scholarly journals Short-Term Effects of Tillage Intensity and Fertilization on Sunflower Yield, Achene Quality, and Soil Physicochemical Properties under Semi-Arid Conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
pp. 5482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Nouraein ◽  
Goran Skataric ◽  
Velibor Spalevic ◽  
Branislav Dudic ◽  
Michal Gregus
Keyword(s):  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Semi Arid

Inappropriate soil management practices and specific climatic conditions in semi-arid region cause loss of soil organic matter (SOM), decline soil fertility, and trigger soil erosion processes and desertification. A two-year field study was carried out to investigate the effects of tillage intensity and fertilizer regime treatments on the productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) and soil physicochemical properties in the semi-arid highland region in northwest Iran (37°31′ north (N), 46°53′ east (E)). Five fertilizer treatments were included under conventional (CT) or reduced tillage systems (RT): F1, no fertilizer application; F2, 20 t∙ha−1 farmyard manure (FYM); F3, 40 t∙ha−1 FYM; F4: 20 t∙ha−1 FYM + 50% of the recommended dose of nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) chemical fertilizer; F5: full dose of the recommended chemical NPK fertilizer. Results showed that utilization of FYM decreased bulk density (BD); its effects were more evident under the highest SOM content for the F2 and F3 treatments, whereas application of mineral fertilizer had no significant effect upon SOM content, and elevated levels of FYM preserved higher organic carbon contents in topsoil. The highest N, P, and K contents of the soil were obtained with FYM plus inorganic fertilizer application in the RT system. Hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture content were significantly improved by RT and FYM application. The highest root growth was observed for F3 and F4 under the RT system. The effect of fertilizer and tillage treatments was more pronounced during the second year. Traits related to growth and seed quality such as achene oil content, leaf area, and harvest index were enhanced by chemical fertilization in the CT system. The highest achene yield and oil percentage were recorded for plants grown with F3 and F4. The best option for enhancing sunflower productivity and quality in semi-arid, high-altitude environments is the application of organic fertilizers amended with reduced amounts of chemical fertilizers.

scholarly journals Organic fertilizers as mitigating effects of water salinity on Passiflora cincinnata seedlings

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-511
Author(s):  
José Sebastião de Melo Filho ◽  
Mário Leno Martins Véras ◽  
Toshik Larley Da Silva ◽  
Lunara De Sousa Alves ◽  
Thiago Jardelino Dias
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Arid Region ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
State University ◽  
Electrical Conductivities ◽  
Randomized Experimental Design ◽  
Semi Arid Region ◽  
Semi Arid

Maracujá-do-mato (Passiflora cincinnata) is a species adapted to the climatic conditions of the Brazilian semi-arid region and widely used as rootstock, however, studies related to the production of seedlings and their resistance to abiotic stresses are scarce in literature. The objective was to study the production of maracujá-do-mato seedlings under the effect of the electrical conductivity on the irrigation water as a function of the application of organic fertilizers. The experiment was developed at the State University of Paraíba, Catolé do Rocha-PB, in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme, with 6 replicates. The factors evaluated were five electrical conductivities of irrigation water (ECw: 1; 2; 3; 4 and 5 dS m-1) and application of three organic fertilizers (bovine urine, bovine biofertilizer and liquid earthworm humus). It was verified that the increase of ECw affected the morphology and the quality of the seedlings negatively, while the bovine biofertilizer presented better efficiency in comparison to the others. It is inferred that the use of organic fertilizers as mitigating effects of salinity may be a strategy for production of maracujá-do-mato seedlings in saline conditions.

The Effects of Micronutrient and Organic Fertilizers on Yield and Growth Characteristics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Helia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (71) ◽  
pp. 249-264
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Nouraein ◽  
Raheleh Bakhtiarzadeh ◽  
Mohsen Janmohammadi ◽  
Maryam Mohammadzadeh ◽  
Naser Sabaghnia
Keyword(s):  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
North West ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Relative Water ◽  
Leaf Relative Water Content ◽  
Plant Maturity ◽  
Plant Grown

