bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimizing Nitrate-nitrogen Leaching by Parallel Multiple Cropping in Long-duration Row Crops
Authors: Yadav R. L. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe nitrate–N profile of soil was studied in sole and parallel multiple-cropping systems of pigeonpea and maize and of sugarcane and blackgram. In sole cropping there was more nitrate–N in the deeper horizons because of leaching from the inter-row spaces of row crops, whereas the nitrate content was drastically reduced in parallel cropping at more than 30 cm deep as N in the inter-row spaces was better utilized by the crops. The yield of two crops, when combined, was more in parallel cropping than the sum of crops grown separately, and the Land Equivalent Ratio was higher in parallel-cropping systems than in sole cropping.
Effects of Zinc on Yields and Zinc Content of Rice Varieties on Calcareous Soil
Authors: Rai Raman , Singh S. N. , Sinha R. B. , Prasad V. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYApplication of zinc to six high-yielding rice varieties in calcareous soils produced significantly higher grain yield and interactions between varieties and Zn levels were significant. Yields of varieties IR 20, Jaya, Sita and Jayanti at 2.5 and 5.0 ppm Zn were similarly affected, but Archana produced significantly higher grain yield at 5 ppm Zn than at 2.5 ppm. Effects of Zn on straw yield were similar. Zn application invariably resulted in a higher Zn concentration in plants at all stages of growth and in grain in all varieties. Maximum Zn contents were observed at the tillering stage and minimum at harvest.
Setting up and Managing an Experimental Farm for Crop Studies: the First 20 Years' Experience at Broom's Barn
Authors: Cooke D. A. , Jaggard K. W. , Draycott A. P. , Scott R. K. , Webb D. J. , Golding M. J. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe objectives and management policy of an experimental farm for studies on the sugar beet crop are described. Farm yields of sugar beet and cereals are discussed in relation to yields in experiments and on a national scale. Some aspects of experimental accuracy and design are considered.
Intercropping Barley and Beans I. Effects of Planting Pattern
Authors: Martin M. P. L. D. , Snaydon R. W. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYBarley (Hordeum sativum) and field beans (Vicia faba) were grown in pure stands, alternate-row mixtures and within-row mixtures in two field experiments. In both experiments the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), based on seed yield, was consistently greater than 1.0 only when the crops were grown in alternate rows. The LER was greatest (1.8) when the mixture included more barley than beans. Reasons for the yield advantage of alternate row planting are discussed. Barley was more competitive than beans in mixtures, but this was not significantly affected by planting pattern.
Effects of Planting Schedule and Intercropping on Green Gram (Phaseolus Aureus) and Bulrush Millet (Pennisetum Americanum) in Tanzania
Authors: May K. W. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYExperiments in Tanzania have shown that green gram planted one week before bulrush millet produced a complimentary protein energy balance optimal for a cereal–legume diet. Grain yields were increased due to additive intercropping (by 13%) and replacement intercropping (27%). Green gram plants were more competitive than bulrush millet plants at the seedling stage but were overpowered in later growth stages.
Effects of Defoliation on Yield and Forage Quality of Some Tropical Grasses, Legumes and their Mixtures
Authors: Osman A. E. , Abu Diek A. A. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe performance of three tropical grasses and three legumes (buffel grass, rhodes grass, green panic, butterfly pea, phillipesara and alfalfa), grown in pure stand and in legume–grass mixtures, was evaluated over two seasons when cut monthly at 0, 7 or 14 cm high. Harvesting at 7 cm favoured total dry matter and crude protein production in all cases, with highest yields from butterfly pea grown alone. Buffel grass was the best dry matter producer among grasses in pure stand, while rhodes grass–butterfly pea mixture was the best legume–grass mixture. Forage of these low-protein tropical grasses could be significantly improved by growing them in mixture with legumes.
