North China Plain (NCP) farmers often utilize maize (Zea mays ) silage for dairy cows and double cropping of maize may be a feasible way to reduce annual water use and land required to produce feed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of growing a double crop of silage maize with and without plastic film mulch. An experiment was conducted between 2015 and 2018 and contained

Porous‐Fiber Module (PFM) is an advanced product used for rainfall regulation and storage. Most studies focus on the characteristics of its constituent material while ignoring the impacts of the PFM application on infiltration and runoff. In this study, several factors were comprehensively considered in the field control simulated rainfall experiments conducted on bare land, including two types of

In the last decade, awareness and use of the concept of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (4RNS) has increased dramatically among practitioners and researchers focused on nutrient management. 4R refers to use of the right source, right rate, right time and right place in nutrient management. These four factors have been recognized as the major pillars of nutrient best management practices for at least 30 years

The optimal row spacing aims to maximize profitability by balancing the reduction in production costs from a wider row spacing against a potential decline in yield and increased weed pressure. A wider row spacing should increase area seeded per day, improve residue flow around seeder openers and the success of seeding between stubble rows. This study investigated the feasibility of a wider row spacing

Dryland winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) produced in the semi‐arid regions of Turkey has variable yields. Supplemental irrigation alleviates the adverse effects of soil moisture stress on the yield during drought periods. This study aimed to determine the influence of irrigation timing on yield stability. Therefore, a three‐year on‐farm irrigation experiment was conducted to determine the effects

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds are becoming increasingly popular as a superfood in Europe. However, broad experience in growing chia in temperate climates is missing. Crop simulation models can be helpful tools for management and decision‐making in crop production systems in different locations. The objective of this study was to adapt the CROPGRO model for simulating growth and yield of chia. Data

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) ratooning has recently attracted attention since it possesses higher yield potential compared to conventional rice growing methods; however, requires a longer growing season. Field experiments were conducted in southwestern Japan in 2017 and 2018 to determine the effect of harvest time (early and normal) and cutting height (high and low) of the first crop on grain yield of the

Corn (Zea mays L.) silage and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) rotations dominate dairy forage production in temperate regions, but low forage production during establishment of spring seeded alfalfa limits productivity and profitability. Interseeding alfalfa with corn silage is a novel establishment method that could enhance soil and water conservation, alfalfa production and farm income, but it also

Lack of water can lead lower chlorophyl concentrations and yields. Based on the hyperspectral reflectance of winter wheat, we analyzed the relationship between the canopy hyperspectral reflectance and the water stressed winter wheat. The correlation analysis (CA), partial least squares regression (PLSR) and successive progressions algorithm (SPA) were used to extract the important bands. Then the hyperspectral

Diversified crop rotation, sequence of crops within a rotation, and management system may affect durum (Triticum turgidum L.) yield and quality. This study investigated the impact of stacked vs. alternate‐year rotation and conventional vs. ecological management system on dryland durum growth, yield, quality, and N relations from 2008 to 2011 in the northern Great Plains. Stacked rotations were durum‐durum‐canola

This paper describes the progress of dryland farming development by comparing the ridge‐furrow plastic film mulching (RFM) system with conventional cultivation in the Chinese Loess Plateau, where the climate is cool and semi‐arid or sub‐humid prone to drought, and dryland farming dominates. The barren soil dominated by eolian sedimentary loess is loose and erosive. For thousands of years, increasing

In Brazil, soybean have been grown in production systems with a low plant species diversification. However, these systems are becoming less efficient and sustainable. This study therefore evaluated the profitability of soybean production systems, as a function of the degree of diversification of crops grown in the winter period. We conducted an experiment in Paraná state, Brazil, over 6 years, under

In sugarcane (Saccharum spp ) breeding, despite the potential use of reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) to explore both non‐additive and additive effects for economic value traits, to date no publications have targeted obtaining heterotic groups to support this selection strategy. The aim of this study was: i) to identify sugarcane gene pools to effectively explore non‐additive and additive genetic

In arid and semi‐arid regions, ridge‐furrow with plastic mulch (RFM) is an innovative approach to promote crop productivity and enhance food security. The long‐term effect of the RFM system on soil water is not known. A 7‐year maize field experiment was conducted between 2012 and 2018 in the Chinese Loess Plateau to estimate the spatial and temporal variation of soil water. The objectives were (1)

Cultivar selection and seeding rate influence soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L) grain yield. Re‐evaluating optimum seeding rate for crops is necessary as modern cultivars may show a greater yield advantage when planted at a higher plant population compared with older cultivars. Furthermore, the relationship between wheat stem population density and yield needs to be understood to help producers

