bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labour research on automatic milking with a human-controlled cow traffic
Authors: Sonck B.R.
Published: June 2020

A calculation model for a task-time program was designed for the determination of the labour requirement for milking cows with a milking robot and using different working methods. Task times were derived from observations on commercial farms where automatic milking was combined with human-controlled cow traffic and on an experimental farm where automatic milking was combined with computer-controlled cow traffic. Based on these work studies, jobs were derived for automatic milking methods combined with 5 grassland strategies. 17 variants were quantified by means of a case-study. Calculations with the task-time program showed that the automatic milking method with human-controlled cow traffic applied during the whole year and with a milking frequency of 3 times a day resulted in physical labour savings for milking (38%). However, automatic milking with computer-controlled cow traffic resulted in a larger labour reduction (66%). The consequences of pasturing combined with automatic milking, on the labour requirement for milking are discussed.
Soil mineral nitrogen availability to young maize plants as related to root length density distribution and fertilizer application method
Authors: Schroder J. , Groenwold J. , Zaharieva T.
Published: June 2020

Minirhizotron observations from 4 experiments in 1992 and 1993 with maize on a sandy soil in the Wageningen Rhizolab, Netherlands, showed strong vertical and lateral root density gradients during the first 9 weeks after emergence. Root length density (Lrv), as determined in core samples 9 weeks after emergence, was positively related (P
Effects of cover crops on the nitrogen fluxes in a silage maize production system
Authors: Schroder J.J. , Van Dijk W. , De Groot W.J.M.
Published: June 2020

Rye and grass cover crops can potentially intercept residual soil mineral nitrogen (SMN), reduce overwinter leaching, transfer SMN to next growing seasons and reduce the fertilizer need of subsequent crops. These aspects were studied for 6 years in continuous silage maize cv. LG 2080 production systems receiving 20-304 kg N/ha, on a sandy soil in the Netherlands. Rye cv. Admiraal and grass (Lolium multiflorum cv. Combita) cover crops were able to absorb on average 40 kg N/ha into the shoots. The actual N uptake was largely determined by winter temperatures and hardly affected by residual SMN. At low N input levels cover crops reduced N leaching in accordance with their N uptake. At high N input levels, however, the reduction of leaching losses exceeded the storage capacity of the cover crop, suggesting that cover cropping stimulated the loss of N via denitrification or immobilization. Cover crops had no positive effect on maize yields at larger N rates and under these conditions cover crops did not improve the conversion of SMN into crop N. This was only partly reflected by an increase of residual SMN on plots where cover crops had been incorporated, as a large part of the excess N applied to maize was already lost during the growing season. In N-deficient maize production systems, however, cover crops increased the dry matter yield of maize. Their effect was equivalent to the effect of fertilizer N rates amounting to 105 and 44% of the shoot N in rye and L. multiflorum, respectively. In the first few years cover crops decomposed incompletely during the growing season following their incorporation. In the course of the years, however, effects on subsequent maize crops increased. This supports the hypothesis that the effects of cover crops are cumulative when grown repeatedly. Averaged over the 6 years, 115% and 73% of the shoot rye N and L. multiflorum N, respectively, were recovered in the crop-soil system.
Differences in rainfall and temperature define the use of different types of nitrogen fertilizer on managed grassland in UK, NL [Netherlands] and Eire
Authors: Bussink D.W. , Oenema O.
Published: June 2020

There are distinct differences between the Netherlands (NL) and the United Kingdom (UK) in the use of urea and calcium ammonium nitrate (Ca-AmmN) fertilizers on grassland. It has been known for some time that rainfall and temperature affect NH3 volatilization from urea and its agronomic efficiency. This study aimed (i) to examine rainfall and temperature pattern in NL and UK in relation to the observed urea efficiency, and (ii) to provide a simple decision support model for farmers to enable them to choose the most appropriate N fertilizer. A statistical analysis (residual maximum likelihood) of existing data from numerous field trials was undertaken. The agronomic efficiency of urea compared to Ca-AmmN in field trials was expressed as (i) urea relative N yield (Urel-N-y), and (ii) apparent-urea relative (N) yield (Uarel-(N)-y). In NL, (Urel-N-y) did not significantly differ from 100% on peat grassland. Mean (Urel-N-y) on sand and clay was 95%, in both cases. Mean seasonal Uarel-y and Uarel-N-y for the summed data of sand and clay soils was 92.3 and 86.4%, respectively, without significant differences between first and later cuts. There was no significant improvement of UNapp-relY in the last decades. In the first cut, mean Uarel-y was lower than in UK (100.9%) and Eire (100.2%). Differences in efficiency between countries could be described by short-term rainfall and temperature. By aggregating NL, UK and Eire data a simple regression equation was derived: Uarel-y= 89.48(+or-0.78) +[2.188(+or-0.15)xR3] -[1.091(+or-0.07)xT3], where R3 and T3 are rainfall amount and average temperature within three days after fertilizer application, respectively. The decision support model based on this equation showed that under prevailing NL weather conditions it will be profitable for the farmer to apply urea instead of calcium ammonium nitrate, for the first and second cut, only once every 5 and 7 years, respectively, because R3's exceeding 6 and 9.5 mm are required.
Prediction of nitrous oxide fluxes from managed grassland on peat soil using a simple empirical model
Authors: Velthof G.L. , Koops J.G. , Duyzer J.H. , Oenema O.
Published: June 2020

