bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The flows and balances of P, K, Ca and Mg on intensively managed Boreal high input grass and low input grass-clover pastures
Authors: Järvenranta Kirsi , Virkajärvi Perttu , Heinonen-Tanski Helvi
Published: July 2018

The main objective of the study was to compare nutrient balances of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) on fertilized grass pasture (high input) and unfertilized grass-clover pasture (low input) both grazed by dairy cattle. The second aim was to quantify P loss in surface runoff from the fertilized grass pasture. The study was conducted on a lysimeter field that included two surface runoff collector ditches. The whole area was rotationally stocked five times per year and the amount of milk was recorded. Nutrient balances were negative on both grass and grass-clover pastures except the P balance for grass pasture, which was 18 kg ha-1 positive. The amount of total P in the surface runoff from fertilized grass pasture was 1.2–0.9 kg ha-1 y-1. It seems that in short-term ley farming, grass-clover swards can retain nutrients in the soil better than pure grass swards.
Improving efficiency assessments using additive data envelopment analysis models: an application to contrasting dairy farming systems
Authors: Soteriades Andreas Diomedes , Faverdin Philippe , March Margaret , Stott Alistair William
Published: July 2018

Applying holistic indicators to assess dairy farm efficiency is essential for sustainable milk production. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has been instrumental for the calculation of such indicators. However, ‘additive’ DEA models have been rarely used in dairy research. This study presented an additive model known as slacks-based measure (SBM) of efficiency and its advantages over DEA models used in most past dairy studies. First, SBM incorporates undesirable outputs as actual outputs of the production process. Second, it identifies the main production factors causing inefficiency. Third, these factors can be ‘priced’ to estimate the cost of inefficiency. The value of SBM for efficiency analyses was demonstrated with a comparison of four contrasting dairy management systems in terms of technical and environmental efficiency. These systems were part of a multiple-year breeding and feeding systems experiment (two genetic lines: select vs. control; and two feeding strategies: high forage vs. low forage, where the latter involved a higher proportion of concentrated feeds) where detailed data were collected to strict protocols. The select genetic herd was more technically and environmentally efficient than the control herd, regardless of feeding strategy. However, the efficiency performance of the select herd was more volatile from year to year than that of the control herd. Overall, technical and environmental efficiency were strongly and positively correlated, suggesting that when technically efficient, the four systems were also efficient in terms of undesirable output reduction. Detailed data such as those used in this study are increasingly becoming available for commercial herds through precision farming. Therefore, the methods presented in this study are growing in importance.
Strategic objectives and development plans of beginning farmers
Authors: Rantamäki-Lahtinen Leena , Väre Minna Katriina
Published: July 2018

Taking over the management and ownership of a farm contributes positively to farm growth but little is known about how farmers succeed after the starting phase. We analysed how farmers that have recently started their farm enterprises are going to develop their farms and how do they differ from more experienced farmers in some key farm management areas. Data were collected by postal survey from farmers of the Salo region in South-Western Finland. Farmers were categorized into three different groups according to a combination of their age and experience. Farmers who were in the early phase of taking over a farm had better education and better networks than their older counterparts. Younger farmers considered their networks to be more important than did their senior colleagues. The early phase farmer group invested significantly more and had more liabilities than the other two groups. Moreover, early phase farmers were the most active at developing their farms. The late phase farmers were the least active, even when they knew they were going to transfer their farm to next generation within the next few years. Farms should be developed continuously in order to improve the viability of whole farming sector.
Acknowledgements
Authors: Rappe Erja
Published: July 2018

Agricultural and Food Science expresses its sincere thanks to the following referees for their constructive critical reviews of one or more manuscripts during the year 2011.
Effect of anionic salts in concentrate mixture and magnesium intake on some blood and urine minerals and acid-base balance of dry pregnant cows on grass silage based feeding
Authors: TAURIAINEN S. , SANKARI S. , PYÖRÄLÄ S.
Published: July 2018

Twenty Friesian cows were randomly assigned to one of four prepartum diets in a 2 x 2 factorially designed experiment to determine the effect of anionic salts contained in a concentrate mixture and magnesium (Mg) intake on some blood and urine minerals in cows fed a grass silage based diet. Four diets provided either 16 g or 33 g total dietary Mg/day, and had either a low or high cation-anion difference. Dietary cation-anion balance (DCAB) of the diets, calculated as milliequivalents [(Na+ + K+) - (Cl- + S2-)], was +31 mEq/kg dry matter (DM) in the low DCAB group and +340 mEq/kg DM in the high DCAB group. DCAB was formulated using NH4Cl, (NH4)2SO4 and MgCl2 as anionic salts. Cows received grass silage (5.2 kg DM), hay (1.0 kg DM) and concentrate mixture (1.5 kg DM) until calving. Blood and urine samples were collected 4, 3, 2 and 1 week before the expected calving date, at calving, the day after calving and 1 week following calving. Cows fed the low DCAB diet had a lower urinary pH (P
Comparison of two breeding systems for timing of whelpings in farmed silver foxes (Research Note)
Authors: HARRI M. , MONONEN J. , REKILÄ T.
Published: July 2018

