Effect of land configurations and Pongamia mulch on soil moisture content and yield of yellow pericarp sorghum during kharif

The present work aims to determine the effect of land configurations and Pongamia pinnata mulch on soil moisture content and yield of yellow sorghum during kharif, 2018-19 on sandy clay loam soils of Hyderabad. The experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The treatments included land configurations (Flatbed, Ridge and furrow, Broad bed and furrow, Flatbed + Mulch, Ridge and Furrow + Mulch, Broad bed and furrow + Mulch) and yellow sorghum genotypes (PYPS 101, PYPS 102, PYPS 103 and PYPS 104). Mulch used in this investigation was Pongamia leaf mulch applied @ 6 t ha-1 uniformly at 20 DAS. Soil moisture played a vital role in increasing crop yields in the rainfed regions of the semi-arid tropics. During most crop growth stages, the availability of soil water was increased by Broad bed and furrow + mulch, resulting in increased grain yield by 37 % (1701 kg ha-1) of yellow sorghum over flatbed. Ridge and furrow + mulch were found to be the next best treatment, with a grain yield of 1590 kg ha-1. Mulched treatments of flatbed, ridge and furrow and broad bed and furrow increased the grain yield by 20%, 28% and 37%, respectively, compared to flatbed without mulch. The present study will help in recognizing profitable moisture conservation practices and the role of Pongamia mulch in soil moisture conservation and yield maximization of yellow sorghum.

Grevillea robusta (silky oak).

G. robusta has gained widespread popularity in warm temperate, subtropical and tropical highland regions of many countries, originally as a shade tree for tea and coffee and now as an agroforestry tree for small farms (Harwood, 1989). It provides economically valuable products including timber, poles, firewood and leaf mulch; it is easy to propagate and establish and is relatively free of pests and diseases; its proteoid roots help it grow in low-fertility soils; it does not compete strongly with adjacent crops; and it tolerates heavy pruning of its roots and branches. With its fern-like pinnate leaves and prominent attractive, orange flowers, it is also popular as an ornamental. As a consequence of its colonizing abilities, G. robusta may become a noxious weed in favourable conditions.

Produção orgânica de quiabo variando coberturas de solo e turnos de rega

<p>The objective of this study was to study the effects of different materials on mulching in combination with irrigation shifts on okra growth and yield. The experiment was carried out in campus II of Paraíba State University, located in Lagoa Seca (PB), it considered four soil mulches (without mulch, banana mulch sheath, bamboo leaf mulch and plastic tarpaulin) and three watering shifts (24, 48 and 72 hours) and used a randomized block design with four replications in a factorial scheme, totalyzing 48 experimental plots, from March to August 2016. Growth variables and production components were evaluated. We had positive effects of soil cover on water saving. The most efficient coverings were white canvas and bamboo leaves, resulting in greater water savings in okra cultivation without harming plant production. It is important to highlight, however, the absence of significant effect related to irrigation shifts on okra development and production, due to the occurrence of rainfall during the period in which the experiment occurred</p>

Phytotoxic Effect of Macerates and Mulches from Cupressus leylandii Leaves on Clover and Cress: Role of Chemical Composition

The use of plant secondary metabolites is an attractive strategy to control weeds. In this work, cypress (Cupressus leylandii) leaves were collected and tested as aqueous macerates or mulches for their ability to control seed germination and seedling growth of Trifolium repens and Lepidium sativum. Leaves were collected on trees facing the north (S) or facing the sun (L). The rate of seed germination measured on sand was drastically slowed down by the cypress leaves after 8 d of maceration, reaching inhibition of >85% compared to the control at 7 d post-imbibition (dpi). Analysis of macerates by UHPLC-MS revealed the presence of organic acids, phenols, and sugars in amounts increasing with maceration time and the phytotoxic effect. A 5 cm layer of cypress leaf mulch also significantly reduced (p < 0.001) the rate of seedling appearance of Lepidium sativum measured on potting soil compared to the control. Mulches prepared using L leaves were more efficient than those prepared with S leaves (p = 0.0029). Analysis of ethanolic extracts of leaves by mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to liquid (UHPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) showed the presence of a variety of monoterpenes, monoterpenoids, and diterpenoids with a labdane backbone. They were all more concentrated in mulches prepared with L leaves than those prepared with S leaves, in particular diterpenoids, which were about 10-fold more concentrated. However, the identification of phytotoxic components needs further research. It is concluded that due to their phytotoxic properties, Cupressus leylandii leaves could be used as mulch or macerate for target treatment of weedy areas.

