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Vertisols are dark-colored clays that develop cracks when it expands and contracts with changes in moisture content. Tillage techniques and frequency have an impact on crop harvesting, drainage, soil erosion, moisture conservation, and weeding in Ethiopia's highlands. Five tillage methods, namely, broad bed and furrows (BBF), permanently raised bed with notillage (PRB+NT), permanently raised bed with no-tillage, and 30% stubble retention (PRB+NT+M), flatbed with no-tillage (Flat+NT), and flatbed with no-tillage and 30% stubble retention (Flat+NT+M), were evaluated for their effects on the productivity of vertisol. This study was conducted in Moretna Jiru wereda, Enewari, for seven years (2015 to 2022) in the central highlands of Ethiopia. In this study, soil indicators such as moisture content, bulk density, organic carbon, pH, available phosphorus, extractable potassium, electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen, as well as productivity indicators such as plant height, grain yield, and straw yield, were measured. The results indicated that Flat+NT+M and Flat+NT significantly increased wheat grain yield by 13.4% and 11.2%, respectively compared with BBF, for the experimental years 2015/16 and 2017/18. In the experimental years 2019/20 and 2021/22, the wheat yield was greater under BBF than conservation agriculture practices. Compared with conservation agriculture practices, BBF resulted in the highest grain yield of faba bean. The soil property data imply that PRB+NT+M, Flat+NT, and Flat+NT+M improved the total nitrogen, soil pH, organic carbon, moisture holding capacity, and extractable potassium. Economically, Flat+NT was the most profitable practice, with an 1147.6% marginal rate of return (MRR). Based on the results, Flat+NT and Flat+NT+M are beneficial for wheat production during dry years, while BBF is beneficial for fababean production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural practices can affect the diversity and community structure of soil fungi. This study investigates the impact of long-term agricultural practices on soil fungal diversity in the Loess Plateau of northwestern China. Different tillage practices have been implemented for 13 years, and their impact on soil fungi is assessed using high-throughput Illumina Sequencing. This study found a total of 2071 fungal Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), and these were assigned to 25 different phyla, 372 families, and 496 genera. The fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota (52.1%), followed by Zygomycota (14.3%) and Basidiomycota (9.0%). In general, the soil exhibited higher fungal community abundance, richness, and diversity in winter than in summer. Notably, no-tillage or stubble retention resulted in greater diversity than conventional tillage, with no-tillage combined with stubble retention resulting in the highest fungal richness, diversity, and network complexity in both summer and winter. These findings indicate that no-tillage with stubble retention is beneficial for biological soil components, which favors the establishment of abundant and diverse soil fungal communities in the Loess Plateau of China. The present study expands the knowledge of fungal communities in agro-ecosystems and the long-term ecosystem benefits of tillage practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-borne diseases of crops are becoming more and more serious due to the direct return of crop straw and root stubble and the application of many pesticides. In this study, the field experiment was carried out using the self-developed controlled combustion thermal contact killing device. The harmless disposal of stubble/straw was realized for the effective prevention and control of soil-borne diseases. The temperature distribution of flue gas was obtained in the smoke channel and along the grate direction. The temperature increasing level of the preheated air was also determined after passing along the heat exchanger under four conditions. The killing rate of pathogenic fungi and bacteria in soil was evaluated after thermotactic killing. The incidence rate, disease grade and disease index of maize plants were counted to separate and purify the stem base and root of maize plants, and then the morphology was identified preliminarily. Furthermore, the composition and number of microbial communities were determined by molecular biological identification, in order to evaluate and monitor the incidence of soil-borne diseases. Laboratory test results showed that the thermal contact temperature (117-167 ℃) and the air supply temperature (62-172 ℃) were regulated effectively, when the feed speed was 360, 720, 1 080 and 1 800 kg/h. The temperature distribution of flue gas in the smoke channel increased first and then decreased, and the maximum temperature of the furnace reached 479 ℃ during stable combustion, which was beneficial to the combustion efficiency at a high level. The isolation of fungi and bacteria in the thermal contact showed that the bacteria were more resistant to temperature than fungi. The killing rates of bacteria and fungi at 117 ℃ were 53.33% and 33.33%, respectively. Both killing rates reached more than 86% at 132 ℃. There was the relatively consistence at 153 ℃ and 167 ℃, where the killing rate reached 100%, indicating the deep killing. According to the killing rate of colonies combined with the soil organic matter and equipment energy efficiency, 1 080 kg/h was selected as the optimal treatment for the soil-borne diseases of maize after field experiment. The field experiment showed that the corn stem base of the thermal contact treatment group was normal bluish yellow, the root was white, and the ear leaves grew upward, compared with the control group. While the corn stem base of the control group was dark brown, soft and hollow, the root was black brown rot, and the ear leaves withered and drooped. Furthermore, Fusarium spp., Magnaporthiopsis spp., Gaeumannomyces spp., Alternaria spp., Trichoderma spp., and Talaromyces spp. were isolated from the stem base and root of maize. Among them, 44 strains of fungi were isolated from the control group, where only 3 strains were isolated after thermal contact. The fungus strain and speecies of microbial communities (such as Fusarium spp) that caused soil-borne diseases were significantly reduced for the better crop growth. The thermal contact can effectively slow down the soil-borne diseases in the continuous cropping of crops. This finding is of great significance to realize the green prevention and control of soil-borne diseases in crop continuous cropping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present day, recycling and reducing environmental pollution are the primary objectives of sustainable development. A lot of experts are considering the possibility of creating a new composite technology with waste materials. This work aims to investigate the effects of waste material on mechanical and hydrophobic properties, with a particular focus on bagasse fiber with stubble. The tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties of bagasse with stubble polyester composite were investigated to see if it may be used as a novel material in various engineering applications for a longer life. To improve the impact resistance of the composite, bagasse fibers is mixed in different ratios with polyester and stubble as infill. Additionally, a very tiny amount of TiO2 was added to every sample. Tensile, flexural, and impact mechanical properties were assessed using the Universal Testing Machine, the Rockwell Hardness Testing Machine, and the Izod Impact Test. Samples were hand-set out using varying weight ratios of binder, filler, and fiber. The study's findings demonstrated that the sample with a higher percentage of bagasse fiber demonstrated better mechanical and hydrophobic qualities as compared to the neat and other samples. It is an economical, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible option for a variety of applications.

Agricultural practices can affect the diversity and community structure of soil fungi. This study investigates the impact of long-term agricultural practices on soil fungal diversity in the Loess Plateau of northwestern China. Different tillage practices have been implemented for 13 years, and their impact on soil fungi is assessed using high-throughput Illumina Sequencing. This study found a total of 2071 fungal Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), and these were assigned to 25 different phyla, 372 families, and 496 genera. The fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota (52.1%), followed by Zygomycota (14.3%) and Basidiomycota (9.0%). In general, the soil exhibited higher fungal community abundance, richness, and diversity in winter than in summer. Notably, no-tillage or stubble retention resulted in greater diversity than conventional tillage, with no-tillage combined with stubble retention resulting in the highest fungal richness, diversity, and network complexity in both summer and winter. These findings indicate that no-tillage with stubble retention is beneficial for biological soil components, which favors the establishment of abundant and diverse soil fungal communities in the Loess Plateau of China. The present study expands the knowledge of fungal communities in agro-ecosystems and the long-term ecosystem benefits of tillage practices.