Three measurement campaigns were carried out to answer questions related to the factors controlling variations in nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from intensively managed grassland on peat soil, comparison of flux measurements with a closed flux chamber method and a flux gradient technique and the development and testing of a simple empirical model for the estimation of N2O fluxes from intensively managed grassland on peat soils. Fluxes of N2O were measured with 42-48 flux chambers and ranged from less than 0.01 to 6.66 mg N/msuperscript 2 per hr. Fluxes were significantly correlated with denitrification activity (Rsuperscript 2=0.34-0.56). Contents of nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+) in the top soil and the water-filled pore space (WFPS) explained 37-77% of the variance in N2O flux. Spatial variability of N2O fluxes was large with coefficients of variation ranging from 101 to 320%. Spatial variability was suggested to be related to distribution of mineral N fertilizer and cattle slurry, urine and dung patches and variations in groundwater level within the field. Average field fluxes obtained with the closed flux chamber method were about a factor 10 larger than those with the flux gradient technique on one measurement day but were similar on two other measurement days. The results of the measurement campaigns were used to derive a simple empirical model including total mineral N content and WFPS. This model was tested using an independent data set, i.e. the results of a monitoring study of two years carried out on two other grassland sites on peat soil. The model reasonably predicted magnitude of and temporal variations in N2O fluxes. It is suggested that a simple empirical model which requires only easily obtainable data such as mineral N content and moisture content, in combination with a few days lasting measurement campaigns, may be a valuable tool to predict N2O fluxes from similar sites.
Robotic milking in dairy farming
Authors: Rossing W. , Hogewerf P.H. , Ipema A.H. , Ketelaar-De Lauwere C.C. , De Koning C.J.A.M.
Published: June 2020

The role of engineering research in the development of robotic milking systems and the integration of robotic milking in dairy farms are reviewed. The milking stall, robot arm, teat sensing system, milking equipment and udder cleaning devices of commercial automatic milking systems (AMS) available in the Netherlands at the end of 1996 are described. The importance of the attractiveness of the milking stall, lay-out of the barn and the introduction of a cow routing with special gates in the barn is highlighted. Increasing the milking frequency from 2 to 3 times/day results in a higher yield of approximately 1000 kg milk/lactation. It is concluded that automatic milking will decrease the physical and mental load on the farmer, but it should be considered that the farmer is working with complicated equipment.
The influence of sequential and simultaneous feeding and the availability of straw on the behaviour of gilts in group housing
Authors: Krause M. , Van 'T Klooster C.E. , Bure R.G. , Metz J.H.M. , Sambraus H.H.
Published: June 2020

Effects of 2 feeding systems and the unlimited availability of straw in a rack on behaviour of 240 gilts, 6 months old, 110 kg liveweight, in group housing were studied. Four treatments were compared in triplicate; electronic feeding station for sequential feeding of sows with or without access to straw in a separate feeding rack (ESF with straw and ESF without straw, respectively), electronically controlled simultaneous feeding in boxes with or without straw available (FB with straw and FB without straw, respectively). Sows were active for 13.7, 13.5, 17.1 and 13.9% of their time in ESF with straw, ESF without straw, FB with straw and FB without straw, respectively, the interaction between feeding system and availability of straw being significant (P
Modelling and simulation for control of nutrient application in closed growing systems
Authors: Gieling T.H. , Bontsema J. , Bouwmans T.W.B.M. , Steeghs R.H.
Published: June 2020

The design of a controller for water supply and nutrient application in closed growing systems is presented and discussed with reference to nutrient film techniques in a 150 msuperscript 2 greenhouse. The 'robust design' method aims to distinguish between stability and performance and, in this case, the method deals with uncertainties in the model description of the real process, i.e. variability of flow and seasonal changes. Robust performance and robust stability, as qualities of the controlled process, were shown to be feasible for the control of nutrient application in closed growing systems. Algorithm performance was tested in a simulation procedure and shows very good disturbance suppression, staying well within the pre-set 10% limits. More standard design procedures could lead to a stable controlled process but would certainly be more conservative than the robust controller presented.
Effect of straight and spiral sugar beet extraction paths and lift acceleration on soil tare and relative soil adherence
Authors: Vermeulen G.D. , Klooster J.J. , Sprong M.C. , Verwijs B.R.
Published: June 2020

The soil tare, i.e. the relative amount of soil adhering to sugarbeet after harvest, should be reduced to lower the increasing costs of soil disposal and to prevent negative effects on the environment. The soil loosening effects of nine methods of lifting by extraction and one reference treatment were studied by evaluating the net soil tare (on a clean beet basis) and the relative soil adherence at the stage between lifting and cleaning of beets produced on marine clay loam soils in the Netherlands in 1994 and 1995. In the reference treatment, the beets were dug out carefully. The extraction treatments used were vertical (no spiral), large pitch spiral and small pitch spiral lifting paths at slow, moderate and quick accelerations. The net soil tare was lowest for the quick, small pitch spiral motion: respectively 14% in 1994 and 6% in 1995 for comparable beet properties and normal soil moisture conditions. The relative soil adherence increased significantly with decreasing soil tare. This phenomenon was attributed to the original in situ soil adherence: some soil close to the surface of the beet is reinforced by rootlets or is located in surface niches and adheres strongly to the beet. As soil loading during extraction was non-compressive for all extraction treatments, it is unlikely that the extraction treatments induced the strong soil adherence at low soil tare.
The accuracy of farm machinery for precision agriculture: a case for fertilizer application
Authors: Goense D.
Published: June 2020

