scholarly journals Strawberry Living Mulch in an Organic Vineyard

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1643
Author(s):  
Davide Neri ◽  
Serena Polverigiani ◽  
Matteo Zucchini ◽  
Veronica Giorgi ◽  
Fabio Marchionni ◽  
...  

A living mulch system can provide beneficial biodiversified phytocoenoses and spatial competition against weeds; however, it may also compete for water with the main cultivated crop under Mediterranean climate conditions. Strawberries employed as living mulch in a rain-fed hill vineyard of central Italy were evaluated for two years through a participative approach involving the farmer. A local wild strawberry was propagated by stolons to obtain small plantlets easily uprooted after the summer and then transplanted to a one-year-old vineyard. The densities of two and four strawberry plants per grapevine were compared with no living mulch in a randomized complete block design. A horizontal blade weeder was used once a year in all treatments. The results showed that strawberries as living mulch plus application of a blade weeder avoided the need for further soil tillage and assured a full soil cover during winter for both initial planting densities. The strawberry living mulch did not alter the grapevine transpiration during an incident of water stress in summer. Moreover, the yield per vine and the grape quality were comparable with those of the soil without living mulch. The growth of strawberry mulch was relevant in the area surrounding the vines. Furthermore, the living mulch guaranteed a constant soil cover reducing the risk for soil erosion while increasing the vineyard’s biological diversity. This may imply a higher resilience.

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 200
Author(s):  
Felicia Chețan ◽  
Cornel Chețan ◽  
Ileana Bogdan ◽  
Adrian Ioan Pop ◽  
Paula Ioana Moraru ◽  
...  

The regional agroecological conditions, specific to the Transylvanian Plain, are favorable to soybean crops, but microclimate changes related to global warming have imposed the need for agrotechnical adaptive measures in order to maintain the level of soybean yield. In this study, we consider the effect of two soil tillage systems, the seeding rate, as well as the fertilizer dosage and time of application on the yield and quality of soybean crops. A multifactorial experiment was carried out through the A × B × C × D − R: 3 × 2 × 3 × 3 − 2 formula, where A represents the year (a1, 2017; a2, 2018; and a3, 2019); B represents the soil tillage system (b1, conventional tillage with mouldboard plough; b2, reduced tillage with chisel cultivator); C represents the fertilizer variants (c1, unfertilized; c2, one single rate of fertilization: 40 kg ha−1 of nitrogen + 40 kg ha−1 of phosphorus; and c3, two rates of fertilization: 40 kg ha−1 of nitrogen + 40 kg ha−1 of phosphorus (at sowing) + 46 kg ha−1 of nitrogen at V3 stage); D represents the seeding rate (1 = 45 germinating grains (gg) m−2; d2 = 55 gg m−2; and d3 = 65 gg m−2); and R represents the replicates (r1 = the first and r2 = the second). Tillage had no effect, the climate specific of the years and fertilization affected the yield and the quality parameters. Regarding the soybean yield, it reacted favorably to a higher seeding rate (55–65 gg m−2) and two rates of fertilization. The qualitative characteristics of soybeans are affected by the fertilization rates applied to the crop, which influence the protein and fiber content in the soybean grains. Higher values of protein content were recorded with a reduced tillage system, i.e., 38.90 g kg−1 DM in the variant with one single rate of fertilization at a seeding rate of 45 gg per m−2 and 38.72 g kg−1 DM in the variant with two fertilizations at a seeding rate of 65 gg m−2.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-60
Author(s):  
Reena Joshi ◽  
Salil Tewari ◽  
Rajesh Kaushal

The experiment was conducted at Agroforestry Research Centre, of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar to assess the effect of age (one and two year old), growing condition (intermittent misting and no misting) and different seasons (summer, monsoon, autumn and spring) on rooting and shooting of culm cuttings of Dendrocalamus asper. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The findings indicated that in D. asper, one year old culm cuttings in the intermittent misting condition showed good results. The findings also indicated that shooting and rooting per cent of culm cuttings planted in different season showed response as Spring (March)> Summer (June)> Monsoon (August)> Autumn (October).


