scholarly journals Characterization and Use of Nitrogen Contained in Sweet Corn Silage Waste in Cropping Systems

HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 610e-610
Author(s):  
Vincent A. Fritz ◽  
Gyles W. Randall ◽  
Carl J. Rosen

Sweet corn silage waste is ≈18% dry matter and contains 1.2% N and 0.26% P on a dry-weight basis. Silage waste in rates of 0 to 448 T·ha–1 was applied to a previously harvested sweet corn field in late summer. Beginning the following spring, soil samples were periodically collected to follow the rate of N mineralization. Field corn was planted to the site the following spring as the test crop. At harvest, grain, stover, and silage yields were recorded and N removal from the system was followed through grain and tissue sampling. Additional studies were also conducted to evaluate the impact of primary tillage method on subsequent N mobilization from sweet corn silage waste and to assess the residual N release potential beyond the first year following silage waste application. Results suggest that land application of sweet corn silage waste at 224 T·ha–1 would be environmentally responsible, provided that adequate nitrogen credit from the silage waste is integrated into the total nitrogen needs of the subsequent crop. Greater mineralization is achieved when the silage waste is moldboard plowed compared to chisel plowing. Chisel plowing could result in greater residual N carryover during the year following silage waste application. Seedling emergence rates were faster and grain yield was superior in some years in moldboard-plowed plots compared to chisel-plowed plots. Further calibration of additional N fertilizer on land that received silage waste is necessary for improved production efficiency and sweet corn silage waste use in production systems.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan M. Berlingeri ◽  
Joseph R. Lawrence ◽  
S. Sunoj ◽  
Karl J. Czymmek ◽  
Quirine M. Ketterings

A field nutrient balance (supplied minus harvested) can be an effective, end-of-season management evaluation tool. However, development of guidance for balance-based management requires knowledge of variability in balance inputs. To contribute to development of such guidelines, we evaluated the impact of corn silage hybrid selection, nutrient management, and growing conditions on field nitrogen (N) balances and documented variability in N and phosphorus (P) balances at the whole-farm, field, within-field levels. Variability in N removal among hybrids was evaluated using hybrid trials (5 locations, 4 years each). Variability in farm and field balances (4 farms, 2 years each) and within-field balances (2 farms, 2 years each) was assessed as well. Nitrogen supply comprised soil N (soil type-specific book values), rotation N, past manure N, and current year N (fertilizer and/or manure). Total N balances included all current year manure N while available N balances considered only plant-available N from manure. Phosphorus balances were derived as total P applied minus P harvested. Yield explained 81% of the variability in N uptake across hybrids. Nitrogen uptake intensity (NUI; N uptake per unit of yield) varied across locations and years, averaging 4.3 ± 0.1 kg N/Mg for short-season hybrids [≤95 days-to-maturity (DTM)] vs. 4.1 ± 0.1 kg N Mg−1 for longer-season hybrids. Whole-farm N balances ranged from 139 to 251 kg N ha−1 for total N and 43 to 106 kg N ha−1 for available N. Phosphorus balances ranged from 28 to 154 kg P ha−1. Balances per field ranged from −8 to 453, −66 to 250 kg N ha−1, and −30 to 315 kg P ha−1 for total N, available N, and total P, respectively, while within-field balances showed even larger ranges. We conclude that (1) variability in corn silage N and P balances at field and within-field scales and across year is large, emphasizing the need for field and within-field (where feasible) evaluation tools and management options, and (2) feasible limits for N balances should include both total and available N.


2003 ◽  
Vol 128 (6) ◽  
pp. 864-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Juvik ◽  
Gad G. Yousef ◽  
Tae-Ho Han ◽  
Yaacov Tadmor ◽  
Fermin Azanza ◽  
...  

