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1
MARASENI, T. N., S. MUSHTAQ, and J. MAROULIS. "Greenhouse gas emissions from rice farming inputs: a cross-country assessment." Journal of Agricultural Science 147, no. 2 (January 20, 2009): 117–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0021859608008411.
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SUMMARYRegardless of the irrigation system deployed, rice production requires a variety of farm energy inputs. The present study estimated and compared greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rice farming practices, resulting from various farm inputs and irrigation systems in Pakistan, the Philippines, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Australia and the USA. Results indicate that, on aggregate, emissions related to farm machinery, fuels, agrochemicals and animal labour accounted for 0·018, 0·307, 0·666 and 0·008, respectively. Emissions from tubewell irrigation systems were the highest, followed by canal and rainfed irrigation systems. Average emissions from all selected countries with tubewell irrigation systems were 1·64 times greater than canal irrigation systems and 2·64 times greater than rainfed irrigation systems. When considering GHG emission efficiencies (emissions/kg of rice yield), developing countries were found to be less efficient than developed countries in both canal and tubewell irrigation systems. The relationship between GHG emissions and rice yield was statistically significant (P<0·01), with results indicating that a yield increase of 100 kg would increase GHG emissions by 16·51 kg CO2e (kg carbon dioxide equivalent).
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Ribeiro, Eduardo Castro, Daniel Fonseca de Carvalho, Lucas Antonio de Freitas Santos, and José Guilherme Marinho Guerra. "Onion yield under agroecological farming system using distinct irrigation depths and soil covers." Ciência Rural 46, no. 5 (March 1, 2016): 783–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20150342.
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ABSTRACT: The present study was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of irrigation depths applied through drip and presence/absence of soil cover in onion yield, under agroecological farming. The experiment was conducted in Seropédica, RJ, Brazil, from May to September 2012. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with split-plot design with 10 treatments and 7 replications, characterized by the presence (+S) and absence (-S) of soil cover and five irrigation depths according to percentages of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc): 0, 22, 45, 75 and 100% (0, 155, 220.6, 320.5 and 372,7mm in +S condition and 0, 145.5, 207.6, 285, 351,4mm in -S condition). The irrigation influenced by second-order polynomial regression the total yield of bulbs, percentage distribution of bulbs in diameter classes and water use efficiency (WUE) in the -S condition, and in the linear regression the WUE in +S condition. The soil cover promoted an increase on the total bulb yield, WUE and the percentage of bulbs classified in classes of greater diameter.
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Bethune, M., O. A. Gyles, and Q. J. Wang. "Options for management of saline groundwater in an irrigated farming system." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 44, no. 2 (2004): 181. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea02179.
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Groundwater pumping is used to control salinity problems in many irrigation regions of Australia. Options for managing the pumped groundwater are required to be consistent with achieving high farm production levels and minimising salt export from irrigation regions. In this study, pasture production and economic aspects of 6 options for managing pumped groundwater are compared. The 6 options include (i) complete farm reuse of pumped groundwater for irrigation; (ii) complete export to river system; (iii) complete disposal to evaporation basin; (iv) partial farm reuse with reduced salt export; (v) partial farm reuse with reduced disposal to evaporation basin; and (vi) partial farm reuse with disposal to a salt tolerant forage crop. The comparison between the 6 options is made for a hypothetical 100 ha dairy farm that has a perennial pasture based production system. Complete farm reuse was the most economic option in areas where groundwater salinity is low (<5 dS/m). Partial farm reuse with disposal of surplus groundwater to a salt tolerant forage species was the most economical option for managing higher salinity groundwater.
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Mabe, Franklin Nantui, Cheye Stephen, and Abdulai Ibrahim. "The Effect of Contract Farming on Rice Yield in the Botanga irriagation Scheme." International Journal of Irrigation and Agricultural Development (IJIRAD) 5, no. 1 (June 19, 2022): 234–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.47762/2021.964x.49.
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Contract farming which involves an agreement between a farmer(s) and buyer under specific conditions is supposed to yield mutual benefits. It has gained ground in Ghana`s rice production sector including rice farmers in the Botanga Irrigation Scheme. Farmers are expected to get higher yields through the provision of necessary improved inputs and management advice by the contractors. Meanwhile, there is no empirical evidence on the effect of contract farming on yield. This study aimed to examine the effect of contract farming on rice yield in the Botanga irrigation scheme. A simple random sampling procedure was employed to select a total of 130 respondents. Heckman treatment effect model and Kendall’s coefficient (W) of Concordance were employed as analytical methods for achievement of the objectives. The study revealed that household size, farmer-based organization membership, labour, fertilizer, weedicides and pesticides positively affected rice yield. Extension services and seed however negatively affected rice yield. The achievement of optimum rice yield is constrained by inadequate extension services which renders the farmers deficient of the requisite knowledge and competencies for proper farming culminating into sub-optimal yields. Small farm size and strict specification of contractors were respectively the most pressing and least pressing constraints associated with farmers` decision to participate in contract farming in the study area. The study recommends that government should feasibly expand the land area under irrigation so that farmers can access more land for farming. Farmers should also be stimulated and supported to go into contract farming.
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Russell, JS, and AL Chapman. "Sulfur deficiency in rice grown on the alkaline soils of the Ord Irrigation Area, Western Australia." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 28, no. 1 (1988): 111. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea9880111.
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Nutrient and acidification effects of sulfur (S) on the growth of flooded rice on Cununurra clay from the Ord Irrigation Area, Western Australia. were studied in pot experiments. An acute S deficiency in the surface horizon of Cununurra clay was found. This deficiency was extreme on virgin soil but was also evident on cropped soil that had received substantial amounts of S as superphosphate and ammonium sulfate in the past. The major effect of an application of elemental S on rice growth was as a nutrient. Irrigation water appears to be an important source of nutrient S in this remote area where annual atmospheric accessions of S are estimated to be about 1 kg ha-1. The S content of Ord irrigation water from Lake Argyle is relatively low (mean � s.e. sulfate3 = 1.7 � 0.05 mg L-1) by world standards. Nevertheless. in this study, 62% of the S added with the Ord irrigation water was recovered in the plant tops. This indicates that factors which determine the amount of irrigation water applied are likely to affect the field incidence of S deficiency. In particular, decreased usage of irrigation water during the December-March wet season (when average rainfall is 630 mm) may increase the likelihood of S deficiency in rice.
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Chapman, AL, JD Sturtz, AL Cogle, WS Mollah, and RJ Bateman. "Farming systems in the Australian semi-arid tropics-a recent history." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 36, no. 8 (1996): 915. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea9960915.
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The recent history of dryland farming in the Australian semi-arid tropics is discussed briefly against the background of national and state policies, established following World War II, aimed at increasing the population and development of northern Australia. Some reference is also made to irrigation as a means of overcoming limitations imposed by rainfall and to complement dryland farming systems. The environmental and socio-economic constraints whch have so far limited commercial agriculture in the Australian semi-arid tropics are highlighted. Efforts, particularly in north-west Australia, to develop sustainable farming systems based on legume pasture leys and livestock production in conjunction with annual cropping, as a basis for closer settlement, are reviewed. These attempts, which began in the 1960s and stemmed from earlier post-war agricultural research in the region, initially relied on a pasture legume (Stylosanthes humilis cv. Townsville stylo) and conventional tillage. Farming system development continues today using new legume species (e.g. Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano and Centrosema pascuorum cv. Cavalcade) and no-tillage cropping technology. This paper documents the history of agricultural and research development, and commercial practice in the Australian semi-arid tropics.
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Maraseni, T. N., S. Mushtaq, and K. Reardon-Smith. "Re-evaluating the rationale for irrigation technology adoption through an integrated trade-off analysis: case study of a cotton farming system in Australia." Journal of Water and Climate Change 5, no. 3 (March 8, 2014): 328–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2014.046.
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While the prevailing rationale for new irrigation technology adoption is improved water use efficiency, this study evaluated trade-offs between water savings, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and economic gain associated with the conversion of a furrow irrigation system to a sprinkler irrigation (lateral-move) system on a cotton farm in eastern Australia. Trade-offs were evident when conversion to the pressurised sprinkler irrigation system was evaluated in terms of fuel and energy-related emission; the adoption of the new system saved water but increased GHG emissions. However, when we considered changes in farm machinery and input uses as a result of the conversion, we found an overall reduction in GHG emissions. Overall, the GHG modelling indicated that higher total quantities of GHGs were emitted from the furrow irrigation (4,453 kg CO2e/ha) than from the sprinkler irrigation (3,347 kg CO2e/ha) farming system. Water efficiency modelling indicated that, on average, water savings of 18% are possible, while economic modelling indicated that the conversion of irrigation technology is a viable option. Even at a carbon price of AUD$30/tCO2e, investment in the sprinkler technology was an economically feasible option due to significant water savings and increased yield.
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Ford, J. L., G. R. Cousins, Z. Jahufer, I. J. Baird, D. R. Woodfield, and B. A. Barrett. "Grasslands Legacy - a new, large-leaved white clover cultivar with broad adaption." Journal of New Zealand Grasslands 77 (January 1, 2015): 211–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.2015.77.458.