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcia M Echer ◽  
Graciela M Dalastra ◽  
Tiago L Hachmann ◽  
Elcio S Klosowski ◽  
Vandeir F Guimarães

An important aspect in the cultivation of vegetables is the quality of the product to be marketed, free from dirt and damage and the practice of mulching could be an option, but there is scarse information. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of mulching on the production traits of three cultivars of Pak Choi. The experiment was set up during March to May 2013 using a split plot randomized block design, with four replications. Soil cover treatments (white agrotextile, black agrotextile, black plastic, silver plastic, tifton straw and bare soil) were arranged in the plots, and three cultivars of Pak Choi (Green Pak Choi, White Pak Choi and Chingensai Natsu Shomi) in subplots. Height and diameter of shoots, number of leaves, fresh weight of the head and petiole, base diameter, dry weight of stem, petiole, and leaf were evaluated thirty-five days after transplantation. The total dry weight and leaf area were measured, and then we estimated the yield. There was a significant effect of soil cover and cultivar. In general, the cover with synthetic materials showed higher values on production of Pak Choi. The cultivar White Pak Choi was better adapted to the growing conditions, with an average yield of 57.78 t/ha.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Dekemati ◽  
Barbara Simon ◽  
Igor Bogunovic ◽  
Ivica Kisic ◽  
Katalin Kassai ◽  
...  

In addition to the dry (D) and rainy (R) seasons, a combination of the two i.e., rainy-dry (RD) and dry-rainy (DR), can also be observed in one year. The effects of the dry (D) and rainy (R) on soil are known, hence we hypothesized that the effects of the rainy-dry (RD) and dry-rainy (DR) periods on soil may differ from the former assessments. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of six tillage treatments (ploughing—P, disk tillage—DT, loosening—L, tine tillage (a deeper—T and a shallower—ST) and no-till—NT) on earthworm abundance and crumb ratio during a long-term research (16 years) on Chernozems. The results related to the four year-groups (D, R, RD, and DR) with different residue cover. Seven degrees of cover ratio (between 12.5% and 62.5%) were selected on stubbles. Higher cover ratio (≥52.5%) improved water conservation, increased earthworm abundance (31 and 41 ind m–2) and crumb (78 and 82%) ratio (p < 0.01). R year came first in the rank of water content and earthworm abundance and DR proved to be more favorable for crumb formation. Considering the rank of soil tillage treatments, ST takes first place in evaluation of soil water content (SWC) and crumb ratio, and NT for earthworm abundance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-107
Author(s):  
Dionesio A. Estopa

This experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of unilateral nephrectomy on kidney function through hematological and urological values after surgery using feral domestic cats.  Four (4) apparently healthy stray male cats were caught and used as experimental animals in this study. The animals were grouped into two (2) with two cats in each group. Grouping of the animals was based according to age, the 1st group – ages one year and above (>1 year) and the 2nd group – ages one year and below (<1 year).  A split plot randomized complete block design was used in the experiment. The result shows that rectal temperature and packed cell volume have been affected on both age group of cats and other urological values like the presence of urobilinogen, protein, leukocytes, erythrocytes and crystals were elevated twenty four hours after surgery. A significant increase on the level of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen has been noted from the 3rd and 15th post – operative day. However, no significant difference was noted between experimental animals and the two age groups, all of which have similar result. The findings of the study revealed that the remaining kidney could not completely compensate the function of the other kidney up to the 15th post – operative day, it may take longer than fifteen days. Hence, proper supportive treatment, post-operative care & management of animals subjected to unilateral nephrectomy is a must and should continue beyond fifteen days.


Author(s):  
I. Pacurar ◽  
V. Bunescu ◽  
M. Darja ◽  
Doina Clapa ◽  
L. Holonec ◽  
...  

