The effect of supplementsl irrigation, foliar fertilization and NAA hormone on the alternate bearing in pistachio (pistacia vera L.): تأثير الري التكميلي والتسميد الورقي ومنظم النمو NAA على تبادل الحمل لأشجار الفستق الحلبي Pistacia vera

This research (study)was carried out over four years (2017-2020) on Ashori pistachio nut cultivar in a pistachio orchard located in Soran/Hama region (SYRIA) in order to determine the effect of leaves fertilisation, supplementsl irrigation, and NNA treatment on bud shedding, yield, and nut splitting rate in pistachio trees.The experiment was designed according to the split-split-pot designs, where the main plots included supplementsl irrigation treatment (without irrigation, winter irrigation, summer irrigation, winter and summer irrigation) and the first-order plots included leaves fertilization concentrations (0, 1 and 2 g.liter -1) and the second-order plots included NAA levels (0, 25 and 50 ppm). The results indicated that the percentage of floral buds falling down during the fruit yield season, was higher than the non-fruit yield season and it was at its lowest in the third season because of the combined effect of fertilization (2g/lit) and NAA (50 ppm) and it reached (30.9%) and followed by the treatment of NAA (50 ppm) which reached (31.2%). The yield average was at its highest in the fourth fruit yield season (39.49 kg) at the fourth irrigation treatment (winter + summer) whit it was in the control treatment) 29.17 kg). The average percentage of nut splitting in the fourth season was (97.1%) for the effect of fourth irrigation treatment and fertilization level (1 g/lit), followed by the fourth irrigation treatment which the nut splitting was (96.77%).

Do lower nitrogen fertilization levels require breeding of different types of cultivars in triticale?

Key message The comparably low genotype-by-nitrogen level interaction suggests that selection in early generations can be done under high-input conditions followed by selection under different nitrogen levels to identify genotypes ideally suited for the target environment. Abstract Breeding high-yielding, nitrogen-efficient crops is of utmost importance to achieve greater agricultural sustainability. The aim of this study was to evaluate nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of triticale, investigate long-term genetic trends and the genetic architecture, and develop strategies for NUE improvement by breeding. For this, we evaluated 450 different triticale genotypes under four nitrogen fertilization levels in multi-environment field trials for grain yield, protein content, starch content and derived indices. Analysis of temporal trends revealed that modern cultivars are better in exploiting the available nitrogen. Genome-wide association mapping revealed a complex genetic architecture with many small-effect QTL and a high level of pleiotropy for NUE-related traits, in line with phenotypic correlations. Furthermore, the effect of some QTL was dependent on the nitrogen fertilization level. High correlations of each trait between N levels and the rather low genotype-by-N-level interaction variance showed that generally the same genotypes perform well over different N levels. Nevertheless, the best performing genotype was always a different one. Thus, selection in early generations can be done under high nitrogen fertilizer conditions as these provide a stronger differentiation, but the final selection in later generations should be conducted with a nitrogen fertilization as in the target environment.

Improvement of Nitrogen-Fertilizer Recommendation by Consideration of Long-Term Site and Cultivation Effected Mineralization

Organic matter (OM) and nutrient nitrogen (N) play vital roles in the fertility and production of soil in accordance with goals of efficient environmental protection. This study aimed to show the extent to which N delivery can contribute to improving nitrogen fertilizer requirements (NFR) through comparative analysis of OM and N. Systems determining the NFR in agricultural practices have thus far been challenged to estimate the annual rate of mineralization of the soil. OM and N turnover was investigated through an available evaluation consisting of 546 representatively distributed permanent test and observation plots (TP) of the German Federal State of Saxony farms. A solid database of at least 10-year field plot card records from 2001 to 2010 was selected for the analysis. A program (BEFU) widely used in agricultural practice, along with the simplified process model CCB, were applied. For the calculation of the amount of mineral N fertilizers used, the results of three different methods for determining the NFR were compared with each other. The determination of the farmers’ demand (=actual condition of the TP) with a mean value of 132 kg N ha−1 did not show a large difference between the calculated values with 137 kg N ha−1 by the BEFU program. Based on the available results for the most important crop species cultivated in Saxony, there were clear differences in the considerations of the N delivery from the soil. The BEFU program was able to calculate an average N delivery of 17 kg N ha−1 from tabulated data, whereas with the CCB process model, 66 kg N ha−1 of mineralization was determined with a distinct higher deviation by taking into account the 10-year field histories. Using the N delivery of the TP by the CCB model, a clear reduction of the mean N fertilization level, to about 80 kg N ha−1, was therefore achieved. These differences were particularly large for TP with organic fertilization (livestock), at a relatively low N fertilization level, and for certain crop species. With a high standard deviation, the average savings potential of mineral N fertilizers was 52–57 kg N ha−1. After including the corrected values for the N mineral fertilization, a decrease in the N balances by an average of 20–25 kg N ha−1 was ultimately achieved. In particular, the heavily oversupplied plots with D and E classification decreased by approximately 50%. The results of our study demonstrate clear improvements; therefore, increased efforts should be made in the future to optimize the determination of NFR using applicable methods that consider N mineralization in agricultural practice and consultation.

