To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Crop production and soil.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Crop production and soil'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Crop production and soil.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Mallory, Ellen B. "Crop/Livestock Integration Effects on Soil Quality, Crop Production, and Soil Nitrogen Dynamics." Fogler Library, University of Maine, 2007. http://www.library.umaine.edu/theses/pdf/MalloryEB2007.pdf.
Full text
2
Santos, Francisco SÃrgio Ribeiro dos. "Production and nutrition in strawberry crop soil and hydroponic." Universidade Federal do CearÃ, 2014. http://www.teses.ufc.br/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=13165.
Full textAbstract:
CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel SuperiorTraditional soil based strawberry production currently faces some obstacles, both by excessive use of pesticides, as the diseases caused by fungi and other pathogens and ergonomic difficulties of cultivating the soil. Strawberry soilless cultivation combined with greenhouse and the use of substrate promotes some advantages such as: eliminating the use of products for soil disinfection, precocity, increased yields, better crop management conditions and crop protection against adverse weather conditions, pest attacks and diseases.. The objective of the study was to evaluate yield and nutrition of four strawberry cultivars in three cropping systems in Serra da Ibiapaba â CearÃ. The experiment was conducted in 3 x 4 factorial design, randomized blocks, with three cultivation systems arranged in strips (soil, hydroponic in gutters and bags), with four strawberry cultivars (Oso Grande, Albion, and Camarosa and Festival) and five replications. Coconut fiber was used as substrate in the hydroponic systems. In the period between the sixth and thirty-eighth week after transplanting, the number and average fruit weight, yield per plant and yield were determined. From the beginning of flowering, leaves were collected every two months to determine the levels of macro and micronutrients. Hydroponic gutter and bag systems increased the number of fruits per plant, but did not increase average fruit weight. The strawberry yield in hydroponic cultivation system was superior to soil cultivation. Cultivar Festival presented more fruits than the other cultivars in hydroponic systems. The Oso Grande and Festival cultivars stood out as the average fruit weight and yield, respectively, and may be recommended for hydroponic cultivation for the region of Serra da Ibiapaba. Based on the leaf nutrient contents, it is suggested adjustments in concentrations of phosphorus and magnesium in the nutrient solution used in hydroponic strawberry crop. Keywords: Fragaria x ananassa, cultivar, nutrients, crop system,
O cultivo do morangueiro no solo enfrenta atualmente alguns entraves, tanto pelo uso excessivo de defensivos, como pelas doenÃas causadas por fungos e outros patÃgenos e as dificuldades ergonÃmicas do cultivo no solo. O cultivo em sistemas sem solo combinado com ambiente protegido e o uso de substrato proporciona algumas vantagens como: eliminaÃÃo do uso de produtos destinados à desinfecÃÃo do solo, antecipaÃÃo do inÃcio das colheitas, aumento da produÃÃo, proteÃÃo da cultura Ãs condiÃÃes meteorolÃgicas adversas, ataque de pragas e doenÃas e melhores condiÃÃes de manejo da cultura. O experimento teve como objetivo avaliar a produÃÃo e nutriÃÃo de quatro cultivares de morango em trÃs sistemas de cultivo na Serra da Ibiapaba â CearÃ. O experimento foi conduzido em esquema fatorial 3 x 4, em blocos casualizados, sendo trÃs sistemas de cultivo dispostos em faixa (solo, hidropÃnico em calhas e em s a c o l a s ), com quatro cultivares de morangueiro (Oso Grande, Albion, Camarosa e Festival), com cinco repetiÃÃes. No sistema hidropÃnico foi utilizado como substrato fibra de coco. No perÃodo entre a sexta e trigÃsima oitava semana apÃs o transplantio, foi determinado o nÃmero e peso mÃdio de frutos, produÃÃo por planta e produtividade. A partir do inÃcio do florescimento, foram coletadas a cada dois meses folhas para determinaÃÃo dos teores de macro e micronutrientes. Os sistemas hidropÃnicos em calha e em sacolas aumentaram o nÃmero de frutos por planta, porÃm nÃo aumentaram o peso mÃdio de frutos. A produtividade do morangueiro cultivado no sistema hidropÃnico foi superior ao cultivo no solo. A cultivar Festival apresentou maior nÃmero de frutos em relaÃÃo as demais cultivares nos sistemas hidropÃnicos. As cultivares Oso Grande e Festival destacaram-se quanto a peso mÃdio de frutos e produtividade, respectivamente, sendo recomendadas para cultivo hidropÃnico para regiÃo da Serra da Ibiapaba. Com base nos teores de nutirentes na folha sugere-se ajustes nas concentraÃÃes de fÃsforo e magnÃsio na soluÃÃo nutritiva utilizada no cultivo hidropÃnico do morangueiro. Palavras-chaves: Fragaria x ananassa, cultivar, sistema de cultivo, nutrientes.
3
Ohu, John Olutunde. "Peatmoss influence on strength, hydraulic characteristics and crop production of compacted soils." Thesis, McGill University, 1985. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=71960.
Full textAbstract:
The quantitative effects of increasing the organic matter contents of three soils upon their susceptibility to compaction, the recovery of tilth after compaction and the fertility of the soils were investigated. These effects were further studied on the production of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).Soil consistency limits, soil water status, applied pressure and organic matter contents were used to predict shear strength, penetration resistance and water retention characteristics of compacted soils, with the aim of meeting the widespread demand for possible techniques of soil compaction prediction.
Soil compaction increased the ability of the soils to retain moisture, increased penetration resistance, shear strength and decreased the available water capacity of soils. On the other hand, organic matter increased the ability of the soils to retain moisture, expanded the available water capacity and decreased the penetration resistance and shear strength of compacted soils.
Although soil compaction increased the stem diameter of bush bean; the height, yields and root dry matter of the crop decreased with higher compaction levels. On the contrary, higher organic matter levels increased the plant and yield parameters of the crop.
4
Semple, Adelaide Mary. "Nitrogen balance and changes in soil nutrients in reduced inputs systems of cropping." Thesis, Queen's University Belfast, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.284399.
Full text
5
Davis, Cathryn Joyce. "Cover crops for soil health and forage." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/34537.
Full textAbstract:
Master of ScienceDepartment of Agronomy
DeAnn R. Presley
Cover crops have numerous benefits and while cover crops have been used for centuries, currently there are few producers in Kansas growing them and so there is a need for additional research on how cover crops affect soil properties, and on the potential for utilizing cover crops as forage. Two studies are presented in this thesis. The first study evaluated the use of cover crops in a vegetable production system as compared to a fully tilled control. This study evaluated soil physical properties in the form of wet aggregate stability and infiltration, and microbial properties by soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Over the three year study, the most pronounced differences observed were in the wet aggregate stability between the cover crop and control treatments where the cover crop treatments had better soil aggregation compared to the control. At the conclusion of the study, there was not a difference between fall and spring planted cover crop treatments. The second study evaluates species composition and forage quality of various combinations of multi-species cover crop mixtures. This study evaluated sixteen treatments, each consisting of a three-way mixture of a brassica (turnip or radish), grass (rye, wheat, barley, oat), and a legume (berseem clover or Austrian winter pea). Species composition analysis found that the brassica species dominated the mixtures (60-80% by mass on a dry weight basis) in 2014 while the grass species were dominant (62 – 67%) in 2015. Overall all treatments produced prime quality forage (as compared to hay values), however some treatments cost significantly more to plant than others. Therefore an economic analysis compared the treatments and found that the treatments containing turnips and oats generally provided the best return on investment given that both of these species were among the cheapest to plant and produced moderate to high biomass compared to the other treatments. The results of these projects point to the potential benefits that cover crops can have for producers interested in improving soil or utilizing cover crops for forage.
6
Waine, Toby William. "Non-invasive soil property measurement for precision farming." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1999. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/11322.
Full textAbstract:
This work investigates the application of new sensors to enable agronomists and farm managers to make decisions for variable treatment strategies at key crop growth stages. This is needed to improve the efficiency of crop production in the context of precision farming. Two non-invasive sensors were selected for investigation. These were: 1) The MGD-1 ion mobility gas detector made by Environics OY, Finland. 2) The EM38 electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor made by Geonics Inc., Canada. The gas detector was used to determine residual nitrogen and to measure carbon dioxide gas as a surrogate indicator of soil quality. In the latter, increased microbial carbon dioxide production was expected on soils with high organic matter content. Overall, the results of gas detection were disappointing. The main problems inherent in the system were; lack of control of the gas sampling, insufficient machine resolution and cross contamination. This led to the decision to discontinue the gas detection research. Instead, the application of electromagnetic induction (EMI) to measure soil variation was investigated. There were two principle advances in the research. Firstly the application of EMI to the rapid assessment of soil textural class. Secondly the mapping of available water content in the soil profile. These were achieved through the development of a new calibration procedure based on EMI survey of the sites at field capacity, working with field experiments from five sites over two years. Maps of total available water holding capacity were produced. These were correlated with yield maps from wet and dry seasons and used to explain some of the seasonal influences on the spatial variation in yield. A product development strategy for a new EMI sensor was considered which produced a recommendation to design a new EMI sensor specifically for available water content and soil texture mapping, that could be mounted on a tractor. For the first time, this procedure enables routine monitoring of the spatial variation in available water content. This enables the effects of seasonal and spatial variation to be included in crop models, targeted irrigation and to aid decisions for the variable application of inputs.
7
Bryant, Heather D. "Hybrid Mulch System: Effects on Crop Production, Economics, Weeds and Soil Quality." Fogler Library, University of Maine, 2008. http://www.library.umaine.edu/theses/pdf/BryantHD2008.pdf.
Full text
8
Booker, Bradley L. "No-Till Tomato Production." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2009. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/363.
Full textAbstract:
Tillage increases erosion rates and diminishes the quality of soils but has traditionally been a way to manage weeds and prepare a seedbed. No-till vegetable production can ameliorate the ill-effects of tillage in an economically effective way but has not been studied much in California. The objective of this thesis was to determine the viability of no-till vegetable cropping on the Central Coast of California. Tomatoes were grown in no-till and conventionally tilled treatments. Total yield, fruit weight, weed emergence, soil bulk density, soil aggregate stability, and soil organic carbon content were measured and compared. Yields and soil tests in both treatments were similar while weed emergence in the tilled plots was significantly higher than in no-till plots. The results may help vegetable producers determine how to make vegetable production on the Central Coast more sustainable.
9
Battaglia, Martin. "Crop residue management effects on crop production, greenhouse gases emissions, and soil quality in the Mid-Atlantic USA." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/86483.