The Căpuşului hills are in the Transilvanian depression a trully ”geologycal eocenic golf” with a rich fossilifeuros fauna (Gryphaea eszerházy, G. gigantica, Turrietella imbricataria, Corbula gallica, Cepatia cepacea, Rotularia spirulaea) and also nummulitus species. The pedogenetic cover is constituted by sedimental deposits (clays, marls, limestones, gritsones). Also the pedogentic cover is represented by preluvisoils, luvisoils, eutricambisoils, clay cernozems. The relief characteristics are the Nummulites perforatus, N. fabianii and N. striatus who are the basically substrates from the acrobatically soils. The Transylvanian Depression is considered to be a true "geological eocenical gulf", is remarked through the conservation of a highly rich fossil fauna. Under the geological aspect, on a crystalline base is revealed the whole series of eocenical formations (striped clays, clays and limestone with "numuliti"), oligocenical (carbonatical clays, sands, sand stones and quaternary deposits) (Posea, 1978; Pop, 2001). These sedimentary deposits lay down from the half of the inferior Miocen and finished during the Panonian's end have constituted the parenthal material for the actual pedogenetical cover. A special characteristic of the landscape (with heights of 600-800m), from the outskirts of the Depression (the Huedin Depression, the Paniceni High hills, the Capus and Savadisla Corridor) is the fact that at the surface coating begin to appear "numulits" (Nummulites perforatus, N. fabianii, N. striatus), close to the localities Capusul mic, Leghia, Savadisla, Aghires, Manastireni, Cluj-Calvaria, Vlaha), deposits on which carbonatical soils are formed. If we view this are from the climate's point of view this area belongs to the Dfbk (Koppen) climatical province. The climate is a temperate continental of high hills, with forest. At Cluj-Napoca the average annual precipitations reach 613mm, the average annual temperature has a value of 8.3 degrees C, and the aridity indicator "De Martonne" has the value of 33.7. According to the climate conditions the studied area belongs to the level of oak (Quercus petraea) and the area of mezofilical oaks. (Quercus robur) Generally the areas of forest are mixed with those of pasture or agricultural crops. Because of the diversity of the ecological conditions the soil cover is extremely different, being constitueted of preluvosoils, luvosoils, eutricambosoils, cernosioms, carbonatical soils. (Blaga 1981, Bunescu &co 2005).


2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 951-960
Author(s):  
Paulo Sérgio Lima e Silva ◽  
Alexandre Emanuel Régis Holanda ◽  
Haroldo Nogueira de Paiva ◽  
Fábio Henrique Tavares de Oliveira ◽  
Odaci Fernandes de Oliveira

Planting densities influence several aspects of forest formation, including management practices, timber yield, quality, and extraction, and consequently its production costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate Mimosa caesalpiinifolia and Gliricidia sepium growth as a function of planting density (400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 plants ha-1) and plant age. The species were evaluated every 90 days for plant height (PH), crown diameter (CD) and root collar diameter (RCD) (10 cm above the ground), with the first evaluation performed at 90 days and the last at 720 days. When plants were one year of age and beyond, evaluations were conducted also for stem diameter at breast height (DBH) (1.30 m above the ground). A randomized block design with split-plots and three replicates was adopted. Species were assigned to plots, planting densities were assigned to subplots, and evaluation ages were assigned to subsubplots. The four traits in both species had their values decreased as planting density increased, but continually increased as plant age increased. For PH and RCD there was an alternation between species superiority, with gliricidia being superior to sabiá at some ages, while the opposite occurred at other ages. As to CD the species only differed in the last measurement, gliricidia being superior. With regard to DBH, gliricidia was superior starting from the second measurement. There was an effect of the species × ages interaction for the four traits and also an effect of the densities × ages interaction for CD and DBH.