Effects of Irrigation Interval, Urea and Gypsum on N, P and K Uptake by Forage Sorghum on Highly Saline–Sodic Clay
Authors: Magid E. A. Abdel , Mustafa M. A. , Ayed I. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe effects of three irrigation intervals (7, 10 and 15 days), four nitrogen levels (0N, 1N, 2N and 3N where 1N = 43.8 kg N/ha), and 0 or 11.9 tons/ha gypsum on leaf N, P and K uptake by forage sorghum grown on a highly saline–sodic clay soil were investigated in two successive seasons. The two seasons' data consistently showed that both leaf-N and leaf-K increased significantly with increasing N-rate and by splitting the same quantity of irrigation water into more frequent irrigations. Gypsum had no consistent effect. The responses of both leaf-N and leaf-K to nitrogen rates were significantly linear and a linear response of dry matter yield to leaf-N was also observed. P uptake was improved by more frequent irrigations in the first cutting of 1978, but was not otherwise affected by treatments.
Diurnal Variations in Soil Temperature under Tea Plants
Authors: Othieno C. O. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYDiurnal variations in soil temperature were measured under tea plants with different kinds of mulches. During the early years after planting temperatures differed, depending on the type of mulch and its heat absorptivity. Black plastic and stone chippings showed the greatest diurnal variations, but the variations disappeared in all treatments when there was a ≥ 60% canopy. Tea plants themselves modify soil temperatures, which could affect growth and yield in places where soil temperatures are generally lower.
Nodulation in the Hypocotyl Region of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea)
Authors: Nambiar P. T. C. , Dart P. J. , Srinivasa Rao B. , Ramanatha Rao V. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYDifferent subspecies ofArachis hypogaeashow variation in their ability to nodulate in the hypocotyl region. Some cultivars belonging to subspecieshypogaeanodulate profusely on the hypocotyl, while those offastigiatanodulate rarely in this region. The utilization of this character in breeding for increased nitrogen fixation is discussed.
Analysing Daily Rainfall Measurements to Give Agronomically Useful Results. I. Direct Methods
Authors: Stern R. D. , Dennett M. D. , Dale I. C. 
Published: October 2008

SummarySimple methods are described for the analysis of daily rainfall measurements. The distinctive feature is that each year provides one number for any event or characteristic of interest. The resulting observations are then analysed, assuming that they are a simple random sample from a single distribution. An estimate of the probability of an event can be made directly from its relative frequency of occurrence, or alternatively a distribution (such as the normal) can be fitted. The methods are applied to agronomic questions on dry spells, the start, end and length of the growing season, and the distribution of amounts of rainfall through the year. Examples are given from Nigeria and India.
Installation and Evaluation of Permanent Access Pits Which Permit Continuity of Measurement in Cultivated Soils
Authors: Howse K. R. , Goss M. J. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYWe describe the insertion and reinstatement of a simple lined access pit that allows for the permanent installation of tensiometers, piezometers, etc. in soil that is cultivated annually. The presence of the access pit did not affect the hydrology of the soil in its vicinity. We give an example of the application of results from tensiometers permanently installed in this way.
Flowering Pattern and Reproductive Efficiency of Oilseed Sesame
Authors: Saha S. N. , Bhargava S. C. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYIn maximizing productivity levels in oilseed sesame (Sesamum indicum) one of the major constraints is the large-scale shedding of buds, flowers and capsules. The present study examines the reproductive behaviour of five sesame genotypes with a view to ascertaining the extent of production, shedding and retention of different reproductive organs. Sesame genotypes produce 250–350 flower buds per plant but shed most of them at different stages of development. Shedding is thus excessive, and 86–91% of the reproductive potential was not realized in this study, thus limiting yield. Improvement in yield through increased fruit retention is essential.
Effects of Leaf Blight and Rust on Maize in Lowland and Highland Cameroon Environments
Authors: Ayuk-Takem J. A. , Chheda H. R. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYCOCA (highland), TZPB (lowland) and COCA x TZPB maize varieties were tested at Bambui Plain (1330 m) and Ekona (550 m). Leaf blight and rust were controlled chemically with Dithane-M45 and Benlate, and their use significantly increased the yields of COCA when grown in lowland environments, where it does not possess resistance to lowland leaf blight (H. maydis) and rust (P. polysora); yields of TZPB were similarly increased in highland areas, where it is susceptible to highland leaf blight (H. turcicum) and rust (P. sorghi). COCA x TZPB was intermediate in resistance to both diseases at the two locations.
