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Agriculture
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Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture
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Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 October 2022) | Viewed by 48204

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Mubshar Hussain

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agronomy, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan 60800, Pakistan
Interests: crop production under stressful environments; seed priming; biochar; allelopathy;cropping systems; conservation agriculture; crop nutrition and agronomic biofortification
Dr. Sami Ul-Allah

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan Bahadur Sub Campus Layyah, Multan 31200, Pakistan
Interests: crop improvement; cropping systems; yield and nutritional quality; abiotic stress tolerance
Dr. Shahid Farooq

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Harran University, Şanlıurfa 63050, Turkey
Interests: climate change; cropping systems; agronomic biofortification; abiotic stress tolerance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapidly increasing global population has led to the establishment of new residential colonies on productive agricultural lands, resulting in a significant reduction in the cropped area. Furthermore, rapid changes in the regional and global climates are resulting in multiple stresses, making crop production more challenging. These factors necessitate sustainable agricultural production from the existing cropped areas. Numerous strategies are being used to sustain agricultural production, including development of climate-resilient genotypes, integrated soil and crop management, etc. Integrated crop management involves several eco-friendly measures put together for sustaining production. These may include a combination of any of the options, i.e., seed priming, application of organic and inorganic amendments, use of rhizobacteria, application of macro and micronutrients, biofortification, good management practices, etc. Integration of these management practices leads to improved soil health and crop productivity. However, the benefits of integrated crop management are largely influenced by environment, soil type and fertility, and crop type. Mono-cropping systems or the use of the same crop rotation lead to reduced soil quality, favoring insect pests’ infestation and reducing farm profits. Combination of exhaustive and restorative crops in rotation as well as in intercropping and relay cropping improves soil quality, crop nutrition, sustains crop production and ultimately leads to higher net returns. Therefore, the benefits of integrated crop management should be considered on a long-term basis not for the short-term yield response.

This Special Issue will focus on the impacts of integrated crop management practices on soil health, crop productivity, and a reduction in the impacts of expected climate changes on crop production in a sustainable manner. Research and review articles focusing on any of the above-described aspects will be gladly considered in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Mubshar Hussain
Dr. Sami Ul-Allah
Dr. Shahid Farooq
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • integrated crop management
  • intercropping
  • relay cropping
  • crop rotation
  • soil quality
  • climate change
  • biotic and abiotic stresses
  • seed priming
  • seed inoculation
  • beneficial microbes
  • climate-resilient crop varieties
  • biochar
  • sowing time
  • planting density
  • canopy cover

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 171 KiB  
Editorial
Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture
by Mubshar Hussain, Sami Ul-Allah and Shahid Farooq
Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050954 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3998
Abstract
Integrated crop management (ICM) aims to balance economic, environmental, and social factors in crop production [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

15 pages, 1158 KiB  
Article
Influence of Transgenic (Bt) Cotton on the Productivity of Various Cotton-Based Cropping Systems in Pakistan
by Muhammad Waseem Riaz Marral, Fiaz Ahmad, Sami Ul-Allah, Atique-ur-Rehman, Shahid Farooq and Mubshar Hussain
Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020276 - 23 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5033
Abstract
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fiber crop in Pakistan with significant economic importance. Transgenic, insect-resistant cotton (carrying a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)) was inducted in the cotton-based cropping systems of Pakistan during 2002, and is now sown [...] Read more.