Author(s):  
Anubha Srivastav ◽  
Anita Tomar ◽  
S. D. Shukla

Eucalyptus is among the most widely cultivated forest trees in the world over 22 million hectares (ha). It provides major raw material for the pulp, plywood and paper industries in India, so it is imperative that planting stock of high genetic quality be used to increase the yield from plantations. In India, Eucalypts are in improving stage for adoption at larger level and choice of suitable clones is still a big challenge in eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. To assess the suitable clones of Eucalyptus for this region, an experimental trial was established under statistical design of Randomised Block Design for 13 clones (IFGTB 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, FRI-100,104,124) of 02 eucalyptus species (E. tereticornis and E. camaldulensis). The soil analysis indicated pH 9.3, EC 0.89 mm/cm, organic carbon 0.21%, Nitrogen 47.3 kg/ha, Phosphorus 11.3 kg/ha and Potassium 184.8 kg/ha. The highest value of annual increment in gbh belonged to clones IFGTB 6 (5.18 cm) followed by IFGTB 8 (5.12 cm), IFGTB 2 (4.74 cm), IFGTB 5(4.36 cm) and IFGTB 10 (4.02cm) amongst IFGTB series whereas in FRI clones, clone FRI 100 performed superior with 3.03 cm increment in girth after one year of planting. The lowest values belonged to clone IFGTB 9 and DDN 124 with 2.44 cm and 2.49, respectively. The clones with good annual increment in height were IFGTB 2 (3.85 m) followed by IFGTB 6 (3.80 m), IFGTB 10 (3.77 m) ,IFGTB 8 (3.55 m) and IFGTB 5 (3.30 m) in IFGTB series whereas in FRI series, FRI 100 (2.70 m) performed superior over other two clones. The survival of plants was in range of 66-100%. The clones of species E. camaldulensis in IFGTB series performed better over other clones/species. The evaluation of Eucalypt clones will be helpful for identification of promising clones for the specific region, thus, planting stock of desired clones may be raised for their further cultivation in field. The expansion of plantations of Eucalyptus in agro forestry will be helpful in reducing pressure of forests, increasing trees outside forests and upgrading the economic level of farmers.


Author(s):  
Daiana Jungbluth ◽  
Ana Regina Dahlem Ziech ◽  
Camila Roberta Pereira ◽  
Márcia Cristina Dos Santos ◽  
Patrick Machado

The no-till system has been growing over the years and for this system to be successful, it is essential to maintain permanent vegetation cover over the soil, an adequate crop rotation system with minimal overturning. A strategy for soil protection is to introduce species of cover crops in winter under single or intercropping. The objective was to evaluate the rate of soil cover by intercropping between black oats (Avena strigosa L.) and forage turnip (Raphanus sativus L.) at different sowing densities, as well as the isolated species in terms of soil protection under no-tillage. The study was conducted at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR), campus Santa Helena, with a randomized block design, with five treatments and three repetitions. The treatments were: 100% black oats (BO); 100% forage turnip (FT); 75% BO + 25% FT; 50% BO + 50% FT and 25% BO + 75% FT. The cover crops were sown in May 2019. The percentage of soil cover from 21 to 91 days after sowing (DAS) was evaluated using the photographic method, with weekly collection of images in an area delimited by a metallic frame (25 m²), positioned on the ground at two fixed points per plot. The coverage rate quantification was estimated by overlaying a grid with 100 points of intersection over each image. The rate of soil cover by consortia and single crops did not show a statistically significant difference. To 49 days, consortia had coverage equal to or greater than 70%, while for single species, this percentage was reached at 56 DAS and 70 DAS, for BO and FT, respectively. All treatments showed high potential for soil protection and coverage rate from 70 DAS.


2019 ◽  
pp. 96-101

Quantification of soil organic carbon cycling as impacted by soil and crop man- agement practices is required for C storage and soil quality improvement investi- gations. This study assessed the short-term effect of conventional tillage (CT) and No-Tillage (NT) practices on SOC sequestration and yield of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta). The experiment was conducted simultaneously at two lo- cations (06◦52' N, 07◦15' E and 06◦ 26' N; 07◦16' E) in southeast Nigeria. A Ran- domized Complete Block Design with five replications and four treatments com- prised of CT and NT, respectively, with 150 and 300 Kg ha-1 of NPK 15:15:15, was used. Soil quality attributes were measured at two soil depths (0-20 cm and 20-40 cm) in both locations and analyzed. The results indicated that the quantity of carbon sequestered in the soil at 0-20 cm soil depth for both sites was 46.7- 90.9 and 65.0-117.9 Mg ha-1, respectively, for the two planting seasons in NT plots treated with 300 Kg ha-1 of NPK. This was followed by NT plots treated with 150 Kg ha-1 of NPK, which sequestered 55.5-86.2 and 46.7-91.9 Mg ha-1 SOC. CT plots that received 300 Kg ha-1 NPK with 11.3-47.6 Mg/ha SOC had 44% and 28% lower stored SOC when compared to NT, NPK 150 Kg ha-1 plots for the two-planting season respectively. This indicates that CT practices signifi- cantly limit SOC sequestration. CT with 300 Kg of NPK 15:15:15 gave the high- est corm yield, followed by No-till with 300 Kg ha-1. A better edaphic condition provided by CT was compensated for by higher doses of N fertilizer in NT Plots.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document