Fulltext search in archive

The study evaluates how sixty years of application of organic manures and mineral fertilizers (ten fertilizer treatments altogether), planting of cultivars with different length of stem (long- and short-stem cultivars) and preceding crops (potatoes and alfalfa) affected grain and straw yields of winter wheat in the Prague-Ruzyně long-term fertilizer experiment (RFE). Fertilizer treatments did not affect grain yield during the first ten years of the RFE experiment (1959-1968), but influenced straw yield. The grain yield ranged from 5.08 (control) to 5.43 (farmyard manure) t/ha, straw yield varied from 6.02 t/ha (control) to 8.31 t/ha (poultry slurry (PS) + N₄P₂K₂). In the last ten years of the RFE experiment (2004-2013) grain yield ranged from 7.01 t/ha (control) to 8.88 t/ha (stale + N₄P₂K₂), while straw yield decreased and varied from 3.12 (control) to 6.21 t/ha (PS + N₄P₂K₂). Comparing the potatoes and alfalfa as preceding crops, the grain yield was 0.5 t/ha higher after alfalfa, but straw yield was 1.3 t/ha higher after potatoes. Introduction of short-stem cultivars increased average grain yield about 2 t/ha and decreased average straw yield about 0.85 t/ha.

The effect of foliar application of selenium (Se) fertilizers (sodium selenite and selenate) in two different Se doses (10 and 20 g/ha) on grain yield, Se content and mechanical and technological parameters of winter wheat grain was investigated in the field fertilization experiment. Foliar spray application of Se was applied at the growth stage of the 2^nd node on the main stem (32 BBCH). Selenate foliar applications in dose 10 g Se per ha showed a significant increase of grain yield in comparison to control treatment without Se application. The mechanical and technological parameters of wheat grain were not significantly affected by both selenite and selenate foliar application. The average Se concentration was significantly lower in 2007/2008 (grain yield 8.72 t/ha) than 2006/2007 (yield 6.35 t/ha) growing season (0.133 versus 0.189 mg Se/kg dry matter). The grain Se absorption efficiency at foliar application of 10 and 20 g Se/ha of selenite and selenate were 1.35-1.45% and 13.24-15.14%, respectively.

The purpose of the study was to establish quantitative and qualitative composition of soil-borne microorganisms in the cultivation of carrot. The experiment considered rye, white mustard, buckwheat and sunflower as cover crops and three systems of cultivation. The population of bacteria and fungi having an antagonistic effect towards selected fungi pathogenic to carrot was determined. The greatest total population of bacteria as well as Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. was observed in the soil when rye was the cover crop. The greatest quantity of fungi was found in the control, a slightly smaller amount - after using sunflower, buckwheat and white mustard. The system of tillage had no effect on the communities of the investigated microorganisms. Rye and white mustard had the most positive effect on the quantity of antagonistic Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Clonostachys spp., Myrothecium spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. Regardless of the tillage system, the smallest quantity of antagonistic microorganisms occurred in the conventional cultivation of carrot.

The effect of inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis on the yield of fresh and dry mass of English ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) as well as on the number of rhizospheric microorganisms was studied. The microorganisms were introduced into the soil before sowing. The control plots were not inoculated. The number of microorganisms was determined after the third mowing. The yield was determined after the first, second and third mowing. In comparison with the control, after the first and second mowing, there was a statistically significant increase in the fresh and dry mass in both inoculated variants whereas after the third mowing, a statistically significant increase in the yield of fresh mass was recorded only in the variant with B. subtilis. The use of B. subtilis had a better effect on the total yield of the fresh and dry mass of English ryegrass. The number of the investigated groups of microorganisms, apart from actinomycetes, increased in the inoculated variants. Inoculation of P. fluorescens affected the increase of total number of bacteria and aminoheterotrophs whereas inoculation of B. subtilis affected the increase of the number of azotobacter and fungi.

