Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment最新文献

The use of preemergence (PRE) herbicides with soil residual activity is recognized as an effective strategy for early-season weed management in Midwest US soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production. The efficacy of soybean PRE herbicides with single and multiple sites of action (SOAs), including acetolactate synthase (ALS), photosystem II, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), and very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitors, was assessed in a randomized complete block design across 4 site-years (Brooklyn-2019, Fond du Lac-2019, Lancaster-2018, and Lancaster-2019) for waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer] and three site-years (Janesville-2019, Janesville-2020, and Janesville-2021) for giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) in Wisconsin. The data were pooled across site-years, and the results are presented by species to highlight the most effective herbicide treatments across varying environmental conditions. Several single- and multiple-SOA PRE herbicides from the photosystem II (PS II), PPO, and VLCFA groups effectively (>90%) controlled waterhemp at 21 and 42 days after treatment (DAT) and significantly reduced biomass (>86%) 42 DAT. Similarly, single ALS PRE herbicides group, as well as premixes containing ALS + PPO, ALS + PS II + PPO, and ALS + PPO + VLCFA, provided 79%–92% giant ragweed control at 21 and 42 DAT and reductions in biomass by 80%–95%. Our data show a positive correlation between biomass reduction and visual weed control assessments for both waterhemp and giant ragweed, suggesting that quality visual assessments can serve as a reliable proxy for evaluating PRE herbicide efficacy. Our results suggested that PRE herbicide containing two or three SOAs provided greater and more consistent control and biomass reduction of waterhemp and giant ragweed compared to single-SOA PRE herbicides.

Ethiopia is Africa's second-largest sorghum producer [Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench]. Despite these potentials, the production and productivity of sorghum yield remained low due to many agricultural factors. Among the factors, sorghum anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum is one of the main fungal diseases substantially reducing sorghum grain yield. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the intensity of anthracnose on sorghum fields, and its association with biophysical factors. Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop globally and a crucial food source for millions in sub-Saharan Africa. In total, 350 sorghum fields (187 in 2020 and 163 in 2021) were surveyed during the main cropping seasons from October to November at the early to hard dough stages across the three regional states. Infected sorghum leaves were sampled and associated factors were identified. The results of this study revealed that the overall prevalence of sorghum anthracnose in sorghum fields across Western and Southwestern Ethiopia was 100%. Sorghum fields were shown varied levels of sorghum anthracnose incidences that ranged from 46.15% to 100% in Assosa, 55.5% to 100% in Jimma, 75% to 84.62% in Illubabor, 78.5% to 100% in East Wollega, and 85.7% to 100% in Gambella with the mean incidence of 83.78%, 85.81%, 78.10%, 78.57%, and 91.79.70%. Besides, the severity of anthracnose was high in Jimma, Assosa, Agnuwak, Illubabor, and East Wollega with mean field severity of 35.25%, 34.5%, 28.97%, 28.32%, and 27.60%, respectively. The study found that biophysical factors, such as proper weed management, crop rotation, recommended fertilizer application, sowing date, use of disease-free seeds, and weather conditions were directly associated with sorghum anthracnose development.

Despite direct seeding, seed pelletizing with useful materials is one of the effective methods to improve plant growth. This experiment assessed the impacts of different additives used in seed pelletizing on germination and growth of Onobrychis viciifolia at a degraded semi-arid rangeland. Seed pellets were prepared for the 16 treatments, which included 14 amendments (seven additives at two 10% and 20% concentration levels) and two controls (a clay-only pellet and direct seeding). After the planting, germination indices and growth traits were recorded and analyzed. A completely randomized design was considered in planting experiment using 12 seedballs as replications per treatment. The results revealed that corn starch 20% treatment had the lowest value for growth and germination, while the livestock manure 20%, sawdust 20%, ash 10%, and wheat straw 10% showed better germination indices. Based on the significance summation ranking method, sawdust was the most favorable amendment, enhancing root length by 23%, root weight by 234%, aerial biomass weight by 189%, and plant height by 31% compared to the direct seeding. The efficacy of seed pelleting over direct seeding was clearly demonstrated. Notably, seedballs prepared solely from clay, without any amendments, also showed acceptable performance in enhancing seed germination and plant growth. However, some of the used additives, such as ash, sawdust, and manure, were more beneficial than using clay alone in the seedball production. Seed pelletizing did not always have favorable results with all materials. For instance, additives such as starch, especially in high concentrations, had adverse effects.

Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient vital for plant growth and crop production. However, the misconception that K fertilization is unnecessary has long persisted in Ethiopia. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons on Nitisol and Cambisol soils to evaluate the response of teff [Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter] to different K fertilizer rates in terms of yield, nutrient concentration, uptake, and use efficiency. The K rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg K ha⁻¹) were applied as muriate of potash (KCl) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that K application significantly (p < 0.01) increased teff grain yield on both soils. The application of 120 kg K ha⁻¹ produced yield gains of 39.4% and 36.7% over the control on Nitisol and Cambisol, respectively. The highest mean straw nitrogen (N) concentration (6.63 g kg⁻¹) on Nitisol was recorded in the control plot, while the lowest was recorded with an application of 180 kg K ha⁻¹. On Cambisol, plant N, phosphorus (P), and K uptakes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher, with maximum values of 74.7, 31.9, and 95.4 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, under 120 kg K ha⁻¹. On Nitisol, only N uptake was significantly affected, reaching 61.3 kg ha⁻¹. Potassium (K) application also improved agronomic K use efficiency on both soils. These findings refute the long-held belief that Ethiopian soils are inherently rich in K. Future fertilizer recommendations for teff production on Nitisols and Cambisols should include K fertilization to improve productivity.

Rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae), a major storage pest, cause both qualitative and quantitative losses of stored grains. Normally, chemical insecticide along with fumigation is practiced for the management, but it creates health hazards. So, this study investigates the effects of temperature and duration of exposure on rice weevils. Completely randomized design with two factors—factor (A) eight treatments: T₁ = −80°C, T₂ = −20°C, T₃ = 4°C, T₄ = 20°C, T₅ = 25°C, T₆ = 35°C, T₇ = 40°C, and T₈ = 50°C; factor (B) three durations of exposure—was carried out with three replications at laboratory condition of Entomology Division at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute from October 2023 to November 2024. The mortality percentage varied significantly across temperature and hours exposure time (HET), with 100% mortality observed at extreme temperatures (−80°C, −20°C, and 50°C) at 24, 48, and 72 HET. At moderate temperatures (20°C, 25°C, and 35°C), mortality was negligible to moderate (0%–11.67% at 24 HET and 48 HET), but increasing with prolonged exposure time (48.33% at 72 HET). Although 100% weevil mortality was achieved at 40°C, it required slightly extended durations (48 and 72 HET) for the 100% mortality. The F₁ adult emergence was highest (124.67) at 25°C, indicating optimal thermal conditions for rice weevil reproduction and development, while extreme temperatures completely inhibited adult emergence. The developmental period was shortest at 25°C and prolonged at 4°C, reflecting the metabolic slowdown at lower temperatures. There were no F₁ adults emerged at extreme temperatures (−80°C, −20°C, and 50°C), highlighting lethality of these thermal conditions. Weight loss of grains was highest at 20°C, 25°C, and 35°C due to active feeding and breeding, and highest number of F₁ adults emerged, while the minimal occurred at extreme temperatures. Low (<4°C) and high (>35°C) temperatures were particularly effective with prolonged exposure time for developing temperature-based management practice. Weevil biology is influence by temperature, with low prolonging development but increasing mortality, moderate optimizing survival, increasing weight loss, and high reducing survival through biological stress.

Brachiaria production is an important segment in Brazil's agriculture, used as a forage or animal feed. Studying the influence of Brachiaria sp. on soil nitrogen (N) dynamics under different soil pH and amendment conditions is a critical research need. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in the Department of Plant Production at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil. Four Brachiaria species were evaluated (Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria humidicola, and Brachiaria ruziziensis), they were grown in soils with a pH varying between 4 and 6. Calcium hydroxide [Ca (OH)₂] and magnesium oxide (MgO) were used at different rates to correct soil pH and test soil amendment effects in Brachiaria production. The Soil Plant Analysis Development chlorophyll index was determined biweekly throughout the experimental period. Other assessments were carried out 60 days after planting. The dry biomass of the aerial part (leaves + stem) of Brachiaria plants were quantified, as well as the N concentrations and total content. The root development was also studied (length, average diameter, and surface area). The soil was divided into rhizospheric soil and non-rhizospheric soil, the levels of total N, ammonium (N-NH₄⁺), nitrate (N-NO₃⁻), pH, and organic matter were determined. Our findings showed that the behavior of all four Brachiaria species responded positively to soil amendment in terms of dry matter production and in general, no definite effect of Brachiaria and/or pH on the nitrification process was detected. However, N use efficiency was higher under lower soil pH levels. When grown at the lowest soil pH (4), B. humidicola and B. ruziziensis showed the highest dry matter production. This effect, connected with the fact that all species produced the same amount of dry matter when grown at the highest pH, places B. humidicola and B. ruziziensis as the most tolerant to soil acidity, which may become better Brachiaria options for farmers in regions with more acidic soils in Brazil.

