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Legume agronomic research in Southern Africa has often focused on integrating legumes into smallholder cereal cropping systems, but there is limited information available on the feasibility and soil health implications of continuous cropping legumes in the region. Continuous legumes may be suitable in areas with large livestock populations where a premium is placed on high-quality forage, or where efforts are underway to reclaim degraded cropland. Our objectives in this study were to (i) evaluate the performance of diverse legumes under continuous cropping and conservation tillage management with no fertility inputs and (ii) assess the response of soil health parameters to continuous legumes in a semi-arid environment. A 4-year study was conducted in Limpopo, South Africa beginning in the 2011–2012 growing season in which 10 legume and fallow treatments were imposed in the same plots for 4 growing seasons. All legumes responded negatively in varying degrees to continuous cropping in terms of biomass and nutrient accumulation. Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) was the top-performing legume in the study and accumulated 4.5–13 Mg ha−1 of biomass and 153–345, 11–34, and 75–286 kg ha−1 of N, P, and K, respectively. Lablab often outperformed natural fallow, while other legumes generally performed as well as or inferior to natural fallow, depending on species and growing season. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp) was especially incompatible with continuous cropping and averaged less than 252 kg ha−1 and 2.1 Mg ha−1 of grain and biomass, respectively, from 2012–2013 to 2014–2015. Continuous cropping did not lead to sustained improvements in soil health. By 2014–2015, soil organic matter for all treatments had either declined or resembled baseline values. Rates of potentially mineralizable N in cowpea, lablab, vining mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. Utilis), natural fallow, and bare ground plots fell by 70–96% during the study. There was also evidence for lower recovery of leached K by legumes compared to natural fallow species. In conclusion, legumes, such as lablab, should be considered as continuous forages on marginal land in areas where high-quality forage is in demand, but continuous cropping legumes without fertility inputs are not an effective strategy for improving soil health on degraded cropland in this semi-arid region of Southern Africa. Future research efforts may focus on the grazing strategies and baling frequencies required to optimize annual biomass accumulation of continuous lablab to meet livestock demand and support smallholder livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of Huanglongbing (HLB) in Florida has forced growers to search for new management strategies to optimize fruit yield in young orchards and enable earlier economic returns given the likelihood of HLB-induced yield reductions during later years. There has been considerable interest in modifying orchard architecture design and fertilizer and irrigation management practices as strategies for increasing profitability. Our objectives were to evaluate how different combinations of horticultural practices including tree density, fertilization methods, and irrigation systems affect growth, foliar nutrient content, fruit yield, and fruit quality of young 'Valencia' sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] trees during the early years of production under HLB-endemic conditions. The study was conducted in Fort Pierce, FL, from 2014 to 2020 on a 1- to 7-year-old orchard and evaluated the following treatments: standard tree density (358 trees/ha) and controlled-release fertilizer with microsprinkler irrigation (STD_dry_MS), high tree density (955 trees/ha) with fertigation and microsprinkler irrigation (HDS_fert_MS), and high tree density with fertigation and double-line drip irrigation (HDS_fert_DD). Annual foliar nutrient concentrations were usually within or higher than the recommended ranges throughout the study, with a tendency for decreases in several nutrients over time regardless of treatment, suggesting all fertilization strategies adequately met the tree nutrient demand. During fruit- bearing years, canopy volume, on a per-tree basis, was higher under STD_dry_MS (6.2-7.2 m³) than HDS_fert_MS (4.3-5.3 m³) or HDS_fert_DD (4.9-5.9 m³); however, high tree density resulted in greater canopy volume onanareabasis,whichexplainedthe86%to 300% increase in fruit yield per ha that resulted in moving from standard to high tree density. Although fruit yields per ha were generally greatest under HDS_fert_MS and HDS_fert_DD, they were lower than the 10-year Florida state average (26.5 Mg·ha-1) for standard tree density orchards, possibly due to the HLB incidence and the rootstock chosen. Although tree growth parameters and foliar nutrient concentrations varied in response to treatments, management practices that included high tree density and fertigation irrespective of irrigation systems produced the highest fruit yields and highest yield of solids. Soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) were lower, and the SSC-to-TA ratio was highest under STD_dry_MS in 2016-17, with no treatment effects on quality parameters detected in other years. Both drip and microsprinkler fertigation methods sufficiently met tree nutrient demand at high tree density, but additional research is needed to determine optimal fertilization rates and better rootstock cultivars in young high-density sweet orange orchards under HLB-endemic conditions in the Indian River Citrus District. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventionallymanaged citrus orchards can bemodified to incorporate advanced horticultural practices such as higher plant density and efficient water and fertilizer application known as open hydroponics system (OHS) to increase productivity under Huanglongbing (HLB) endemic conditions. A field studywas conducted from2013 to 2018 to evaluate the effect of an OHS on "Ray Ruby" grapefruit (RR) production under HLB-endemic conditions. We tested a combination of different rootstocks [Sour orange (RR/SO) and US-897 (RR/897)], tree planting densities [standard (STD, 358 trees per ha) and high density staggered (HDS, 953 trees per ha)], fertilization methods (dry granular--dry and fertigation--fert), and irrigation systems (double driplines--DD and microsprinkler--MS), arranged in five treatments: RR/SO_STD_dry_MS, RR/SO_HDS_fert_DD, RR/897_HDS_fert_MS, RR/897_HDS_fert_DD, and RR/SO_HDS_fert_MS. All trees were infected by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus five years after planting. Trunk diameter and canopy volume increased over time and were higher under RR/SO_STD_dry_MS compared to other treatments. Total fruit number increased in 2016/17 compared to other seasons; however, 65% of fruit were classified as small (<100 mm). Fruit produced under RR/897_HDS_fert_DD had the highest amount (79%) of adequate size fruit (100-117 mm) compared to other treatments. Fruit yield was similar for both rootstocks planted at HDS using DD andMS fertigation, and 67% higher than the standard treatment (RR/SO_STD_dry_MS). Soluble solid contents (SSC), titratable acidity, and SSC-to-titratable acidity ratio were not affected by the treatments. HDS planting resulted in higher fruit yield, irrespective of rootstock and irrigation system, representing an important advance in grapefruit production. Overall, our results demonstrated that production of grapefruit in high-density using OHS can be used by citrus growers who aim to make the best water and fertilizer management under HLB-endemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field observations have shown that a substantial portion of peanut leaves abscise in windrows during pod curing, leading to an uneven distribution of leaves and stems when intact residues are spread during harvest. Possible differences in nitrogen (N) mineralization rates between peanut leaf and stem residues may lead to spatial and temporal variability in available N during subsequent crops. The objective of this study was to quantify N mineralization in soil amended with different peanut residue components under simulated conventional and conservation tillage practices. A 252‐day microlysimeter incubation was conducted in which peanut leaves, stems and a 1:1 mixture of leaves:stems from three varieties were incorporated or placed on the soil surface to simulate conventional or conservation tillage, respectively. Soils were periodically leached to assess N mineralization compared with a soil‐only control. Nitrogen mineralization was only affected by residue component. Averaged over variety and residue placement, soil amended with leaves mineralized 10% more N relative to the control or soil containing stems. It was estimated that leaves supplied 25 kg N ha−1 over 252 days at 0–15 cm soil depth, which would likely be insufficient to induce a yield response by a subsequent crop. This study suggests that uneven distribution of peanut leaf and stem residues following harvest causes only minor spatial and temporal variability in available N during subsequent crop growth. These results support the growing body of evidence indicating that peanut residue N contributions to subsequent crops are negligible in the peanut basin of the south‐eastern USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvest index (HI) is conventionally measured using end-of-season biomass, but leaf abscission during crop growth can represent a substantial portion of total crop biomass for several species. A field study was conducted in Florida, USA, to determine the accuracy of conventional and alternative HI methods using sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as a model species and to assess biomass and nutrient contributions from abscised leaves. Seed and nutrient HI was determined from three cultivars using the following four methods: (1) total biomass method that included both end-of-season and seasonal abscised biomass; (2) conventional method based solely on end-of-season