Climate change could promote the altitudinal spread of C4 weed species since they can benefit from warmer climate. The effects of altitude and climatic conditions (the sum of temperatures above 5°C and precipitation) on the biomass and seed production of two annual C4 weeds - Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.Beauv. - were studied in the Czech Republic. We included both temperature and precipitation variables in the study since they both serve as basic indicators of climate change and thus they have the greatest impact on plant development. The experiment was carried out by sowing both weed species on m² area with four replicates in seven localities differing in altitude in 2010 and 2011. We found no significant impacts due to altitude on any variables measured. However, climatic factors explained 44.5% of the variation in plant dry biomass and 41.4% of the seed number produced by A. retroflexus. The same variables did not significantly contribute to the variation in above-ground biomass or seed number of E. crus-galli. These results show the impact of climate conditions to vary between species and not to limit reproduction at high altitudes.

The starch proportion, starch granule distribution, and activities of enzymes involved in starch synthesis in different spikelet positions were examined during grain development in two high-yielding winter wheat cultivars. The results showed that grain number and weight per spikelet in different spatial position showed a single-peak curve from the base to the top in a wheat spike. Upper spikelets had the highest starch and amylose proportion followed by basal spikelets, whereas middle spikelets had the lowest. Starch and amylose absolute content was in opposition to their proportion. The volume of B- and A-type granule in grain of middle spikelets was remarkably higher and lower than those of basal and upper spikelets, respectively. However, no significant difference occurred in the number of A- and B-type granule in grains among different spikelet position. Compared with the basal and upper spikelets, the middle spikelets showed higher sucrose and ATP content and activities of starch biosynthetic enzymes, and subsequently higher starch absolute content. The results suggested that superior sucrose providing and degradation capacity and the high activities of enzymes involved in starch synthesis resulted in development of B-type starch granule in grain of middle spikelets.

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) plants were grown hydroponically in different ratio of sawdust (Saw-100), coco soil (Coc-100) and/or pumice (Pum-100) mixtures. Leaf number doubled in plants grown in Saw-100 while runners (stolons) number increased up to 70% in plants grown in Coc-100 compared with the control treatment (Pum-100). Fruit number increased (up to 50%) in plants grown in Pum-100. Leaf stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and internal concentration of CO₂ differentiated according to the plant vegetative or reproductive stage and/or substrate medium. Leaf and stem fresh weight as well as leaf area was increased (up to 32, 24 and 44%, respectively) in case of Coc-100 compared with the Saw-100 or Pum-100. Plant yield was doubled when Pum-Saw (50-50) was used compared with the Saw-100, which is due to the reduced fruit number produced rather than the difference in fruit fresh weight. Substrate affected fruit quality parameters. The present findings highlight the putative use of organic medium i.e. Sawdust on top of the widely used coco soil as substrate medium in strawberry culture.

This paper reports on the within-habitat (α) and on the between-habitat (β) diversity of weed vegetation on arable land in the Czech Republic, influenced by management systems, crops grown and altitude. A phytocoenological survey was conducted from 2006 to 2008 during a vegetation period using relevés that were 100 m² in size, placed in the central part of fields. The species richness and the mean Sørensen dissimilarity were calculated. The statistically significant effects of the type of farming and altitude on species richness were recorded. The average species numbers in one relevé reached 9.17 and 21.17 in conventional and organic farming, respectively. In both management systems, an increasing number of species was recorded with increasing altitude. Statistically significant effects of all the variables were observed when evaluating β-diversity. Higher β-diversity was found in conventional farming.

In order to evaluate the bio-security of genetically modified (GM) plants in the purple soil, we carried out a pot experiment about rhizospheric microflora at different development stages of a chitinase-transgenic (McChit1) tobacco (T-Chit), a plasmid-transgenic tobacco (T-Vi), and a non-transgenic tobacco (Nt-X) that were grown in the same purple soil, and surveyed the growth of three tobaccos and the properties of soil (i.e. the dynamic changes of the cultivable rhizospheric bacteria and fungi, soil enzyme activity and pH). The results showed that, compared with Nt-X plant as a control, T-Chit and T-Vi at the stages of flowering and mature significantly decreased the number of cultivable rhizospheric bacteria, but at their stubble stage the bacteria number returned to the same levels. Moreover, there were no significant differences about the number of cultivable rhizospheric fungi and the ratio of fungi to bacteria (F/B) among three treatments. It was of interest that soil catalase activities of T-Chit and T-Vi were lower than that of Nt-X during the same period, and urease activities of T-Vi and T-Chit were also lower than that of Nt-X at the stages of budding and stubble. Protease activity and the biomass of tobacco, however, showed no significant difference. This indicated that 1-year-old transgenic tobacco plants (T-Vi and T-Chit) inhibited the catalase and urease activities of the purple soil. In conclusion, the results revealed that 1-year-old T-Chit and T-Vi plants were non-toxic to the colony-forming units of cultivable bacteria and fungi in the studied purple soil during tobacco growth.

