scholarly journals Sequential Cropping for Vegetable Production using Microirrigation on Sandy Soils in Southwestern Florida

1991 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.D. Stanley ◽  
A.A. Csizinszky ◽  
G.A. Clark ◽  
J.W. Prevatt
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Multiple Cropping ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Fresh Market ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Tomato Crop ◽  
Cultural Management

Combinations ofvarious vegetable crop species grown in multiple-cropping sequences using microirrigation on a sandy soil were evaluated for production potential and changes in normal cultural management An initial fall-season fresh-market tomato crop was followed immediately by a winter-season crucifer crop (cauliflower, broccoli, or cabbage), which was followed by a spring-season cucurbit crop (cucumber, zucchini squash, or muskmelon). Studies were conducted over a 3-year period in southwestem Florida. Results showed that when cropping sequences were compared on a basis of a derived relative value index (RVI), the sequence of tomato-cauliflower-zucchini squash significantly outperformed other sequences. Several management concerns particular to the production system (crop residue removal and interference, plastic mulch deterioration and damage, and weed control) were identified and discussed. The potential savings when cropping sequences are compared to individual crop production resulted in net savings (dollar savings less additional production costs) that ranged from $565 to $1212/acre ($1396 to $2993/ha) and $614 to $1316/acre ($1516 to $3251/ha) for the 1986-87 and 1988-89 seasons, respectively.

Organic cucumber production in the greenhouse: A case study from Turkey

2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 206-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Tuzel ◽  
A. Gul ◽  
O. Tuncay ◽  
D. Anac ◽  
N. Madanlar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Poultry Manure ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Greenhouse Vegetable ◽  
Greenhouse Vegetable Production

AbstractOrganic farming seems to be a solution in environmentally sensitive zones such as the protection zone of Tahtalı Dam, which supplies fresh water to Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey. Greenhouse vegetable production is the major agricultural activity in this area (Menderes Township). However, due to the pollution risk from agriculture, governmental authorities have issued a regulation discouraging the use of chemicals within the collection basin of the dam. An on-farm project was conducted in 2001 to introduce organic greenhouse vegetable production in the Tahtalı Dam preservation area and to serve as a model for other areas in Turkey facing similar ecological problems. Two irrigation levels and four organic fertilizers were tested on the growth of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus cv. Sardes). The four fertilizers were two rates of farmyard and poultry manure (30 and 50 tons ha−1) with and without two organic fertilizers based on either bacteria or algae. During the growing period, pests and diseases were monitored weekly and preparations allowed in organic agriculture were used when necessary. Plant diseases did not create any significant problem, but the pest population, in particular spidermites, increased. No significant differences in cucumber yield were found between the fertilizer and irrigation treatments tested. However, it should be noted that yields from the addition of 30 tons ha−1 of farmyard or poultry manure and organic fertilizers were the same as those for 50 tons ha−1 of manure alone. The average total yield was 13 kg m−2, within an acceptable range for short-term crop production in this region, but 55% lower than a conventional substrate culture trial nearby. However, due to reduced production costs and a price premium for organic products, the organic produce yielded a net return of US$1.12–1.79 per m2 whereas that for conventional bag culture produce was US$0.55 per m2. Our results indicate that, under present conditions, organic greenhouse cucumber production has less environmental impact and is more economic than conventional bag culture, due to reduced chemical input and reduced operating and initial investment costs.

scholarly journals Nonchemical Management of Soilborne Pests in Fresh Market Vegetable Production Systems

2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (12) ◽  
pp. 1367-1372 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. O. Chellemi
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Methyl Bromide ◽  
Production System ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Fresh Market ◽  
Proactive Approach ◽  
The Impact

Nonchemical methods including host resistance, organic amendments, crop rotation, soil solarization, and cultural practices have been used to control soilborne pests in fresh market vegetable production systems. Their suitability as alternatives to methyl bromide will depend on the approach to pest management used by the grower. Traditionally, methyl bromide is used in production systems that rely on the single application of a broad-spectrum biocide to disinfest soils prior to planting. Non-chemical methods are not suitable for a single tactic approach to pest management because they do not provide the same broad spectrum of activity or consistency as fumigation with methyl bromide. Nonchemical methods are compatible with an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, where multiple tactics are used to maintain damage from pests below an economic threshold while minimizing the impact to beneficial organisms. However, adoption of IPM is hindered by the paucity of economically feasible sampling programs and thresholds for soilborne pests and by a reluctance of growers to commit additional resources to the collection and management of biological information. A novel approach to the management of soilborne pests is to design the crop production system to avoid pest outbreaks. Using this “proactive” approach, a tomato production system was developed using strip-tillage into existing bahia-grass pasture. By minimizing inputs and disruption to the pasture, growers were able to reap the rotational benefits of bahiagrass without cultivating the rotational crop. While minimizing the need for interventive procedures, a proactive approach is difficult to integrate into existing crop production systems and will require several years of testing and validation.

