Crop, Forage and Turfgrass Management最新文献

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] biomass and grain yield has increased over the past several decades in the mid-southern United States. This is attributable to technological advances and improved management strategies. However, a better understanding of biomass accumulation and partitioning is needed to improve our knowledge base of varietal growth habits relative to yield, planting date, and harvest index (HI). Field experiments within a split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design were established in 2017 and 2018 in Stoneville, MS. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of early (late-April or mid-May) and late (late-May) planting on biomass, HI, and yield amongst eight soybean varieties. Soybean total biomass accumulation was collected at multiple development stages, including V4, R2, mid R5, mid R6, and R8, and partitioned into senesced leaves, pods, and seeds. Overall, the planting date had no effect on yield, HI, and biomass accumulation at any of the growth stages. Yet, the interaction between planting date and variety significantly affected biomass accumulation at the mid R5 stage. Contrarily, the variety selection significantly affected yield, HI, and biomass accumulation at all growth stages except mid R6. The total biomass accumulation at R8 was greatest for Asgrow 46X6, Asgrow 4632, Terral 4857X, Terral 48A76, and Credenz 4748, when pooled over planting dates. Averaged across two planting dates, the greatest yield was produced by Terral 48A76, Asgrow 4632, and Asgrow 46X6. Furthermore, averaged across site-years, HI was greatest for Asgrow 4632 and Terral 48A76. Based on the results of this study, evaluating soybean HI rather than overall biomass accumulation may be more beneficial for variety selection decisions.

To explore the effects of varied irrigation regimes on different sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars, a split-plot experiment adhering to a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in 2016 across the Khaveh and Varamin regions. The experimental treatments encompassed irrigation levels as the primary factor and four different sorghum cultivars as the secondary factor. Cultivars exhibiting larger leaf areas were associated with higher chlorophyll content, which enhanced biomass production and the quality of sorghum products. Notable variability in leaf area and crude fiber content was observed across irrigation regimes and cultivars, with 2121 cm² to 7153 cm² and 40.4% to 50.7%, respectively. Plant height, total dry weight, and water use efficiency were markedly higher under well-irrigated conditions than those under moderate and severe water deficit conditions. Specifically, the Pegah cultivar displayed the highest leaf area in the Varamin region, measuring 4612 cm² and 5911 cm², whereas the Thin Stem cultivar exhibited the lowest leaf area at both locations. Our findings suggest that the Pegah cultivar maintained a high leaf area without reducing total dry weight, indicating its stability across different environments. Therefore, to produce sorghums in similar climatic conditions, full irrigation is recommended. These results underscore the significance of ongoing research and breeding initiatives to leverage genetic diversity and improve sorghum cultivars.

Developing countries struggle to achieve food security due to a lack of superior crop cultivars, limited inputs, and environmental degradation. One way to deal with these issues is to biofortify with zinc- (Zn) and iron (Fe)-containing fertilizers to improve nutrient content and productivity. Thus, this study aims to assess the effect of foliar application of Zn and Fe fertilizers on various bean cultivars. Three cultivars (SAB-632, DAB-197, and BZ-2) combined with nine Zn- and Fe-containing fertilizers (T1 = 0, T2 = 0+1.5%, T3 = 0+3%, T4 = 0.5%+0, T5 = 0.5%+1.5%, T6 = 0.5%+3%, T7 = 1%+0, T8 = 1%+1.5%, and T9 = 1%+3%) were used as experimental treatments. The study utilized a split-plot design with a factorial arrangement and three replications, with cultivars on the main plot and fertilizer treatments on the sub-plots. The result revealed that T8 with the cultivar SAB-632 had a significantly higher (17.2%) grain Zn concentration than the control. The cultivar SAB-632 exhibited significantly higher Zn and Fe accumulations. Grain Zn and Fe accumulation were significantly enhanced by the foliar application of treatments, either individually or combined. T6 showed the highest accumulation of Zn and Fe, followed by T9. These values were increased by 33.4% and 29.2%, respectively, due to T6 compared to the control treatment. Additionally, applying these treatments to the leaves improved most agronomic parameters. Therefore, using foliar Zn + Fe fertilizers in bean cultivation can increase essential nutrient contents in grains and improve productivity, ensuring food security and nutrition for small-scale farmers.