A pot experiment using root separation technique was conducted to further understand the effect of root interaction played in intercropping system under different nitrogen levels. The results showed that root interaction and increasing nitrogen application increased the green leaf area per plant and chlorophyll content of soybean, but their effects gradually decreased with increasing nitrogen fertilization level. Root interaction and increasing nitrogen application can improve photosynthetic characteristics of soybean, but root interaction only had a significant effect under low nitrogen level. The number of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and Azotobacteria was also obviously affected by root interaction and nitrogen fertilization, and the number of Azotobacteria presented a changing trend of first increased and then decreased with increasing nitrogen fertilization level. Root interaction and increasing nitrogen application improved soybean yield and its components, but their effects gradually decreased with increasing nitrogen fertilization level. The root activity of soybean was obviously affected by root interaction, and was significantly positively correlated with green leaf area per plant, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and economic yield per plant. Our results indicate that the advantage effect of root interaction and increasing nitrogen application will be partially inhibited with an increasing nitrogen fertilization level.

Field experiment was conducted on clay loam soil during winter season of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 at the Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal to study the influence of sulphur (S) levels and irrigation on quality and yield of mustard (cv. Varuna, T-59). Results revealed that yield attributes and yield of crop were highest with 60 kg S/ha, mostly at par with 45 kg S/ha. Double irrigation at flower initiation (30 days after sowing (DAS)) and siliqua development stages (60 DAS) was best with respect to growth, yield attributes, yield, S uptake and oil percent in seed. Effects of both S levels and irrigations on glucosinolate and fatty acid content were non-significant except on progoitrin. The erucic:oleic acid ratio was inversely related to the subsequent increase in S doses, thereby suggesting the qualitative improvement of oil with S application. Oil percent has a negative correlation with sinigrin and gluconapin content. The uptake of S was positively correlated with oleic acid content but showed lower or even negative correlation with other fatty acids. Therefore, irrigation (twice at 30 DAS and 60 DAS) in combination with 45 kg S/ha are recommended for improving yield attributes, yield, oil percent and S uptake of Indian mustard.

Surface mulch is an important factor of soil protection technology in the cultivation of potatoes. Presented herein are the results of three years (2009-2011) of field trials at two sites (Leškovice and Uhříněves), where two cultivars (Finka and Katka) were grown. Three mulching treatments (grass mulch after planting, grass mulch before germination and black polypropylene mulch textile) were used in the study. The weight of marketable tubers (tuber over 40 mm) and tuber size distribution were influenced significantly by mulching. The application of grass mulch on surface of the row ensured a 20.5-24.8% increase of weight of marketable tubers and higher occurrence of tubers over 56 mm (resp. tubers 56-60 mm and over 60 mm). There was no consistent effect of grass mulch on the aboveground biomass of weeds. Higher occurrences of larvae of Colorado potato beetle was found on the plots with black polypropylene textile in warmer site Uhříněves.

Paddy rice is important for Chinese agriculture and crop production, which largely depends on the leaf nitrogen (N) levels. The purpose of this study is to discuss the relationship between the fluorescence parameters and leaf N content of paddy rice and to test their performance in inversing N content of crops through back-propagation (B-P) neural network. In the correlative analysis of the fluorescence parameters and the N content, we found that the correlation between fluorescence ratios (F740/F685 and F685/F525 (F740, F685, F525 - intensity of fluorescence at 740, 685 and 525 nm, respectively)) and the N content (R² are 0.735 and 0.4342, respectively) is weaker than that between the intensity of fluorescence peaks (F685 and F740) and N content (R² are 0.9743 and 0.9686, respectively). Our studies show that the accuracy and precision of N content inversion which is acquired from the intensity of fluorescence peaks through the B-P neural network model are significantly improved (root mean square error (MSRE) = 0.1702, the residual changes between -0.1-0.1 mg/g) compared with the fluorescence ratio (MSRE = 0.3655, the residual changes from -0.3-0.3 mg/g). Results demonstrate that the intensity of fluorescence peaks can be as a characteristic parameter to estimate N content of crops leaf. The B-P neural network model will be serviceable approach in inversing N content of paddy leaf.

