Plant Productions

The impact of conventional, sustainable, and organic farming systems on grain yield and energy use efficiency in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), mung bean (Vigna radiate L.) and maize (Zea mays L.)

Aram Gorooei; Amir Aaynehband; Afraseyab Rahnama

Volume 47, Issue 2 , August 2024, , Pages 179-193

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2020.32356.1871

Abstract

Background and objectiveConsidering the limited natural resources and the negative effects of inappropriate use of these resources on both human health and environment, addressing the ... Read More Background and objectiveConsidering the limited natural resources and the negative effects of inappropriate use of these resources on both human health and environment, addressing the patterns of energy consumption remains vital (Baran and Gokdogan, 2017; Ozkan et al, 2004). Materials and methodsThis study was conducted at the research farm of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in the summer of 2018. Experimental design was split-plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots consisted of agriculture production systems; intensive (all inputs e.g., fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides were chemical), sustainable (a combination of organic and intensive methods were used to manage this farming system), and organic (in this farming system, all inputs were organic and biological, no chemical fertilizers were applied. control of weeds was done mechanically). Sub plots consisted of three crops; corn (cereal), mung bean (legume) and sesame (oil seed). In this study, energy efficiency indices were calculated by measuring the energy equivalent of all inputs and outputs. ResultsResults showed that the highest and lowest grain yields for corn, mung bean and sesame were obtained in the intensive and organic systems, respectively. The lowest (1.18) and highest (3.69) energy use efficiencies were belonged to intensive sesame and organic corn, respectively. The highest amount of energy consumed (34396 MJha-1) was observed in intensive corn and the lowest with the value of 8247 MJ ha-1 was belonged to the organic mung bean. Additionally, intensive corn presented the highest (94045 MJ) output energy. On the other hand, organic mung bean showed the lowest value of the output energy (15279 MJ). Intensive corn and organic sesame had the highest and lowest amounts of net energy indices with the values of 59649 and 7032, respectively. Although corn yield in the organic system was nearly 30 percent lower than in the intensive system, energy consumption for organic corn was 50 percent lower than for intensive cornConclusionTo design an appropriate agroecosystem, it is necessary to consider a collection of agroecological indices e.g., energy use efficiency, net energy, energy utilization index, special energy, as well as crop production history and agricultural culture (human resource productivity index, agrochemical energy, greenhouse gas emission) to find a balance between both factors based on each region.

Investigating the rapeseed yield gap in Dehloran

Marzieh Absalan; Esfandiar Fateh; َAmir Aynehband; Abolfazl Derakhshan

Volume 46, Issue 3 , December 2023, , Pages 455-472

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.43006.2082

Abstract

IntroductionAs suitable agricultural land for increasing crop production is decreasing, while the expansion of agricultural land is associated with irreparable damage to the environmen, ... Read More IntroductionAs suitable agricultural land for increasing crop production is decreasing, while the expansion of agricultural land is associated with irreparable damage to the environmen, intensifying sustainability in existing agricultural land is the only way to increase production to meet the increasing demand for food resources. Therefore, investigating the biophysical limitations on yield and estimating yield gaps in the cultivated lands, as well as reducing this gap, is one of the ways to increase the yield per unit area. After soybean, rapeseed is the world's second produced oilseed. Ilam province is one of the most important oilseeds producer regions of the country, including rapeseed, and about 80% of the rapeseed crop of this province is produced in the border city of Dehloran, and this city is one of the pioneer cities and the main pole of rapeseed production in the province. Therefore, according to the importance of rapeseed in Deholran city, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the limiting factors of rapeseed production in Dehloran. Materials and MethodsIn the present study, all the management operations were performed from seedbed preparation to harvesting in 51 farms were recorded through field studies during the years 2021 to 2022. In this study, the yield gap was estimated by the method of yield comparison analysis and borderline analysis, and to determine the yield model, the relationship between quantitative and qualitative variables was measured and yield was evaluated by step-by-step regression method. Results and DiscussionDetermining the limiting factors on rapeseed production in the studied area showed that there was a gap between the actual yield of farmers and the yield predicted by the model of about 833.54 kgha-1, which was the contribution of the variables of potash fertilizer consumption, sulfur consumption, and the number of irrigations. The consumption of micronutrients from this yield interval was equal to 102.99, 118.56, 442.20 and 169.79 kgha-1, which is equivalent to 12.36, 14.22, 53.05 and 37, respectively. 20% of the total yield gap was observed. Gap analysis of rapeseed yield showed that the number of irrigations alone accounts for 53% of yield reduction compared to attainable yields.ConclusionAs, there is a need to irrigate the field in the very early planting date in October, it seems that with better management of rapeseed for this planting date in the region, the occurrence of drought stress can be reduced to the plant and to some extent fill the gap in the existing yield. In addition, 57% of the yield gaps in the region were related to the use of potash, sulfur and micronutrient fertilizers, which can be easily removed this limitations in the fields.

