• Authors:
    • Asgharipour, M.
    • Rafiei, M.
  • Source: Advances in Environmental Biology
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue: 3
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: In search for sustainable agricultural methods for medicinal plants, a field experiment was conducted on isabgol-lentil mono and row intercropping, along with irrigation interval regimes (4-, 7- and 14-days irrigation interval) at the agricultural experimental farm of Zabol University during 2009. The experiment design was split-plot randomized complete block design with four replicates. Main plot treatments were giving irrigation at 4-, 7- and 14-days interval, and subplot treatments consisted of (a) sole isabgol; (b) sole lentil; (c) 1:1 isabgol-lentil intercropping system; (d) 1:3 isabgol-lentil intercropping system; and (e) 3:1 isabgol-lentil intercropping system. The results of the experiment confirmed that drought induced by increasing irrigation interval significantly decreased the growth of both crops and total N concentration of isabgol plants. Results also showed that lentil suppressed biological and grain yield of intercropped isabgol, but the reduction in isabgol yield was compensated by lentil grain yield. Isabgol biological and grain yield was significantly different across cropping systems and the yields were as follows: sole isabgol (281), 1:3 isabgol-lentil (93), 1:1 isabgol-lentil (191), and 3:1 isabgol-lentil (230). Lentil biological and grain yields was also significantly different across the treatments and was sole lentil (1096), 1:3 isabgol-lentil (846), 1:1 isabgol-lentil (644), and 3:1 isabgol-lentil (318). Intercropping isabgol and lentil increased the productivity with LER of 1.10, 1.27 and 1.11 for 1:3 isabgol-lentil, 1:1 isabgol-lentil and 3:1 isabgol-lentil, respectively. In intercrops a significant reduction in LAI, CGR, and also significant increase in leaf and tiller numbers per plant, plant height, spike length, spike numbers per plant, grain numbers per spike and 1000-grain weight of isabgol was observed over sole isabgol. These changes were proportional with row number of isabgol in intercropping. Significant interaction effect of cropping system by irrigation regimes on many cases of measured parameters showed intercropping protects plants from drought. Total concentration of N in isabgol were increased by intercropping, however cropping system by irrigation regimes interaction on N concentration was not significant. These findings suggest that intercropping isabgol-lentil at combination of 1:1 with 7-days irrigation interval may be recommended for yield advantage, more efficient utilization of resources and N concentration on hot and dry regions of South-East Iran.
  • Authors:
    • Meijide, A.
    • Sanz-Cobena, A.
    • Sanchez-Martin, L.
    • Quemada, M.
    • Vallejo, A.
  • Source: European Journal of Soil Science
  • Volume: 61
  • Issue: 5
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of nitrous oxide (N 2O) and methane (CH 4) fluxes, and leaching losses of nitrate (NO 3-) and dissolved organic C (DOC), during a fallow-onion crop-fallow cycle in a Mediterranean area. The importance of the fallow (intercrop) period and the type of fertilizer were also evaluated. Goat and chicken manure (M) from an organic farm, digested pig slurry (DPS) and urea (U) were applied at a rate of 110 kg N ha -1 and compared with a zero N treatment (Control). The crop period contributed more than each fallow period to the total N 2O emission (ranging from 70 to 85% of the total emission, depending on the treatment). The variability of rainfall during fallow periods affected N 2O emissions, with the highest fluxes observed in the second fallow, which was the wetter. Negative net fluxes of N 2O (0 to -0.4 mg N 2O-N m -2 day -1) were mainly observed during the irrigation period and in fallow periods. The type of fertilizer had no effect on N 2O fluxes, but influenced the CH 4 oxidation. The largest CH 4 emission was from the manure treatment (2.4 mg CH 4-C m -2 day -1) during the irrigation period. The lowest NO 3- but highest DOC leaching rates were measured during the second fallow period from the manure treated plots (0.2 kg NO 3--N ha -1 and 3.9 kg C ha -1), which also had the highest drainage. The use of OM, therefore, seems to be a suitable method to reduce the environmental impacts associated with N leaching as well as increase the potential to denitrify NO 3- in groundwater.
  • Authors:
    • Indrakumar, N.
    • Jayapalaiah, G. P.
    • Sreenatha, A.
