Tag Archives: grain yield

5–18 M. Hokhanyan, G. Tovmasyan, A. Markosyan, L. Yeritsyan, S. Yeritsyan2 and S. Mamajanyan
Comparative effects of deep ploughing and disking on soil properties and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Yernjatap, Armenia
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Comparative effects of deep ploughing and disking on soil properties and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Yernjatap, Armenia

M. Hokhanyan¹*, G. Tovmasyan¹, A. Markosyan², L. Yeritsyan¹, S. Yeritsyan2 and S. Mamajanyan¹

¹Armenian National Agrarian University, Faculty of Agronomy, Department of Crop cultivation and Soil Science, Teryan street 74, AM0009 Yerevan, Armenia
²Armenian National Agrarian University, Scientific Center of Soil Science, Melioration and Agrochemistry after H. Petrosyan, Isakov Avenue 24, AM0004 Yerevan, Armenia
*Correspondence: hokhanyan.meri@gmail.com

Abstract:

Soil tillage practices play a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility and ensuring sustainable agricultural production under rainfed conditions. This study evaluated the effects of conventional (deep ploughing, 20–22 cm) and shallow tillage (disking, 10–12 cm) on soil properties, nutrient availability, and the yield and grain quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), cultivar ‘Tanya’, in Yernjatap settlement, Aragatsotn region, Armenia. The experiment was conducted during 2022–2024 using a randomized design with three replications. Shallow tillage improved soil structure and fertility, increasing humus content (up to 4.19%) and water-stable aggregates (up to 55.1%), while conventional tillage resulted in a decline in humus in the upper soil layer. Nutrient availability was also enhanced under disking, with available phosphorus increasing from 2.72 to 3.94 mg 100 g⁻¹ and potassium reaching 40.64 mg 100 g⁻¹ in the 0–20 cm layer. In contrast, both nutrients decreased under deep ploughing. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, and soluble salts were not significantly affected by tillage practices. Improved soil conditions under disking led to enhanced plant growth, higher biomass accumulation, and increased survival rates, exceeding deep ploughing by up to 13.9%. Grain yield was significantly higher under disking in 2024, reaching 1.71 t ha⁻¹ compared to 1.39 t ha⁻¹ under ploughing, representing a 23.0% increase (P = 0.003). Straw yield also increased by 21.4%. The results demonstrate that shallow tillage is a more effective and sustainable practice for improving soil fertility, enhancing winter wheat productivity, and supporting stable crop production under rainfed mountainous conditions.

Key words:

deep ploughing, disking, grain yield, rainfed agriculture, winter wheat

126–146 A.B. Pereira, R. Domingues, E.F. Caires and J.V. Mattos
Biological responses of barley as affected by soil moisture and cationic balance in Brazil
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Biological responses of barley as affected by soil moisture and cationic balance in Brazil

A.B. Pereira*, R. Domingues, E.F. Caires and J.V. Mattos

State University of Ponta Grossa, Campus of Uvaranas, 4748 Carlos Cavalcanti Avenue, BR 84030-900, State of Paraná, Brazil
*Correspondence: doctorpeartree023@gmail.com

Abstract:

Control of water in the soil-plant-atmosphere system is vital to assure maximization of crop yield. Nutrients uptake by the plants is considerably affected by soil moisture mainly because mineral nutrients reach out for roots as a function of mass flux and diffusion. Soil cationic balance might impinge upon calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) uptake by the plant roots. In light of the hypothesis that soil Ca:Mg ratio more suitable for agricultural crops hinges upon soil moisture, the current research aimed to study interrelationships between soil moisture status and cationic balance in soil on biological responsiveness of barley plants. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment and a randomized complete block design was used with three replicates arranged in a 4×4 factorial scheme. Soil water treatments imposed herein were defined as a function of four fractions of maximum crop evapotranspiration (ETm): 60, 80, 100, and 120% ETm along with four ratios between calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg): 1:1, 3:1, 6:1, and 9:1. The parameters evaluated were: plant height, number of tillers, number of ears per plant, number of grains per ear, number of grains per plant, grain weight per plant, and thousand-grain weight. Soil cationic balance did not impinge upon agronomic performance of barley crop, whereas all of response-variables evaluated were highly governed by soil water availability. Conversely, the most adequate soil Ca:Mg ratio to promote the best biological responsiveness of barley grown under a protected environment did not depend on soil moisture levels.