The carbon (C) fixed by crops, which is exported with harvest and retained as postharvest residues in a field, is important for calculating the C balance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of water availability on the C content in whole wheat plants. In a three-year field trial, the weights of grain, straw, chaff, stubble, and roots of two cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and one cultivar of einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L.) and their carbon contents were determined in water stress, irrigation, and rain-fed control treatments. The water availability, year, and cultivar had a significant influence on the C content in aboveground plant parts, but the effect of water on grain C was weak. The C content decreased with irrigation and increased with drought, but the differences were small (at most, 3.39% in chaff). On average, the C contents of grain, straw, chaff, and roots reached 45.0, 45.7, 42.6, and 34.9%, respectively. The amount of C exported with grain and left on the field in the form of postharvest residues depended on the weight of the total biomass and the ratio of grain to straw and residue. Whole plant C yield reached 8.99, 7.46, and 9.65 t ha−1 in rain-fed control, stressed, and irrigated treatments, respectively, and 8.91, 9.45, and 7.47 t ha−1 in Artix, Butterfly, and Rumona, respectively. Irrigation significantly increased the C content in grain and straw (but not in chaff, stubble, and roots) in comparison with water shortage conditions. On average, a grain yield of 1 t ha−1 corresponded to an average export of 0.447–0.454 t C ha−1 in the grain of all cultivars and inputs of 0.721, 0.832, and 2.207 t C ha−1 of residue to the soil in the form of straw and postharvest residue in the two cultivars of common wheat and one of einkorn. The results of the study provided reliable data for the calculation of the C balance of wheat under conditions of different water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Supplementing a leucaena-based diet with locally available energy sources is an important strategy to extend the use of leucaena, increase liveweight (LW) gain of Bali cattle and increase profit for the smallholder. Aims. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various local energy supplements in leucaena-based diets on the LW gain of Bali cattle and income-over-feed costs (IOFC). Methods. Forty male Bali cattle were divided into five treatment groups (n = 8) and each was fed one of the following diets: (A) control diet, including leucaena ad libitum, with corn stover at 0.5% DM LWand mineral mix, (B) control + cassava meal at 1.0% DM LW, (C) control + cassava peel at 1.0% DM LW, (D) control + cassava peel and corn grain mix at 1.0% DM LW or (E) control + commercial feed at 1.0% DM LW. The experiment was run for 140 days, which included a 20-day adaptation period. Parameters measured included intake, digestibility, imbibed-water intake, LWgain, rumen and faecal parameters, feed conversion and IOFC. Key results. Supplementation of local energy sources in combination with leucaena and corn stover diets increased LW gain of male Bali cattle above that of the control diet (P < 0.05). The bulls receiving the cassava peel and corn mix supplement had the highest LWgain (0.57 ± 0.09 kg/day), which was associated with an increase in digestible organic-matter intake (DOMI). There were no treatment differences (P > 0.05) in the rumen parameters (rumen fluid pH, rumen ammonia-Nconcentration and volatile fatty acids) and all parameters were optimum for rumen digestion. Conclusions. The addition of local energy supplements supplied at 1% of LWimproved growth rate and extended the use of a limited amount of leucaena and provided a higher IOFC. Implications. Replacing approximately 40% of leucaena with energy sources can have three benefits, including an increase in LWgain, an increased capacity of farmers to feed more cattle per hectare and an increased income per cattle being fattened. This can increase the production scale and subsequent farmer income, provided that the energy sources are available at affordable prices and obtainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the high technical requirements for cleaning root crop heads from residues, the development of new, more advanced cleaners is an important and urgent issue. The research aims to improve the quality of the cleaning process by determining the optimal kinematic, structural, and operational parameters of a new root crop head cleaner from root residues. A new design of the root crop head cleaner was created, which allowed the use of cleaning elements with different mechanical properties and sizes, and changing its kinematic parameters depending on the crop it processes. A new experimental setup was also made to install this cleaner and change its operational parameters. A new mathematical model of a multifactorial experiment was developed for the study. Based on the results of the field experimental study, correlation analysis, and statistical numerical calculations using a computer, the optimal design, kinematic, and operational parameters of the improved cleaner were determined, at which the highest quality of cleaning (the lowest amount of stover residues per linear metre) is observed. Based on the results of the correlation analysis, the following optimal parameters of the improved root crop head cleaner were obtained: the location of the ends of the rubber cleaning blades relative to the soil surface, i.e., the parameter should not exceed 1.5 cm. The angular velocity of the counter-rotating movements of the cleaning shafts should correspond to the following range of values – 36.4...76.6 rpm. The translational speed of the cleaner should not exceed 2.0 m∙s–1. The obtained structural, kinematic, and operational parameters can be successfully used in design bureaus when designing advanced machines for harvesting various root crops, and in research institutions and universities when conducting modern research in the field of agricultural engineering

China stands as one of the world's largest agricultural powerhouses, boasting abundant crop resources. Nonetheless, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the extensive scale of crop residue return in the fields. Drawing from direct field measurements and comprehensive survey data, this paper pioneers the reporting of residues from the five primary crops, shedding light on the associated nutrient components, including carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) replenishment via crop roots, stubble, and straw in the Southwest China region for the year 2012. The results showed that the total amount of the main crop residue resources was 97.4 Mt, which was composed of 17.8 Mt, 12.6 Mt, and 67 Mt for crop root, stubble, and straw, respectively. After crops harvested, there were 7165.8 kilotonne nutrient C, 132.2 kilotonne nutrient N, and 9.8 kilotonne nutrient P of crop residues returned to the fields through crop root, respectively, accounting for 44.6%, 48.2%, and 43.4% of the total nutrient returned, which was the main part of crop nutrients return to fields. The amount of nutrient C, N, and P returned through stubbles were 5017.3 kilotonne, 75.9 kilotonne, and 6.8 kilotonne, respectively, accounting for 31.3%, 27.6%, and 30.6% of the total return of crops. From the composition proportion of residues nutrients return to field, the orders were all expressed as follows: root > stubble > straw. According to the optimum fertilization amount of the main crops in Southwest China, the returned of crop residues nutrient N in maize, rice, rapeseed, and wheat can replace approximately 5.6%, 18.4%, 11.2%, and 14.8% of nitrogen fertilizer, and 2.4%, 8.3%, 3%, and 9.2% of phosphate fertilizer, respectively. This conclusion is beneficial for regulating the practice of returning crop residues to the fields and the use of agricultural fertilizers, aiming to achieve sustainable development in agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the high technical requirements for cleaning root crop heads from residues, the development of new, more advanced cleaners is an important and urgent issue. The