Seeding rate is an important factor in optimizing yield components and thus grain yield of conventional rice (Oryza sativa L.), yet limited information on its effect on organic rice production is available. A field study was conducted under organic management over two years to comprehensively evaluate the effects of seeding rate (108, 161, 215, 269, 323, 376, and 431 seeds m−2) and rice cultivar [Presidio

Shade stress severely limits plant growth and crop productivity. This study investigated the relationship between shade stress and nitrogen (N) accumulation in maize at different growth stages. Field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 with three shading treatments: from emergence stage (VE) to physiological maturity (R6) (whole‐season shade), from six‐leaf (V6) to tassel stage (VT) (midseason

Suppression effect of hemiparasites on grasses is a phenomenon, that can be utilized to increase biodiversity of various grassland systems. Host suitability, environmental effects and hemiparasite abundance most likely influence the impact of parasitism on host height and biomass. However, the role of these factors is unclear in field conditions. We studied host suitability, establishment rates and

Millions of small farmers rely on maize (Zea mays L.) produced in the Loess Plateau of China. The purpose of this study was to find a fine maize variety for increasing production in the Check Dam on the Loess Plateau and to reveal the reasons for the effects of white plastic film mulch and maize varieties on crop yield and photosynthetic characteristics. Three maize cultivars (Dafeng 26, Xianyu 335

Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient, but primary resources are limited and overfertilization may cause eutrophication of freshwater. Our objectives were to examine temperature effects on (1) optimal P rate for turfgrass establishment, and (2) increasing rates of foliar vs. granular P for early spring growth of established greens. Two trials, both on USGA rootzones and replicated in April‐May

The soil physicochemical properties were affected by different fertilizer management, and the soil microbial communities were also changed. Fertilizer regime was closely correlation to the soil texture and nutrient status in a double‐cropping paddy field of southern China. However, there is limited information about influence of long‐term fertilizer management on soil bacterial diversity in a double‐cropping

It is widely recognized that planting soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] early is critical to maximizing yield, but the influence of changing management factors when soybean planting is delayed is not well‐understood. The objectives of this research were to 1) identify management decisions that increase seed yield in either early‐ or late‐planted soybean scenarios, and 2) estimate the maximum break‐even

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping with perennial crops is based on one or more full‐sib progeny because homozygous genotypes are difficult to obtain. The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of Bayesian QTL mapping with full‐sib progeny. The analyses used two simulated data sets, one assuming genotyping for 292 SSR loci (density of 10 cM) and the other assuming genotyping for 2

Proper nitrogen (N) management in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is essential to optimize yields. Information on proper N application rate and placement method is needed for coarse‐textured soils of the humid Southeast. The objective of this study was to measure strip‐tilled cotton performance in response to five N rate and placement application methods. Five N rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180

Big Data in agriculture is growing rapidly through advancements in metagenomics, precision agriculture, and on‐farm sensor technologies, as well as through increased capacity to collect, process, and store these data. Concurrent with 60% increases in food production demands by 2050 and the need for sustainable intensification, is the increased need for data synthesis across temporal and spatial scales

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) agriculture is a main source of negative greenhouse gases. The calculations are based on empirical facts but also, like all research, on certain perspectives or paradigms including assumptions and subjective choices of system boundaries for analysis. Greenhouse gases in relation to agriculture are often presented in diagrams showing

While cover crops and mixtures are increasingly used to provide ecosystem services in agroecosystems, some fundamental questions remain about how cover crop performance and composition vary in different conditions, limiting optimal cover crop use. We conducted a field experiment at a research farm New York State, including a subset of treatments in three working farm fields. We selected two common

A no‐till system may cause stratification of soil organic C and lack effective control of herbicide‐resistant weeds. An occasional tillage is proposed to alleviate these, but only limited information is available on the effect of a single or occasional tillage on crop yield in a no‐till wheat grain−sorghum−fallow (WSF) rotation. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of a single

Influences of planting density and nitrogen rate have been investigated frequently in targeted wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) research. Few studies have investigated interactions between these inputs. The objective was to determine the combine effect of N and seeding rates on culm morph‐physiological traits for lodging tolerance and grain yield. The experiment used a split‐split randomized block design

Kikuyugrass [Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone] is considered either an invasive weed or the desired species on many golf courses, athletic fields, and other turf areas along coastal and inland California. A field study was conducted at the University of California, Riverside in 2012 and 2013 on ‘Whittet’ kikuyugrass mowed at 11 mm to identify management practices for producing sufficient