The field experiment with different soil tillage treatments has been carried out in Prague-Ruzyně locality (Czech Republic) since 1995. Data of two growing cycles in the years 2007-2010 and 2011-2014 were evaluated. Tillage technique was decisive for changes in soil characteristics and crop yields. Bulk density, organic carbon (C_org) and microbial biomass C (C_mic) were more equilibrated throughout all tested soil layers (0-0.1; 0.1-0.2 and 0.2-0.3 m) in conventional tillage (CT). In reduced tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT) treatments significant accumulation of C_org and increase of C_mic in the surface layer were found, compared to CT. No significant differences in C_org and C_mic between two growing cycles were determined; however, mostly higher values were obtained in the top layer of NT during the second growing period. Higher bulk density under conservation tillage techniques did not negatively affect soil characteristics and should be taken in consideration for data evaluation as it can alter interpretation of their changes in the soil profile. Crop yields were comparable in CT and RT. Yield decrease in NT was mostly observed for winter wheat and pea. Beneficial effects of RT and NT conserving soil moisture on crop yield were not observed in dry years.

The present study was undertaken to sequentially fractionate nickel (Ni) in soils of divergent physicochemical characteristics and evaluate the contribution of different fractions towards plant uptake. For this, fifteen bulk surface (0-15 cm) soil samples were collected from the cultivated fields of northwestern Indo-Gangetic alluvial plains. A pot experiment was conducted with these soils to assess the contribution of soil Ni fractions to plant uptake using soybean as test crop. Results showed that residual Ni was the most dominant fraction in soil constituting 3.19-63.6% of total Ni. The water soluble plus exchangeable Ni accounted for only 0.70-4.04% of total soil Ni. Organically bound Ni varied from 1.60-6.85% of total Ni; these values are relatively lower as compared to those reported for temperate soils. Correlation studies showed that the free iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and soil organic carbon correlated with various fractions of Ni in soil. Water soluble plus exchangeable and organically bound are the dominant fractions which contributed positively and manganese oxide (MnO₂) bound and residual fractions contributed negatively towards the phytoavailability of Ni in soil.

The aim of the studies was to determine the effect of the used herbicides and their mixtures on the level of glycoalkaloids (TGA) in the leaves and tubers of three edible potato cultivars. The studied factors were: I - three cultivars: Cekin, Satina and Tajfun. II - five ways of care: 1. mechanical care - the control object and four objects using herbicides Command 480 EC, Afalon Dispersion 450 SC and Stomp 400 SC. The content of glycoalkaloids both in the leaves and in the tubers of the edible potato significantly depended on the genotype. The highest content of TGA characterised the cv. Cekin - 623.5 mg/kg and 67.21 mg/kg of fresh weight (FW), respectively, while the smallest was found in cv. Satina - 339.3 mg/kg and 33.60 mg/kg of FW, respectively. Herbicides used in the experiment caused the increase of the content of glycoalkaloids compared to the tubers from the control object. However, a significantly higher concentration of TGA was stated after using the mixture of herbicides Command 480 EC + Afalon Dispersion 450 SC and Stomp 400 SC + Afalon Dispersion 450 SC.

This study evaluated the effects of biochar application on some properties of an alkaline soil and on lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) growth. Lentils were grown in the soil amended with the rates of 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.3 weight percent of two biochars (B₁ and B₂), produced from rice husk under different pyrolysis conditions. Lentils were harvested after 70 days. Soil samples were also analysed for changes in physico-chemical properties. The results indicated that biochar application significantly increased soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, available potassium and below ground biomass of lentil, while it decreased soil bulk density. The results suggested that biochar application to alkaline soils has benefits to both soil quality and plant growth.