Key words:

grain yield, Hordeum vulgare L., soil Ca:Mg ratio, soil fertility, soil humidity

785-804 A. Attallah, W. Hamdi, K. Van den Meersche, A. Souid, D.E. Kucher , O.A. Zakharova, M. Farissi, B. L’ taief, J.A. Messiga, S. Jellali and N.Y. Rebouh
Evaluating the STICS Soil-Crop Model on durum wheat-chickpea intercropping system under the semi-arid conditions of Southern Tunisia
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Evaluating the STICS Soil-Crop Model on durum wheat-chickpea intercropping system under the semi-arid conditions of Southern Tunisia

A. Attallah¹, W. Hamdi¹*, K. Van den Meersche², A. Souid¹, D.E. Kucher ³, O.A. Zakharova⁴, M. Farissi⁵, B. L’ taief⁶, J.A. Messiga⁷, S. Jellali⁸ and N.Y. Rebouh³

¹Gabes University, Higher Institute of the Sciences and Techniques of Waters of Gabes, Zrig, 6072 Gabès, Tunisia
²Eco&Sols, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, 2 place Pierre Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France
³Department of Environmental Management, Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Str., RU117198 Moscow, Russia
⁴Department of agronomy and agrotechnologies, Ryazan State Agrotechnological University Named after P.A. Kostychev, 1, Kostychev Str., RU390044 Ryazan Russia
⁵Laboratory of Biotechnology & Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Beni-Mellal, Sultan Moulay Slimane University,
Beni-Mellal 23000, Morocco
⁶Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 960,
62223 Abha, Saudi Arabia
⁷Agassiz Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agassiz, BC V0M1A0, Canada
⁸Center for Environmental Studies and Research, Sultan Qaboos University,
Al-Khoud 123, Muscat, Oman
*Correspondence: wissemhemdi@yahoo.fr

Abstract:

Soil-crop models provide critical insights for designing and assessing innovative cropping systems, particularly for improving sustainability in water-limited regions. However, accurately modeling intercropping systems particularly those involving grains and legumes continues to pose a significant challenge in agricultural research. This study focuses on the initial calibration and evaluation of the STICS soil-crop model for a durum wheat-chickpea intercropping system in Mediterranean semi-arid conditions. Field experiments were conducted during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 cropping seasons in the Medenine region, Tunisia, with comparison between the intercropping and monoculture systems. The Model performance was evaluated using Aboveground Plant Nitrogen (AGPN) as an indicator of nitrogen uptake. The STICS model demonstrated satisfactory predictive capacity across most simulations, with efficiency (EFF) values ranging from 0.56 to 0.80. Grain yield predictions were reasonably accurate, as indicated by a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of ≤ 37%, particularly for durum wheat (EFF ≥ 0.55). The model effectively simulated the soil water content, achieving an efficiency (EFF) of ≥ 0.51 and an NRMSE of ≤ 25%, especially in the chickpea plots. However, the predictions of the soil nitrogen stock were less accurate in the chickpea monocultures, with efficiency values ≤ 0.38 and NRMSE ≥ 44%. The intercropping simulations showed moderate accuracy, with efficiency values up to 0.41. These findings highlight the potential complementary interactions between durum wheat and chickpeas in using nitrogen and carbon resources. This study contributes to the development of sustainable agricultural practices tailored to Mediterranean climates, supporting climate adaptation and resource efficiency.

Key words:

carbon, crop modeling, grain yield, nitrogen, soil water content, sustainable agriculture

693-710 R. Dragov, K. Taneva and V. Bozhanova
Parametric and nonparametric stability of grain yield and grain protein content in durum wheat genotypes with various origins
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Parametric and nonparametric stability of grain yield and grain protein content in durum wheat genotypes with various origins

R. Dragov*, K. Taneva and V. Bozhanova

Agricultural Academy, Field Crops Institute – Chirpan, Georgi Dimitrov 2 Str., BG6200 Chirpan, Bulgaria
*Correspondence: dragov1@abv.bg

Abstract:

Identification of genotypes that can maintain a good yield and quality performance under climatic variability is critical for ensuring future food security. The aim of this study was to determine the stability of fifty-four durum wheat varieties with different geographical origins conceming the traits grain yield and grain protein content by parametric and nonparametric assessments. The varieties were tested in three consecutive years 2019–2021 in a randomized block design in three replications. Four nonparametric stability assessment, four parametric stability assessment, the coefficient of variation and the simulated assessment of yield and stability by Kang were determined. The analysis of variance revealed a significant influence of genotypes, environment and the genotype and environment interaction (GxE) on the expression of both studied traits. The environment showed a greatest influence on the variation of both traits. Eleven genotypes achieved average yield above 6.00 t ha^-1. The genotypes with a high average yield and grain protein content and high stability as determined by the most stability assessments were identified as Melina (BG), Raylidur (BG) and Beloslava (BG) – for grain yield and varieties as Cesare and Beloslava (BG) – for grain protein content. The Bulgarian variety Beloslava was the most valuable combination high yield and grain protein content along with high stability for both traits across different seasons. Beloslava can be recommended for involvement in durum wheat breeding programs for simultaneously improvement of productivity and grain quality and to develop new durum wheat varieties well adapted to changing climate conditions.