Two principally different mating systems are practised for farmed silver foxes. In the traditional system the breeding females are kept all the time in cages well separated from each other. In the Nordic system, on the other hand, the breeding females are transferred prior to mating time into a separate shed where they are placed close to each other and sometimes males are put among them. After artificial insemination (AI) or natural matings, the females are transferred in the mating order to new cages. The condensed premating grouping is assumed to enhance the effect of air-borne male and female pheromones leading to a more intense and synchronised heat development. In this study these two systems were compared for timing and synchrony of parturitions. In contrast to the working hypothesis, date of whelpings were positively skewed with a great kurtosis in the traditional system, an indication that the majority of deliveries occurred during a short period and at the beginning of the season. On the other hand, in the Nordic system the whelpings were more uniformly distributed over the whole season and the peak was later. The results show that the most recent system, although widely used, is not necessarily the only possible alternative but other alternatives should also be considered. ;
Precision of commercial soil testing practice for phosphorus fertilizer recommendations in Finland
Authors: PELTOVUORI T.
Published: July 2018

Implementation of the Agri-Environmental Program in 1995 has emphasized the role of advisory soil testing in phosphorus (P) input planning and markedly expanded the market for commercial soil testing in Finland. A small precision experiment (5 laboratories) and a simulation study on soil sampling were conducted to evaluate the current precision of the soil testing practice for P. The observed values of reproducibility (95% probability) of soil P determination were 42-61% of the mean P concentration for three soils. This approximately corresponds to a maximum error of one P class in a seven-step classification system. Soil texture and organic matter content are used as secondary variables in P fertilization planning. In commercial soil testing these are both determined by finger assessment and the results have significant errors in most laboratories. Erroneous texture determinations are more likely to lead to errors in P fertilizer recommendations than soil P analysis itself. In this study the largest deviation from a correct P fertilization recommendation was +10 kg ha-1. In soil sampling simulation, stratified random sampling in areas of differing texture gave the most consistent results with geostatistical analysis of the soil test data, as compared with random, systematic, and judgment sampling strategies.;
Bast fibre content, fibre yield and fibre quality of different linseed genotypes
Authors: SANKARI H.
Published: July 2018

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) grown for seed does not compete well with flax in fibre yield, but as a by-product of seed production its stems could be used in non-woven products. With the aim of discovering suitable linseed genotypes to be cultivated for dual-purpose use in Finland, Finnish linseed cv. Helmi was compared with ten other linseed genotypes and one flax cultivar for stem yield, bast fibre content in stem, stem length and diameter and bast fibre yield. In addition, breaking tenacity and elongation at break of the fibres were determined. The experiments were carried out in 1996B1997 at the Agricultural Research Centre (MTT) in Jokioinen, Finland (latitude 60o49'N). Bast fibre content in stem averaged 16.9% and breeding line Bor 18 had significantly higher bast fibre content than cv. Helmi. Bast fibre yield averaged 301 kg dry matter ha-1. Compared with cv. Helmi, breeding lines Bor 15 and Bor 18 and cvs. Flanders and Gold Merchant produced significantly higher fibre yield. The median for breaking tenacity varied among the genotypes between 41 and 67 cN/tex and the median for elongation at break between 3.5 and 6.8%. Finnish breeding line Bor 18 is recommended for cultivation as dual-purpose linseed in Finland. ;
Growth of and partitioning between shoot and storage root of carrot in a northern climate
Authors: SUOJALA T.
Published: July 2018

Matching the growth pattern of a vegetable cultivar with the seasonal changes in climate is a prerequisite for successful yield production in a northern climate. This paper describes the growth characteristics of two carrot cultivars in relation to climatic conditions in two years, with special reference to the factors associated with high yield. Cv. Fontana produced twice as large a leaf area and shoot weight as cv. Panther. Increased partitioning to shoot in the former cultivar also resulted in a higher root yield. Uniformity in relative growth rates during the period of analysis suggests that intervarietal differences in the shoot to root ratio and in the yield potential appear very early. Nearly half of the root weight at final harvest was gained after mid-August, when temperature and daily irradiance began to decrease. A large leaf area may ensure better utilisation of diminishing growth resources at the end of the growing season. In the more favourable growing season, 1997, plants invested more in leaf production than they did in 1996: shoot fresh and dry weights were considerably higher but leaf area was not much higher.;
Phosphorus saturation of Finnish soils: evaluating an easy oxalate extraction method
Authors: UUSITALO R. , TUHKANEN H.-R.
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to test whether phosphorus saturation of surface sorption sites of (oxyhydr)oxides of aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) in Finnish soils can be assessed using a single oxalate extraction and, if so, whether the results are closely related to the P forms likely to influence the P concentration in runoff waters. Ten soil samples with varying clay content and P status were studied. Desorption tests were conducted by submitting the soils sequentially to nine anion exchange resin (AER) extractions. Sorption of P was studied by shaking the soils in P standard solutions (0-250 ppm). Soil inorganic P was characterised by sequentially extracting P from the fractions assumed to be connected to Al and Fe compounds and present as the stable apatitic form. The desorption studies and the fractioning of inorganic P suggested that oxalate solution dissolves apatitic P and/or other relatively stable P-bearing compounds, probably referring to the sum of inorganic P fractions rather than labile P. The amount of P desorbed in the nine AER extractions was about 80-280 mg/kg, whereas oxalate extracted about 490-1100 mg P/kg, which approximated the sum of the inorganic P fractions. Therefore, in soils high in apatitic P, oxalate-extractable P does not seem to be a reliable measure of the P saturation of Al and Fe oxide surfaces that regulate the P concentration in soil solution and runoff water.;
Assessment of genetic diversity using RAPD analysis in a germplasm collection of sea buckthorn
Authors: BARTISH G.I. , JEPPSSON N. , BARTISH I.V.
Published: July 2018