Effect of Magnetization of Nano Fertilization on The Growth and Yield of Wheat Triticum Aestivum L

A field experiment was conducted in Al-Fadhiliya city, Dhi Qar province during the winter agricultural season 2019 - 2020 for the purpose of studying the effect of magnetization of nano Fertilization on the growth and yield of wheat. The experiment was carried out according to Split Plot Design and using the RCBD Design with three replications. The first factor included Magnetization levels of the Nano Fertilization (Gs) (0 Gs (Gs1),750 Gs (Gs2),1500 Gs (Gs3) for 15 minute (in main plot) while the second factor included the Nano Fertilization levels for (N, P) (F) 1 Kg.ha−1(F1), 1.5 Kg.ha−1(F2), 2 Kg.ha−1(F3)(according to the recommendation of the manufacturer (1 - 2 Kg.ha−1))(in sub plot). Mineral fertilizer add for (N, P) by 120 Kg N.ha−1, 100 Kg P ha−1. Mineral and nano fertilizer section for three growth stages (ZGs21, ZGs32, ZGs49). The results showed a positive response to the studied traits of variety Bohouth 22 (Plant height, number of tillers, number of grains and total grain yield) given the highest averages at the level of magnetism (Gs3) and fertilization level (F3)(109.33 cm, 426.2 tiller.m−2, 73.22 grain. spike−1, 1.859 t.d−1),(108.44 cm, 471.4 tiller.m−2, 77.78 grain. spike−1, 1.915 t.d-1) respectively, while the level of magnetism (Gs1) and fertilization level (F1) giving the lowest averages (95.11 cm, 341.3 tiller.m−2, 60.11 grain. spike−1, 1.437 t.d−1), (96.22 cm, 312.1 tiller.m−2, 54.00 grain. spike−1, 1.412 t.d−1) respectively. The level of magnetism (Gs1) and fertilization level (F1) gave the highest average in weight 1000 grain (43.188, 44.266)g respectively, while the magnetization level (Gs3) and fertilization level (F3) giving the lowest average (42.092,41.182)g respectively. Interaction treatment (Gs3F3) gave the highest average grain yield 2.1773 t.d−1 while the interaction treatment (Gs1F1) gave the lowest average attained 1.218 t.d−1.

Response of Safflower to (N.P.K) Fertilizer Combinations and Plants Distribution

To find out the effect of fertilizer levels and of plants distribution on safflower yield, an experiment was conducted in Iraq - Al-Diwaniyah Governorate in the growing season 2020/2021, The experiment included three replicates with 60 experimental units, and it included combinations levels of fertilization(F1F2, F3 and F4) which represented the following fertilizer levels(N0, P0, K0) (N140, P80, K40) (N160, P100, K60) (N180, P120, K80)Kg.h−1, in addition to five planting distribution (D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5) follows (30 × 30, 40 × 40, 50 × 50, 60 × 60 and 70 × 70 cm). The results showed that the fertilization level(N180, P120, K80) it gave the highest mean of seed weight and head diameter, which amounted to(23.12 g and 2.88cm) respectively. As for the plant distribution D5, Gave the highest of weight of the yield of petals, Head diameter and plant heads number reached to (2.23 g, 2.93 cm, 83.14 head. plant−1) respectively. While the superiority of the treatment D4 was in In seeds number per head 44.88 seed. head−1. Therefore, plants distribution between plants can be reduced with increased fertilization from NPK in the area.

Development of Raising Seedling Technology for Veronica pyrethrina Nakai Using Plug Trays

Background and objective: This study was carried out to develop an effective technique for raising seedlings of Veronica pyrethrina Nakai, a native plant species in the Korean Peninsula, in plug trays. Methods: To investigate the optimum plug cell size and sowing media, we sowed seed in to plug trays with 34, 21, and 10 mL cells and filled with a commercial horticultural substrate and mixtures of peatmoss and perlite in 1:1, 3:1, and 4:1 ratios. Fertilization levels were set at 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg⋅L-1. Results: Plug cell size did not significantly influence the seedling growth of V. pyrethrina. By substrate type, the growth rate was highest in the horticultural substrate, followed by 4:1, 3:1, and 1:1. Growth by fertilization level was higher in all fertilized treatment groups than in the control group, and there was no difference among 500, 1000, and 2000 mg⋅L-1. Conclusion: The results of this study proved that it is most suitable for raising seedlings of V. pyrethrina to sow the seeds in a 10 mL cell plug tray filled with horticultural substrates, and apply fertilizers with less than 500 mg⋅L-1 concentration.