  • Source: International Journal of Agricultural Engineering
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Finger millet also known as Ragi or Mandwa is the most important small millet food and fodder crop. It is extensively cultivated in Asian countries like India, Ceylon, Malaysia, China, Nepal and Japan and African countries. It is widely grown in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Gujarat and Maharashtra and in the hilly regions of Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. Karnataka is a major finger millet producing state in India covering about 43 per cent area of finger millet cultivation and producing nearly 49 per cent of the total food grain production (Anonymous, 2010). This crop is grown both in dryland as well as in irrigated conditions where irrigation facilities are available and it constitute only 5 per cent area of the finger millet grown in Karnataka. Whereas the rain fed finger millet is about 95 per cent and usually it is grown in Kharif and irrigated finger millet in Rabi or summer. Finger millet is often intercropped with legumes if it is grown under rain fed condition. Finger millet has outstanding properties as a subsistence food crop. Its small seeds can be stored safely for many years without insect damage, which makes it a traditional component of farmers' risk avoidance strategies in drought-prone regions of Eastern Africa and South Asia. Because the seed can be stored for decades (some say 50 years), it is highly valued as a reserve against famines. Finger millet is especially valuable as it contains the amino acid methionine, which is lacking in the diets of hundreds of millions of the poor who live on starchy staples such as cassava, plantain, polished rice, or maize meal. Finger millet can be ground and cooked into cakes, puddings or porridge. The grain is made into a fermented drink (or beer) in Nepal and in many parts of Africa. The straw from finger millet is used as animal fodder.
  • Authors:
    • Sujatha, S.
    • Bhat, R.
  • Source: Agricultural Water Management
  • Volume: 97
  • Issue: 7
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: A 5-year field trial to assess the impact of microsprinkler irrigation and nutrition on vanilla grown as intercrop in arecanut plantation was conducted on a laterite soil. Pooled analysis indicated that microsprinkler irrigation at 1.0 Epan resulted in significantly higher green bean yield (842 kg ha -1) than 0.75 Epan (579 kg ha -1). Organic manure application in the form of vermicompost (720 kg ha -1) and FYM (768 kg ha -1) and recommended NPK (718 kg ha -1) produced green bean yield at par with recycling of gliricidia prunings (625 kg ha -1). Irrigation at 1.0 Epan proved superior by registering maximum benefit:cost (B:C) ratio of 2.25 compared to 1.62 at 0.75 Epan. The highest B:C ratio was obtained with recommended NPK (2.27) followed by recycling of gliricidia prunings (2.10), vermicompost (1.87), vermicompost+arecanut husk mulching (1.80) and FYM (1.64). The soil pH increased by 0.4 units in 2008 compared with the pre-experimental soil pH of 5.6 in 2004. Nutrition alone and in combination with irrigation had significant impact on soil pH. Organic manure application increased the soil pH (6.1-6.2) significantly over recommended NPK (5.6) at the end of experiment in 2008. Significant variation in soil organic carbon (SOC) was noticed due to different nutrition treatments. Application of vermicompost and FYM significantly increased the SOC content by 38-54% in 2008 over initial levels in 2004. Bray's P availability was influenced by nutrition and its interaction with irrigation. Application of FYM continuously for 4 years has resulted in significant increase in Bray's P content (41.3 mg kg -1) compared to other nutrition treatments (9.4-17.2 mg kg -1). Irrigation equivalent to 0.75 Epan (223 mg kg -1) increased the K availability significantly over 1.0 Epan (172 mg kg -1). The K availability was significantly higher in recommended NPK (416 mg kg -1) than in other organic treatments (98-223 mg kg -1) at 0-30 cm soil depth. Overall, vanilla responded well to irrigation and nutrition in arecanut-based cropping system with a better economic output and improved soil fertility.
  • Authors:
    • van Rensburg, L. D.
