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Sufficient supply of foliar boron is essential for the appropriate productivity of lentil, particularly in poorly fertile soil. Therefore, field experiments were carried out at two locations (Maru and Mushaqar) in Jordan during the winter growing season 2021/2022 to evaluating the impact of foliar boron levels (0, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.6%) on the physiology, growth, yield, and grain protein contents of the local lentil variety (Jordan 2) under different row spacing (17.5 and 35 cm). The results revealed that the Maru location outperformed another location for increasing transpiration rate, plant height, days to flowering, yield, and yield attributes while reducing protein contents. Row spacing of 35 cm had significantly higher physiological performance, yield, and yield attributes than row spacing of 17.5 cm, except for instantaneous water use efficiency, straw yield, and thousand seed weight. Foliar 0.2% boron was the best treatment since it increased total chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthetic rate, and protein content by 9.5, 39.9, 22.2, 25.9, and 11.2%, respectively. Furthermore, foliar 0.2% boron improved grain yield higher at row spacing of 35 cm than those at row spacing of 17.5 cm. However, foliar 0.6% boron decreased grain yield by 8.5% and 3.6% at row spacing 35 cm and 17.5 cm, respectively, indicating this high concentration of boron acts as toxicity. Overall, it is highly recommended to use foliar rates of boron ranging between 0.2% and 0.3% to enhance the seed yield and protein content of lentils at different row spacing. These results suggest that optimum row spacing and foliar boron are useful approaches for lentil's sustainability in semiarid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Air velocity characteristics within soybean rows were monitored to inquire about potential spray droplet movement inside dense foliage. Magnitude of air velocity at high and middle canopy heights decreased with decreasing row spacing and increasing plant canopy leaf area index. The objective of this study was to characterize air velocities within a group of soybean plants under controlled conditions in a University of Tennessee biosystems engineering low-speed wind tunnel. The wind tunnel had 13 module sections that were each sized 1.22 m long, 2 m high, by 2 m wide, and was powered with a 93.25-kW motor and variable frequency drive at a mean air velocity of 1.4 m s-1. Extreme high air velocities were avoided to reduce the impact and added complexities of plant structural deflections. Wind tunnel tests were conducted with soybeans grown in pots placed in the wind tunnel with pot row spacings selected as 0.25, 0.38, and 0.51 m to vary the openness of the plant canopy. These row spacings represented narrow production practices that were perceived as difficult for spray droplets to penetrate. Soybeans were grown in pots outdoors to achieve plants that resembled the hardy structural characteristics of those in field production. Plants reached the R3 growth stage when the air velocity experiments started, and mean plant height and width were 0.51 and 0.46 m, respectively. Outdoor plant canopy leaf area index (LAI) measured at heights of 0.28 and 0.43 m for pot row spacings of 0.25, 0.38, and 0.51 m were 8.27, 6.66, and 5.59 m2 m-2 and 7.04, 6.49, and 5.01 m2 m-2, respectively. Thus, increased measurement height and increased row spacing reduced LAI values as expected. Soybean pots were placed in rows oriented along the length of the wind tunnel. Air velocity component values in the foliar canopy were the greatest for longitudinal components, followed by vertical and lateral components. A complex system of three-dimensional air velocities was observed along soybean rows of various row spacings. The soybean canopy was perceived as the root cause of wind velocity blockage resulting in mean longitudinal wind velocities ranging from -0.01 to 0.61 m s-1 depending on row spacing, location between- or in-row and measurement height. Using ambient wind to reliably and consistently aid spray penetration and droplet movement into soybeans grown under conditions with dense foliage appeared to further compound the issue of spray penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufficient supply of foliar boron is essential for the appropriate productivity of lentil, particularly in poorly fertile soil. Therefore, field experiments were carried out at two locations (Maru and Mushaqar) in Jordan during the winter growing season 2021/2022 to evaluating the impact of foliar boron levels (0, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.6%) on the physiology, growth, yield, and grain protein contents of the local lentil variety (Jordan 2) under different row spacing (17.5 and 35 cm). The results revealed that the Maru location outperformed another location for increasing transpiration rate, plant height, days to flowering, yield, and yield attributes while reducing protein contents. Row spacing of 35 cm had significantly higher physiological performance, yield, and yield attributes than row spacing of 17.5 cm, except for instantaneous water use efficiency, straw yield, and thousand seed weight. Foliar 0.2% boron was the best treatment since it increased total chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthetic rate, and protein content by 9.5, 39.9, 22.2, 25.9, and 11.2%, respectively. Furthermore, foliar 0.2% boron improved grain yield higher at row spacing of 35 cm than those at row spacing of 17.5 cm. However, foliar 0.6% boron decreased grain yield by 8.5% and 3.6% at row spacing 35 cm and 17.5 cm, respectively, indicating this high concentration of boron acts as toxicity. Overall, it is highly recommended to use foliar rates of boron ranging between 0.2% and 0.3% to enhance the seed yield and protein content of lentils at different row spacing. These results suggest that optimum row spacing and foliar boron are useful approaches for lentil’s sustainability in semiarid areas.

IntroductionPeanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) possess significant commercial and nutritional value (Gulluoglu, Bakal, Bihter, Cemal, & Arioglu, 2016). However, this plant is highly susceptible to weed competition due to its slow canopy extension, dormant growth habit, and lengthy critical weed control period (Everman, Burke, Clewis, Thomas, & Wilcut, 2008). Consequently, effective weed control measures are crucial for successful peanut production. Furthermore, implementing appropriate planting patterns can reduce competition among peanut plants, enhance solar radiation absorption and other growth resources, and ultimately lead to increased crop yield (Bihter, Bakal, Gulluoglu, & Aroglu, 2017). Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of planting pattern and the integration of pre- and post-emergence herbicides with hand weeding on the yield and yield components of two peanut cultivars, specifically in the climate of Kermanshah, for the first time.Materials and MethodsTo investigate the impact of weed management and planting patterns on the yield and yield components of different peanut cultivars in the weather conditions of Kermanshah, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design was conducted. The study took place in 2022 at the research field and physiology laboratory of the agricultural campus and natural resources of Razi University. The experiment consisted of three factors: Peanut cultivars (NC2 and NC7), Planting patterns (P1: row and plant spacing of 50 cm × 25 cm, and P2: 75 cm × 18 cm), Weed control treatments (M1: Two rounds of weeding combined with the application of Trifluralin 48% EC (796 g a.i.ha-1), Bentazon 48% SL (960 g a.i.ha-1), and Haloxyfop-r-methyl 10.8% EC (75 g a.i.ha-1), M2: Two rounds of weeding along with the use of Trifluralin (1233 g a.i.ha-1), M3: Two rounds of weeding combined with the use of Haloxyfop-r-methyl and Bentazon, M4: Complete weeding, and M5: Weed-infested treatment) Measurements of plant dry weight, seed dry weight, and pod dry weight per square meter were conducted using a precision scale. Additionally, the number of seeds and pods per square meter were counted. To assess seed size, photography and image processing using JMicrovision software were employed. The analysis of variance was performed using the GLM procedure in SAS ver. 9.4.Results and DiscussionThe results of the experiment revealed several significant findings. The NC7 cultivar exhibited the highest plant dry weight per square meter (620.83 g), showing a 37.37 percent increase compared to the NC2 cultivar (452.11 g). Similarly, the NC7 cultivar also demonstrated the highest pod dry weight per square meter (412.80 g). Among the weed control treatments, the M4 treatment resulted in the highest plant dry weight per square meter (678.79 g), which was about 416 percent higher than the M5 treatment (13.163 g). The M4 × P1 treatment combination produced the highest seed dry weight per square meter (291 g), while the P1 planting pattern yielded the highest pod dry weight per square meter (427.67 g). Notably, weed control treatments and the P1 planting pattern promoted larger seed size. Overall, effective weed control enhanced the studied traits of peanut. Although no significant differences were found among the weed control treatments, the combination of Trifluralin 48% EC (796 g a.i.ha-1) with a row and plant spacing of 50 cm × 25 cm is recommended for Kermanshah due to its lower herbicide consumption and comparable efficacy to other weed control treatments.ConclusionThe results of the study indicate that optimizing row distances can play a crucial role in improving the yield and yield components of peanuts. Furthermore, the implementation of effective weed control measures, including both hand weeding and herbicide application, resulted in a significant increase in peanut yield. These findings highlight the importance of considering row distances and weed management strategies in peanut cultivation. Based on the favorable yield production of peanuts in the Kermanshah climate, it can be considered as a promising and viable crop for inclusion in summer rotations in the region. Further research and investigations should be undertaken to provide more comprehensive recommendations and promote the cultivation of peanuts in Kermanshah. This crop has the potential to contribute to agricultural diversification and enhance the profitability of farmers in the area.