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fiber crop in Pakistan with significant economic importance. Transgenic, insect-resistant cotton (carrying a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)) was inducted in the cotton-based cropping systems of Pakistan during 2002, and is now sown in >90% of cotton fields in the country. However, concerns are rising that Bt cotton would decrease the productivity of winter crops (sown after cotton), leading to decreased system productivity. This two-year field study determined the impacts of transgenic (Bt) and non-transgenic (non-Bt) cotton genotypes on the productivities of winter crops (i.e., wheat, Egyptian clover, and canola), and the overall productivities of the cropping systems including these crops. Four cotton genotypes (two Bt and two non-Bt) and three winter crops (i.e., wheat, Egyptian clover, and canola) were included in the study. Nutrient availability was assessed after the harvest of cotton and winter crops. Similarly, the yield-related traits of cotton and winter crops were recorded at their harvest. The productivities of the winter crops were converted to net economic returns, and the overall economic returns of the cropping systems with winter crops were computed. The results revealed that Bt and non-Bt cotton genotypes significantly (p < 0.05) altered nutrient availability (N, P, K, B, Zn, and Fe). However, the yield-related attributes of winter crops were not affected by cotton genotypes, whereas the overall profitability of the cropping systems varied among the cotton genotypes. Economic analyses indicated that the Bt cotton–wheat cropping system was the most profitable, with a benefit–cost ratio of 1.55 in the semi-arid region of Pakistan. It is concluded that Bt cotton could be successfully inducted into the existing cropping systems of Pakistan without any decrease to the overall productivity of the cropping system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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16 pages, 2469 KiB  
Article
Adaptation and High Yield Performance of Honglian Type Hybrid Rice in Pakistan with Desirable Agricultural Traits
by Muhammad Ashfaq, Renshan Zhu, Muhammad Ali, Zhiyong Xu, Abdul Rasheed, Muhammad Jamil, Adnan Shakir and Xianting Wu
Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020242 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3282
Abstract
Honglian type cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is one of the three known major CMS types of rice (Oryza sativa L.) commercially used in hybrid rice seed production. Hybrid rice generated by the Honglian type CMS is a special group of hybrid rice, [...] Read more.
Honglian type cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is one of the three known major CMS types of rice (Oryza sativa L.) commercially used in hybrid rice seed production. Hybrid rice generated by the Honglian type CMS is a special group of hybrid rice, having distinct agricultural characteristics. The main objective of the study was to screen out the Honglian hybrid rice adapted for growing in Pakistan based on desirable traits. Different Honglian-type hybrid rice varietieswere tested locally in different locations in Pakistan based on various desirabletraits. Three Honglian types of hybrids (HP1, HP2, HP3) performed well, had better agricultural traits and showed high yield potential over the check variety. Different qualitative and quantitative traits were studied to conclude the advantages of these varieties for Pakistani local adaptation evaluations. Forty-eight SSR markers were used to study the genetic diversities of the hybrids. Nine selected polymorphic SSR markers (RM-219, RM-236, RM-274, RM-253, RM-424, RM-567, RM-258, RM-481, RM-493) showed genetic variations among Honglian hybrid rice varieties through PCR analysis. In 2019 and 2020, the increment of the yield potential of HP1, HP2 and HP3 was better (+43.90%, +35.44%, +37.13% and +30.91%, +33.37%, +33.62%, respectively, in both years)than the check variety KSK-133. All the desirable traits were analyzed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The principal components with more than one eigenvalue showed more variability. The average variability of 74.78% was observed among genotypes and their desirable traits in both years. National Uniform Yield Trial (NUYT) and Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability (DUS) trials are being conducted under the supervision of National Coordinated Rice (NCR) and Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSCRD), Government of Pakistan. In the 2020 trial, the average yield of 104 rice varieties/hybrids was 8608 kg/ha; HP1, HP2 and HP3 (8709 kg/ha, 8833 kg/ha, and 9338 kg/ha, respectively) were all higher than the average yield, and HP3 yield was higher than over check varieties (D-121, Guard-53). In the 2021 trial, the average yield of 137 varieties was 7616 kg/ha; the HP1 yield (7863 kg/ha) was higher than the average overcheck varieties/hybrids. Various qualitative and quantitative traits showed desirable genetic diversity among the rice hybrids. It was also observed that, under higher temperatures, the seeds setting rate of Honglian-type hybrid rice was stable, which is the guarantee for stable yield and rice production in Pakistan. Moreover, it was considerably better, suggesting that Honglian-type hybrid rice varieties can be grown in Pakistan because they are less risky under climate change, especially the global warming challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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15 pages, 1871 KiB  
Article
Legume Species Alter the Effect of Biochar Application on Microbial Diversity and Functions in the Mixed Cropping System—Based on a Pot Experiment
by Akari Kimura, Yoshitaka Uchida and Yvonne Musavi Madegwa
Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101548 - 25 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2438
Abstract
Biochar application to legume-based mixed cropping systems may enhance soil microbial diversity and nitrogen (N)-cycling function. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of biochar application on soil microbial diversity and N-cycling function with a particular focus on legume species. Therefore, we [...] Read more.
