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Copyright of Acta Natura & Scientia is the property of Semih Kale 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.)

The development of commercial varieties that are resistant or tolerant to crown rot caused by Fusarium species is an important goal for cereal breeding programs internationally. Ideally, this research requires experimental sites that are initially free from Fusarium in order to establish treatment plots that compare growth in the presence and absence of these soil- and stubble-borne pathogens. Specifically, the assessment of tolerance requires control plots free of disease to determine the reduction in crop yield in plots where the disease is present. The ability of soil solarisation to reduce the background Fusarium pseudograminearum level occurring at experimental sites in comparison to current stubble management techniques was investigated across three field trials at Wellcamp in Queensland. Stubble from a susceptible durum (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) cultivar inoculated with F. pseudograminearum was incorporated by cultivation into the trial sites to establish a significant background level of inoculum prior to the application of all subsequent treatment plots. In these trials, solarisation over a period of twelve weeks reduced the presence of F. pseudograminearum to low detection levels when compared to the traditional crown rot management techniques of cultivation or growth of the non-host cover crops mungbean (Vigna radiata) and soybean (Glycine max). No negative effects of solarisation were observed on a subsequent crop of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), with significantly higher yields observed in the solarised treatments. Solarisation has the potential to deliver near zero level crown rot reference sites for experimental purposes in one short application between cropping seasons. • Solarisation decreased Fp levels in both the soil and remaining stubble. • Solarisation reduced Fp to a greater degree than both cultivation and cover crops. • Solarisation increased levels of soil moisture for the following crop. • Solarisation increased yields in the following wheat crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When soybean is replanted after wheat in parts of China, problems such as a short sowing period, large straw yield and poor mechanization technology emerge; these problems increase the difficulty of sowing subsequent soybeans and negatively affect soybean quality and yield. In addition, the ecological problems associated with straw burning and soil degradation become increasingly severe. Here, a straw clearing mulching no-tillage planter with integrated functions of lateral straw clearing anti-blocking, precision sowing, pesticide spraying, and straw mulching was developed. This planter could perform several functions, including surface straw clearing before sowing, herbicide spraying after sowing, and straw surface uniform mulching. A lateral straw clearing mulching device was designed, and the main parameters and values affecting the working performance of the device were determined. To verify the technical performance and working quality of straw clearing mulching no-tillage sowing, field experiments were conducted, testing the effects of straw clearing mulching no-tillage sowing (SCMNS) and stubble eliminating rotary-tillage sowing (SERS) on the sowing quality, seedling emergence rate, soil hydrothermal characteristics, soybean yield, and comprehensive economic benefits. The qualified indices of seed spacing and sowing depth of SCMNS were 87.2% and 76.5%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of SERS. SCMNS could enhance the ground temperature, reduce water evaporation, improve water storage, and promote soil moisture conservation. The seedling emergence date of SCMNS was one day earlier than that of SERS. The seedling emergence rate of SCMNS was 89.8%, which was significantly higher than that of SERS. The soybean yields of SCMNS (2809.2 kg·hm−2) and SERS (2207.4 kg·hm−2) significantly differed. SCMNS improved the comprehensive economic benefits by increasing soybean yield and reducing production costs; the net income of 1147.82 €·hm−2 was 50.27% higher than that of SERS. • A straw clearing mulching no-tillage planter was developed. • A field test comparing no-tillage and rotary tillage was conducted. • The no-tillage sowing improved the sowing quality and yield of soybean. • The comprehensive economic benefit of soybean got remarkable promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies have revealed that flax oilseed sown on herbicide fallow ripened faster compared to options on wheat stubble, for an average 4-6 days. Crops on wheat stubble were inferior to those of herbicide fallow by 3-7% in terms of the overall survival of plants. The highest yield of flax oilseed was shown in the herbicide fallow with a row spacing of 23 cm. The application of desiccation 10 days prior to harvesting increased the yield of this crop by 5-7%.