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to characterize a part of a sea buckthorn gene bank collected for plant breeding purposes. Molecular markers were generated in 55 cultivars and accessions, representing five subspecies of Hippophae rhamnoides L. and intraspecific hybrids between different subspecies. Sixty-three markers were used to generate a Dice's similarity coefficient matrix of pairwise comparisons between individual RAPD profiles. Cluster (UPGMA) and principal co-ordinate analyses, based on this matrix, revealed clustering of plants into groups which generally correspond to their taxonomic classification or geographic origin. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was found useful for estimating components of genetic variation between and within taxonomic and geographic groups of accessions and cultivars. Whereas both alternatives for grouping the material (taxonomic or geographic origin) resulted in significant between-group variation, the major part of molecular variance (approximately 75%) was still attributed to variation within groups. We conclude that the RAPD analysis is useful for clarification of taxonomic and geographic origin of accessions and cultivars of sea buckthorn.
Influence of pre partum and post partum plane of nutrition on the performance of crossbred suckler cows and their progeny
Authors: MANNINEN M. , HUHTA H.
Published: July 2018

The objective of the experiment was to study the effects of two pre partum and four post partum feeding levels on the performance of 28 Hereford-Ayrshire and 30 Limousine-Ayrshire spring-calving mature cows in calf to Limousin and their calves from the beginning of indoor feeding until the end of grazing under Finnish climatic conditions. A 2 H 2 factorial design experiment consisted of a low (L) and moderate (M) pre partum feeding levels based on hay and straw and two post partum concentrate feeding levels, 1.5 and 3.5 kg/d (1 and 2, respectively). The treatments were replicated across the genotypes. For feeding level L the amount of roughage offered was restricted to proportionately 0.7 on a dry matter (DM) basis of feeding level M. Milled barley was offered at 1.3 kg DM/d to all cows 72 days pre calving. The experiment was divided into two parts, an indoor feeding (215 days) and grazing period (114 days). The indoor feeding period included three periods, from start of the study to the beginning of additional concentrate feeding (P1) and feeding additional concentrate supplements both pre (P2) and post calving (P3). On feeding level M cows had a daily intake of 9.1 and 10.4 kg DM during periods P1 and P2, respectively. During period P3 intake was 10.4 and 12.0 kg DM for 1 and 2. Corresponding values for feeding level L were 6.7, 8.0, 8.0 and 9.7 kg DM, respectively. At the onset of grazing, cows on feeding level M were 47 kg heavier (P
Resistance to powdery mildew in selections from barley landraces collected in Greece
Authors: CZEMBOR J.H.
Published: July 2018

Twenty barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) landraces from Greece were tested for resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei). Landraces originated from a collection of Polish Gene Bank, IHAR Radzików, Poland. Thirteen landraces (65%) expressed resistance reactions and from those 37 single-plant lines were selected. These lines were tested at the seedling stage with 23 differential isolates of powdery mildew. The isolates were chosen according to their virulence spectra as observed on the 'Pallas' isoline differential set and on 8 additional differential cultivars. Fiveteen lines originating from five landraces (4917, 4919, 4926, 4928 and 4935) expressed resistance to all isolates used. In 31 tested lines it was impossible to determine which specific allele or alleles for resistance are present. However, expression of infection types 0, 1 and 2 for the isolates tested indicated that 26 from these lines may have several alleles for resistance. Three different resistance alleles (Mlat and Mla6+ Mla14) were postulated to be present in the lines either alone or in combination with other unidentified genes. Allele Mlat was postulated to be present in 4 and alleles Mla6 + Mla14 were postulated to be present in 2 of the tested lines. The value of landraces for diversification of powdery mildew resistance genes available to barley breeders was discussed.;
Simulation of spring wheat responses to elevated CO2 and temperature by using CERES-wheat crop model
Authors: LAURILA H.
Published: July 2018