Biochar application to legume-based mixed cropping systems may enhance soil microbial diversity and nitrogen (N)-cycling function. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of biochar application on soil microbial diversity and N-cycling function with a particular focus on legume species. Therefore, we performed a pot experiment consisting of three legume species intercropped with maize: cowpea, velvet bean, and common bean. In addition, one of three fertilizers was applied to each crop: biochar made of chicken manure (CM), a chemical fertilizer, or no fertilizer. Amplicon sequencing for the prokaryotic community and functional prediction with Tax4Fun2 were conducted. Under the CM, Simpson’s diversity index was higher in soils with common beans than those in other legume treatments. On the other hand, N-cycling genes for ammonia oxidation and nitrite reductase (NO-forming) were more abundant in velvet bean/maize treatment, and this is possibly due to the increased abundance of Thaumarchaeota (6.7%), Chloroflexi (12%), and Planctomycetes (11%). Cowpea/maize treatment had the lowest prokaryotes abundances among legume treatments. Our results suggest that the choice of legume species is important for soil microbial diversity and N-cycling functions in CM applied mixed cropping systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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10 pages, 1424 KiB  
Article
Response of Natural Enemies toward Selective Chemical Insecticides; Used for the Integrated Management of Insect Pests in Cotton Field Plots
by Amir Nadeem, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir, Azhar Abbas Khan, Atif Idrees, Muhammad Faisal Shahzad, Ziyad Abdul Qadir, Naveed Akhtar, Arif Muhammad Khan, Ayesha Afzal and Jun Li
Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091341 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3532
Abstract
Sucking pests of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), such as thrips, or Thrips tabaci Lindeman, and jassid, or Amrasca biguttula Ishida, are among the most threatening insect pests to young cotton plants in Pakistan. New chemical insecticides have been trialed to control their [...] Read more.
Sucking pests of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), such as thrips, or Thrips tabaci Lindeman, and jassid, or Amrasca biguttula Ishida, are among the most threatening insect pests to young cotton plants in Pakistan. New chemical insecticides have been trialed to control their damage in commercial fields. Formulations that show good suppression of these pest’s populations, while sparing bio-controlling agents, are always preferred for obtaining better crop yield. Six different commercially available insecticides, namely Fountain® (fipronil and imidacloprid), Movento Energy® (spirotetramat and imidacloprid), Oshin® (dinotefuran), Concept Plus® (pyriproxyfen, fenpyroximate, and acephate), Maximal® (nitenpyram), and Radiant® (spinetoram) were evaluated in the present study to shortlist the best available insecticide against targeted pests. Harmful impacts of selected insecticides were also evaluated against naturally occurring predators, such as spiders and green lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea). Radiant® (spinetoram) and Movento Energy®, respectively, were best at controlling thrips (with 61% and 56% mortality, respectively) and jassid (62% and 57% mortality, respectively) populations during 2018 and 2019. Radiant® proved itself as the best option and showed minimal harmful effects on both major arthropod predators of cotton fields i.e., spiders (with 8–9% mortality) and green lacewings (with 12–16% mortality). Movento Energy® also showed comparatively less harmful effects (with 15–18% mortality) towards natural predatory fauna of cotton crops, as compared to other selective insecticides used in the study. The findings of current study suggest that the judicious use of target-oriented insecticides can be an efficient and predator-friendly management module in cotton fields. However, the impact of these chemicals is also depended on their timely application, keeping in consideration the ETL of pests and the population of beneficial arthropods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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21 pages, 1399 KiB  
Article
Osmopriming Combined with Boron-Tolerant Bacteria (Bacillus sp. MN54) Improved the Productivity of Desi Chickpea under Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions
by Noman Mehboob, Tauqeer Ahmad Yasir, Shahid Hussain, Shahid Farooq, Muhammad Naveed and Mubshar Hussain
Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081269 - 20 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2193
Abstract
Chickpeas are rich source of protein and predominantly grown in boron (B)-deficient sandy-loam soils in Pakistan. Boron-tolerant bacteria (BTB) could tolerate higher B levels in soil and increase B availability to the plants. Field trials were conducted under irrigated (district Layyah) and rainfed [...] Read more.