Sprayer boom height (Hb) variations affect the deposition and distribution of droplets. An Hb control system is used to adjust Hb to maintain an optimum distance between the boom and the crop canopy, and an Hb detection sensor is a key component of the Hb control system. This study presents a new, low-cost light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor for Hb detection developed based on the principle of single-point ranging. To examine the detection performance of the LiDAR sensor, a step height detection experiment, a field ground detection experiment, and a wheat stubble (WS) height detection experiment as well as a comparison with an ultrasonic sensor were performed. The results showed that the LiDAR sensor could be used to detect Hb. When used to detect the WS height (HWS), the LiDAR sensor primarily detected the WS roots and the inside of the WS canopy. HWS and movement speed of the LiDAR sensor (VLiDAR) has a greater impact on the detection performance of the LiDAR sensor for the WS canopy than that for the WS roots. The detection error of the LiDAR sensor for the WS roots is less than 5.00%, and the detection error of the LiDAR sensor for the WS canopy is greater than 8.00%. The detection value from the LiDAR sensor to the WS root multiplied by 1.05 can be used as a reference basis for adjusting Hb, and after the WS canopy height is added to the basis, the value can be used as an index for adjusting Hb in WS field spraying. The results of this study will promote research on the boom height detection method and autonomous Hb control system.

Tall wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stubble can enhance soil water conservation during the fallow-period by trapping snow and decreasing evaporation. However, standing wheat stubble can intercept herbicide spray droplets before they reach their intended targets. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of three wheat stubble heights (>70 cm, 35 cm, and no-stubble), four nozzle types (XR, TTJ, AIXR, and TTI), and three application directions (angular (45°), perpendicular (90°), and parallel (0°) to the wheat row) on a spray deposition of glyphosate and a dicamba tank mixture. The ranking of droplet size from smallest to largest based on volume median diameter (VMD) was XR, TTJ, AIXR, and TTI. Wheat stubble greater than 70 cm decreased spray deposition 37%, while 35 cm stubble caused a 23% decrease. Sprayer application directions and nozzle type had significant interaction on spray deposition. Perpendicular application direction decreased spray deposition relative to the angular application direction for TTJ and TTI. Parallel application direction had lower spray deposition than angular application direction for TTJ and XR. Similarly, relatively-high-spray deposition (~75%) was provided by angular application direction regardless of the nozzle type. Applicators should consider traveling in an angular direction to the wheat rows for improved droplet deposition across spray nozzle types.

The rice-wheat system (RWS) practiced in northwestern parts of the Indo-Gangetic plains of India is highly productive, but conventional practices are resource (water, labour and energy) and cost intensive. A 4-year field study evaluated the effects of green manure (GM), crop residue and tillage on crop yields, economic profitability and soil fertility in a RWS. Four main plot treatments in rice included combinations of wheat stubble and Sesbania aculeata GM management: (1) puddled transplanted rice (PTR) with no wheat stubble, (2) PTR with 25% wheat stubbles (15-20 cm high) retained, (3) PTR with no wheat stubble plus GM, and (4) PTR with wheat stubble splus GM. Three sub-plots treatments in subsequent wheat included (1) conventional till wheat with rice straw removed (CTWR0), (2) zero till wheat with rice straw removed (ZTWR0) and (3) zero till wheat with 100% rice straw retained as surface mulch (ZTWR100). The results showed that main rice yield was significantly higher (8.0%) with 50% less fertilizer N application in GM compared with conventional PTR with no GM. Rice treatments did not affect the grain yield of subsequent wheat. ZTWR100 produced significantly higher mean wheat grain yield by 7.3% and 17.5% compared with CTWR0 and ZTWR0, respectively. System productivity was 11.5% higher in PTR with wheat stubble + GM followed by ZTWR100 compared with the conventional RWS and resulted in Rs 24,075 ha−1 more net returns. Significant increases in soil organic carbon, available P and available K contents were recorded in ZTWR100 over CTWR0. Recycling rice and wheat stubble in the field in RWS is also environment friendly as it avoids ill effects of straw burning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summers are hot and dry and winters are cool and precipitated in regions with dominant Mediterranean climate. Since the pastures totally dry out during hot-dry period, sheep usually graze over wheat stubble in Turkey. The present study was conducted to investigate the herbage yield and quality of wheat stubble and Sorghum Sudan-grass pastures during summer dry