Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Push-Pull Farming System Helps Insure Smallholder Maize Production Under Climate Change, Yann Clough, Wilhelm May, Timothy Luttermoser, Dickens Nyagol, Nikolaos Alexandridis, Frank Chidawanyika, Mattias Jonsson, Charles A.O. Midega, Katja Poveda, Zeyaur R. Khan

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Agroecological approaches harnessing in-field biodiversity have been highlighted as a sustainable way to reduce yield gaps, but long-term assessments of their ability to buffer production from weather extremes and increasing interannual and intraseasonal climate variability are scarce. Here, we analyze a 12-year dataset from 642 control vs. push-pull maize field pairs in western Kenya, where long-term climate trends include increasing temperatures and intensifying drought and rainfall. In push-pull, maize is intercropped with a fodder legume that improves soil fertility, suppresses weeds, and deters pests, and is bordered with fodder grasses attracting and suppressing the pests. We assess interactions between push-pull …

Beyond Nutrients: Frass Fertilizer Legacy Effects For Sustainable Nematode Management In Potato–African Nightshade Rotation Systems, Emmanuel O. Anedo, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Solveig Haukeland, Xavier Cheseto, Moses Nyongesa, Patrick Pwaipwai, Sevgan Subramanian, Abdou Tenkouano, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The utilization of insect frass fertilizer in crop production systems has recently gained significant global interest, but there has been limited evidence of its residual benefits in rotational cropping systems. The legacy effects of black soldier frass fertilizers (BSFFF), conventional organic fertilizer (SAFI), inorganic fertilizer (NPK), synthetic nematicide, and their combinations on potato cyst nematode (PCN) management under potato-African nightshade rotational farming systems were investigated. Eight treatments were evaluated: BSFFF, SAFI, chitin-fortified BSFFF (BSFFF+5chitin), NPK + nematicide, combination of BSFFF and NPK so that each supplies 50% of the nitrogen required by potato (50BSFFF+50NPK), combination of SAFI and NPK so …

Collecting Holistic Evidence On Agroecology Performance To Accelerate Sustainable Food System Transitions, Sarah K. Jones, Andrea Cecilia Sánchez, Chris Dickens, Matthias S. Geck, Chaturangi Wickramaratne, Veronique Alary, Peter Bolo, Dennis Junior Choruma, Somphasith Douangsavanh, Modou Gueye Fall, Gatien Falconnier, Shweta Gupta, Chris Kettle, Smitha Krishnan, Sylvia Nyawira, Guillermo Orjuela-Ramirez, Boko Michel Orounladji, Piedad Pareja, Telma Sibanda, Christine Lamanna

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

A growing body of research shows the potential of agroecology for enabling a shift to planet-friendly and socially just agrifood systems through context-specific transition pathways. We conduct a scoping review to identify and evaluate the potential of 42 existing agroecology adherence and/or agricultural performance assessment tools to generate credible, legitimate, salient and transferable evidence to inform these transitions. Results show that while multiple relevant tools exist, each of them can be strengthened in at least one area. While most tools are transferable (low time and resource requirements) and have legitimacy (open access with transparent methods), tools have variable saliency (holistic …

The Effect Of Pre- And Post-Emergence Herbicide On Weeds And Rice Yield In The Direct Seeding System, Uum Umiyati, Denny Kurniadie, Fauzi

Jurnal Kultivasi

Indonesian rice production has been unable to fully meet national demand, partly due to weed competition, which can reduce rice yields by up to 80% if left uncontrolled. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-emergence herbicides containing pretilachlor (300 g/L) and post-emergence herbicides containing cyhalofop + ethoxysulfuron (330 g/L) for weed control in direct-seeded rice, and to determine the optimal dosage. Herbicides active ingredient is pretilachlor are a category of pre-emergence herbicides used in rice cultivation; these herbicides are systemic and are used to control sedges, grasses and broadleaf weeds. The cyhalofop + ethoxysulfuron herbicide is a post-emergence …