Chickpeas are rich source of protein and predominantly grown in boron (B)-deficient sandy-loam soils in Pakistan. Boron-tolerant bacteria (BTB) could tolerate higher B levels in soil and increase B availability to the plants. Field trials were conducted under irrigated (district Layyah) and rainfed (district Chakwal) conditions to evaluate the interactive effects of pre-optimized B application methods and BTB (Bacillus sp. MN54) on the nodule’s population, grain quality, productivity, and grain-B concentration in desi chickpea during 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. Boron was applied as soil application (1 kg B ha−1), foliar application (0.025% B), osmopriming (0.001% B), and seed coating (1.5 g B kg−1 seed) with or without BTB inoculation. Untreated seeds receiving no B through any of the methods were regarded as control. The individual and interactive effects (up to three-way interaction of location × BTB inoculation × B application methods) of year, location, B application methods and BTB inoculation significantly altered the growth and yield-related traits of desi chickpea. The four-way interaction of year × location × BTB inoculation × B application methods was non-significant for all recorded growth and yield-related traits. Regarding individual effects, the higher values of growth and yield-related traits were noted for 2020–2021, rainfed location, BTB inoculation and B application through seed priming. Similarly, in two-way interactions 2020–2021 with rainfed location and BTB inoculation, rainfed location with BTB inoculation and osmopriming and osmopriming with BTB inoculation recorded higher values of the growth and yield-related traits. Osmopriming combined with BTB inoculation significantly improved dry matter accumulation and leaf area index in both locations. Boron application through all the methods significantly improved grain quality, yield grain B concentration. The highest grain and biological yields, and nodules’ population were recorded with osmopriming followed by soil application of B combined with BTB inoculation. The highest plant B concentration (75.05%) was recorded with foliar application of B followed by osmopriming (68.73%) combined with BTB inoculation. Moreover, the highest economic returns (USD 2068.5 ha−1) and benefit–cost ratio (3.7%) were recorded with osmopriming + BTB inoculation in 2020–2021 under rainfed conditions. Overall, B application through osmopriming and soil application combined with BTB inoculation could be used to increase productivity and profitability of desi chickpea, whereas foliar application is a better method to enhance grain and plant B concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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14 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Phosphorus and Potassium Application Improves Fodder Yield and Quality of Sorghum in Aridisol under Diverse Climatic Conditions
by Atique-ur-Rehman, Rafi Qamar, Muhammad Mohsin Altaf, Mona S. Alwahibi, Rashid Al-Yahyai and Mubshar Hussain
Agriculture 2022, 12(5), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12050593 - 23 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2674
Abstract
Fodder yield and quality must be improved for sustainable livestock production. A lack of or low application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (P) are among the leading constraints of lower fodder yield and quality of sorghum [most cultivated fodder crop during kharif season [...] Read more.