periods and to compare live weight gains of the sheep grazed over these pastures. In sorghum Sudan-grass pastures, sheep (4 Karacabey merino race sheep x 3 replications) freely grazed in each plot for two-and-a half month (July-August-September) when the plants had 50-75 cm heights. Similar grazing treatments were also performed over wheat stubble. Dry herbage yields of wheat stubble and sorghum sudan-grass pastures were respectively observed as 2.82 ton/ha and 10.0 ton/ha. Considering the herbage quality of the wheat stubble, crude protein was 6.28 %; NDF was 66.54%. ADF was 37.88%, ADL was 4.37%, DMD was 60.25%, ME was 2.18 Kcal/kgKM. The same values were respectively observed as 11.33%, 61.13%, 31.58%, 2.99%, 67.27%, 2.43% in sorghum sudan-grass pasture.Traditional sheep grazing can be performed over wheat stubble pastures, but supplementary energy feed with CP should be provided. Sorghum sudan-grass can also be cultivated as an alternative to traditional stubble grazing. In this case, there is no need for supplementary feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of mulch on moisture maintaining in chickpea (var. ILC482) cultivation, a split plot experiment was conducted based on completely randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots were sowing depth (4, 8 and 12 cm) and sub-plots were six moisture maintaining and supplying methods (including control= without mulch, corn stubble mulch, wheat stubble mulch, manure mulch, soil mulch and supplementary irrigation (ideal condition) in podding stage). The results showed that there was a significant difference among mulch treatments about their effects on plant height, total biomass, grain yield, number of grain per plant and 100- grains weight. In different sowing depth, significant differences in total biomass, grain yield, number of grain per plant, harvest index and 100- grains weight were depicted. Harvest index and number of grain per plant exhibited highly significant differences in response to soil moisture maintaining treatments and Interaction between mulch × sowing depth. Sowing depth of 12 cm allocated the least 100- grains weight but total biomass, grain yield and number of grain per plant were the highest. Sowing depth of 12 cm allocated the least 100- grains weight, but total biomass, grain yield and number of grain per plant were the highest and sowing depths of 4 and 8 cm allocated the highest value. Mulch treatments had total biomass, grain yield and harvest index more than control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention to farm management practices that enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) stock is increasing because of the latter's importance of soil fertility, crop production and the global carbon cycle. Sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) as SOC has potential feedback to climate change. Spatial modelling of the effects of wheat stubble incorporation by tillage on SOC storage was studied in a semi-arid rainfed wheat cropping system, using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM). The model was validated against a long-term (1979–2004) experiment and yielded a Ratio of Performance to Deviation (RPD) of 1.6 and R2 of 0.63, indicating a moderate accuracy in predicting SOC turnover. In the Liverpool Plains and the southern slopes of NSW, SOC at top 30cm layer is in a higher range of 40–50tha−1, while from the southern west plains to the northern plains extending to the New England tablelands, SOC is in a lower range of 25–35tha−1. It is notable that SOC in the central slopes is also in the lower range of 25–35tha−1. There is large simulated variation to changes in SOC from stubble management under the current climate that ranges from 0 to –200kgha−1 year−1 when 100% of the wheat stubble is removed. When 100% of the wheat stubble is 100% incorporated, the changes in SOC become positive, from 0 to 200kgha−1 year−1. The SOC change patterns associated with the rates of wheat stubble incorporation are similar under a projected future climate. However, as future temperatures rise, less SOC will be sequestered. For example, under the 100% removal of wheat stubble, the averaged SOC is decreased by 126±40kgha−1 yr−1 under the current climate, while under the 18 GCM projected climate (2049–2098), the reduction is 135±15kgha−1 yr−1. In contrast, when 100% wheat stubble is incorporated into the soil, the averaged SOC is increased by 100±34kgha−1 yr−1 under the current climate, while under the 18 GCM projected climate, the averaged SOC is increased by 80±23kgha−1 yr−1. To maintain the current level of SOC in the south-western wheat growing region (lower rainfall) of the state 20–40% wheat stubble is required to be incorporated into soil, compared to that in the north-eastern area (high rainfall), where the rate is about 40–60%. Across the actual wheat growing area in NSW, the decreased SOC with the 100% removal of wheat stubble results in 3.90±1.23Mt CO2 emissions per year under the current climate. Under the 18 GCM projected climate, the mean emission per year is 4.06±0.50Mt CO2 if 100% wheat stubble is removed from field. In contrast, when 100% wheat stubble is incorporated into soil, the amount of increased SOC will reduce the atmospheric CO2 emissions by 3.29±1.11Mtyr−1 under the current climate or by the mean of 2.68±0.77Mtyr−1 under the GCM projected climate. There is a clear trend to theoretically decrease CO2 emissions with the increased incorporation of wheat stubble. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biocontrol effect of Clonostachys rosea (strains 016 and 1457) on Fusarium graminearum, F. avenaceum, F. verticillioides, F. langsethiae, F. poae, F. sporotrichioides, F. culmorum and Microdochium nivale was evaluated on naturally infected wheat stalks exposed to field conditions for 180 days. Experiments were conducted at two locations in Argentina, Marcos Juarez and Río Cuarto. Antagonists were applied as conidial suspensions at two inoculum levels. Pathogens were quantified by Taq Man real-time q PCR. During the first year at Marcos Juarez, biocontrol was observed in one antagonist treatment for F. graminearum after 90 days (73% reduction) but after 180 days, the pathogen decreased to undetectable levels. During the second year, biocontrol was observed in three antagonist treatments for F. graminearum and F. avenaceum (68·3% and 98·9% DNA reduction, respectively, after 90 days). Fusarium verticillioides was not controlled at Marcos Juarez. At Río Cuarto, biocontrol effects were observed in several treatments at different intervals, with a mean DNA reduction of 88·7% for F. graminearum and F. avenaceum, and 100% reduction for F. verticillioides in two treatments after 180 days. Populations of F. avenaceum and F. verticillioides were stable; meanwhile, F. graminearum population levels varied during the first 90 days, and low levels were observed after 180 days. The other pathogens were not detected. The study showed that wheat stalks were important reservoirs for F. avenaceum and F. verticillioides populations but less favourable for F. graminearum survival. Clonostachys rosea (strain 1457) showed potential to reduce the Fusarium spp. on wheat stalks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the important issues in agroenvironmental protection today is the pollen emission of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifoliaL.). A decrease in pollen emission can only be achieved if we have adequate knowledge of ragweed's biology, its spread, and the dynamic processes of the population. The damage this weed affords is important from both a human health and plant protection point of view. Winter wheat is an important crop in Hungary, being seeded on approximately 1.2–1.3 million ha annually. The present research investigates the spread of ragweed in cereal stubble fields, its nutrient content, and its water uptake. Three weeks after the harvest of winter wheat,A. artemisiifoliawas present in the area in high density. Young ragweed plants absorbed the most potassium and nitrogen. Average potassium and nitrogen contents were 6.0 and 5.8 kg ha−1, respectively. Phosphorus content was 1.1 kg ha−1, andA. artemisiifoliaalso absorbed a significant quantity of calcium. Average calcium content was 3.85 kg ha−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first known values for emissions of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs) from combustion of agricultural field biomass. Wheat and rice straw stubble collected from two western US states were tested in a field burn simulation to determine emission factors. The resulting emission factor was approximately 0.5 ng toxic equivalency (TEQ)/kg burned for both sources. When coupled with published agricultural data on crop residue burning, about 1 g TEQ/year can be expected from wheat and rice straw residue burning, making this an apparently minor source of PCDDs/Fs in the United States. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The remediation of point-source contamination of herbicides in productive fields can be addressed with biopurification systems which require biomixtures of natural materials with effectiveness for the adsorption and degradation of such compounds. A biomixture of wheat stubble and soil was tested for the adsorption and degradation of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and one of its main metabolites, 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). Single-contaminant kinetic studies were performed, being the pseudo-second order kinetic model the most suitable to describe the adsorption of both compounds. Although the adsorption of 2,4-D was faster, the adsorption of 2,4-DCP was three times higher. Single and competitive adsorption isotherms were also obtained. The later were acquired from a complete factorial experimental design varying the concentration of both solutes. Mathematical models were applied to describe the single solute isotherms, given a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 155.7 mg kg−1 for 2,4-D and 371.6 mg kg−1 for 2,4-DCP. Multicomponent models for bi-solute isotherms showed a clear reduction of 2,4-D adsorption in the presence of 2,4-DCP, although