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Full-Text Articles in Plant Sciences

Cover Crop Effect On Subsequent Wheat Yield In The Central Great Plains, David C. Nielsen, Drew J. Lyon, Robert K. Higgins, Gary W. Hergert, Johnathon D. Holman, Merle F. Vigil Oct 2016

Cover Crop Effect On Subsequent Wheat Yield In The Central Great Plains, David C. Nielsen, Drew J. Lyon, Robert K. Higgins, Gary W. Hergert, Johnathon D. Holman, Merle F. Vigil

David C. Nielsen

Crop production systems in the water-limited environment of the semiarid central Great Plains may not have potential to profitably use cover crops because of lowered subsequent wheat (Triticum asestivum L.) yields following the cover crop. Mixtures have reportedly shown less yield-reducing effects on subsequent crops than single-species plantings. This study was conducted to determine winter wheat yields following both mixtures and single-species plantings of spring-planted cover crops. The study was conducted at Akron, CO, and Sidney, NE, during the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 wheat growing seasons under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Precipitation storage efficiency before wheat planting, wheat water use, …


Cover Crop Biomass Production And Water Use In The Central Great Plains, David C. Nielsen, Drew J. Lyon, Gary W. Hergert, Robert K. Higgins, Johnathon D. Holman Aug 2015

Cover Crop Biomass Production And Water Use In The Central Great Plains, David C. Nielsen, Drew J. Lyon, Gary W. Hergert, Robert K. Higgins, Johnathon D. Holman

David C. Nielsen

The water-limited environment of the semiarid Central Great Plains may not produce enough cover crop biomass to generate benefits associated with cover crop use in more humid regions. There have been reports that cover crops grown in mixtures produce more biomass with greater water use efficiency than single-species plantings. This study was conducted to determine differences in cover crop biomass production, water use efficiency, and residue cover between a mixture and single-species plantings. The study was conducted at Akron, CO, and Sidney, NE, during the 2012 and 2013 growing seasons under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Water use, biomass, and …


Capillary Wick Irrigation For A Pot From A Reservoir, David A. Bainbridge Jan 2015

Capillary Wick Irrigation For A Pot From A Reservoir, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

Capillary wicks are very effective for watering container plants. Ideal for water wise gardens, landscaping and interior plants capes.


Cover Crop Mixtures Do Not Use Water Differently Than Single-Species Plantings, David C. Nielsen, Drew J. Lyon, Gary W. Hergert, Robert K. Higgins, Francisco J. Calderon, Merle F. Vigil Jan 2015

Cover Crop Mixtures Do Not Use Water Differently Than Single-Species Plantings, David C. Nielsen, Drew J. Lyon, Gary W. Hergert, Robert K. Higgins, Francisco J. Calderon, Merle F. Vigil

David C. Nielsen

Recent recommendations advocating the use of cover crop mixtures instead of single-species in semi-arid environments require rigorous scientific studies. One of those stated benefits is greatly reduced water use by cover crops grown in mixtures. The objectives of this study were to characterize soil water extraction patterns and determine water use of cover crops grown in single species plantings and in a 10-species mixture and to compare cover crop water use to evaporative water loss from no-till fallow. The study was conducted at Akron, CO, and Sidney, NE, during the 2012 and 2013 growing seasons on silt loam soils. At …


Semi-Automated Classification Of Gray Scale Aerial Photographs Using Geographic Object Based Image Analysis (Geobia) Technique, Ahmed Harb Rabia, Fabio Terribile Apr 2013

Semi-Automated Classification Of Gray Scale Aerial Photographs Using Geographic Object Based Image Analysis (Geobia) Technique, Ahmed Harb Rabia, Fabio Terribile

Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Aerial photography is an important source of high resolution remotely sensed data. Before 1970, aerial photographs were the only remote sensing data source for land use and land cover classification. Using these old aerial photographs improve the final output of land use and land cover change detection. However, classic techniques of aerial photographs classification like manual interpretation or screen digitization require great experience, long processing time and vast effort. A new technique needs to be developed in order to reduce processing time and effort and to give better results. Geographic object based image analysis (GEOBIA) is a newly developed area …