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L. Beauv) Management in Sugarcane Fields of Subtropical Iran

Farkhondeh Eskandari; Batool Keramat; Yousef Filizadeh; Amir Aynehband

Volume 45, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 123-132

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2020.33905.1919

Abstract

IntroductionAmong all weeds, cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L. Beauv) has been identified as a problematic weed in the sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) fields of Iran for over ... Read More IntroductionAmong all weeds, cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L. Beauv) has been identified as a problematic weed in the sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) fields of Iran for over 20 years since 1996. Failure to control of cogongrass regrowth during spring develops it rapidly and, in turn, reduces the sugarcane yield in subtropical Iran. In effect, the identification of weak points in cogongrass phenology and frequency is deemed to help decision makers adopt effective controlling strategies in optimum time. Storage of carbohydrate reserves by plants is, in turn, the best mechanism for optimizing the timing of management strategies when reserves are at the lowest levels in storage organs. Glyphosate has been also widely used in Iran to control of weeds in the sugarcane fields. Currently, despite double spraying, the spring control of cogongrass is not satisfactory in the sugarcane fields in subtropical Iran. Materials and MethodsTwo studies were carried out in Salman Farsi Agro-Industrial Company in about 40 km south-west of the center of Khuzestan Province, Ahvaz, Iran, in 2017. In the first experiment, monthly (February–November) total nonstructural carbohydrate allocation patterns of cogongrass were evaluated to determine carbohydrate low points in the seasonal phenological cycle. To that end, glyphosate (00, 0.92, 1.84, 2.76 and 3.68 L a.i ha-1) was applied in April and June, 2017, in a 10×2 factorial design under randomized complete block designs with four replications. Data were analyzed using standard ANOVA procedures with the subsequent use of Least Significant Difference test (Little and Hills 1978( to separate means. Results and DiscussionThe occurrence of carbohydrate low points (CLPs) (88.69±13.15 mg g-1) was considered from May to August, CLP was found to have two important points with the potential control of cogongrass reported. The first and second points were in May (579 GDD) and August (2683GDD), respectively. The suppression of cogongrass (58-100%) was achieved with the three highest rates (1.84, 2.76 and 3.68 L a.i ha-1) in both application times, although substantial regrowth occurred in all plots by 5 months after the first treatment. Double spraying with a 60-day interval did not result in the effective control of such a troublesome weed in the sugarcane fields. Applying glyphosate two times in the spring and mid-summer (the end of CLP, 2683 GDD) was determined effective for the long-term control (>6 months) of cogongrass. The results suggest that glyphosate 1.84 L a.i ha-1 should be performed on cogongrass in the spring for improved control. ConclusionWe concluded that frequent spring spraying may be excluded to control of cogongrass in the sugarcane fields and only spraying should be made on twice the growth seasons. The first use of glyphosate in its minimum optimum dose (1.84 L a.i ha-1) is made on early spring. The second is sprayed in its maximum optimum dose (3.68 L a.i ha-1) at the midsummer, once the single-sprayed cogongrass gets appropriate leaf surface for transferring the herbicide.