This study investigates the impact of row spacing management on the yield, tillering, and water retention capacities of two maize varieties (F1 hybrids): Alombo (FAO 240) and SY Ignis (FAO 320). Through a comprehensive field experiment, we explored how varying inter-row and intra-row spacings influence plant physiological traits, including tillering frequency, relative water content (RWC), and yield components such as ear weight, seed number, and thousand kernel weight. Our findings demonstrate that narrower inter-row spacing (0.375 m) coupled with wider intra-row spacing (0.33 m) compared to inter-row spacing (0.75 m) with intra-row spacing (0.16 m) significantly enhances tillering, RWC, and grain yield, particularly for SY Ignis. The study reveals that tillering variability, influenced by spatial arrangement, serves as a potential indicator of yield outcomes, with increased tillering associated with higher biomass production and grain yield. Additionally, the research highlights the critical role of precise spatial arrangement in optimizing maize hydration, underscoring the strategic balance between inter-row and intra-row spacing for maintaining optimal moisture levels and supporting plant health. The results underscore the complexity of row spacing effects, which are not only variety-specific but also dependent on environmental and site-specific conditions, advocating for the adoption of tailored agricultural management practices to optimize crop production efficiency, especially under changing climate conditions.

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) has gained increasing significance as a crucial grain legume in Nepal's tropical and sub-tropical regions due to its short growth cycle and soil fertility enhancement properties. This research was conducted at Agronomy farm of Lamjung campus, to assess how mungbean performs under varying row spacing and Npk fertilizer levels. The study employed two-factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three row spacing levels (20 cm, 25 cm, and 30 cm) and three NPK fertilizer doses (10:10:10, 20:20:20, and 30:30:30 kg NPK/ha) as treatments. The investigation explored phenological and yield attributing parameters. Interestingly, the outcomes showed that row spacing had negligible impact on root growth attributes, including root length and nodule formation. However, root nodule number increased with higher NPK fertilizer levels, particularly notable with the application of (30:30:30) kg NPK/ha, resulting in the highest nodules per plant (140.40), while the lowest nodules (91.35) were observed with (10:10:10) kg NPK/ha. Vital traits like plant height, branch and leaf counts, pod set, pod length, and seed weight were unresponsive to both NPK doses and row spacing levels. In contrast, grain yield exhibited a substantial increase with NPK fertilizer application, with the highest yield (1263.55 kg/ha) achieved with (30:30:30) kg NPK/ha and the lowest (929.27 kg/ha) with (10:10:10) kg NPK/ha. Therefore, this study shows strong correlations, especially between root nodules and grain yield, emphasized key links. NPK doses impacted vital root nodules for nitrogen fixation and suggests dense planting of Pratikshya mung beans with increased NPK fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing climatic conditions, agricultural lands becoming barren, losing their qualities and decreasing feed resources have led people to search for alternative feed sources. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is increasing in importance as an alternative feed source because it is a plant resistant to arid, salty and cold conditions. The quinoa plant can be considered an alternative plant for silage, which is an important feed source for animals. In this study, the effects of sowing Cherry Vanilla and Read Head quinoa varieties at 4 different row spacings (17.5, 35.0, 52.5 and 70.0 cm) on silage quality were investigated. In the research, pH, dry matter ratio, fleig score, ammonia production, sensory analyses, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid contents of quinoa silage were determined. While the effect of row spacing on dry matter ratio, ammonia production, sensory analysis, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid ratios was found to be significant, its effect on pH value was insignificant. The quinoa varieties used in the research had a significant effect on the dry matter ratio and propionic acid content. In the light of the results obtained from the research, it was concluded that in order to obtain quality quinoa silage, the plants should be sown in 52.5 cm of row spacing and the Cherry Vanilla variety should be preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenepodium quinoa Willd.), which is resistant to extreme climate and soil conditions, has advantages as an alternative feed source. Plant height, main stem thickness, leaf ratio, stem ratio, cluster ratio and fresh herbage yield of 2 (two) quinoa varieties (Cherry Vanilla and Read Head) grown in 4 different row spacings (17.5, 35.0, 52.5, 70.0 cm) under irrigated conditions were determined. As a result of the research, the effect of different row spacings on main stem thickness, leaf ratio and fresh herbage yield was found to be significant. It was determined that as the row spacing increased, leaf ratio and fresh herbage yield decreased, while main stem thickness increased. The varieties used had a significant effect on plant height, leaf ratio, stem ratio and fresh herbage yield. While the plant height, stem ratio and fresh herbage yield of the Red Head variety were higher, the leaf ratio of the Cherry vanilla variety was found to be higher. According to the results of the research, it was determined that the Red head variety should be sowing in 17.5 cm row spacing in order to obtain high fresh herbage yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTTo explore field microclimate changes under maize/ginger intercropping and select a reasonable field configuration, this study used the major ginger variety ‘Zhugen’ from Southwest China as the experimental material. Two maize plant types; tall (Zhenghong 311) and short (Zhenghong 6), with 2, 3, and 4 m row spacings, shading treatment (ST), and a control (pure) without shading (CK) were used for the study. The effects of the maize plant type and row spacing on soil temperature, humidity, canopy temperature, light transmittance, plant growth, and intercropped ginger yield were investigated. Soil moisture, ginger canopy humidity, and shading rate in the maize/ginger intercropping mode were significantly higher than those in the non-shading treatment. Conversely, the soil and ginger canopy temperatures of the maize/ginger intercropping mode were significantly lower than those of the non-shading treatment. As a result, plant height, stem diameter, branch number, and ginger yield were significantly higher under the intercropping mode than the non-shading treatment. Although maize/ginger intercropping improves ginger growth and yield, these parameters are dependent on maize plant type and row spacing. The ginger yield was significantly higher when intercropped with the tall maize ZH 311 than with short maize ZH 6. The yield improved with decreasing row spacing and was the highest at a row spacing of 2 m. At the aforementioned field configurations, the soil and canopy humidity were the highest whereas the soil and canopy temperatures were the lowest, thereby giving best results on parameters like plant height, stem diameter, branch number, and yield.

