• Authors:
    • Ahlawat, I. P. S.
    • Gangaiah, B.
  • Source: Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences
  • Volume: 80
  • Issue: 3
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: The 2-year field investigation carried out in a sandy loam soil at New Delhi indicates that furrow irrigated raised bed (FIRB) planting of chickpea+linseed intercropping in 2:1 row ratio receiving irrigation at 0.4 IW/CPE ratio may be recommended for higher productivity and profitability.
  • Authors:
    • Peluzio, J. M.
    • Almeida, R. D. de
    • Afferri, F. S.
  • Source: Bioscience Journal
  • Volume: 26
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: A trial was carried out to estimate the phenotypic, genotypic and environmental correlations between eight agronomic traits, in twelve cultivars of soybean. The essays were carried out at Formoso do Araguaia, TO, in the inter-cropping of 2007. The soybean cultivars studied were DM Vitoria, MG/BR 46 (Conquista), Suprema, BRS Pintado, DM 247, BRS MG 68, BRS MG Lideranca, BRS MG Seguranca, DM 339, BRS MG Garantia, A 7002 e DM 309. The genotypic correlations presented equal signs and, in most cases were higher than their correspondent phenotypic correlations, indicating that the phenotypic values were reduced by the environment. The correlations genotypic presented equal sign and, in most of the cases, superior values to their correspondents correlations phenotypic, indicating that the expression phenotypic is reduced before the influences of the atmosphere. Selection of late flowering plants and with height insertion of the first bean would make it possible to indirectly improve grains yield due to the positive and significant correlation between these traits.
  • Authors:
    • Asgharipour, M.
    • Rafiei, M.
  • Source: American-Eurasian Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue: 1
  • 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 number per plant, plant height, spike length, spike number per plant, grain number 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 concentratation 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:
    • Singh, J. P.
    • Tripathi, R.
    • Srivastava, P.
    • Behera, S. K.
    • Singh, N.
  • Source: Biomass and Bioenergy
  • Volume: 34
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Jatropha curcas L., a multipurpose, drought resistant, perennial plant belonging to Euphorbiaceae family has gained lot of importance for the production of biodiesel. The properties of the crop and its oil have persuaded investors, policy makers and clean development mechanism (CDM) project developers to consider Jatropha as a substitute for fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, basic agronomic properties of Jatropha are not thoroughly understood and the environmental effects have not been investigated yet. Grey literature reports are very optimistic on simultaneous wasteland reclamation capability and oil yields. Studies were undertaken at Solar Energy Centre, Gurgaon, India to evaluate the plant performance under different agro-practices with special reference to irrigation scheduling, VAM and biofertilizers' applications, plant spacing, pruning trials for maximizing tree architecture and higher biomass. Parallel experiments were undertaken to understand the scope of J. curcas for intercropping practices in the under storey of dominating monoculture tree stands (Prosopis, Acacia and Neem).
  • Authors:
    • McSorley, R.
    • Bhan, M.
    • Chase, C. A.
  • Source: Nematropica
  • Volume: 40
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Two field experiments were initiated in summer 2006 in north-central Florida to compare the effects of integrating cover crops, living mulches, and intercropping on plant-parasitic nematode populations, as well as the effect of fall and spring vegetables on the multiplication rate of root-knot nematodes. Treatments consisted of seven organic cropping systems that included a summer cover crop followed by fall and spring vegetables. The summer cover crop included: pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), sorghum sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x S. bicolor var. sudanense), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens), weedy fallow, mixture of pearl millet-sunn hemp, and mixture of sorghum sudangrass-velvet bean. One experiment utilized fall yellow squash (Cucurbita pepo) and spring bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) as vegetable crops, and fall broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and spring sweet corn (Zea mays) were used in the other experiment. Nematode populations were monitored at the end of the cover crop and vegetable seasons. Summer cover crops of sorghum-sudangrass or pearl millet increased root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) population levels in some instances while sunn hemp suppressed it in the broccoli-sweet corn experiment. The multiplication rate of root-knot nematodes was lowest when broccoli was planted in the cropping system. Systems with sorghum-sudangrass (alone or in mixture) increased population densities of ring (Mesocriconema spp.) and lesion (Pratylenchus spp.) nematodes, and occasionally increased stubby-root nematodes (Paratrichodorus spp.). Cover crops that increased nematode numbers when planted alone usually gave the same result when planted in mixtures with another cover crop. Other cropping systems failed to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes but maintained low densities similar to weedy fallow.
  • Authors:
    • Paltridge, N.
    • Tao, J.
    • Unkovich, M.
    • Gason, A.
    • Grover, S.
    • Wilkins, J.
    • Coventry, D.
    • Tashi, N.
    • Bonamano, A.
  • Source: Crop & Pasture Science
  • Volume: 60
  • Issue: 7
  • Year: 2009
  • Summary: In the south of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China there is a network of valleys where intensive agriculture is practiced. Although considered highly productive by Tibetans, farm incomes in the region are low, leading to a range of government initiatives to boost grain and fodder production. However, there is limited information available on current farming practices, yields, and likely yield constraints. The present paper uses available data and farmer interviews to describe the agro-climate and current systems of crop and livestock production, and considers possible strategies to boost production. Although winters in Tibet are cold and dry, summer and autumn provide ideal conditions for crop growth. Cropping systems are characterised by heavy tillage, frequent irrigation, high seeding rates and fertiliser applications, some use of herbicides, and little stubble retention or mechanisation. Spring barley and winter wheat are the predominant crops, followed by rapeseed, winter barley, and minor fodder and vegetable crops. Average yields for the main grain crops are around 4.0 t/ha for spring barley and 4.5 t/ha for winter wheat, significantly lower than should be possible in the environment. Farmers typically keep five or six cattle tethered near the household. Cattle are fed diets based on crop residues but are generally malnourished and rarely produce beyond the needs of the family. It is suggested that research and extension in the areas of crop nutrition, weed control, irrigation, seeding technology, and crop varieties should enable significant increases in grain yield. Increases in cattle production will require increases in the supply of good quality fodder. Cereal/fodder intercrops or double crops sown using no-till seed drills might enable the production of useful amounts of fodder in many areas without jeopardising food grain supply, and allow more crop residues to be retained in fields for improved soil health.