Full textAbstract:
Cellulosic biomass-to-bioenergy systems can provide environmental and economic benefits to modern societies, reducing the dependence on fossil-fuels and greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously improving rural economies. Corn (Zea mays L.) stover and wheat straw (Triticum aestivum L.) residues have particular promise given these crops are widely grown and their cellulosic fractions present a captured resource as a co-product of grain production. Annual systems also offer the ability to change crops rapidly in response to changing market demands. However, concerns exist about residue removal effects on soil health, greenhouse gases emissions and subsequent crop productivity. The carbon footprint and the crop yield productivity and soil health responses resulting from the removal of crop residues has been studied extensively over the last 20 years, but this research has been largely conducted in the Corn Belt. To investigate the impact of crop residue removal in the Mid-Atlantic USA, combinations of corn stover (0, 3.33, 6.66, 10 and 20 Mg ha-1) and wheat straw (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 Mgha-1) were soil applied in a corn-wheat/soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) rotation in Virginia's Coastal Plain. Corn stover (0, 3.33, 6.66, 10 and 20 Mg ha-1) was applied in a continuous corn cropping system in the Ridge/Valley province. For each system, residues were applied following grain harvest over two production cycles. Each experiment was conducted as a randomized complete design with four replications. The highest rates of stover retention resulted in greater greenhouse gas emissions in year 1, but not year 2 of these studies and did not affect overall global warming potentials. Stover application also increased soil carbon but had little effect on other measures of soil quality. Stover K levels were greater with high rates of stover retention. Overall, these studies indicate little effect of residue removal or retention (above typical residue production rates) on subsequent crop production, greenhouse gas emissions, or soil health measures in the short term. This study is one of the first to assess residue removal in the Mid-Atlantic USA and is the first study to investigate the impacts that managing more than one crop residue in a multi-crop system. Longer-term research of this type may be warranted both to determine the consequences of residue management and to start building a regionally-specific body of knowledge about these practices.Ph. D.
10
Matabwa, Charles January. "Nutrient and water constraints to crop production in the savanna soils of Mubangwe, Malawi." Thesis, University of Reading, 1991. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.304248.
Full text
11
Sadler-Richards, Jane M. "Effects of till and no till crop production systems on soil and water quality." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape2/PQDD_0021/NQ58185.pdf.
Full text
12
Human, Hans Jurie. "Identification of soil and biological factors in crop rotation systems with significance to wheat crop performance in the Overberg production area of South Africa." Thesis, Link to the online version, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/2286.
Full text
13
Barros, Inácio de. "Soil related limitation to crop production in the semiarid Northeast of Brazil : identification and modeling /." Stuttgart : Inst. für Bodenkunde und Standortslehre, 2002. http://bvbr.bib-bvb.de:8991/F?func=service&doc_library=BVB01&doc_number=010218120&line_number=0001&func_code=DB_RECORDS&service_type=MEDIA.
Full text
14
Pracilio, Gabriella. "The utilisation of gamma ray spectrometry, a soil mapping technology, to improve dryland crop production /." Connect to this title, 2007. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2007.0099.
Full text
15
Kiome, Romano Mungiiria. "Soil and water conservation for improved soil moisture and crop production : an empirical and modelling study in semi-arid Kenya." Thesis, University of East Anglia, 1992. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.317585.
Full text
16
Huo, Daowen. "Three-year soybean-wheat-corn rotation benefits on soybean production, soil healthand soil bacterial community are site and year dependent." The Ohio State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1587568388786267.
Full text
17
de, Brito Luis Miguel Cortez Mesquita. "Organic composts as soil amendments to agriculutral land : quantitative studies on their effects on crop production." Thesis, University of Reading, 1994. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.386560.
Full text
18
Fleming, Steven. "Agro-process intensification using nano-structured micro-porous polymers as soil additives to enhance crop production." Thesis, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10443/1894.
Full textAbstract:
Polymerised High Internal Phase Emulsion Polymer (PHP) is a nano-structured microporous polymeric material with a variety of applications. PHPs may have a role to play in sustaining or enhancing crop yields in increasingly alien environments. An elastic hydrophilic version has been developed that has been shown to increase crop yields when used as a soil additive. Soil is a natural carrier of water and nutrients as well as bacteria all of which are widely distributed in the soil and inefficiently maintained and utilised by plants. When polymer is added to the soil, water is attracted to the polymer because of its hydrophilic nature, then roots are attracted to the water and nutrients (if present) in the polymer and they become intimately associated with PHP which therefore brings the plant into close proximity with any fertiliser and bacteria loaded into the polymer. Hence the polymer promotes the interactions between water/nutrients/bacteria/plant roots as well as root exudates within microscopic scale acting as a synthetic rhizosphere which benefits the plant in three ways: (1) Efficient water utilisation and conservation by the plant thus allowing plants to grow in drier environments than would otherwise be possible. The dry weight of soybean shoots with PHP added was increased over 100% compared to plants with no PHP. (2) By adding a fertiliser component to the polymer it can act as a slow release fertiliser, releasing the fertiliser in close proximity to the plant roots, so a larger proportion is utilised by the plant rather than being leached away as normally happens when fertiliser is added direct to the soil. By modifying the production method of PHP so that it contained ammonium sulphate, a major component of many fertilisers, the dry weights of soybean shoots and pea shoots were increased by 66% and 48% respectively after 6 weeks growth. (3) By loading the polymer with beneficial bacteria and fungi, in particular nitrogen fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, it then offers a protective environment for the organisms which then have a competitive advantage over other soil organisms so their numbers can increase enabling them to make a significant contribution to the nutrient requirements of the plants, in particular nitrogen. The addition of PHP soaked with Azospirillum brasilense broth produced a dry weight increase in grass shoots of 9.6%, 9.5%, 40% and 145% after 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks growth respectively compared to plants with no PHP or bacteria
19
Kenney, Ian T. "Regional assessment of short-term impacts of corn stover removal for bioenergy on soil quality and crop production." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/13186.
Full textAbstract:
Master of ScienceDepartment of Agronomy
Humberto Blanco
DeAnn Presley
The U.S. agricultural sector is in a prime position to provide crop residues such as corn (Zea mays L.) stover as feedstock for large-scale bioenergy production. While producing renewable energy from biomass resources is a worthy initiative, excessive removal of corn stover from agricultural fields has the potential to increase soil erosion, degrade soil properties, and reduce corn yields. A need exists to objectively assess stover removal impacts on agriculture and the environment on regional scales. This project assessed the effects of removing various rates of corn stover on runoff and erosion and changes in soil physical properties and corn yields on a regional scale across three soils at Colby, Hugoton, and Ottawa in Kansas, USA. The soils were Ulysses silt loam (Fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Aridic Haplustolls) at Colby, Hugoton loam (Fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Aridic Argiustolls) at Hugoton, and Woodson silt loam (Fine, smectitic, thermic Abruptic Argiaquolls) at Ottawa, all with slopes [less than or equal to] 1%. Five stover treatments were studied that consisted of removing 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of stover after harvest from no-till and strip-till continuous corn plots. Simulated rainfall was applied in spring 2010 at rates representing 5 yr return intervals at each site and included a dry and wet run. Runoff increased with an increase in stover removal at Colby and Hugoton, but not at Ottawa. At Colby, stover removal rates as low as 25% caused runoff to occur 16 min sooner and increased sediment loss. At this site, runoff and sediment-carbon (C) loss increased as removal rates exceeded 25%. At Hugoton, complete stover removal increased loss by total N by 0.34, total P loss by 0.07, PO[subscript]4-P by 0.003 and NO[subscript]3-N by 0.007 kg ha-[superscript]1. At Ottawa, PO[subscript]4-P loss decreased by 0.001 kg ha-[superscript]1 with 25% removal and by 0.003 kg ha-[superscript]1 with 50% removal. Mean weight diameter (MWD) of wet aggregates decreased with an increase in stover removal on all soils. At Ottawa, stover removal at 75% reduced soil C in the top 5 cm by 1.57 Mg ha-[superscript]1. Soil volumetric water content decreased with stover removal at Colby and Ottawa, but was variable at Hugoton. Soil temperature tended to increase with stover removal during summer months and decrease during winter months. Soil temperature also fluctuated much more widely with stover removal, resulting in more freeze-thaw events compared to no stover removal. No effect of stover removal on soil water retention was observed on any of the soils. In 2009, removal rates [greater than or equal to]50% resulted in greater grain yield at Colby, while removal rates [greater than or equal to]75% resulted in greater grain yields at Ottawa in 2009 and 2010. Results from the first two years of stover management suggest that stover removal at rates above 25% for bioenergy production increased water erosion, degraded soil structural properties, and altered soil water and temperature regimes. Higher rates of removal ([greater than or equal to]75%) can also reduce soil C concentration in the short-term in rainfed regions. However, grain yields may be enhanced by stover removal from irrigated soils and from rainfed soils with adequate moisture. Overall, the increase in water erosion and alteration in soil properties in the short-term suggest that stover removal can detrimentally affect water quality and soil productivity in Kansas. Further long-term monitoring is warranted to conclusively discern stover removal implications.
20
Kuykendall, Matti Beth. "Biomass production and changes in soil water with cover crop species and mixtures following no-till winter wheat." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/19080.
Full textAbstract:
Master of ScienceDepartment of Agronomy
P. V. Vara Prasad,
Kraig L. Roozeboom
Replacing fallow with cover crops can provide many benefits, including improved soil quality and reduced nitrogen fertilizer requirements. The addition of cover crops into no-till systems has become popular in recent years as a means of increasing cropping system intensity and diversity. A primary concern of producers in the Great Plains is the possibility that cover crops may reduce the amount of soil water stored in the profile for the next grain crop, potentially reducing yields. Multi-species cover crop mixtures that enhance the ecological stability and resilience of cover crop communities may produce greater and more consistent biomass than single species. Field experiments were established in 2013 and 2014 near Belleville and Manhattan, KS following winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvest to evaluate the effect of cover crop species and species complexity on changes in soil profile water content and water use efficiency. Along with a chemical fallow control, ten cover crop treatments were tested: six single species, two-three component mixes, a mix of six species, and a mix of nine species. Volumetric water content was measured using a neutron probe and a Field Scout TDR 300. Similar data were collected in 2014 from an experiment established in 2007 comparing fallow, double-cropped soybean, and four cover crop types (summer and winter legumes and non-legumes) in a no-till winter wheat-grain sorghum-soybean cropping system near Manhattan, KS. Results from both studies showed that grasses produced the most dry matter with the highest water use efficiency (up to 618 kg cm-1). Fallow lost up to 7.9 cm less water than all cover crop treatments throughout cover crop growth and in the fall, but captured up to 3.4 cm less moisture in the spring than the cover crops that added residue to the soil surface. Brassica species extracted water from deeper in the soil profile than the other cover crop species. Species complexity affected water use only relative to the proportions and productivity of their individual components, with no advantage in water use efficiency for the more complex mixtures.
21
McClean, Gary James. "Impact of land-use change for lignocellulosic biomass crop production on soil organic carbon stocks in Britain." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/19568.