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To explore field microclimate changes under maize/ginger intercropping and select a reasonable field configuration, this study used the major ginger variety 'Zhugen' from Southwest China as the experimental material. Two maize plant types; tall (Zhenghong 311) and short (Zhenghong 6), with 2, 3, and 4 m row spacings, shading treatment (ST), and a control (pure) without shading (CK) were used for the study. The effects of the maize plant type and row spacing on soil temperature, humidity, canopy temperature, light transmittance, plant growth, and intercropped ginger yield were investigated. Soil moisture, ginger canopy humidity, and shading rate in the maize/ginger intercropping mode were significantly higher than those in the non-shading treatment. Conversely, the soil and ginger canopy temperatures of the maize/ginger intercropping mode were significantly lower than those of the non-shading treatment. As a result, plant height, stem diameter, branch number, and ginger yield were significantly higher under the intercropping mode than the non-shading treatment. Although maize/ginger intercropping improves ginger growth and yield, these parameters are dependent on maize plant type and row spacing. The ginger yield was significantly higher when intercropped with the tall maize ZH 311 than with short maize ZH 6. The yield improved with decreasing row spacing and was the highest at a row spacing of 2 m. At the aforementioned field configurations, the soil and canopy humidity were the highest whereas the soil and canopy temperatures were the lowest, thereby giving best results on parameters like plant height, stem diameter, branch number, and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Although sesame has traditionally been grown in southern Iran's warm and arid regions, its desirable agronomic traits and economic profitability have led to increased interest in cultivating this crop in the northern regions. However, sesame often exhibits low performance due to poor agronomic management, environmental stress, and limited use of improved varieties. Therefore, the use of improved sesame varieties, mainly those resistant to shattering, along with proper agronomic management, maybe the key to successful cultivation in various parts of the country. The seed of a non-dehiscent sesame genotype (S29) was imported into the country in 2016. Several years of studies related to this genotype confirm that it is resistant to seed shattering. In this regard, the present study was designed and conducted to investigate the effects of planting arrangement and plant density on the performance of a non-dehiscent sesame genotype. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted in research fields located in Mazandaran (Sari) and Ardabil (Moghan) in 2020 and 2021. The effects of three planting row distances (30 cm, 45 cm, and 60 cm) and four plant spacing on the rows (5 cm, 8 cm, 11 cm, and 14 cm), with a minimum density of 12 plants per square meter to a maximum density of 67 plants per square meter, were evaluated in terms of plant height, number of branches, yield components, seed yield and oil percentage of the shattering-resistant sesame genotype. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangements and three replications in each location. Results: The results showed that the highest plant height in both regions was achieved with a row distance of 45 cm and a plant spacing of 8 cm. Additionally, increasing plant density up to 45 plants per square meter resulted in increased plant height, but further increase in density decreased plant height. Decreasing the distance between planting rows and plant spacing, equivalent to increasing planting density, reduced the number of branches, capsules per plant, and seeds per capsule in both regions. The maximum seed yield in the Moghan region (1465 kg/ha) was obtained from the 45×8 cm arrangement. However, there was no significant difference compared to the yield obtained from the 45×5 cm planting arrangement. In contrast, the highest seed yield in the Sari region (824 kg/ha) was achieved with the planting arrangement of 30×14 cm. Based on regression analysis of seed yield, the optimum density was estimated to be 23 plants per square meter for the Moghan region and 31 plants per square meter for the Sari region. Conclusion: The results indicated that the imported non-shattering sesame genotype did not exhibit desirable potential for cultivation in the Sari region due to its lower average yield than the regional average. However, in the Moghan region, this genotype showed a comparable average yield and even higher maximum yield (250 kg/ha) than the regional average, with the highest yield obtained from the 45×8 cm planting arrangement. Therefore, due to its suitable seed yield performance and the potential for mechanized harvesting, this genotype holds promise for cultivation in the Moghan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from November 2022 to August 2023 to study the influence of row spacing and nitrogen levels on growth and yield attributes of multicut fodder sorghum. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with (3 x 3) + 1 treatment, replicated thrice. The treatment combinations included three levels of row spacing (R) (r1- 20 cm, r2- 30 cm, r3- 40 cm) and three levels of nitrogen application (N) (n1- 315 kg/ha, n2-245 kg/ha, n3-175 kg/ha), compared against the control treatment (30 cm row spacing, nitrogen application-315 kg/ha in seven equal splits, and MgSO4-80 kg/ha). Nitrogen was applied in seven equal splits- as basal, 20, and 40 days after sowing and after each cut. The variety used for the study was COFS-31, released from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. The results revealed that control treatment with row spacing (30 cm) and nitrogen dose of 315 kg/ha/y (seven equal splits) along with MgSO4- 80 kg/ha/y proved its superiority by registering higher growth and yield attributes such as plant height, stem girth, leaf stem ratio, green and dry fodder yield. This was at par with row spacing (30 cm) and nitrogen dose of 315 kg/ha/y. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in soybean (Glycine max L.) breeding has led to a reduction in optimal seeding rates due to enhanced branching capacity over time. However, less is known about the changes in canopy architecture between old and modern soybean genotypes at varying row spacing and their impact on yield and seed quality through the main stem and branches. Therefore, this study aimed to i) evaluate yield and seed quality responses of an old and modern soybean genotype at different row spacings and ii) examine the yield and seed quality of branches and the main stem. Trials were conducted in Kansas (United States, US) during 2020 and 2021, comparing two genotypes (old, released in 1980, and modern, released in 2013) at four row spacings (0.19, 0.38, 0.76, and 1.52 m) under rainfed conditions. Seed yield and quality (protein and oil concentrations, %) were assessed at the end of each growing season. In 2021, both genotypes had low and similar yields at all row spacings (averaging 2481 kg ha−1) with 2.5 % less protein on branches compared to the main stem. However, 2022 resulted in a high-yielding environment, with the modern yielding 50 % more (3584 kg ha−1) than the old (2315 kg ha−1) genotype in narrow row spacings (

This study assessed the optimal nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate and planting density for the well-adapted upland rice cultivar NERICA_4 on the Fogera Plain. The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of varied planting densities and N-fertilizer rates on upland rice yield and other agronomic parameters. A two-year field study (2020 and 2021) was conducted at the Fogera Rice Research Field Station, testing nine plant densities (75, 87, and 98; 72, 82, and 91; 70, 79, and 89 plants per m2 and two N rates (115 and 138 kg N ha−1). The Crop Simulation Model Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CSM-CERES-Rice) within the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) framework was calibrated and validated using site-specific weather, soil, crop, and agronomic management data from the experiment. Results on the subsequent RMSE, RMSEn, and d index values during the calibration phase were 0.074 t ha−1, 1.82 %, and 0.86 of grain yield; 0.307 t ha−1, 3.36 %, and 0.87 of by-product yield; 0.489 t ha−1, 3.74 %, and 0.79 of top dry biomass yield; and 0.28, 8.24 %, and 0.63 of leaf area index values, respectively. Whereas results on the corresponding RMSE, RMSEn, and d index values during the evaluation phase were: 0.58 t ha−1, 1.33 %, and 0.90 of grain yield; 0.69 t ha−1, 0.58 %, and 0.99 of by-product yield; 0.678 t ha−1, 4.36 %, and 0.67 of top dry biomass yield; and 0.75, 13.92 %, and 0.74 of leaf area index, respectively. The findings of the long-term simulation showed that a 23 % increase in grain yield was achieved with 138 kg N ha−1 and 87 plants per m2 of planting density, as compared to 115 kg N ha−1 and 75 plants per m2 of plant density. The recommended optimum plant density and N fertilizer rate were 138 kg N ha−1 with PD2 of plant density for upland rice production in the Fogera Plain.