research aims to improve the quality of the cleaning process by determining the optimal kinematic, structural, and operational parameters of a new root crop head cleaner from root residues. A new design of the root crop head cleaner was created, which allowed the use of cleaning elements with different mechanical properties and sizes, and changing its kinematic parameters depending on the crop it processes. A new experimental setup was also made to install this cleaner and change its operational parameters. A new mathematical model of a multifactorial experiment was developed for the study. Based on the results of the field experimental study, correlation analysis, and statistical numerical calculations using a computer, the optimal design, kinematic, and operational parameters of the improved cleaner were determined, at which the highest quality of cleaning (the lowest amount of stover residues per linear metre) is observed. Based on the results of the correlation analysis, the following optimal parameters of the improved root crop head cleaner were obtained: the location of the ends of the rubber cleaning blades relative to the soil surface, i.e., the parameter h should not exceed 1.5 cm. The angular velocity ω of the counter-rotating movements of the cleaning shafts should correspond to the following range of values - 36.4...76.6 rpm. The translational speed V of the cleaner should not exceed 2.0 m⋅s-1. The obtained structural, kinematic, and operational parameters can be successfully used in design bureaus when designing advanced machines for harvesting various root crops, and in research institutions and universities when conducting modern research in the field of agricultural engineering [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study; soil-driven single-acting disc harrow and PTO-driven single-acting disc harrow machines were used. The single-acting disc harrow, which moves from the soil, was tested with two different disc diameters (610 mm and 660 mm) and three different direction angles (16o-23o and 30o), while the single-acting disc harrow, which moves from the tail shaft, was tested with two different disc diameters (610 mm and 660 mm), three different direction angles (160-230 and 300) and three different disc speeds (104.97-119.97 and 143.96 min-1). As a result of the treatments, the effects on soil moisture retention, deformation area, stubble burial rate and stubble amount were compared for both machines. It was determined that the cutting width and working depth increased with the increase in disk diameter and direction angle, and the deformation area increased accordingly. The lowest amount of stubble was obtained from D1N3Y3, D1N3Y2 and D2N3Y3 treatments as 20.67 g m-2, 22.67 g m-2 and 25.33 g m-2, respectively. The highest stubble burial rate was 87.30%, 86.07% and 84.02% in D1N3Y3, D1N3Y2 and D1N2Y3 treatments. While the lowest u/v ratio was obtained from D1N1Y1 with 3.03, the highest u/v ratio was obtained from D2N3Y3 with 4.63, the lowest skidding rate was obtained from D1N3Y1 with 3.17% and the highest skidding rate was obtained from D2Y3 with 11.99. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon (C) fixed by crops, which is exported with harvest and retained as postharvest residues in a field, is important for calculating the C balance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of water availability on the C content in whole wheat plants. In a three-year field trial, the weights of grain, straw, chaff, stubble, and roots of two cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and one cultivar of einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L.) and their carbon contents were determined in water stress, irrigation, and rain-fed control treatments. The water availability, year, and cultivar had a significant influence on the C content in aboveground plant parts, but the effect of water on grain C was weak. The C content decreased with irrigation and increased with drought, but the differences were small (at most, 3.39% in chaff). On average, the C contents of grain, straw, chaff, and roots reached 45.0, 45.7, 42.6, and 34.9%, respectively. The amount of C exported with grain and left on the field in the form of postharvest residues depended on the weight of the total biomass and the ratio of grain to straw and residue. Whole plant C yield reached 8.99, 7.46, and 9.65 t ha−1 in rain-fed control, stressed, and irrigated treatments, respectively, and 8.91, 9.45, and 7.47 t ha−1 in Artix, Butterfly, and Rumona, respectively. Irrigation significantly increased the C content in grain and straw (but not in chaff, stubble, and roots) in comparison with water shortage conditions. On average, a grain yield of 1 t ha−1 corresponded to an average export of 0.447–0.454 t C ha−1 in the grain of all cultivars and inputs of 0.721, 0.832, and 2.207 t C ha−1 of residue to the soil in the form of straw and postharvest residue in the two cultivars of common wheat and one of einkorn. The results of the study provided reliable data for the calculation of the C balance of wheat under conditions of different water availability.

Globally, yield losses associated with failed crop protection due to fungicide-resistant pathogens present an increasing problem. For stubble-borne pathogens, assessment of crop residues during the off-season could provide early fungicide resistance quantification for informed management decisions to mitigate yield losses. However, stubble assessment is hampered by assay inhibitors that are derived from decaying organic matter. To overcome assay inhibition from weathered stubble samples, we used a systems approach to quantify the frequency of resistance to demethylase inhibitor fungicides of the barley pathogen Pyrenophora teres f. teres. The system canvassed (i) 10 ball-milling conditions; (ii) four DNA extraction methodologies; and (iii) three column purification techniques for the provision of sufficient yield, quality, and purity of fungal DNA for a PCR-based fungicide resistance assay. Results show that DNA quantity and purity differed within each of the above three categories, with the optimized pipeline being (i) ball-milling samples in a 50-ml stainless steel canister for 5 min using a 20-mm ball at 30 revolutions s−1; (ii) a modified Brandfass method (extracted 64% more DNA than other methods assessed); and (iii) use of silica resin columns for the highest DNA concentration with optimal DNA purity. The chip-digital PCR assay, which quantified fungicide resistance from field samples, was unaffected by the DNA extraction method or purification technique, provided that thresholds of template quantity and purity were satisfied. In summary, this study has developed molecular pipeline options for pathogen fungicide resistance quantification from cereal stubbles, which can guide management for improved crop protection outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, Argentine agriculture is based on a simplified and high-productivity technological model, marked by the trend towards soybean monoculture. These systems with little contribution of carbon (C) to the soil predispose it to its degradation by affecting its physical, chemical and biological properties. In contrast, the crops in the sequence of a rotation differ in the quantity and quality of the stubble they leave in the soil. In the rotation with a higher Fequency of grasses than soybeans, the C balance is positive, while in a rotation with a higher Fequency of soybeans, the balances are negative. The objective of this analysis is to compare the relationship between the areas dedicated to farming soybeans and corn, as an indicator of risk in the reduction of the contribution of C of the crops and of the levels of organic matter of the agricultural soils of the Argentine Republic. The Soybean/Corn Index was calculated From data on official agricultural estimates. The harvested areas of soybean and corn crops were used in each department/municipality of the country and for all campaigns, from 1969/70 to 2020/21. The proposed Index was calculated for three administrative levels: national, provincial and departmental. At the national level, it increased to values close to 6, above the ideal of 1. Although in the last decade this index has been declining, still presents high values in some parts of the country. The analysis at the provincial and department/municipality level was carried out in the three main producing Argentine provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The purpose of this study was to reveal the effects of flat stubble in different seasons on biomass allocation and allometric growth of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. 