The present studies determined the antagonistic activity of selected fungi of the soil environment of root chicory -a high-inulin plant, with considerable pro-health values - towards such fungi pathogenic towards this plant as: Altenaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium culmorum, F. oxysporum, Thanatephorus cucumeris and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The cultivation of root chicory took into consideration soil mulching with cover crops (oats, tansy phacelia and common vetch) as well as the conventional cultivation, i.e. without any cover crops. The total population of fungi after soil mulching with common vetch was almost twice as small as in the control and smaller than with phacelia as a cover plant. Antagonistic Clonostachys spp., Myrothecium spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. displayed differentiated activity towards the studied fungi. The greatest antagonistic effect was observed after the mulch of oats. Besides, oats and common vetch the most positive effect on the antagonistic activity was that of Clonostachys spp., Myrothecium spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. Those fungi were most effective in inhibiting the growth and development of F. oxysporum, T. cucumeris and S. sclerotiorum.

This study compares the effect of application of digestate, straw, cattle slurry and inorganic fertilizers on crop yield and soil organic matter content. Total organic carbon (C), total organic nitrogen (N), hot water soluble C, microbial biomass C and hydrophobic soil components were evaluated in soil from the field experiment in Prague-Ruzyně (Orthic Luvisol, clay loam) with winter wheat. All fertilized treatments significantly increased grain yield above the level of non-fertilized control (5.68 t/ha), and the sequence was as follows: digestate (9.88 t/ha) > NPK(9.80 t/ha) > cattle slurry (9.73 t/ha) > digestate + straw (9.35 t/ha). Average organic C content in the soil ranged from 1.668-1.704% and the effect of different fertilization was not significant. The highest increase of microbial biomass C was recorded in digestate + straw (43.2% increase compared to control). Highly significant correlations were found between hydrophobic soil components and hot water soluble C (r = 0.988; P ≥ 0.05) and microbial biomass C (r = 0.964; P ≥ 0.05). Total organic N content ranged from 0.157-0.160% and differences among treatments were insignificant. Fertilization with digestate itself brings an effect in increasing crop yield, but does not improve the level of soil organic matter significantly.

Chlorine, one of the most abundant elements in nature, undergoes a complex biogeochemical cycle in the environment, involved in the formation of volatile organochlorines (VOCls), which in turn can contribute to environmental problems, contaminate natural ecosystems, and are of public health concern. Several industrial and natural sources of VOCls have already been identified; however, data - particularly on the natural sources - are still scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of emission of VOCls from soil and several undergrowth plants collected in temperate spruce forest ecosystem and the effect of salting on the VOCl emission of plants. Undergrowth plants were found to emit chloroform (CHCl₃) in the range of 2.2-201 pmol/day/g dry weight (DW), tetrachloromethane (CCl₄) 0-23.5 pmol/day/g DW, and tetrachloroethene (C₂Cl₄) 0-13.5 pmol/day/g DW; the average emission rates were about 10 times higher than that of soil (2.9-47.2; 0-5.8; 0-3.6 pmol/day/g DW of CHCl₃; CCl₄; C₂Cl₄ emission, respectively). Addition of sodium chloride solution in most cases caused an increase in the emission of CHCl₃ and caused a species specific - effect on the emissions of CCl₄ and C₂Cl₄. The results suggest that the emission of VOCls from spruce forest contribute to the atmospheric input of reactive chlorine; however, on a global scale it is only a minor net source.

The study was based on soil samples taken after the long-term fertilizer experiment (1974-2014) where different doses of nitrogen and potassium were applied. The experiment was located at the Research Station of the UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz (Poland). The long-term application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers leads to changes in the concentration of mercury, soil acidification, reduction in total organic carbon, total nitrogen as well as affluence of available nutrients (P, K, Mg) and increased mobility of copper and zinc. The significant positive correlation between total mercury content in the soil and the content of N-NO₃, Zn, N-NH₄ and the hydrolytic acidity value were stated.