Compost and Black Polyethylene Mulches Improve Spring Production of Romaine Lettuce in Southern New England

Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is the most popular leafy vegetable in the United States. Organic and synthetic mulch materials are applied by farmers to reduce their weeding expenditures, manage soil temperatures, and increase the yield and quality of their crops. This study examined the impacts of using black polyethylene, compost, and shredded leaves as surface mulches in spring open field romaine lettuce by using data regarding the soil temperature, lettuce growth, and yield parameters. Mulch treatments were compared to determine effects on soil temperature, lettuce growth rates, leaf area index (LAI), yield, and plant size. Experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2019. Soil temperatures were slightly (but significantly) warmer in 2019, the plants grew more rapidly, and LAI, yield, and plant size were all significantly greater than they were in 2017. Mean soil temperatures were 18.0 and 18.9 °C in black polyethylene mulched plots, 17.7 and 18.5 °C in compost, 17.5 and 17.0 °C in bare ground, and 16.9 and 17.3 °C in shredded leaf plots in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Changes in canopy size presented a similar trend over the growing season for all treatments; shredded leaf and bare ground treatments on all measuring dates had the smallest canopy size, and compost and black polyethylene mulches had the largest canopy sizes. Black polyethylene and compost mulches had the highest LAI and yields in both years. In 2017, the bare ground treatment was similar to black polyethylene and compost mulch treatments for both parameters, and all three treatments were significantly greater than the shredded leaf mulch treatment. In 2019, the bare ground treatment was similar to the shredded leaf mulch treatment and significantly lower than the black polyethylene and compost mulch treatments. In 2017, black polyethylene and compost mulches had LAI of 7.67 and 7.37 and yields of 6.38 and 6.68 kg·m−2, respectively. Bare ground had an LAI of 7.16 and yielded 5.94 kg·m−2. Shredded leaf mulch plots had the lowest LAI (5.94) and yield (4.96 kg·m−2). In 2019, the bare ground treatment had an LAI of 7.5 and yielded 7.6 kg·m−2. Black polyethylene and compost mulches increased LAI by 1.7. Yield increased by 2.8 kg·m−2 with black polyethylene mulch and by 2.4 kg·m−2 with compost mulch. Shredded leaf mulch produced LAI and yield similar to but slightly lower than bare ground. Dry weight, plant height, and head diameter in bare ground and shredded leaf mulch treatments were significantly smaller than in black polyethylene and compost mulch treatments. The cultivar rank order was consistent across treatments in both years; ‘Ridgeline’ grew significantly faster than ‘Coastal Star’, and plants were significantly larger at harvest. Black polyethylene suppresses weeds and increases soil temperatures, thereby enhancing yields of spring-to-summer romaine lettuce under southern New England conditions. Compost mulch has similar effects on yields. Shredded leaf mulch is effective at suppressing weeds but decreases soil temperatures and yields.