The cultivated lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely grown forage legume, mainly due to its high nutritive quality and yield. The objective of this study was to provide information about the optimal seeding rate and row spacing for alfalfa cultivation under rainfed conditions in the Republic of North Macedonia. Alfalfa was sown in the fall of 2020 using randomized complete block design in a split-split plot arrangement with three replications. The effects of two seeding rates (8 and 16 kg ha-1 ) and two row spaces (20 and 40 cm) were examined on the fresh forage yield (FFY) and dry matter yield (DMY) of four alfalfa cultivars. Based on the evaluation, the sowing method (row spacing) and cultivar choice have shown a significant impact on the obtained forage yield. Higher average yield of fresh (73.7 t ha-1 ) and dry (20.3 t ha-1 ) forage was achieved at a sowing distance of 20 cm. Since the seeding rate did not significantly impact the FFY and DMY, in regions with a temperate climate, it is recommended that lower seeding rates than 16 kg ha-1 should be used in order to have sufficient and cost-effective alfalfa production. The inevitable issues for increasing alfalfa production are the selection of an appropriate cultivar with good adaptability to recent climate change within compatible establishment methods.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is known as the “king of forages”. The aim of the current study is to determine the optimum planting density as the key cultivation technique for high yield of alfalfa seed. Alfalfa variety (Longmu 801) was planted in experimental fields from 2014 to 2017. In the planting density test, the row spacing was 65, 80, and 95 cm, and the plant spacing was 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 cm. The seed yield and yield components in the row spacing and plant spacing tests were measured. On the basis of 3 years average of the experimental data, the highest seed yield of 225.49 kg ha−1 was obtained with row spacing vs plant spacing of 65 and 60 cm, respectively. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the racemes per stem, pods per raceme, pods per stem, seeds per pod, and the seed yield. These results suggested that Longmu 801 should be cultivated with 65 cm row spacing and 60 cm plant spacing to maximize seed yields in western Heilongjiang areas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of sorghum grown in different combinations of row spacing and plant density, as well as possible interferences on silage quality. No other study dedicated to identifying the interference of plant spatial arrangement on the cultivation of silage material has been developed in the productive context of the Amazon Biome, making it necessary to understand the behavior of the studied factors. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot scheme: the plots corresponded to three row spacings (0.45 m, 0.60 m, and 0.75 m) and subplots at four densities (105,000, 120,000, 135,000, and 150,000 plants ha−1). The agronomic and productivity characteristics of sorghum and the fermentative and bromatological characteristics of forage and silage were evaluated. The sorghum plants showed an increase in plant height and green and dry mass yield when using higher densities (p < 0.05). For the culm diameter variable, an isolated effect of the factors was observed, with reduced diameter when grown closer to inter-row spacing or using higher plant densities. No effect of the factors was found (p > 0.05) for morphological plant components. In silage, wider spacing promoted higher dry matter content. Regarding crude protein in the silage, higher percentages were obtained at closer spacing and higher plant density. The sorghum growing in dense conditions is indicated, given the positive performance in productivity and bromatological composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agronomy Science is the property of University of Life Sciences in Lublin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Agronomy Science is the property of University of Life Sciences in Lublin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Agronomy Science is the property of University of Life Sciences in Lublin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

【Objective】 Roots and leaves are highly influenced by a multitude of biotic and abiotic factors. Taking oat under drip irrigation as an example, this study delves into the response of its root and leave traits to planting density and soil amendment with water absorbent polymer. 【Method】 The field experiment was conducted in 2019—2020 with intra-row planting spacing being 20 cm, and the inter-row planting spacing being 20 cm (A), 15 cm (B) and 10 cm (C), respectively. In each treatment there were two soil amendments by applying 0 and 22.5 kg/hm2 of a water absorbent polymer. Senescence traits of the roots and flag leaves in each treatment were measured. 【Result】 ①Both row spacing and soil amendment affected root activity, SOD and MDA content, and soluble protein content in the roots and leaves significantly with PA>C, while the impact on MDA content in the roots and leaves was in the order of C>A>B. Combined with soil amendment, reducing row spacing from 20 cm to 15 cm increased root activity, SOD activity in the roots and leaves, soluble protein content in the roots and leaves by 5.56%~15.27%, 4.78%~5.89%, 3.98%~10.62%, 5.20%~23.74% and 5.89%~15.04% respectively, while reducing MDA content in the roots and leaves by 11.79%~13.86% and 6.01%~14.08%, respectively. Reducing the row spacing further to 10 cm significantly reduced the above traits, except the soluble protein content, which did not show significant changes, and MDA content in the roots and leaves, which showed a significant increase. Without soil amendment, the impact of row spacing on root and leaf traits varied with growth stage and year. ③When row spacing was 20 cm, compared with no amendment, amending the soil increased SOD activity and soluble protein content in the roots and leaves by 7.52%~15.75%, 3.21%~6.47%, 7.25%~10.47%, 18.01%~22.47% and 4.87%~9.10%, respectively, while reducing MDA content in the roots and leaves by 8.79%~13.96% and 7.35%~11.67%, respectively. In contrast, the effect of soil amendment on the above traits varied when the row spacing was 10 cm. ④The senescence traits of roots and leaves were correlated with biomass and grain yield of the oat, both at significant levels. 【Conclusion】 Reducing the row spacing from 20 cm to 15 cm, combined with soil amendment by applying 22.5 kg/hm2 of the water-absorbent polymer, is effective in reducing senescence of roots and leaves of the drip-irrigated oat and consequently promoting its biological yield and grain yield.