Abstract To evaluate the effect of different micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn) and farmyard manure (FYM) on the vegetative, phenological, and achene yield components of sunflower a field experiment was conducted in Maragheh, North West of Iran during the growing season 2018–2019. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design- with three replicates. The main plots assigned to two levels of FYM (0 and 20 t ha−1) and sub plots assigned to the recommended dose of three micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn). The results revealed significant improvements in the growth and yield of sunflower due to the main and interaction effects of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer application. The highest number of leaves and the highest leaf area was observed in a plant grown by FYM + Zn. However, there was no significant difference between micronutrients under inorganic condition (without FYM application). The highest leaf relative water content (RWC), plant height, internode distance, and chlorophyll was recorded for plants grown by Fe or Zn under FYM applied condition. Application of FYM and micronutrients reduced the number of days to flowering. However, the application of FYM significantly delayed plant maturity. Achene number per head, 100-achene weight, achene length, achene width, achene oil percent, achene yield, and harvest index significantly increased with the application of FYM and the best performance was in a plant grown by FYM + Zn and FYM + Fe. The percentage of hollow and empty achene was significantly reduced by the application of FYM. Combined applications of FYM and micronutrients has become an increasingly common practice.

scholarly journals Effects of three coniferous plantation species on plant‐soil feedbacks and soil physical and chemical properties in semi‐arid mountain ecosystems

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Han ◽  
Yongjing Liu ◽  
Cankun Zhang ◽  
Yage Li ◽  
Tairan Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Plantation Forest ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
Plantation Species ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Background Large-scale afforestation can significantly change the ground cover and soil physicochemical properties, especially the soil fertility maintenance and water conservation functions of artificial forests, which are very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. However, how different tree species affect soil nutrients and soil physicochemical properties after afforestation, and which is the best plantation species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions remain largely unknown. Methods This study investigated the soil nutrient contents of three different plantations (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interactions between soil physicochemical properties. Results The results revealed that the leaves and litter layers strongly influenced soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis had higher organic carbon, ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen (C:N) and organic carbon to total phosphorus (C:P) in the leaves and litter layers than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hindered litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved soil nutrients and clay components, compared with the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. Furthermore, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved the soil capacity, soil total porosity, and capillary porosity, decreased soil bulk density, and enhanced water storage capacity, compared with the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. The results of this study showed that, the strong link between plants and soil was tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there was a close correlation between soil particle size distribution and soil physicochemical properties. Conclusions Therefore, our results recommend planting the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia as the preferred tree species to enhance the soil fertility and water conservation functions, especially in semi-arid regions mountain forest ecosystems.

scholarly journals Effect of tree canopy on species composition, diversity and biomass of herbaceous vegetation and soil characteristics in semi-arid forests of the Aravalli hills

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shriya Garg ◽  
Rajendra Kr. Joshi ◽  
Satish Chandra Garkoti
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Canopy Gaps ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Herbaceous Vegetation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Background: Herbaceous vegetation is of great ecological importance and responds quickly to environmental changes. Present study was aimed to understand the variation in herbaceous species composition, diversity, biomass and soil physicochemical properties in canopy gaps and under the canopy of semi-arid forests in the Aravalli hills. Methods: Four permanent plots consisting of canopy gaps and under canopy were established. To study herbs phytosociological attributes and biomass, 10 quadrats of 0.5 x 0.5 m size were laid in each plot. For soil physico-chemical properties, 5 soil samples were collected randomly at 0-10 cm depth from each plot. Relationship between biodiversity indices, herbs biomass and soil physicochemical properties was determined using Redundancy Analysis (RDA) and correlation analyses. Results: The sites differed in terms of herbaceous species composition, diversity, biomass and soil physico-chemical properties. Canopy gaps were dominated by grasses while forbs were higher under the canopy. Across the sites, poaceae was the dominant family. All species showed contagious distribution pattern. Oplismenus burmannii reported highest IVI (138.0; 230.5) under the canopy while Achyranthes aspera (56.15) and Eragrostis ciliaris (53.1) had highest IVI in canopy gaps. Diversity indices were higher in canopy gaps. Herbaceous community biomass in canopy gaps ranged from 700-900 gm-2 while under the canopy it ranged from 30-70 gm-2. Cenchrus ciliaris (597.97 gm-2) and Chrysopogon sp. (391.2 gm-2) constituted major proportion of biomass in canopy gaps. The soil of under canopy regions had lower pH and bulk density, but higher soil moisture (%), electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (TN), SOC stock and soil TN stock than the canopy gaps. Linear positive relationship between species diversity and biomass; negative relationship between soil chemical properties and herbaceous biomass was found in study area. Even though canopy had positive effects on soil physico-chemical properties, overall negative effect on herbaceous diversity and biomass was seen. Conclusions: Reduced light for photosynthesis and tree root competition for soil resources may be the major factors negatively affecting herbaceous diversity and biomass. Canopy had a significant impact and herbs species composition, diversity, biomass and soil physico-chemical properties showed distinct differences in relation to it.