【Method】The biomass accumulation and biomass allocation patterns of P. yunnanensis in spring, summer and autumn were studied by digging method and weighing method, and the allometric growth relationships between organs and total biomass, organs and organs biomass were analyzed by allometric growth analysis method. 【Result】Except lateral roots, the biomass accumulation of other components in spring was significantly higher than that in summer and autumn; In spring and autumn, the biomass distribution of needles and stems was significantly greater than that of other components, while in summer, the biomass distribution of stems was significantly greater than that of other components; In spring and summer, the biomass distribution of lateral roots was significantly lower than that of other components, while in autumn, the sprouting was significantly lower than that of other components. The trade-off law of underground and aboveground biomass was as follows: the underground and aboveground biomass grew at the same speed in spring and summer, and tend to grow above the ground in autumn. In different seasons of flat stubble, the growth rate of needles in seedling components maintained the maximum, followed by lateral roots; However, there were significant differences in the growth rate between taproot and stem, taproot and needle, sprout and needle, sprout and taproot component biomass, indicating that the allometric growth relationship was significantly affected by the flat stubble season. The effects of flat stubble on the growth rate of seedling components in different seasons were discrepant, the highest growth rate was needle leaf, followed by lateral root; From the growth rate between sprouts and biomass of each component, the growth rate of sprouts with flat stubble was the fastest in autumn, the second in spring and the slowest in summer. 【Conclusion】The flat stubble season changed the biomass accumulation and biomass distribution mode of P. yunnanensis. The flat stubble season had different effects on the allometric growth of each component, but the needle and lateral roots in the seedling component always maintained a large growth rate, which was not affected by the flat stubble season. Considering comprehensively that P. yunnanensis seedlings with flat stubble should be stubble in spring or autumn, the biomass of flat stubble initiation zone in spring was large, and the growth rate of flat stubble initiation zone in autumn was fast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Northern Kazakhstan, the main task of agrarians is to accumulate and retain the maximum amount of moisture. In this regard, effective agrotechnical moisture conservation methods are high-quality autumn non-moldboard processing of stubble backgrounds with maximum preservation of stubble on the surface and a mechanical method of weed control in a fallow field. The obvious disadvantages of existing tillage machines are the poor deepening ability of flat-cutting working bodies, embedding stubble into the soil, and incomplete cutting of weeds. Machine-tractor units with single-operational specialized machines and their multiple passes over the field recompact about 60% of the cultivated area. The most promising for the implementation of these technological operations are combined tools. However, the technical process of the joint interaction of lancet, disk, and bar working bodies with the soil in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan has not been sufficiently studied so far. In this regard, the work aims to study the effect of technological schemes of a combined tool on agrotechnical and energy indicators and to test an experimental sample under production conditions.

Objective: To elucidate the benefits that agricultural residues or stubble have in agricultural activities, through a bibliographic and objective review that could help to make the actors of agricultural sector aware of the benefits and their correct implementation in production systems. Design/methodology/approach: A detailed review of scientific articles from the main academic databases and repositories was performed. We took into account aspects such as the use of stubble as plant cover; effects and changes in physical and chemical structure of soil; crop yield and use for livestock feeding. Results: The use of stubble has beneficial effects on agricultural activities. In agriculture, they have positive effects for the proliferation of beneficial organisms and assimilation of nutrients, which are easily absorbed by plants. Consequently, crop yield is maximized both in quantity and quality terms. In livestock sector, the stubble implement provides nutrients such as proteins, ashes and vitamins, which together with conventional diets, reduce production costs and improve meat and milk production. Limitations on study/implications: The repertoire of scientific articles related to stubble is very broad, making it difficult to assimilate the information. In Mexico, particularly, more research is needed to inform farmers of the possible uses of stubble. Findings/conclusions: The use of stubble in agricultural activities generates benefits at ecological and economic levels, which ensure the sustainability and resilience of agroecosystems. Nutritional content of stubble is a function of the species and/or varieties of agricultural species. The lack of knowledge in the management of stubble leads to these being incinerated, releasing particles and toxic and polluting substances for the environment, further favoring the conditions for greenhouse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background At present, the residual film pollution in cotton fields is crucial. The commonly used recycling method is the manual-driven recycling machine, which is heavy and time-consuming. The development of a visual navigation system for the recovery of residual film is conducive, in order to improve the work efficiency. The key technology in the visual navigation system is the cotton stubble detection. A successful cotton stubble detection can ensure the stability and reliability of the visual navigation system. Methods Firstly, it extracts the three types of texture features of GLCM, GLRLM and LBP, from the three types of images of stubbles, residual films and broken leaves between rows. It then builds three classifiers: Random Forest, Back Propagation Neural Network and Support Vector Machine in order to classify the sample images. Finally, the possibility of improving the classification accuracy using the texture features extracted from the wavelet decomposition coefficients, is discussed. Results The experiment proves that the GLCM texture feature of the original image has the best performance under the Back Propagation Neural Network classifier. As for the different wavelet bases, the vertical coefficient texture feature of coif3 wavelet decomposition, combined with the texture feature of the original image, is the feature having the best classification effect. Compared with the original image texture features, the classification accuracy is increased by 3.8%, the sensitivity is increased by 4.8%, and the specificity is increased by 1.2%. Conclusions The algorithm can complete the task of stubble detection in different locations, different periods and abnormal driving conditions, which shows that the wavelet coefficient texture feature combined with the original image texture feature is a useful fusion feature for detecting stubble and can provide a reference for different crop stubble detection.

Copyright of Journal of Animal Production / Hayvansal Üretim is the property of Hayvansal Uretim (Journal of Animal Production) 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.)