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) – summer fallow rotations in the Southern Great Plains (SGP) have numerous sustainability issues, such as low precipitation use efficiencies and increased soil erosion. Replacing summer fallow with a legume grown as a green manure would help reduce soil erosion, improve precipitation use efficiency, and add nitrogen (N) credits for the subsequent wheat crop. A two-year field experiment evaluated the capabilities of three summer pulses: soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal], and tepary bean [Phaseolus acutifolius (A.) Gray] to serve as green manures and soil cover. We examined their performance across two row spacings (38 and 76 ​cm) and two moisture regimes (rainfed and irrigated). Narrow row spacing (38 ​cm) provided greater canopy cover, aboveground biomass, and N accumulation than the broad row spacing (76 ​cm) during the early growing season. Among species, tepary bean demonstrated consistent and higher canopy cover early in the season. Soybean produced the highest aboveground biomass (5,327–8,855 ​kg ​ha−1) and N accumulation (115–269 ​kg ​ha−1) among the three pulses. Multilinear regression (MLR) models suggested that canopy height and canopy cover could estimate both aboveground biomass (R2 ​= ​0.62) and N accumulation (R2 ​= ​0.55) for tested pulses. Based on results, soybean was the most promising choice among tested pulses, considering its higher aboveground biomass and N accumulation. Modelling studies to simulate growth of these crops with long-term weather scenarios are encouraged to identify the most reliable cover crop for different areas of the SGP.

[Objectives]The effects of row spacing and density on the cotton plant architecture, high yield and high-quality population structure were studied to clarify the suitable row spacing allocation and density configuration for machine-picked cotton in the Southern Hebei. [Methods]The cotton variety ‘Jimian 803’ was used as the experimental material. Four row spacing（L1:66 cm, L2:76 cm, L3:86 cm and L4:96 cm）and three densities (D1:45 000 plants·hm-2,D2:75 000 plants·hm-2 and D3:105 000 plants·hm-2) were used to investigate their effects on cotton plant architecture, canopy structure, yield and quality. [Results]Compared with different row spacing treatments, the longer fruit branch and smaller fruit branch angle were the plant architecture characteristics of L1 treatment; the shorter fruit branch length was the plant architecture characteristics of L2 and L3 treatments; the lower plant height and fewer fruit branches were the plant architecture characteristics of L4 treatment. In the density experiment, compared with D1 treatment, the cotton plant architecture of D2 and D3 treatments was more compact, plant height and the first fruit branch height of D2 and D3 treatments increased, the length of fruit branch, number of fruit nodes and flocculation rate decreased. During the flowering and boll-forming period, compared with L2 treatment, the leaf area index of L3 and L4 treatments significantly decreased by 5.74% and 25.36%,and their light transmission significantly increased by 50.00% and 125.00%. During the flowering and boll-forming period, compared with D1 treatment, the leaf area index of D2 and D3 treatments significantly increased by 7.87% and 28.28%,and their light transmission significantly decreased by 25.00% and 50.00%,and their mean leaf angle significantly decreased by 8.68% and 13.35%. Compared with the conventional cultivation mode of machine-picked cotton in this region（L2D2）,there was no significant difference in canopy structure among L1D2,L1D3 and L2D3 treatments, but the leaf area index of L3D3 treatment significantly increased and its light transmission significantly decreased. With distance between row spacing increased, the number of bolls per plant, total boll numbers and yield decreased, while the boll weight increased. With the increase of density, the number of bolls per plant decreased, while total boll numbers and yield increased. Compared with L2D2 treatment, the yield of L1D2,L1D3 and L3D3 treatments respectively increased by 8.70%,7.97% and 4.38%,but the difference was not significant. The fiber length of L2 treatment significantly increased by 3.67% and 4.40% compared with L1 and L4 treatments; the cotton fiber uniformity of L4 treatment significantly decreased by 2.15% and 2.11% compared with L1 and L2 treatments. Compared with L2D2 treatment, the fiber length of L1D1,L1D2,L4D2 and L4D3 treatments significantly decreased, and the fiber uniformity of L4D1 treatment significantly decreased, and the Micronaire of L4D2 treatment significantly increased. [Conclusions]The three combinations of row spacing and density for machine-picked cotton in southern Hebei cotton region are 76 cm row spacing and 75 000 plants·hm-2 density, 66 cm row spacing and 105 000 plants·hm-2 density, and 86 cm row spacing and 105 000 plants·hm-2 density.  [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period 2017-2019, a field experiment was carried out with cotton variety Chirpan 539, grown at different row spacings on the experimental field in FCI – Chirpan under the conditions of organic farming. The soil in the area is a leached pitch type. The cotton was sown after a predecessor durum wheat variety Progress. During the individual phases of cotton development: emergence, 5-6 leaf, budding, beginning of flowering and ripening, phenological observations were carried out. The following biometric indicators were also recorded: plant height, height of first fruiting branch, number of boxes per plant, box mass, yield and fiber length. The yield of raw cotton was recorded at the beginning of the month of October during a single hand picking. A comparison was made between the reported indicators for cotton in the two row spacings – at 60 cm and 95 cm. No difference was observed in the occurrence and duration of the individual phenological phases of the crop development. It was found that, during the study period, the yield of raw cotton was greater at the row spacing of 95 cm. In the same variant, cotton plants are taller and have a greater number of pods per plant compared to those grown at 60 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective]To provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of dry（hole） sowing techniques in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture Rice region.[Method]With Xindao 46 as test material, two-factor split plot experiment design was adopted, in order to study the effects of different density combinations on the reproductive and nutritional growth of rice, with four levels for seeding rate treatment and two levels for row spacing treatment.[Result]Among the two factors of sowing amount and row spacing, single factor had a greater effect on rice growth than the interaction of multiple factors.The order of effects of each factor was sowing amount ＞ row spacing ＞ sowing amount × row spacing.Under the same sowing amount, the index of row spacing showed the trend of 25 cm treatment＞20 cm treatment.Under the same row spacing, the index of sowing amount showed the trend of 180 kg/hm² treatment ＞ 210 kg/hm² treatment ＞240 kg/hm² treatment ＞270 kg/hm² treatment.The combination of 180 kg/hm² +12 cm×25 cm had higher yield, grain number per panicle, effective ears, 1 000-grain weight and seed setting rate at maturity stage, which had significant differences with other treatments, and its yield reached 14 906.70 kg/hm².[Conclusion]High planting density led to greedy growth of plant, which affected the grain filling and shape of rice.Low seeding rate and wide row treatment could improve the micro-environment of plant population, increase the growth of rice and improve the shape of rice grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced row spacing has shown to increase maize (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) use efficiency, but little is known about it effects on phosphorous (P) use efficiency (PUE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the PUE of maize under reduced row spacing and varying N regimes. No till maize was grown in Balcarce, Argentina, during two growing seasons using three rows spacing (35, 52, and 70 cm) and three N rates (0, 90, and 180 kg N ha−1). Shoot dry matter (DM), grain yield, and accumulated P content were determined. At V6 and R6 growth stages, the P use efficiency (PUE = g aboveground DM or grain yield per g P available) and it components P utilization efficiency (PUTE = g aboveground DM or grain yield per g P uptake), and P uptake efficiency (PUPE = g P uptake/g P available) were determined. N rate and narrower rows increased total DM, grain yield, and accumulated P content. Phosphorous concentration, PUTE, PUPE and PUE were not affected by row spacing or N rate. The present study showed that row spacing did not affect P use efficiency in no till maize when the soil P availability was adequate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand for energy and the environmental consequences associated with fossil fuel emissions has created a need for alternative energy sources. To avoid conflict over the conversion of existing agricultural land from food production to fuel production, bioenergy crops could instead be cultivated on marginal land. This study compared the performances, biomass yield, tiller density, and lignocellulosic bioenergy feedstock