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White clover (Trifolium repens L.) continues to play a pivotal role in the Australasian pastoral industry, despite increased use of nitrogen fertiliser on farms. Improved white clovers for dairy farming must be well adapted to the farm systems they are intended for, including increased rates of fertiliser nitrogen, higher stocking rates and access to irrigation. The breeding objective was to develop a white clover cultivar in evaluation systems that simulate modern farming practices, and test that cultivar in both New Zealand and Australia for adaptation and agronomic merit. This included breeding and early generation evaluation at research farms in the Manawatu and Waikato, with subsequent evaluations in these locations and farms in Southland and Victoria, Australia. This resulted in 'Grasslands Legacy', a new large leaved white clover cultivar bred for New Zealand and eastern temperate Australian pastures, which has shown significant (P
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Stevens, D. P., M. J. McLaughlin, and M. K. Smart. "Effects of long-term irrigation with reclaimed water on soils of the Northern Adelaide Plains, South Australia." Soil Research 41, no. 5 (2003): 933. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr02049.
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On a small scale, reclaimed water (RCW) use has been practised on the Northern Adelaide Plains (NAP) horticultural districts for more than 28 years. The RCW has had approximately 1.7 times the salinity and twice the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) of bore water commonly used for irrigation in the district. Recently, a large-scale reclamation scheme has been commissioned which could eventually supply approximately 30 GL of RCW to over 250 growers on the NAP. This study compared historical water quality and time of use data with physico-chemical properties of soil cores taken from sites where reclaimed (RCW-irrigated) or bore water had been used for irrigation, or sites that had not been irrigated (virgin). The aim was to determine if current farming practices irrigating with RCW could, now or in the future, lead to a decrease in yields through detrimental increases in soil salinity, sodicity, and boron (B) concentrations, and to determine if these changes were significantly different from bore-irrigated or virgin sites. Data suggested that changes in soil salinity and B concentration from RCW use would not decrease yields. However, changes in soil SAR had the potential to restrict drainage and consequently increase salinity; although a more functional critical SAR value for the NAP soils needs to be defined to assess this potential. These findings suggest that farming methods, in the 1967–95 period, did not address the physico-chemical changes associated with the use of more sodic RCW. Considering the future scale of RCW use, the SAR of the irrigation water may need to be decreased and/or appropriate farming methods developed and practised with the use of RCW to protect these soils for future horticultural activities. A low cost soil test, using a simple 1 : 5 soil : water extract was compared with accepted soil extracts (for assessing detrimental physico-chemical soil changes) and is proposed as a grower management tool to assist in monitoring the physico-chemical changes of the NAP soils.
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McDonald, L. M., P. Wright, and D. A. MacLeod. "Nitrogen fixation by lablab (Lablab purpureus) and lucerne (Medicago sativa) rotation crops in an irrigated cotton farming system." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 41, no. 2 (2001): 219. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea99143.
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Cotton producers in Australia are interested in including legume green manure crops in their farming systems. Lablab and lucerne are 2 crops that have been considered for this role. The object of this study was to determine their biomass production, nitrogen fixation, water use and water-use efficiency within a 1-year out-of-cotton rotation. Both species were grown under full irrigation, and partial irrigation, where periods of moisture stress occurred. During the period of the rotation, lablab produced more biomass and fixed more nitrogen than lucerne. Its biomass production was increased (from 9655 to 16 024 kg/ha) by full irrigation compared with partial irrigation, while lucerne biomass similarly increased (from 6563 to 8040 kg/ha). Lablab also fixed more nitrogen (177 kg N/ha) than lucerne (111 kg N/ha). Lucerne used more water than lablab and thus lablab had higher water-use efficiency of biomass production and nitrogen fixation. The study indicates that lablab produces more green manure with greater water-use efficiency than lucerne within a 1-year out-of-cotton rotation.
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Abenoja, Ryan, Roger Montepio, and Roland Bayron. "A New Solar-Powered Rice-Fish Farming System for Yield Improvement." Southeastern Philippines Journal of Research and Development 25, no. 1 (March 31, 2020): 1–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.53899/spjrd.v25i1.42.
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Rice-fish farming is widely practiced all over the world, but since some areas lack irrigation, diesel pumps are often needed. Solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) are considered to be a more sustainable option than traditional pumps, but are more costly to set up, limiting their use to direct rice irrigation. This study intended to integrate solar-powered pumps in the irrigation system and investigate its viability through the following: establish an appropriate motor size, determine solar panel tilt, and compare with traditional irrigation pumping. The system was comprised of a positive displacement-type solar pump, photovoltaic panels, a charge controller, a battery, and an elevated, lined water impounding system for aquaculture. Tilt angles varying between 5 and 10 degrees were tested by measuring the current drawn from the photovoltaic panels. Three motor sizes were used and compared based on flow rate and volume of water pumped per full 100Ah battery, and the effect of the water impounding system along with raising tilapia on the growth of rice was determined. Results revealed that a 200-watt motor pumps the most water per full battery charge, and that the monthly computed panel tilt had the highest harvested energy. Furthermore, solar-powered rice-fish culture gave a higher yield compared to traditional diesel-pump irrigation, and calculations on the system’s economic feasibility show a benefitcost ratio of 1.26 and a payback period of 2.87 years.
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Greenland, Steven, Elizabeth Levin, John F. Dalrymple, and Barry O’Mahony. "Sustainable innovation adoption barriers: water sustainability, food production and drip irrigation in Australia." Social Responsibility Journal 15, no. 6 (September 2, 2019): 727–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/srj-07-2018-0181.
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Purpose This paper aims to examine impediments to the adoption of sustainable water-efficient technological innovation in agriculture. Farming is the largest water consumer and food production expansion in response to global population growth, combined with increasing droughts from climate change, threatens water and food insecurity for many countries. Yet, climate smart agriculture (CSA) innovation adoption has been slow, and in this regard, governments and the agricultural sector are not fulfilling their social responsibility and sustainability obligations. Design/methodology/approach Barriers to water-efficient drip irrigation (DI) adoption in Australia were investigated via 46 depth interviews with agricultural stakeholders and a survey of 148 farmers. Findings While DI water efficiency is recognised, this is not the key determinant of farmers’ irrigation method selection. Complex interrelationships between internal and external barriers impede DI adoption are identified. These include costs, satisfaction with alternative irrigation methods, farmer characteristics that determine the suitability of the innovation and the extent it is incremental or radical, plus various multidimensional risks. Government support of alternative, less water-efficient irrigation methods is also a critical barrier. Originality/value A conceptual framework for understanding barriers to sustainability oriented innovation adoption is presented. Its insights should be applicable to researchers and practitioners concerned with understanding and improving the adoption of socially responsible and sustainable innovation in a wide range of contexts. Recommendations for overcoming such adoption barriers are discussed in relation to the research focus of water-efficient agriculture and encouraging uptake of DI.
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L Bougher, Neale, and Inez C Tommerup. "Restoration of Australia?s native fungi: For improved commercial environmental forestry, farm revegetation and sustainability in the Australian wheatbelt region." Microbiology Australia 24, no. 3 (2003): 38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ma03338.
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There is currently much effort being put into methods of harnessing Australia?s plant biodiversity for profitable farming systems with multiple environmental benefits. However, less attention has been given to significant components of natural ecosystems other than plants. One such component is Australia?s diverse and unique native fungi, and the range of largely ignored, out of sight, ecosystem functions provided by fungi. Though poorly recognised to date, management and restoration of Australia?s native fungi and other soil organisms in tandem with animals and plants are likely to be key parts of an overall strategy to achieve environmentally sustainable and economically profitable agricultural landscapes for the long term.
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Singh, Harmandeep, and Nitika Sharma. "DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR PRECISION FARMING." INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY 4, no. 1 (February 1, 2013): 76–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.24297/ijct.v4i1b.3065.
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A decision support system for precision farming is designed to assist farmers, agricultural experts, research workers or any intellectuals with guidance in making various farming related decisions and help them to access, display and analyze data that have geographic content and meaning. The concept of precision farming is not only related with the use of technologies but it is also about the five R’s that is use of right input (nutrients, water, fertilizer, money, machinery etc.), at the right time, at the right place, in the right amount and in the right manner. There is need to have accurate information and suitable decisions regarding the right inputs required for the farming practices and to initiate the step towards the precision farming. DSS calculates irrigation requirement of crops. In this paper, Maps that are shown generated with the help of ArcGIS software (ArcMap tool). The system has been developed using Hypertext Pre Processor (PHP) at front end and MySQL at back end.
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Agussalim, Muliana Djafar, and Andi Syam Rizal. "Analisis Potensi Debit Air Tanah Melalui Pumping Test Metode Step Draw Down pada Sumur Bor Irigasi di Desa Bonto Rannu, Kecamatan Kajang, Kabupaten Bulukumba, Sulawesi Selatan." JFT: Jurnal Fisika dan Terapannya 9, no. 2 (December 31, 2022): 127–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.24252/jft.v9i2.32277.
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The rice fields in Bonto Rannu Village, Kajang District, Bulukumba Regency are dominated by rainfed rice fields. This species has limitations in the dry season because irrigation/agricultural irrigation completely depends on rainwater. Therefore, it is necessary to identify alternative irrigation sources to sustain farmers' farming activities in Bonto Rannu Village. This study aims to analyze the number of groundwater wells by testing in the form of a pump test (pumping test) with the step draw-down method. The optimum discharge (Qopt) of well 1 is 0.01876 m3/s or 67.53 m3/hour with an optimum Sw of 2.891 m. This shows that groundwater in well one can be pumped at 67.53 m3/hour with a decreased water level of 2.891 m, with the pump condition still technically safe. As for well 2, the optimum discharge (Qopt) is 0.00318 m3/s or 11.45 m3/hour with an optimum Sw of 2.100 m. These data indicate that there are limited groundwater reserves.