The two most promising models for analyzing multi‐location trials (MLT) include the factor‐analytic (FA) and equal diagonal factor‐analytic (FA1) models. Here, we compare the two models by analyzing four datasets performed for the corn (Zea mays L.) performance trails in Northeastern and Northern China. The FA model contained more parameters for the variance–covariance of variety effects than the FA1

The use of organomineral fertilizers in agriculture instead of mineral fertilizers is a way to add organic compounds to the soil, potentially improving its properties and crop production. Our objective was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of an organomineral fertilizer manufactured from poultry litter and mineral fertilizers. The experiment was carried out in a Humic Cambisol in the subtropical

Dry season vegetable production is challenging due to water scarcity, a drawback on sustaining year‐round crop production. Biochar improves soil moisture and nutrient retention and may be used to improve vegetable water productivity. We examined the combined effect of rice straw biochar and irrigation on yield, water productivity, and phosphorus (P) uptake of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) grown

Biocontrol strains can activate defense genes and promote plant growth. The aim of this study is to evaluate the development of Trichoderma in substrates with additives by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The T. harzianum, T019 isolated from the Protected Geographical Indication Alubia La Bañeza‐León was tested in peat and vermiculite with and without additives. The development was evaluated

Mob grazing, which uses very high stocking densities for short durations followed by a relatively long rest period, was designed to mimic bison (Bison bison) grazing in western U.S. grassland. This project assessed the suitability of mob grazing for livestock production in the Northeast. Objectives were to compare the effects of mob and rotational grazing on dry matter (DM) mass, nutritive value, and

Greenhouse research was conducted to examine effects of adding humic products to fertilizers on turfgrass. The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of humic products to fertilizers will increase turfgrass root and shoot morphological parameters. Kentucky bluegrass (KBG; Poa pratensis L.) and bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] were established in sand‐filled tubes. Treatments

Fritillaria przewalskii Maxim., a member of the Lilly family native in China, is used in Chinese herbal medicine. The plants have a reproductive cycle of 6 years. In order to better understand the growth characteristics of this species, the biomass allocation for plant organs at vegetative growth stages (V) and reproductive growth stages (R) were investigated. A reduced major axis (RMA) was used to

Crop rotation in combination with tillage can improve productivity, enhance economical return, and reduce soil erosion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of moldboard plow (MP), strip tillage (ST), no‐tillage (NT), and crop rotations on: (1) crop yield; (2) soil chemical properties; and (3) particulate organic matter (POM). The study was initiated in 2007 at the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln

The current and projected anthropogenic global warming and the attendant increase in the severity and extent of soil degradation may exacerbate the intensity and duration of drought occurrence in agroecosystems. Restoration of the soil organic matter (SOM) content of degraded/depleted soils can increase soil water retention (SWR) more at field capacity (FC) than that at the permanent wilting point

In this study, a 6‐year field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of different amounts of corn stover returned to the field on soil properties and grain yield of double‐cropped of winter wheat and summer maize. A randomized block design with three replications was employed including three treatments: based on all stalks of winter wheat returned to the field, (1) all summer maize stalks

Smart irrigation controllers have demonstrated potential for turfgrass water conservation in humid and temperate environments but have not been comprehensively tested in arid environments. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of a wireless capacitance sensor over a wide soil moisture range and to ascertain if smart irrigation controllers resulted in water savings without reducing

Seasonal drought and low temperatures strongly limit rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain yield in the hilly areas of Southwest China. An integrated rice management (IRM) system was developed, which integrates ridge cultivation with plastic mulching, furrow irrigation, and triangular transplanting. A field experiment was conducted from 2011 to 2015. The effects of IRM on grain yield, yield components, soil

Consumer demand for sustainably produced agricultural products is increasing. One approach that can be used to evaluate and compare product sustainability is to conduct a life cycle analysis (LCA). The term LCA is broadly used to describe a suite of analytical resources and standardized methods. Life cycle analyses are a transdisciplinary tool which can and are used by all professions but work best

Potato is an important staple crop in China. Yet, potato yields are low and a general aim is to produce more crop with less resources and minimal environmental impacts. This study aimed to assess the relationships between yield, resource use efficiencies, and environmental performance of potato production in China. Three major potato production regions (Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Heilongjiang) were

The North American Project to Evaluate Soil Health Measurements was initiated with the objective to identify widely applicable soil health measurements for evaluation of agricultural management practices intended to improve soil health. More than 20 indicators were chosen for assessment across 120 long‐term agricultural research sites spanning from north‐central Canada to southern Mexico. The indicators