The CERES-wheat crop simulation model was used to estimate the changes in phenological development and yield production of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Polkka) under different temperature and CO2 growing conditions. The effects of elevated temperature (3-4°C) and CO2 concentration (700 ppm) as expected for Finland in 2100 were simulated. The model was calibrated for long-day growing conditions in Finland. The CERES-wheat genetic coefficients for cv. Polkka were calibrated by using the MTT Agrifood Research Finland (MTT) official variety trial data (1985-1990). Crop phenological development and yield measurements from open-top chamber experiments with ambient and elevated temperature and CO2 treatments were used to validate the model. Simulated mean grain yield under ambient temperature and CO2 conditions was 6.16 t ha-1 for potential growth (4.49 t ha-1 non-potential) and 5.47 t ha-1 for the observed average yield (1992-1994) in ambient open-top chamber conditions. The simulated potential grain yield increased under elevated CO2 (700 ppm) to 142% (167% non-potential) from the simulated reference yield (100%, ambient temperature and CO2 350 ppm). Simulations for current sowing date and elevated temperature (3°C) indicate accelerated anthesis and full maturity. According to the model estimations, potential yield decreased on average to 80.4% (76.8% non-potential) due to temperature increase from the simulated reference. When modelling the concurrent elevated temperature and CO2 interaction, the increase in grain yield due to elevated CO2 was reduced by the elevated temperature. The combined CO2 and temperature effect increased the grain yield to 106% for potential growth (122% non-potential) compared to the reference. Simulating the effects of earlier sowing, the potential grain yield increased under elevated temperature and CO2 conditions to 178% (15 days earlier sowing from 15 May, 700 ppm CO2, 3°C) from the reference. Simulation results suggest that earlier sowing will substantially increase grain yields under elevated CO2 growing conditions with genotypes currently cultivated in Finland, and will mitigate the decrease due to elevated temperature. A longer growing period due to climate change will potentially enable cultivation of new cultivars adapted to a longer growing period. Finally, adaptation strategies for the crop production under elevated temperature and CO2 growing conditions are presented.;
The effect of storage ageing and spring sprouting of seed tubers on the yield of three potato varieties in the Finnish Lapland
Authors: HANNUKKALA A.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of storage ageing on the emergence, stem and tuber number and yield of potato grown at the MTT Lapland Research Station in Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle (66°35'N). Three varieties, Puikula, Tanu and van Gogh, differing in earliness and storing properties, were used. Two sprouting treatments in the spring, i.e. varietal optimum and control with no sprouting, and four storage treatments, i.e. autumn, mid-winter, autumn and winter and control, were applied. A split-split-plot design was used. The emergence, stem and tuber numbers and yield were determined. Storage ageing enhanced the emergence up to 6 days depending on the cultivar and spring sprouting treatment. The tuber yield also increased by approx. 8 tn ha-1. The stem and tuber numbers were not affected by winter ageing. However, the enhancement in emergence and increase in tuber yield were not high enough to compensate for the need for proper spring sprouting. According to this study, storage ageing cannot replace proper sprouting.
A combined infrared/heat pump drying technology applied to a rotary dryer
Authors: PÄÄKKÖNEN K.
Published: July 2018

The short drying time and low product temperature makes it suitable for drying such heat-sensitive materials as herbs and vegetables. The purpose of this work was to develop a small-scale dryer for herbs and vegetables. A prototype rotary dryer combining infrared radiation with a so-called heat pump drying method was applied in drying experiments for several herbs and vegetables. The drying experiments were performed under actual crop production conditions. The drying curves for leaves of birch (Betula spp.), rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium) and dandelion (Taraxacum spp.) as well as slices of red beet (Beta vulgaris) and carrot (Daucus carota) are presented. During the drying operation, temperature and humidity of the drying air were recorded, as well as the energy consumed in drying. The quality parameters measured were water content, colour and rehydration ratio. In the present rotary dryer design, intermittent irradiation and mixing of the product enable to avoid overheating, which is particularly important for maintaining product quality. In this dryer design the drying drum slowly rotates and simultaneously mixes the product. The infrared heaters are attached to a panel, allowing the product to receive infrared radiation periodically.
Arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils in South Savo province
Authors: MÄNTYLAHTI V. , LAAKSO P.
Published: July 2018

Increasing concentrations of arsenic and heavy metals in agricultural soils are becoming a growing problem in industrialized countries. These harmful elements represent the basis of a range of problems in the food chain, and are a potential hazard for animal and human health. It is therefore important to gauge their absolute and relative concentrations in soils that are used for crop production. In this study the arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in 274 mineral soil samples and 38 organogenic soil samples taken from South Savo province in 2000 were determined using the aqua regia extraction technique. The soil samples were collected from 23 farms.The elements analyzed were arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead and zinc. The median concentrations in the mineral soils were:As 2.90 mg kg 1, Cd 0.084 mg kg 1, Cr 17.0 mg kg 1, Cu 13.0 mg kg 1, Hg 0.060 mg kg 1, Ni 5.4 mg kg 1, Pb 7.7 mg kg 1, Zn 36.5 mg kg 1. The corresponding values in the organogenic soils were:As 2.80 mg kg 1, Cd 0.265 mg kg 1, Cr 15.0 mg kg 1, Cu 29.0 mg kg 1, Hg 0.200 mg kg 1, Ni 5.9 mg kg 1, Pb 11.0 mg kg 1, Zn 25.5 mg kg 1. The results indicated that cadmium and mercury concentrations in the mineral and organogenic soils differed. Some of the arsenic, cadmium and mercury concentrations exceeded the normative values but did not exceed limit values. Most of the agricultural fields in South Savo province contained only small amounts of arsenic and heavy metals and could be classified as Clean Soil. A draft for the target values of arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in Clean Soil is presented.;
Geostatistical prediction of clay percentage based on soil survey data
Authors: TALKKARI A. , JAUHIAINEN L. , YLI-HALLA M.
Published: July 2018