scholarly journals Deterioration of Soil-biodegradable Mulch Films during Storage and Its Impact on Specialty Crop Production

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Marife B. Anunciado ◽  
Larry C. Wadsworth ◽  
Shuresh Ghimire ◽  
Carol Miles ◽  
Jenny C. Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Properties ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Average Molecular Weight ◽  
Peak Load ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Mulch Films

Plastic mulch films contribute to improved crop yield and quality for vegetable and small fruit cropping systems. Although the single-season agronomic performance of conventional polyethylene mulches and soil-biodegradable mulches (BDMs) are similar, over time BDMs can begin to break down during storage and subsequently not provide season-long soil coverage. In this study, the changes in physicochemical properties of BDMs were investigated over 3 years of indoor storage (2015–18) under ideal environmental conditions in two laboratories. Mulches evaluated were black, 20–40 µm thick, suitable for annual vegetable production, and included three BDMs: two polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)-enriched mulches that are commercially available in North America, an experimental polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanote-based film, and a conventional polyethylene mulch as a control. Tensile properties, specifically peak load and elongation at maximum tensile stress, decreased during storage, particularly for the PBAT-based BDMs, indicating a loss of strength. During year 3 of storage, the tensile properties declined extensively, suggesting embrittlement. The average molecular weight of PLA and PBAT slightly increased during year 1, perhaps due to release of monomers or oligomers, and then decreased extensively during years 2 and 3 due to hydrolysis of ester bonds (confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis). The structural integrity of BDMs was assessed during years 2 and 3 of the study (2017–18) in field trials at the locations where they were stored, Knoxville, TN, and Mount Vernon, WA, for vegetable production. The degradation of the BDMs during the cropping season was higher in 2018 compared with 2017, suggesting that degradation of mechanical and chemical properties while in storage may have contributed to rapid degradation of mulches in the field. In summary, BDMs undergo degradation even under ideal storage conditions and may perform best if deployed within 2 years of their receipt date. The farmer should verify that proper storage conditions have been used before receipt and that manufacturing date precedes the receipt date by no more than 6 months.

Biogas digestate as a renewable fertilizer: effects of digestate application on crop growth and nutrient composition

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Maxwell E. Lee ◽  
Matthew W. Steiman ◽  
Sarah K. St. Angelo
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Crop Growth ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Nutrient Levels ◽  
Greenhouse Study ◽  
Combined Application ◽  
Biogas Digestate ◽  
Agrarian Communities

Abstract Biogas digesters convert waste matter into a natural gas-like fuel and a nutrient-rich digestate by-product. This digestate has the potential to be used as a soil amendment to benefit crop production with or without biochar, a purported nutrient sponge. In a greenhouse study of several crop species, the effects of digestate fertilization on crop growth, photosynthetic efficiency, vegetable production and chemical nutrient levels were tested. Results indicate that increasing potency of the applied digestate fosters higher growth and fruit production rates of several studied plants but to a lesser degree than a conventional fertilizer. More potent digestate application increases antioxidant capacity, total phenolics content and ascorbic acid levels in kale compared to the control chemical fertilizer test groups but has confounding results on legume nutrient levels. Additionally, the combined application of biochar and biogas digestate added to compost and used as potting media positively impacts crop germination. This work has relevance to agrarian communities that could benefit from recycling livestock and food waste into fuel and a renewable fertilizer.

scholarly journals Field Vegetable Production in Hungary

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (3-4) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Kristóf ◽  
I. Terbe
Keyword(s):  
Sweet Corn ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Direct Marketing ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Wholesale Market ◽  
Fresh Market ◽  
Fresh Vegetables ◽  
Production Area