Fodder yield and quality must be improved for sustainable livestock production. A lack of or low application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (P) are among the leading constraints of lower fodder yield and quality of sorghum [most cultivated fodder crop during kharif season (crop cultivation in summer and harvesting during winter] in Aridisol of Pakistan. Therefore, this two-year field study evaluated the role of different P and K levels on fodder yield and quality of sorghum cultivar ‘Ijar-2002’ planted in Multan and Okara districts, Punjab, Pakistan. Seven P-K (kg ha−1) levels, i.e., T1 (40–0), T2 (80–0), T3 (0–40), T4 (0–60), T5 (40–40), T6 (80–40), T7 (60–80) and an untreated T0 (control) were included in the study. Results indicated that individual effects of years, locations and P-K levels had a significant effect on fodder yield and quality. All treatments received an equal amount of nitrogen (i.e., 120 kg ha−1). Application of P-K in Aridisols at both locations significantly improved fodder yield, dry matter yield, and ether contents during both years. The T6 (80–40 kg ha−1) significantly improved yield and quality traits of sorghum fodder except for crude fiber (CF) and acid and neutral detergent fiber (ADF and NDF) at both locations during both years of study. Moreover, fodder harvested from Multan observed significantly higher CF, ADF, NDF, cellulose and hemicellulose contents than Okara. However, sorghum grown in Okara harvested more fodder yield due to more plant height and ether contents. In conclusion, planting sorghum in Aridisols, fertilized with 80–40 kg ha−1 P-K seemed a viable option to harvest more fodder yield of better quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
13 pages, 1394 KiB  
Article
Regression Modeling Strategies to Predict and Manage Potato Leaf Roll Virus Disease Incidence and Its Vector
by Yasir Ali, Ahmed Raza, Hafiz Muhammad Aatif, Muhammad Ijaz, Sami Ul-Allah, Shafeeq ur Rehman, Sabry Y. M. Mahmoud, Eman Saleh Hassan Farrag, Mahmoud A. Amer and Mahmoud Moustafa
Agriculture 2022, 12(4), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12040550 - 12 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2865
Abstract
The potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) disease is a serious threat to successful potato production and is mainly controlled by integrated disease management; however, the use of chemicals is excessive and non-judicious, and it could be rationalized using a predictive model based on [...] Read more.
The potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) disease is a serious threat to successful potato production and is mainly controlled by integrated disease management; however, the use of chemicals is excessive and non-judicious, and it could be rationalized using a predictive model based on meteorological variables. The goal of the present investigation was to develop a disease predictive model based on environmental responses viz. minimum and maximum temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. The relationship between epidemiological variables and PLRV disease incidence was determined by correlation analysis, and a stepwise multiple regression was used to develop a model. For this purpose, five years (2010–2015) of data regarding disease incidence and epidemiological variables collected from the Plant Virology Section Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad were used. The model exhibited 94% variability in disease development. The predictions of the model were evaluated based on two statistical indices, residual (%) and root mean square error (RMSE), which were ≤±20, indicating that the model was able to predict disease development. The model was validated by a two-year (2015–2017) data set of epidemiological variables and disease incidence collected in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The homogeneity of the regression equations of the two models, five years (Y = −47.61 − 0.572x1 + 0.218x2 + 3.78x3 + 1.073x4) and two years (Y = −28.93 − 0.148x1 + 0.510x2 + 0.83x3 + 0.569x4), demonstrated that they validated each other. Scatter plots indicated that minimum temperature (5–18.5 °C), maximum temperature (19.1–34.4 °C), rainfall (3–5 mm) and relative humidity (35–85%) contributed significantly to disease development. The foliar application of salicylic acid alone and in combination with other treatments significantly reduced the PLRV disease incidence and its vector population over control. The salicylic acid together with acetamiprid proved the most effective treatment against PLRV disease incidence and its vector M. persicae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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20 pages, 3933 KiB  
Article
Barley-Based Cropping Systems and Weed Control Strategies Influence Weed Infestation, Soil Properties and Barley Productivity
by Muhammad Naeem, Waqas Ahmed Minhas, Shahid Hussain, Sami Ul-Allah, Muhammad Farooq, Shahid Farooq and Mubshar Hussain
Agriculture 2022, 12(4), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12040487 - 30 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4095
Abstract
Barley-based cropping systems (BCS) alter barley production by influencing weed infestation rates and soil nutrient dynamics. This two-year field study evaluated the interactive effects of five BCS and five weed control strategies (WCS) on soil properties and the growth and yield of barley. [...] Read more.