Key words:

durum wheat, grain protein content, grain yield, stability

222-238 C. Vasilaki, A. Katsileros, D. Doulfi, A. Karamanos and G. Economou
Evaluation of seven barley genotypes under water stress conditions
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Evaluation of seven barley genotypes under water stress conditions

C. Vasilaki¹, A. Katsileros², D. Doulfi¹*, A. Karamanos¹ and G. Economou¹

¹Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Crop Science, Laboratory of Agronomy, Iera Odos 75, GR11855 Athens, Greece
²Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Crop Science, Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Iera Odos 75, GR11855 Athens, Greece
*Correspondence: dimdoulfi@yahoo.gr

Abstract:

The evaluation of seven barley genotypes under water stress conditions using drought tolerance indices was investigated during two agronomical seasons in the experimental field of Agricultural University of Athens in Greece. The experimental design was a split-plot layout in four blocks. Four different levels of irrigation were implemented, with the method of escalated distance from the source of water (drip irrigation line). The experimental plots were protected from rain since the experiment was conducted under a rainout shelter. Measurements of water potential index of the plants were conducted, as well as stomatal resistance and stomatal resistance index of leaves, and grain yield of genotypes. A decrease in water potential index (15–25%) and grain yield (35–54%) was observed in all genotypes as soil moisture decreased. On the other hand, stomatal resistance and stomatal resistance index (26–69%) of leaves increased. Grain yield had a strong relationship with the indices of water potential and stomatal resistance of leaves. Grain yield of all genotypes is affected under water stress conditions, with the six-rowed genotypes being more adaptive than the two-rowed ones. It can be concluded that indices of water potential and stomatal resistance of leaves can be effectively used in the evaluation of genotypes under water stress conditions.

Key words:

drought tolerance, grain yield, stomatal resistance index, water potential index

320-334 S.C. Malaza and T. Tana
Agronomic and physiological response of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids to plant density in the dry and wet Middleveld of Eswatini
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Agronomic and physiological response of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids to plant density in the dry and wet Middleveld of Eswatini

S.C. Malaza and T. Tana*

Department of Crop Production, University of Eswatini, P. O Luyengo, M 205, Eswatini
*Correspondence: tamado@uniswa.sz

Abstract:

One of the factors limiting yield of maize in Eswatini is use of non-optimum plant density for the different maturity group of maize hybrids in different agro-ecologies. Thus, an experiment was conducted at Malkerns (wet Middleveld) and Luve (dry Middleveld) in Eswatini to determine the effects of plant density on growth, yield components and grain yield of maize hybrids. Factorial combinations of three maize hybrids [SC 403 (early maturing), SC 621 (medium maturing), SC 719 (late maturing)] and five plant densities (41,667; 44,444; 47,619; 50,000, and 57,143 plants ha^-1) were evaluated in Randomised Complete Block Design in three replications. The results showed that Malkerns had significantly higher crop growth rate (CGR) between V12 and R6 growth stages, relative growth rate (RGR) between V6 and V12 growth stages, mass of thousand kernels (395.60 g), aboveground dry biomass (22.71 t ha^-1) and grain yield (7.67 t ha^-1). Among maize hybrids, SC 719 produced significantly the highest CGR (18.37 g m^-2 per day) between V12 and R6, aboveground dry biomass (23.05 t ha^-1), number of kernels per m² (2074), and grain yield (7.49 ha^-1). Moreover, SC 719 grown at Malkerns recorded significantly the highest leaf area index (LAI) at V6, and the highest CGR (31.35 g m^-2 per day) between V6 and V12 and the tallest plants. The highest density of 57,143 plants ha^-1 produced the highest LAI, aboveground dry biomass (21.53 t ha^-1) and grain yield (7.17 t ha^-1). Thus, late maturing maize hybrid SC 719 and plant density of 57,143 plants ha^-1 (70 cm × 25 cm) can be used to enhance the productivity of maize in the Middleveld of Eswatini.