Work quality, capacity and reliability are important criteria for design and evaluation of farm equipment. With the introduction of precision agriculture, the ability to adapt to spatially variable soil and crop conditions, becomes an additional aspect. A calculation method was developed to find the precision of site specific fertilizer application. The variance between the required rate, RR, and the applied rate, AR, was used as a measure for precision. The theory of geo-statistics was used for variance calculation. Spreading patterns were evaluated for different levels of field variability, positioning accuracy and resolution of the required application rates. The shape of spreading patterns had small influence. The effect of the accuracy of positioning systems was dependent on the resolution of the required application rates and of the working width of independently controlled sections of the spreaders.
Effect of a spring application of nitrogen on the performance of perennial ryegrass-white clover swards at two sites in the Netherlands
Authors: Schils R.L.M.
Published: June 2020

In a field trial in 1989-93 on clay soil at Lelystad, Netherlands, a mixed sward of Lolium perenne cv. Profit and Magella and Trifolium repens cv. Retor was given annual applications of 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100 kg N ha-1 and was cut 4-5 or 6-7 times a year. In a trial in 1992-94 on sandy soil in Overijssel, a sward of L. perenne cv. Meltra, Citadel and Condesa oversown with T. repens cv. Retor in 1991 was given annual applications of 0, 50 or 100 kg N ha-1. Average annual dry matter (DM) yields were 14.66 and 13.76 t ha-1 year-1 for the clay and sandy soil, respectively. Yields increased with increasing N rate at both sites. Cutting frequency had no consistent effect on DM yield, and there was no significant interaction between N rate and cutting frequency. T. repens contents decreased with increasing N rate, reducing the DM yield in the cuts after the first in the fertilized treatments. Annual N yields were not affected by N application. The higher cutting frequency increased the T. repens content from 36 to 47% and the N yield from 458 to 524 kg ha-1, but did not affect the DM yield.
Sink-source and sink-sink relations during reproductive development in Lolium perenne L
Authors: Warringa J.W. , Marinissen M.J.
Published: June 2020

In greenhouse pot trials, L. perenne cv. Barlet plants were labelled with 13C at regular intervals from main spike emergence onwards in order to identify and measure the activity of source and sink organs during seed formation. The source activity of the various tiller groups within the plant roughly reflected the relative contributions of these groups to total plant dry mass. After anthesis there was little net exchange of 13C-label between the older and younger tiller groups. From main spike emergence onwards the source activity of the leaves of the reproductive tiller declined sharply, from 95% of total tiller photosynthesis to 16% at final cutting. The spike became the main assimilating organ on the flowering tiller as the leaves aged. During anthesis the stem was a stronger sink than the seeds. At final cutting 70% of the label was located in the stem, when fixed during anthesis. Water-soluble carbohydrates accumulated in the stem, forming up to 25% of dry matter. After anthesis the sink strength of the developing seeds increased and that of the stem decreased and the stem remained a net sink organ up to about mid-seed filling. Pre-anthesis assimilates contributed 14% to final seed and spikelet carbon, when correcting for the palea and lemma that are present before anthesis. These results show that the stem is a temporary storage organ that can support seed filling. However, only a small amount of the stem reserves was used by the seeds. In contrast to carbon, nitrogen was largely redistributed from the stem and leaves to the seeds. At final harvest 59% of the nitrogen in the flowering tiller was located in the seeds.
Transect sampling strategies for semi-detailed characterization of inland valley systems
Authors: Windmeijer P.N. , Stomph T.J. , Adam A. , Coppus R. , De Ridder N. , Kandeh M. , Mahaman M. , Van Loon M.
Published: June 2020

For the semi-detailed characterization of inland valleys systems in the Ivory Coast, transect sampling was used to describe valley morphology, soils, and land use characteristics. Initially, for each valley one transect with a width of 200 to 400 m was proposed. More recently, use of a larger number of transects has been suggested. However, there is no statistical basis for either the number of transects to be described or their optimal width. Two sets of aerial photographs (1979, scale 1:50 000, and 1996, scale 1:20 000) of the Boundiali key area were processed and the results digitized. Using GIS, sets of transects with different width were made, and used for the determination of the sample size for estimating the land use ratio and the valley bottom ratio at valley system level with given confidence intervals. These results were validated with data from the field and with sets of pre-selected transects. The calculated sample size is based on simple random sampling and depends on both transect width and variability in the study area. For the characterization of inland valleys with reasonable confidence intervals, the sample size for random sampling is too large for the semi-detailed characterization method. Smaller samples of transects selected on the basis of sub-recent aerial photographs gave comparable results for land cover characteristics estimation as the larger samples for random sampling. There is scope for reducing sample size by formalizing criteria for transect placement on the basis of the earlier aerial photographs.
Effects of nutrient (NPK) supply on sugar beet response to elevated atmospheric CO2
Authors: Wolf J.
Published: June 2020