Stenocarpella spp. causes stalk and ear rot in maize and overwinters in stubble during the off-season. Understanding the factors that guide saprophytic colonization is a crucial strategy for management. In this study, we analyzed the abiotic factors and crop management practices in relation to the inoculum of Stenocarpella spp. in stubble by qPCR. Soil samples were used for suppressiveness tests against Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium graminearum, and Stenocarpella maydis. In the 29 fields, different levels of Stenocarpella spp. were detected. Only three fields were considered suppressive for the three pathogens. Heat maps showed that soil suppressiveness was inversely related to the pathogen concentration, and the suppressiveness of one pathogen was correlated with the suppressiveness of other pathogens. Under no-tillage systems in which rotation with soybeans was adopted, Stenocarpella spp. were detected at lower concentrations than in areas that adopted no-tillage systems with maize monocultures. While in tillage systems, the maize–maize monocropping increases the inoculum level of Stenocarpella spp. Crop rotation is a factor related to the observed reduction in the pathogen concentration and increases in the broad-spectrum antagonistic microbial communities. These communities guide the suppressiveness of soil-borne diseases in maize fields cultivated under tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rational crop rotation has a positive role in promoting crop production. In order to clarify the effect of different crop rotation patterns and previous crops on growth and grain yield of oilseed flax in dry land flax, a long-term field positioning experiments were conducted. We studied the effect of regulation of six different rotation treatments on grain yield formation of oilseed flax and which response to different stubbles. Six rotation patterns were set as follows: flax-flax-flax-flax (FFFF), flax-wheat-potato-flax (FWPF), flax-potato-flax-wheat (FP-FW), flax-flax-wheat-potato (FFWP), flax-wheat-flax-potato (FWFP) and flax-wheat-potato-wheat (FWPW). The results showed that crop rotation influenced grain yield and yield-related traits of oilseed flax. The grain yield of oilseed flax under different rotation treatments increased by 5.99%-88.49% compared with continuous cropping (FFFF). The frequency of oilseed flax had a significant effect on grain yield. The grain yield under FWPW treatment with 25% flax planting frequency increased by 17.55%-62.50% compared with that of 50% flax planting frequency and 88.49% compared with that of continuous cropping, respectively. Plant height, capsule number, branch number and 1000-seed weight under rotation treatments were greater 1.74%-15.15%, 12.82%-38.48%, 11.02%- 24.93% and 4.88%-13.56% than that of FFFF pattern, respectively. The accumulation amount and distribution ratio of dry matter in different organs were significantly correlated with grain yield of oilseed flax. Crop rotation significantly promoted dry matter accumulation, which were increased by 14.87%-39.57% compared with that of FFFF. The dry matter accumulation was decreased with the increasing of frequency of oilseed flax, which was generally expressed as 25% flax planting frequency > 50% flax planting frequency > 100% flax planting frequency. The results showed that crop rotation could effectively promote plant height, branch number, effective capsule number or 1000- grain weight by promoting the accumulation of dry matter in various organs of flax and optimizing dry matter distribution, which further increased grain yield of oilseed flax. It indicates that appropriate rotation mode and crop stubble can effectively solve the problem of yield reduction caused by continuous cropping of flax. In this study, FWPW rotation mode is the best rotation mode for high yield of flax in arid and semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At present, the residual film pollution in cotton fields is crucial. The commonly used recycling method is the manual-driven recycling machine, which is heavy and time-consuming. The development of a visual navigation system for the recovery of residual film is conducive, in order to improve the work efficiency. The key technology in the visual navigation system is the cotton stubble detection. A successful cotton stubble detection can ensure the stability and reliability of the visual navigation system. Methods: Firstly, it extracts the three types of texture features of GLCM, GLRLM and LBP, from the three types of images of stubbles, residual films and broken leaves between rows. It then builds three classifiers: Random Forest, Back Propagation Neural Network and Support Vector Machine in order to classify the sample images. Finally, the possibility of improving the classification accuracy using the texture features extracted from the wavelet decomposition coefficients, is discussed. Results: The experiment proves that the GLCM texture feature of the original image has the best performance under the Back Propagation Neural Network classifier. As for the different wavelet bases, the vertical coefficient texture feature of coif3 wavelet decomposition, combined with the texture feature of the original image, is the feature having the best classification effect. Compared with the original image texture features, the classification accuracy is increased by 3.8%, the sensitivity is increased by 4.8%, and the specificity is increased by 1.2%. Conclusions: The algorithm can complete the task of stubble detection in different locations, different periods and abnormal driving conditions, which shows that the wavelet coefficient texture feature combined with the original image texture feature is a useful fusion feature for detecting stubble and can provide a reference for different crop stubble detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys annua (L.) L., a melliferous archaeophyte plant became a dominant weed of the cereal stubbles of the Carpathian Basin in the medieval three-field system. By the middle of the nineteenth century, this plant provided more than two-thirds of the Hungarian honey production, and its high quality monofloral honey turned into a characteristic brand of the Hungarian apiculture. Recognizing its importance, S. annua also briefly became a minor crop cultivated in "bee gardens" and arable fields in the late nineteenth century, possibly also in response to the first signs of its upcoming decline. Starting with the advent of the steam plough, the twentieth century has brought a drastic decline for S. annua due to a combination of deeper and earlier tillage operations, agrochemicals, and new competing weed species (in particular the common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia). The last remnant stands of this previously dominant weed species are of considerable ecological and historical value as farmland biodiversity hotspots. These sites are important refuge for rare weeds, wild pollinators (including bumblebees), and declining farmland birds, which could be targeted by eco-schemes under the European Union's (EU's) greening Common Agricultural Policy. The rediscovery of the cropping potential of S. annua and the development of an appropriate technology would also allow its cultivation as a valuable bee forage, catch crop, green cover, or oilseed plant in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present day, recycling and reducing environmental pollution are the primary objectives of sustainable development. A lot of experts are considering the possibility of creating a new composite technology with waste materials. This work aims to investigate the effects of waste material on mechanical and hydrophobic properties, with a particular focus on bagasse fiber with stubble. The tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties of bagasse with stubble polyester composite were investigated to see if it may be used as a novel material in various engineering applications for a longer life. To improve the impact resistance of the composite, bagasse fibers is mixed in different ratios with polyester and stubble as infill. Additionally, a very tiny amount of TiO 2 was added to every sample. Tensile, flexural, and impact mechanical properties were assessed using the Universal Testing Machine, the Rockwell Hardness Testing Machine, and the Izod Impact Test. Samples were hand-set out using varying weight ratios of binder, filler, and fiber. The study's findings demonstrated that the sample with a higher percentage of bagasse fiber demonstrated better mechanical and hydrophobic qualities as compared to the neat and other samples. It is an economical, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible option for a variety of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The farmer's practice of buring the crop residues to clear the land before sowing is seen in various crop zones in Pakistan. In rice-wheat cropping system in Punjab, rice stubble is considered as a big problem for farmers. The crop stubbles damage the implements like cultivator rotavator that is why farmers prefers to burn these stubbles before preparation. The burning of rice stubble ease the field operations for wheat sowing but deteriorate the air and soil quality. To solve this problem of