by the thermal sum, which requires the lower basal temperature for each plant species. However, plant responses may be different when associated with different soil water contents. This work determined the lower and upper basal temperature of Jatropha curcas L. and verified the relationship between thermal sum and crop development under different water regimes, in the climatic conditions of Goiânia, GO, Brazil. We evaluated twenty-four plants cultivated at the planting density of 2,222.2 plants ha-1. Of these, twelve plants were irrigated from October 2010 to October 2012, whereas the other twelve remained unirrigated. Basal temperatures were estimated by four different methods described in the literature, in two phases of observation, maturity and total cycle. From the results, regression analysis was performed. The lower basal temperature was 4.9 and 7.2 °C, and upper basal temperature was 38.8 and 36.8 °C, respectively, for the maturity and total cycle stages. The accumulated thermal sum for the complete plant development of jatropha was 10,314.55 DD (±1574.73) for the non-irrigated treatment, and 9,260.67 DD (±735.06) for the irrigated treatment. The results of plant development showed good coefficient of determination in relation to the accumulated thermal sum.

Download Full-text

Partial exclusion of precipitation: throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception in Eucalyptus plantations in southern Brazil

Ambiente e Agua - An Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Science ◽

10.4136/ambi-agua.2645 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Gian Carlos Poleto ◽

Dione Richer Momolli ◽

Mauro Valdir Schumacher ◽

Aline Aparecida Ludvichak ◽

Kristiana Fiorentin dos Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Open Field ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Planting Density ◽

Rainfall Regime ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Canopy Interception ◽

Physiological Maturity ◽

Eucalyptus Plantations ◽

Partial Exclusion ◽

Maturity Management

Hydrological behavior in reforested watersheds is different from that under other forms of cover. The variation may be related to aspects intrinsic to species, planting density, physiological maturity, management system and climatic conditions. Periodically, climatic anomalies such as the case of La Ninã are observed, and these are responsible for the alteration of the rainfall regime and consequently generate water deficits in the southern region of Brazil. Water deficit is responsible for reducing growth and productivity for the Eucalyptus genus, in addition to causing changes in hydrological behavior in reforested watersheds. Accordingly, this study compared the partition of rainfall in throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception of eucalyptus trees submitted or not to partial exclusion of precipitation. In the open field, 3 rainfall collectors were installed, and in the stand, for each rain exclusion treatment, 9 throughfall collectors and 9 stemflow collectors were installed. Every two weeks for 12 months, the volume of the collectors was measured. The quantified precipitation was 1627 mm over a year. In the treatment without exclusion, 84.8, 2.9 and 12.3% referred to throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception, respectively, while in the treatment excluding rainfall 80.6, 2.3 and 17.2% referred to throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception. The regression adjustments for throughfall and stemflow showed satisfactory R2 coefficients.

Download Full-text

Agro-ecological assessment of new generation potato varieties in the conditions of the Central Russia

Kartofel` i ovoshi ◽

10.25630/pav.2021.77.11.006 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 29-33

Author(s):

А.Э. Шабанов ◽

А.И. Киселев

Keyword(s):

Sandy Loam ◽

Statistical Processing ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Planting Density ◽