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Fedosov, A. Yu, and A. M. Menshikh. "Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture to Optimize Irrigation." Agricultural Machinery and Technologies 16, no. 4 (December 13, 2022): 45–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.22314/2073-7599-2022-16-4-45-53.
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Abstract. The relevance of artificial intelligence in agriculture is substantiated for irrigation optimization. (Research purpose) To report on the progress made over the past few years in the application of artificial intelligence to optimize crop irrigation. (Materials and methods) The review focuses on the most salient facts and important scientific information on the application of artificial intelligence in crop production. The review is based on Various databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, RSCI) and online sources (Research Gate, Springer Nature Open Access, Wiley Online Library). It is shown how the integration of machine learning models can provide intelligent irrigation management. The review reports on the research trends and applicability of machine learning methods, as well as the deployment of developed machine learning models for sustainable irrigation management. (Results and discussion) Mobile and web platforms are shown to be able to facilitate intelligent irrigation management. Machine learning proves to be one of the central areas of artificial intelligence helping researchers to work more creatively and efficiently. The review notes the problems of introducing artificial intelligence in crop production and specifies the future research areas in the machine learning implementation and digital farming solutions. (Conclusions) The relevance of the intelligent system in irrigation and water management is proved for sustainable agriculture. It is revealed that, despite the extensive literature available, machine learning modeling for crop irrigation management is still in its infancy. The countries leading in this area are China, the United States and Australia.
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Braunack, M. V. "Cotton farming systems in Australia: factors contributing to changed yield and fibre quality." Crop and Pasture Science 64, no. 8 (2013): 834. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/cp13172.
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This study was undertaken to identify factors in Australian cotton farming systems that influence yield and fibre quality of cotton and how these have changed with time after the wide adoption of Bollgard II® cultivars (containing the proteins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, providing easier control of Helicoverpa spp.) in the 2003–04 season. Data from Australian commercial cotton variety trials conducted from 2004 to 2011 were used to link management inputs, yield, and fibre quality. Restricted (residual) maximum likelihood (REML) and regression analyses were used to determine which factors had a significant effect on yield and fibre quality. Results showed that lint yield was significantly influenced by cultivar and growing region, and the interaction between region and the amount of applied nitrogen and phosphorus (kg ha–1), plant stand (plants ha–1), in-crop rainfall (mm) and the number of irrigations, season length (days), and days to defoliation. Generally, the same factors also influenced fibre quality. Regression analysis captured 41, 71, 50, 30, and 36% of the variability in lint yield, fibre length, micronaire, fibre strength, and trash, respectively, for irrigated systems. For dryland systems the variability captured was 97, 87, 77 80, and 78%, respectively. Changes in cotton farming systems from 2004 to 2011 have occurred with applied nitrogen fertiliser increasing under irrigation and decreasing under dryland systems. However, phosphorus fertiliser use has remained steady under irrigated and decreased under dryland systems, and the number of insect sprayings has decreased under both systems. Under irrigated systems, lint yield, fibre length, and trash levels increased while micronaire and fibre strength decreased. Under dryland systems, lint yield decreased while micronaire, fibre length, strength, and trash levels increased. All fibre quality parameters satisfied criteria that would not incur a penalty. The results considering which factors are the most important and which are of lesser importance provide some insight to changes in management in both irrigated and dryland systems and the effect on lint yield and fibre quality and provide some basis for future investment in research and development and extension to the Australian cotton industry.
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Jadhav, H. K., and S. B. Patil. "STUDIES ON FISH AND FISHERIES OF BORI RESERVOIR, NALDURG. DIST. OSMANABAD. (M. S.) INDIA." YMER Digital 21, no. 05 (May 23, 2022): 1007–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.37896/ymer21.05/b4.
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The present communication deals with the study on fish and fisheries of Bori Reservoir, Naldurg. Dist. Osmanabad. (M.S.) India. Bori Reservoir present work was carried-out during the year 2020 (January to December). The project is mainly constructed for the purpose to provide water for Drinking, Irrigation and Fish Farming activities. The project is exploited for fishery purposes by the local fishermen’s co-operative societies. During the study period 16 species of fishes belonging to 3 orders and 9 families were recorded. Key-words: Fish and Fisheries – Bori Reservoir, Naldurg. Dist. Osmanabad. (M.S.) India.
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Weatherley, A. J., B. F. Quin, K. B. Dassanayake, and J. S. Rowarth. "Runoff losses from irrigated dairy pastures treated with phosphorus fertilisers of differing solubility in south-eastern Australia." Soil Research 49, no. 7 (2011): 633. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr11156.
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In response to increasing concern about environmental quality, water authorities in many countries are imposing legislation limiting phosphorus (P) concentrations in water, which is having an impact on farming practice. This experiment investigated the agronomic effects and runoff losses associated with different forms of P fertiliser applied to an irrigated dairy pasture (soils were Vertic Calcic Red Chromosols; average Olsen P, 50 mg P/kg) in north-central Victoria, Australia. Single superphosphate (SSP), a sulfurised diammonium phosphate, or partially acidulated phosphate rock was surface-applied at 50 kg P/ha in March 2005 to a border-check, flood-irrigated dairy pasture (ryegrass–white clover) ten days before a scheduled irrigation. Dissolved reactive P (DRP) and total P (TP) were measured in runoff from whole bays on one replicate and from microplots on all three replicates for a period of 9 weeks. In all runoff events and all treatments, concentrations of DRP and TP in runoff greatly exceeded water quality guidelines for acceptable limits (0.045 mg P/L). The SSP resulted in significantly higher concentrations of P in runoff than the less water-soluble fertilisers. Even after the fifth irrigation, runoff from all fertilisers still exceeded the control. These results suggest that: (i) P fertilisers should not be applied in high-risk situations as insurance against yield loss; (ii) the current recommendation of withholding irrigation for 3 days after fertiliser application is insufficient to prevent potentially significant losses occurring; and (iii) runoff losses were dependent on the type of fertiliser applied, with a smaller proportion of P applied as sulfurised DAP lost in runoff.
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Nuhu, I., and H. Abdulsalam. "An efficacy of Zobe dam for hydroelectricity generation in Katsina State, Nigeria." Nigerian Journal of Technology 39, no. 4 (March 24, 2021): 1232–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v39i4.32.
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The quest for other alternative and sustainable energy prompted the feasibility assessment of Zobe dam meant for irrigation to produce electricity; In this write-up the scheme is designed to operate with two turbines; turbine T1 to operate all year round to take account of the irrigation need downstream, The second turbine T2 will operate on a spill discharge, and to be available for four months with a generation capacity of 0.969 MW. T1 is expected to discharge 55,500,000m3 within six months to cater for irrigation need with an average discharge rate of 3.6m3 /s. it was found that, the dam has the potential to generate a minimum 0.671MW all year round and a maximum of 1.5MW of power during Peak discharge period. The scheme was designed with minimum modification of the existing infrastructure at site which translate to minimum cost implication in construction, system operation and maintenance.
Keywords: Economic transformation, Energy, hydropower, Irrigation farming, Zobe dam,
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Garside, AL, RJ Lawn, and DE Byth. "Irrigation management of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) in a semi-arid tropical environment. I. Effect of irrigation frequency on growth, development and yield." Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 43, no. 5 (1992): 1003. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ar9921003.
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The effect of frequency of irrigation on the growth, development and yield of soybeans was studied in two experiments at the Irrigation Research Station, Ord Irrigation Area (15�39'S., 128�43' E.), Western Australia. Irrigation frequencies were based on Class A pan evaporation and involved irrigation after every 30, 60, 120 or 240 mm of cumulative pan evaporation. An additional treatment, saturated soil culture (SSC) or continuous furrow irrigation (analogous to 0 mm pan evaporation), was included in one of the experiments. Seed yields increased linearly with increasing irrigation frequency with the highest yields being obtained with SSC. Increasing the frequency of irrigation increased seed yields through the promotion and prolongation of crop growth. Growth rates of all plant components, viz. vegetative, reproductive, roots and nodules 'were enhanced by more frequent irrigation, senescence was delayed, and leaf area retained later in the growing period. Greater yields were reflected mainly in larger seed. The physiological basis for the observed responses is discussed.
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Uddin, MT, and K. Akhi. "Pond Fish Farming under NGO Support and Individual Management: A Comparative Socioeconomic Study." Agriculturists 12, no. 1 (July 19, 2014): 75–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19584.