To study interactions between nutrient supply and increased CO2 concentration in sugarbeet, plants were grown in pots for 4 months at ambient and doubled CO2 concentration and different levels of N, P or K. Doubling of ambient CO2 resulted in a moderate increase in total yield (+24%) and beet yield (+34%), however this CO2 effect disappeared with increasing nutrient shortage (in particular nitrogen). CO2 doubling did not result in significant changes in the minimum nutrient concentrations in leaves and beets.
Overall welfare assessment of pregnant sow housing systems based on interviews with experts
Authors: Bracke M.B.M. , Metz J.H.M. , Spruijt B.M. , Dijkhuizen A.A.
Published: June 2020

In interviews with 11 pig experts the main housing systems for pregnant sows were identified as tethering (T), individual housing in stalls (IS), group housing with stalls (GS), trickle feeding or biofix (B), electronic sow feeding (ESF), and outdoor housing with huts (O). The family pen system (Fam) was added as a reference system. The experts were asked to give a welfare score for each housing system. The 2 individual housing systems (mean scores: T=1.8; IS=2.3) scored significantly lower than more intensive indoor group housing systems (GS=5.4; B=5.3; ESF=6.2), and these scored lower than the more extensive systems (O=8.0; Fam=9.1; ANOVA, P
The effect of nitrogen and the method of application on yield and quality of broccoli
Authors: Everaarts A.P. , De Willigen P.
Published: June 2020

The effects of the rate and the method of N application on yield and quality of broccoli cv. Emperor were studied during 3 seasons at Andijk and Lelystad, Netherlands. Different amounts of N fertilizer were applied broadcast or band placed at planting. Band placement of fertilizer increased the yield in 5 out of 8 experiments. Application of N resulted in larger heads. No relationship was found between soil mineral N at planting and optimum N application because of the narrow range of soil mineral N at planting. Split application had no or a negative effect on yield and therefore is not recommended. For optimum yields a rate of 270 kg N/ha is recommended, minus the mineral N in the 0-60 cm soil layer, band placed at planting. For broadcast application 275 kg N minus the soil mineral N is recommended at planting, but yields will be lower than with band placement of fertilizer.
Influence of grassland and feeding management on technical and economic results of dairy farms
Authors: Rougoor C.W. , Vellinga T.V. , Huirne R.B.M. , Kuipers A.
Published: June 2020

A field study of 38 dairy farms was set up to determine the relationships between feeding management, grassland management and feed costs/100 kg milk, 305-day milk yield and nitrogen surplus/ha. Data of the farms were on management (based on questionnaires), grassland calendar, milk yield and economic data for May 1996 to May 1997. Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used to analyse data, because of the large number of variables relative to the number of farms. The R2 of the models varied between 0.32 (nitrogen surplus model) and 0.60 (feed costs model). The nitrogen surplus model did not have predictive relevance. The PLS-model for feed costs resulted in the hypotheses that (1) a high percentage of pasture that cannot be grazed by the cows results in an increase in feed costs, (2) a high percentage of grazings lasting >4 days increases feed costs, (3) mistakes in set-up of the paddocks cannot be compensated for by exact planning, and (4) farmers who have not organized their grazing management well, also tend to have worse results as to their silage management. The milk yield model showed that a high milk yield/cow is realized on farms with too low a number of growing days for cutting.
Mixing specialized farming systems in Flevoland (The Netherlands): agronomic, environmental and socio-economic effects
Authors: Bos J.F.F.P. , Van De Ven G.W.J.
Published: June 2020

Mixed farming systems have potential agronomic, environmental and socio-economic advantages over specialized farming systems. This paper attempts to quantify these advantages for the Dutch province Flevoland. A mixed farming system at regional level is characterized by intensive cooperation between two or more specialized farms, each producing crop or animal products. To test the hypothesis that such a mixed farming system might improve sustainability of agriculture in Flevoland, nutrient balances, labour requirements and labour income were quantified for a specialized arable farm, a specialized dairy farm and both combined into a mixed farming system, exchanging land, labour and machinery. Scope for reduced biocide use in the mixed farming system was assessed in a qualitative way. In the mixed farming system, labour income per ha was 25% higher. Seventy percent of this increase could be explained through higher yields per ha of the profitable crops ware potato (Solanum tuberosum) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). The remaining 30% resulted from lower costs, mainly through a better utilization of available labour. Differences between the combined nutrient balance of both specialized farms and that of the mixed farming system were small. Indications of reduced biocide use in the mixed farming system could not be found. It was concluded that in a mixed farming system, it is possible to realize a higher income without increasing environmental pollution. Key factor is the ratio between animal and arable production, determining the extent to which crop rotations can be widened and the relative amounts of slurry that can be applied to grassland.
Transpiration of glasshouse tomatoes, lettuce and carnations.
Authors: Neale F.E.
Published: June 2020