Effects of Planting Dates on Pest Infestation, Yield and Harvest Quality of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Ezueh M. I. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYTime of planting was found to significantly influence insect damage, quality of harvest and yield of cowpea in southern Nigeria. The greatest insect damage occurred on the August planting. Maruca testulalis was the most serious pest on cowpea whilst thrips were the least. Dry grain yield was higher in the early season plantings but quality of harvested crop was better in the late season plantings. These observations were also influenced by cultivar differences.
An Assessment of Pest Damage on Grain Sorghum in Botswana
Authors: Flattery K. E. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYIn trials conducted over five years, data on pest (insect, disease, bird) attack and yield of sorghum cultivar 65D were accumulated. A modified analytical method of damage assessment is described, which includes consideration of all pest occurrences and different levels and timing of pest attack. There was a positive correlation between crop yield and rainfall. The selective infestation of stronger plants, or the ability of those plants to support pest populations, is shown; thus, in most cases, yield reductions are masked. The importance of the tillering habit of 65D on yield, and its ability to compensate for pest damage by further tillering, are shown. A cultivar which does not normally tiller was tested in the final year. Effects on yield of all the pests encountered in the five years are discussed.
A Short Review of Farming Systems Research in the Tropics
Authors: Simmonds N. W. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYFarming systems research (FSR) has come to prominence as a part of tropical agricultural research in the past decade or so. The main stimulus was the growing realization that small farmers are ‘economically rational’ and agricultural economists have been the leading agents in developing FSR ideas. Three broad aspects are distinguished: (1) FSR sensu stricto, the deep analysis of farming systems as they exist, which is essentially an academic activity, (2) OFR/FSP (‘on farm research with farming systems perspective’), a practical adjunct to research which seeks to test the socio-economic suitability of research ideas on-farm before recommending extension and (3) NFSD (‘new farming systems development’) which seeks to develop complex, radical change rather than the stepwise change characteristic of OFR/FSP. The technical components of NFSD are probably mostly available but the necessary transdisciplinary, synthetic thinking is not. Research on perennial plants in tropical agriculture has been rather neglected but there are signs of growing concern; they must be an important feature of any NFSD for the wetter areas.
Manure for Cropping: A Case Study from Central Nigeria
Authors: Powell J. Mark 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe traditional management of cattle manure in a cropping system in the savanna zone of central Nigeria is discussed in conjunction with the agronomic benefits and problems of manure use. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents of the manure varied seasonally. On-farm trials showed that maize grain yields were about 1 t ha−1 more and weed growth 90% greater in manured than in non-manured areas. It is important to reduce the competition between crops and weeds if grain crops are to obtain the full benefit of manure in such cropping systems.
Traditional versus Improved Groundnut Production Practices: some Further Evidence from Northern Nigeria
Authors: Abalu G. O. I. , Etuk E. G. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYImproved groundnut production practices are compared with traditional methods. Improved sole crop production practices show significantly greater net returns per hectare than traditional methods but when other considerations such as the riskiness of the various enterprises are examined, the superiority of the improved sole crop technology becomes less clear-cut. A case is made for designing improved technologies involving crop mixtures.