PERTUMBUHAN VEGETATIF TOMAT (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM MILL) PADA KERAGAMAN TIPE MULSA DAN DOSIS PUPUK ORGANIK

Upaya meningkatkan pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman dapat dilakukan dengan aplikasi mulsa dan pupuk organik. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui: (1) pengaruh jenis mulsa terhadap pertumbuhan tomat, (2) pengaruh pupuk organik terhadap pertumbuhan tomat, (3) pengaruh interaksi antar jenis mulsa dan dosis pupuk organik terhadap pertumbuhan tomat. Dalam penelitian ini digunakan rancangan 2 faktor. Faktor pertama adalah 3 jenis mulsa yaitu mulsa plastik hitam perak, mulsa jerami padi dan mulsa daun-daun kering. Faktor kedua adalah dosis pupuk organik yang terdiri atas 6 level yaitu: P0 = 0 kg pupuk organik (kontrol), P1 = pemberian 0,4 kg pupuk organik per 1 m2 lahan, P2 = pemberian 0,8 kg pupuk organik per 1 m2 lahan, P3 = pemberian 1,2 kg pupuk organik per 1 m2 lahan, P4 = pemberian 1,6 kg pupuk organik per 1 m2 lahan, P5 = pemberian 2,0 kg pupuk organik per 1 m2 lahan. Data penelitian dianalisis dengan analisis sidik ragam. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) perbedaan jenis mulsa berpengaruh nyata terhadap pertumbuhan tanaman tomat (2) perbedaan dosis pupuk organik berpengaruh nyata terhadap pertumbuhan tanaman tomat, (3) interaksi antara jenis mulsa dan dosis pupuk organik tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap pertumbuhan tanaman tomat, (4) mulsa plastik hitam perak memberikan hasil tinggi batang, panjang helaian daun dan lebar helaian daun yang lebih baik dibandingkan jenis mulsa yang lain, (5) dosis optimum pupuk organik untuk tanaman tomat adalah 1,6 kg per 1 m2 lahan pertanian.Kata kunci : mulsa, pupuk organik, pertumbuhan tomatAbstract: Efforts to increase growth and yields can be done with the application of mulch and organic fertilizer. The purpose of this study is to find out. The research objective is to find out: (1) the effect of mulch type on tomato growth, (2) the effect of organic fertilizer on tomato growth, (2) the effect of interaction between types of mulch and the dose of organic fertilizer on tomato growth. This research used 2 factors design. The first factor is 3 types of mulch namely black silver plastic mulch, rice straw mulch and dried leaf mulch. The second factor is the dose of organic fertilizer consisting of 6 levels, namely: P0 = 0 kg of organic fertilizer (control), P1 = giving 0.4 kg of organic fertilizer per 1 m2 of land, P2 = giving 0.8 kg of organic fertilizer per 1 m2 of land, P3 = giving 1.2 kg of organic fertilizer per 1 m2 of land, P4 = giving 1.6 kg of fertilizer organic per 1 m2 of land, P5 = giving 2.0 kg of organic fertilizer per 1 m2 of land. Research data were analyzed by analysis of variance. The results showed that (1) the different types of mulch significantly affected the growth of tomato, (2) the difference in organic fertilizer dosages significantly affected the growth of tomato, (3) the interaction between the types of mulch and the dose of organic fertilizer did not significantly affect the growth of tomato, (4) silver black plastic mulch gives better stem height, leaf length and leaf width than other types of mulch, (5) optimum dose of organic fertilizer for tomato plants is 1.6 kg per 1 m2 of agricultural land.Keywords: mulch, organic fertilizer, tomato growth