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The study was conducted to compare the profitability of fish farming under NGO support and individual management and to evaluate the overall impact of NGO intervention on farmers income. A total of 120 farmers (60 for own management and 60 for NGO support) were selected following random sampling technique for data collection from both Mymensingh and Tangail District. The data were collected through direct interview from the selected fish farmers. Data were analyzed with a combination of tabular and functional analysis. The BCR was 1.9 for own management and 2.4 for NGO supported pond fish farming which shows that the fish farming is more profitable under NGO support. The Ravallion test results showed that the income was increased by the amount of Tk. 32500 due to NGOs intervention. Cobb-Douglas production function analysis was done to determine the effects of variables on pond fish production. Out of six variables, three variables in case of own management and four variables in case of NGO support had significant impact on per acre output of fish production. The results of the efficiency computation indicated that labour, feed and lime and medicine were being underutilized and fingerlings and irrigation were being over utilized for own managed pond. Under NGO supported pond, labour, fingerlings and lime and medicine were being underutilized and feed and irrigation were being over utilized. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19584 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 75-84
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Nehl, David, Stephen Allen, and Joseph Kochman. "Fusarium wilt of cotton: a fatal fungal affliction?" Microbiology Australia 24, no. 3 (2003): 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ma03308.
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Fusarium wilt is one of those uncommon phenomena where something so small does so much and motivates so many. It is a virulent, new fungal pathogen which is afflicting a vibrant modern industry in the Australian rural landscape. In this review, we examine the appearance of Fusarium wilt of cotton and the substantial response by the researchers and farming communities behind Australia?s third biggest rural export commodity.
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Harries, Martin, Ken C. Flower, and Craig A. Scanlan. "Sustainability of nutrient management in grain production systems of south-west Australia." Crop and Pasture Science 72, no. 3 (2021): 197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/cp20403.
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Balancing nutrient inputs and exports is essential to maintaining soil fertility in rainfed crop and pasture farming systems. Soil nutrient balances of land used for crop and pasture production in the south-west of Western Australia were assessed through survey data comprising biophysical measurements and farm management records (2010–15) across 184 fields spanning 14 Mha. Key findings were that nitrogen (N) inputs via fertiliser or biological N2 fixation in 60% of fields, and potassium (K) inputs in 90% of fields, were inadequate to balance exports despite increases in fertiliser usage and adjustments to fertiliser inputs based on rotations. Phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) balances were positive in most fields, with only 5% returning losses >5 kg P or 7 kg S/ha. Within each of the three agroecological zones of the survey, fields that had two legume crops (or pastures) in 5 years (i.e. 40% legumes) maintained a positive N balance. At the mean legume inclusion rate observed of 20% a positive partial N budget was still observed for the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR) of 2.8 kg N/ha.year, whereas balances were negative within the Central Agricultural Region (CAR) by 7.0 kg N/ha.year, and the Southern Agricultural Region (SAR) by 15.5 kg N/ha.year. Hence, N budgets in the CAR and SAR were negative by the amount of N removed in ~0.5 t wheat grain, and continuation of current practices in CAR and SAR fields will lead to declining soil fertility. Maintenance of N in the NAR was achieved by using amounts of fertiliser N similar to other regions while harvesting less grain. The ratio of fertiliser N to legume-fixed N added to the soil in the NAR was twice that of the other regions. Across all regions, the ratio of fertiliser N to legume-fixed N added to the soil averaged ~4.0:1, a major change from earlier estimates in this region of 1:20 under ley farming systems. The low contribution of legume N was due to the decline in legume inclusion rate (now 20%), the low legume content in pastures, particularly in the NAR, and improved harvest index of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), the most frequently grown grain legume species. Further quantifications of the effects of changing farming systems on nutrient balances are required to assess the balances more accurately, thereby ensuring that soil fertility is maintained, especially because systems have altered towards more intensive cropping with reduced legume production.
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Rosman, Puteri Shazlia. "Prediction of low flow at ungauged sites." International Journal of Engineering Technology and Sciences 5, no. 2 (October 1, 2018): 1–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.15282/ijets.v5i2.1372.
Full textAbstract:
Low flow prediction at the ungauged site area is important for planning the development water resources management especially that related to power supply or navigation, reservoir design, irrigation, drinking water supply and aquaculture farming. However, the sequent data collection must be collected to able to see the pattern of low flow in future. The purpose of the study to determine low flow at various locations within the tributaries of Sg. Sawak and Sg. Rompin catchment area. Low flow was estimated using 7Q10 equation (estimate the lowest 7 day average flow that occurred on average once every 10 years. The result indicate the 7Q10 in Sg Sawak Catchment and Sg. Pontian Catchment were 0.0179 m3/s in and 0.0067 m3/s respectively.
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Surapaneni, Aravind. "Preface: Sodicity issues in agricultural industries." Soil Research 39, no. 6 (2001): I. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/srv39n6_pr.
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Australia is recognised as containing the world�s largest area of sodic soils, with approximately 33% of the continent being affected. The first National Conference and Workshop on Sodic Soils in Australia was held in Adelaide (9�13 November 1992), to bring together information and experience on sodic soils available at that time. The papers from that conference were published as a special issue of the Australian Journal of Soil Research (Volume 31, 1993). The 1992 conference covered a wide range of topics, including distribution, classification, mineralogy, fertility, environmental consequences, irrigation, and management of sodic soils. Importantly, it identified priority areas for research in each of these topics.
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Hein, Yarzar, Kampanat Vijitsrikamol, Witsanu Attavanich, and Penporn Janekarnkij. "Economic Assessment of Climate Adaptation Options in Myanmar Rice-Based Farming System." Journal of Agricultural Science 11, no. 5 (April 15, 2019): 35. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jas.v11n5p35.
Full textAbstract:
Agriculture is highly sensitive to climate change and understandings how the adaptation options improve the farming household’s adaptive capacity are critical to the agricultural policies. The study was carried out for the economic assessment of climate adaption options in rice-based farming system of Myanmar. The propensity score matching approach was applied to explore the existing adaptation options and its contribution on the farm income. In addition, the binary probit model was used to analyse the factors influencing those adaptation decisions. The erratic rainfall, especially dry spell period and unexpected rain during the critical crop growth, was the critical challenge of rice-based farming in the study. The timely operation of farm machineries was one of the major adaptation options for the farmers, followed by other options such as use of more agrochemicals and changing rice varieties including early maturity, high yielding and stress tolerant varieties. The combination of those adaptations gave additional 0.86-0.89 ton/ha yield, 152-158 USD/ha total return and 108-124 USD/ha profit to the adapter farmers. The institutional factors such as irrigation access, access to credit, access to weekly weather information and participation to agricultural training were critically important to the adaptation decision. Moreover, the social capital factors like farming experience, farm size and farm income share were also major influencing variables.
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Cochrane, HR, G. Scholz, and AME Vanvreswyk. "Sodic soils in Western Australia." Soil Research 32, no. 3 (1994): 359. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr9940359.
Full textAbstract:
Sodic soils are common throughout Western Australia, particularly in the south-west agricultural area where they occur mainly as duplex or gradational profiles. Soils with sodic properties are dominant in 26% of the state; saline-sodic sediments and soils in intermittent streams, lakes and estuarine plains occupy a further 5%. Sodic soils are moderately common throughout the south and western portion of the rangeland areas (38% of the state). The south-west coastal sands and the desert and rangeland soils to the north and east of the state are rarely sodic. Although sodicity has been recognized as a discrete problem in W.A. soils since the 1920s, the extent and severity of sodicity has been satisfactorily described only for small areas of the state and most land managers are unaware of the role sodicity plays in limiting the productivity of their soils. Sodicity is implicated in a diversity of problems for both agricultural and non-agricultural uses of Western Australian soils. Subsoil impermeability is probably the most widespread of these, but no comprehensive, quantitative assessment of the influence of exchangeable sodium on subsoil properties has been undertaken. Topsoil sodicity is much less extensive but can severely restrict land productivity, particularly on sandy loam and finer textured soils which set hard when dry. The physical behaviour of Western Australian topsoils cannot usefully be predicted from measurements of exchangeable sodium alone because soils differ so greatly in their response to changing exchangeable sodium. Some remain structurally stable at ESP values >15 while others are so 'sodium-sensitive' that they exhibit highly dispersive behaviour at ESP values as low as 2%. Land values over much of the dryland farming and pastoral areas of W.A. do not justify sustained use of amendments which would reduce soil exchangeable sodium contents. Efficient management of sodic soils in these areas must rely on the prevention of degradation and the use of biological and physical means to maintain adequate soil physical properties. Effective restoration of degraded sodic soils, however, often does require application of inorganic amendments in combination with tillage to initiate structural recovery. Sodicity is currently not considered to be a problem at any of the three main irrigation areas in W.A., but all have sodic soil within their potentially irrigable lands, which may limit their future expansion.
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Roth, Guy, Graham Harris, Malcolm Gillies, Janelle Montgomery, and David Wigginton. "Water-use efficiency and productivity trends in Australian irrigated cotton: a review." Crop and Pasture Science 64, no. 12 (2013): 1033. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/cp13315.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this review is to report changes in irrigated cotton water use from research projects and on-farm practice-change programs in Australia, in relation to both plant-based and irrigation engineering disciplines. At least 80% of the Australian cotton-growing area is irrigated using gravity surface-irrigation systems. This review found that, over 23 years, cotton crops utilise 6–7 ML/ha of irrigation water, depending on the amount of seasonal rain received. The seasonal evapotranspiration of surface-irrigated crops averaged 729 mm over this period. Over the past decade, water-use productivity by Australian cotton growers has improved by 40%. This has been achieved by both yield increases and more efficient water-management systems. The whole-farm irrigation efficiency index improved from 57% to 70%, and the crop water use index is >3 kg/mm.ha, high by international standards. Yield increases over the last decade can be attributed to plant-breeding advances, the adoption of genetically modified varieties, and improved crop management. Also, there has been increased use of irrigation scheduling tools and furrow-irrigation system optimisation evaluations. This has reduced in-field deep-drainage losses. The largest loss component of the farm water balance on cotton farms is evaporation from on-farm water storages. Some farmers are changing to alternative systems such as centre pivots and lateral-move machines, and increasing numbers of these alternatives are expected. These systems can achieve considerable labour and water savings, but have significantly higher energy costs associated with water pumping and machine operation. The optimisation of interactions between water, soils, labour, carbon emissions and energy efficiency requires more research and on-farm evaluations. Standardisation of water-use efficiency measures and improved water measurement techniques for surface irrigation are important research outcomes to enable valid irrigation benchmarks to be established and compared. Water-use performance is highly variable between cotton farmers and farming fields and across regions. Therefore, site-specific measurement is important. The range in the presented datasets indicates potential for further improvement in water-use efficiency and productivity on Australian cotton farms.