The Effects Of Melatonin And Potassium Fertilizer On Fruit Yield And Quality Of ‘Haruhi’ Strawberry Under Two Light Conditions, Ghaida Marsha Nurizqia, Farida, Reginawanti Hindersah, Kenji Endo, Rahmat Budiarto, Syariful Mubarok

Jurnal Kultivasi

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) ‘Haruhi’ is a subtropical plant that is being cultivated in Indonesia. High temperatures in tropical climates could decrease strawberry yield and fruit quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of light, melatonin, potassium fertilizers, and their interactions on the yield and fruit quality of ‘Haruhi’ strawberry. This research was conducted from April to June 2024 at the Bale Tatanen, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. A split-plot design was used, with lighting treatment as the main plot and melatonin and potassium fertilizer treatments as the subplot. Lighting treatments consisted of supplemental LED lighting …

The Effectiveness Of Bacillus-Coated Npk Fertilizer On Broccoli Growth, Nutrient Status, Rhizosphere Bacillus Population, Yield, And Flower Quality, Betty Natalie Fitriatin, Rara Rahmatika Risanti, Reginawanti Hindersah, Fasa Aditya Hanindipto, Gita Bina Nugraha

Jurnal Kultivasi

Efforts to increase the availability of macronutrients in soil have relied on inorganic fertilization, particularly NPK fertilizers. However, global challenges in the fertilizer raw material supply chain, including price fluctuations and availability, are driving the need for more efficient and sustainable fertilizer alternatives. The field experiment was conducted in Baruajak, Lembang District, West Java, Indonesia, to evaluate the effectiveness of Bacillus-coated NPK fertilizer on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) growth, nutrient status, rhizosphere Bacillus population, yield, and flower quality. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with 15 fertilizer treatments and three replications. Treatments consisted of two coated NPK …

The Effect Of Silica-Enriched Rice Husk Biochar And Npk Fertilizer On Soil Total Nitrogen, Nitrogen Uptake, And Yield Of Lowland Rice, Emma Trinurani Sofyan, Oviyanti Mulyani, Ania Citraresmini, Meddy Rachmadi, Kharmelia Sandra Livia

Jurnal Kultivasi

Rice production in Indonesia increasingly relies on agricultural intensification, which can accelerate soil degradation and reduce fertilizer-use efficiency. Therefore, sustainable soil management is needed to maintain soil fertility. Silica-enriched rice husk biochar (biochar-silica) is a promising soil amendment because it improves soil properties and nutrient retention. This study evaluated the effects of biochar-silica and NPK fertilization on soil total nitrogen, nitrogen uptake, and yield of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted from September 2025 to January 2026 using a two-factor randomized block design with nine treatment combinations and three replications. The treatment consisted of three levels of …

Metabolic Dynamics Of Secondary Metabolites In Arabica Coffee (Coffea Arabica): From Biosynthesis To Post-Harvest Transformations, Kamilrashid Hadi Dwitama, Yudithia Maxiselly, Cucu Suherman, Santi Rosniawaty

Jurnal Kultivasi

Coffee (Coffea arabica) is a globally significant beverage whose sensory profile and physiological effects derive from a complex matrix of secondary metabolites. This review presents a comprehensive "lifecycle" perspective of three pivotal classes: the alkaloid caffeine, phenolic chlorogenic acids (CGA), and the diterpenoids cafestol and kahweol. Here, 'lifecycle' defines a metabolite's continuous biochemical trajectory, tracking its genetic origin and ecological function in the plant through structural modifications during fermentation, drying, storage, and roasting. These classes are highlighted because they serve as the primary drivers of bitterness, acidity, and health bioactivities with fundamentally distinct transformational pathways. Following a systematic methodology, this …

Performance Of Dual-Form Terminalia Catappa Organic Fertilizers On Sweet Corn Yield And Economic Viability In Tropical Highlands, Stefina Liana Sari, Eso Solihin, Rahmat Budiarto