composition of four prairie cordgrass populations with two-row spacings cultivated on a waterlog-prone marginal land, as well as three other bioenergy candidate crops used as controls: big bluestem, M. × giganteus, and switchgrass. Across all populations and spacings, annual biomass yield of prairie cordgrass was 13 Mg ha−1. Row spacing had significant impacts on prairie cordgrass productivity, with higher biomass yields observed in the 45 cm spacing than in the 90 cm spacing. Feedstock composition (cellulose, hemicellulose, ADL, and ash concentration) was not influenced by row spacing and did not deviate from expected values for growth on agricultural lands. However, biomass yields of the control species M. × giganteus and switchgrass planted in 45 cm spacing were higher than the prairie cordgrass. Our results provide evidence that prairie cordgrass could be a good energy crop with comparable biomass yield production to the energy crops M. × giganteus and switchgrass on waterlogged marginal land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate management of N supply, plant density, row spacing, and soil cover has proved useful for increasing grain yields and/or grain yield stability of rainfed crops over the years. We review the impact of these management practices on grain yield water-related determinants: seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ET) and water use efficiency for grain production per unit of evapotranspired water during the growing season (WUEG,ET,s). We highlight a large number of conflicting results for the impact of management on ET and expose the complexity of the ET response to environmental factors. We analyse the influence of management practices on WUEG,ET,s in terms of the three main processes controlling it: (i) the proportion of transpiration in ET (T/ET), (ii) transpiration efficiency for shoot biomass production (TEB), and (iii) the harvest index. We directly relate the impact of management practices on T/ET to their effect on crop light interception and provide evidence that management practices significantly influence TEB. To optimize WUEG,ET,s, management practices should favor soil water availability during critical periods for seed set, thereby improving the harvest index. The need to improve the performance of existing crop growth models for the prediction of water-related grain yield determinants under different management practices is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Sesame is a low-expected and low-input crop among oilseed crops, which holds economic significance not only in subsistence agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran but also in terms of its agronomical characteristics. Shattering tolerant sesame genotypes are crucial for developing sesame cultivation in countries such as Iran. There is a lack of comprehensive information on crop management, including the optimal planting arrangement for imported shattering tolerant sesame genotypes. Therefore, this research was planned and executed to answer the questions regarding the proper planting arrangement of this genotype in two crucial sesame producing provinces, Khuzestan and Fars. Materials and Methods The experiment was conducted in the Khuzestan (Dezful) and Fars (Darab) Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center fields during 2019 and 2020. A split-block randomized complete block design with three replications was implemented at each location to investigate the effects of 30, 45, and 60 cm row spacing and 5, 8, 11, and 14 cm plant spacing on yield and yield components of shattering tolerant sesame genotypes. The collected data were analyzed using SAS software (version 9.4), and Bartlett's test confirmed homogeneity in the variance of all studied traits. The mean values for both years were presented since the data were consistent. It is important to note that the data from each region were analyzed separately due to inconsistent variances between regions. Statistical significance was determined using an F-test, and protected LSD was used to separate the main effects when necessary. Furthermore, significant interaction effects were separated using the slicing method. Results and Discussion The experiment results indicate that reducing the distance between rows and plants increased plant height in both locations. In Darab, increasing the row distance from 30 to 45 cm increased grain yield by 6%, while a further increase in distance to 60 cm decreased grain yield. The highest seed yield of 659 kg per hectare was obtained in Darab using a planting arrangement of 45x5 cm, and the lowest yield was observed with a 21% decrease in yield for the planting arrangement of 60x14 cm. In Dezful, the maximum seed yield of 684 kg per hectare was obtained with a planting arrangement of 45x11 cm. The study results showed that in both locations, the highest grain yields were achieved with a row distance of 45 cm, and the commonly used row distance of 60 cm did not produce the highest yield in either location. Additionally, in Darab, increasing planting density by up to 42 plants per square meter increased seed yield. In Dezful, the maximum seed yield was obtained at a density of 38 plants per square meter. Conclusion This research suggests that reducing the row distance while maintaining appropriate plant spacing can be a practical approach to achieving high sesame yields. Moreover, increasing plant density can lead to a certain extent of increase in grain yield. However, beyond a certain threshold, as the density further increases, yield decreases due to increased competition among plants. Thus, optimizing planting arrangements, including row and plant spacing, is essential to achieve maximum yields in sesame cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to study the effect of different row spacing on the growth, yield and quality of forage maize. The experiment was a large area comparison design, and the designs were equal row spacing (S1), wide and narrow row spacing (S2), double row spacing next to each other (S3), and double space spacing (S4). The results showed that compared with S1, both S2 and S4 modes were beneficial to dry matter accumulation and feed quality improvement of forage maize, reasonable distribution of leaves in canopy, favorable ventilation and light transmission, longer duration of green leaf area, slower senescence rate at late growth stage, conducive to silage, and higher fresh weight yield, grain yield, crude protein content and crude fat content. There was no significant difference between S2 and S4 forage maize yield and quality. The dry matter accumulation rate of S3 mode was slow, the leaf premature aging was serious in late stage, and the fresh weight yield and grain yield and quality were lower than other treatments. The study indicates that two rows and one row can be planted in two-ratio space mode with reasonable canopy, ventilation and light, which can contribute to accumulation of photosynthates and dry matter, increase maize yield, save power and fertilizer, and improve soil fertility through fallow cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Optimal PV system row spacing presented considering land-use and latitudes 15–75°N. • Latitude-based formulae given for optimum tracked, fixed-tilt, and vertical spacing. • Optimum tilt of fixed-tilt arrays can vary from 7° above to 60° below latitude-tilt. • Similar row spacing should be used for tracked and fixed-tilt PV arrays >55°N. • Bifacial arrays need up to 0.03 lower GCR than monofacial, depending on bifaciality. General guidelines for determining the layout of photovoltaic (PV) arrays were historically developed for monofacial fixed-tilt systems at low-to-moderate latitudes. As the PV market progresses toward bifacial technologies, tracked systems, higher latitudes, and land-constrained areas, updated flexible and representational guidelines are required. Using our 3D view-factor PV system model, DUET, we provide formulae for ground coverage ratios (GCRs –i.e., the ratio between PV collector length and row pitch) providing 5%, 10%, and 15% shading loss as a function of mounting type and module type (bifacial vs monofacial) between 17-75°N. Fixed-tilt arrays span a wide range of GCR (0.15–0.68, 5% loss) compared to single-axis tracked arrays (0.17–0.32) and vertical east–west arrays (0.11–0.16). We additionally optimize fixed-tilt module tilt, finding that the optimum tilt can vary from 7° above latitude-tilt to 60° below latitude-tilt in certain cases. We demonstrate that tracked and fixed-tilt PV arrays should have similar GCRs >55°N, but tracked systems are more sensitive to row-to-row shading losses <55°N. The GCR of fixed-tilt arrays at lower latitudes can reach 0.55 without introducing >2.5% shading loss, whereas tracked and vertical arrays reach 2.5% shading loss by GCRs <0.22 and <0.10, respectively. We additionally find that bifacial PV arrays require GCRs up to 0.03 lower than monofacial GCRs. These results can inform future deployment designs for latitudes >15°N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, people have become aware of the possibility of using plants, both as raw materials in food and for treating various medical conditions. Also, along with the evolution of mankind, the methods of using various species of aromatic and medicinal plants have been attained. At the same time, a multitude of information about the curative effects of plants, as well as the level of toxicity of some species, has also been accumulated. The objective of this research was to establish the effects of row spacing and foliar fertilization on fresh grass, seeds and essential oil production of two fennel varieties: Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare and Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce. The field experiment was set in Research Station - Ezăreni Farm University of Life Sciences, Iasi, in three years, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The results showed a significant impact of both rows spacing and foliar treatments on the production values. A genetic influence of variety can also be distinguished, the fresh grass, seed and essential oil production showing higher values in case of Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare, compared to Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce. In case of both fennel varieties, the highest production values were obtained with 50 cm between rows and complex foliar treatment (amino acids, macronutrients and micronutrients). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the problem of imprecise maintenance of plant spacing and row spacing during corn sowing operations in the middle of existing corn farms, this study designed a dynamic compensation system for corn seed dropping position. The test system includes a corn seeding machine operating unit, a seed dropping variable measurement and control system unit, a terminal control system, and a dynamic compensation system. The dynamic performance of the control system was tested experimentally. When undisturbed signals were loaded, regardless of whether the machine used the position compensation function or not, the coefficient of variation of longitudinal grain spacing was 2.6% ± 0.2%, and the longitudinal grain spacing was basically consistent. After adding disturbance signals, compared with not using the dynamic compensation function, the variation coefficient of seed spacing decreased by an average of 6.94% when using the dynamic compensation function. When using the dynamic compensation function, compared with not using dynamic compensation function, the variation coefficient of lateral grain spacing decreased by an average of 9.16%. Stability analysis of longitudinal and lateral grain spacing was conducted through bench tests, verifying the stability of the proposed dynamic compensation system for seed dropping position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agronomy Science is the property of University of Life Sciences in Lublin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sunflower is a major oil crop which produces edible oil with a great importance in human nutrition. The oil content of the sunflower grains is determined genetically but it is influenced by several environmental and technological factors. The technological factors can be controlled by the farmers in view to get higher oil content in the grains, and therefore their influence is important to be known. Starting from this idea, the aim of this paper is to identify the effect of row spacing and plant density on the oil content of the sunflower grains under specific growing conditions of Romania. Research was performed in 2019, 2020, and 2021 in field experiments under rainfed conditions located in four locations, among which one in East Romania, one in South-East Romania and two in South Romania. The experimental factors were the following: Factor A - row spacing, with 3 graduations: a1 = 70 cm; a2 = 60 cm; a3 = 50 cm; Factor B - plant density, with 3 graduations: b1 = 50,000 plants/ha; b2 = 60,000 plants/ha; b3 = 70,000 plants/ha. The obtained data in the specific growing conditions of Romania showed that row spacing and plant density have a small influence on the oil content of the sunflower seeds. Among the two technological parameters, row spacing determined the smallest influence on oil content of the sunflower grains. Increasing of plant densities determined a slight decreasing of the oil content of the sunflower grains. The differences in oil content determined by the row spacing and plant density are not statistically significant in conditions of good water supply of sunflower plants, especially in the period of grain development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oilseed rape is an important crop for the 21st century, its oil being widely used for producing biodiesel, due to its effect on reducing exhaust emissions, as well as in human alimentation. Sulphur is a secondary macronutrient which is important in oilseed rape production as it is interacting strongly with nitrogen having a great impact on seed yield. Row spacing in oilseed rape cultivation is a key element due to its impact on plant architecture, as oilseed rape is a plant with high branching ability, especially in the case of newly created hybrids. Branching can help surpass plant population losses due to environmental factors, it having an important contribution to the seed yield establishment. A study on the interaction between sulphur fertilization rate and row spacing is important to finding the optimum of these elements of oilseed rape production technology, and our research aimed to identify them in the agro-climatic conditions of NE Romania over 3 years, in 2021-2023. Variant with 37.5 cm row spacing and sulphur fertilizer rate of 72 kg SO3 per hectare generated the highest statistically significant yield of 3,689 kg per hectare compared to the control variant yield of 2,832 kg per hectare. The medium row spacing and high sulphur rate have resulted in higher yields associated with better development of yielding components such as number of branches per plant, number of siliques per plant, and number of seeds per plant, compared to variants with closer row spacing and low sulphur fertilizer rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment consisting of three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties (Local, Danphy, and Picaflora) and four-row spacings (15, 20, 25 and 30 cm) in 2017–2018 at Gondar Zuria district of Ethiopia was laid out with 3 replications in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with the objective to analyze the reaction between yield as well as yield components of wheat of three wheat varieties to varying inter-row spacings. Results showed that the variations in straw yield, days to heading and seedling emergence, biomass yield, plant height, days to maturity as well as harvest index were highly significant due to different varieties. While, significant differences were noted for 1000-grain weight, and the interaction effect of variety, as well as row spacing was also found to be significant. The effects of varieties were non-significant for grains per spike, grain yield, number of tillers per plant, and spike length. Significant differences were noted for a number of grains per spike and grain yield. The finding showed that grain yield progressively decreased as row spacing increased with 1000-grain weight (38.94 g), number of grains per spike (49.83), and grain yield (4590.3 kg ha–1) were reported in the variety Danphy at 20 cm inter-row spacing whereas, minimum grain yield (4041.7 kg ha–1) was noted in Picaflora variety. Hence, the sowing of variety Danphy at 20 cm inter-row spacing may be suggested for higher grain yield in the study area of Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping, by capitalizing on positive biodiversity–productivity relationships, represents a promising option to increase agricultural sustainability. However, the complexity and context-dependency of plant–plant interactions can make it challenging for farmers to find suitable crop combinations. Furthermore, intercropping is usually implemented with standard inter-row spacing and plant densities based on monoculture practices, which might not be the ideal configuration to maximize yield.Here we present a spatially-explicit yield analysis method based on plant ecological interaction models that allowed to optimize crop species combinations and spatial configurations for maximal yield in intercropped systems. We tested this method with three crop species, namely oat, lupine, and camelina. In a first step, field experiments in which crop density and adjacent crop type were varied provided us with indications on which species would compete more with each other. The results showed us that oat and camelina strongly competed with each other. In addition, the distance experiments allowed us to understand how the changes in yield associated with the presence of neighbors vary with distance. This allowed us to find the sets of parameters (identity of neighbors, sowing density, distances between individuals) that optimise intercrop yield (measured as Land Equivalent Ratio [LER]) for the three considered species. Specifically, we show that alternating rows of species led to higher LERs than a homogeneous species mixing, and that 3-species combinations are not necessarily more performant than the best 2-species combinations. In addition, we show that increasing the density of oat is generally beneficial for LER, while increasing the density of lupine is not.By modelling crop yield from simple and reproducible density and distance experiments, our results allow to optimize crop mixtures in terms of species combinations and spatial configurations, for maximal crop yield.