In precision farming fields may be divided into management zones according to the spatial variation in soil properties. Clay content is an important soil characteristic, because it is associated with other soil properties that are important in management. Soil survey data from 150 sampling sites taken from an area of 218 ha were used to predict the spatial variation of clay percentage geostatistically in an agricultural soil in Jokioinen, Finland. The exponential and spherical models with a nugget component were fitted to the experimental variogram. This indicated that the medium-range pattern could be modelled, but the short-range variation could not, due to sparsity of sample points at short distances. The effect of sampling density on the kriging error was evaluated using the random simulation method. Kriging with a spherical model produced a map with smooth variation in clay percentage. The standard error of kriging estimates decreased only slightly when the density of samples was increased. The predictions were divided into three classes based on the clay percentage. Areas with clay content below 30%, between 30% and 60% and over 60% belong to non-clay, clay and heavy clay zones, respectively. With additional information from the soil samples on the contents of nutrients and organic matter these areas can serve as agricultural management zones.;
Role of benchmark technology in sustainable value analysis An application to Finnish dairy farms
Authors: KUOSMANEN T. , KUOSMANEN N.
Published: July 2018

Sustainability is a multidimensional concept that entails economic, environmental, and social aspects. The sustainable value (SV) method is one of the most promising attempts to quantify sustainability performance of firms. SV compares performance of a firm to a benchmark, which must be estimated in one way or another. This paper examines alternative parametric and nonparametric methods for estimating the benchmark technology from empirical data. Reviewed methods are applied to an empirical data of 332 Finnish dairy farms. The application reveals four interesting conclusions. First, the greater flexibility of the nonparametric methods is evident from the better empirical fit. Second, negative skewness of the regression residuals of both parametric OLS and nonparametric CNLS speaks against the average-practice benchmark technology in this application. Third, high positive correlations across a wide spectrum of methods suggest that the findings are relatively robust. Forth, the stochastic decomposition of the disturbance term to filter out the noise component from the inefficiency term yields more realistic efficiency estimates and performance targets.;
Effects of perch on feed consumption and behaviour of caged laying hens
Authors: VALKONEN E. , RINNE R. , VALAJA J.
Published: July 2018

This experiment studied the effects of perches in furnished cages on behaviour and feed consumption of laying hens. The study used 352 Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) hens. The hens were housed at 16 weeks of age in furnished cages in groups of 8 birds. The experiment lasted for 205 days. The treatments were: perches present from 16 weeks of age (P16), perches present from 19 weeks of age (P19), and no perches present (NP). Feed consumption and egg production were measured over the pre-laying period and six 4-week laying periods. The number of hens on perch, in nest and litter box was recorded at various ages. The behaviour of 3 hens per treatment was observed using instantaneous sampling at every 5 minutes, so that the observations of each hen covered one light period (14.5 hours). The treatments had no significant effects on feed consumption after the pre-laying period. Feed conversion ratio (kg feed kg-1 eggs) was favourable in P16 in comparison to NP during the periods 24. During the observations after the lights-out NP birds tended to be more frequently in nests, than P16 birds. NP birds spent more time on the cage floor, were recumbent more often, and sitting more rarely in comparison to P16 birds. Based on the results of this study, perches may have advantageous effect on feed conversion ratio in furnished cages.;
Estimation of genetic parameters and genetic change for stillbirth in Iranian Holstein cows: a comparison between linear and threshold models
Authors: HOSSEIN-ZADEH N.G.
Published: July 2018

Data on stillbirth from the Animal Breeding Center of Iran collected from January 1990 to December 2007 and comprising 668810 Holstein calving events from 2506 herds were analyzed. Linear and threshold animal and sire models were used to estimate genetic parameters and genetic trends for stillbirth in the first, second, and third parities. Mean incidence of stillbirth decreased from first to third parities: 23.7%, 22.1%, and 21.8%, respectively. Phenotypic rates of stillbirth decreased from 1993 to 1998, for first, second and third calvings, and then increased from 1998 to 2007 for the first three parities. Direct heritability estimates of stillbirth for parities 1, 2 and 3 ranged from 2.2 to 8.7%, 0.6 to 5.1% and 0.1 to 3.8%, respectively, and maternal heritability estimates of stillbirth for parities 1, 2 and 3 ranged from 1.4 to 6.3%, 0.5 to 4.2% and 0.08 to 2.0%, respectively, using linear and threshold animal models. The threshold sire model estimates of heritabilities for stillbirth in this study were 0.021 to 0.071, while the linear sire model estimates of heritabilities for stillbirth in the current study were from 0.003 to 0.021 over the parities. There was a slightly increasing genetic trend for stillbirth rate in parities 1 and 2 over time with the analysis of linear animal and linear sire models. There was a significant decreasing genetic trend for stillbirth rate in parity 1 and 3 over time with the analysis of threshold animal and threshold sire models, but the genetic trend for stillbirth rate in parity 2 with these models of analysis was significantly positive. The low estimates of heritability obtained in this study implied that much of the improvement in stillbirth could be attained by improvement of production environment rather than genetic selection.;
The effect of a mixture of Lactobacillus strains on silage quality and nutritive value of grass harvested at four growth stages and ensiled for two periods
Authors: Boever Johan De , Dupon Elien , Wambacq Eva , Latré Joos
Published: July 2018