Jurnal Kultivasi

Recycling underutilized plant biomass into organic fertilizers underpins low-input cropping strategies, but liquid and solid formulations derived from a common feedstock have seldom been evaluated side by side under field conditions. This study aimed to (i) characterize the physicochemical properties and safety profile of a liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and a crumb-type organic fertilizer (COF) co-produced from Terminalia catappa leaf compost, (ii) compare their effects on sweet corn growth and yield, (iii) determine relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE), and (iv) evaluate economic feasibility of the most promising organic–inorganic combinations. We produced LOF and COF through aerobic composting of Terminalia catappa leaves …

High Biochar Rate Improves Water Retention In Some Environmentally Sensitive Soils, Samundra Sigdel

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Improving water retention and other hydraulic properties is key to managing soil water and sustaining crop production under fluctuating and extreme weather events. We assessed how wood biochar (836 g C kg^-1) applied at 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 Mg ha^-1 affected: i) soil hydraulic properties after 5 years and ii) corn and soybean yield, and biomass production of cereal rye cover crop (CC) and CC mix (cereal rye, radish, and winter pea) in sandy, sloping, and semi-arid soils in the central U.S. Great Plains over 6 years. Biochar affected field saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_{sat …}

Aegic Blogposts - Grain Supply Chains, Ross Kingwell, Peter Elliott

Grain and other field crops published reports

The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) was an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 by the Western Australian Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Its core mission was to increase the value and international competitiveness of Australia’s multibillion-dollar export grains industry. AEGIC ceased operation at the end of 2025.

Early in its history between 20 to 30 staff from the former Western Australian Department of Agriculture were seconded to AEGIC. Following the formation of DPIRD, AEGIC continued to receive substantial annual funding support from DPIRD.

This publication is a legacy document containing collated AEGIC blog posts …

Aegic Blogposts - Grain Pricing, Ross Kingwell, Peter Elliott, Chris Carter

Grain and other field crops published reports

The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) was an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 by the Western Australian Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Its core mission was to increase the value and international competitiveness of Australia’s multibillion-dollar export grains industry. AEGIC ceased operation at the end of 2025.

Early in its history between 20 to 30 staff from the former Western Australian Department of Agriculture were seconded to AEGIC. Following the formation of DPIRD, AEGIC continued to receive substantial annual funding support from DPIRD.

This publication is a legacy document containing collated AEGIC blog posts …

Aegic Blogposts - Grain Demand In Key Regions And Countries, Ross Kingwell, Sean Cowman, Peter Elliott, Chris Carter

Grain and other field crops published reports

The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) was an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 by the Western Australian Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Its core mission was to increase the value and international competitiveness of Australia’s multibillion-dollar export grains industry. AEGIC ceased operation at the end of 2025.

Early in its history between 20 to 30 staff from the former Western Australian Department of Agriculture were seconded to AEGIC. Following the formation of DPIRD, AEGIC continued to receive substantial annual funding support from DPIRD.

This publication is a legacy document containing collated AEGIC blog posts …

Aegic Blogposts - Grain Demand Overview, Ross Kingwell, Paul Meibusch, Jorge E. Mayer, Richard Williams, Peter Elliott, Chris Carter

Grain and other field crops published reports

The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) was an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 by the Western Australian Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Its core mission was to increase the value and international competitiveness of Australia’s multibillion-dollar export grains industry. AEGIC ceased operation at the end of 2025.

Early in its history between 20 to 30 staff from the former Western Australian Department of Agriculture were seconded to AEGIC. Following the formation of DPIRD, AEGIC continued to receive substantial annual funding support from DPIRD.

This publication is a legacy document containing collated AEGIC blog posts …

Aegic Blogposts - Grain Demand: Health And Environmental Issues, Ross Kingwell, Nicholas Thorsager, Chris Carter

Grain and other field crops published reports

The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) was an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 by the Western Australian Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Its core mission was to increase the value and international competitiveness of Australia’s multibillion-dollar export grains industry. AEGIC ceased operation at the end of 2025.