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Oyebola, Oyediran O., Jackson Efitre, Laban Musinguzi, and Augustine E. Falaye. "Potential adaptation strategies for climate change impact among flood-prone fish farmers in climate hotspot Uganda." Environment, Development and Sustainability 23, no. 9 (February 9, 2021): 12761–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-01183-1.
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AbstractClimate-induced floods are increasing in Africa. The need to evolve framework for adaptation to climate change impact (CCI) among flood-prone fish farmers necessitated this study. Based on availability, 60 farming active flood-experienced fish farmers were purposively selected from flood-prone (Gulu and Kibuku) regions in climate hotspot Uganda. These were assessed for CCI adaptation tendencies in their socioeconomics and farming operation/techniques (FOI) indices, CCI awareness, CCI adaptation strategies, and perceived required interventions (RIs) using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed through descriptive and multivariate regression tools. Respondents were mostly male, adults, educated, Christian, married, medium-sized family, social group members, 1–5 years’ experience, medium-sized farms, and government trained. Income was 1.0–6.0 million Ugx/year. In FOI, semi-intensive culture system, use of rainwater plus groundwater, small-sized (< 0.5 ha) ponds, ponds possession of inlets and outlets, seasonal farming and mixed culture/farming dominated. Most respondents were aware of CCI, while erratic rainfall with floods and prolonged drought mostly impacted farming. AS-Adaptation Strategy were changed stocking time and livelihood diversification. Communication technology and social group’s membership enhanced adaptation, while inadequate awareness constrains adaptation. Respondents’ RI(s) were tree planting, irrigation and pond perimeter trenching. Gender, government training, farm size, water sources and presence of inlet and outlets in ponds (FOI) predicted adaptation (R = 0.802, R2 = 0.64, P < 0.05). Some socioeconomic, technical and awareness indices could assist CCI flexibility. However, the statistically significant predictors of adaptation, identified adaptive strategies, constraints to adaptation and required interventions could be integrated into a framework for effective CCI adaptation for sustainable fish farming in flood-prone scenarios.
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Hackney, B. F., J. Jenkins, J. Powells, C. E. Edwards, S. De Meyer, J. G. Howieson, R. J. Yates, and S. E. Orgill. "Soil acidity and nutrient deficiency cause poor legume nodulation in the permanent pasture and mixed farming zones of south-eastern Australia." Crop and Pasture Science 70, no. 12 (2019): 1128. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/cp19039.
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Pasture legumes must be adequately and effectively nodulated in order to reach nitrogen-fixation targets. Of 225 pasture paddocks sampled across the Central Tablelands, Central West, Monaro and Riverina regions of New South Wales, 93% had inadequate legume nodulation. Legume content was significantly higher in the mixed faming zone (>50%, Central West and Riverina) than the permanent pasture zone (26%, Central Tablelands; 28% Monaro). Available phosphorus (P) was below critical levels in 40% of paddocks sampled and sulfur (S) in 73% of paddocks; >35% of all paddocks had soil pHCa <5.0. Deficiency of P was more prevalent in the Central Tablelands (63% of paddocks), whereas S deficiency occurred more frequently in the Central West (95% of paddocks). Legume nodule scores were associated with host legume species, soil pH, available P and/or S, and cation exchange capacity, which collectively accounted for 73% of variation. For Trifolium spp., at soil pHCa >5.55, nodulation was predicted to be near adequate (score 3.95, where adequate = 4). At pHCa <5.55, higher available S resulted in a higher nodulation score (2.42) than in paddocks where S was deficient (score 0–1.97). These results suggest that improving the capacity of legumes to supply nitrogen should focus on addressing soil acidity and plant nutrition, specifically P and S.
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Elder, R. J., W. N. B. Macleod, K. L. Bell, J. A. Tyas, and R. L. Gillespie. "Growth, yield and phenology of 2 hybrid papayas (Carica papaya L.) as influenced by method of water application." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 40, no. 5 (2000): 739. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea98140.
Full textAbstract:
Highly variable, outcrossed papaya lines irrigated with overhead sprinklers were grown at Yarwun (151.3˚E, 23.75˚S) in Queensland, Australia. The inherent variability made scientifically based comparative studies impractical. The advent of uniform hybrid papaya lines allowed the testing of 2 of these hybrids under 3 irrigation methods, 2 of which had the potential to greatly reduce water use compared with overhead sprinklers. Yields of 92 t/ha.year were achieved by both papaya Hybrids 29 and 1E. Water application method did not influence yield. About 26% of plants were lost due to the phytoplasma diseases dieback, yellow crinkle and mosaic over the life of the trial. Downward yield fluctuations were related to poor fruit set in winter when pollinators (Family Sphingidae) were not present and growth was slow due to hot dry periods affecting fruit set. The resultant fruit (about 6 months later) were small and reduced in number. Irrigation with overhead sprinklers using saline water (1400–4000 S/cm) damaged leaves and reduced growth of plants. Winter spot was most severe in July, August and September, in Hybrid 29 with overhead irrigation. Height of plants 13 weeks after planting was greater under trickle irrigation due to less damage from the saline water supply than in the overhead sprinkler treatment. Hybrid 29 set fruit at 94.3 cm above ground compared with 117.6 cm for Hybrid 1E.
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Jayawardane, NS, and KY Chan. "The management of soil physical properties limiting crop production in Australian sodic soils - a review." Soil Research 32, no. 1 (1994): 13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr9940013.
Full textAbstract:
Sodic soils occur extensively on the agricultural lands of Australia. The poor crop productivity of sodic soils is often associated with their low infiltration rates and restricted drainage. This is caused by low macroporosity and macropore instability, due to the presence of sodium on the clay surfaces. To achieve long-term improvements, tillage techniques to increase macroporosity have to be combined with chemical and biological techniques to improve macropore stability. Macropore stability is improved by addition of chemical ameliorants and organic matter. Maintenance of macroporosity also requires protection of the tilled soil from recompaction during flood irrigation, raindrop impact and trafficking. Adverse effects of sodicity of surface soil layers can be corrected by incorporating gypsum and by using conservation farming practices to add organic matter and to protect the surface from mechanical disturbance and raindrop impact. Subsoil sodicity can be corrected by combining deep ripping with chemical ameliorant additions, but the beneficial effects are often quickly lost under flood irrigation and trafficking. Longer term increases in crop production can be achieved by providing surface and subsurface drainage, bed farming and gypsum-slotting. Advantages and disadvantages of these techniques, their application in dryland and irrigated cropping and the areas for future research are discussed. In soils such as Vertisols with high shrink-swell potential, strong-rooted crops such as safflower could be used for biological soil loosening, through deep soil profile drying. The effectiveness of soil ameliorative techniques can be evaluated by assessing the soil factors limiting crop growth during a growing season in a non-ameliorated soil, and the subsequent changes in these soil factors due to the ameliorative practices. A technique which can be used in field studies to monitor these changes through the cropping season, based on the concept of the 'non-limiting soil water range' for crop growth, is described. Irrigation management of sodic soils and re-use of saline drainage waters require an understanding of the changes in soil hydraulic properties with changes in water quality parameters. The 'equivalent salt solution' concept can be used to predict such changes in soil hydraulic properties. These predicted values could then be used in existing water flow models for assessing water and salt flow through irrigated sodic clay soils.
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Khozhanov, Nietbai Nurzhanovich, and Yuri Germanovich Bezborodov. "Optimization of the irrigation rate of agricultural crops based on the use of energy resources." Agrarian Scientific Journal, no. 11 (November 29, 2021): 108–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.28983/asj.y2021i11pp108-112.
Full textAbstract:
The results of methodological studies on the calculation of the total water consumption and irrigation rate of agricultural crops, based on the analysis of the use of energy resources, the radiation balance of the arid zone of the Republic of Kazakhstan are presented. It is proposed to determine the actual total water consumption and the size of the irrigation norm of agricultural crops through the radiation coefficient of the area (KRd), which is determined by the functional dependence with the total lack of air humidity for the growing season (?d) and the radiation indicator of a specific area (R). The dimensions of irrigation norms obtained as a result of calculations are on average 838.9 m3/ha, which is 76.40-83.90 m3/ha higher than the experimental data calculated according to the formula of A. N. Kostyakov. The dimensions of the irrigation norm calculated at the Kordai, Taraz, and Tyuken weather stations are lower than the experimental data. The established fact gives reason to believe that for many years insufficient justification for the appointment of irrigation standards, and, consequently, the saving of irrigation water contributed to the degradation of irrigated massifs. The calculations of the total water consumption according to the indications of 6 regional weather stations were carried out. The calculation of the total water consumption indicator by the absolute mark does not differ from the calculated one by the method of S. M. Alpatiev by more than 10%. The same difference is shown by the calculation of the total water consumption indicator for the radiation indicator. The calculations of the radiation coefficient of the area show that there are energy opportunities to optimize not only irrigation norms and irrigation regime, but also the entire farming system of the arid zone of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which are primarily due to the imperfection of the operated irrigation systems, low quality of irrigation and other reasons.