Full textAbstract:
The contribution of energy from biomass sources is projected to increase in Britain to assist in meeting renewable energy targets and reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions. With increasing concerns over the sustainability of food crop-based biofuels, purpose-grown lignocellulosic biomass crops such as Miscanthus and short rotation coppice (SRC) willow have been promoted as more sustainable feedstocks for the production of heat and electricity as well as for the future production of liquid biofuels. With the introduction of the Energy Crops Scheme, land-use change (LUC) for lignocellulosic biomass crop production has become increasingly common in Britain in recent decades. However, there is limited understanding of the impact this has on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and limited predictability concerning the overall trajectory, magnitude and rate of SOC changes under a range of different conditions. Using a chronosequence of 93 biomass crop plantations in England and Wales, mainly of 1 to 14 years age, empirical models were developed to determine the short term trajectory of SOC stocks following LUC from arable and grassland to SRC willow and Miscanthus production. SOC stocks were calculated for each site using a fixed sampling depth of 30 cm and estimated changes were inferred by comparing with typical pre-change SOC stocks. These results indicate that only LUC from arable crops to SRC willow demonstrated an overall increase in SOC stocks, by an estimated 15.3 ± 2.2 t C ha-1 (± 95% confidence intervals) after 14 years and 68.8 ± 49.4 t C ha-1 after 22 years. LUC from arable crops to Miscanthus and from both arable crops and grassland to SRC willow and Miscanthus demonstrated no overall net effect on SOC stocks. Soil texture and climate data were measured for each site and multivariable models were created to assess the influence of different environmental conditions on SOC trajectory. In most cases the addition of these explanatory variables improved the model fit, and the models provide some preliminary estimates of more region-specific changes in SOC following LUC. Since LUC to biomass crops often causes a loss of SOC, at least in the short term, the potential for pyrogenic carbon (PyC) to ameliorate this effect was investigated. Studies indicate that PyC can interact with and stabilise native SOC, a process termed negative priming, although the potential for PyC to reduce LUC-induced losses of SOC by negative priming has not yet been assessed. Although negative priming has been observed in many studies, most of these are long term incubation experiments which do not account for the impact of environmental weathering of PyC on interactions with native SOC. Here the aim was to assess the impact of environmentally weathered PyC on native SOC mineralisation at different points in LUC from arable crops to SRC willow. Soil was sampled to a 5 cm depth from multiple recently established SRC willow plantations approximately 2 years after amendment with PyC. Cumulative CO2 flux was measured weekly from incubated soil and soil-surface CO2 flux was also measured in the field. The results demonstrate a PyC-induced increase in CO2 flux for the surface 5 cm of soil. However, no net effect on soil-surface CO2 flux was observed in the field. Although the mechanisms for these contrasting effects remain unclear, they do not suggest that PyC can reduce LUC-induced SOC losses through negative priming.
22
Jacobs, Timothy. "Effects of Sudangrass Cover Crop and Soil Solarization on Weed and Pathogen Management in Organic Strawberry Production." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2019. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2069.
Full textAbstract:
Field and lab experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of sudangrass (Sorghum X drumondii (Nees ex Steud.) Millsp. & Chase) cover crop management techniques and soil solarization on important agricultural weeds and pathogens in organic strawberry production in Central California. Lab experiments assessed the time needed to kill weed seeds at temperatures typically achieved during soil solarization (40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, and 60°C) in California. Seeds tested included little mallow, redstem filaree, bristly oxtongue, annual sowthistle, common purslane, nettleleaf goosefoot, and redroot pigweed. Efficacy of simulated solarization temperatures differed between different species. Cool-season annuals annual sowthistle and bristly oxtongue were more susceptible to heat treatments than warm-season annuals common purslane, redroot pigweed and nettleleaf goosefoot. Hard seeded weed species little mallow and redstem filaree were the least susceptible to heat treatments. Annual sowthistle, bristly oxtongue and nettleleaf goosefoot were affected at all temperatures. Redroot pigweed and little mallow were not affected by temperatures below 40°C. Common purslane was not affected by temperature below 45°C and redstem filaree was not affect by any temperatures tested. Hours of exposure and percent mortality of weed seeds were used to create thermal death models for weed seeds. Field experiments were conducted at the Cal Poly Organic Farm in San Luis Obispo, CA testing the effects of soil solarization and sudangrass residues on weeds, Verticillium dahliae populations, plant health, and yields in organic strawberry production. Using a split plot design, sudangrass was grown, mowed and then developed into two treatments: surface mulch or incorporated into the soil. The sudangrass treatments and a control were tested with and without soil solarization (n=4). Maximum soil temperatures in solarized treatments were 53°C at a soil depth of 5 cm and 42°C at a soil depth of 15 cm. Solarization reduced weed biomass between 49.8 and 95.2% during the first 3.5 months after tarp removal (p=0.03), reduced Verticillium dahliae populations by 80.7% (p=0.01), reduced plant mortality by 54.9% (pV. dahliae populations (p=0.33) or yields (p=0.25). However, mulched treatments reduced weed biomass between 45.0 and 61.3% (p=0.03) compared to other sudangrass treatments. Results indicate solarization can be used in central coast organic strawberry production to reduce hand-weeding, disease incidence, and increase yields.
23
K, C. Sharda. "ROLE OF ECOLOGICAL SANITATION FOR IMPROVING LIVELIHOOD IN RURAL AREAS OF NEPAL." Kyoto University, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/2433/259761.
Full text
24
Muzangwa, Lindah. "Cover crop biomass production and effects on weeds and soil fertility in a maize-based conservation agriculture system." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/484.
Full textAbstract:
Low cover crop biomass production is a major obstacle to the success of conservation agriculture currently promoted as panacea to the inherent problem of soil erosion and loss of soil productivity in the Eastern Cape (EC). Therefore, this study evaluated cover crop management strategies for optimizing biomass production for better soil cover, soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertility, weed control and maize yields. The strategies tested are cover crop bicultures, selection of an adapted lupin cultivar and seeding rate, and the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping. The cover crop experiments were carried in rotation with summer maize between the winter of 2009 and summer of 2010/2011. Biculture trial was carried out by seeding oat (Avena sativa) and vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) at three mixture ratios and as sole crops under irrigation. On a separate irrigated trial, two lupin cultivars (Lupinus angustifolius var Mandelup & Qualinock) were seeded to a range of seeding rate, 40 to 220 kg ha-1. To study the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping, oat, vetch, rye (Lolium multiflorum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), radish (Raphanus sativa) and triticale (Triticale secale) were relayed into a maize crop in February, March and April of 2010. The irrigated trials were followed with SC701 maize cultivar, whilst the rain fed trial was followed with DKC61-25 maize cultivar. Bicultures gave higher cover crop biomass than sole vetch, increasing with an increase in the oat component of the mixture. Increased N and P uptake was observed with bicultures compared to sole oat, however, the levels were comparable to sole vetch. Sole vetch increased soil inorganic N and P at maize planting, whilst the slow decomposition by sole oat residue resulted in mineral lock up. Bicultured cover crop residues had intermediate decomposition rates and resulted in optimum levels of inorganic N and P for prolonged periods compared to sole crops. Weed suppression by the bicultures was comparable to sole cover crops. Biculturing technology significantly (P<0.05) increased maize grain yield compared to sole oat and the yields were comparable to those from sole vetch. For lupins, 206 kg ha-1 seeding rate gave the optimum biomass yield. Weed dry weights in both cover crop and maize crop decreased with an increase in lupin biomass. Comparable soil total N and inorganic P values at maize planting, were observed from plots planted to 120, 180 and 220 kg ha-1. Maize grain yield increased with an increase in lupin seeding rate. The study on rain fed winter cover cropping had most cover crop species’ biomass decreasing with each delay in planting except for radish, which increased. Vetch produced the highest amounts of biomass from February and March planting whilst radish had the highest biomass in April planting. The two species resulted in the greatest N improvement compared to the other species. Regardless of the grazing, the grass specie residues managed to persist to the next cropping season and the residue remaining were comparable to that of radish and vetch. Late-planted cover crops had the greatest residue remaining than early-planted, as a result, April planted cover crops provided better weed suppression than March and April planted. Vetch provided the highest maize grain yield (4005 kg ha-1) whilst all other species tested had comparable grain yields. The results suggested that bicultures could be grown to give sufficient biomass for both weed suppression and soil fertility improvement. Furthermore, increasing lupin plant densities improve its function as a cover crop with respect to weed suppression, soil fertility improvement and maize yields. The study also showed that for dry land systems, February and March planted vetch and April planted radish can provide the greatest biomass and maize yield improvement.
25
Penick, William Frazier. "Influence of Transplanter Modification and Previous Crop on the Production of No-Till Dark Tobacco." TopSCHOLAR®, 2013. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1257.
Full textAbstract:
Dark tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) has historically been produced usingconventional tillage practices. Soil is cultivated multiple times throughout a growing season leading to an increased incidence of soil erosion. No-till systems have been growing in popularity with the advent of new technology that has enabled the practice to be performed effectively and efficiently. With the recent expansion of no-till practices throughout the agricultural community, many crops have had success in producing comparable yields while reducing input costs and saving soil resources. For this experiment, a traditional tobacco transplanter was modified for use in a no-till environment. All modifications were fabricated without using specialty tools and made possible to be removed if desired or necessary. Frame extensions were designed and built to accommodate row cleaners and coulters. Tillage shanks were also added to aid in optimal furrow formation. Double-disc opening shoes replaced the original round point shoes and the curved edges of the rear drive wheels were removed, creating a flat surface to increase soil contact. Experimental no-till plots in fescue sod and soybean chaff residues were conducted alongside conventional tillage plots at the Western Kentucky University Agricultural Research and Education Complex in summer 2011. Five treatments, one conventionally tilled (Conv) and four no-till, were replicated three times within a randomized complete block design and used to determine the efficacy of transplanter modifications (consistency of depth, furrow closure, observed plant damage), survival of the transplants, and the amount of residue displacement. The four no-till treatments utilized different combinations including: coulter, row cleaner and shank (CRS), row cleaner and shank (RS), coulter and shank (CS), and shank only (S). These treatments demonstrated the functionality of each combination in comparison to conventional treatments. No treatment performed equally well in both residue locations. Plots in fescue residue utilizing a combination of coulter, row cleaner, shank (CRS), exhibited the lowest amount of root exposure, highest survival rate, and comparable cured weight when compared to conventionally tilled treatments. In soybean residue plots, the treatment operating with row cleaners and shanks (RS) had equivalent amounts of furrow closure to conventionally tilled plots. Pairing specific modification combinations with previous crop residue can provide furrow closure, transplant survival, and cured yield equivalent to conventionally tilled dark tobacco.
26
Kilpatrick, Lindsay Anne. "Impacts of Biosolids and FGD Gypsum Application on Marginal Soil Quality and Production of Miscanthus as a Bioenergy Crop." The Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1339744690.
Full text
27
Daniel, James B. II. "Using Winter Annual Cover Crops in a Virginia No-till Cotton Production System." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/35681.
Full textAbstract:
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a low residue crop, that may not provide sufficient surface residue to reduce erosion and protect the soil. A winter annual cover crop could alleviate erosion between cotton crops. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate selected winter annual cover crops for biomass production, ground cover, and N assimilation. The cover crop treatments were monitored under no-till and conventional tillage systems for the effects on soil moisture, cotton yield and quality. Six cover crop treatments, crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia vilosa L.), hairy vetch and rye (Secale cereale L.), rye, wheat (Triticum aestivum L. amend. Thell.), and white lupin (Lupinus albus L.), and two tillage systems (conventional and no-till) were arranged in a split-plot design with four replications. Cover crop biomass production depended on climate conditions. Ground cover percent and N assimilation by cover crops were directly correlated with the amount of biomass produced within cover crop treatments. Within a range of near average winter temperatures, all cover crops except lupin provided enough ground cover to comply with federal conservation tillage standards. More ground cover remained on the soil surface further into the cotton growing season following the small grain treatments compared to the legume cover crop treatments. Soil moisture was higher (P < 0.05) under no-till compared to conventional tillage during the periods of drought in 1997. Tillage system had no effect on cotton yield and quality in 1995 and 1996. High cover crop biomass production coupled with an extended cotton growing season in 1995 resulted in higher lint yield for cotton grown following the hairy vetch + rye treatment compared with cotton grown following the wheat treatment. High heat unit accumulation in October 1995 led to the over maturity of cotton fiber and high micronaire values for cotton grown following all cover crop treatments. The high micronaire values (5.0 - 5.2) for cotton grown in all cover crop treatments except hairy vetch + rye (4.9), resulted in a market price deduction of 1.4 cents per kilogram of lint in 1995. All cover crops used in this experiment, with the exception of lupin, provided enough ground cover within a range of average winter temperatures to meet federal conservation requirements. The winter annual cover crops in a no-till cotton production system provided greater soil moisture conservation during periods of drought, and produced cotton yields and quality comparable to conventional tillage.Master of Science
28
Turbett, Yzanne J. "A potential new method of steam treatment for the control of soil-borne diseases, insects and weeds in sustainable crop production." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.408782.