The Use of Reflective Mulch in Soybean-Oil Palm Intercropping System

Demand for soybean is increasing nowadays as it provides a high nutrition food at affordable price. To fulfill the demand, an intercropping system of soybean-oil palm may increase the production of soybean. However, shading by the oil palm canopy would reduce the amount of radiation reaching the soil surface. Theoritically, application of reflective mulches may increase the amount of solar radiation intercepted by the shaded plants, hence it gives a positive effect for plant growth. The study aimed to analyze the effect of an increased radiation transmission with reflective mulch on the growth and development of soybean under an intercropping system with 4-year olds oil palm. The experiments were carried out on PT. Perkebunan Nusantara VIII located in Cimarga District, Lebak Regency, from March to June 2018. There were three treatments based on mulch application, namely soil without mulch (R0), soil with black silver plastic mulch (R1), and soil with dry palm oil leaf mulch (R2). The results showed that a canopy of 4-year-olds oil palm transmitted around 42% of an incoming radiation. The use of mulch as radiation reflector has a positive effect on an increased interception of solar radiation and potential productivity. Under R1 and R2 treatments, intercepted radiation was 25% and 15% larger than that of R0. In addition, mulch increased radiation use efficiency (RUE) by 2.3 times under R1 (1.6 g/MJ) and 1.7 times under R2 (1.2 g/MJ). The potency of productivity also increased (1.48 and 1.42 times higher under R1 and R2, respectively). The finding confirmed that mulch application did not affect the plant development in any treatment. Furthermore, we suggest that an intercropping system of soybean and 4-year-olds oil palm may be applied to increase the soybean production in Indonesia.

Phytotoxic Activity of Geraniol-Treated Lemongrass Leaf Mulch against Common Weeds in Nurseries

Hand weeding continues to be one of the most laborious aspects of nursery maintenance. Oxygenated monoterpene, an important group of secondary metabolite found in essential oils, has a potential herbicidal activity that could be exploited as natural herbicide whereas organic mulch could delay weed emergence. Thus, this study aimed to examine the phytotoxicity of geraniol, an oxygenated monoterpene compound, in combination with lemongrass leaf mulch against three common weeds, Eleusine indica (grass), Cyperus distans (sedge), and Tridax procumbens (broadleaf). Greenhouse experiments were carried out by treating 4.0 t/ha lemongrass leaf mulch with 7.5% (v/v) geraniol compound. The pretreated mulch acted synergistically and inhibited the emergence and shoot growth of T. procumbens completely. However, the pretreated mulch exhibited a moderate inhibitory effect on C. distans emergence and growth. Geraniol-treated lemongrass leaf mulch acted synergistically and inhibited the emergence of E. indica by 72%, but it acted antagonistically and caused a 45% reduction of shoot biomass. The present findings suggest that geraniol-treated lemongrass leaf mulch has potent herbicidal activity but its phytotoxic effect is species-dependent.

Dampak pengendalian hama terpadu kakao terhadap serangan penggerek buah kakao (Conopomorpha cramella (Sn.)) (Lepidoptera : Gracillariidae) dan Helopeltis sp. (Hemiptera : Miridae)

Impact of integrated Pest management (IPM) for cacao pod borer attack (Conopomorpha cramella (Sn.)) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) dan Helopeltis sp.(Hemiptera : Miridae). Research on impact of integrated Pest management (IPM) for cacao pod borer attack (Conopomorpha cramella (Sn.)) and Helopeltis sp. had been conducted at Tumbik Melayu Village, Teluk bayur District, Berau Regency, in East Kalimantan, starting from May to September 2002. It used nested classification design. IPM practices applied in this research were pruning, balanced fertilization, weeding, field sanitation (leaf mulch), light pruning, fregment harvesting (every week), burrying of pod shell, and wrapping of young pod in week 15th. Result of the research revealed that IPM application could reduce the cacao pod borer attack reaching: a) light category before treatments from 41.29 to 15.00%; b) heavy category before treatments from 20.56 to 0 and 23.37%, compare to farmer plot. IPM implementation were able to increase percentage of healthy pod up to 18.66% compared to farmer plot. Beside it could suppers development of Helopeltis sp. population up to 24%. The dominant natural enemies were spider as many as 1.34 individuals per plant on IPM plot and 0.6 spider per plant on farmer plot (non IPM). Application of IPM practices were able to increase agronomic character: a) number of flower up to 37.22% when compare to farmer plot, and b) number of fruits until 5.56%, whereas number of young fruits decrease up 13.25%.