The integration of grazing cover crops in combination with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production has the potential to increase total farm revenue. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect grazing had on subsequent soybean production and the economic implications of this practice. A field trial was conducted at the Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station (CPBES) in Newton, MS, and the Prairie Research Unit (PRU) in Prairie, MS, from 2021 to 2023 to compare three cropping systems on two distinct soil types. Cropping systems included: conventional soybean (CS); no-till soybean + cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop (CC); and no-till soybean + grazed cereal rye cover crop (GC). Treatments were applied in a randomized complete block design with three replications at each location. Analysis was separated by location. Cover crop, soybean production, animal performance, and economic analysis were evaluated for each treatment. Soybean grain yield varied by treatment; GC (54.6 bu acre⁻¹) was greater than CS (52.3 bu acre⁻¹) at CPBES. At PRU, CS (68.5 bu acre⁻¹) had greater soybean yield than all other treatments. Cover crop forage mass (FM) was 5077 lb acre⁻¹ at CPBES, compared to 3094 lb acre⁻¹ at PRU, resulting in subsequent cattle revenue of $593.64 and $160.29 acre⁻¹ for CPBES and PRU, respectively. Soybean revenue was greatest for GC at CPBES ($691.78 acre⁻¹) and CS at PRU ($867.89 acre⁻¹). Net returns above production costs were greatest for GC at CPBES ($811.59 acre⁻¹) and CS at PRU ($528.58 acre⁻¹). Findings suggest grazing cereal rye cover crop has the potential to increase net returns in a no-till soybean system on coarse textured soils, but reduces soybean grain yield on heavy, poorly drained sites.

According to climate studies in North Dakota, the state's crop-growing season has been extended. In addition, many studies have shown technological advances in crop production. However, the state has not addressed how crop yield has been affected by weather changes. Thus, this paper investigates the state's corn (Zea mays) yield potential and efficiency measures based on agricultural input use and weather variables from 1994 to 2018. We found that the effects of temperature and precipitation on the state's corn yield frontier (potential) were greater than those of changing agricultural input variables. The stochastic frontier model indicates that the proportion of the total variance attributable to inefficiencies or unexpected shifts in the corn yield frontier were primarily (81%) caused by favorable or unfavorable temperature and precipitation variations each year. At least half of the corn-producing districts were technically efficient, reaching at least 85% of yield potential from 1994 to 2018. Thus, better interannual weather forecasting and input use management taking weather risk management into account will bring higher corn yields for North Dakota farmers.

Soft winter wheat (SWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) is vulnerable to environmental stressors throughout winter and early spring. To assess yield potential of SWW, crop insurance adjustors estimate grain yield by multiplying the number of stems ft⁻² by a yield factor of 0.50. However, crop insurance adjustors believe the yield factor of 0.50 is too low. A 3-year experiment was conducted in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky to compare predicted SWW yield to harvested yield. The existing yield factor underestimated SWW yield in 243 out of 246 comparisons. Average predicted yield was 40 bu acre⁻¹ (range of 6 to 122 bu acre⁻¹) while actual yield averaged 93 bu acre⁻¹ (range of 51 to 124 bu acre⁻¹). Due to the discrepancy in predicted and actual yield, data from a planting date and seeding rate experiment conducted at four site-years in Ohio was used to establish a new yield factor based on the number of stems ft⁻² and fractional green canopy cover (FGCC) measured with the Canopeo app at Feekes 5 growth stage. The new methods were applied to the original multi-state dataset. Using a logarithmic function based on the number of stems ft⁻², 50% of the predicted yield values were within −8 to 18 bu acre⁻¹ of the actual yield values. A logarithmic function based on FGCC resulted in 50% of the predicted yield values within 3 to 18 bu acre⁻¹ of the actual yield values. Overall, our results showed that new models performed better than the current method used by crop insurance adjustors.