This study was conducted to identify the chromosomal location and magnitude of effect of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling sweet corn (Zea mays L.) stand establishment and investigate the impact of dry kernel characteristics on seedling emergence under field conditions. Genetic and chemical analysis was performed on two F2:3 populations (one homozygous for su1 and segregating for se1, the other homozygous for sh2 endosperm carbohydrate mutations) derived from crosses between parental inbreds that differed in field emergence and kernel chemical composition. A series of restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) and phenotypic markers distributed throughout the sweet corn genome were used to construct a genetic linkage map for each population. F2:3 families from the two populations were evaluated for seedling emergence and growth rate at four locations. Mature dry kernels of each family were assayed for kernel chemical and physiological parameters. Composite interval analysis revealed significant QTL associations with emergence and kernel chemical and physiological variables. Improved emergence was positively correlated with lower seed leachate conductivity, greater embryo dry weight, and higher kernel starch content. QTL affecting both field emergence and kernel characteristics were detected in both populations. In the su1 se1 population genomic regions significantly influencing emergence across all four environments were found associated with the se1 gene on chromosome 2 and the RFLP loci php200020 on chromosome 7 and umc160 on chromosome 8. In the sh2 population the RFLP loci umc131 on chromosome 2 and bnl9.08 on chromosome 8 were linked to QTL significantly affecting emergence. Since seedling emergence and kernel sugar content have been shown to be negatively correlated, undesirable effects on sweet corn eating quality associated with each emergence QTL is discussed. Segregating QTL linked to RFLP loci in these populations that exert significant effects on the studied traits are candidates for molecular marker-assisted selection to improve sweet corn seed quality.


Weed Science ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 712-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Légère ◽  
Yuguang Bai

The robustness of competitive attributes of cereals such as rapid and uniform seedling emergence, tillering, early biomass accumulation and canopy closure, and height advantage over weeds have not yet been tested under environmental conditions typical of no-till (NT) cropping systems. Our objective was to evaluate the effects or NT practices on growth and productivity ofAvena sativa, Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, and associated weeds. The experiment was conducted on a Kamouraska clay at La Pocatière, QC, in 1994, 1995, and 1996.Avena sativa, T. aestivum, andH. vulgarewere grown under tilled and NT practices. Cereal growth parameters were measured six (1994) or seven (1995) times between planting and the 11th week after planting but only once in 1996. Grain yields and yield components were determined at crop maturity.Avena sativaandH. vulgarepopulations were little affected by tillage, whereasT. aestivumpopulations were reduced by 16 to 20% in NT systems. Growth in height in NT systems was either similar or greater than in tilled systems in all three cereals. Cereal leaf area index (LAI) and biomass accumulation was also comparable between tillage systems, except forT. aestivumLAI in 1994, which was greater in tilled plots on two sampling dates. Response of annual dicots to tillage was inconsistent in all crops. Annual monocots dominated in some but not all NT systems. Perennial dicots dominated in NT systems, whereas perennial monocots were more abundant in tilled systems in all three cereals.Avena sativaandT. aestivumyields in NT plots were comparable or greater than in tilled plots, in spite of having either lower test weights (A. sativa) or lower 1,000-grain weights (T. aestivum). NTT. aestivumproductivity was maintained in spite of reduced plant establishment.Hordeum vulgareyields were also similar across tillage systems, except in 1995, when yields in tilled plots were greater than in NT plots. The height advantage observed for NTH. vulgaredid not result in improved yields. All three cereals, and particularlyA. sativa, appeared well suited to NT systems, despite the pressure provided by different weed groups, compared to tilled systems. However, results suggest that NT production of cereals could benefit from improved attention to perennial dicot control and crop seedling establishment, particularly forT. aestivum.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 367-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. B. Burken ◽  
B. L. Nuttelman ◽  
J. L. Gramkow ◽  
A. L. McGee ◽  
K. M. Sudbeck ◽  
...  

Abstract Corn plants were sampled over 2 consecutive years to assess the effects of corn hybrid maturity class, plant population, and harvest time on whole corn plant quality and yield in Nebraska. A finishing experiment evaluated the substitution of corn with corn silage in diets with corn modified distillers grains with solubles (MDGS). The first 2 harvest dates were at the mid- and late-silage harvest times whereas the final harvest was at the grain harvest stage of plant maturity. Whole plant yields increased as harvest time progressed (yr 1 quadratic P < 0.01; yr 2 linear P < 0.01). However, differences in TDN concentration in both years were quite minimal across harvest time, because grain percentage increased but residue NDF in-situ disappearance decreased as harvest time was delayed. In the finishing experiment, as corn silage inclusion increased from 15 to 55% (DM basis) by replacing dry rolled and high moisture corn grain with corn silage in diets containing 40% MDGS, DMI, ADG, and G:F linearly decreased (P ≤ 0.01), with the steers on the 15% corn silage treatment being 1.5%, 5.0%, and 7.7% more efficient than steers on treatments containing 30, 45, and 55% corn silage, respectively. Calculated dietary NEm and NEg decreased linearly as corn silage inclusion increased indicating that net energy values were greater for corn grain than for corn silage. In addition, dressing percentage decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as silage inclusion increased suggesting more fill as silage inclusion increases in diets. Cattle fed greater than 15% corn silage in finishing diets based on corn grain will gain slower and be slightly less efficient and likely require increased days to market at similar carcass fatness and size. When 30% silage was fed with 65% MDGS, DMI, and ADG were decreased (P < 0.01) compared to feeding 30% silage with 40% MDGS suggesting some benefit to including a proportion of corn in the diet. Conversely, when 45% silage was fed with 40% MDGS, ADG, and G:F were greater (P < 0.04) than when 45% silage was fed with just grain implying a greater energy value for MDGS than for corn grain. Substituting corn silage for corn grain in finishing diets decreased ADG and G:F which would increase days to finish to an equal carcass weight; however, in this experiment, increasing corn silage levels with MDGS present reduced carcass fat thickness without significantly decreasing marbling score.