A deep rectangular box filled with soil (total weight ca 500 kg) and containing the experimental plants was supported on a weighing machine sensitive to 10g, correspond-ding to an evaporation of 0.013 mm water. Total radiation was measured by a Moll-type thermopile, originally connected to a poten-tiometric recorder printing every 33.3 sec, the resulting trace being later integrated with respect to time; in the later experiments, to save this labour, it was connected to the input of a magnetic amplifier driving an integrated motor counting unit. Daily values of evaporation and radiation were plotted for all crops, and some hourly values for 2-day periods in summer are presented for the last experiments, on tomato and carnations. In the first experiments, on tomato and winter lettuce, only 16% of the total area of the house was occupied. Evaporation and radiation varied similarly, their ratio being >1 for tomatoes, and widening as the season advanced: for lettuce the ratio was
Some factors in connection with heating of hay.
Authors: Van Schreven D.A.
Published: June 2020

The temperatures in numerous haystacks were measured during 1953-4. The heating of hay was shown to be promoted by a high moisture-content, heavy N-dressings, high clover-content, the presence of young grass and by a large volume and height of stack. Moisture content, which should not exceed 25%, was the most important factor. The influence of the other factors was generally greater in hay made on the ground than in hay made in racks where the temperature rarely exceeded 55 degrees C. It was considered that fire danger and high-temperature damage would be much reduced by making hay on racks, especially under uncertain weather-conditions. It was thought preferable to spread the hay over several small stacks, close together if necessary, rather than to put all of the hay into one big stack. The temperature of stacks was much influenced by the time spent in their construction. The danger of over-heating proved greater after early mowing and, in general, protein-rich material was conducive to it.-J.F.G. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Spontaneous vegetation and future selection work in the tropics.
Authors: Frahm-Leliveld J.A.
Published: June 2020

In view of the widespread and increasing impoverishment of indigenous floras, the author advocates the establishment of collections under international management in different climatic zones of the tropics, in order to preserve material likely to be useful to the breeder. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Factor analysis in agricultural research.
Authors: Ferrari Th.J. , Pijl H. , Venekamp J.T.N.
Published: June 2020

Investigation is made into the factors determining the botanical composition of grassland, with a special application (pp. 216-20] of factor analysis to the spring growth of grass.-G.M.R. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
The effect of the ani on in the fertilizer on the ani on and cation content of perennial ryegrass.
Authors: Dijkshoorn W.
Published: June 2020

In different series of pots containing sandy soil with moderate N and Cl content, KNO3 was applied alone or in mixtures with KC1, K monophosphate or K2SO4 the NO3 being partly or wholly replaced by equivalent amounts of Cl, PO4 or SO4. In the PO4 and SO4 series, but not in the Cl series, total ani on content and cation content of the ryegrass decreased with decreasing amounts of NO3. Cl and NO3 had a similar effect on the total number of anions and cations present. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
A reliefmeter for soil cultivation studies.
Authors: Kuipers H.
Published: June 2020

The apparatus is a board 220 cm x 18 cm on the face of which thin rods 50 cm in length are placed at 10-cm intervals at right angles to the long edge. The board is supported vertically by legs and adjusted until its long edge is parallel to the soil surface. When released the rods slide down to touch the soil and their position is measured on a scale on the board. These data permit the determination of surface roughness of soil. Roughness after plowing generally increased with increasing clay content, and deep plowing increased roughness on a light soil. Roughness in spring depended mainly on roughness after autumn plowing. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
The radio warning service for Apple and Pear scab in the Netherlands.
Authors: Meijneke C.A.E.
Published: June 2020

The methods used by the Plantenziektenkundige Dienst, Wageningen, in forecasting possible outbreaks of apple and pear scab (Venturia inaequalis and V. pirina) in the Netherlands [cf. 35, p. 302] are described. The work is done in collaboration with the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute, the Horticultural Extension Service, and several private fruit growers. The warnings are of particular importance to growers using the recently developed curative organic mercurials, which are applied after infection but before the incubation period is over. The methods of Mills and La Plante [35, p. 301] have been adopted. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
An analysis of some pilot fertilizer experiments on paddy.
Authors: De Wit C.T.
Published: June 2020

Data from 25 experiments in Burma in 1954-55 are discussed. The soils contain 5-15% clay, 10-30% silt and 0.5-1.5% organic matter and pH (dry samples) ranges from 5.0 to 7.5. Yields increase only 11.7 kg per kg of N applied. Placement in rows below the aerobic mud layer would probably double N recovery at rates of 20 kg/ha N. The estimated response to P placement (5.4 kg per kg applied P) is uneconomic. With applications of 22.4 kg/ha N, but not with 44.8 kg/ha, N uptake was increased by applying P. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Observations of the flowering and fructification of the groundnut, Arachis hypogaea.
Authors: Bolhuis G.G.
Published: June 2020

Three groups, each of 10 plants, of the groundnut Spanish bunch variety Schwarz 21 were grown at Buitenzorg, Java, 2 groups being sown in pots in November and February (beginning and end of the wet season), the third being sown in the open in June (middle of the dry season). The differing climatic conditions had little effect on the flowering cycle of the plants.-R.B. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
The trace element boron : the state of research in the Netherlands.
Authors: Henkens C.H.
Published: June 2020

This is a review of the literature.-R.B. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Utilization of vitamin A from a stabilized dry preparation. Comparative experiments with chickens.
Authors: De Man T.J. , Ten Ham E.J. , Roborgh J.R. , Zwiep N.
Published: June 2020