  • Source: South African Journal of Plant and Soil
  • Volume: 27
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: This is the third soil physics review to be published in South African Journal of Plant and Soil. In the previous reviews the focus was broad and covered almost every aspect of the subject, providing a comprehensive list of contributions in soil physics. For the 25th year anniversary celebration of South African Journal of Plant and Soil, I have chosen to narrow the scope and focus on advances in soil physics in relation to irrigation and dryland agriculture. From a bio-physical viewpoint, South African researchers have made a major contribution to the body of scientific knowledge about irrigation and its application, expressed mainly in the form of irrigation or crop models such as PUTU, SWB and BEWAB. Attention was also given to modern ways of irrigation scheduling based on continuous soil water monitoring. Several irrigation scheduling service providers have adapted their businesses accordingly, with the result that South Africa is probably the leading country in Africa with respect to soil water monitoring and associated communication technology. In contrast, the review has shown that at farm and irrigation scheme level, salt management requires urgent attention. This is necessary as a precautionary measure to protect our natural resources. In the second part of the review the contribution of soil physics in relation to tillage practices is explored, and in particular how these have modified the field water balance components in order to enhance yield and rain water productivity. Based on the results of field experiments, new relationships were established, viz, rainfall and maize yield; water storage and yield; runoff and surface coverage by crop residue mulches; tillage depth, texture and yield relationships. Lastly, the review also showed how the water balance on clay and duplex soils in semi-arid zones can be modified through in-field rainwater harvesting to increase their rain water productivity. This technology has enhanced the livelihoods of many communal families who have applied the technique in their homesteads.
  • Authors:
    • Liu, W. J.
    • Yang, R.
  • Source: Environmental Earth Sciences
  • Volume: 61
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: In order to assess the extent of groundwater contamination by nitrate (NO 3--N) and to provide information about the deterioration of the groundwater quality in Zhangye Oasis, Northwest China, a study was conducted in this area. The mean value of NO 3--N concentrations in groundwater samples was 10.660.19 mg l -1. NO 3--N concentrations exceeding 10 mg l -1 (the threshold for drinking water set by the World Health Organization) were found in 32.4% of 71 wells, and were 13, 33.3, 52.4 and 50.0% in the groundwater samples from drinking wells, irrigation wells, hand-pumping wells and groundwater table observation wells, respectively. The result showed that the groundwater samples that had NO 3--N concentrations exceeding the threshold for drinking water were mostly collected from a depth of less than 20 m. Groundwater NO 3--N concentrations in areas used for the cultivation of vegetables, seed maize and intercropped maize were significantly higher than those in urban or paddy areas. NO 3--N contamination of groundwater in areas with sandy soil was more severe than in those with loam soil.
  • Authors:
    • Bastiaanssen, W. G. M.
    • Cheema, M. J. M.
  • Source: Agricultural Water Management
  • Volume: 97
  • Issue: 10
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Water resources planning and management is fundamental for food security, environmental conservation, economic development and livelihoods. In complex basins like the Indus Basin, water is utilized by different land cover and land uses. Up to date information about these Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) classes provide essential information on the water flow path. Traditionally, landscapes are described by cover type. For water management analysis, the information on land use is vital. To this end, a classification of LULC in the Indus Basin (covering 116.2 million hectares of Pakistan, India, China and Afghanistan) has been made. Vegetation index images freely available from SPOT-Vegetation satellite were used to describe the phenological cycle of all agro-ecosystems at a spatial resolution of 1 km x 1 km. An unsupervised clustering technique was adapted to classify 27 land use classes. Ground information and expert knowledge on the growing patterns of crops was used to label the resulting LULC classes. This helped to discern specific crops and crop rotations. An error matrix was prepared using ground truthing data to evaluate the classification accuracy. Existing global, regional and local studies were also considered for validation. The results show an overall accuracy of 77%, with the producer's accuracy being 78% and user's accuracy 83%. The Kappa coefficient (0.73) shows moderate agreement between on ground and satellite derived map. This is deemed sufficient for supporting water management analysis. The availability of major crop rotation statistics and types of forests and savanna is key information for the input data in hydrological models and water accounting frameworks. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
  • Authors:
    • Petersen, J. L.
    • Melvin, S. R.
    • Irmak, S.
    • Martin, D. L.
    • Donk, S. J. van
    • Davison, D. R.