Key words:

crop growth rate, grain yield, leaf area index, relative growth rate, Swaziland, yield components

408–422 É Horváth, B. Gombos and A. Széles
Evaluation phenology, yield and quality of maize genotypes in drought stress and non-stress environments
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Evaluation phenology, yield and quality of maize genotypes in drought stress and non-stress environments

É Horváth, B. Gombos and A. Széles*

Institute for Land Utilisation, Regional Development and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, 138 Böszörményi Str., Hungary
*Correspondence: szelesa@agr.unideb.hu

Abstract:

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of agrometeorological indices (growing degree days, GDD; heliothermal unit, HTU; photothermal unit, PTU; hydrothermal unit, HYTU) on the phenology and yield (GY) of the Sushi (FAO 340) and Fornad (FAO 420) maize hybrids. Furthermore, it was also analysed how the amount of nitrogen and its application time affected the productivity and protein content (GP) of maize under drought stress (DS) and non-stress (NS) conditions. There were seven fertilizer treatments in the scope of the field experiment. Non-fertilized treatment (A0) spring basic treatment with 60 and 120 N ha-1 (A60, A120), and following the basic treatments, 30 kg N ha-1 top-dressing was applied in the V6 (V690, V6150) phenophase and then another 30 kg N ha-1 in the V12 (V12120, V12180) phenophase. Based on the GDD and PTU, length of the vegetation period of maize hybrids can be predicted. Under DS, the largest GY and GP was recorded in the same treatment for Sushi (V6150 kg N ha−1), and at different nutrient levels under NS: GY (A120) and GP (V6150). The highest GY of Fornad hybrid under DS was achieved with the A120 treatment while the highest GP with the V6150; in the case of NS V6150 kg N ha−1 was the most effective for both GY and GP. The + 30 kg ha-1 N fertilizer applied in the V12 phenophase did not improve GY and GP in either hybrid during the two growing seasons. The findings provide useful help for farmers to prepare for future environmental changes and to operate successfully.

Key words:

agrometeorological indices, grain protein content, grain yield, nitrogen fertilization, phenology

1388–1403 A. Panfilova,, A. Mohylnytska, V. Gamayunova, M. Fedorchuk, A. Drobitko and S. Tyshchenko
Modeling the impact of weather and climatic conditions and nutrition variants on the yield of spring barley varieties (Hordeum vulgare L.)
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Modeling the impact of weather and climatic conditions and nutrition variants on the yield of spring barley varieties (Hordeum vulgare L.)

A. Panfilova¹,*, A. Mohylnytska², V. Gamayunova¹, M. Fedorchuk¹, A. Drobitko¹ and S. Tyshchenko²

¹Mykolayiv National Agrarian University, Faculty of Agricultural technologies,
73 Karpenko Str., UA54000 Mykolayiv, Ukraine
²Mykolayiv National Agrarian University, Faculty of Management, 9 George Gongadze Str., UA54020 Mykolayiv, Ukraine

Abstract:

Crop yield is a result of the interaction between plant genetic traits, soil properties, agrotechnology and climatic regimes. Low yield tend to be formed in regions where it is limited to the extent of water availability, heat stress and the short duration of the grain filling period. High temperature and drought stress are projected to reduce crop yields and threaten food security. The article presents the results of studies on the effectiveness of treatment of spring barley crops with modern growth-regulating drugs on the background of mineral fertilizers, carried out in different weather and climatic conditions in 2013–2017 yrs on the Southern chernozem in the conditions of Steppe of Ukraine. It was studied the influence of weather and climatic conditions, varietal characteristics of spring barley and nutrition variants on the formation of grain yield. It was determined that the cultivation of spring barley, the introduction of pre-sowing cultivation of mineral fertilizer at a dose of N30P30 (background) and the use of crop foliar fertilizing at the beginning of the phase of stooling and earing by the complex organo-mineral fertilizer Escort bio created favorable conditions for the growth and development of plants of the studied varieties, which in turn had a positive effect on grain yield. Thus, according to this variant of nutrition, on average, during the years of research, it was formed the yield of 3.25–3.61 t ha-1 grains depending on the studied variety.
Results of researches showed that weather conditions during the years of research significantly influenced on the productivity of spring barley varieties. In 2016 the amount of precipitation was the highest (174.0 mm), the temperature during vegetation of spring barley was +14.9 °C. In 2013 the amount of precipitation was the lowest (67.4 mm), the temperature was +18.5 °C. The lowest crop yield was formed in 2013, and the highest yield was formed in 2016. Studies showed that the influence of weather factors in various interfacial periods of growth and development of spring barley was significant enough for the manifestation of signs of yield and its elements and is more dependent on rainfall.