Enhancing feed resource availability and nutritional qualities with healthful soil management practices is a decisive intervention for future livestock husbandry in developing countries. However, there is a need for sound recommendations on agronomic practices and fertilization due to local differences in the climate and soil profiles. Therefore, this study evaluated the intercropping effects of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) with vetch (Vicia villosa) variety of Var-Lalisa on soil fertility, forage accumulation (FA), and nutritional compositions among seeding rates across harvest days. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design for intercropping of the desho grass with vetch at the seeding rates of 12 kg/ha (T1), 9 kg/ha (T2), 6 kg/ha (T3), 0 kg/ha or sole desho grass (T4), and sole vetch (30 kg/ha) (T5) with three replications. Data on soil profile in depths, plant height, biological compatibility and yield advantage, FA by forage type, and chemical compositions were studied across harvesting. The intercropping effect was substantially greater (p < 0.05) on plant height and FA than sole sown desho grass at all harvests. Moreover, T1 had the highest total forage accumulation (TFA), crude protein (CP), and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). However, lower CP and IVOMD were obtained in T4 across the harvests. The sole desho grass yields significantly (p < 0.05) higher ash, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin contents. Therefore, the intercropping effect of T1 at higher sowing rates of vetch can maximize the TFA and soil nutrient utilization efficiency, and this can be suggested for further accession study in a range of agroecologies for adoption.

Estifanos, F., Getu, E., Beyene, D., Habtegebriel, M. H., & Fenta, B. A.(2025). Grain yield stability by different statistical models in small seeded common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes at diverse agroecologies of Ethiopia. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, 8, e70253. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.70253

There was a grammatical error in the title of the article—“acroecologies” was mistakenly used instead of “agroecologies.” This has now been corrected in both the title and in the How to Cite section. The correct title is “Grain yield stability by different statistical models in small seeded common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes at diverse agroecologies of Ethiopia.”

We apologize for this error.

Knowing the most yield-limiting soil nutrient is crucial for closing the yield gap in all crop production systems. The proper supply of balanced nutrients is essential for maximizing the production of onions and tomatoes. The study was conducted to determine the response of onion and tomato to the omission of different nutrients in their growth and yield under open-field conditions at Raya Kobo District during the 2020/21 growing season, under irrigation. The experiment was laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. A soil sample was taken using an auger before planting for the analysis of the physicochemical properties of the soil. Analysis of variance was computed using R software. The analysis result showed that statistically, the lowest marketable yield of onion was recorded from the omission of nitrogen and the control treatment. In contrast, the highest total unmarketable yield of onion was recorded from the control treatments. Similarly, the combined analysis result for tomato showed that the highest marketable yield was recorded from boron-omitted plots, which significantly differs from N omitted and control treatments but not significantly from others. In contrast, the lowest total marketable yield was recorded from the control and N-omitted treatments. There was also a substantial and positive correlation between marketable yield and the number of clusters per plant and the number of fruit per cluster (p < 0.01). The analysis of variance indicates that N was the most yield-limiting nutrient for both onion and tomato production, more than any other nutrient. This study was conducted to determine which nutrient was yield-limiting and did not address what amount was needed. Therefore, optimum fertilizer rate determination on the yield-limiting nutrient should be conducted.

The use of carbon-based biostimulants (e.g., humic acid [HA] and molasses/yeast extract [MYE]) to enhance grain yield and/or quality of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is increasing. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine if MYE or HA use can consistently influence grain yield and quality of maize and soybean across site-years and (2) ascertain if these applications are profitable. Treatments consisted of an untreated control and two commercially available products, one MYE and one HA, applied as either a broadcast soil application or to the seed furrow at planting of maize and soybean in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Maize yield was higher with in-furrow applications compared to preplant broadcast applications, culminating in a 3-year average yield increase of 310 (HA) or 370 (MYE) kg ha⁻¹ and respective return on investment of $29 or $63 ha⁻¹. Maize grain protein concentration increased with both the broadcast HA (+1.7 g kg⁻¹) and in-furrow MYE (+1.8 g kg⁻¹) applications, netting an increase in protein production of 40 and 50 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Conversely, there were no consistent effects of HA or MYE applications on soybean grain yield or quality, netting an average loss of $51 ha⁻¹. These data suggest that soil-applied MYE or HA can increase grain yield, protein production, and profitability of maize but did not have a measurable agronomic or economic value when applied to soybean grown under the non-stressed field conditions observed here.