The effect of adding an inoculant containing Lactobacillus buchneri, L. plantarum and L. casei to wilted perennial ryegrass, harvested at four growth stages and ensiled for either 60 or 150 d on silage fermentation quality, chemical composition, rumen degradability of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and organic matter (OM) and in vitro OM digestibility (OMd) was studied. Compared to the control silage, more sugars were fermented to lactic and acetic acid with the inoculant, resulting in a lower pH, less dry matter losses and protein degradation and a better aerobic stability. The effects of the additive on fermentation quality were more pronounced after 150 than after 60 d of ensiling, because the quality of the control silage was worse after long ensiling period. The treatment lowered NDF content of grass harvested at the first two growth stages by degrading cell walls to complex sugars, but had no effect on NDF degradability of the silage. The inoculant had no effect on rumen OM degradability nor on OMd after the short ensiling period, but increased the rumen OM degradability for the first two growth stages and OMd for all growth stages after long ensiling period.
Influence of legumes on microbial activity in soil
Authors: Kaila Armi
Published: July 2018

An attempt has been made in the present investigation to elucidate the influence of growing legumes upon the microbial population and upon its activities in the soil. Annual legumes, pea and vetch were compared with oats, and red clover with timothy. At the beginning and at the end of the summer the number of bacteria, calculated through various culture media, appeared to be greater in the rhizosphere of the pea plants than under the vetch or oat plants. The rhizosphere flora of the young pea plants showed a capacity for more active nitrogen fixation than that of the young vetch or oat plants, but later the superiority of the pea plants disappeared. A higher rate of nitrification under and for some time after the legume crops compared with the corresponding non-legume crops was noted. Nitrification of added ammonium sulfate did not occur more actively under the legumes, due either to the lack of a stimulation of the nitrifying flora, or to the higher acidity in the legume soils. Compared with the non-legumes, the legumes could not be found to stimulate carbon dioxide production from the soil in any other way than through their more easily decomposable residues. Within the bounds of this investigation no special effect of legumes upon the soil flora could be established that cannot be explained on the basis of their nitrogen economy, either their utilizing soil nitrogen to a smaller degree than non-legumes, or due to composition of their roots and stubble. Under the field conditions, however, several other factors not demonstrable from this material may exist.
Observations on the effect of „Fertosan“- and „QR“- preparations upon the humification of straw
Authors: Kaila Armi , Pohjanpää Anha-Meri
Published: July 2018

The effect of the bacterial preparation »Fertosan» and of the possibly biodynamic preparation »OR» upon humification of rye straw was investigated in experimental series both under laboratory conditions and on a larger scale in the field. In all these experiments no evidence indicated that either of these preparations had accelerated the decomposition of rye straw. This could be established under the less favourable conditions in the field composts without mineral fertilizers as well as under the almost ideal conditions in pot experiments where applications of nitrogen and phosphorus were sufficient to satisfy the needs of a large microbial population. Consequently, according to the results of these experiments there seems to be no reason for using such preparations as »Fertosan» and »QR» in humifying rye straw. The decomposition of organic matter seems to depend more on the nitrogen and perhaps even on the phosphorus supply than on an inoculation of some bacteria or on an application of microbial »activators».
Vaihtuvien emästen ja vaihtuvan vedyn kokonaismäärien käytöstä maan kalkintarpeen arvioimisessa
Authors: Salonen Martti
Published: July 2018

On tutkittu Brownin esittämän maan emäs- ja vetymäärän määritysmenetelmän käyttöä maan kalkintarpeen arvioimiseksi. Menetelmä on verraten yksinkertainen ja vähätöinen ja näyttää siltä, että sillä voidaan arvioida maan kalkintarve suunnilleen samalla varmuudella kuin esim. vaihtuvan kalkin määrityksellä. Analyysiteknillisistä ym. käytännöllisistä seikoista riippuu, kumpaa menetelmää on edullisempi käyttää.
Thermoperiodity and flower formation in some tomato varieties
Authors: Kurkki Lea M. , Wittwer S. H.
Published: July 2018