Land Suitability Analysis For Policy Making Assistance: A Gis Based Land Suitability Comparison Between Surface And Drip Irrigation Systems, Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia, H. Figueredo, T. L. Huong, B. A. A. Lopez,, H. W. Solomon, V. Alessandro Mar 2013

Land Suitability Analysis For Policy Making Assistance: A Gis Based Land Suitability Comparison Between Surface And Drip Irrigation Systems, Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia, H. Figueredo, T. L. Huong, B. A. A. Lopez,, H. W. Solomon, V. Alessandro

Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Land suitability assessment for irrigation is a very important tool not only in terms of agriculture development planning, but also to overcome the global problem of water scarcity. The aim of this study is to spatially evaluate land suitability of the study area, Kilte Awulaelo district in Ethiopia, for surface and drip irrigation methods based on GIS and remote sensing approaches. This work has been done as a part of the 29th Course Professional Master in Istituto Agronomico per l’Oltremare, Florence, Italy. Final suitability maps show the irregularity of suitability classes’ distribution over the study area. Results show that only …


Introducing A New Parametric Concept For Land Suitability Assessment, Ahmed Harb Rabia Mar 2013

Introducing A New Parametric Concept For Land Suitability Assessment, Ahmed Harb Rabia

Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

In an ecosystem, there is need to establish the quantity and quality of resources and their suitability for a certain range of land uses in order to assure its future productivity and sustainability of biodiversity. Parametric methods are widely used for land suitability evaluation. A new parametric concept “equation” of land suitability evaluation has been proposed to improve results of land suitability evaluation. Land suitability assessment for wheat production was conducted in order to compare results of the suggest method with classical parametric methods. Organic matter, CaCO3, pH, Slope, texture, drainage, depth, EC and altitude were recognized as factors affecting …


Deep Pipe Irrigation, David A. Bainbridge Jan 2013

Deep Pipe Irrigation, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

Deep pipe irrigation uses a vertically placed section of pipe to deliver water to the roots of plants. This reduces evaporation and increases water use efficiency. Deep pipes can be filled by hand, drip or rainwater catchment.


Planting Desert Sites, David A. Bainbridge Jan 2013

Planting Desert Sites, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

Desert planting requires great care in preparing plants, handling plants and planting. With proper consideration of soil, climate and water availability plants can be established despite severe conditions of high temperatures, high winds, herbivory and lack of water.


Container Plants For Desert Restoration, David A. Bainbridge Jan 2013

Container Plants For Desert Restoration, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

Container planting is essential for most desert restoration work because direct seeding is rarely successful. The containers best suited for desert planting are often taller (deeper) to facilitate root development. Fertilizer management, inoculation, irrigation and pruning can be used to maximize root growth with minimal shoot development.


Do We Really Need New Policies? A Study On Soil Sealing In Egypt, Ahmed Harb Rabia Oct 2012

Do We Really Need New Policies? A Study On Soil Sealing In Egypt, Ahmed Harb Rabia

Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Egypt has the lowest area of agricultural land per individual in Africa. The agricultural land stands for a total of approximately 3.5 million ha which characterized about 3.5% of the total area of Egypt in 2007. The urban encroachment over arable productive agricultural land in Egypt is common and is called (urban desertification). Therefore, the annual loss of arable land to urbanization is 1.2%. This indicates a serious situation to the agricultural area. the Academy of Scientific Research & Technology (1994) has reported that during the period from 1978 to 1984, the annual expansion rates of the dwelling area ranged …


What's In Your Nitrogen Budget?, Robert Mikkelsen Aug 2012

What's In Your Nitrogen Budget?, Robert Mikkelsen

Robert Mikkelsen

No abstract provided.