Research Centre ◽

Yield Data ◽

Potato Varieties ◽

Central Russia ◽

Experimental Base ◽

New Generation

Цель исследований – сравнительная оценка новых сортов картофеля по комплексу хозяйственно ценных признаков (адаптивность, продуктивность, показатели качества, устойчивость к патогенам, лежкость при хранении, пригодность к переработке на различные виды картофелепродуктов) в конкретных почвенно-климатических условиях. Исследования проводили в 2019–2020 годах на экспериментальной базе «Коренево» ФГБНУ «ФИЦ картофеля имени А.Г. Лорха» (Московская область) на дерново-подзолистой супесчаной почве с низким содержанием гумуса (1,7–1,8%), высоким – подвижного фосфора (278–342 мг/кг почвы) и ниже среднего – подвижного калия (64–130 мг/кг почвы). Густота посадки – 44 тыс. клубней на га по схеме 75×30 см. В агроэкологическом испытании были представлены 45 сортов картофеля разных групп спелости, в т. ч. 41 российской селекции нового поколения, а четыре, наиболее распространенные, использовались в качестве стандартов (Удача, Невский, Гала, Ред Скарлетт). Фенологические наблюдения, определение биометрических показателей растений, качества клубней, продуктивность, статистическую обработку данных урожайности проводили по общепринятым методикам. Для большей наглядности и информативности исследуемые сорта были сгруппированы по уровням урожайности (>45; 40–45; 35–40; <35 т/га). Максимально высокая урожайность (>45 т/га) получена в среднем за 2 года по сортам: Дебют, Варяг, Гранд, Барин; с уровнем 40–45 т/га – Кумач, Пламя, Удача, Краса Мещеры, Красавчик, Невский; с уровнем 35–40 т/га – Нальчикский, Гала, Садон, Сальса, Держава, Сударыня, Утро, Сигнал, Дачница; с уровнем 30–35 т/га – Корчма, Терра, Брусничка, Гибрид 6–14–11, Захар, Зумба, Юбиляр, Сердолик, Смак, Третьяковка, Ред Скарлетт, Сиверский, Августин. Урожайность остальных сортов была ниже 30 т/га. Выделены сорта с повышенным содержанием сухого вещества, крахмала, белка, витамина С и наименьшему накоплению редуцирующих сахаров. Проведена оценка потребительских и столовых качеств клубней. Определены кулинарный тип сортов и целевое использование продукции. The aim of the research is a comparative assessment of new potato varieties based on a complex of economically valuable characteristics (adaptability, productivity, quality indicators, resistance to pathogens, suitability for storage and processing of various types of potato products) in a specific soil and climatic conditions. The research was carried out in 2019–2020 at the experimental base Korenevo of Russian Potato Research Centre (Moscow region) on sod-podzolic sandy loam soil with a low content of humus (1.7–1.8%), high – mobile phosphorus (278–342 mg/kg of soil) and below average – mobile potassium (64–130 mg/kg of soil). Planting density – 44 thousand tubers per ha according to the scheme 75×30 cm. In the agroecological trial, 45 potato varieties of different maturity groups were presented, including 41 of the new generation Russian selection, and 4, the most common, were used as standards (Udacha, Nevsky, Gala, Red Scarlett). Phenological observations, determination of biometric indicators of plants, quality of tubers, productivity, statistical processing of yield data were carried out according to generally accepted methods. For greater clarity and informativeness, the studied varieties were grouped by yield levels (>45; 40–45; 35–40; <35 t/ha). The highest yield (>45 t/ha) was obtained on average for 2 years for varieties: Debut, Varyag, Grand, Barin; with a level of 40–45 t/ha – Kumach, Plamya, Udacha, Crasa Meschery, Crasavchik, Nevsky; with a level of 35–40 t/ha – Nalchiksky, Gala, Sadon, Salsa, Derjava, Sudarinya, Utro, Signal, Dachnitsa; with a level of 30–35 t/ha – Corchma, Terra, Brusnichka, Hybrid 6–14–11, Zahar, Zumba, Yubiliar, Serdolik, Smak, Tretyakovka, Red Scarlett, Siversky, Avgustin. The yield of other varieties was below 30 t/ha. Varieties with a high content of dry matter, starch, protein, vitamin C and the lowest accumulation of reducing sugars were identified. The assessment of consumer and table qualities of tubers was carried out. The culinary type of varieties and the intended use of products were determined.

Download Full-text

Optimum oil palm planting density in West Africa

OCL ◽

10.1051/ocl/2017060 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. A201

Author(s):

Xavier Bonneau ◽

Reinout Impens ◽

Maxwell Buabeng

Keyword(s):

Oil Palm ◽

Equilateral Triangle ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Planting Density ◽

Annual Rainfall ◽

Density Range ◽

Area Index ◽

Oil Palms ◽

Set Up ◽

Fine Tune

This article follows on from an earlier one about the same experiment in 2014. A range of various planting distances (from 7.5 to 9.5 metres) between oil palms was tested using an equilateral triangle design. The current planting density experiment was set up in an oil palm plantation in Nigeria. The climatic conditions are quite stable, with two seasons and around 2000 mm of annual rainfall. The soil is of the desaturated ferralitic type, sandy on the surface, deep and without coarse elements. After twelve years of continual monitoring and extrapolation of the results obtained up to the end of the cycle, we concluded on an optimum planting density of between 143 and 160 oil palms per hectare in a monospecific, equilateral triangle planting design (i.e. a distance of 8.5 to 9 metres between palms). It will take another few years of yield recording to fine-tune the result. For 12-year-old palms, this density range corresponds to a Leaf Area Index of 3.5 to 4, a light interception percentage of 89 to 90 and a foliage overlap percentage of 51 to 68. A thinning treatment was included in the protocol. Thinning at eight years has not led to any advantage after four years.

Download Full-text

Effect of Planting Density and Harvest Interval on the Leaf Yield and Quality of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) under Diverse Agroecological Conditions of Northern South Africa

International Journal of Agronomy ◽

10.1155/2017/2941432 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

M. P. Mabapa ◽

K. K. Ayisi ◽

I. K. Mariga

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Chemical Composition ◽

Biomass Production ◽

Moringa Oleifera ◽

Plant Density ◽

Block Design ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Limpopo Province ◽

Planting Density ◽

Fodder Crops

Smallholder livestock farmers who depend on natural communal grazing lands are particularly vulnerable to climate change as well as to food insecurity and should be encouraged to grow drought-tolerant fodder crops. Moringa oleifera is a highly valued plant, due to its exceptionally high nutritional content. This study was conducted at two experimental sites in the Limpopo province of northern South Africa to evaluate for the first time the effect of plant density and cutting interval on biomass production and chemical composition of moringa grown under two diverse climatic conditions. Four different planting densities (435,000, 300,000, 200,000, and 100,000 plants/ha) were arranged in a randomized complete block design and experimental samples were replicated four times. Data for biomass and gravimetric soil moisture content were collected each time the plants reached a height of 50 cm. Harvested leaves were analysed for chemical composition. An increase in the plant density led to elevated biomass production at both study locations, ranging between 527 and 2867 kg/ha. Moringa is capable of meeting all nutrient requirements of livestock depending on harvest time and location.

Download Full-text