Barley-based cropping systems (BCS) alter barley production by influencing weed infestation rates and soil nutrient dynamics. This two-year field study evaluated the interactive effects of five BCS and five weed control strategies (WCS) on soil properties and the growth and yield of barley. Barley was planted in five different cropping systems, i.e., fallow-barley (FB), maize-barley (MaB), cotton-barley (CB), mungbean-barley (MuB) and sorghum-barley (SB). Similarly, five different WCS, weed-free (control, WF), weedy-check (control, WC), false seedbeds (FS), chemical control (CC) and use of allelopathic water extracts (AWE), were included in the study. The SB system had the highest soil bulk density (1.48 and 1.47 g cm−3 during the period 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, respectively) and lowest total soil porosity (41.40 and 41.07% during the period 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, respectively). However, WCS remained non-significant for bulk density and total soil porosity during both years of the study. Barley with WF had a higher leaf area index (5.28 and 4.75) and specific leaf area (65.5 and 64.9 cm−2 g−1) compared with barley grown under WC. The MuB system under WC had the highest values of extractable NH4-N (5.42 and 5.58 mg kg−1), NO3-N (5.79 and 5.93 mg kg−1), P (19.9 and 19.5 mg kg−1), and K (195.6 and 194.3 mg kg−1) with statistically similar NO3-N in the MaB system under WC and extractable K in the MuB system under FS. Grain yield ranged between 2.8–3.2 and 2.9–3.3 t ha−1 during the period 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, respectively, among different WCS. Similarly, grain yield ranged between 2.9–3.2 and 3.0–3.2 t ha−1 during the period 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, respectively, within different BCS. Among WCS, the highest grain yield (3.29 and 3.32 t ha−1) along with yield-related traits of barley were in WF as compared to WC. Overall, MuB system recorded better yield and yield-related traits, whereas the lowest values of these traits were recorded for FB systems. In conclusion, the MuB system with WF improved soil characteristics and barley yield over other cropping systems. The AWE significantly suppressed weeds and was equally effective as the chemical control. Therefore, MuB and AWE could be used to improve barley productivity and suppress weeds infestation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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13 pages, 596 KiB  
Article
Encapsulated Clove Bud Essential Oil: A New Perspective as an Eco-Friendly Biopesticide
by Zoran Milićević, Slobodan Krnjajić, Milan Stević, Jovana Ćirković, Aleksandra Jelušić, Mira Pucarević and Tatjana Popović
Agriculture 2022, 12(3), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12030338 - 27 Feb 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5190
Abstract
In this work by encapsulation technique we have synthetized three new clove bud essential oil (CEO) Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) formulations depending on the carrier (synthetic zeolite- F-CSZ, nature zeolite- F-CNZ and gelatin- F-CG). The main idea was to develop an eco-friendly biopesticide [...] Read more.