Mapping Soil Erosion Risk Using Rusle, Gis And Remote Sensing Techniques, Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia Jul 2012

Mapping Soil Erosion Risk Using Rusle, Gis And Remote Sensing Techniques, Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Soil erosion is one of the major causes of land degradation in arid and semi-arid areas like Ethiopia, including Tigray Highlands, which is highly affected by the risk of desertification. Tackling on-site effects of soil erosion requires understanding of the rates of soil loss as well as identification of the major controlling factors that accelerate or slow down these processes. The study aims to quantify the soil loss by erosion process and to specify the main factor affecting the Erosion development in the study area. The Study area was Kilte Awulaelo District which is situated in the eastern part of …


Modeling Of Soil Sealing By Urban Sprawl In Wukro, Ethiopia Using Remote Sensing And Gis Techniques, Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia May 2012

Modeling Of Soil Sealing By Urban Sprawl In Wukro, Ethiopia Using Remote Sensing And Gis Techniques, Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Soil sealing is the covering of the soil surface with materials like concrete and stone, as a result of new buildings, roads, parking places but also other public and private space. Soil sealing by urban sprawl continues to increase all over the world where the area of urbanized land is increasing even more rapidly than the population. The degree of sealing is associated to the land use type and the density of population. Techniques of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) have been used widely to measure urban sprawl and to analyze the spatial features and unique mechanism of …


Gis Spatial Modeling For Land Degradation Assessment In Tigray, Ethiopia., Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia May 2012

Gis Spatial Modeling For Land Degradation Assessment In Tigray, Ethiopia., Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Land degradation can be described as reduction in the present and prospective land quality and production, due to natural or anthropogenic dynamics. This phenomenon is one of the most important problems facing farmers and decision makers in several countries. This study aims to use GIS spatial modeling to quantify land (physically and chemically) degradation in the study area based on remotely sensed and field survey’s data. A GIS spatial model has been developed based on the LADA- FAO methodology to apply a land degradation assessment in the study area. Final land degradation map has been produced by combining the outputs …


Super Efficient Irrigation With Buried Clay Pots, David A. Bainbridge Jan 2012

Super Efficient Irrigation With Buried Clay Pots, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

Buried clay pot irrigation was first described in an agricultural extension bulletin in China more than 2000 years ago. The clay pot provides demand responsive irrigation at very high efficiency. Clay pot irrigation can be 5-10 times more efficient than conventional irrigation. It is being used more widely in Asia, Africa, Latin American and the US.


First Report Of Hog-Plum (Spondias Pinnata) Leaf Spot Disease, Kunal Mandal Dec 2011

First Report Of Hog-Plum (Spondias Pinnata) Leaf Spot Disease, Kunal Mandal

Kunal Mandal

Hog–plum is a tree species with edible fruits. The plant is naturally distributed in the tropical areas of the Indian subcontinent. Our effort to introduce it in the semi– arid conditions of western India failed as the plants developed severe shot–hole type leaf spot symptoms. Association of a fungus with the disease was detected and its pathogenicity was established. The pathogen was identified to the genus level (Colletotrichum) based on the morphological and molecular markers.


Magnesium: An Overlooked Nutrient?, Robert Mikkelsen Jun 2011

Magnesium: An Overlooked Nutrient?, Robert Mikkelsen

Robert Mikkelsen

Magnesium nutrition of plants is frequently overlooked and shortages can adversely impact plant growth. Many essential functions require adequate Mg supplies... the most visible being its role in chlorophyll and photosynthesis... but less visible reactions are also dependent on an adequate supply of Mg. When needed, a variety of soluble and slowly soluble Mg sources are available to meet crop demands.


First Report Of Sweet Wormwood Leaf Blight Disease In India, Kunal Mandal Jan 2009

First Report Of Sweet Wormwood Leaf Blight Disease In India, Kunal Mandal

Kunal Mandal

Artemisia annua is an important drug plant yielding antimalarial compounds. It was found to be infected by Alternaria alternata in India. The pathogen reduces active leaf area and is also known to produce mycotoxins. Hence, the disease demands serious attention to ensure the availability of a safe drug.