  • Source: Transactions of the ASABE
  • Volume: 53
  • Issue: 6
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Competition for water is becoming more intense in many parts of the U.S., including west-central Nebraska. It is believed that reduced tillage, with more crop residue on the soil surface, conserves water, but the magnitude of water conservation is not clear. A study was initiated on the effect of residue on soil water content and corn yield at North Platte, Nebraska. The experiment was conducted in 2007 and 2008 on plots planted to field corn ( Zea mays L.). In 2005 and 2006, soybean was grown on these plots. There were two treatments: residue-covered soil and bare soil. Bare-soil plots were created in April 2007. The residue plots were left untreated. In April 2008, bare-soil plots were recreated on the same plots as in 2007. The experiment consisted of eight plots (two treatments with four replications each). Each plot was 12.2 m * 12.2 m. During the growing season, soil water content was measured several times in each of the plots at six depths, down to a depth of 1.68 m, using a neutron probe. The corn crop was sprinkler-irrigated but purposely water-stressed, so that any water conservation in the residue-covered plots might translate into higher yields. In 2007, mean corn yield was 12.4 Mg ha -1 in the residue-covered plots, which was significantly (p=0.0036) greater than the 10.8 Mg ha -1 in the bare-soil plots. Other research has shown that it takes 65 to 100 mm of irrigation water to grow this extra 1.6 Mg ha -1, which may be considered water conservation due to the residue. In 2008, the residue-covered soil held approximately 60 mm more water in the top 1.83 m compared to the bare soil toward the end of the growing season. In addition, mean corn yield was 11.7 Mg ha -1 in the residue-covered plots, which was significantly (p=0.0165) greater than the 10.6 Mg ha -1 in the bare-soil plots. It would take 30 to 65 mm of irrigation water to produce this additional 1.1 Mg ha -1 of grain yield. Thus, the total amount of water conservation due to the residue was 90 to 125 mm in 2008. Water conservation of such a magnitude will help irrigators to reduce pumping cost. With deficit irrigation, water saved by evaporation is used for transpiration and greater yield, which may have even greater economic benefits. In addition, with these kinds of water conservation, more water would be available for competing needs.
  • Authors:
    • Shimi, P.
    • Fereidoonpoor, M.
    • Jamali, M.
  • Source: Proceedings of 3rd Iranian Weed Science Congress, Volume 2: Key papers, weed management and herbicides, Babolsar, Iran, 17-18 February 2010
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: In order to compare efficacy of Pantera (quizalofop-P-tefuryl 4%EC) with other graminicides in canola fields of Fars province, an experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with 4 replication and 11 treatments in Darab research station in 2008-2009. Treatments included Pantera at 1, 1.5 and 2 lha -1, Galant super (haloxyfop-R-methyl aster) at 0.75 lha -1, Focus (cycloxydim) at 2 lha -1, Treflan, (trifluralin 48% EC) at 2 lha -1, Butisan star (metazachlor 33.33%+quinmerac 8.8%) at 2.5 lha -1, Treflan at 2 lha -1+Pantera at 1.5 lha -1, Treflan at 2 lha -1+Galant super at 0.75 lha -1, Treflan at 2 lha -1+Focus 2 lha -1 and full season weed control as check. Results showed that 2 lha -1 Pantera in compare with Treflan+other graminicides as super gallant, focus and Pantera and full season weed control treatment had no significant difference and increased canola yield by 39.5-41.7%. Also, 2 lha -1 Pantera controlled wheat, barley, wild oat and ryegrass. In 100, 100, 90.97 and 92.92 percent respectively and 75.4 percent in decreasing of dry weight of grasses.
  • Authors:
    • Evans, A.
    • Blummel, M.
    • Noble, A. D.
    • Ahmad, W.
    • Simmons, R. W.
    • Weckenbrock, P.
  • Source: Irrigation and Drainage Systems
  • Volume: 24
  • Issue: 1-2
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: In 2006 a comprehensive sampling program was undertaken in two pre-selected peri-urban villages in Faisalabad, Pakistan to evaluate the soil and agronomic impacts of long-term (25-30 years) untreated wastewater re-use on wheat grain and straw yields and attributes of wheat straw fodder quality. Soil SAR, ESP, RSC and ECe were 63%, 37%, 31%, and 50% higher under wastewater (WW) as compared with canal water (CW) irrigated plots. Further, 2.7 and 6.65 fold increases in soil NO 3-+NO 2--N and Olsen-P were observed in WW as compared with CW irrigated plots. However, no significant differences in grain yield, wheat straw biomass, or fodder quality attributes were observed between WW and CW irrigated plots. In addition, for both CW and WW irrigated plots wheat straw, Cd and Pb concentrations were orders of magnitude below the EC Maximum permissible levels for Pb and Cd in feed materials and thus pose no threat to the fodder-livestock food chain. Further, elevated soil N associated with WW irrigated plots has a significant ( p