Hungary is a country with excellent ecological potentials and with rich traditions in vegetable production. The total vegetable production area comprises about 100 000 ha and annual production amounts to 1.4-1.8 million tons, 75-80% comes from fields and the rest from forcing. Approximately 40 species are produced, but only 20 of them play a dominant role. The most important ones arc: sweet corn, peas, peppers, watermelon, onions, tomatoes, gherkin, carrots, beans, white cabbage. 40-45% of the total production is processed, 20-30% sold on the fresh market and 30% exported. Vegetable production is based on rural farms of 1-5 ha average acreage. It provides living for about 70-100 000 families. The low number of producers' organisations is a major setback. Profitability of vegetable production is rather low. Production costs are high, wholesale prices are depressed. Vegetables are produced for the industry by contract. Fresh vegetables are sold through local markets (15-20%), the wholesale market (decreasing importance) and direct marketing (35-40%). Against the self-sufficiency of the country there is a seasonal import of vegetables mainly in winter and early springtime. Hungarian legal regulations are harmonized with the EU directives, EU standards are accepted and applied, traditionally good market connections and cooperation with several EU countries enable the country to be a partner of EU vegetable growers.

Trends in Crop Production, 1978–86

1988 ◽  
Vol 116 ◽  
pp. 592-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth R. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Mao Zedong ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
Multiple Cropping ◽  
Main Determinant ◽  
The Government ◽  
Central Plan ◽  
Physical Output ◽  
Residual Claimants

The economic and institutional framework against which trends in crop production under the government of Deng Xiaoping must be considered, is vastly different from that which existed throughout the Mao era. In a word, Deng replaced a system of planned production and supply by one in which market demand became the main determinant of the level and structure of agricultural production. Under Mao Zedong, maximizing the physical output of key agricultural products was the basis of agricultural policy. Centrally identified priorities – based on “national need” – were reflected in targets for the output, sown area and yield per hectare of individual items. These mandatory targets were to be fulfilled by the collective farms (the production teams of the communes) which were the basic organizational units of Chinese agriculture. Similarly, the disposal of farm output was determined by the central plan. For production teams, therefore, decision-making was relatively simple and followed the sequence of production, harvesting and procurement, all according to plans laid down by the government. Cost accounting was rudimentary. It was not, in any case, geared to the promotion of “economic efficiency.” If production costs rose-for example, as a result of an increase in the multiple cropping index directed by the government – the peasants bore the burden, as they were the residual claimants in the distribution of income by the production teams.

scholarly journals (204) The Effect of High Tunnels and Row Covers on Air Temperatures and Spring-planted Tomato Yield in Louisiana

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1055B-1055
Author(s):  
Koji Takeuchi ◽  
Carl E. Motsenbocker
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Fresh Market ◽  
Row Covers ◽  
Tomato Yield ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Black Plastic

Tomato is an important vegetable crop in Louisiana for small- to large-scale growers. Growers often use protected cultivation with structures, such as greenhouses, in order to take advantage of higher prices early in the season and increase profits through increased tomato yield and quality. A negative aspect of greenhouse use is the high investment and production costs associated with these structures. High tunnels, or simple greenhouse-like structures, have been used to protect crops from cold temperature in northern states, as they often provide benefits similar to greenhouses with considerably lower cost. Very little research has been conducted on the use of high tunnels for crops in the southern states. High tunnels in combination with row covers were evaluated for field cultivation of spring season fresh market tomato in Louisiana. The studies were set up in a randomized complete-block design with three replications. Tomatoes were transplanted into single rows on four-row raised beds covered with black plastic mulch on 1.2-m centers on 13 Mar. 2004. Row covers were installed immediately after transplanting and removed on 3 May. Plants were harvested for 6 weeks starting 12 May 2004. Both high tunnels and row covers significantly increased minimum and maximum air temperatures at a 15-cm height compared to the black plastic mulch control. Early yield was highest with the tunnel treatment without row cover compared to tunnel with row cover and similar to row cover alone or the control. There were no differences in total marketable yield between treatments. Research results from 2 years will be presented.

scholarly journals 449 Conservation Tillage Row Crop Production in California

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 522A-522
Author(s):  
J.P. Mitchell ◽  
W.T. Lanini ◽  
S.R. Temple ◽  
E.V. Herrero ◽  
E.M. Miyao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crop ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Soil Water Storage ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Row Crop ◽  
Earthworm Populations ◽  
Winter Fallow