In order to investigate the effect of planting arrangement on growth indices and grain yield of a red bean cultivar (Sayyad cultivar), The experiment was conducted in a split-plot randomized complete block design with 4 replications in Jihad Agricultural Services Center of Al-Mahdi town, Azna. The main factor consisted three row spacings including 20, 30 and 45 cm and the sub-factor consisted three densities including 40, 50, and 60 plants m-2. The results showed that by reducing the row spacing dry matter accumulation, CGR and LAI at different periods of growth and grain yield increased. However, changing the row spacing did not have a significant effect on RGR and NAR. With increasing plant density, the dry matter accumulation, CGR and LAI over the course of plant development, RGR and NAR in reproductive stage and thus grain yield increased. Plant density had no significant effect on RGR and NAR in vegetative growth stage and maximum NAR. Considering the increase in most traits in the row spacing of 20 cm and a density of 60 plants m-2, this type of planting arrangement might be suitable for cultivation of red been under similar environmental conditions in Azna, Lorestan, Iran.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a legume and the second most planted crop after maize in worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the change in the total plastid pigments content in three soybean varieties depending on the date of sowing and the row spacing was studied during four consecutive years (2018-2021). The Avigea, Isidor and Richi varieties, sown on three dates (I - 28 March - 05 April; II - 19-24 April; III - 09-14 May) at row spacing of 25, 45 and 70 cm were studied in field conditions. The plastid pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids) was determined in fresh plant samples in the beginning of pod formation stage. The total content of plastid pigments and the chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a + chlorophyll b/carotenoids ratios were calculated. The total plastid pigments content varied by years and varieties depending on the date of sowing and row spacing. The date of sowing was found as a factor with stronger effect on the plastid pigments content compared to the row spacing. On average for the period it was found that the total plastid pigments content in the Avigea variety decreased compared to the first date of sowing at all three row spacing, most pronounced at 45 cm. The reduction reached 25.59% on the second date and up to 19.02% on the third sowing date. The strongest effect of the date of sowing on the plastid pigments content was found in the Richi variety on the third date of sowing, where the increase was up to 64.33% at a row spacing of 25 cm and up to 36.02% at a row spacing of 70 cm compared to the first date. The row spacing factor had a smaller effect - for Avigea variety a decrease of 12.31% was reported on the second sowing date and a row spacing of 45 cm compared to the 70 cm accepted row spacing and for Richi variety by 15.79% on the first date and row spacing 45 cm. The chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratio decreased at a row spacing of 25 at the second (for Isidor and Richi) and third sowing dates (for Avigea and Isidor). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the suitable planting density and row spacing of short-season cotton suitable for machine picking in the Yellow River Basin of China, we conducted a two-year field experiment in Dezhou during 2018-2019. The experiment followed a split-plot design, with planting density (82500 plants ⋅ hm² and 112500 plants ⋅ hm²) as the main plots and row spacing (equal row spacing of 76 cm, wide-narrow row spacing of 66 cm+10 cm, equal row spacing of 60 cm) as the subplots. We examined the effects of planting density and row spacing on growth and development, canopy structure, seed cotton yield and fiber quality of short-season cotton. The results showed that plant height and LAI under high density treatment were significantly greater than those under low density treatment. The transmittance of the bottom layer was significantly lower than under low density treatment. Plant height under 76 cm equal row spacing was significantly higher than that under 60 cm equal row spacing, while that under wide-narrow row spacing (66 cm +10 cm) was significantly smaller than that under 60 cm equal row spacing in peak boiling stage. The effects of' row spacing on LAI varied between the two years, densities, and growth stages. On the whole, the LAI under the wide-narrow row spacing (66 cm+10 cm) was higher, with the curve declining gently after the peak, and it was higher than that in the two cases of equal row spacing in the harvest time. The change in transmittance of the bottom layer presented the opposite trend. Density, row spacing, and their interaction had significant effects on seed cotton yield and its components. In both years, seed cotton yield was the highest (3832 kg ⋅ hm² in 2018, 3235 kg ⋅ hm² in 2019) under wide-narrow row spacing (66 cm + 10 cm), and it was more stable at high densities. Fiber quality was less affected by density and row spacing. To sum up, the optimal density and row spacing of short-season cotton were as follows: density with 112500 plants ⋅ hm and wide-narrow row spacing (66 cm + 10 cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the appropriate planting arrangement and plant density leads to better productivity of resources and increased yield per unit area. In this regard, an experiment was conducted in the Ardabil agricultural and natural resources research and education center (Moghan) during the 2021 crop year. This experiment uses a strip plot design based on randomized complete blocks with four replications. Its main factor is the effect of planting rows at a spacing of 30, 45, and 60 cm with planting spacing of 5, 8, 11, and 14 cm serving as the subfactor. According to the results, by increasing the distance between plants on the planting row, the maximum days to flowering initiation (47.25 days), growth period (122.25 days), stem diameter (8.33 mm), number of branches (2.97), and capsule length (24.20 mm) of sesame can be observed at a planting distance of 14 cm between the plants. Row spacing of 45 to 30 cm increases the number of capsules per plant, the number of seeds per capsule, and 1000-seed weight of sesame by 33%, 18.50%, and 16%, respectively. The highest seed yield, fresh and dry weight belong to 1455.40, 5021.80, and 1280.73 kg/ha, respectively, at 45 cm distance between planting rows. The results from this experiment show that planting arrangement with a distance between plants of 14 cm and a distance between planting rows of 45 cm, with optimal use of environmental resources is suitable for cultivation in Moghan plain and recommended for local farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To exploit the difference of root nodule growth and nitrogen fixation potential of soybean in maize-soybean relay strip intercropping system, a two-year filed experiment with different nodulation characteristics soybean varieties (Gongxuan 1, Guixia 3, and Nandou 25) under different maize-soybean spacing (30, 45, 60, and 75 cm) was conducted. The results showed that the peaks of soybean nodule number and fresh weight were delayed under the intercropping system compared with soybean monoculture. The root nodule number and fresh weight of each variety under 60 cm were significantly higher than those of other spacing treatments, and were higher than those of monoculture soybean after reaching the peak stage. The differences among varieties were as follows: Nandou 25 > Guixia 3 > Gongxuan 1. Compared with soybean monoculture, nitrogen fixation potential of soybean nodules per plant before the beginning seed stage (R5) under intercropping mode was reduced. However, nitrogen fixation potential per plant of Gongxuan 1, Guixia 3, and Nandou 25 increased by 8.53%, 16.40%, and 13.70% on average in two years under 60 cm at R5 stage. The accumulation process of inclusions in infected cells of different soybean varieties was quite different. Compared with soybean monoculture, the number of bacteroids increased under 60 cm at R5, among which poly-P-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) increased, and Nandou 25 was the best. Therefore, to improve the number of soybean nodule bacteroids, PHB and nitrogen fixation potential the appropriate inter-plant row spacing (60 cm) under intercropping can increase soybean nodule number and fresh weight at R5 stage, and Nandou 25 with strong nodulation had the best effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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