Key words:

grain yield, modeling of regularities., plant nutrition, spring barley, variety, weather and climatic conditions

1905–1917 L. Hlisnikovský, P. Čermák, E. Kunzová and P. Barłóg
The effect of application of potassium, magnesium and sulphur on wheat and barley grain yield and protein content
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The effect of application of potassium, magnesium and sulphur on wheat and barley grain yield and protein content

L. Hlisnikovský¹*, P. Čermák¹, E. Kunzová¹ and P. Barłóg²

¹Department of nutrition management, Crop Research Institute, Drnovská 507, CZ16101 Prague 6, Ruzyně, Czech Republic
²Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Environmental Biogeochemistry, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71F, PL60-625 Poznan, Poland
*Correspondence: l.hlisnik@vurv.cz

Abstract:

The objective of our experiment was to study the effect of mineral fertilizers, rich mainly in the K, Mg and S content, and compare their effect on grain yield and protein content of winter wheat and winter barley with fertilizer treatments without these elements. The analyzed fertilizer treatments were 1) Control, 2) mineral nitrogen treatment (N), 3) mineral nitrogen with phosphorus (NP), 4) NP with potassium, magnesium, and sulphur (NP+KMgS), and 5) NP with magnesium, sulphur and minor part of manganese (4%) and zinc (1%) (NP+MgSMnZn). The experiment was established in Lukavec experimental station (the Czech Republic) in 2013 and lasted until 2017. The crop rotation consisted of four arable crops: winter wheat, winter barley, rapeseed, and potatoes, but only winter wheat and winter barley are analyzed in this paper (grain yields and crude protein content).
In comparison with the Control, the application of mineral fertilizers significantly increased grain yield and protein content of both kinds of cereal. Comparing mineral fertilizers, no significant differences were recorded between N, NP, NP+KMgS and NP+MgSMnZn treatments, showing that nitrogen was the most limiting factor affecting yield and protein content, and initial concentrations of K and Mg were suitable and capable to cover cereal’s demands. However, application of fertilizers has increased the K and Mg soil content and thus prevents the soil from the element’s deficiency, which does not has to be recognized in the early stages by visual observation of arable plants. The effect of the year was also significant as two out of four seasons were characterized by high temperatures and drought.

Key words:

crude protein content, grain yield, Hordeum vulgare L., magnesium, mineral fertilizers, potassium, sulphur, Triticum aestivum L.

147-156 A. Linina and A. Ruza
The influence of cultivar, weather conditions and nitrogen fertilizer on winter wheat grain yield
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The influence of cultivar, weather conditions and nitrogen fertilizer on winter wheat grain yield

A. Linina* and A. Ruza

Latvia University of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Institute of Agrobiotechnology, Liela iela 2, Jelgava, LV3001, Latvia
*Correspondence: anda.linina@llu.lv

Abstract:

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most productive and significant cereal species in Latvia used for food grain production. The aim of the research was to evaluate winter wheat grain yield depending on nitrogen fertilizer rate, crop-year (meteorological conditions) and cultivar and determine the impact and interaction of research factors on grain yield. Field experiments with winter wheat cultivars ‘Bussard’ and ‘Zentos’ were conducted at the Latvia University of Agriculture, Study and Research farm Peterlauki during a three year period (2009/2010, 2010/2011 and 2011/2012). Nitrogen (N) was applied (N60, N90, N120, N150 kg ha^-1) in spring after resumption of vegetative growth. Assessment of both winter wheat cultivars showed that crop-year, cultivar, nitrogen fertilizer, crop-year × cultivar had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on grain yield. Nitrogen fertilizer did significantly (p < 0.05) affect the grain yield of winter wheat, treatment with N90 showed of yield increase, compared to N60, while further use of increasing amounts of N fertilizer did not increase grain yields significantly. Results suggest, that winter wheat grain yield by 34% depended on cultivar, by 33% on crop-year (weather conditions), and by 13% on crop-year × cultivar. Influence of the nitrogen fertilizer effect was small – 3%. Medium strong positive correlation was found between HTC in the vegetation period from winter wheat heading to grain ripening.

Key words:

grain yield, hydrothermic coefficient, nitrogen fertilizer