Weed Population and Nutrient Uptake by Wheat as Influenced by Different Tillage Practices and Weed Management Options in Ahvaz

Rahim Nor Aftab; Ali Monsefi; Afrasiyab Rahnama Ghahfarokhi; Amir Aynehband

Volume 44, Issue 1 , June 2021, , Pages 143-156

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2021.34868.1938

Abstract

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWeeds often pose severe constraints in the potential yield of wheat, if not controlled at a critical period of the first 30 days after sowing. Several ... Read More AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWeeds often pose severe constraints in the potential yield of wheat, if not controlled at a critical period of the first 30 days after sowing. Several methods are developed to control weeds, viz. cultural, mechanical, and chemical have their own merits and demerits. Tillage is an age-old practice to control weeds. Tillage influences weed infestation, and thus interactions between tillage and weed control practices are commonly observed in crop production. Good tillage delays the emergence of weeds and provides a more favorable environment for early crop establishment. So, the competition for nutrients will be less. Materials and MethodsThis study was conducted to investigate the weed population and evaluate the nutrients uptake by wheat and weed in a split-plot design with three replications in the research farm of the Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in the year 2018-19. Tillage at three levels, including conventional tillage, minimum tillage, and zero tillage, as the main plot and weed control at six levels (uncontrolled, hand weeding, bromoxynil + MCPA herbicide, crop residue + Atlantis, Atlantis, and metribusin) as Post-emergence were considered in sub-plots applied on wheat of Mehregan cultivar. ResultsIn terms of the weed population, the highest weed population was observed in the zero tillage compared to conventional tillage and minimum tillage. In this regard, under uncontrolled treatment, the highest weed populations with an average of 16.3, 14.2, and 12.5 plants per square meter were observed at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing, respectively. In the case of an interaction effect, it was found that in all three tillage systems, the highest amount of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, absorbed by weeds was in the uncontrolled treatment. The reason was due to higher dry matter production and higher competition with wheat as it was incremental. DiscussionIn general, considering the higher weed population in the zero tillage as compared to the conventional tillage, it seems that weed control in the zero tillage and minimum tillage, at least in Khuzestan province, is preferable to prevent moisture content and soil structure. Nutrient depletion by weed is less in conservation tillage so that nutrient availability will be as much as plant requirements.

Comparison of different green manure biomass The effects of different green manure on soil fertilization and weed density reduction

kh d; e f; A A

Volume 39, Issue 2 , September 2016, , Pages 1-10

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2016.12069

Abstract

Abstract: In order to study the effect of different green manure crops on soil fertilization and weed population a field experiment was conducted in experimental farm of Agricultural ... Read More

Comparing the effect of different green manure crops and nitrogen rates on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by nitrogen efficiency indices

F G; A A; E F

Volume 36, Issue 4 , March 2014, , Pages 135-148

Abstract

The green manure crops are one of the most important organic sources of nitrogen in agronomy. In order to evaluate of the influence of nitrogen rates and green manure crops by nitrogen ... Read More

Investigation in to Different Sowing Dates and Fertilization Methods (chemical and organic) on Yield and Yield Components of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.)

S A; E F; A A

Volume 35, Issue 1 , June 2012, , Pages 129-143

Abstract

In order to study the effects of different sowing dates and Fertilization methods on yield and yield components of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) a field experiment was conducted ... Read More

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Author = Amir Aaynehband

The impact of conventional, sustainable, and organic farming systems on grain yield and energy use efficiency in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), mung bean (Vigna radiate L.) and maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Investigating the rapeseed yield gap in Dehloran

Abstract

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L. Beauv) Management in Sugarcane Fields of Subtropical Iran

Abstract

Weed Population and Nutrient Uptake by Wheat as Influenced by Different Tillage Practices and Weed Management Options in Ahvaz

Abstract

Comparison of different green manure biomass The effects of different green manure on soil fertilization and weed density reduction

Abstract

Comparing the effect of different green manure crops and nitrogen rates on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by nitrogen efficiency indices

Abstract

Investigation in to Different Sowing Dates and Fertilization Methods (chemical and organic) on Yield and Yield Components of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.)

Abstract