Phosphorus (P) availability limits crop growth in most of cultivable soils in north-west India. The beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms such as phosphate-solubilising fungi (PSF) were found to increase P availability in soil and improve crop yields. In view of this, field experiments were conducted during 2009-2011 to evaluate the effect of seed inoculation with PSF (Penicillium bilaii) at different rates of fertilizer P on P content in leaves and grain yield of irrigated wheat in India. The soil was low in Olsen P at the Bathinda site and medium at the Ludhiana site. In no-P treatment, PSF significantly increased grain yield by 12.6% over non-inoculated control. The effect of PSF on grain yield was generally more pronounced in a soil with low Olsen-P compared to medium Olsen-P level. Inoculation of PSF along with 50% P fertilizer increased wheat yield equivalent to 100% P with no PSF. Spike density was significantly higher in PSF + 50% P than all the other treatments. There is need to study a long-term effect of Penicillium bilaii on P-fertilizer saving in wheat on soils varying in P availability, pH and P fixation capacity for different wheat-based cropping systems.

A field trial with four potato cultivars (Faluka, Manitou, Madeleine and Stirling) was conducted in two consecutive years (2012 and 2013) at a laboratory field of Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana. The aim of the study was to evaluate different requirements of the selected cultivars in regard to the ridge and tuber cluster. The following parameters were defined and monitored: area of the form surrounding the tubers (ellipse), cross-sectional area of the ridge, vertical and horizontal tuber span in the ridge, the length of semi-axes (a) and (b) of the ellipse, minimum distance of tubers and ellipse from the outer ridge side. The results of 2012 trial indicated that the minimal ellipse method defining the ellipse was not satisfactory as statistical significance was limited due to a large volume of vacant space in the ridge not occupied by potato tubers. Therefore, the mathematical model was upgraded in 2013 and a physical parameter (tuber mass) was incorporated in the equation to better depict the tuber cluster. The trials were designed as a randomized block with five repetitions. The largest ellipse, horizontal tuber span in the ridge and the longest semi-axis (a) were recorded for the cv. Manitou resulting in the highest yield. However, no statistical differences were recorded in the horizontal tuber span, the length of the semi-axis (a) or cross-sectional area of the ridge among cultivars analysed. It was determined that different cultivars require specific growth space in the potato ridge. Moreover, the newly developed method proved efficient for determining growth requirements of potato tubers in the ridge.

Compost can increase soil water availability and nutrient uptake by plants, but it is not clear whether it can also improve the ability of plants to recover after drought stress. Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) were grown in sandy soil without compost or with compost either incorporated or mulched. There were two water treatments: (i) plants grown under sufficient water supply throughout the experiment and (ii) plants grown with sufficient water supply until day 33 after which water was withheld until stomatal conductance was close to zero. Compost addition increased water content at both field capacity and permanent wilting point, but only incorporated compost increased total available water. Compost addition increased shoot and root growth under well-watered and drought stressed conditions with a greater effect by incorporated compost. At sufficient water supply, the rates of photosynthesis and transpiration were similar in all treatments. Drought stressed plants with incorporated compost wilted earlier than control plants, whereas mulched compost increased water availability to plants and hence the number of days until wilting. Photosynthesis and transpiration recovered faster in plants grown with incorporated compost compared to other treatments. The rapid recovery of plants after drought with incorporated compost could be due to their greater root length.

Investigations were carried out at the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb in the growing seasons 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 with the aim to determine the influence of seeding rate and fungicide treatment upon the yield and yield components of spelt (Triticum spelta L.). The trial included two spelt cultivars: Nirvana and Ostro, three seeding rates: 200, 300, and 400 germinated seeds/m2, and a fungicide treatment (tebuconazole). Cultivar Nirvana produced a significantly higher grain yield in both trial years, higher number of spikelets per spike, higher grain number and mass per spike. Cultivar Ostro had a significantly higher grain crude proteins content, higher 1000 grain weight, and also a higher number of sterile spikelets per spike. No significant effect of seeding rate on grain yield was determined while the fungicide treatment had a significant effect on grain yield only in the warmer year 2008/2009.