no adsorption displacement for the 2,4 DCP metabolite was observed. A stagnant degradation study was run and the contaminants were surveyed during 30 days. The biomixture was successful in degrading the 2,4-D, with a removal effectiveness > 96% after 15 days. The 2,4-DCP was not detected, suggesting a very fast degradation as soon as generated. [Display omitted] • A biomixture of wheat stubble and soil effectively eliminates herbicide 2,4-D. • The biomixture adsorbed differently the 2,4-D and its main metabolite 2,4-DCP. • In batch adsorption assays the presence of 2,4-DCP affects the adsorption of 2,4-D. • Simultaneous adsorption and degradation of 2,4-D is not influenced by 2,4-DCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprayer boom height (Hb) variations affect the deposition and distribution of droplets. An Hb control system is used to adjust Hb to maintain an optimum distance between the boom and the crop canopy, and an Hb detection sensor is a key component of the Hb control system. This study presents a new, low-cost light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor for Hb detection developed based on the principle of single-point ranging. To examine the detection performance of the LiDAR sensor, a step height detection experiment, a field ground detection experiment, and a wheat stubble (WS) height detection experiment as well as a comparison with an ultrasonic sensor were performed. The results showed that the LiDAR sensor could be used to detect Hb. When used to detect the WS height (HWS), the LiDAR sensor primarily detected the WS roots and the inside of the WS canopy. HWS and movement speed of the LiDAR sensor (VLiDAR) has a greater impact on the detection performance of the LiDAR sensor for the WS canopy than that for the WS roots. The detection error of the LiDAR sensor for the WS roots is less than 5.00%, and the detection error of the LiDAR sensor for the WS canopy is greater than 8.00%. The detection value from the LiDAR sensor to the WS root multiplied by 1.05 can be used as a reference basis for adjusting Hb, and after the WS canopy height is added to the basis, the value can be used as an index for adjusting Hb in WS field spraying. The results of this study will promote research on the boom height detection method and autonomous Hb control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tall wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stubble can enhance soil water conservation during the fallow-period by trapping snow and decreasing evaporation. However, standing wheat stubble can intercept herbicide spray droplets before they reach their intended targets. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of three wheat stubble heights (>70 cm, 35 cm, and no-stubble), four nozzle types (XR, TTJ, AIXR, and TTI), and three application directions (angular (45°), perpendicular (90°), and parallel (0°) to the wheat row) on a spray deposition of glyphosate and a dicamba tank mixture. The ranking of droplet size from smallest to largest based on volume median diameter (VMD) was XR, TTJ, AIXR, and TTI. Wheat stubble greater than 70 cm decreased spray deposition 37%, while 35 cm stubble caused a 23% decrease. Sprayer application directions and nozzle type had significant interaction on spray deposition. Perpendicular application direction decreased spray deposition relative to the angular application direction for TTJ and TTI. Parallel application direction had lower spray deposition than angular application direction for TTJ and XR. Similarly, relatively-high-spray deposition (~75%) was provided by angular application direction regardless of the nozzle type. Applicators should consider traveling in an angular direction to the wheat rows for improved droplet deposition across spray nozzle types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Pleurotus florida on the voluntary feed intake and digestibility of wheat stubble and date palm leaf. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized design with eight Shall male sheep (four replicate for each treatment), 41.5±1.5 kg initial live weight and 2 yr old. The treatments were: 1)Untreated wheat stubble (UTWS); 2) Mycelial treated wheat stubble (MTWS), 3)Fungal treated wheat stubble after the first harvesting of mushroom (FTWS), 4) Untreated date palm leaf (UDPL), 5) Mycelial treated date palm leaf (MTDPL), and 6) Fungal treated date palm leaf after the first harvesting of mushroom (FTDPL).Total tract digestibility of DM and OM of the MTDPL (34.7 & 37.2% respectively) were significantly (P<0.05) increased in comparison with the UTDPL (27.8 & 31.8% respectively). The OM digestibility of the MTWS (38.8 %) was also significantly (P<0.05) higher when compared to UTWS (32.7%).The digestibility of DM and OM of the FTDPL (26.5 and 30.0% respectively) were lower (P<0.05) than those of MTDPL, But were not significantly (P>0.05) different from those found in the UTDPL. However no significant difference(p>0.05) in digestibility of OM and DM was observed when FTWS was compared with MTWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]