Evolution of Grain Legumes. VI. The Future – the Exploitation of Evolutionary Knowledge
Authors: Smartt J. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe future evolutionary potential of pulses is determined by the nature and extent of the genetic variability in the primary gene pool. This is extensive in the major grain legumes, notably the groundnut, soyabean, Phaseolus and faba beans, and in the cowpea. It is less extensive in the cultivated lupins and this appears to be a serious limitation to their development as useful crops. The considerable development of isolating mechanisms between related species of legumes has restricted the development of the secondary gene pool. This is most developed in the genus Arachis, where section Arachis provides an extensive secondary gene pool for the groundnut. Tertiary gene pools are potentially quite extensive for many grain legumes but since most interspecific hybrids are inviable this resource would be difficult to exploit with present techniques. The development of sophisticated gene transfer techniques for grain legumes is inhibited by their lack of amenability to in vitro culture. The suggestion is made that genetic resources profiles could be constructed on the basis of an expansion of Harlan and de Wet's gene pool system. These could serve as a guide to the present state of germplasm collections, indicating their strengths and weaknesses, which would be useful in formulating future collection and evaluation strategies.The potential for more intensive exploitation of such legumes as the winged bean and lupins undoubtedly exists. The reasons for past under-exploitation of the winged bean need to be determined.Grain legumes have an assured future for good economic and nutritional reasons. More attention probably should be devoted to exploiting the legume-Rhizobium symbiosis, fundamental to the development of efficient and economic farming systems in the developing world.
Evaluation of Brassica Carinata as a New Oilseed Crop in India
Authors: Katiyar R. K. , Saran Ganga , Giri G. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYBrassica carinata (an uncultivated species) was compared with other oilseed species already under cultivation in India, on irrigated and rainfed soils. B. carinata yielded very well in a wide range of environments partly because it had a large number of primary and secondary racemes. It also showed better environmental adaptation and substantial resistance to pests and disease.
Frost Injury and Performance of Coffee at 23° S in Brazil
Authors: Filho A. Androcioli , Siqueira R. , Caramori P. H. , Pavan M. A. , Sera T. , Soderholm P. K. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYEighteen arabica coffee introductions from the USDA germplasm collection were planted at 23° S latitude in Brazil from 1977 to 1982 to assess their yield potential and frost hardiness, compared with the cultivar Catuai Amarelo which is extensively planted in Brazil. Nine of the introductions had similar yields to Catuai Amarelo. Erecta T966 and Harrar yielded as well as Catuai Amarelo and were also more frost hardy. Tall, early maturing coffee varieties showed the least frost injury.
A Field Screening Technique for Drought Tolerance
Authors: Sagar Prem , Kapoor R. L. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYA simple yet effective field screening technique for estimating drought tolerance is described. It involves growing plants in sloping plots which are opposite each other and connected to sub-channels lined with polyethylene sheet. The slopes are designed to achieve instant surface run-off and the sub-channels connected to a main channel for rapid drainage of rain-water. Stress is created at different stages of crop growth by manipulating the timing of irrigation and covering the soil surface with polyethylene sheeting. The technique proved effective even in the monsoon season which is characterized by irregular intensity and distribution of rainfall. Data on six characters for 80 genotypes of pearl millet grown in six artificially created environments representing different levels of moisture stress are discussed. The ‘slope’ technique was effective in creating different levels of moisture stress at various stages of crop growth and in distinguishing categories of genotypes by their relative drought tolerance.
Response of Wheat on Coarse Textured Soils to Mode and Time of Manganese Application
Authors: Takkar P. N. , Nayyar V. K. , Sadana U. S. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYTwo field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of rate, mode and time of application of manganese sulphate to irrigated wheat on manganese-deficient loamy sand (Ustipsamments) soils recently brought under rice. A significant increase in manganese uptake by wheat and marked increases in wheat grain and straw yields occurred following both soil (5, 10 and 20 kg Mn ha-1) and foliar (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% MnSO4 solution) application of manganese, but foliar application was more effective. A series of sprays initiated before the wheat was first irrigated (26 days after sowing) gave significantly better results than application begun after the first irrigation (32 days after sowing); four sprays of 0.5% MnSO4 solution produced the largest grain yield, followed by three of a 1% solution.
Sesame Agronomy in South-east Tanzania. I. Plant Population and Sowing Method
Authors: Taylor B. R. , Chambi J. Y. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYField trials are described in which the seed yield response of row-sown sesame to increasing plant population was examined, and in which row-sowing was compared with broadcasting at different seed rates. Maximum yields were obtained at an intended 200 to 250 × 103plants ha−1but yields were not greatly affected by a wider range of populations. Broadcasting, the normal local practice, gave yields slightly higher than those from rows 50 cm apart, the un-thinned rate of 800 × 103viable seeds sown ha−1yielded as well as treatments thinned to the optimum population, and double this seed rate, unthinned, gave the lowest yields, especially in rows.