  • Authors:
    • Huang, W.
    • Xiao, L.
    • Wang, H.
    • Pan, G.
    • Zheng, Y.
  • Source: Guizhou Agricultural Sciences
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2009
  • Summary: The intercropping and interplanting between maize and potato were studied in Guizhou, China, to investigate the application rates and cultivation measures for balance high yield in the dry land with middle and lower yield. The maximum profit of the dry land with middle and lower yield in Nayong county with middle and high elevation was 1336.55 yuan/667 m 2 under the application ratio of 1:0.53:0.83 of N:P 2O:K 2O, and the comprehensive utilization rate of N, P 2O and K 2O was 33.52, 17.51 and 44.71%. The maximum profit of the dry land with middle and lower yield in Weining county with high elevation was 1349.09 yuan/667 m 2 under the application ratio of 1:0.69:1.10 of N:P 2O:K 2O, and the comprehensive utilization rate of N, P 2O and K 2O was 29.68, 10.58 and 26.80%, respectively.
  • Authors:
    • Veiga, M.
    • Pelissari, A.
    • Moraes, A.
    • Balbinot Junior, A.
    • Dieckow, J.
    • Nesi, C.
  • Source: Revista de Ciencias Agroveterinarias
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2009
  • Summary: Animal trampling is one of the major causes of soil compaction in areas subjected to integrated crop-livestock system. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of winter annual pasture grazing, in crop-livestock system, and other winter soil uses on soil compaction. The experiment was carried out from May 2006 to February 2007 at three sites of the North Plateau of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Five winter treatments were investigated on each site: (1) intercropping with black oat+ryegrass+vetch+arrow leaf clover without grazing and nitrogen fertilization (multicropping cover); (2) the same intercropping, with grazing and 100 kg ha -1 of nitrogen, (grazing with N); (3) the same intercropping, with grazing and without nitrogen fertilization (grazing without N); (4) oil seed radish, without grazing and nitrogen fertilization (oil seed radish); and (5) natural vegetation, without grazing and nitrogen fertilization (fallow). Undisturbed cores were collected from the layers 2 to 7 cm and 10 to 15 cm, at three times: experiments implantation (May 2006), at maize sowing in succession of winter soil use (November 2006) and close to maize physiological maturity (February 2007). Soil total porosity, bulk density and soil resistance to penetration were evaluated in these samples. According to the environmental and management conditions, as well as the time of experimentation, the livestock presence in winter pastures, winter cover crops and fallow did not affect the variables related to soil compaction.
  • Authors:
    • Dieckow, J.
    • Pelissari, A.
    • Veiga, M.
    • Moraes, A.
    • Balbinot Junior, A.
    • Carvalho, P.
  • Source: Ciencia Rural
  • Volume: 39
  • Issue: 8
  • Year: 2009
  • Summary: Soil use and management during the winter can affect soil physical properties, reminiscent straw and performance of the crop cultivated in succession. The effect of winter soil use on these variables, cultivating black bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris) under no tillage system in summer, was investigated. Three experiments were carried out in the North Plateau of Santa Catarina State, Brazil, during 2007/08 crop season, with five strategies of soil use during the winter: (1) multicropping with black oat+ryegrass+commom vetch+arrow leaf clover ( Trifolium vesiculosum) without grazing and N application (multicropping cover); (2) the same multicropping, with grazing and 100 kg N ha -1 application (pasture with N); (3) the same multicropping, with grazing and without N application (pasture without N); (4) oil seed radish, without grazing and N application (oil seed radish); and (5) natural vegetation, without grazing and N application (fallow). The highest straw dry mass was verified in multicropping cover, but the strategies of winter soil use did not affect significantly the soil bulk density and macroporosity. The soil use with winter annual pasture in crop-livestock system, cover crops and fallow did not affect the black bean performance in succession, under no tillage system.
  • Authors:
    • Gordon, A. M.
    • Thevathasan, N. V.
    • Dougherty, M. C.
    • Lee, H.
    • Kort, J.
  • Source: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
  • Volume: 131
  • Issue: 1/2
  • Year: 2009
  • Summary: Contamination of groundwater in agricultural areas by nitrate and Escherichia coli can potentially lead to several harmful health effects for those who consume or are exposed to it. The objective of this study was to determine if trees can reduce loadings of these contaminants to the groundwater. Tile drain effluent from two adjacent agricultural systems (a mixed tree intercrop and a monocrop) was collected from April to November during 2005 and 2006 from a mini watershed area of 17,200 m 2. An area of 1100 m 2 (6.4%) in each system was subject to application of a mixture of water and a biotracer E. coli NAR, a naturally occurring strain that is resistant to naladixic acid and has been shown to be safe for introduction into the environment. The effluent was analyzed for concentrations of the biotracer and NO 3--N. The premise of this study is to determine if the safety-net hypothesis is valid in a temperate intercropping system. This hypothesis states that the incorporation of trees into agricultural systems will allow for a more efficient use of resources, since the rooting system of the trees capture nutrients that are not captured by the crop component of the system. The quantities of NO 3--N in the leachate were similar in 2005: 57.37 and 54.74 kg ha -1 leached from the monocrop and intercrop sites, respectively. However, in 2006, NO 3--N levels were significantly higher ( p