This study is aimed at investigating the effect of different vineyard soil management systems on soil erosion and earthworm (Lumbricidae) population. Three soil management systems were investigated: permanent green cover (control), straw-cover and periodic soil tillage. Inter-row periodic soil tillage was applied in 2002 and 2003 (May and August), and straw-cover in May 2002. Periodic soil tillage resulted in increased erosion, i.e. 1746 kg/ha of soil/per year, on average. The greater portion of erosive events occurred after tillage in summer (August 2002), which was accompanied by heavy rainfall and slow renewal of grass cover (slower than in spring). The lowest average amount of soil erosion was observed in the treatment with straw-cover (56 kg/ha per year). This management system provided better environment for earthworm populations, most of which were found close to the soil surface, especially in the dry year 2003. In periodical soil tillage, the majority of earthworms were found in the soil horizon not disturbed by the tillage, i.e. at the depth of 10-20 cm. The lowest number of earthworms (only 2 per m²) was recorded in the herbicide intra-row strip.

Slit seeding (sowing into shallow cuts to the soil surface) was evaluated on coal mine reclamation in the North Bohemian Brown Coal Basin (Czech Republic) between 2001 and 2008, on plots both with and without biodegradable waste enrichment. Prior to experimentation (in 2000, once) were applied dehydrated, anaerobically digested wastewater sludge, 200 (41) t/ha fresh mass (dry mass), together with paper mill waste, 400 (131) t/ha, and bark substrate Envima, 400 (145) t/ha. Spontaneous herbaceous cover was enhanced each end of April from 2001 to 2003 by slit seeded grass-legume mixture containing Festuca pratensis L. (46%); Lotus corniculatus L. (22%); Coronilla varia L. (18%); Festuca rubra L. (9%); and Medicago lupulina L. (5%). All slit seeded species proliferated better on surface strip mine deposits without biodegradable waste enrichment and brought beneficial changes in a number of parameters over the ensuing five years due to lower competition with native expanding eutrophic species including Calamagrostis epigejos L.; Cardaria draba L.; Urtica dioica L.; and Galium aparine L. Available organic carbon (extracted from field-moist soil by 0.5 mol/L K₂SO₄) showed a notable tendency toward values 10-66 mg C/kg DM (dry mass), microbial biomass 302-1131 mg C/kg DM, basal respiration 3.9-5.8 mg C/kg DM/h, and metabolic quotient (basal respiration/microbial biomass carbon) × 1000 = 5.2-7.9.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous diatomic molecule with a wide variety of physiological and pathological implications in plants. Presence of unpaired electron in its molecular orbital makes it highly reactive; it can react directly with metal complexes, radicals, DNA, proteins, lipids and other biomolecules. Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to play essential role in a number of important plant physiological processes. This manuscript reviews the role of NO on these processes during various biotic and abiotic stresses.

The present investigation was undertaken to find out efficient strains of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM fungi) alone or in combinations with Trichoderma viride for inoculation Dendrocalamus strictus L. seedlings. The inoculated seedlings showed good response having higher plant height, phosphorous ions content in root and shoot, AM spore number and root colonization than non-inoculated (control) seedlings in both single (alone) and co-inoculation (combined consortium) experiments. T. viride showed significant growth followed by Glomus mosseae, G. fasciculatum and mixed AM with single inoculation. In co-inoculation, the best growth responses were observed with G. fasciculatum + T. viride followed by G. mosseae + T. viride, mixed vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizas (VAM) + T. viride, G. mosseae + G. fasciculatum + T. viride + mixed VAM, G. mosseae + G. fasciculatum + T. viride and G. mosseae + G. fasciculatum after 120 days and also depicted maximum increase in phosphorus content of shoot and root when compared with other inoculated seedlings. However, all the inoculated seedlings showed significant increase in phosphorus content when compared with control seedlings.

Declining water is a great concern in production of rice, because rice is more sensitive to water deficiency which restricts normal rice growth resulting in enormous economic loss. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of hydrogel in different sowing techniques of aerobic rice viz. flat, ridge, and bed sowing. Observations on soil moisture percentage before every irrigation, yield, and yield components of rice were recorded. Application of hydrogel improved soil moisture contents in all the three sowing techniques as compared to soil without hydrogel. More soil moisture contents met the crop water needs and increased the number of germinated seeds. As a consequence of more emergence and better stand establishment, the yield components were also improved increasing the yield of rice in hydrogel amended soil in all sowing techniques. However, sowing of rice on beds with hydrogel amendment was found the most effective; it not only improved the performance of aerobic rice but also enhanced growth and yield of aerobic rice more than other sowing techniques.