Early in its history between 20 to 30 staff from the former Western Australian Department of Agriculture were seconded to AEGIC. Following the formation of DPIRD, AEGIC continued to receive substantial annual funding support from DPIRD.

This publication is a legacy document containing collated AEGIC blog posts …

Aegic Blogposts - Climate Impacts On Grain Production, Ross Kingwell, Nicholas Thorsager, David Stephens, Ian Foster, Imma Farre

Grain and other field crops published reports

The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) was an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 by the Western Australian Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Its core mission was to increase the value and international competitiveness of Australia’s multibillion-dollar export grains industry. AEGIC ceased operation at the end of 2025.

Early in its history between 20 to 30 staff from the former Western Australian Department of Agriculture were seconded to AEGIC. Following the formation of DPIRD, AEGIC continued to receive substantial annual funding support from DPIRD.

This publication is a legacy document containing collated AEGIC blog posts …

Aegic Blogposts - Grain Industry Productivity, Ross Kingwell

Grain and other field crops published reports

The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) was an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 by the Western Australian Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Its core mission was to increase the value and international competitiveness of Australia’s multibillion-dollar export grains industry. AEGIC ceased operation at the end of 2025.

Early in its history between 20 to 30 staff from the former Western Australian Department of Agriculture were seconded to AEGIC. Following the formation of DPIRD, AEGIC continued to receive substantial annual funding support from DPIRD.

This publication is a legacy document containing collated AEGIC blog posts …

B.R. Wells Arkansas Rice Research Studies 2025, J. Hardke, X. Sha, N. Bateman

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Arkansas is the leading rice producer in the United States. The state represents 45.2% of total U.S. rice production and 45.7% of the total acres planted to rice in 2025. Rice cultural practices vary across the state and across the U.S. However, these practices are also dynamic and continue to evolve in response to changing political, environmental, and economic times. This survey was initiated in 2002 to monitor and record changes in the way Arkansas rice producers approach their livelihood. The survey was conducted by polling county extension agents in each of the counties in Arkansas that produce rice. Questions …

Summaries Of Arkansas Cotton Research 2025, Fred M. Bourland

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Planted cotton acreage in Arkansas decreased in 2025 to 520,000 acres compared to 650,000 planted acres in 2024. Arkansas producers harvested 515,000 acres, which was a decrease of 125,000 acres from the 640,000 acres harvested in 2024 (https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=Arkansas&year=2025). The 515,000 harvested acres ranked Arkansas third nationally, trailing only Texas and Georgia in harvested acres (https://esmis.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/release-files/795725/cropan26.pdf). The average cotton yield, as reported by the USDA, was 1,239 lb lint/ac, which ranked fourth nationally, behind California, Louisiana, and Arizona. Arkansas farmers produced an estimated 1.329 million bales, which is a decrease from 1.788 million bales produced in 2024. This production still ranks …

The Influence Of Ecological Pest Management Practices On Pests And Natural Enemies Under A Cabbage–Garden Pea Rotational System In Central Kenya, Peter Nyakundi Mageto, Milka Kiboi, Monicah Mucheru-Muna, Felix Matheri

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Pest pressure is a major constraint on crop production in Sub-Saharan Africa, where smallholder farmers rely heavily on synthetic pesticides with potential environmental and health risks. Ecological pest management practices (EPMs) have been proposed as sustainable alternatives, although field-based evidence is limited. This study evaluated pest and natural-enemy responses to EPMs in a cabbage–garden pea rotation system over six years (2020–2025) in Central Kenya. Four treatments were assessed: homemade botanical extracts (Botanicals), coriander intercropping (Intercrop), botanical extracts combined with coriander intercropping (Botanicals + Intercrop), and a control. In cabbage, ecological treatments often recorded lower aphid and diamondback moth abundance and …