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McINTYRE, S., H. M. McGINNESS, D. GAYDON, and A. D. ARTHUR. "Introducing irrigation efficiencies: prospects for flood-dependent biodiversity in a rice agro-ecosystem." Environmental Conservation 38, no. 3 (May 25, 2011): 353–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0376892911000130.
Full textAbstract:
SUMMARYWorldwide, irrigation development has affected pre-existing natural habitats and created novel aquatic habitats, and future changes in management will continue to influence flood-dependent vegetation and fauna. Irrigated agriculture has had a profound influence on native biodiversity in the Riverina region of temperate Australia. Current irrigation practices provide large amounts of water to the landscape in the form of constructed wetland habitats: irrigation channels, impoundments and flooded crop-growing areas. Flooded rice bays support many species of native wetland plants, and 12 of the 14 species of frog recorded in the region. All constructed habitats provide a food resource for waterbirds, but not breeding habitat. While a species of tortoise benefits from the provision of constructed habitats, terrestrial reptiles and mammals are most abundant in remaining native vegetation. The climate is predicted to become increasingly hot and dry, with a reduced and more variable supply of irrigation water, thus placing increasing stress on farming and on natural ecosystems. The predicted reduction of constructed aquatic habitats may affect the native species using them, but may not have a major adverse impact on biodiversity regionally because the species recorded in constructed habitats tend be abundant and widespread, and such species also occur in natural wetland habitats. Sensitive species that depend on native vegetation persisting in reasonable amounts and in good condition are at greater risk. In the Riverina, the remaining native vegetation should be managed to protect and improve its condition, including appropriate managed inundation events for flood-dependent communities. The landscape should be managed to provide the best context for the function and health of existing vegetation including moderating the effects of soil disturbance, fertilizers and herbicides. The impacts of changed irrigation practices should be mitigated through managed flooding of remnant vegetation. In countries with more evolved, traditional rice-growing systems than the Riverina, there will be greater emphasis on biodiversity coexistence with cultivation. Nonetheless, in all settings there is value in jointly considering the role of both natural and constructed habitats in biodiversity research and conservation.
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Bell, Thomas, Michael O'Connor, V. K. Jones, Andrew Rekow, Gabriel Elkaim, and Bradford Parkinson. "Realistic Autofarming Closed-Loop Tractor Control over Irregular Paths Using Kinematic GPS." Journal of Navigation 51, no. 3 (September 1998): 327–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0373463398007917.
Full textAbstract:
High-precision ‘autofarming’ makes possible farming techniques previously impractical using metre-level Differential GPS-based control systems: techniques such as tape irrigation, the elimination of guess rows, and precise contour farming. A Carrier-Phase Differential gps positioning and attitude system with centimetre-level and 0·1° accuracy was installed in a large farm tractor. Four types of trajectories (lines, arcs, spirals, and curves) were identified as basic building blocks necessary to generate a ‘global’ trajectory for a realistic autofarming path. Information about each trajectory type was translated into reference state specifications that a linear controller used to control the tractor over velocities between 0·7 and 2·8 m/s to within approximately 6 cm (1 σ) without implement and 10 cm (1 σ) with implement on sloped terrain using a previously developed tractor model. These results are a significant step towards a realistic autofarming system because they not only demonstrate accurate control over various realistic operating speeds but over different types of trajectories necessary for a commercial system.
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Kerich, Emmy C. "Households Drinking Water Sources and Treatment Methods Options in a Regional Irrigation Scheme." Journal of Human, Earth, and Future 1, no. 1 (March 1, 2020): 10–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.28991/hef-2020-01-01-02.
Full textAbstract:
Access to safe and clean drinking water is a major challenge to the people living around Ahero Irrigation Scheme (AIS). Water sources in the area are constantly and increasingly polluted by agrochemical like pesticides from rice farming. 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an herbicide extensively used in AIS. The neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, cytotoxic and hepatoxic effects of (2,4-D) have been well documented. Residues of (2,4-D) have been documented in ponds, rivers, lakes and irrigation canals. Therefore this study surveyed agrochemicals used in AIS, the drinking water source for the residents and finally water treatment option for the obtained water in the year 2013. The study established that (52.8%) of the farmers used hand-weeding and 20.8% of them use (2,4-D) for the weeds control. Results indicated that the most preferred water source was lined improved well (47.2%) followed by irrigation canal (22.2%), the least preferred was rain water with (2.8%). The most used method of water treatment was chlorination (45.8%). Spearman’s coefficient of correlation ( ) revealed that there was positive correlation between the two variables ( =0.145, 72, p=0.224>0.05). As is positive, it implies that the type of treatment given to water depend on its source of the water. Despite the use of chlorinate with almost half of the residents, some of them (22.2%) do not treat their water at all, which may pose a risk of getting water related diseases. Furthermore, despite a proportional number of residents obtaining their water from irrigation canal, all of them do not have appropriate method/s for treating water contaminated with organic pollutants such as herbicides. There is a need to promote water appropriate drinking water treatment method/s in the study area to prevent water related diseases at the family level. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2020-01-01-02 Full Text: PDF
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Chapman, AL, and KM Cellier. "Residual values of zinc sulfate and acidifying (elemental) sulfur for rice on the alkaline Cununurra soils of the Ord Irrigation Area, Western Australia." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 26, no. 5 (1986): 591. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea9860591.
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The residual values of zinc sulfate and acidifying (elemental) sulfur (S) for rice on Cununurra clay were investigated at Kimberley Research Station, near Kununurra in the Ord Irrigation Area, Western Australia. Successive crops were grown on 2 sites showing different degrees of zinc (Zn) deficiency according to visual symptoms. Despite the marked response to Zn fertiliser shown by the first crop of IR665-24-1 rice on the more deficient site (previously fallow for 12 months) there was no significant yield response to applied Zn in the third crop. On the less Zn deficient site (previously under weeds for several years), IR661-1-170-1-3 rice showed no response to Zn fertiliser although transient symptoms occurred in the first and second crops. Continuous cropping per se apparently reduced the severity of Zn deficiency on both sites, thus negating attempts to estimate the residual value of Zn fertiliser. The 2 sites were not distinguishable by the EDTAammonium carbonate soil test for Zn. Extractable Zn increased with increasing level of Zn fertiliser, but plant response was not related to extractable Zn. Application of elemental S (1-4 t ha-1) had no effect on extractable Zn levels before sowing of rice. Increased rice yields due to acidifying S were confirmed, but the residual effects did not extend beyond the fourth crop. In each of the 3 seasons following S application, the yield of IR661-1-170-1-3 increased by 0.3-0.6 t ha-1 but, at current prices, the use of S as a soil ameliorant for rice in the Ord Irrigation Area would be uneconomic.
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Antille, Diogenes L., John McL Bennett, and Troy A. Jensen. "Soil compaction and controlled traffic considerations in Australian cotton-farming systems." Crop and Pasture Science 67, no. 1 (2016): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/cp15097.
Full textAbstract:
A literature review was conducted to collate best practice techniques for soil compaction management within cotton-farming systems in Australia. Universally negative effects of traffic-induced soil compaction on the whole-farm system and the wider environment include: (i) increased gap between attainable and potential yields, (ii) increased costs of energy and labour, (iii) reduced fertiliser-use efficiency, (iv) reduced water use efficiency (irrigation and rainfall), (v) increased tillage intensity. Knowledge gaps that merit research priority, and research strategies, are suggested. These include: (i) identifying wider impacts on farm economics to guide decision-making and development of decision support systems that capture the effects of compaction on fertiliser, water, and energy use efficiency; (ii) predicting risks at the field or subfield scale and implementing precision management of traffic compaction; (iii) canopy management at terminal stages of the crop cycle to manipulate soil-moisture deficits before crop harvest, thereby optimising trafficability for harvesting equipment; (iv) the role of controlled traffic farming (CTF) in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and loss of soil organic carbon, and in enhancing fertiliser and water-use efficiencies; (v) recent developments in tyre technology, such as low ground-pressure tyres, require investigation to assess their cost-effectiveness compared with other available options; and (vi) catchment-scale modelling incorporating changes in arable land-use, such as increased area under CTF coupled with no- or minimum-tillage, and variable rate technology is suggested. Such modelling should assess the potential of CTF and allied technologies to reduce sediment and nutrient losses, and improve water quality in intensively managed arable catchments. Resources must be efficiently managed within increasingly sophisticated farming systems to enable long-term economic viability of cotton production. Agronomic and environmental performance of cotton farming systems could be improved with a few changes, and possibly, at a reasonable cost. Key to managing soil compaction appears to be encouraging increased adoption of CTF. This process may benefit from financial support to growers, such as agri-environmental stewardships, and it would be assisted by product customisation from machinery manufacturers.