scholarly journals Evaluating management-induced soil salinization in golf courses in semi-arid landscapes

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Young ◽  
T. K. Udeigwe ◽  
D. C. Weindorf ◽  
T. Kandakji ◽  
P. Gautam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Salinity ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
The United States ◽  
Soil Salinization ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Total Alkalinity ◽  
Golf Course ◽  
High Plains ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract. Site-specific information on land management practices are often desired to make better assertions of their environmental impacts. A study was conducted in Lubbock, TX, in the Southern High Plains of the United States, an area characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions, to (1) examine the potential management-induced alteration in soil salinity indicators in golf course facilities and (2) develop predictive relationships for a more rapid soil salinity examination within these urban landscape soils using findings from portable x-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometer. Soil samples were collected from the managed (well irrigated) and non-managed (non irrigated) areas of seven golf course facilities at 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depths, and analyzed for a suite of chemical properties. Among the extractable cations, sodium (Na) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the managed zones of all the golf facilities. Soil electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), parameters often used in characterizing soil salinity and sodicity, were in most part significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the managed areas. Water quality report collected over a 22-year period (1991–2013, all years not available) indicated a gradual increase in pH, EC, SAR, total alkalinity, and extractable ions, thus, supporting the former findings. Findings from the PXRF suggested possible differences in chemical species and sources that contribute to salinity between the managed and non-managed zones. PXRF quantified Cl and S, and to a lesser extent Ca, individually and collectively explained 23–85% of the variability associated with soil salinity at these facilities.

scholarly journals Effects of three plantation coniferous species on plant-soil feedbacks and soil physical and chemical properties in semi-arid mountain ecosystems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Han ◽  
Yongjing Liu ◽  
Cankun Zhang ◽  
Yage Li ◽  
Tairan Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Plantation Forest ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Background: Large-scale afforestation can significantly change the ground cover and soil physicochemical properties, especially the soil fertility maintenance and water conservation functions of artificial forests are very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. However, how different tree growth affect soil nutrient and soil physicochemical properties following afforestation and which is the best plantation tree species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions remain largely unknown. Methods: This study investigated the soil nutrient contents of three plantations with different tree species (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interaction between soil physicochemical properties. Results: The results revealed that the leaf and litter layer strongly influence soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis has higher organic carbon, ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen (C:N) and organic carbon to total phosphorus (C:P) in the leaves and litter layer than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hinder litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improve soil nutrients and clay components than the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. Furthermore, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved the soil capacity, soil total porosity, and capillary porosity, decreased soil bulk density, and enhanced water storage capacity than the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the strong link between plants and soil is tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there had a close correlation between soil particle size distribution and soil physicochemical properties. Conclusions: Therefore, our results recommend planting the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia as the preferred tree species to enhance the soil fertility and water conservation functions, especially in semi-arid regions mountain forest ecosystems.

scholarly journals Effects of Three Plantation Coniferous Species on Plant-Soil Feedbacks and Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Semi-Arid Mountain Ecosystems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Han ◽  
Yongjing Liu ◽  
Cankun Zhang ◽  
Yage Li ◽  
Tairan Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Litter Layer ◽  
Plantation Forest ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Background: Large-scale afforestation can significantly change ground cover and soil physicochemical properties, especially the soil fertility maintenance and water conservation function of artificial forest is very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. To better understand the effects of different tree growth on soil nutrient and soil physicochemical properties following afforestation to determine the best plantation tree species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions. Methods: This study investigated the soil nutrient contents for three different tree species (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interaction between soil physicochemical properties. Results: The results revealed that the leaf and litter layer strongly influences soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis has higher organic carbon, C:N and C:P in the leaves and litter layer than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hinder litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improve soil nutrients and clay component than P. tabuliformis plantation forest. Furthermore, the the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved the soil capacity, soil total porosity and capillary porosity, decreased soil bulk density, and enhanced water storage capacity than P. tabuliformis plantation forest. In conclusion, the results of this study show that the strong link between plants and soil is tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there had strong correlation between soil particle size distribution and soil physicochemical properties. Conclusions: Therefore, our results recommend planting the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia as the preferred tree species to enhance the soil fertility and water conservation functions, especially in semi-arid regions mountain forest ecosystems.

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