There is a lack of persistent forage legumes for permanent pastures in eastern Canada. Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.; KC) is a long‐lived species, with demonstrated potential in various regions, however, there is a lack of information on its performance in mixtures with grasses and no comparisons with white clover (Trifolium repens L.; WC), the main legume species recommended for pastures

Carbon sequestered by turfgrasses may contribute to reducing atmospheric CO2 levels, to improved soil health, and to increased turfgrass quality. The objective of this study is to compare the amount of soil C accumulated by nine cool season turfgrass monocultures and 12 mixtures of turfgrass species during the first 3 yr of establishment. Thatch, mat, and other soil layers were sampled and thickness

The anaerobic potentially mineralizable N (PMN) test combined with the preplant (PPNT) and presidedress (PSNT) nitrate tests may improve corn (Zea mays L.) N fertilization predictions. Forty‐nine corn N response experiments (mostly corn following soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]) were conducted in the U.S. Midwest from 2014–2016 to evaluate the ability of the PPNT and PSNT to predict corn relative

Optimum fertilization is one of the challenges to agricultural sustainability. Understanding the physiological and biochemical response of plants to available nutrients is important for optimization of crop management practices. Present study investigated the effects of different levels of N fertilizer (N0 = 0 kg ha−1 [Control], N1 = 140 kg ha−1 [Low], N2 = 280 kg ha−1 [Medium], and N3 = 420 kg ha−1

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) is the most utilized forage in Florida and requires N fertilization to optimize production. Integrating legumes into bahiagrass pastures may reduce N fertilizer inputs and improve forage nutritive value. This 2‐yr, 2‐location, on‐farm study established two legumes, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or rhizoma peanut (RP; Arachis glabrata Benth.), in mixtures with bahiagrass

Fertilizer microdosing (FM) is being promoted in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) to boost crop productivity on smallholder farms. However, yield response variability is a barrier to adoption. We conducted a meta‐analysis to analyze the variability in cereal crop yield response to FM and to determine the main factors associated with this variability. Thirty publications pertaining to millet [Pennisetum glaucum

Anthracnose is a turfgrass disease caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum cereale Manns and can cause severe damage to annual bluegrass putting greens. Most turfgrass managers use fungicides to manage anthracnose, although legislation in some locations are compelling managers to seek fungicide alternatives. This 2‐yr field experiment in western Oregon evaluated different rates and application

Cover crops (CC) in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations may prevent N loss and provide other ecosystem services but CC productivity in the western Corn Belt is limited by the short growing season. Our objective was to assess CC treatment and planting practice effects on CC biomass, spring soil nitrate concentrations, and soybean yield at two rainfed sites in eastern and

Cover crops (CCs) are promoted in agricultural systems because of multi‐functionality claims of CCs increasing soil health, improving nutrient management, and enhancing crop yields. However, the adoption of CCs by farmers remains marginal in the United States because of the direct increase in the cost of planting and potential interference of CCs with grain crop production. The objective of this study

Athletic field safety is a top concern of field managers and athletic directors across all sports. Increased field usage on fields with traffic‐sensitive cultivars results in reduced turf cover and therefore decreased field safety. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L., KBG) is the most widely used cool‐season turfgrass on athletic fields due to its dense turf canopy. While most KBG cultivars have strong

The planting of crops in rows results in a large amount of variation in soil nutrient levels and soil water. The hypothesis of this paper is that row spacing can be adjusted to optimize water use efficiency (WUE). The objective was to investigate the effects of row placement on corn (Zea mays L.) growth, leaf photosynthetic characteristics, yield, soil water, inorganic nitrogen (N), evapotranspiration

In recent decades, moisture‐based subsurface drip irrigation management strategies lead to water savings while maintaining strawberry yields in open fields. Most soils in the Québec City area are characterized by a high proportion of schist fragments and high hydraulic conductivity, causing substantial water losses following irrigation. Until now, little was known about the efficiency of soil‐moisture‐based

Agroforestry is widely practiced in China and has the benefit of diversifying agricultural production and enhancing natural resource utilization; however, these systems create competition for light between trees and understory crops. We investigated the effects of shading by jujube and walnut trees on the yield and quality of intercropped wheat in agroforestry systems in southern Xinjiang Province

Low nutritive value of perennial warm‐season grasses often causes limitation to stocker cattle production in the U.S. southern Great Plains (SGP). Exploration of novel legumes capable of generating nutritious summer forage is required to fill forage deficit periods. This 2‐yr field experiment compared the seasonal changes in forage biomass, leaf/stem ratio, and chemical composition of three varieties