Biochar ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngitheni Winnie-Kate Nyoka ◽  
Ozekeke Ogbeide ◽  
Patricks Voua Otomo

AbstractTerrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by pesticide pollution resulting from extensive use of pesticides, and due to the lack of regulatory measures in the developing world, there is a need for affordable means to lessen environmental effects. This study aimed to investigate the impact of biochar amendment on the toxicity of imidacloprid to life-cycle parameters and biomarker responses of the earthworm Eisenia fetida. E. fetida was exposed to 10% biochar-amended and non-amended OECD artificial soils spiked with 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25 and 3 mg imidacloprid/kg for 28 days. An LC50 of 2.7 mg/kg was only computed in the non-amended soil but not in the biochar-amended soil due to insignificant mortality. The EC50 calculated in the non-amended soil (0.92 mg/kg) for reproduction (fertility) was lower than the one computed in the biochar amended (0.98 mg/kg), indicating a decrease in toxicity in the biochar-amended substrate. Significant weight loss was observed at the two highest imidacloprid treatments in the non-amended soil and only at the highest treatment in the biochar-amended substrate, further highlighting the beneficial effects of biochar. Catalase activity decreased significantly at the two highest concentrations of non-amended soil. Yet, in the amended soil, the activity remained high, especially in the highest concentration, where it was significantly higher than the controls. This indicated more severe oxidative stress in the absence of biochar. In all non-amended treatments, there was a significant acetylcholinesterase inhibition, while lower inhibition percentages were observed in the biochar-amended soil. In most endpoints, the addition of biochar alleviated the toxic effects of imidacloprid, which shows that biochar has the potential to be useful in soil remediation. However, there is still a need for field studies to identify the most effective application rate of biochar for land application.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Rychert ◽  
Machel Anthony Emanuel ◽  
Chris Wilkins

Abstract Introduction The establishment of a legal market for medicinal cannabis under the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Act 2015 has positioned Jamaica at the forefront of cannabis law reform in the developing world. Many local cannabis businesses have attracted investment from overseas, including from Canada, US and Europe. Aim To explore the opportunities and risks of foreign investment in an emerging domestic legal cannabis market in a developing country. Methods Thematic analysis of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 22 key informants (KIs) from the Jamaican government, local cannabis industry, academia and civil society, and field observations of legal and illegal cannabis cultivators. Results KIs from the Jamaican public agencies and domestic cannabis entrepreneurs saw foreign investment as an essential source of capital to finance the start-up costs of legal cannabis businesses. Local cannabis entrepreneurs prioritised investors with the greatest financial resources, brand reputation and export networks. They also considered how allied an investor was with their business vision (e.g., organic cultivation, medical vs. recreational). The key benefits of partnering with a foreign investor included transfer of technical knowledge and financial capital, which enhanced production, quality assurance and seed-to-sale tracking. Some KIs expressed concern over investors’ focus on increasing production efficiency and scale at the expense of funding research and development (R&D) and clinical trials. KIs from the local industry, government agencies and civil society highlighted the risks of ‘predatory’ shareholder agreements and domestic political interference. Concerns were raised about the impact of foreign investment on the diversity of the domestic cannabis sector in Jamaica, including the commitment to transition traditional illegal small-scale cannabis cultivators to the legal sector. Conclusion While foreign investment has facilitated the commercialisation of the cannabis sector in Jamaica, regulatory measures are also needed to protect the domestic industry and support the transition of small-scale illegal cultivators to the legal regime. Foreign investments may alter the economic, social and political determinants of health in transitioning from illegal to legal cannabis market economy.


Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Qing Zhang ◽  
Wen Zhang ◽  
Yongqiang Yu ◽  
Tingting Li ◽  
Lijun Yu

Responses of crop growth to climate warming are fundamental to future food security. The response of crops to climate change may be subtly different at their growing stages. Close insights into the differentiated stage-dependent responses of crops are significantly important in making adaptive adjustments of crops’ phenological optimization and cultivar improvement in diverse cropping systems. Using the Agro-C model, we studied the influence of past climate warming on crops in typical cropping systems in China. The results showed that while the temperature had increased distinctly from the 1960s to 2000s, the temperature frequency distributions in the growth season of crops moved to the high-temperature direction. The low temperature days during the crop growth periods that suppress crop growth decreased in the winter wheat area in North and East China, rice and maize areas in Northeast China, and the optimum temperature days increased significantly. As a result, the above ground biomass (AGB) of rice and maize in Northeast China and winter wheat in North and East China increased distinctly, while that of rice in South China had no significant change. A comparison of the key growth periods before and after heading (silking) showed that the warming before heading (silking) made a great contribution to the increase in the AGB, especially for winter wheat.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karol Postawa ◽  
Jerzy Szczygieł ◽  
Marek Kułażyński

Abstract Background Increasing the efficiency of the biogas production process is possible by modifying the technological installations of the biogas plant. In this study, specific solutions based on a mathematical model that lead to favorable results were proposed. Three configurations were considered: classical anaerobic digestion (AD) and its two modifications, two-phase AD (TPAD) and autogenerative high-pressure digestion (AHPD). The model has been validated based on measurements from a biogas plant located in Poland. Afterward, the TPAD and AHPD concepts were numerically tested for the same volume and feeding conditions. Results The TPAD system increased the overall biogas production from 9.06 to 9.59%, depending on the feedstock composition, while the content of methane was slightly lower in the whole production chain. On the other hand, the AHPD provided the best purity of the produced fuel, in which a methane content value of 82.13% was reached. At the same time, the overpressure leads to a decrease of around 7.5% in the volumetric production efficiency. The study indicated that the dilution of maize silage with pig manure, instead of water, can have significant benefits in the selected configurations. The content of pig slurry strengthens the impact of the selected process modifications—in the first case, by increasing the production efficiency, and in the second, by improving the methane content in the biogas. Conclusions The proposed mathematical model of the AD process proved to be a valuable tool for the description and design of biogas plant. The analysis shows that the overall impact of the presented process modifications is mutually opposite. The feedstock composition has a moderate and unsteady impact on the production profile, in the tested modifications. The dilution with pig manure, instead of water, leads to a slightly better efficiency in the classical configuration. For the TPAD process, the trend is very similar, but the AHPD biogas plant indicates a reverse tendency. Overall, the recommendation from this article is to use the AHPD concept if the composition of the biogas is the most important. In the case in which the performance is the most important factor, it is favorable to use the TPAD configuration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harish Gupta ◽  
S. Kiran Kumar Reddy ◽  
Mounika Chiluka ◽  
Vamshikrishna Gandla

AbstractIn this study, we demonstrate the impact of the construction of a mega-dam on the nutrient export regime of a large tropical river into the Arabian Sea. Long-term (11 years) fortnight nutrient parameters, upstream and downstream to Sardar Sarovar (SS) Dam, were examined to determine the periodical change in nutrient fluxes from the Narmada River, India. During this 11-year period, the average discharge of the Narmada River upstream to Rajghat (35.3 km3 year−1) was higher than that of downstream at Garudeshwar (33.9 km3 year−1). However, during the same period, the suspended sediment load was reduced by 21 million tons (MT) from 37.9 MT at Rajghat to 16.7 MT at Garudeshwar. Similarly, mean concentrations of dissolved silica (DSi) reduced from 470 (upstream) to 214 µM (downstream), dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP) from 0.84 to 0.38 µM, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) from 43 to 1.5 µM. It means that about 54%, 55%, and 96% flux of DSi, DIP, and DIN retained behind the dam, respectively. The estimated denitrification rate (80,000 kg N km−2 year−1) for the reservoir is significantly higher than N removal by lentic systems, globally. We hypothesize that processes such as biological uptake and denitrification under anoxic conditions could be a key reason for the significant loss of nutrients, particularly of DIN. Finally, we anticipated that a decline in DIN fluxes (by 1.13 × 109 mol year−1) from the Narmada River to the Arabian Sea might reduce the atmospheric CO2 fixation by 7.46 × 109 mol year−1.


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