A dry preparation of vitamin A, Dohyfral Extra A-325, was compared with a solution of the vitamin in fish liver oil. Different groups of chicks were given one of the preparations either freshly mixed with the food or directly into the beak. In one experiment pairs of 1 male and 1 female were killed after 3 weeks and vitamin A in the liver of the chicks receiving the dry preparation was found to be higher, 248 +or- 25 I.U. per single liver, than in those receiving fish liver oil, 126 +or- 30 I.U. Direct administration gave a lower liver content than mixing with the feed. In a second experiment the weight of the chicks was recorded 4 weeks from the beginning of administration of the vitamin, which was given at 5 levels. The dry preparation was 1.3 time as active as the solution in oil. The solution in fish liver oil was less stable than the dry preparation. J. Quarterman. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Second crop growing during the dry season in Lower Burma.
Authors: De Wit C.T.
Published: June 2020

On the clay soils of the Irrawaddi delta, a considerable amount of water can be conserved for growing a second crop after rice, provided that the fields are ploughed while still wet, immediately after the harvest. Estimated yields of cowpeas (Vigna sinensis [Vigna unguiculata]) grown after rice, based on evapo-transpiration data, are 330 kg. seed/ha., and for Sorghum spp. about 4000 kg. dry matter/ha. F.s.-R.B. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Influence of fertilizer treatment of grassland on the incidence of hypomagnesaemia and hypomagnesaemia tetany (grass tetany) in milking cows.
Authors: Kemp A.
Published: June 2020

In grazing experiments with 16 milking cows during 1956 and 1957 heavy K dressings lowered Mg levels of the blood serum, particularly in spring and autumn. Heavy N dressings had similar but less marked effects. The greatest differences were between light and heavy NK dressings. The mean differences were 0.82 mg per 100 ml serum over the whole growing season and >1.20 mg in spring and autumn. Heavy P dressings in autumn were accompanied by a slight drop in serum Mg. In 1957 grass tetany occurred in 6 cows on the heavy-K plots; the Mg level of these animals was 0.2-0.7 mg/100 ml serum. In an experiment on 23 farms the serum-Mg level of 90 milking cows decreased when they were released on pastures occupied the previous day by cows showing tetany; 60 % of them had an Mg level of
Some factors affecting silage fermentation. 2. Influence of degree of laceration and of the bacterial flora from the grass.
Authors: Wieringa G.W.
Published: June 2020

In laboratory-scale ensiling experiments, a relationship was demonstrated between the degree of laceration of the herbage and the amount of butyric acid produced. After a certain degree of laceration, specific for each forage sample, had been exceeded, butyric acid fermentation was suppressed. There was no correlation between the sugar content of the grass and the effect of laceration on silage quality. Inoculation of mown or lacerated grass with Streptobacterium plantarum or S. casei, but not with Betabacterium breve, resulted in improved silage quality, compared with where the grass was not inoculated. Lacerating or mincing the non-inoculated material also improved preservation. It was concluded that the effect of the microflora initially present on the course of silage fermentation decreases as the degree of laceration increases. Silages made from uninoculated material or from material inoculated with B. breve contained more acetic acid than did the other inoculated silages.-R.B. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Tobacco growing and rural welfare. I and II.
Authors: Wanrooy G.L.
Published: June 2020

Two articles intended for people concerned with rural welfare. The first deals in outline with growing, curing and systems of production. The second is intended as a guide for the improvement of tobacco growing and deals at greater length with seed-bed and field management, selection and breeding. A list of recommended books, bulletins and periodicals is appended. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Effects of copper and oil in the control of sigatoka banana leaf spot.
Authors: Tollenaar D.
Published: June 2020

Experiments in Ecuador are described. The advantages of oil sprays were simplicity of spraying and a rapid, partially curative effect due to penetration into the leaves. These were offset, however, by lack of persistence on the leaf surface and by cumulative toxic effects. Copper sprays containing effective stickers were sufficiently persistent to need no repetition during the dry season and were highly protective against the conidial phase of the fungus, but they were not curative. Bancobre-01 has proved an excellent copper product for banana leaves, and was effectively applied by means of a Giraffe mist-blower. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Hypomagnesaemia in milking cows: the response of serum magnesium to alterations in herbage composition resulting from potash and nitrogen dressing on pasture.
Authors: Kemp A.
Published: June 2020

Detailed results presented in this paper were obtained during an experiment reported previously (D.S.A. 21 [872]) and concern relationships between fertilizer treatment of pasture, chemical composition of the herbage and serum Mg levels. A heavy potash dressing caused increases in herbage K and decreases of 15-20% in the Mg level, while a heavy N application increased crude protein and Mg levels in the herbage. There was a significant correlation between serum Mg levels and Mg contents of the herbage in the week preceding blood sampling; in 822 cows no low serum Mg levels were found when the Mg content of the herbage was >0.20%. Negative correlations between serum Mg levels and crude protein or K content were significant. There was no relationship between daily milk yield and serum Mg levels. M.P.H. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
On the mineral nutrition of lowland rice. (Oryza sativa) II.
Authors: Hong G.B. , Van Schuylenborgh J.
Published: June 2020