Planting date, row configuration, and seeding rate are three critical factors in obtaining maximum soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain yield and can vary based on soil texture. Therefore, two studies were conducted at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS. The first study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 and sought to determine the effects of planting date (optimal and delayed 21 days), and row configuration (single-, twin-, and triple-row) on soybean growth, development, and grain yield. The second study was conducted in 2021 with three site-years to determine the effects of seeding rate (130,000, 180,000, and 220,000 seeds acre⁻¹) in a triple-row configuration on soybean grain yield compared to a single-row configuration at 130,000 seeds acre⁻¹ on two soil textures (silt loam and clay). Both studies were repeated on silt loam and clay soil textures in every site-year. In the first study, the optimal planting date increased soybean grain yield regardless of soil texture. On both soil textures, twin- and single-row configuration yields were equivalent, but triple-row configuration reduced soybean grain yield up to 9%. Similarly, triple-row configuration reduced soybean density and height at R3 and R8 growth stages. In the second study, increasing triple-row configuration soybean seeding rate by at least 38% provided similar soybean grain yields to a single-row configuration at 130,000 seeds acre⁻¹. These data indicate that triple-row soybean planting configurations do have some benefits, but that future research should focus on equipment limitations experienced in the current research.

The response of tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.], infected with fungal endophytes, and subjected to drought stress has varied, presumably due to variability in host–endophyte associations. Much of this research has focused on forage ecotypes; less is known about the effects of endophytes on managed turfgrasses. The objective of these trials was to determine if the presence of fungal endophytes in turf-type tall fescue provides an advantage to the host grass when exposed to drought conditions. Five endophyte-free and endophyte-infected field populations were established in Fayetteville, AR, and Albany, OR. A greenhouse trial was also established in Albany. Turf was subjected to drought and lightbox photos were evaluated to determine days until 75%, 50%, and 25% green cover. Overall, endophyte infection had no consistent effect on the drought response of tall fescue. Although there was no effect on drought response, endophyte infection in turf may confer other benefits, and may still be a valuable tool for turfgrass management.

Field studies in 2019–2020 evaluated the influence of fungicide application on seed quality from delayed harvest (approx. 20, 30, and 44 days after optimum harvest timing, i.e., 13% seed moisture). Treatments included nofungicide, pydiflumetofen plus difenoconazole (13.7 fl oz/acre Miravis Top, Syngenta), or mefentrifluconazole plus pyraclostrobin plus fluxapyroxad (8 fl oz/acre Revytek, BASF). Effect of environment was investigated in both field (natural rainfall events) and environmentally controlled growth chambers (79°F or 90°F with 30% or 100% relative humidity and exposed for 48 or 96 h) for potential impacts on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed quality. Seed quality was based on a rating scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being seeds in good condition and 10 being seeds in poor condition, based on USDA reference images. Fungicide application had no effect on seed quality from delayed harvest or a saturated environment (100% relative humidity). Delaying harvest beyond approximately 20 days past optimum timing can result in reduced seed quality regardless of fungicide application (1.0 to 2.0 vs 4.0 to 8.1 rating). In addition, seedpod exposure averaged across temperature and relative humidity environments for as little as 96 h after optimum harvest timing can result in deteriorating seed quality issues (3.2 vs 1.4 rating) regardless of fungicide application. Results indicate that soybean harvest delayed 20 days after optimum timing and subjected to seasonal rainfall events or seedpods exposed to completely saturated conditions for 96 h associated with a tropical weather event will result in soybean seed quality deterioration regardless of fungicide application.