farmers, a research experiment was conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Agronomic Research Station Farooqabad to evaluate the effect of various sowing techniques on yields parameter and economics of wheat crop under rice wheat cropping system. The experiment was laid down with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included viz.T1: sowing with happy seeder (Zero tillage), T2: sowing of wheat without burning of rice stubble (Conventional Technique), T3: sowing of wheat by field preparation with Rotavator (two times), T4: sowing of wheat after burning stubbles of rice crop. The results of all treatments were significantly differed with each other. Maximum plant height (95 cm and 97 cm), numbers of productive tillers/m² (325 tillers/m² and 328 tillers/m2), thousand grain weight (39 g and 42 g), grain yield (3880 and 3700 kg/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.36 and 2.25) were recorded from the treatment where wheat crop was sown with happy seeder (zero tillage) during study years 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively than other techniques. It was concluded that farmers mayfetch higher yield and economics in wheat by sowing with happy seeder in rice wheat cropping system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to provide a scientific basis for the overwintering reserve, high yield, stable yield and efficient utilization of the stubble Pennisetum sp. in the Pisha sandstone areas and the suitable region in central China under natural conditions. 【Method】To comprehensively evaluate the regeneration ability of stubble Pennisetum sp. after low temperature stress in different natural habitats, the regeneration characteristics as follows were studied:(i)Emergence index such as seedling emergence time, seedling emergence rate, seedling survival rate and seedling emergence index;(ii) Morphological index such as height, tiller number, tiller ability, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width and leaves;(iii) Plant biomass such as the water content and fresh weight of aboveground part;(iv) Plant root such as new root length, new root number and the ratio of new root length to plant height, etc. 【Result】Most of the indexes showed a downward trend except seedling emergence time and new root length/plant height ratio under the stress of temperature reduction. The seedling emergence time became longer while the new root length/plant height ratio showed a trend of first decrease then increase and decrease. Meanwhile, the regeneration ability of stubble Pennisetum sp. after low temperature stress in Dike field were stronger than in sloping farmland. The regeneration ability of stubble Pennisetum sp. in the same natural habitat under different stress temperatures was: 5 ℃>0 ℃>-5 ℃>-10 ℃>-15 ℃. 【Conclusion】In order to ensure the regeneration ability and improve the economic benefits of stubble Pennisetum sp., it is suggested to carry out continuous cultivation in areas where the minimum temperature is higher than 0 ℃(stress accumulated temperatures are higher than-12 ℃) in winter and the soil has a certain extent of water retention capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stubble burning has been reckoned among the major contributors of air pollution especially in South Asia. It is a significant source of gaseous pollutants such as, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and methane (CH4) as well as particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5) causing serious damage to human health and the environment. It was reported that the burning of 63 Mt of crop stubble releases 3.4 Mt of CO, 0.1 Mt of NOx, 91 Mt of CO2, 0.6 Mt of CH4 and 1.2 Mt of PM into the atmosphere. The situation is more austere in India due to the intensive rice-wheat rotation system which generates large amount of stubble. It was estimated that about 352 Mt of stubble is generated each year in India out of which 22% and 34% are contributed by wheat and rice stubble respectively. About 84 Mt (23.86%) of the stubble is burnt on-field each year immediately after harvest. The disastrous haze observed over India during the winter season has been linked to stubble burning as it coincides with the burning periods (October-November). During this time, most Indian cities, especially within the National Capital Region (NCR) experience harsh pollution often reaching the severe levels of the air quality index (AQI). In November 2019, Delhi recorded a peak AQI of 487, Ghaziabad reported an AQI as high as 493, and Greater Noida recorded 480. The health effects of air pollution ranges from skin and eyes irritation to severe neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, lung capacity loss, emphysema, cancer, etc. It also leads to an increase in mortality rates due to the prolonged exposure to high pollution. The Energy and Resources Institute (2019) reported that in 2012, air pollution had led to about 5 million deaths in South Asia which is around 22% of the total deaths in the region. In addition to its effects on air quality, stubble burning also affects soil fertility (through the destruction of its nutrients), economic development and climate. The crop stubbles (if managed properly) could provide immense economic benefits to the farmers and protect the environment from the severe pollution. Some of the alternative management practices include the incorporation of the stubble into the soil, use of stubble as fuel in power plants, use as raw material for pulp and paper industries, or as biomass for biofuel production. It can also be used to generate compost and biochar, or as blend for the production of cement and bricks. Most of the farmers in North India are not aware of the prolific alternatives for managing stubble and, therefore, consider burning as the best option. This necessitates the need for immense awareness programs to enlighten the farmers about the availability of economically feasible options and the composite effects of stubble burning.

Stenocarpella spp. causes stalk and ear rot in maize and overwinters in stubble during the off-season. Understanding the factors that guide saprophytic colonization is a crucial strategy for management. In this study, we analyzed the abiotic factors and crop management practices in relation to the inoculum of Stenocarpella spp. in stubble by qPCR. Soil samples were used for suppressiveness tests against Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium graminearum, and Stenocarpella maydis. In the 29 fields, different levels of Stenocarpella spp. were detected. Only three fields were considered suppressive for the three pathogens. Heat maps showed that soil suppressiveness was inversely related to the pathogen concentration, and the suppressiveness of one pathogen was correlated with the suppressiveness of other pathogens. Under no-tillage systems in which rotation with soybeans was adopted, Stenocarpella spp. were detected at lower concentrations than in areas that adopted no-tillage systems with maize monocultures. While in tillage systems, the maize–maize monocropping increases the inoculum level of Stenocarpella spp. Crop rotation is a factor related to the observed reduction in the pathogen concentration and increases in the broad-spectrum antagonistic microbial communities. These communities guide the suppressiveness of soil-borne diseases in maize fields cultivated under tropical conditions.

Objective: To quantify the grain yield, biomass, crop stubble, and leaf:stalk index in seven varieties of maize (Zea mays L.), as well as the relationship between biomass, stubble, and plant height. Design/methodology/approach: The process consisted in planting seven genotypes of native maize (Zea mays L.). The experimental design comprised randomized blocks with four repetitions. The plant's height, total biomass, its accumulation in stalk, leaf, husk, cob, grain, and stubble (biomass of stalk+leaf+husk+cob) were evaluated. A variance analysis, the Tukey means comparison test, and a regression analysis were applied. Results: Significant differences were found between the native maize genotypes. Notable cases were the Ixtenco Yellow, followed in terms of biomass and stubble by the Texcoco White-Wide, then the Ixtenco White and Red. The plant height determined biomass in 67% and stubble in 77%. Study Limitations/Implications: The tendencies found could vary depending on the native cultivars studied and their management. Findings/conclusions: In the study region, there are differences between native maize cultivars for the agronomic characteristics evaluated. With respect to the yield of grain, biomass, and stubble, the Ixtenco Yellow cultivar was outstanding, followed by the Texcoco White-Wide, and Ixtenco White and Red. The plant height determined biomass in 67%, and stubble quantity in 77%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of different combinations of farm manure and farm manure on earthworm proliferation and earthworm manure production quantity and property. Accordingly, 100% horse manure (H), 100% cattle manure (C), 100% straw cattle manure (SC), 90% horse manure + 10% hen manure (H/H), 90% cattle + 10% hen manure (C/H) and 90% straw cattle manure + 10% hen manure (SC/H ) six research groups were designed. The highest level of worm growth