Hyperspectral Characteristics of an Individual Leaf of Wheat Grown under Nitrogen Gradient

Since the application of hyperspectral technology to agriculture, many scientists have been conducting studies to apply the technology in crop diagnosis. However, due to the properties of optical devices, the reflectances obtained according to the image acquisition conditions are different. Nevertheless, there is no optimized method for minimizing such technical errors in applying hyperspectral imaging. Therefore, this study was conducted to find the appropriate image acquisition conditions that reflect the growth status of wheat grown under different nitrogen fertilization regimes. The experiment plots were comprised of six plots with various N application levels of 145.6 kg N ha−1 (N1), 109.2 kg N ha−1 (N2), 91.0 kg N ha−1 (N3), 72.8 kg N ha−1 (N4), 54.6 kg N ha−1 (N5), and 36.4 kg N ha−1 (N6). Hyperspectral image acquisitions were performed at different shooting angles of 105° and 125° from the surface, and spike, flag leaf, and the second uppermost leaf were divided into five parts from apex to base when analyzing the images. The growth analysis conducted at heading showed that the N6 was 85.6% in the plant height, 44.1% in LAI, and 64.9% in SPAD as compared to N1. The nitrogen content in the leaf decreased by 55.2% compared to N1 and the quantity was 44.9% in N6 compared to N1. Based on the vegetation indices obtained from hyperspectral reflectances at the heading stage, the spike was not suitable for analysis. In the case of the flag leaf and the 2nd uppermost leaf, the vegetation indices from spectral data taken at 105 degrees were more appropriate for acquiring imaging data by clearly dividing the effects of fertilization level. The results of the regional variation in a leaf showed that the region of interest (ROI), which is close to the apex of the flag leaf and the base of the second uppermost leaf, has a high coefficient of determination between the fertilization levels and the vegetation indices, which effectively reflected the status of wheat.

Foliar N Application on Tea Plant at Its Dormancy Stage Increases the N Concentration of Mature Leaves and Improves the Quality and Yield of Spring Tea

Over 30% of the Chinese tea plantation is supplied with excess fertilizer, especially nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Whether or not foliar N application on tea plants at the dormancy stage could improve the quality of spring tea and be a complementary strategy to reduce soil fertilization level remains unclear. In this study, the effects of foliar N application on tea plants were investigated by testing the types of fertilizers and their application times, and by applying foliar N under a reduced soil fertilization level using field and 15N-labeling pot experiments. Results showed that the foliar N application of amino acid liquid fertilizer two times at the winter dormancy stage was enough to significantly increase the N concentration of the mature leaves and improved the quality of spring tea. The foliar application of 2% urea or liquid amino acid fertilizer two times at the winter dormancy stage and two times at the spring dormancy stage showed the best performance in tea plants among the other foliar N fertilization methods, as it reduced the soil fertilization levels in tea plantations without decreasing the total N concentration of the mature leaves or deteriorating the quality of spring tea. Therefore, foliar N application on tea plants at its dormancy stage increases the N concentration of the mature leaves, improves the quality and yield of spring tea, and could be a complementary strategy to reduce soil fertilization levels.

Effects of fertilizer under different dripline spacings on summer maize in northern China

Maximizing grain yields with effective fertilization technologies and minimizing nitrogen losses is essential in agroecosystems. In this research, we conducted a two-year field experiment to explore whether dripline spacing and fertilization rate would affect maize grain yield. Two dripline spacings (i.e., one drip line per row of maize with a row space of 60 cm and one drip line per two rows of maize) and two fertilization rates (i.e., high fertilization level: N, 180 kg ha−1; P2O5, 90 kg ha−1; and K2O, 90 kg ha−1 and low level: N, 139.5 kg ha−1; P2O5, 76.5 kg ha−1; and K2O, 76.5 kg ha−1) were employed in this research. The results showed that maize yield was significantly affected by both dripline spacing and fertilization rate. The maize yield was 10.2% higher in the treatment with one drip line per two rows than that in the treatment with one drip line per row. Maize yield increased by 10.9% at the high fertilization level compared to that at the low fertilization level. The quantity of cumulative ammonia volatilization was reduced by 15.1% with one drip line per two rows compared to that with one drip line per row, whereas it increased by 26.9% at the high fertilization level compared with that at the low fertilization level. These results indicated that one drip line per two rows with a high fertilization rate increased the yield and could reduce the environmental burden, which may be economically beneficial and environmentally sound for maize fertigation for green agricultural development.

Self-Configuring CVS to Discriminate Rocket Leaves According to Cultivation Practices and to Correctly Attribute Visual Quality Level

Computer Vision Systems (CVS) represent a contactless and non-destructive tool to evaluate and monitor the quality of fruits and vegetables. This research paper proposes an innovative CVS, using a Random Forest model to automatically select the relevant features for classification, thereby avoiding their choice through a cumbersome and error-prone work of human designers. Moreover, three color correction techniques were evaluated and compared, in terms of classification performance to identify the best solution to provide consistent color measurements. The proposed CVS was applied to fresh-cut rocket, produced under greenhouse soilless cultivation conditions differing for the irrigation management strategy and the fertilization level. The first aim of this study was to objectively estimate the quality levels (QL) occurring during storage. The second aim was to non-destructively, and in a contactless manner, identify the cultivation approach using the digital images of the obtained product. The proposed CVS achieved an accuracy of about 95% in QL assessment and about 65–70% in the discrimination of the cultivation approach.