In this work by encapsulation technique we have synthetized three new clove bud essential oil (CEO) Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) formulations depending on the carrier (synthetic zeolite- F-CSZ, nature zeolite- F-CNZ and gelatin- F-CG). The main idea was to develop an eco-friendly biopesticide that can find use in plant protection as an alternative to the use of conventional pesticides. By encapsulation we wanted to enable water solubility and ensure prolonged efficacy of the essential oil. Biological activity of designed CEO formulations was tested on potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (fumigant mode of action), gray mold fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea (preserver coatings), and soft rotting bacterial pathogens Pectobacterium carotovorum (subsp. carotovorum and brasiliensis) and Dickeya dianthicola (direct competition). CEO formulations evinced a prolonged action on mortality of P. operculella during the insects’ exposure to the concentration of the emulsions of 40 µL L−1 air. The mortality gradually decreased from a probability of 100% after the first 24 h to 50% after 5 days for F-CSZ or after 4 days for F-CNZ and F-CG. The most promising formulation is F-CSZ enabling activity during 14 days of exposure, while the effect of the other two formulations lasted 10 days. All three formulations produced a strong fungicidal effect against B. cinerea by preventing infection and disease development. The best efficacy was evidenced with F-CSZ (synthetic zeolite as a carrier) showing 100% efficacy when it was used even at the lowest tested concentration of active CEO (1%). The results of in vitro testing against soft rot pathogens determined the MIC value of CEO formulations to be 1% of active CEO. By this research, we present a novel perspective on the use of essential oils as an alternative, environmental biopesticide. CEO formulations can be commercially exploited as a fumigant or preserver coatings to extend the shelf life of stored products or the fresh-fruit market. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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17 pages, 2484 KiB  
Article
Manure Maturation with Biochar: Effects on Plant Biomass, Manure Quality and Soil Microbiological Characteristics
by Tereza Hammerschmiedt, Jiri Holatko, Jiri Kucerik, Adnan Mustafa, Maja Radziemska, Antonin Kintl, Ondrej Malicek, Tivadar Baltazar, Oldrich Latal and Martin Brtnicky
Agriculture 2022, 12(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12030314 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2607
Abstract
Application of biochar and composts prepared from organic wastes as soil amendments has been recognized as a beneficial strategy to enhance soil fertility and crop production. However, the modification of manures with applied organic amendments such as biochar has not been well explained. [...] Read more.
Application of biochar and composts prepared from organic wastes as soil amendments has been recognized as a beneficial strategy to enhance soil fertility and crop production. However, the modification of manures with applied organic amendments such as biochar has not been well explained. Therefore, the preliminary study was designed to evaluate the impact of two doses of biochar (low 0.4 kg + 10 kg of manure and high 4 kg + 10 kg of manure) on the modification of resulting co-composted manure properties, and subsequently to evaluate the effect of matured manure amendment on the soil chemical and biological properties and plant yield in the pot experiment with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The following variants were tested: control, manure (M), manure + low biochar dose (M + LB), manure + high biochar dose (M + HB). Results revealed that, the M + HB significantly improved the co-composted manure properties as compared to control and M + LB, respectively. The most pronounced effects of M + HB treatment were observed on pH, NH4-N and humic acid to fulvic acid ratio (used as an index for manure maturity) relative to other treatments. Similarly, significant variations were observed between AOB (ammonium oxidizing bacteria) and nirs genes under M + HB which lowered the AOB and increased the nirs abundance as compared to other treatments. Moreover, when applied to soil, M + HB increased the observed soil chemical parameters with the exception of TN contents as compared to M and M + LB treatments. Similarly, plant biomass was significantly enhanced under the applied M + HB treatment. However, statistically insignificant differences were observed regarding soil enzyme activities and soil respiration values under the applied amendments. Thus, it was concluded that the co-composted manure with high biochar dose can have the potential to enhance the manure properties, soil fertilization value and plant biomass. However, its effects on soil microbiological and enzyme activities were intended be explored under long-term field experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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19 pages, 1443 KiB  
Article
Response of Indian Dwarf Wheat and Persian Wheat to Sowing Density and Hydrothermal Conditions of the Growing Seasons
by Małgorzata Szczepanek, Grzegorz Lemańczyk, Rafał Nowak and Radomir Graczyk
Agriculture 2022, 12(2), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12020205 - 1 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2119
Abstract
The need for foods with high nutritional value has led to the rediscovery of ancient wheat species Triticum sphaerococcum and T. persicum as raw materials with valuable consumption properties, but their reintroduction requires assessment of their productivity under different agricultural practices. The field [...] Read more.