Full textAbstract:
A series of experiments were conducted to determine the potential of a new method of steam treatment for the control of soil-borne diseases, insects and weeds in sustainable crop production. The new method involved rapidly heating a bed of prepared soil on a porous base by passing an upward flow of steam through it. The aim was to determine whether the new method would be suitable for use in a field machine, making large-scale field steaming practically and economically viable. In the first experiments, the feasibility of the new method was tested. It was shown that it was an effective and rapid way in which a soil bed could be steamed. However, for some soils at, or near, permanent wilting point, the entrainment of aggregates in the steam flow was shown to be a problem. The second series of experiments showed that the key factor determining the flow rate at which aggregate entrainment occurred was the mean aggregate diameter of the soil being treated. The third series of experiments examined the rate at which heated soil would cool when placed in the field. It was shown that where there was contact with unheated field soil, cooling was very rapid. The final series of experiments investigated the effects of the new steaming method on the soil. A three minute steaming time was used to account for the short time it had been shown some of the heated soil would remain at steam temperature when replaced in the field. The effects of the new method, including the effectiveness of disinfection, were shown to be similar to those of a conventional steam treatment. It was concluded that the new steaming method was an effective way to steam treat soil and should be suitable for use in a field machine.
29
McGee, Eric Arthur. "Nitrogen cycling in irrigated crop production on hyperthermic soils within the Sonoran Desert." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/191205.
Full textAbstract:
Nitrogen (N) cycling involves the gains, losses, and transformations of N from sources such as soil organic matter, crop residues, and fertilizers. These sources are the primary N supplies potentially available to non-leguminous crops. Through the use of a stable N isotope tracer (¹⁵N), transformations among various soil N pools can be studied. We conducted three separate studies using ¹⁵N. Two studies dealt with methodologies of ¹⁵N use and analysis, while the third study investigated mineralization of ¹⁵N labeled crop residues under field conditions. The first study evaluated a new apparatus for applying ¹⁵N by fertigation to subplots under buried drip irrigation. We determined that this method was an effective means of uniformly applying tracers using buried drip irrigation. The second study evaluated a new method for fine-grinding soils based on particle size distribution and variability of organic N and ¹⁵N analyses. Soils of varying texture were rapidly ground to achieve acceptable analytical precision for N and ¹⁵N analysis. The objectives of the third experiment were to: (i) evaluate mineralization of inorganic N from ¹⁵N -labeled crop residues with different C/N ratios and at different loading rates and (ii) evaluate the influence of residue loading rate and type on the percent net mineralization from ¹⁵N-labeled crop residues in a basin irrigated wheat cropping system in Southern Arizona. Mineralization of crop residues in this hyperthermic soil was rapid and was often followed by periods of re-immobilization. Net end-of-season mineralization of residue N was 30-50% for lettuce, and 30-40% for wheat.
30
Georgis, Kidane. "The effect of fertiliser management practices on soil organic matter production in the semi-arid areas : a field and modelling approach." Title page, contents and abstract only, 1997. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09AFP/09afpg352.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Bibliography: leaves 155-169. Studies the effect of nitrogen fertilizer on dry matter production under differing watering regimes. Investigates the accuracy of different crop and soil organic matter models for predicting crop yield, nitrogen uptake and changes in soil organic carbon and nitrogen. Compares the models with data from long-term field experiments on wheat in Australia and sorghum in Ethiopia. Finds that a higher crop yield and better nitrogen and water utilisation can be achieved if addition of nitrogen fertilizer is balanced with soil water.
31
Nketia, Kwabena Abrefa [Verfasser]. "Space-time modelling of seasonal soil moisture for improved crop production – the case of the Guinea savannah region, Ghana / Kwabena Abrefa Nketia." Göttingen : Niedersächsische Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Göttingen, 2020. http://d-nb.info/1223706281/34.
Full text
32
Maali, Safiah Hasan. "Biomass production, yield and quality response of spring wheat to soil tillage, crop rotation and nitrogen fertilisation in the Swartland wheat producing area of South Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/949.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (PhD(Agric) (Agronomy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.108 leaves printed on single pages, preliminary pages i-vi and numbered pages 1-1 to 1-5 to 9-1 to 9-3. Includes bibliography, list of abbreviations and 22 figures in color. Digitized at 300 dpi grayscale and 300 dpi 24-bit Color to pdf format (OCR), using an HP Scanjet 8250 Scanner.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A long term experiment was conducted at the Langgewens Experimental Farm, near Malmesbury in the Western Cape province of the Republic of South Africa. The effect of soil tillage, crop rotation and nitrogen fertiliser rates on mineral-N levels in the soil, nitrogen levels in plants, wheat growth and yield components, grain yield as well as quality parameters of spring wheat were determined. Although the tillage treatments tested were initiated in 1976, present crop rotations and nitrogen application rates were only applied since 1990. Most of the data that are discussed however was recorded during the 1997 to 2001 period. The trial was designed as a randomised complete block with a split-plot arrangement and four replicates. Main plots were tillage methods namely conventional tillage (CT), tine tillage (TT), minimum tillage (MT) and no tillage (NT). Crop rotations used were continuous wheat (WW) and wheatl lupin/wheat/canola (WLWC). Both soil and crop data were recorded. The results of this study showed the differences in total mineral-N content of the soil. N-contents of wheat, wheat growth and yield components as well as wheat quality parameters were found between tillage treatments, crop rotations used as well as N- fertiliser rates applied. Response however, varied largely between years due to annual variation in especially total precipitation and distribution of rainfall. The inclusion of a legume crop (lupin) and canola in the rotation with wheat was found to have only a small effect probably due to the fact that lupins were grown once in a four year cycle only. Application of different nitrogen rates did increase the mineral-N in the soil, but the effect did not last very long in most years due to either N-leaching or plant uptake. To ensure sufficient mineral-N levels, late application of N-fertiliser will therefore be needed. Minimum tillage or reduced tillage performs better than conventional tillage in low rainfall years. In general these tillage systems should be combined with crop rotation to ensure that yields are comparable to that obtained with conventional tillage.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontwikkeling, graanopbrengs en bakkwaliteit van koring (Tritium aestivum L.) in reaksie teenoor gewasratasie, metode van grondbewerking en N-bemestingspeil is in 'n lang tennyn sllldie op Langgewens Proefplaas, naby Malmesbury in die Weskaap provinsie van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, bepaal. Hoewel die verskillende grand bewcrkingsmetodes sedert 1976, en gewasrotasies en slikstofpeile sedert 1990 toegepas is, is daar in hierdie studie gekonsentreer op data wal gcdurcnde die periode 1997-2001 ingesamel is. Die eksperiment is as 'n randomiseerde blok ontwerp met vier bewerkingsmetodes nl. konvcnsionele bewerking (CT), tand bewerking (TT). minimum bewerking (MT) en geen bewerking (NT), twee gewasratasies nl. monokuhuur koring (WW) en koring/lupienelkoringiCanola (WLWC) en drie N-peie (60 kg N ha- ', 100 kg N ha- 1 , 140 kg N ha- I uitgevoer. Aile stikstof is in die vorm van kalksteen-ammoniumnitraat toegedien. Die reaksie van beide grondfaktore soos die minerale N inhoud en gewaskomponente 5005 biomassa produksie, opbrengs en kwaliteit teenoor bogenoemde faktore het '0 goeie korrelasie getoon met die heersende klimaatstoestande. Lae reenval jare (gebiede) sal volgens hierdie stlldie die grootste voordeel verkry met minder intensiewe grand bewerkingstelsels. terwyl 'n frekwensie van meer as een peulgewas per siklus van 4 jaar nodig sal wees om grondvrllgbaarhcidsvlakke betekenisvol te verhoog. Stelsels van rninder intensiewe grondbewerking is ook tot 'n grater mate deur gewaswisseling bevoordeel as konvensionele melOdes van grondbewerking. Hocwel minerale-N vlakke in grond deur verskillende N-peile be'lnvloed is, was die efTektiwiteit van toedienings laag en het verdeelde tocdienings groat voordele ingehou.
33
Domínguez, Gabriela Bermejo. "Agro-ecological aspects when applying the remaining products from agricultural biogas processes as fertilizer in crop production." Doctoral thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Landwirtschaftlich-Gärtnerische Fakultät, 2012. http://dx.doi.org/10.18452/16568.
Full textAbstract:
Durch die Zunahme der Biogasproduktion in den letzten Jahren hat sich auch die Menge von Gärprodukten, die verbleibenden Rückstände, entsprechend erhöht. In Deutschland fallen jährlich mehr als 50 Millionen Tonnen Gärprodukte an, die als Dünger verwendet werden. Damit werden Nährstoffe in den Kreislauf landwirtschaftlicher Ökosysteme zurück-geführt. Allerdings sind die agroökologischen Wirkungen noch nicht hinreichend erforscht. Aus diesem Grund wurden die folgenden Parameter untersucht: Einfluss von trockenen und flüssigen Gärprodukten auf dem Ertrag von drei ausgewählten Fruchtarten im Vergleich zu oder in Kombination mit Mineraldünger in On-Farm Versuchen; Wachstum, Entwicklung und Ertrag von zwei ausgewählten Fruchtarten im Vergleich zu Mineraldünger, Gülle und Stallmist in einer vollständig randomisierten Blockanlage; Einfluss auf ausgewählte Bodenlebewesen im Vergleich zu Mineraldünger, Gülle und Stallmist in einer vollständig randomisierten Blockanlage. Zusätzlich wurde die Mineralisierung von flüssigen und festen Gärprodukten im Vergleich zu Gülle und Stallmist untersucht, um Effekte der verschiedenen Düngestoffe auf die Humusbildung unter kontrollierten Bedingungen zu bestimmen.With the increase of biogas production in recent years, the amount of digestates or the remaining residues increased accordingly. Every year in Germany more than 50 million tons of digestates are produced, which are used as fertilizer. Thus nutrients return into the circulation of agricultural ecosystems. However, the agro-ecological effects have not been deeply researched until now. For this reason, the following parameters were quantified: the influence of dry and liquid fermentation products on the yield of three selected crops in comparison to or in combination with mineral-N-fertilizers in on-farm experiments; the growth, development and yield of two selected crops in comparison to mineral-N-fertilizer, liquid manure and farmyard manure in a randomized complete block design; selected soil organisms as compared to mineral-N-fertilizer, liquid manure and farmyard manure in a randomized complete block design. In addition, the mineralization of dry and wet digestates in comparison with liquid manure and farmyard manure was investigated in order to evaluate the effects of different fertilizers on the humus formation under controlled conditions.
34
Frank, Tina [Verfasser], Rainer [Akademischer Betreuer] Horn, and Rainer [Gutachter] Duttmann. "Optimization of the soil structure in arable crop production by means of lime (CaCO3) application / Tina Frank ; Gutachter: Rainer Duttmann ; Betreuer: Rainer Horn." Kiel : Universitätsbibliothek Kiel, 2021. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:gbv:8:3-2021-00562-5.