First Report Of Downy Mildew On Lepidium Sativum In India, Kunal Mandal Jan 2008

First Report Of Downy Mildew On Lepidium Sativum In India, Kunal Mandal

Kunal Mandal

Downy mildew caused by Hyaloperonospora parasitica on different members of Brassicaceae has been reported from different parts of the world. In India, the pathogen is recorded for the first time on Lepidium sativum. Proper management strategies need to be formulated against this disease as incidence is increasing.


Effect Of Different Levels Of N, P And K On Downy Mildew (Peronospora Plantaginis) And Seed Yield Of Isabgol (Plantago Ovata), Kunal Mandal, R. Saravanan, S. Maiti Jan 2008

Effect Of Different Levels Of N, P And K On Downy Mildew (Peronospora Plantaginis) And Seed Yield Of Isabgol (Plantago Ovata), Kunal Mandal, R. Saravanan, S. Maiti

Kunal Mandal

The study showed that application of different doses of inorganic nutrients had considerable influence on growth, yield and downy mildew interaction in isabgol (Plantago ovata). It included three levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60 kg N ha–1), two levels of phosphorous (0, 30 kg P ha–1) and two levels of potash (0, 40 kg K ha–1) for 2 consecutive years. The highest N supply (60 kg ha–1) caused more than 65% increase in disease severity compared with the control. However, application of 40 kg K ha–1 reduced percent disease index (PDI) by more than 10% compared with 0 kg K …


Harvesting Green Gold: Cultivation Of Betelvine In Sundarban, Ganesh Chandra, R L. Sagar Mar 2004

Harvesting Green Gold: Cultivation Of Betelvine In Sundarban, Ganesh Chandra, R L. Sagar

Ganesh Chandra

Betelvine or Pan (Piper betel L) belongs to the family Piperaceae and is a perennial aromatic creeper grown for its leaves. It is the most important cash crop and its cultivation has already brought a perceptible and conspicuous change in the livelihood security of Sundarban agriculture and its farming population. Betelvine is cultivated in a hut like structure called Boroj which is made of either square or rectangular in shape. Farmers are selling their produce at local markets as well as the distant markets in Midnapore district. The growers are also facing several constraints. The most important constraint is price …


Container Substrate Temperatures Affect Mineralization Of Composts, Helen T. Kraus, Robert Mikkelsen, Stuart L. Warren Jan 2000

Container Substrate Temperatures Affect Mineralization Of Composts, Helen T. Kraus, Robert Mikkelsen, Stuart L. Warren

Robert Mikkelsen

Traditional N mineralization studies have been conducted by soil scientists using soils and temperatures found in field production. As temperature, in part, governs the rate of mineralization, and container substrates reach much higher temperatures than do soils, the effect of these elevated temperatures on mineralization must be considered to begin to understand N mineralization in container substrates during production. The N mineralization patterns of three composts [turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) litter, yard waste, and municipal waste] were determined under three temperature regimes (45, 25, and 45/25 °C). More organic N was mineralized from composted turkey litter (CTL) than from municipal or …


Beneficial Use Of Swine By-Products: Opportunities For The Future, Robert Mikkelsen Jan 2000

Beneficial Use Of Swine By-Products: Opportunities For The Future, Robert Mikkelsen

Robert Mikkelsen

No abstract provided.


Soil Treatment For Restoration Projects, David A. Bainbridge Jan 1999

Soil Treatment For Restoration Projects, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

Soil treatment is a critical step in restoration projects. When soil problems are ignored restoration projects fail. Erosion, compaction, limited infiltration and other problems can make a site very different from its historic function and structure. Treatment can be done with equipment or by hand and will greatly improve chances for success.