biomass; (3) early-bloom method in which biomass collected during early-bloom stage was used as the nonseed biomass component; (4) mid-bloom method where biomass from mid-bloom stage was used for nonseed biomass. Early- and mid-bloom methods overestimated all HI and underestimated biomass and nutrient return to the soil. Most nutrient HI based on the conventional method was higher than the values based on the total biomass method. Compared to the total biomass method, the conventional method underestimated biomass and nutrient return to soil per ha by 714.8 kg biomass, 28.5 kg nitrogen, 3.6 kg phosphorus, 34.7 potassium, 4.6 magnesium, 25.7 calcium, 3.4 kg sulfur, 26.5 g boron, 361 g zinc, 25.9 g manganese, 527.2 g iron, and 18.7 g copper. Including abscised leaves when determining HI may not be feasible in field experiments due to labor constraints but is an option when measuring HI for species under similar management at regional scales to improve estimates of nutrient cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most citrus nurseries in Florida, USA use overhead irrigation, but subirrigation methods, including ebb-and-flow and capillary mats, have been shown to conserve water and accelerate plant growth relative to overhead irrigation for other nursery species and may be a viable alternative to overhead irrigation in citrus liner production. The objectives of this study were to (1) automate an ebb-and-flow system for citrus liner production using capacitance sensors, and (2) evaluate how subirrigation and overhead irrigation methods affect water use, plant growth parameters, and substrate chemical properties. A study was conducted from 22 May to 23 September 2018 in which liners of six commercially important rootstock cultivars in cone-shaped containers were subjected to one of the following irrigation methods: ebb-and-flow triggered at substrate volumetric water contents (θ) of 0.24, 0.36, or 0.48 m3 m−3, capillary mats, and overhead irrigation. Capacitance sensors successfully monitored irrigation throughout the study. Ebb-and-flow benches used substantially less water (~411 L) than either capillary mats (13,098 L) or overhead irrigation (3193 L). By the end of the study, rootstock cultivars propagated using subirrigation methods were approximately 22% taller with 7% more total biomass than plants subjected to overhead irrigation. Additionally, plant growth at the 0.24 m3 m−3 threshold used to trigger ebb-and-flow was as great or greater than growth at 0.36 and 0.48 m3 m−3 thresholds. During the final five weeks of the study, substrate electrical conductivity was higher using subirrigation methods (0.84–1.3 ds m−1) than under overhead irrigation (0.55–0.8 ds m−1), but there were no symptoms of salt stress observed in plants at any time. Results from this study show that ebb-and-flow is a viable alternative to overhead irrigation and is superior to capillary mats for water conservation. In automated ebb-and-flow systems in Florida, we recommend using the 0.24 m3 m−3 threshold to produce the citrus rootstock cultivars used in this study with peat: perlite substrate. • Ebb-and-flow subirrigation was successfully automated for citrus liner production. • Ebb-and-flow benches used less water than capillary mats and overhead irrigation. • Liners under overhead irrigation generally grew slower than under subirrigation. • Triggering irrigation at 0.24 m3 m−3 substrate threshold optimized liner growth. • Ebb-and-flow is a viable alternative to overhead irrigation for liner production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Peanut is said to provide N credits to future crops in the southeastern USA but evidence is lacking to support this claim. • We evaluated wheat performance following peanut, cotton, and fallow in a conservation tillage cropping system. • Peanut residues contained up to 93 kg N ha-1, but available N at wheat planting was usually not affected by cropping history. • Peanut did not provide detectible N credits to wheat, but there were cases of lower yield after cotton relative to peanut. Agricultural extension services in many peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)-producing regions recommend that farmers reduce nitrogen (N) fertilization rates, or apply N credits, to crops planted after peanut but do not typically specify how peanut residue management or planting schedules of subsequent crops affect the magnitude of peanut N credits. The objective of this study was to quantify peanut N credits to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a conservation tillage cropping system in different subtropical growing environments. A five site-year study was conducted in Florida, USA beginning in 2016. A split-plot experimental design was arranged in which summer crop [peanut, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and weed-free fallow] was the main plot factor, while N rate (0, 34, 67, and 101 kg N ha−1) to winter wheat was the split plot factor. Peanut and cotton were planted under strip-tillage, while winter wheat was drilled into peanut and cotton residues