Full text
35
Nguyen, Huy Quang. "Long-term effects of land application of poultry manure on crop production, and soil and water quality under a corn-soybean rotation system in Iowa." [Ames, Iowa : Iowa State University], 2010. http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1476332.
Full text
36
Edlin, Diana J. "Heirloom and Hybrid Tomato Yield and Quality in Organic and Conventional Production Systems." TopSCHOLAR®, 2009. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/135.
Full textAbstract:
Due to the recent changes in the economy of Kentucky tobacco production, some producers are seeking an alternative crop that will provide similar economic gains to tobacco without needing more acreage. Tomatoes are an existing crop in Kentucky that have been declining in acreage over the last five years. There is evidence to suggest that, through niche and local marketing, tomatoes may be able to fill the void left by tobacco. However, there is concern among producers that they will lose yield and/or quality if they switch to one of these niche production systems or cultivars.
A two year study at Western Kentucky University compared the yield and quality of three tomato cultivars, two heirlooms and one hybrid, under organic and conventional management techniques to see if producers concerns are valid. The heirloom cultivars used were 'Cherokee Purple' (CP) and 'Mr. Stripey', (MS) the hybrid cultivar was 'Crista' (CR). The study was a split block design, with four randomized replications within each block. Plants were grown under black plastic mulch, with drip irrigation under the mulch. Plants were harvested weekly throughout the season and data were collected on individual fruit weight, size, grade and the number of fruit produced per plant. Production and quality were compared between management techniques for each cultivar, and the cultivars were compared to each other under individual management techniques.
When comparing organic and conventional management practices, CP produced significantly (p<.05) larger, heavier, and higher quality fruit under organic practices and showed no significant differences in fruit number in 2008. MS and CR showed no significant differences between production systems for fruit weight or size, CR produced significantly higher quality fruit under conventional treatment and MS produced significantly more fruit per plant in 2008. In 2009, CP did not produce enough fruit under organic management to allow statistical comparison between management systems. MS however did not show any significant differences between management systems for any of the traits studied. CR produced significantly larger fruit under organic management, but no other differences were observed.
When comparing cultivars in 2008, CP and CR produced fruit of similar weight but significantly heavier than MS under both production systems. CP produced the largest fruit under organic management, with CR following and MS producing the smallest fruit. Under conventional management, CP and CR produced fruit of similar size and both were larger than MS. MS produced the highest quality fruit under organic management, and CR produced the nicest grade under conventional management. No differences were seen for number of fruit per plant between cultivars under organic management, while MS produced the most fruit per plant under conventional management. In 2009 CP did not produce enough fruit to be statistically compared to the other cultivars under organic management. MS and CR produced fruit of similar weight under both organic and conventional management, while CP produced the greatest weight under conventional management. CR produced larger fruit than MS under organic management, while under conventional management CP and CR were of similar size as were CR and MS, but CP was significantly larger than MS. No significant differences were found between cultivars for fruit grade or number of fruit per plant under either management system in 2009.
37
Asif, Mohammad. "Comparative study of production, infectivity, and effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi produced by soil-based and soil-less techniques /." [Campbelltown, N.S.W. : The Author], 1997. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030716.094919/index.html.
Full text
38
Patton, David Scott. "Cover crops and tillage management for enhanced sustainability in corn/soybean production in the Mississippi Delta region of Arkansas." Thesis, Arkansas State University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10241298.
Full textAbstract:
A field experiment was established during 2014 in Northeast Arkansas to evaluate the benefits of cover crop and tillage management for enhanced yield and soil quality. Cover crop management included cereal rye, wheat and crimson clover, and a winter fallow. Tillage management included tillage and no-tillage.
In the 2015 and 2016 seasons yield was not significantly changed by different tillage treatments. Cover crop out yielded no cover crop at the A-State site in the 2016 season. Organic matter and active carbon were significantly influenced by tillage treatments. Physical and biological properties were significantly increased with cover crops compared with no cover crops in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Physical properties were also significantly improved with no-tillage as compared with tillage in the 2015 and 2016 season. Biological properties were significantly influenced by different tillage treatments in the 2015 season.
39
Wang, Zheng. "THE INFLUENCE OF PRODUCTION PRACTICES, TILLAGE, AND ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA ON BELL PEPPER PRODUCTIVITY AND PHYSIOLOGY UNDER DIFFERENT IRRIGATION REGIMES." UKnowledge, 2015. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/pss_etds/55.
Full textAbstract:
To evaluate the strip tillage in organic bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production as an integrated system for sustainable vegetable cropping two-years of field trials were conducted in 2011 and 2012. The field trials were conducted to determine the viability of strip tillage in conventional and organic bell pepper production systems by comparing plant growth, water status, and fruit yield to plastic mulch grown plants application under different irrigation regimes. The two-year field data demonstrated that organic pepper with strip tillage application was a viable combination that produced comparable yield to conventional plastic mulch system and utilized water more economically.
In 2011 and 2013, strip-tilled rows and plastic mulched rows were used to evaluate the impact of tillage on soil hydraulic conductivity and water internal drainage characteristics. Results indicated that strip-tilled plots had significantly higher in-row penetration resistance compared to the plastic mulch system at depths up to 20 cm, but no differences between the systems were found for layers below 25 cm. In addition, there were no differences in hydraulic conductivity between strip tillage and plastic mulch in both study years over a 30-day period. Also, significant main effects were found for soil layer and time scale on hydraulic conductivity in the first 24 hour of the study in 2013.
During field trials in 2011 and 2012, plant tissues were sampled for endophytic bacteria isolation and identification. Differences in endophytic bacteria were obtained among different production combinations. In 2013, endophytic bacteria isolates from 2011 and 2012 trials were re-inoculated to bell pepper grown in greenhouse to assess plant growth. Two Pseudomonas sp. and one Bacillus thioparans strain were screened to evaluate their affects on plant growth under both drought and non-drought conditions. After growth comparisons, the three endophytic strains were used to subsequently study the impacts of endophyte inoculation on regulating plant drought-linked gene expressions in 2014 by conducting real-time PCR. Results demonstrated that plant drought-linked genes, which especially involved plant ethylene biosynthesis, were significantly down-regulated after inoculating the endophytic bacterial strains.
40
Castro, Gustavo Spadotti Amaral [UNESP]. "Alterações físicas e químicas do solo em função do sistema de produção e da aplicação superficial de silicato e calcário." Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/11449/86429.
Full textAbstract:
Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0
Previous issue date: 2009-02-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:48:36Z : No. of bitstreams: 1
castro_gsa_me_botfca.pdf: 1543660 bytes, checksum: 909ece1e4de49d2b524ddfa3c6f58e1e (MD5)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)
No sistema plantio direto praticamente não há revolvimento do solo e o conseqüente acúmulo de resíduos vegetais e fertilizantes na superfície aceleram o processo de acidificação, contínuo e acentuado que ocorre naturalmente em solo de regiões úmidas, onde, geralmente, é observada baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes e elevados teores de H + Al. Assim, da mesma forma que no sistema de cultivo convencional, no sistema plantio direto também existe a necessidade de aplicação de insumos, especialmente, materiais corretivos de acidez. Dentro deste enfoque, o trabalho desenvolvido na Fazenda Experimental Lageado, pertencente à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas – UNESP, localizada no município de Botucatu (SP), com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de diferentes sistemas de produção em plantio direto e da aplicação superficial de corretivos nas características físicas, na movimentação de bases, na correção da acidez do solo, bem como na nutrição e produtividade das culturas produtoras de grãos em região de inverno seco. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em parcelas subdivididas, com 8 repetições. As parcelas serão constituídas por quatro sistemas de produção (I. Sistema “Safra consorciada com Forrageira”– soja + Braquiária / milho + Braquiária; II. Sistema “Safra – safrinha” – soja / aveia-branca / milho / feijão da Seca; III. Sistema “Safra – Pousio” – soja / Pousio / milho / Pousio; IV. Sistema “Safra – Adubo Verde/Planta de Cobertura” – soja / milheto / milho / Guandú) e as subparcelas foram constituídas por duas fontes de corretivos e uma testemunha (I – Correção com calcário dolomítico; II – Correção com silicato de cálcio e magnésio – Agrosilício®; III – Sem correção). Foram realizadas as seguintes avaliações: produção de massa de matéria seca e teores de macronutrientes...
In no tillage system the absence of soil mobilization consequently decreases plant residues accumulation and places fertilizers on surface, affecting the acidification process. Like in conventional system, in no tillage it is also necessary input application, especially materials for acidity correction. The experiment was carried out in an experimental area, in the city of Botucatu (SP, Brazil). The objective was to evaluate the influence of no-till crop systems and superficial application of products for acidity correction on soil physical properties, base movement, acidity correction, nutrition and yield of grain crops in a dry winter region. The experimental design was the completely randomized block with subdivided plots and eight replications. The main plots consisted of: “Season - Forage”– Soybean + Brachiaria / Maize + Brachiaria; “Season – Off season”: Soybean / White oat / Maize / Field-grown bean; “Season – Fallow”: Soybean / Fallow / Maize / Fallow; “Season – Green manure”: Soybean / Millet / Maize / Pigeon pea. Subplots consisted of two correction sources (dolomitic limestone, calcium and magnesium silicate) and a control (no correction). The following evaluations were carried out: dry matter production and macronutrient level, silicon content and water-soluble cations; yield components and final yield for grain crops; routine soil testing for silicon (6, 12 and 18 months after acidity correction) and soil residual lime (18 months after acidity correction); and soil physical characteristics. Production costs were also calculated. Superficial application of products for acidity correction increased plant nutrition and yield. Among the systems, the “Season-Fallow” showed lower maize yield. Silicate application was more effective in correcting soil profile than liming. The “Season-Off season” system showed better economic response.