in the experimental period was in group H, followed by SC group. The lowest values were found in C/H group and C group. In the amount of worm manure produced, the highest value was found in H/H group and the lowest value was found in SC group. As a result, it was found that 100% H and 100% SC groups made a better contribution to the increase in worm growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Digitaria sanguinalis is a troublesome annual weed that causes important yield losses in different crops. Despite this, there is scarce information about different aspects of its biology under field conditions. New knowledge about the establishment process of this species will be of paramount importance in order to maximise the effectiveness of weed management. The aims of this paper were to evaluate the effect of stubble found on the surface on seed dormancy levels through the season, the effects of stubble and soyabean crop canopy on seedling emergence and to determine the field emergence pattern as a consequence of seed dormancy level at dispersal time. Seeds on the soil surface, which showed a high dormancy level at the beginning of autumn, were released from dormancy by low winter temperatures and germinated during spring as temperatures rose, showing a transient surface seedbank. Seeds covered by stubbles had delayed the emergence in the field due to lower alternating temperatures perceived by the surface seedbank. On the other hand, the presence of a soyabean crop and stubble together reduced the number of seedlings. Seeds with a high dormancy level at dispersal time showed a delayed emergence in the next season when compared with seeds with a lower dormancy level. However, the final number of seedlings was similar. Both stubble on surface and crop canopy are useful factors to lessen and delay the seedling emergence allowing the design of weed management strategies in order to diminish the population levels of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】 In order to obtain a better seed collection mode of biennial sugarbeet. 【Methods】 The effects of wheat， corn and biennial beets stubble on seed collection of biennial sugarbeet were compared in the open-field overwintering and cellar storage overwintering modes，and herbicide sprayed and no herbicide on the seed harvesting of biennial sugarbeet in Pei County，Jiangsu Province. 【Results】 The results showed that the bolting rate of the test materials was significantly higher than that of the cellar. Among them，the bolting rates were 80.8% and 95.2% respectively，the 1000-grain weight was 15.27 and 17.87 g，germination rate was 85.33% and 93.67%，seed yield was 1 664.80 and 2 072.70 kg/hm2，respectively. Under different stubble treatments with the same overwintering pattern，there was no significant difference in bolting rate.The 1000-grain weight of wheat，corn and biennial sugarbeet stubble treated were 17.87，15.27，14.13 g，germination rate 93.67%，88.33% and 83.33% respectively，and seed yield 2 072.70，2 422.50 and 1 750.65 kg/hm2，among them，sugarbeet seed yield in the maize stubbles，was 38.38% higher that in biennial sugarbeet stubbles；The previous stubble herbicide sprayed had an inhibitory effect on seed production of sugarbeet compared with no herbicide sprayed. 【Conclusion】 When selecting seed production base，the previous stubble，no herbicide used and higher soil fertility should be selected first. The overwintering mode of open-field should be selected，which can save labor cost and produce better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in the Ultrabithorax (Ubx) gene cause homeotic transformation of the normally two-winged Drosophila into a fourwinged mutant fly. Ubx encodes a HOX family transcription factor that specifies segment identity, including transformation of the second set of wings into rudimentary halteres. Ubx is known to control the expression of many genes that regulate tissue growth and patterning, but how it regulates tissue morphogenesis to reshape the wing into a haltere is still unclear. Here, we show that Ubx acts by repressing the expression of two genes in the haltere, Stubble and Notopleural, both of which encode transmembrane proteases that remodel the apical extracellular matrix to promote wing morphogenesis. In addition, Ubx induces expression of the Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases in the haltere, which prevents the basal extracellular matrix remodelling necessary for wingmorphogenesis. Our results provide a long-awaited explanation for how Ubx controls morphogenetic transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modifications of combine harvester were introduced. Flax harvesting with the modified combine harvester following the dessication with Roundup did not affect the yield and weight of flax seeds when compared to the conventional pulling harvesting. A new method lead to a reduction in the yield of homomorphic fiber but losses depend on the cutting height and with the normal plant heigh (over 700 mm) and stubble height below 80 mm could be reduced to less than 10%. Flax harvesting by mowing can reduce the total labor costs by 30% and the labor costs of harvesting by more than 42%. Mowing of fiber flax fiber can significantly reduce and simplify the entire production technology.

In different parts of the world, the increasing agricultural practice of retaining crop stubble in fields across seasons has led to population increases of soil-dwelling arthropods, primarily detritivorous species. These species typically play a beneficial role in the ecosystem, but some, including the Portuguese millipede (Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas)) can be sporadic pests. To assist in better understanding of pest risk, this study examines why O. moreleti feeds on crop seedlings. For lupin, seedling susceptibility appears to be related to plant properties, with greatly different levels of damage caused to the two cultivated species (Lupinus angustinus and Lupinus albus) and particularly between cultivated and wild-type L. angustinus seedlings. Millipedes feeding on lupin (cultivated L. angustinus), but not lucerne (Medicago sativa), gained a similar amount of weight to those feeding on other foods known to be readily consumed. The life-stage and sex of O. moreleti was found to be related to seedling damage. The presence of crop stubbles (as alternate food sources) did not limit the damage O. moreleti caused to lupin, suggesting that the presence of stubble in a field situation may not preclude feeding on crop seedlings. We discuss how results from these controlled environment trials can build a basis for understanding variable crop damage by O. moreleti in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani were favoured by cereal dominated rotations. • Pythium spp. and Pratylenchus neglectus were favoured by more diverse rotations. • Windrow burning had little effect on amount of stubble-borne disease. • Farmers require up-to-date information on the crop host status. No-tillage is a cropping system that promotes minimal soil disturbance, full residue retention and diverse crop rotation. From a disease perspective, crop rotation is one of the best control measures in no-tillage systems, as many diseases are stubble-borne. A long-term no-tillage systems experiment was conducted from 2007 to 2016 in Western Australia to test effects of crop rotation and residue amount on soil health, crop growth and yield. The current research focusses on the progression of the main stubble-borne and root diseases and plant-parasitic nematodes in this experiment. The research compared a diverse crop rotation with a 'typical' farmer rotation, a cereal rotation and wheat monoculture. Three-year rotations were used and the crops and cultivars were changed periodically, within the rotations, to ensure they were relevant to farmers. Levels of root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus neglectus) and Pythium increased most in the pasture and diverse rotations, followed by the wheat monoculture and appeared to decrease slightly in the farmer and cereal rotations. The combination of canola and wheat, along with susceptible chickpea, appeared to favour root lesion nematode. In contrast, fallow and lupin in the farmer rotation appeared most effective at reducing levels. The relatively high numbers of P. neglectus in the pasture was likely due to continuous presence of a number of susceptible weeds and subterranean clover. The crop selections in the diverse rotation of this experiment have generally been a poor choice in terms of P. neglectus, the main nematode threat in Western Australia. By 2016, there was significantly greater Rhizoctonia solani in the soil following cereals compared with canola, chickpea and fallow. Nonetheless, the break crops appeared to have had a relatively short term effect on amounts of R. solani. Over the nine years, Fusarium spp. DNA in the soil increased most in the cereal rotation and wheat monoculture; it hardly changed in the farmer rotation and pasture and it declined in the diverse rotation. There was a decrease in Didymella pinodes / Phoma medicaginis var pinodella DNA (causing pea black spot) in the cereal rotation, farmer rotation and wheat monoculture. In contrast, there was a small increase in pea black spot pathogen