A Comparison Of Three Methods For Determining Root-Knot Nematode Infection Of Cotton Roots, Robert G. Mcbride, Robert Mikkelsen Jan 1999

A Comparison Of Three Methods For Determining Root-Knot Nematode Infection Of Cotton Roots, Robert G. Mcbride, Robert Mikkelsen

Robert Mikkelsen

Three methods for determining the extent of infection of cotton roots (Gossypium hirsutum L.) by root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, were compared. Root-knot nematode eggs were added to pots containing either sterilized soil or soil amended with rye, and cotton seedlings were planted. Cotton root systems were then assessed for infection/damage after 14 and 28 days of exposure. At the 14-day sampling, the roots were stained, using the lactophenol acid fuchsin method and the juvenile nematodes counted. At the 28-day samplings, the cotton roots were given a visual rating for nematode-induced root galling (0-100), and the galls …


Swine Waste Disposal Dilemma, Robert Mikkelsen Jan 1995

Swine Waste Disposal Dilemma, Robert Mikkelsen

Robert Mikkelsen

The swine industry has grown rapidly in North Carolina in the past decade, with the majority of the growth occurring in a few counties in the Coastal Plain region of the state. With this expansion has come the problem of swine waste disposal. Mr. Blevins, a local farmer in this region, has been raising swine since 1985. The swine waste on his farm is collected in an anaerobic lagoon and then irrigated onto a bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers.) pasture where cattle are fed using intensive rotational grazing techniques. A study of Mr. Blevins' farm revealed very high nitrate concentrations in …


Using Hydrophilic Polymers To Control Nutrient Release, Robert Mikkelsen Jan 1994

Using Hydrophilic Polymers To Control Nutrient Release, Robert Mikkelsen

Robert Mikkelsen

Using diverse technological approaches, many types of delivery devices have been used to supply plant nutrients at a controlled rate in the soil. One new approach is the use of hydrophilic polymers as carriers of plant nutrients. These polymers may be generally classified as 1) natural polymers derived from polysaccharides, 2) semi-synthetic polymers (primarily cellulose derivatives), and 3) synthetic polymers. By controlling the reaction conditions when forming the polymers, various degrees of cross-linking, anionic charge, and cationic charge can be added, thereby changing their effectiveness as fertilizer carriers. When fertilizer-containing solutions are mixed with hydrophilic polymers to form a "gel" …


Addition Of Gel-Forming Hydrophilic Polymers To Nitrogen Fertilizer Solutions, Robert Mikkelsen, A David Behel Jan 1993

Addition Of Gel-Forming Hydrophilic Polymers To Nitrogen Fertilizer Solutions, Robert Mikkelsen, A David Behel

Robert Mikkelsen

Environmental and economic concerns are causing a search for more effective fe rtilizer products and improved methods for managing existing fertilizers. This laboratory and greenhouse study was conducted to determine if the addition of gel-forming hydrophilic polymers to N fertilizer solutions could reduce N leaching loss and increase plant uptake of N. In the first experiment, a solution of urea ammonium nitrate (UAN, 32% N) was mixed with a variety of polymers at three concentrations, band applied to a sandy soil, and leached weekly for six weeks. Nitrogen leaching losses were reduced from 0 to 45% during the first four …


Controlled-Release Fertilizers To Increase Efficiency Of Nutrient Use And Minimize Environmental Degradation - A Review, Avi Shaviv, Robert Mikkelsen Jan 1993

Controlled-Release Fertilizers To Increase Efficiency Of Nutrient Use And Minimize Environmental Degradation - A Review, Avi Shaviv, Robert Mikkelsen

Robert Mikkelsen

Total world consumption of fertilizer N, P2 O5, and K2O in 1990 / 1991 was 78. 37. and 26 million tons per annum respectively, with a projected yearly increase of demand of about 2 to 3% . Trends in crop production (maize and wh eat) in the last four decades s how that N application rates increased about 15 times whereas its accumulation in grain increased only 3 to 4 times. At the same time nutrient recovery by crops remained relatively low (e .g. a bout 50% for N). This represents a potentially alarming situation from environmental, economic and resource …