41
Wessels, Pieter Gerhardus Wilhelmus. "Soil nitrogen dynamics and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) production in different cropping systems in the Swartland." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52455.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Protein and oilseed production in the winter rainfall region of South Africa (primarily the Southern and Western Cape) is well below the potential for the area. One possible method of increasing production is to convince producers that the inclusion of protein and oilseed rotational crops will enhance the sustainability of wheat production systems. A project to investigate, quantify and elucidate the effect of canola (Brassica napus), lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) and medics (Medicago spp.) on subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum) production as well as their influence on soil fertility in respect to nitrogen was initiated in 1999. The long- term rotational crop system experiment on Langgewens experimental farm near Malmesbury, provided the infrastructure for the project. During the 1999 and 2000 wheat-growing seasons, 50m2 plots were demarcated in wheat fields where wheat, lupins, canola or medics were produced in 1998 and 1999 respectively. Each plot was cleared of all vegetation and received no fertilizer N. In these fallow plots, soil samples were collected at three to four week intervals and the available nitrate-N and ammonium-N content of the topsoil (0-15cm depth) and the subsoil (15-30cm depth) were determined. Additional soil samples were also taken from the topsoil on 09/03/2000 after a summer fallow period. These samples were taken on plots that were subjected to a wheat crop in 1999, but were preceded by either wheat, canola, lupins or medics in 1998. The soil samples were then subjected to a 60-day incubation period at 15°C while being maintained at 75% of their water holding capacity. Mineral N was determined after 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of incubation. Large variation in the nitrogen contents observed made it difficult to always obtain significant differences. The results of the soil investigations however indicate that the inclusion of lupins and medics in wheat cropping systems in the Swartland could help to limit the decline of mineral N in the soil profile, experienced within a growing season. This will therefore enable farmers to reduce fertilizer inputs without facing soil mineral N depletion. Plant samples were also collected from wheat plots during the 1999 growing season on three occasions (23/06/99 (growth stage 5), 5/08/99 (growth stage 15), 14/09/99 (growth stage 23)). Plots were selected to represent the same treatments as in the soil sampling procedure during the growing season of 1999 as described above. Plant and tiller numbers of a 0.25m2 sub sample from each plot were counted and leaf area was determined, whereafter the dry material was weighed. The percentage nitrogen content in the leaves and stems were subsequently determined using Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy. In terms of vegetative growth, little difference was observed. A significant increase in nitrogen content of wheat plants growing in plots where wheat and canala were grown in 1998 was observed in the second plant sampling (growth stage 15) and this was attributed to higher nitrogen topdressing. However, on the third sampling date on 14/9/1999 (growth stage 23), the difference was no longer evident. The most important conclusion to make from this study, is that farmers can probably save on fertilizer inputs when including lupins and medics in their wheat production systems, without risking poorer wheat growth. At growth stage 28, a 0.25m2 sub sample of wheat plants was removed at a randomly chosen point in each of the plots described above. Ears and grains were subsequently counted. The wheat remaining on the plots were then harvested at the end of October 1999 using a plot combine. Subsequently the yield, hectolitre mass, thousand grain mass and % crude protein was determined from samples of harvested grain from each plot. The % flour and % bran extraction were then determined whereafter the % flour protein was determined. Micro bread loafs were baked to estimate the loaf volume. Flour and dough properties were also tested using the Falling Number System, mixograph and alveograph. Wheat in cropping systems consisting of legume phases such as lupins and medics, required less nitrogen fertilizer application to achieve statistically the same yield, flour and dough properties. These crop rotations can therefore be considered as more ecologically sustainable and economically viable for the Swartland. This study was aimed at determining the effect of different crop rotations on soil fertility, and because clear soil fertility trends take time to form, this study was probably too short to obtain fully significant differences.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Proteïen- en oliesaad produksie in die winter reënval streek van Suid Afrika (hoofsaaklik die Suid- en Weskaap) is ver benede die potensiaal vir die streek. Een moontlike manier om die produksie hiervan te verhoog is om produsente in hierdie streek te oortuig dat die insluiting van proteten en oliesaad gewasse die volhoubaarheid van koring verbouingstelsels sal verhoog. Na aanleiding hiervan, is In projek in 1999 van stapel gestuur om die effek van canola (Brassica napus), lupiene (Lupinus angustifolius) en medies (Medicago spp.) op daaropvolgende koring (Triticum aestivum) produksie, asook die invloed daarvan op grondvrugbaarheid in terme van stikstofinhoud, te ondersoek. Die langtermyn wisselbouproef op Langgewens proefplaas naby Malmesbury, het as infrastruktuur vir die ondersoek gedien. Gedurende die 1999 en 2000 koring groeiseisoene is 50m2 plotte in koringkampe gekies waarop koring, canola, lupiene en medies geproduseer is in onderskeidelik 1998 en 1999. Hierdie plotte is skoon gehou van plantegroei en het ook geen stikstof in kunsmisvorm gekry nie. Met drie tot vier week intervalle is grondmonsters op hierdie plotte versamel in die bogrond (0-15cm diep) en ondergrond (15-30cm diep), waarna die beskikbare nitraat-N en ammonium-N konsentrasie bepaal is. Adissionele grondmonsters van die bogrond is ook geneem op 9/03/2000 na In somer braak periode. Hierdie monsters was geneem op persele wat blootgestel was aan In koringproduksie in 1999, maar voorafgegaan is deur koring, canola, lupiene en medies in 1998. Hierdie monsters is dan vir 60 dae geïnkubeer teen 15°C en 75% van die grond se water houvermoeë. Minerale N inhoud bepalings is gedoen na 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 45 en 60 dae van inkubasie. Groot variasie in die minerale stikstof inhoud, het die verkryging van herkenbare tendense en konstante statistiese verskille belemmer. Die resultate wat verkry is dui egter dat die insluiting van lupiene en medies in koring produksie stelsels in die Swartland, hoër minerale N vlakke in die grond handhaaf en dit kan boere gevolglik in staat stelom kunsmis insette te besnoei sonder dat grondvrugbaarheid verswak. Op 23/06/99 (groeistadium 5), 5/08/99 (groeistadium 15) en 14/09/99 (groeistadium 23) is plantmonsters versamel van koringpersele. Hierdie persele is gekies om die behandelings van die grondmonsterontledings soos hierbo beskryf, te verteenwoordig. Plante en halms van 'n 0.25m2 area uit die persele is getel en die blaaroppervlaktes is bepaal, waarna die droëmateriaal massa van die area bepaal is. Die persentasie stikstofinhoud van die blare en stingels was daarna bepaal. In terme van vegetatiewe groei was daar nie groot verskille te bespeur nie. Betekenisvolle hoër stikstof inhoud van koringblare in plotte waar daar in die vorige jaar canola en koring verbou was, is in die tweede planttrekking (groeistadium 15) gevind en dit is toegeskryf aan die hoër stikstof kopbemesting wat daardie behandelings ontvang het. Teen die derde monsterneming op 14/09l99 (groeistadium 23), was hierdie verskille nie meer in die ontledingsdata te sien nie. Die afleiding wat van hierdie studie gemaak is, is dat boere moontlik stikstofbemesting kan verminder as hulle lupiene en medies in hulle koring produksiestelsels inbring, sonder om die risiko van swakker groei te verhoog. Op 20/10/99 (groeistadium 28) is 0.25m2 plante van elke koringperseel verwyder waarna die are en die korrels getel is. Die koring wat nog op die persele was is teen die einde van Oktober 1999 met 'n perseelstropertjie geoes. Opbrengs, hektoliter massa, duidendkorrel massa en % ru-proteïene is daarna bepaal. Volgende is die % meel en % semel ekstraksie bepaal waarna die % meelproteïene bepaal is. Mikro broodjies is ook gebak om die broodvolume te bepaal. Meel en deeg eienskappe is ook getoets met die Falling Number System, mixogram en alveogram. Koring in produksiestelsels met peulplant fases (lupien en medies in hierdie geval), het minder N toediening nodig gehad om statisties dieselfde opbrengs, meel- en deeg eienskappe te verkry. Lupien en medic gebaseerde wisselbou praktyke in die Swartland kan gevolglik as meer ekologies volhoubaar en ekonomies haalbaar bestempelword. Hierdie studie het gepoog om die invloed van wisselbou op grondvrugbaarheid te ondersoek. Sodanige veranderings neem egter tyd en daarom is dit waarskynlik nog te gou om werklike grondvrugbaarheids verskille waar te neem.
42
Hewage, Renuka Priyadarshani Suddapuli [Verfasser], and Eva-Maria [Akademischer Betreuer] Pfeiffer. "Effect of charred digestate (biochar) and digestate on soil organic carbon and nutrients in temperate bioenergy crop production systems / Renuka Priyadarshani Suddapuli Hewage. Betreuer: Eva-Maria Pfeiffer." Hamburg : Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Hamburg, 2016. http://d-nb.info/1095766589/34.
Full text
43
Castro, Gustavo Spadotti Amaral 1983. "Alterações físicas e químicas do solo em função do sistema de produção e da aplicação superficial de silicato e calcário /." Botucatu : [s.n.], 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/11449/86429.
Full textAbstract:
Orientador: Carlos Alexandre Costa CrusciolBanca: Heitor Cantarella
Banca: Dirceu Maximino Fernandes
Resumo: No sistema plantio direto praticamente não há revolvimento do solo e o conseqüente acúmulo de resíduos vegetais e fertilizantes na superfície aceleram o processo de acidificação, contínuo e acentuado que ocorre naturalmente em solo de regiões úmidas, onde, geralmente, é observada baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes e elevados teores de H + Al. Assim, da mesma forma que no sistema de cultivo convencional, no sistema plantio direto também existe a necessidade de aplicação de insumos, especialmente, materiais corretivos de acidez. Dentro deste enfoque, o trabalho desenvolvido na Fazenda Experimental Lageado, pertencente à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - UNESP, localizada no município de Botucatu (SP), com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de diferentes sistemas de produção em plantio direto e da aplicação superficial de corretivos nas características físicas, na movimentação de bases, na correção da acidez do solo, bem como na nutrição e produtividade das culturas produtoras de grãos em região de inverno seco. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em parcelas subdivididas, com 8 repetições. As parcelas serão constituídas por quatro sistemas de produção (I. Sistema "Safra consorciada com Forrageira"- soja + Braquiária / milho + Braquiária; II. Sistema "Safra - safrinha" - soja / aveia-branca / milho / feijão da Seca; III. Sistema "Safra - Pousio" - soja / Pousio / milho / Pousio; IV. Sistema "Safra - Adubo Verde/Planta de Cobertura" - soja / milheto / milho / Guandú) e as subparcelas foram constituídas por duas fontes de corretivos e uma testemunha (I - Correção com calcário dolomítico; II - Correção com silicato de cálcio e magnésio - Agrosilício®; III - Sem correção). Foram realizadas as seguintes avaliações: produção de massa de matéria seca e teores de macronutrientes... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: In no tillage system the absence of soil mobilization consequently decreases plant residues accumulation and places fertilizers on surface, affecting the acidification process. Like in conventional system, in no tillage it is also necessary input application, especially materials for acidity correction. The experiment was carried out in an experimental area, in the city of Botucatu (SP, Brazil). The objective was to evaluate the influence of no-till crop systems and superficial application of products for acidity correction on soil physical properties, base movement, acidity correction, nutrition and yield of grain crops in a dry winter region. The experimental design was the completely randomized block with subdivided plots and eight replications. The main plots consisted of: "Season - Forage"- Soybean + Brachiaria / Maize + Brachiaria; "Season - Off season": Soybean / White oat / Maize / Field-grown bean; "Season - Fallow": Soybean / Fallow / Maize / Fallow; "Season - Green manure": Soybean / Millet / Maize / Pigeon pea. Subplots consisted of two correction sources (dolomitic limestone, calcium and magnesium silicate) and a control (no correction). The following evaluations were carried out: dry matter production and macronutrient level, silicon content and water-soluble cations; yield components and final yield for grain crops; routine soil testing for silicon (6, 12 and 18 months after acidity correction) and soil residual lime (18 months after acidity correction); and soil physical characteristics. Production costs were also calculated. Superficial application of products for acidity correction increased plant nutrition and yield. Among the systems, the "Season-Fallow" showed lower maize yield. Silicate application was more effective in correcting soil profile than liming. The "Season-Off season" system showed better economic response.