and weed-free fallow plots without tillage. Although peanut residues accumulated 54–93 kg N ha−1, plant available N at winter wheat planting in the 0–15 cm soil depth range of former peanut plots was only higher than in former cotton or fallow plots for one site-year. A previous peanut crop did not affect winter wheat grain yield, but there were cases of lower grain yield, grain N removal, and agronomic efficiency following cotton relative to peanut depending on site. Nonlinear regression procedures predicted that N rates required to optimize grain yields following peanut would exceed 94 kg N ha−1, further indicating the absence of detectible peanut N credits in this study. These results suggest that assuming peanut provides N credits to subsequent crops in the southeastern USA is not justified and, if assumed, will reduce the productivity of subsequent crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the arrival of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease in Florida, several management approaches, includingmodification of orchard architecture design and nutritional therapy, have been explored. High-density plantings anticipate early economic returns from HLB-affected orchards. With no cure available for HLB, balanced nutrient application through soil and foliar spraying canmitigate the disease.A2-year study was conducted to investigate the effects of three grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) planting densities [single-row (300 and 440 trees per ha), and doublerow high-density (975 trees per ha)], two controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) blends, and foliarapplied micronutrients (FAM) (a blend of B, Mn, and Zn at 0, 1.5, 3, and 6 times the recommended rates) on grapefruit growth and fruit yield, physiological parameters, and foliar nutrient concentrations in an HLB-affected orchard. All the trees tested positive for HLB based on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test. The highest planting density resulted in the lowest trunk diameter and canopy volume. Despite lower yield per tree in 2019- 20, 975 trees per ha planting induced the greatest fruit and solid yields per ha. Also, the fruit produced from 975 trees per ha planting tended to be acidic with the deposition ofmore soluble solids. Use of CRF with higher micronutrients increased canopy volume with the expense of reduced fruit number in 2019-20.FAMdid not affect cycle threshold (Ct) value and tree growth parameters. Fruit yield, photosynthesis rate, and stomatal conductance (gS) decreased, and all leaf nutrient concentrations except B increased in 2019-20 with all FAM rates tested. In conclusion, our study showed that high-density planting optimizes yield under HLB-endemic conditions. In addition, supplemental soil and foliar micronutrient application do not enhance yield of HLB-affected trees over a 2-year timeframe, warranting further research for confirmation of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, affects practically all fruitbearing trees in commercial citrus orchards in Florida with no cure identified yet. Highdensity plantings and enhanced nutritional programs such as application of controlledrelease fertilizer (CRF) with higher micronutrient levels can mitigate disease symptoms and extend the tree life span of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tree planting density and application of CRF blends differing in N to K ratio and micronutrient content on grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) plant health, canopy volume, fruit yield, and fruit quality in an HLB-affected orchard. A study was conducted in Florida for two growing seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19) to evaluate the response of 'Ray Ruby' grapefruit on Kuharske citrange (Citrus sinensis 3 Poncirus trifoliata) to three planting densities (300, 440, and 975 trees per ha) and two CRF blends [12 nitrogen (N)-1.31 phosphorus (P)-7.47 potassium (K) and 16N-1.31P-16.6K] with different nutrient sources and composition. According to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction testing, all sampled trees tested positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the pathogen associated with HLB. Trees planted at 975 trees per ha had 33% lower canopy volume per tree but 160% greater fruit yield per hectare and 190% higher yield of solids compared with 300 trees per ha. Fruit produced in high-density planting (975 trees per ha) was 18% more acidic with higher soluble solid compared with low-density planting (300 trees per ha). The use of a CRF blend with higher amounts of micronutrients along with lower Kincreased canopy volume in both seasons and resulted in 24% and 29% reduction in fruit yield per hectare and yield of solids, respectively, in 2017-18. Our results indicate that high-density plantings increase fruit yield per area, and regardless of the N to K ratio, the use of CRF blends supplemented with micronutrients may not increase fruit yield in HLB-affected grapefruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]