Conservation tillage (CT) row crop production is currently not widely adopted in California. Recently, however, interest in evaluating the potential of CT systems to reduce production costs and improve soil quality is growing in many areas in the state. In 1997 and 1998, we evaluated four cover crop mulches (rye/vetch, triticale/vetch, Sava medic, and Sephi medic) in a CT-transplanted tomato system relative to the conventional winter fallow (CF) practice. In both years, yields were comparable to the CF under the triticale/vetch and rye/vetch mulches. Earthworm populations after 2 years of CT production were increased 2- to 5-fold under mulches relative to the CF system. Soil carbon was increased by 16% and 6% after 2 years of CT production under the triticale/vetch and rye/vetch mulches, respectively. Weed suppression under the triticale/vetch and rye/vetch was comparable to the CF with herbicide system early in the season in both years but was maintained through harvest in only one season. Soil water storage (0-90 cm) was similar at the beginning of the tomato season in triticale/vetch, rye/vetch, and fallow plots but was higher under the mulches during much of the last 45 days of the 1998 season. Further refinement of CT practices in California's vegetable production regions is needed before wider adoption is likely.

scholarly journals Food and Economic Security through Homestead Vegetable Production by Women in Flood Affected “Char” Land

1970 ◽  
Vol 9 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 44-53
Author(s):  
Shaikh Shamim Hasan ◽  
Sabina Sultana
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Water Spinach ◽  
Production Practices ◽  
Pointed Gourd ◽  
Vegetable Farm

The study was conducted in several “Chars” (Char Kachadia, Char Gangaproshad, Char Alokdia and Char Tishondi) in Shibalaya Upazilla under Manikganj District to: investigate the livelihood situation and socio-demographic characteristics of the Char women, identify the current crop production practices adopted by them and to highlight the most likely months for food insecurity along with main problems regarding homestead vegetable production by the respondents. A total of 150 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. The study was conducted during August 2009 to February, 2010. It was revealed that most of the respondents were middle aged, had medium to big families, were mostly illiterate to having primary education. They had an average homestead vegetable farm of 6.71 decimals. It was found from the study that most of the respondents spent 3.20 hours/day for cultivating vegetables in their homestead areas. Different types of vegetables were being grown by the respondents including spinach, bitter gourd, cowpea, pumpkin, okra, water spinach, pointed gourd in the summer season and red amaranth, brinjal, tomato, bean, radish, pepper in the winter season. All these vegetables provided food security as well as economic security to the respondents who pointed out that March and September were the most food insecure months. The findings also indicated that the respondents faced several problems like lack of capital, lack of irrigation water during dry season and lack of good quality seeds. Keywords: Food and economic security; homestead; vegetable production; char land DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9478 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 44-53

scholarly journals Silicon Effects on the Root System of Diverse Crop Species Using Root Phenotyping Technology

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 885
Author(s):  
Pooja Tripathi ◽  
Sangita Subedi ◽  
Abdul Latif Khan ◽  
Yong-Suk Chung ◽  
Yoonha Kim
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
Root Morphology ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Spatial Configuration ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Wide Range

Roots play an essential function in the plant life cycle, as they utilize water and essential nutrients to promote growth and plant productivity. In particular, root morphology characteristics (such as length, diameter, hairs, and lateral growth) and the architecture of the root system (spatial configuration in soil, shape, and structure) are the key elements that ensure growth and a fine-tuned response to stressful conditions. Silicon (Si) is a ubiquitous element in soil, and it can affect a wide range of physiological processes occurring in the rhizosphere of various crop species. Studies have shown that Si significantly and positively enhances root morphological traits, including root length in rice, soybean, barley, sorghum, mustard, alfalfa, ginseng, and wheat. The analysis of these morphological traits using conventional methods is particularly challenging. Currently, image analysis methods based on advanced machine learning technologies allowed researchers to screen numerous samples at the same time considering multiple features, and to investigate root functions after the application of Si. These methods include root scanning, endoscopy, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional imaging, which can measure Si uptake, translocation and root morphological traits. Small variations in root morphology and architecture can reveal different positive impacts of Si on the root system of crops, with or without exposure to stressful environmental conditions. This review comprehensively illustrates the influences of Si on root morphology and root architecture in various crop species. Furthermore, it includes recommendations in regard to advanced methods and strategies to be employed to maintain sustainable plant growth rates and crop production in the currently predicted global climate change scenarios.

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