Mestre
44
Shoko, Munashe. "Exploring phosphorus, mucuna (Mucuna pruriens)and nitrogen management options for sustainable maize production in a depleted kaolinitic sandy loam soil of Zimbabwe." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/1364.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (PhD(Agric) (Agronomy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Continuous cropping without replenishing the nutrient component of soils will eventually lead to the depletion of soil nutrients. Small scale farmers in Zimbabwe often do not have the financial means to buy fertilizer and this problem is exacerbated by scarcity of commodities such as fertilizers. The use of herbaceous legumes such as mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) can assist to recapitalize soil fertility depletion and improve subsequent maize productivity in sandy loam soils in the small holder farming sector of Zimbabwe. In this study the effect of phosphorus (P) application to a mucuna crop, the effect of mucuna management options and the application of nitrogen (N) to the subsequent maize crop was investigated. The experiment was carried out during the 2007 to 2009 seasons at the Grasslands Research Station in Marondera in Zimbabwe. The soils are classified as humic ferrolsols and are predominantly of the kaolinitic order with sandy loams of low fertility and are slightly acid (pH CaCl = 5.2). A randomized complete block design was used for the effect of P on mucuna productivity and the effect of P and mucuna management options on the soil properties. The treatments were two P rates (P0 and P40 = 0 kg P ha-1 and 40 kg P ha-1 respectively) applied to a preceding mucuna crop, four mucuna management options [1) fallow (F) (no mucuna planted = control), 2) mucuna ploughed-in at flowering (MF), 3) all mucuna above ground biomass removed at maturity and only roots were ploughed-in (MAR) and 4) mucuna pods removed and the residues ploughed-in (MPR)]. A split-plot design was used to study the effect of P application to mucuna, mucuna management options and N rates on the growth and yield of the subsequent maize crop. The four N treatments [N0 = 0 kg N ha-1, N40 = 40 kg N ha-1, N80 = 80 kg N ha-1 and iv N120 = 120 kg N ha-1] were applied to a subsequent maize crop. Growth and development parameters such as biomass production, leaf area index, nutrient content of the foliage and grain yield were determined in the mucuna and maize crops. Soil parameters investigated included nutrient content, pH, bulk density and porosity. Phosphorus application in these particular soil conditions positively influenced mucuna biomass production and therefore enhanced the role of mucuna as a rotational crop by increased positive effects on the subsequent maize crop. The incorporation of above-ground biomass of mucuna had positive effects on all soil properties investigated. The MF and MPR management options increased the soil organic matter (OM) and reduced bulk density which leads to an improvement in porosity (f) of the soil. Mucuna incorporated at flowering (MF) and P40 treatment combination resulted in the highest mineral N, P, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels. A significant three-way interaction (P<0.05) between mucuna management options, nitrogen rates and time was observed in terms of biomass production and all nutrients in the leaves of the subsequent maize crop. The main findings were that the MF management option had the highest biomass and foliar nutrient accumulation through-out all the treatment combinations. In general the MF management option gave the highest maize yield across all the treatment combinations. Incorporation of mucuna biomass into the soil prior to planting a maize crop therefore improve soil physical and chemical qualities resulting in improved soil conditions for a subsequent maize crop which in turn lead to higher maize yields. Including a mucuna rotational crop have a similar effect on maize yield than application of 80 kg ha-1 of fertilizer N.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Aanhoudende verbouing van gewasse op dieselfde grond sonder om voedingstowwe aan te vul lei uiteindelik tot die agteruitgang van die grond se vrugbaarheid. Kleinboere in Zimbabwe het meestal nie die finansiële vermoëns om bemestingstowwe te koop nie en die probleem word vererger deur die onbekombaarheid van kommoditeite soos bemestingstowwe. Die gebruik van kruidagtige peulplant gewasse soos mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) kan bydra om grondverarming teen te werk en om die produksie van ‗n daaropvolgende mielie aanplanting in sandleemgronde in ‗n kleinboerstelsel in Zimbabwe te verhoog. In hierdie studie is die invloed van fosfor (P) toediening aan ‗n mucuna aanplanting, die invloed van bestuursopsies van die mucuna en die toediening van stikstof (N) aan die daaropvolgende mielie aanplanting ondersoek. Die eksperiment is tydens die 2007 tot 2009 reënseisoen by die Grasslands Research Station in Marondera in Zimbabwe uitgevoer. Die grond word geklassifiseer as humiese ferrolsols en is hoofsaaklik sanderige leemgrond van die kaolinitiese orde met lae vrugbaarheid en is effens suur (pH CaCl = 5.2). ‘n Volledig ewekansige blokontwerp is gebruik om die invloed van P op die produktiwiteit van mucuna te bepaal asook die invloed van P toediening en mucuna bestuursopsies op grondeienskappe. Die behandelings was twee P vlakke (P0 = 0 kg P ha-1 en P40 = 40 kg P ha-1) wat aan ‗n voorafgaande mucuna aanplanting toegedien is, vier mucuna bestuursopsies [1) braak (F) (geen mucuna geplant = kontrole), 2) mucuna ingeploeg met blomtyd (MF), 3) alle bogrondse mucuna biomassa verwyder by rypwording en slegs wortels ingewerk (MAR) en 4) mucuna peule verwyde en die res van die bogrondse material ingeploeg (MPR)] en vier N behandelings [N0 = 0 kg N ha-1, N40 = 40 kg N ha-1, N80 = 80 kg N ha-1 en N120 = 120 kg N ha-1] toegedien aan ‗n daaropvolgende mielie aanplanting. Groei en ontwikkeling parameters soos biomassa produksie, blaaroppervlakindeks, nutriëntinhoud van die blare en graanopbrengs is in die mucuna en mielie aanplantings ondersoek. Grondeienskappe soos nutriëntinhoud, pH, bulkdigtheid en porositeit is gemeet. Fosfaat toediening aan hierdie spesifieke grondtipe het mucuna produksie positief beïnvloed en dus die rol van mucuna as rotasiegewas verbeter deur positiewe reaksies in die daaropvolgende mielie aanplanting. Die inwerk van bogrondse mucuna biomassa het al die fisiese grondeienskappe wat ondersoek is positief beïnvloed. Die MF en MPR bestuursopsies het organiese materiaal inhoud van die grond verhoog en bulkdigtheid verlaag wat lei tot verbeterde grondporeusheid (f). Mucuna wat tydens blomvorming ingewerk is (MF) lei tot die hoogste minerale N, P, kalium (K), kalsium (Ca) en magnesium (Mg) vlakke. ‗n Betekenisvolle drie-rigting interaksie (P < 0.05) tussen mucuna bestuursopsies, N vlakke en tyd is waargeneem in terme van biomassa produksie en in terme van al die nutriëntvlakke in die mielieblare wat ondersoek is. Die hoofbevindinge was dat die MF bestuursopsie die hoogste biomassa produksie en blaarnutriënt akkumulasie oor alle behandelingskombinasies tot gevolg gehad het. In die algemeen het die MF bestuursopsie die hoogste mielie-opbrengs oor alle behandelingskombinasies tot gevolg gehad. Die inwerk van mucuna materiaal in die grond voordat mielies geplant word verbeter dus fisiese en chemiese toestande in die grond wat grondtoestande verbeter vir die daaropvolgende miegewas en uiteindelik lei tot hoër mielie-oeste. Die insluiting van mucuna as ‘n rotasiegewas het diesefde effek op mielie-opbrengs as die toediening van 80 kg ha-1 N bemesting.
45
Raut, Yogendra Y. "Sustainable Bioenergy Feedstock Production Using Long-Term (1999-2014) Conservation Reserve Program Land." The Ohio State University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu148344789416295.
Full text
46
Portz, Dennis Nicklas. "Long-term rotation with monoculture cover crops increases yield of strawberry, reduces weed populations, and maintains soil chemical, physical, and biological characteristics during strawberry production." [Ames, Iowa : Iowa State University], 2008.
Find full text
47
Wallace, Ashley J. "The effect of environment, soil type and farm system management on nitrogen use efficiency and nitrous oxide emissions from cereal crops in south eastern Australia." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2022. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/232432/1/Ashley_Wallace_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis outlines findings from a series of field experiments measuring the efficiency with which wheat and barley crops grown in south eastern Australia utilise nitrogen (N) fertiliser, with particular focus on loss of N as emissions of the greenhouse gas: nitrous oxide. N use efficiency varied significantly across regions, seasons and management strategies, while nitrous oxide emissions were highest in high rainfall environments or under irrigation compared with lower rainfall environments. Strategies which match the rate and timing of fertiliser application to crop demand resulted in greater efficiency, offering opportunities to reduce the greenhouse footprint of crop production.
48
Ranaivoson, Lalaina. "Etude des fonctions agro-écologiques des principes de l'agriculture de conservation dans l'amélioration de la production du riz pluviale dans la région du lac Alaotra (Madagascar)." Thesis, Montpellier, SupAgro, 2017. http://www.theses.fr/2017NSAM0043/document.