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Brier, H. B., D. A. H. Murray, L. J. Wilson, A. H. Nicholas, M. M. Miles, P. R. Grundy, and A. J. McLennan. "An overview of integrated pest management (IPM) in north-eastern Australian grain farming systems: past, present and future prospects." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, no. 12 (2008): 1574. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea08166.
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The authors overview integrated pest management (IPM) in grain crops in north-eastern Australia, which is defined as the area north of latitude 32°S. Major grain crops in this region include the coarse grains (winter and summer cereals), oilseeds and pulses. IPM in these systems is complicated by the diversity of crops, pests, market requirements and cropping environments. In general, the pulse crops are at greatest risk, followed by oilseeds and then by cereal grains. Insecticides remain a key grain pest management tool in north-eastern Australia. IPM in grain crops has benefited considerably through the increased adoption of new, more selective insecticides and biopesticides for many caterpillar pests, in particular Helicoverpa spp. and loopers, and the identification of pest–crop scenarios where spraying is unnecessary (e.g. for most Creontiades spp. populations in soybeans). This has favoured the conservation of natural enemies in north-eastern Australia grain crops, and has arguably assisted in the management of silverleaf whitefly in soybeans in coastal Queensland. However, control of sucking pests and podborers such as Maruca vitrata remains a major challenge for IPM in summer pulses. Because these crops have very low pest-damage tolerances and thresholds, intervention with disruptive insecticides is frequently required, particularly during podfill. The threat posed by silverleaf whitefly demands ongoing multi-pest IPM research, development and extension as this pest can flare under favourable seasonal conditions, especially where disruptive insecticides are used injudiciously. The strong links between researchers and industry have facilitated the adoption of IPM practices in north-eastern Australia and augers well for future pest challenges and for the development and promotion of new and improved IPM tactics.
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Cayenne, Aadila, Ariel E. Turcios, Mette Hedegaard Thomsen, Rui Miranda Rocha, Jutta Papenbrock, and Hinrich Uellendahl. "Halophytes as Feedstock for Biogas Production: Composition Analysis and Biomethane Potential of Salicornia spp. Plant Material from Hydroponic and Seawater Irrigation Systems." Fermentation 8, no. 4 (April 18, 2022): 189. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8040189.
Full textAbstract:
The halophyte plant species Salicornia europaea and Salicornia ramosissima were investigated for their potential to serve as a substrate for biogas production. Salicornia europaea was cultivated in hydroponic systems under varying salt concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 30 g/L NaCl), while S. ramosissima was grown in greenhouse farming with aquaculture effluent irrigation. The biomethane potential of the two halophyte feedstocks was determined through batch experiments, and correlations to the plant biochemical composition were investigated. Ash and mineral content of S. europaea was correlated to the increasing salt concentration used for plant cultivation in hydroponic systems. No indication of inhibition of the anaerobic digestion process was detected for sodium concentrations of up to 2400 mg/L in the anaerobic batch-test assays. The highest biomethane yield of S. europaea of 250 mL CH4/gVS was obtained when grown under 20 g/L NaCl and up to 300 mL CH4/gVS for S. ramosissima. By concentrating the dry matter content, the biomethane yield per ton of feedstock could be increased from 24 m3 CH4/t of the fresh halophyte plant to 74 m3 CH4/t by fractionation into a pulp fraction and to 149 m3 CH4/t by drying of the plant at room temperature for 1 week.
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Brockwell, J. "Sinorhizobium meliloti in Australian soils: population studies of the root-nodule bacteria for species of Medicago in soils of the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 41, no. 6 (2001): 753. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea00194.
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Populations of Sinorhizobium meliloti(formerly Rhizobium meliloti — the root-nodule bacteria for Medicago) from soils at 32 sites on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, were enumerated and evaluated for nitrogen-fixing effectiveness in association with Medicago laciniata, M. littoralis, M. polymorpha, M. rugosa, M. tornata and M. truncatula. These symbiotic values were related to physical features of the environment, viz. soil type, soil reaction, mean annual rainfall, and the presence or absence and frequency of occurrence of sown and naturalised annual species of Medicago (medics). Large populations of S. meliloti (ranging from 270 to 460000 per gram of soil) were detected in 28 of the 29 soils where medics occurred. One or more species of medic were found in 29 of the 32 soils examined. The other 3 soils were relatively moist and acidic in reaction with a mean soil pH (CaCl 2 ) of 5.5. It could be inferred that the presence of populations of S. meliloti was dependent on the occurrence of species of Medicago. Other features of the environment had no impact on the size of S. melilotipopulations, except insofar as they influenced the occurrence of medics. All populations of S. meliloti were effective in nitrogen fixation for M. littoralis and M truncatula, the 2 species most commonly sown as legume components of the cereal–pasture farming systems of the Eyre Peninsula. Effectiveness of populations of S. meliloti for M. polymorpha, M. rugosa and M. tornata was significantly greater (P<0.05) in soils where M. polymorpha occurred than where it did not. Otherwise, the symbiotic capacity of the root-nodule bacteria was not influenced by soil type, soil pH, rainfall or the presence or absence of particular medics. There are many indications that medic productivity on the Eyre Peninsula is in decline with detrimental consequences for the nitrogen economy of the farming systems. The almost universal occurrence in soils of the Eyre Peninsula of large populations of S. meliloti that were effective for M. littoralis and M. truncatula indicated that, whatever the reasons for ‘medic decline’, the condition is not attributable to inadequacies of the naturally occurring populations of root-nodule bacteria.
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Casey, Jordan M., Tracy D. Ainsworth, J. Howard Choat, and Sean R. Connolly. "Farming behaviour of reef fishes increases the prevalence of coral disease associated microbes and black band disease." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 281, no. 1788 (August 7, 2014): 20141032. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2014.1032.
Full textAbstract:
Microbial community structure on coral reefs is strongly influenced by coral–algae interactions; however, the extent to which this influence is mediated by fishes is unknown. By excluding fleshy macroalgae, cultivating palatable filamentous algae and engaging in frequent aggression to protect resources, territorial damselfish (f. Pomacentridae), such as Stegastes , mediate macro-benthic dynamics on coral reefs and may significantly influence microbial communities. To elucidate how Stegastes apicalis and Stegastes nigricans may alter benthic microbial assemblages and coral health, we determined the benthic community composition (epilithic algal matrix and prokaryotes) and coral disease prevalence inside and outside of damselfish territories in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed distinct bacterial communities associated with turf algae and a two to three times greater relative abundance of phylotypes with high sequence similarity to potential coral pathogens inside Stegastes 's territories. These potentially pathogenic phylotypes (totalling 30.04% of the community) were found to have high sequence similarity to those amplified from black band disease (BBD) and disease affected corals worldwide. Disease surveys further revealed a significantly higher occurrence of BBD inside S. nigricans 's territories. These findings demonstrate the first link between fish behaviour, reservoirs of potential coral disease pathogens and the prevalence of coral disease.
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Evans, Jeffrey, and Jason Condon. "New fertiliser options for managing phosphorus for organic and low-input farming systems." Crop and Pasture Science 60, no. 2 (2009): 152. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/cp07153.
Full textAbstract:
Plant-available phosphorus (P) has been found to be limiting crop and pasture production in Australian dryland, broadacre, organic farming systems. The present review examines the mechanisms that act to provide organic sources of P to soil or mobilise P stored within the soil. A range of products is available to exploit one or more of these mechanisms to achieve a claimed improvement in P fertility. These products are described, and where possible, scientific research of their effectiveness is reviewed. The use of microbial inoculants, although successful in laboratory and glasshouse experiments, has returned varied results in field trials. The addition of organic fertilisers, such as composted or elemental sulfur (S) enriched reactive phosphate rock (RPR), tended to produce more reliable results. The variable nature of the composting process creates complexity in the production of composted RPR. The increased dissolution of RPR by the oxidation of added S has been successful in increasing available P content above that of RPR alone. This is especially significant to low-rainfall areas where RPR tend to be ineffective. This paper highlights the need for development and optimisation of the many organic fertilisers and additives available to organic producers. In all cases, products still require rigorous field and economic evaluation so that organic producers can be confident in making decisions that are informed, correct, and profitable with regard to P fertility. The alleviation of P deficiency is vital to the increased adoption and sustainability of boardacre organic farming in Australia.
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Gibberd, Mark R., Allan G. McKay, Tim C. Calder, and Neil C. Turner. "Limitations to carrot (Daucus carota L.) productivity when grown with reduced rates of frequent irrigation on a free-draining, sandy soil." Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 54, no. 5 (2003): 499. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ar02127.