Twelve tomato varieties were exposed to night temperatures of 50—55° F and 65—70° F for two weeks just after cotyledon expansion beginning one week after the seed was sown. The responses of each variety were observed as regards the days to the first open flower, the number of leaves formed before the first inflorescence, and the number of flowers in the first and second inflorescence. A night temperature of 50—55° F increased the number of days to the first open flower, and decreased the number of leaves. The number of flowers in the first inflorescence was increased in all varieties except. J. Moran and Pearson by night temperatures of 50—55° F.
Ein automatischer Apparat zur Bestimmung der austauschbaren Ionen, insbesondere phosphat-Ionen, im Boden mittels Ionenaustauscher
Authors: Barkoff Eugen
Published: July 2018

Es wird der Aufbau eines automatischen Apparates zur Bestimmung der austauschbaren Ionen im Boden durch Ionenaustauscher nebst der dabei angewandten Arbeitsmethodik und einigen Grundsätzen analytisch-technischer Art beschrieben. Bei der Bestimmung des austauschbaren Phosphates im Boden mit diesem Apparat wurden in diesem Falle verdünnte Kaliumkarbonatlösungen in Gegenwart eines stark alkalischen Anionenaustauscherharzes (Amberlite IRA-400) in Karbonatform benutzt. Die bei der Verteilung des Phosphates zwischen diesen Lösungen und dem Harz geltenden Gesetzmässigkeiten wurden untersucht. Durch Anwendung von Harz kann man bei dem Extrahieren des austauschbaren Phosphates aus dem Boden mit milderen Lösungsmitteln zurechtkommen, was als ein Vorteil anzusehen ist. Die Frage, auf welche ein möglichst richtiger Totalgehalt des austauschbaren Phosphates im Boden bei Anwendung dieses Apparates mit Harz durch Berechnung aus Gleichgewichtskonzentrationen oder annähernd durch direkte Bestimmung erreicht werden kann, wird diskutiert.
Eräiden hitaasti itävien siemenien itävyyden määrityksestä Tetrazolium-menetelmällä
Authors: Ahlberg Erkki
Published: July 2018

Seuraavassa selostetaan valtion siementarkastuslaitoksessa suoritettuja kansainvälisen siementarkastusliiton (I.S.T.A.) toimeenpanemaan tutkimukseen liittyviä vertailevia kokeita. Niiden tarkoituksena on selvittää värjäysmenetelmän soveltuvuutta eräiden sellaisten hitaasti itävien siemenien itävyyden määrittämiseen, joiden itävyyden toteaminen tavallisilla korsiviljojen siementen idätysmenetelmillä on antanut epätyydyttäviä tuloksia. Värjäysmenetelmä on osoittautunut korsiviljojen siementen itävyyden määrityksessä useiden tutkimusten mukaan (2, 4, 5, 8) epätyydyttäväksi ja käytäntöön vaikeasti sovellutettavaksi. Tätä menetelmää onkin nykyisin keskitytty soveltamaan vain eräiden vaikeasti idätettävien siementen itävyyden selvittämiseen. Selostettavaa työtä varten lähetti Wienin siementarkastuslaitoksen edustaja, tohtori HERMANN GERM, vuoden 1954 alussa siemennäytteitä yhdeksään maahan, kymmeneen eri siementarkastuslaitokseen. Lähetys käsitti kymmenen siemenerää, joihin sisältyi 6 siemenlajia. Näytteiden itävyyden tarkastusohjeet seurasivat mukana. Kasvilajit (ks. taul. s. 144), joiden siemeniä tutkittiin, olivat seuraavat: Carpinus betulus L. (näyte 1), Fraxinus excelsior L. (näytteet 2 ja 3), Prunus Myrobalana L. (näytteet 4 ja 5), Pirus communis L. (näytteet 6 ja 7), Rosa canina L. (näyte 8) ja Tilia grandifolia Ehrhart (näytteet 9 ja 10). Kansainvälisen siementarkastusliiton nykyisten sääntöjen (7) mukaan tetrazolium-menetelmää voidaan käyttää kaikkien em. kasvilajien siementen itävyyden määrittämiseen
Influence of lime on the accumulation of mineral nitrogen in incubation experiments of peat soils
Authors: Kaila Armi , Soini Sylvi
Published: July 2018

In the present paper the effect of lime on the mobilization of peat nitrogen was studied using incubation experiments under laboratory conditions. In the first experiment in which 13 samples of virgin peat soils were incubated for four months at 7°C, lime caused a marked nitrification of ammonium nitrogen in three samples, and a fairly low increase in the ammonium nitrogen content of five samples. The accumulation of total mineral nitrogen was benefited by lime in five samples and only in one of them could a marked increase be detected. In the second experiment the amounts of lime applied to five peat samples corresponded to 4000, 8000 or 12 000 kg/ha of CaCO3. At the end of an incubation period of four months at 9—15°C the total amounts of mineral nitrogen accumulated did not depend on the fate of liming, as did the nitrification in SCp-and BCp-samples, and also, in part, in the Sp- and CSp-samples. After the prolonged incubation up to 12 months the amount of lime applied had little or no effect upon the accumulation of nitrate-nitrogen or total mineral nitrogen except in the SCp-sample in which a positive correlation between these figures existed. Traces of nitrite-nitrogen were detected in some of the samples incubated for four months with the heaviest applications of lime. In the third experiment carried out at 7°C the treatment with lime was equal to that in the second series, but half of the pots were treated with ammonium nitrate corresponding to 100 kg/ha of nitrogen. The effect of lime on the treated samples appeared to be similar to that in the untreated one. Owing to the large variation, the fate of applied mineral nitrogen could not be distinctly detected. The loss of ammonium nitrogen through volatilization from the most heavily limed pots may be a possible explanation for the lower amounts of total mineral nitrogen in the incubated BCp-samples. Some reasons for these variable results are discussed and attention is also paid to the importance of nitrification on the nitrogen nutrition of plants.
Extractable calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium in diefferent peat types
Authors: Kivekäs Jaakko , Kaila Armi
Published: July 2018