Full textAbstract:
L’Agriculture de conservation (AC) repose sur trois principes: le minimum de travail du sol, la couverture permanente du sol et la diversification des espèces cultivées. Elle a été introduite vers la fin des années 90 dans la région du lac Alaotra, Madagascar, dans l’objectif d’augmenter la productivisté de l’agriculture pluviale qui, généralement, pâtit des problèmes liés à la faible fertilité des sols, aux contraintes hydriques et à l’enherbement. L’objectif principal de la thèse consiste à quantifier et caractériser les impacts des fonctions agro-écologiques de l’AC dans l’amélioration du rendement en riz pluvial par rapport aux pratiques conventionnelles (CT). Une revue de la littérature sur les fonctions agro-écologiques du mulch en fonction de leur quantité retenue sur la parcelle a tout d’abord montré que la quantité de couverture nécessaire va dépendre essentiellement des fonctions agro-écologiques attendues. Une quantité de couverture de 2 à 3 t ha-1 permet d’obtenir des effets très nets en ce qui concerne l’amélioration de l’infiltration de l’eau, la limitation du ruissellement et de l’érosion du sol. En revanche, les données sur le contrôle de l’enherbement, la disponibilité des nutriments ainsi que la faune du sol en fonction de la quantité de mulch étaient très variables, suggérant l’interaction de ses fonctions agro-écologiques avec d’autres facteurs, notamment le type de résidus et les conditions pédoclimatiques. Une première expérimentation dont l’objectif était la quantification des effets physiques du mulch sur l’enherbement, avec différentes quantités de résidus de 0 à 45 t ha-1 a montré que l’émergence et la biomasse des adventices sur les parcelles couvertes dépend essentiellement de la quantité et de la distribution de la pluviométrie durant la saison culturale. L’émergence ainsi que la biomasse des mauvaises herbes diminuent en général avec l’augmentation de la quantité de mulch maintenue sur les parcelles. Toutefois, une quantité de résidus de l’ordre de 10 t ha-1 est nécessaire pour réduire significativement la pression des adventices sur le riz par rapport à un sol nu dans les conditions de notre dispositif expérimental. Un deuxième dispositif maintenu durant 6 ans (2009/10 à 2014/15), combinait une rotation biennale de maïs + dolique // riz et une rotation triennale de maïs + stylosanthes // stylosanthes // riz ; trois modes de gestion du sol et des résidus et deux niveaux de fertilisation. Deux niveaux d’enherbement en split plot ont été ajoutés en 2013/14 et 2014/15. L’amélioration du rendement en riz sur les parcelles en AC par rapport aux parcelles en CT est essentiellement liée à une diminution de la pression des adventices sur les parcelles AC pendant la période de végétation du riz. La dynamique de l’eau dans le sol ainsi que la dynamique de l’azote minéral sont fortement influencées par le régime pluviométrique et ne différent généralement pas entre AC et CT. Enfin, l’analyse de stabilité et l’écart de rendement au potentiel utilisés pour étudier les variations de rendements en riz sur les 6 saisons culturales du second dispositif expérimental ont montré que les effets des traitements étaient en interaction avec d’autres facteurs probablement liés à la variabilité spatiale du sol sur le dispositif expérimental. Les résultats de cette étude nous suggèrent de tenir compte aussi bien des fonctions agro-écologiques du mulch attendues que les régimes pluviométriques lors de la promotion d’un système AC pour améliorer la productivité des cultures. L'AC avec une quantité de résidus généralement retenus dans les parcelles de l'agriculteur (i.e. 1 - 2 t ha-1) serait efficace pour lutter contre le ruissellement et l'érosion. Cependant, des quantités supplémentaires de résidus, qui pourraient être produites avec l’introduction de rotations culturales avec une forte production de biomasse, seraient nécessaires pour lutter efficacement contre les adventices et diminuer les charges liées au sarclageConservation agriculture (CA) is based on the principles of minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and diversification of crop species grown in rotations and/or associations. CA was introduced in the late 90s in the Lake Alaotra region, Madagascar, in order to improve rainfed crop productivity which is commonly constrained by low soil fertility, soil water stress and weed infestation. The main objective of this study was to quantify and understand the impact of CA on rainfed rice productivity as compared to the practice of conventional tillage (CT). First, a review of literature was conducted on the agro-ecological functions of mulching with crop residues in relation to their quantity. The literature review showed that the optimal amount of residues required principally depends on the agro-ecological function searched for. Residue amounts of 2 to 3 t ha-1 had clear positive effects in terms of improving water infiltration and limiting water runoff and soil erosion. On the other hand, results on weed control, nutrient availability and soil fauna in relation to the amount of mulch were highly variable, suggesting the interaction of these agro-ecological functions with other factors, including residue type and soil-climate conditions. Second, two field experiments were monitored at the research center of FOFIFA in the Lake Alaotra region. A first experiment aiming at quantifying the physical effect of a mulch of crop residues on weed infestation, with amounts of surface residues ranging from 0 to 45 t ha-1 showed that the emergence and biomass of weeds on mulched plots depend mainly on the quantity and distribution of rainfall during the cropping season. Overall, weed emergence and biomass decreased with increasing amounts of mulch. However, a large quantity of residues, i.e. in the order of 10 t ha-1, was required to significantly (p<0.05) reduce weed pressure as compared to a bare soil under the agro-ecological conditions of our experiments. The second experiment was conducted during six years (2009/10 to 2014/15), and a 2-year rotation of maize + Dolichos lablab // rice and a 3-year rotation of maize + Stylosanthes guianensis // S. guianensis // rice were combined with three soil/residue management practices and two level of fertilization. Two levels of weed pressure were added as split-plot in 2013/14 and 2014/15. Higher rice grain yields on CA plots as compared to CT plots in the fifth and sixth year of the CA practice were mainly related to a decline of weed pressure under CA. Soil water and mineral nitrogen dynamics did not differ markedly between CA and CT and were strongly influenced by the rainfall pattern. Finally, the use of the concept of stability analysis and the yield gap approach to analyze the variation of rice yield under the 6 crop seasons from 2009/10 to 2014/15 showed that the effects of treatments including crop rotation, soil and residue management, and fertilization levels interact with other factors likely related to the spatial variability of the experimental design. Results of our study suggest that both agro-ecological function of mulch searched for and rainfall conditions should be taken into account when promoting CA systems to improve crop productivity in the Lake Alaotra region. Practicing CA with typical amounts of residues that are produced on farmer’s field (i.e. 1 – 2 t ha-1) is sufficient to control water runoff and soil erosion. However, extra amounts of crop residues are required to effectively control weed infestation. These extra amounts could be produced with the introduction of high biomass-producing crop rotations and could decrease the labor pressure from weeding
49
Nicoloso, Rodrigo da Silveira. "Dinâmica da matéria orgânica do solo em áreas de integração lavoura-pecuária sob sistema plantio direto." Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 2005. http://repositorio.ufsm.br/handle/1/5466.
Full textAbstract:
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoThe cattle breeding and crop production integrated systems in the south of Brazil is based mostly on grain production with summer crops and beef cattle production over winter pastures. This activity have been expanded quickly in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, due the increase of soybean cultivation over native grass fields areas and the requirement to improve the livestock productivity index in that state. However, few research works exists until this moment to show the best management systems to this areas mainly due to its distinct character of agriculture and livestock when are isolated activities. With this meaning, this work has the purpose to evaluate the effect in increase use intensity of winter pastures and different summer crops systems over the soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics and its granulometric fractions particulate and mineral associated SOM on this areas and the grain and beef cattle yield achieved. For that, a field experiment was carried out over a Palehudult soil, on the city of Jari RS, with complete randomized blocks experimental design on factorial treatment distribution, four replications, with the utilization of three winter pastures management systems: no grazing (NG), grazing even 28 days (G28) and grazing even 14 days (G14), composing in this way increasing grazing frequencies over that pastures; and three summer crops systems: soybean monoculture (Mon-S), corn monoculture (Mon-C) and soybean/corn rotation (Rot-S/C). The beef cattle yield during the winter was not significantly affected by the increase of the grazing frequencies, but the biomass production to soil cover by the pastures and the grain yield of summer crops was reduced when the use intensity of the winter pastures by the animals was increased. The C addition to the soil by vegetal residues varied between 2.92 and 7.59 Mg ha-1 year-1 to the treatments G14 Mon-S and NG Mon-M, respectively. So, the main SOM fraction affected by the employed management in each treatment was the particulate fraction, expressed by the POM-C pool. This pool showed be 49 times more sensitive to the applied management over the winter pastures than the mineral associated fraction, expresses by the AMOM-C pools. The application of the Hennín & Dupuis s mathematical model to the prediction of each pools of SOM showed higher turnover rates of POM-C, in relation to the SOC and AMOM-C pools. The k1 coefficient (humification rate of the C additioned to the soil) obtained by the mathematical model was 0.1215, 0.0936 and 0.1249 year-1, to POM-C, AMOM-C and SOC, respectively, while the k2 coefficient (mineralization rate of de SOC) was 0.1292, 0.0161 and 0.0185 year-1, to the same pools. Using this data, the POM-C and SOC simulated pools on stability were 2.75 and 19.73 Mg ha-1, respectively, to the treatment G14 Mon-S, and 7.13 and 51.21 Mg ha-1, respectively, to the treatment NG Mon-M. The t½ (half-life time) for POM-C, AMOM-C and SOC were 5, 43 and 37 years, respectively, and the MRT (mean residence time) were 8, 62 and 54 years, to the same pools, respectively. The treatments that not received grazing during the winter showed good potential to the atmospheric CO2 sequestration, while the increase of the grazing intensity reduced this potential, passing to actuate like a sink of atmospheric CO2 when the G28 and G14 frequencies had been applied. The POM-N pools had been equally more sensitive to the grazing and crop management applied than the AMOM-N or TN pools, being that the higher pools had been observed when soybean was utilized on monoculture over the areas that not received grazing and the lowers pools had been observed when the corn was cultivated on monoculture over areas that received grazing even 14 days during the winter.
A Integração Lavoura-Pecuária no sul do Brasil baseia-se principalmente na exploração de culturas produtoras de grãos, durante o verão, e na produção de carne bovina sobre pastagens de estação fria, durante o inverno. Esta atividade vem se expandindo rapidamente no Rio Grande do Sul, devido ao aumento da área de cultivo da soja sobre áreas de campo nativo e da necessidade de se melhorar os índices de produtividade da pecuária neste estado. No entanto, pouco trabalhos de pesquisa existem até o momento, a fim de indicar quais os melhores sistemas de manejo destas áreas, tendo em vista seu caráter distinto da agricultura e da pecuária quando atividades isoladas. Neste sentido, este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a influência do aumento da intensidade de utilização das pastagens de inverno e diferentes sistemas de culturas de verão sobre a dinâmica da MOS e de suas frações granulométricas particulada e associada a minerais nestas áreas, bem como a produtividade de grãos e de carne alcançadas. Para tanto instalou-se um experimento a campo sobre um Argissolos Vermelho-Amarelo Alumínico típico, no município de Jari RS, com delineamento experimental blocos ao acaso com parcelas dispostas em distribuição fatorial, com quatro repetições, que constou da utilização de três sistemas de manejo das pastagens de inverno, que eram compostas de Aveia Preta e Azevém, sendo eles: sem pastoreio (SP), pastoreio a cada 28 dias (P28) e pastoreio a cada 14 dias (P14), compondo assim freqüências crescentes de pastoreio sobre estas pastagens; e três sistemas de culturas de verão, a saber: monocultura de soja (Mon-S), monocultura de milho (Mon-M) e rotação soja/milho (Rot-S/M). Observou-se que o ganho de peso vivo animal durante o inverno não foi significativamente beneficiado pelo aumento da freqüência de pastoreios, porém a produção de fitomassa para cobertura de solo pelas pastagens e o rendimento de grãos da culturas de verão foi reduzido quando aumentou-se a intensidade de utilização das pastagens de inverno pelos animais. As adições de C ao solo via resíduos vegetais variou entre 2,92 e 7,59 Mg ha-1 ano-1, para os tratamentos P14 Mon-S e SP Mon-M, respectivamente. A principal fração da MOS afetada pelo manejo empregado em cada tratamento foi a fração particulada (COp), sendo que os estoques de CO nesta fração se mostraram 49 vezes mais sensíveis ao manejo aplicado sobre as pastagens de inverno do que a fração associada a minerais (COam). A aplicação do modelo matemático unicompartimental de Hennín & Dupuis para a modelagem dos estoques de cada fração da MOS demonstrou a maior velocidade de ciclagem do COp, em relação aos estoques de COT e COam. O coeficiente k1 (taxa de humificação do C adicionado ao solo) do modelo matemático obtidos foram de 0,1215, 0,0936 e 0,1249 ano-1, para o COp, COam e COT, respectivamente, enquanto que o coeficiente k2 (taxa de mineralização do CO) foram de 0,1292, 0,0161 e 0,0185 ano-1, para os mesmos compartimentos da MOS. Utilizando estes dados, simulou-se que os estoques de COp e COT na camada 0 -10 cm na estabilidade serão de 2,75 e 19,73 Mg ha-1, respectivamente, para o tratamento P14 Mon-S, e de 7,13 e 51,21 Mg ha-1, respectivamente, para o tratamento SP Mon-M. Além disto, o t½ (tempo de meia vida) do COp, COam e COT calculados foram de 5, 43 e 37 anos, respectivamente, e o TMP (tempo médio de permanência) calculados foram de 8, 62 e 54 anos, para os mesmos compartimentos, respectivamente. O solo nos tratamentos que não receberam pastoreios durante o inverno apresentaram bom potencial para seqüestro de CO2 atmosférico, enquanto que o aumento da intensidade de pastoreios reduziu este potencial, passando a atuar como fonte de CO2 para a atmosfera quando aplicou-se a maior freqüência de pastoreios. Os estoques de NTp foram também mais sensíveis ao manejo do pastoreio e de culturas do que os estoques de NTam ou NT, sendo que os maiores estoques foram observados quando utilizou-se a soja em monocultivo nas áreas que não receberam pastoreio e os menores quando o milho foi cultivado em monocultura em áreas que receberam uma freqüência de pastoreio de 14 dias no inverno.
50
Brandsma, Richard Theodorus. "Soil conditioner effects on soil erosion, soil structure and crop performance." Thesis, University of Wolverhampton, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/2436/99094.
Full text