Effects of Sowing Pattern and Seed Rate on Green-chop Yield of Forage Sorghum
Authors: Bebawi F. F. , Mazloum A. E. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe effects of sowing pattern and seed rate on the green-chop yield of forage sorghum-sudangrass hybrid (cv. Pioneer 988) and forage sorghum (cv. Abu Sabeen) were investigated. In general, more green-chop yield was obtained from seed of both cultivars drilled in regular rows, double rows and triple rows than when traditionally sown as broadcast seed. Yields were greater when plants were sown at 70 kg seed ha−1 than when traditionally sown at 35 kg seed ha−1. These yield advantages were sustained through three successional harvests. Pioneer 988 generally yielded more than Abu Sabeen, especially when sown in January. Both cultivars gave minimum yield when sown in April, July or October.
Effect of Apical Debudding on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Authors: Olasantan F. O. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYField trials on okra over three seasons showed that the removal of the apical bud on the main stem at 3 or 4 weeks did not affect marketable fruit yield but that yield was reduced by about 39% when debudding was done at 5, 6 or 7 weeks. Apical debudding led to increased vegetative development, enhanced dry matter accumulation and reduced plant height. Removing the apical bud at weeks 3, 4 or 5 delayed the first harvest by 8, 15 or 18 days, respectively, compared to the undebudded control plants. It appears that okra can tolerate considerable apical damage during the vegetative stage, as can happen with insect attack, without serious loss of yield.
Significance of the Coupling between Saturation Vapour Pressure Deficit and Rainfall in Monsoon Climates
Authors: Monteith J. L. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYIn monsoon climates, the mean daytime saturation vapour pressure deficit (D), measured at screen height, decreases from a maximum of 3–4 kPa attained several months before rain arrives to a minimum of 0.5–1 kPa in the month of highest rainfall. Climatic records from India and West Africa were analysed to give the relation between D and precipitation (P mm month−1) as:where n ranged from 0.5 to 0.9 between stations.The dependence of dry matter production on D and therefore on P is evaluated when growth is restricted by rain and when this restriction is removed by irrigation. In the first case, the decrease in demand for water associated with a decrease in D is comparable in importance with the increase of water supply (P). The analysis has implications for the marginal response of crops to supplemental irrigation and for the interpretation of experiments with a line-source or rain-shelter.
Effect of the proportion of Species on the Yield and Quality of Forage Mixtures, and on the Yield of Barley in the Following Year
Authors: Osman A. E. , Nersoyan N. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYMixtures of legumes and cereals in various proportions (seed ratios) were evaluated in Northern Syria for forage production and quality and for yield of barley grain in the following year. Both a vetch-cereal and pea-cereal mix were tested in proportions of 0:100, 33:66, 50:50, 66:33 and 100:0. The study was carried out between 1982 and 1985, covering two seasons for forage production and two for grain production. Dry matter yields of the mixtures exceeded the yield of either one or both components of the mixture grown as pure stands, depending on the rainfall. The maximum overall yield and quality of forage was recorded for the 66:33 legume-cereal combination. The greatest benefit to subsequent barley grain yield was realized when the legume was grown in a pure stand or formed a high proportion (66:33) of the mixture. Herbage quality was better in forages containing vetch than in those containing pea.
Calibration of Experiments on Perennial Crops using Covariance Analysis: the Case of Coconut
Authors: Abeysinghe Tilak 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe calibrating efficiency of the pre-experimental yield of coconuts was examined using ten years data from a calibration experiment. On the basis of a fully randomized design it was found that the two-year pooled pre-experimental yield on four-tree plots produces consistent calibration and reduces the experimental error mean square by about 73%. This brings down the mean coefficient of variation to 9.7% from its pre-calibration levels of 36 on one-tree plots and 18 on four-tree plots.