The need for foods with high nutritional value has led to the rediscovery of ancient wheat species Triticum sphaerococcum and T. persicum as raw materials with valuable consumption properties, but their reintroduction requires assessment of their productivity under different agricultural practices. The field experiments were carried out for three years (2018–2020) to test the hypothesis that the sowing density of T. sphaerococcum and T. persicum (400, 500 and 600 no m−2) will affect their agronomic traits, yield and occurrence of diseases, but the response will depend on the hydrothermal conditions of the growing seasons. In this study, a significant correlation of the grain yield with the amount of precipitation in tillering, and from booting to the beginning of fruit development was demonstrated. The sowing density of T. sphaerococcum had an impact on the grain yield only under moderate drought stress during the growing season (2019), when the highest yield was obtained at a sowing density of 600 m−2. In 2019, the most favorable sowing density was also the highest for T. persicum. In the year with the lowest amount of rainfall during the growing season (2018), the yield of T. persicum was the highest in the lowest sowing density. At the shooting stage, a greater intensity of powdery mildew was observed on T. persicum, especially with higher sowing densities. Increasing the sowing density also increased the occurrence of root rot symptoms in both wheat species in the year that favored the occurrence of this disease (2018). It can be concluded that in the integrated low-input cultivation of T. sphaerococcum and T. persicum, it is justified to use a sowing density of 600 pcs. m−2, in an agroclimatic zone with moderate droughts during the growing season. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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16 pages, 1725 KiB  
Article
Production and Profitability of Hybrid Rice Is Influenced by Different Nutrient Management Practices
by Ram Datta Bhatta, Mahendra Paudel, Kishor Ghimire, Khem Raj Dahal, Lal Prasad Amgain, Samiksha Pokhrel, Samikshya Acharya, Bishnu Prasad Kandel, Krishna Aryal, Bishwas K. C., Meena Pandey, Yadav KC, Samrat Paudel, Milan Subedi, Bhoj Raj Pant, Tirtha Raj Bajgai, Niranjan Koirala, Salama Mostafa Aboelenin, Mohamed Mohamed Soliman, Gaber EI-Saber Batiha and Jitendra Upadhyayaadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Agriculture 2022, 12(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12010004 - 21 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5128
Abstract
The government of Nepal has recommended blanket fertilizer application for rice cultivation, which results in lower nutrient use efficiency (NUE) particularly under rainfed conditions. With the aim of finding an appropriate nutrient management practices concerning rice production and profitability, a field experiment was [...] Read more.
The government of Nepal has recommended blanket fertilizer application for rice cultivation, which results in lower nutrient use efficiency (NUE) particularly under rainfed conditions. With the aim of finding an appropriate nutrient management practices concerning rice production and profitability, a field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2017 and 2018 at Kavrepalanchowk and Dang district of Nepal. Altogether, five treatments comprising various nutrient management practices viz. Nutrient Expert Model (NE), use of Leaf Color Chart (LCC), Government Recommended Fertilizer Dose (GON), Farm Yard Manure (FYM), and Farmers’ Field Practice (FFP), were laid out in RCBD with four replications in farmers’ fields. The analysis of variance showed significant difference between treatments for test weight and grain yield in Kavrepalanchowk whereas all traits except number of effective tillers were significant in Dang. The significantly higher grain yield and harvest index were obtained in NE, followed by LCC; and the overall straw yield was highest in LCC, followed by NE in both the locations. Also, yield gap analysis suggested the NE had 44.44% and 23.97% increase in yield as compared to FPP in Kavrepalanchowk and Dang, respectively. The combined analysis with Best Linear Unbiased Estimator revealed the interaction of nutrient management and location significantly effects the straw yield and harvest index across both the locations. The estimated mean straw yield and harvest index were 10.93 t/ha and 34.98%, respectively. Both correlation study and biplot of principal component analysis signaled grain yield had positive correlation with all other traits. Furthermore, the net revenue was maximum for NE, followed by LCC in both the locations. The benefit: cost ratio was highest for NE which was 1.55 in Kavrepalanchowk and 2.61 in Dang. On the basis of these findings, NE and LCC can be effectively used as nutrient management practice by the farmers to obtain maximum production and profitability in Rice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture)
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