DNA in the diverse rotation. This generally reflected the number of pea crops grown, except for the farmer rotation, which had peas grown at the same intensity as the diverse rotation. The difference between these two rotations was likely due to the lower amounts of residue in the farmer rotation, which had fallow and tillage since 2013. As expected, there were higher incidence of the stubble-borne disease in wheat and barley when following the same type of crop. Crop residue management, by windrow burning, had little effect on the level of leaf, root or crown diseases. The differences in host status between crop types and even varieties means that farmers require up-to-date information on the host status if rotations are going to be effective in reducing a broad range of plant-parasitic nematodes and pathogens in soils with no-tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stubble left in the field after harvest is a by-product in rice production systems. Presently, most of the stubble is burned in the field or mulched in the soil. In areas where the requirement for straw exceeds supply, stubble collection is carried out. With the height of stubble after harvesting of 25.3 cm, the available stubble yield is 3.1 ton/ha at a moisture content of 12%. In previous research, the use of a combine harvester to cut stubble simultaneously with harvesting was found to be inappropriate because of improperly designed equipment for this purpose. Thus, cutting and gathering stubble is still a challenge because of technological and economic reasons. In this study, the performance of a rice stubble cutting machine coupled with a windrow gathering system was evaluated along with an economic analysis of the use of the machine. We found that the machine performed well in the field with a capacity of 0.5 ha/h and the maximum rotary moment for driving the cutting disc was 168 N.m, corresponding to 14.1 HP at cutting speed of 52.3 m/s. At the cutting height of 4.9 cm, collected stubble yield was 2.0 ton/ha with the stubble loss in field of 7.3%. Using the machine for stubble cutting and gathering not only contributes to increasing rice farmers' income but has the added benefit of avoiding in-field burning of stubble that causes air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the allelopathy autotoxicity of oil flax stubble and identify the organic compounds responsible for its autotoxicity, aqueous extracts of stubble root, stem and leaf were prepared respectively. Different concentrations of gradient aqueous extracts were set for seed germination and seedling growth experiments. The autotoxic effects were determined by measuring germination potential, germination rate, seeding length and root weight, etc; and the main autotoxic chemical substances of the stubble root, stem and leaf were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the stubble root, stem and leaf aqueous extracts of oil flax inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth in a dose - dependent manner. With the increase of aqueous extract concentration, the aqueous extract from the stubble leaves reached the critical concentration first, followed by the aqueous extract of stubble stem, and finally the aqueous extract of the stubble root. The synthesis effect showed that the relationship between the aqueous extract of different stubble organs and the autotoxicity is that stubble leaf > stubble stem > stubble root. Eight, twenty-one and fourteen compounds were identified in aqueous extracts of root, stem and leaf, respectively, including acids and esters. The most abundant auto-toxins was palmitic acid. These results showed that aqueous extracts of oil flax stubble significantly affected seed germination and seedling growth, which could be one of the main cause of continuous cropping obstacles of oil flax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the properties of pulp and paper produced from wheat stubble (Triticum aestivum L.), using soda-oxygen-sodium borohydride (NaBH4) cooking method. Whole wheat straw (Triticum aestivum L.) was also used for comparison with stubbles. The morphological and chemical properties of the raw materials were investigated. The results showed that stubble had high holocellulose, cellulose, and alpha-cellulose contents and low lignin content. Fiber length, fiber width, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness were measured in order to determine suitability of the fibers for pulp and paper production. The values were used to calculate fiber parameters. The effects of these parameters on paper strength were also discussed. The effect of NaBH4 on the yield and chemical, physical, and optical properties of pulp and paper were investigated. The addition of NaBH4 increased pulp yield by 4.1 %, and improved the physical and optical properties of the pulp. The physical and optical properties of the stubble pulp were better than those of whole wheat straw pulp. It was concluded that these characteristics demonstrate the suitability of wheat stubbles for pulp and paper production.

In Poland, half of the grassland is neglected and requires renovation, which was the reason for starting this research project. The aim of this research was to study the grassland habitat of lowland central Poland that has water-deficient, slightly acidic mineral soil, in the years 2013–2016. Specifically, the impact of three methods of grassland renovation on the dry matter yield and the weight of post-harvest residues, as well as on the content of particular nutrient components in the soil, were determined. Three legume–grass mixtures were used for the renovation. The study shows that the method of renovation (ploughing, harrowing, and herbicide + direct sowing) did not have a significant effect on the dry matter yield nor on the weight of the post-harvest residues or the content in the soil of some nutrients. The highest yield was obtained from the “Original” mixture with 50% of legumes in the seed mix. After the renovation, 5.03–7.17 t·ha−1 of post-harvest residues were obtained (mainly grasses and roots of plants, 68.7–71.1%). After three years from renovation, the soil pH significantly decreased and the content of Ca and Mg increased, while the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and Corg compounds remained at an unchanged level. The concentration of various forms of nitrogen, P2O5, K2O, Ca, and Corg decreased in the deeper soil layer (down to 60 cm).

Paddy and wheat cropping is a widespread farming practice in northwestern parts of India, primarily in the riverine plains of Haryana and Punjab. These fertile lands are well known for extensive agricultural fields; however, they are equally infamous for the burning of paddy and wheat straw and stubble by farmers after the harvesting season. In India, it is reckoned that 22,289 gigagrams (Gg) of paddy stubble biomass is generated annually, and of this 13,915 Gg (62.42%) is set ablaze in the agricultural fields. Haryana and Punjab alone produce 48% of the whole straw production in India, which is openly burned in situ. Burning of farm residue emits various trace gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and sulfur oxides (SOX), as well as huge quantities of particulate matter (PM), including PM of 10 microns or less (PM10) and 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), into the atmosphere, causing negative impacts on human health and exacerbating global warming. It is estimated that the burning of one metric tonne (2,204.6 pounds) of straw releases 3 kilograms (kg) of PM, 60 kg of CO, 1,460 kg of CO2, 199 kg of ash, and 2 kg of SO2, causing significant global warming and acid rain. The major problems faced by the local people are eye irritation, dryness of eyes, lung diseases, and chest congestion. The National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab faced a disastrous smog impact during October 2016, and November 2017. These incidents led to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis, bronchitis, cataract, corneal opacity, blindness, and air pollution (smog), especially indoor air pollution, which is also a risk factor for developing pulmonary tuberculosis. Because of severe air pollution, Delhi NCR alone experiences approximately 20,000 premature deaths annually. Cases of road accidents also increase during periods of stubble burning due to poor visibility. The emissions also contribute to haze, global warming, and climate change. In India, the National Green Tribunal prohibited this antediluvian farm practice of straw burning in the pollution‐racked city of New Delhi and the adjacent state of Haryana and, just to the northwest, Punjab. One of the methods that can be used to reduce this menace is incorporation of the straw into the soil, which eventually enhances soil fertility. The crop residue material can also be used for compost formation as a traditional approach. In addition, alternate energy resources can be generated from this agro‐biomass. Further, over the past decades, many conversion processes were developed to produce alternate biofuels in different forms (pellets, briquettes) from crop residues. An integrated crop residue management approach is the need of the hour to control this human‐induced catastrophe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]