An attempt was made to elucidate the content of plant-available calcium, potassium and magnesium in different kinds of virgin peat. The amounts of these cations extracted by 1 N ammonium chloride solution were supposed to give an estimate satisfactory for this purpose. Also the extractable sodium was determined. The material consisted of 208 samples mainly collected from Northern Finland. The variation in the content of extractable cations was high in all the peat groups. The individual values of one group were overlapping the range of other ones. The average calcium and magnesium contents of the Sp, CSp and SCp groups were somewhat lower than those of Cp, BCp and EuSCp groups. The same seems to be the case, with the content of extractable sodium whereas the moss peats tended to be slightly less poor in potassium than the peats of better quality. A more or less significant correlation existed in all the peat groups between the calcium content and the pH-values. The correlation was markedly lower for pH and extractable magnesium. A weak tendency to negative correlation could be noticed between pH and extractable potassium. The land quality and the calcium and magnesium content of all the surface samples were correlated with each other, although not very strongly. Within the different peat groups no correlation between these quantities could be found, except in one case. The scant supply of potassium in the surface samples did not show any connection with the land quality. The reasons responsible to the large variation of the nutrient content within a certain peat group were discussed. The fact was emphasized that on the basis of the identification of the kind of peat nothing reliable is known of the nutrient content of the sample.
Turvenäytteiden kuivaamisen ja jauhamisen vaikutuksesta analyysituloksiin
Authors: Kivekäs Jaakko
Published: July 2018

1. Tutkielmassa verrataan toisiinsa tuoreesta sekä toisaalta ilmakuivasta ja jauhetusta näytteestä suoritettujen analyysien tuloksia 11 turvenäytteen puitteissa. 2. Analyysitulosten perusteella havaitaan vesilietteen happamuuden lievästi vähentyneen ja l—n KCI-lietteen happamuuden lievästi lisääntyneen kuivattamisen johdosta. 3. l—n NH4CI-liuokseen uuttuvan kalsiumin ja kaliumin määrissä todetaan eroja, mutta ne eivät ole tilastollisesti kaikki luotettavia. 4. Etikkahappoon liukeneva fosfori näyttäisi useimmissa tapauksissa vähenevän kuivattamisen johdosta. 5. Ammoniumtypen määrät ovat huomattavasti suurempia kuivatuissa kuin tuoreissa näytteissä. 6. Nitraattityppeä oli näytteissä vain hiukan, kaikissa näytteissä ei ollenkaan. 7. Koska tuoreen turvenäytteen analysoimiseksi on erittäin vaikea saada edustavaa näytettä, mikä ilmenee hajonnan suuruudestakin ja koska muutenkin on huomattavasti helpompi käsitellä kuivia ja jauhettuja näytteitä, niin ei näytä olevan pakottavaa aihetta suorittaa analyysejä tuoreista näytteistä.
Effect of superphosphate on the mobilization of nitrogen in a peat soil
Authors: Kaila Armi
Published: July 2018

The influence of superphosphate on the mobilization of nitrogen in a fen soil from Leteensuo Experiment Station in southern Finland was studied. Samples were used from a field trial in which superphosphate had been annually applied for 35 years in amounts of 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg/ha, resp. Analyses were performed on samples of four layers: 0 to 10 cm, 10 to 20 cm, 40 to 50 cm, and 60 to 70 cm. It was found that the mineral nitrogen (NH4-N + NO3-N) content of the soil samples collected late in the autumn was in all layers highest in the plots treated with the highest amount of superphosphate. The positive effect of the treatment with 200 kg/ha of superphosphate reached down to the layer of 40 to 50 cm. In the soil treated with 100 kg/ha the mineral nitrogen content was higher than in the untreated soil only in both surface layers. In the incubation experiment of five and ten weeks the differences in the mineral nitrogen content were equalized, particularly in the samples from deeper layers. In the top layers the superiority of the heaviest treatment was maintained. The amounts of nitrogen in the hay yields harvested in the previous summer appeared, generally, to be the higher the larger the amounts of superphosphate applied. It seemed to be probable that potassium was a minimum factor in the plots of the heaviest superphosphate treatment. Comparison of the present results with data obtained from the same experiment when it had been only run for five years indicated that, in regard to the availability of nitrogen in this peat soil, the slight tendency found thirty years ago had grown to the distinct superiority of the heavy superphosphate treatment.