On a red-yellow podzolic soil, poor in Fe and of pH 4.3, NO3 fertilizers produced higher yields than did NHi fertilizers and also greater mineral uptake. On a red latosol rich in Fe and of pH 6.3 NH4-N (especially in the presence of lime) produced higher rice production and mineral uptake than NO3 did. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Investigations on the poisoning of tropical rain-forests for land-reclamation and wood-exploitation purposes.
Authors: Morhaus G.H. , Van Santen Kolff L.F.
Published: June 2020

Reports selective tree-poisoning trials in Sumatra in 1955-57, using various concentrations of Na arsenite, trioxone, NH4 sulphamate, and 2, 4, 5-T, and various methods of application. Some 17 species were poisoned [but no distinction is made between species in the evaluation of the results]. It was found that NH4 sulphamate was virtually useless, and that trioxone and 2, 4, 5-T in water had only a slight effect, and were still unsatisfactory in diesel oil; they were more effective against smaller trees. Na arsenite was the best, especially at stronger concentrations. It is concluded that selective poisoning makes possible the easy exploitation of suitable timbers, and provides a quick and cheap method of clearance, in which less tractor time is needed and damage to the soil is slight. KEYWORDS: trees \ poisoning \ control \ trees \ poisoning \ control \ tropical rain forest \ Silviculture \ Tending \ stands and trees \ herbicides \ 2, 4-D \ and 2, 4, 5 T \ herbicides \ Ammate \ herbicides \ Na arsenite (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Some remarks about shifting cultivation in Netherlands New Guinea.
Authors: Reynders J.J.
Published: June 2020

Analyses of limestone soils under shifting cultivation, involving the growing of sweet potatoes and laros (Colocasia escalenta) for 6-8 months and a natural regeneration period of 15-20 years followed by burning of the secondary forest, showed this system to be sound. The organic-matter content of the A1 horizon shows little variation during cultivation and regeneration, and the acidity of the top soil is directly related to exchangeable-Ca levels. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Comparison of methods for the determination of calcium in plant material.
Authors: Van Schouwenburg J.C.
Published: June 2020

Six methods were studied and one of them, a new method, is described. Plant material, 0.6 g, and norit, 0.3 g, were shaken for 2 h with 50 ml N HC1. To 5 ml of extract were added successively 30 ml water, 3 ml 2 N NaOH, 2 ml Carbocel (see Abst. 5284, Vol. 30), 3 ml 2 w NaOH and an indicator mixture of calcein and thymolphthalein. The mixture was titrated with 0.01 N ethylenediamine tetra-acetate. Phosphate and Mg do not interfere.-A. Hepburn. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Contribution to the agropedological knowledge of the solonetzic tropical grey earths of the Accra plains, Ghana.
Authors: Hagenzieker F.
Published: June 2020

The soils overlie acid gneisses and schists and have a solonetsic profile morphology and limited water-storage capacity. Waterlogging occurs during the rains and desiccation during the dry season. Grassland responds to N and more maikedly to NP. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Estimation of basic irrigation requirements.
Authors: Wartena L. , Veldman E.C.
Published: June 2020

Calculations of irrigation frequencies in arid zones from available moisture in the root zone and evaporation from a crop well supplied with water give too high values. A relationship between the moisture content of the soil and time after irrigation is proposed, taking into account the decrease of evaporation due to higher diffusion resistances when the pF of the soil becomes higher than 2.7-3.0. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
Serum uric acid level in Bangladeshi adults with essential hypertension
Authors: Ahammed SK. Kabir , Hasan A. B. M. Kamrul , Kabir Mohammed Ruhul , Paul Gunosindhu , Basak Shishir Kumar , Chakraborty Shishir Ranjan , Islam A.F.M. Nazmul
Published: June 2020

Background: The association of hyperuricemia with various cardiovascular risk factors has often led to the debate of whether hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for essential hypertension (HTN).  The current study was conducted to see the relationship between serum uric acid and essential HTN in Bangladeshi adults.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, conducted in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh, 155 patients with essential hypertension (newly detected or on treatment) aged ≥18 years and 100 age-sex matched normotensive subjects were investigated. Serum uric acid, plasma glucose, serum creatinine, and lipid profile were measured in all in fasting samples.Results: The frequency of hyperuricemia was higher in the hypertensive group in comparison to the normotensive control group (29.7% vs. 6.0%, p<0.001). Serum uric acid level was higher in the hypertensive subjects than the controls (6.10±0.88 vs. 5.38±0.54 mg/dL, mean±SD, p<0.001). In the hypertensive group, subjects with stage II HTN had higher serum uric acid than those with stage I HTN (6.46±0.83 vs. 5.72±0.78 mg/dL, mean±SD, p<0.001). In the hypertensive group, uric acid level showed significant positive correlations with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure though in the control group uric acid showed such correlation with systolic BP only.Conclusion: Patients with essential hypertension had higher serum uric acid compared to normotensive controls; uric acid level showed positive correlations with systolic and diastolic BP in the hypertensive subjects.
Complicated enteric fever: a case series
Authors: Shrivas Vijay Kumar , Rai Manoj Kumar , Chandel Sandhya
Published: June 2020