Full textAbstract:
To determine the influence of reduced irrigation input, carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. Ivor) plants were grown on a coarse-textured, sandy soil during summer near Perth, Western Australia. Irrigation was applied daily with sprinklers at 5 rates ranging from 47 to 151% replacement of daily pan evaporation (Ep). A reduction in irrigation from the industry standard of 151% Ep to 124 or 97% Ep resulted in a 17% increase in water use efficiency (WUE) when calculated as total root yield/water applied. However, the percentage of total roots that were marketable declined with reduction in irrigation, being 73, 56, and 63% at 151, 124, and 97% Ep, respectively. This minimised any increase in WUE when calculated on a marketable yield basis. Further reductions in irrigation to 47 and 73% Ep resulted in large reductions in yield, WUE, and the percentage of marketable roots. Leaf biomass was not significantly different between the 151 and 124% Ep treatments and was reduced by 55 and 85% at 73 and 47% Ep, respectively. Soil water tension (ψs) varied from 4 to 80 kPa among the irrigation treatments. Pre-dawn leaf water potential (ψl) was most sensitive to ψs over a ψs range of 0–20 kPa and the influence of ψs on ψl was small (400 kPa) compared with the diurnal variations in ψl of up to 1400 kPa, which occurred independently of significant changes in bulk soil ψs. There was no significant effect of irrigation on the osmotic potential of leaf sap and there was no evidence of osmotic adjustment. For all irrigation treatments, photosynthesis (Pn) peaked in the early morning (0830 hours) at rates of 17–20 μmol CO2/m2.s, after which Pn decreased to a transient minimum value at midday. The diurnal decline in Pn was positively correlated with ψl for all treatments, and minimum values of Pn varied from 12.5 to 7.8 μmol CO2/m2.s for plants grown with 151 and 47% of Ep, respectively. When grown under frequently applied, suboptimal irrigation, carrot productivity is predominately limited by a reduction in leaf growth rates that limits leaf area and matches transpiration requirements with water availability. Furthermore, even under conditions of water deficit, the aerial environment imposes a greater constraint to Pn than soil water availability.
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Liu, Dejiang, Yan Gong, Xuejun Zhang, Xiao Chen, Guo Wang, and Xiao Zhang. "Design and Experiment of Dry-Farming Cantaloupe Transplanter under Water." Agriculture 12, no. 6 (May 31, 2022): 796. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12060796.
Full textAbstract:
To solve the problems of high temperature and drought in the Xinjiang Turpan area and the low survival rate of melon seedlings transplanted into dry soil, existing transplanters for large plant type young melon seedlings can be mechanized. For non-destructive planting for small plant types, such as Hami melon seedlings, there are still poor transplanting effects, planting point precise pile-soil, and other problems. In this study, a water transplanter for laying pipe and film for Hami melons was designed to mechanize the operation of rotating tillage, laying film and covering soil, transplanting potted seedlings on film, and water injection of the seedling root and planting hole, and soil piling and suppression. In this study, a transplanter was designed by coupling the motion of an earth-covering roller and a duck’s mouth planter and realized the precise mound of soil in the planting hole, solved the difficult problem of the precise mound of soil on the membrane, and at the same time carried out water injection on the root of the melon seedlings, which effectively solved the problem of low survival rate of transplanted seedlings in the arid region of Turpan, Xinjiang, China. Field experiments showed that the survival rate of melon seedlings under drip irrigation for 8 h after transplanting into dry soil exceeded 97%. The efficiency of mechanized operation can reach 1 mu/person/hour, which is more than 8 times higher than manual operation. The operation speed of the machine is 1~1.2 m/s, and the qualified transplanting rate is 93.26%, which meets the requirements of cantaloupe transplanting agronomy. This study provides a new method for dry soil cantaloupe transplanting. This article can also provide a design reference for Hami melon transplanting mechanization in arid areas.
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Manca, Fabio, Carla Wegscheidl, Rhianna Robinson, Suzette Argent, Christopher Algar, Daniele De Rosa, Matthew Griffiths, et al. "Nitrate Removal Performance of Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactors in Tropical Climates." Water 13, no. 24 (December 15, 2021): 3608. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w13243608.
Full textAbstract:
In Australia, declining water quality in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is a threat to its marine ecosystems and nitrate (NO3−) from sugar cane-dominated agricultural areas in the coastal catchments of North Queensland is a key pollutant of concern. Woodchip bioreactors have been identified as a potential low-cost remediation technology to reduce the NO3− runoff from sugar cane farms. This study aimed to trial different designs of bioreactors (denitrification walls and beds) to quantify their NO3− removal performance in the distinct tropical climates and hydrological regimes that characterize sugarcane farms in North Queensland. One denitrification wall and two denitrification beds were installed to treat groundwater and subsurface tile-drainage water in wet tropics catchments, where sugar cane farming relies only on rainfall for crop growth. Two denitrification beds were installed in the dry tropics to assess their performance in treating irrigation tailwater from sugarcane. All trialled bioreactors were effective at removing NO3−, with the beds exhibiting a higher NO3− removal rate (NRR, from 2.5 to 7.1 g N m−3 d−1) compared to the wall (0.15 g N m−3 d−1). The NRR depended on the influent NO3− concentration, as low influent concentrations triggered NO3− limitation. The highest NRR was observed in a bed installed in the dry tropics, with relatively high and consistent NO3− influent concentrations due to the use of groundwater, with elevated NO3−, for irrigation. This study demonstrates that bioreactors can be a useful edge-of-field technology for reducing NO3− in runoff to the GBR, when sited and designed to maximise NO3− removal performance.
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Cocks, P. S. "Land-use change is the key to protecting biodiversity in salinising landscapes." Australian Journal of Botany 51, no. 6 (2003): 627. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bt03004.
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This paper argues that the loss of biodiversity in salinising landscapes will be reversed only by addressing the source of the problem: farming systems that leak into the water table. Existing farming systems based on annual crops and pastures will need to be replaced by farming systems that have a significant element of perenniality. The literature suggests that 50–80% of the agricultural landscape needs to include perennial plants.The options are perennial pasture plants or trees, the latter for bioenergy, wood products and fuel. Because of the complexities of introducing new industries, the greatest short-term impact will be achieved by using perennial pastures for existing livestock industries. However, the need to introduce trees and shrubs is such that governments and entrepreneurs should be encouraged to see that new industries are an imperative in rural Australia. To achieve this we need substantial private and public investment, both on and off farms.Techniques are available to value biodiversity and these should be used to fortify the moral and philosophical arguments commonly used to protect biodiversity. It is suggested that a financial value placed on biodiversity, however inadequate, may, in time, be persuasive to governments. Contingent valuing and other non-market methods should be developed and, most importantly, used to bolster the moral and philosophical arguments if governments and the community are to respond to the perceived crisis in biodiversity management.The paper warns of possible tradeoffs between water quality and runoff. We have become dependent on high levels of runoff, and reductions are likely to cause problems both in terms of environmental flows and for the irrigation industries. Yet many of our solutions to dryland salinity will reduce runoff. Location will be all important in the development of perennial-based farming systems, avoiding, where possible, the areas of greatest runoff. Therefore, there are no blanket solutions. Policy will need to distinguish areas with high payoffs or low costs of abatement.Finally, the paper outlines some of the initiatives that are open to government and industry to reverse the trend towards dryland salinity. Emphasis is given to the provision of incentives and the removal of disincentives.
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Fleming, N. K., and J. W. Cox. "Chemical losses off dairy catchments located on a texture-contrast soil: carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, and other chemicals." Soil Research 36, no. 6 (1998): 979. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/s98013.
Full textAbstract:
Runoff (overland flow and A/B horizon interflow) from 2 grazed dairy pastures at Flaxley, South Australia, accounted for <15% of April{October rainfall in 1996; 88{96% of runoff was overland flow. A range of chemicals, including carbon (C), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), was measured in runoff As much as 2·3 kg P/ha, 10·7 kg/ha of total dissolved C, and 1·8 kg S/ha was lost from the catchments in that year. Loads of other chemicals ranged from 0·6 g/ha (boron) to 39·8 kg/ha (aluminium). Over 92% of P, 76% of total dissolved C, and 93% of S was lost in overland flow. Between 50% and 60% of P, and 60% and 85% of S, was in the dissolved form; 64-96% of total dissolved C was dissolved organic C. Other chemicals varied from 0% (aluminium) to 97% (sodium) as the dissolved form. Relatively high losses of P and dissolved organic C are important to a dairy industry which is under increasing pressure to demonstrate minimal environmental impact from farming practices.
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Becagli, Michelangelo, Iduna Arduini, Valentina Cantini, and Roberto Cardelli. "Soil and Foliar Applications of Wood Distillate Differently Affect Soil Properties and Field Bean Traits in Preliminary Field Tests." Plants 12, no. 1 (December 26, 2022): 121. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/plants12010121.
Full textAbstract:
Natural products such as wood distillate (WD) are promising alternatives to xenobiotic products in conventional agriculture and are necessary in organic farming. A field study gave insight into the effectiveness of WD applied as foliar spray (F-WD), soil irrigation (S-WD), and their combination as growth promoters for field beans. The soil fertility and quality parameters, plant growth, nutrient uptake, and resource partitioning within plants were evaluated. In a pot trial, we tested the effect of S-WD on root nodule initiation and growth. S-WD increased DOC and microbial biomass by approximately 10%, prompted enzyme activities, and increased nitrate and available phosphorus in soil, without affecting the number and growth of nodules in field beans. In contrast, the F-WD slightly reduced the DOC, exerted a lower stimulation on soil enzymes, and lowered the soil effect in the combined distribution. In field beans, the F-WD reduced the stem height but increased the number of pods per stem; S-WD increased the N and P concentrations of leaves and the N concentration of the pods. Moreover, all WD treatments retarded plant senescence. The WD revealed itself to be promising as a growth promoter for grain legumes, but further research is needed to understand the interference between the combined soil and foliar applications.