Enteric fever is endemic in Indian subcontinent. Authors are presenting 3 rare cases of complicated enteric fever. The first case is a case of enteric fever which was complicated by ARDS leading to respiratory failure. The second case is a case of enteric fever which was complicated by severe thrombocytopenia and the third case is a case of enteric fever which was complicated by severe encephalopathy. In this study authors have discussed and compared the similar cases found in India and other parts of the world. The physicians who are taking care of the patients of enteric fever should be aware of the above complications.
Intervenções de educação alimentar e nutricional para mulheres adultas que frequentam um espaço de dança em Esteio/RS: relato de experiência.
Authors: Backes Vanessa , Schuh Júlia Helena , Oliveira Andréia Dias , Rocha Marla Dapper
Published: June 2020

Introdução: Ações de Educação Alimentar e Nutricional (EAN) podem auxiliar indivíduos na construção de novos conhecimentos, orientando-os a uma prática favorável de comportamentos preventivos. Objetivo: Elaborar ações de educação alimentar para mulheres adultas que participam de aulas de dança em um espaço na cidade de Esteio/RS, apresentando oficinas como estratégia de intervenção nutricional e propondo novas experiências alimentares. Materiais e métodos: Trata-se de um relato de experiência. A população do estudo constituiu-se por 12 mulheres com idade entre 30 e 60 anos. Ocorreram quatro encontros, um de diagnóstico, e nos outros desenvolveram-se as intervenções de EAN; a primeira baseou-se nos dez passos para uma alimentação adequada e saudável do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira, a segunda foi apresentado e explicado as Plantas Alimentícias não Convencionais (PANC) e por último desenvolveu-se preparações culinárias práticas do cotidiano. Resultados: As participantes manifestaram interesse e impressionaram-se com as PANC. Identificou-se curiosidade e conhecimento sobre assuntos relativos à nutrição, tendência de mudança do comportamento alimentar e avaliações positivas das intervenções. Conclusões: A EAN é um método muito utilizado e com desfechos majoritariamente positivos quando relacionados à promoção de saúde. No presente estudo pode-se afirmar que os resultados encontrados responderam positivamente ao objetivo do estudo.
Exercícios físicos em tempo de tela ativo: exergames podem ser uma ferramenta no controle da saúde de diabeticos tipo 1 e 2?
Authors: Brito-Gomes Jorge Luiz de , Vancea Denise Maria Martins , Moreira Sérgio Rodrigues , Araújo Deborah Cavalcante de , Costa Manoel Da Cunha
Published: June 2020

Introdução: A utilização exacerbada do tempo de tela inativo (TV, computador e videogames) pode proporcionar surgimento de doenças crônicas degenerativas como a diabetes tipo 2 e agravar a diabetes tipo 1, devido ao efeitos deletérios de atividade ocupacionais inativas fisicamente. Porém, os videogames ativos (VGAs), têm se tornado uma opção viável de atividade física/exercício para todas as faixas etárias e em diversa populações. Objetivo: analisar, por meio de uma revisão sistemática, as alterações proporcionadas pela prática de VGAs na população diabética tipo 1 e 2. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática nos artigos originais da Pubmed, Scielo, Bireme, Web of Science, Periódicos CAPES e Scopus, com os seguintes descritores: “diabetes” quatro vezes em combinação com o booleano AND e os termos: “exergames”, “vídeo game”, “virtual technologies” e “exercise games”. Foram realizadas três etapas para as buscas, sendo em cada etapa realizada uma tarefa específica, efetuada por dois pesquisadores simultaneamente, de forma independente. Resultados: Pode-se perceber que pouco se tem sobre os VGAs (quatro estudos) e diabetes. Especificamente diabetes mellitus tipo 1 e VGAs (0% dos estudos). Porém, percebeu-se diversos benefícios para os indivíduos com diabetes mellitus 2 como: neurofisiológicos, comportamento motor, metabólicos, antropométricos, qualidade de vida, equilíbrio, força, marcha e até mesmo, possui intensidade recomendada pelos órgãos nacionais e internacionais (moderada). Conclusão: Os VGAs como ferramenta coadjuvante proporcionam benefícios no tratamento não farmacológico para pessoas diabéticas tipo 2 adultas e idosas.
LEGISLAÇÃO E AÇÕES VISANDO À DIVERSIDADE ÉTNICO-RACIAL NO ENSINO SUPERIOR: ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DOS PDIS DE IES PÚBLICAS E COMUNITÁRIAS GAÚCHAS
Authors: Simões Rodrigo Lemos
Published: June 2020

O presente artigo é o resultado de um estudo feito no curso de MBA - Gestão no Ensino Superior, promovido pelo Consórcio das Universidades Comunitárias Gaúchas (COMUNG) em parceria com a Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS). Tem como escopo a temática da legislação brasileira e das ações desenvolvidas por Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) públicas e comunitárias gaúchas, visando à diversidade étnico-racial. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida através de uma análise comparativa do Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional (PDI) de seis IES deste Estado, sendo três delas públicas e três comunitárias. Para tanto nos valemos da metodologia atinente à análise textual discursiva a fim de verificarmos a forma como as IES trabalham na perspectiva das ações voltadas às questões étnico-raciais, e se estas levam em consideração o que é preconizado na legislação brasileira a este respeito.