Grain yield and N uptake of maize in response to increased plant density under reduced water and nitrogen supply conditions

The development of modern agriculture requires the reduction of water and chemical N fertilizer inputs.Increasing the planting density can maintain higher yields,but also consumes more of these restrictive resources.However,whether an increased maize density can compensate for the negative effects of reduced water and N supply on grain yield and N uptake in the arid irrigated areas remains unknown.This study is part of a long-term positioning trial that started in 2016.A split-split plot field experiment of maize was implemented in the arid irrigated area of northwestern China in 2020 to 2021.The treatments included two irrigation levels:local conventional irrigation reduced by 20%(W1,3,240 m^(3)ha^(-1))and local conventional irrigation(W2,4,050 m^(3)ha^(-1));two N application rates:local conventional N reduced by 25%(N1,270 kg ha^(-1))and local conventional N(360 kg ha^(-1));and three planting densities:local conventional density(D1,75,000 plants ha^(-1)),density increased by 30%(D2,97,500 plants ha-1),and density increased by 60%(D3,120,000 plants ha^(-1)).Our results showed that the grain yield and aboveground N accumulation of maize were lower under the reduced water and N inputs,but increasing the maize density by 30% can compensate for the reductions of grain yield and aboveground N accumulation caused by the reduced water and N supply.When water was reduced while the N application rate remained unchanged,increasing the planting density by 30% enhanced grain yield by 13.9% and aboveground N accumulation by 15.3%.Under reduced water and N inputs,increasing the maize density by 30% enhanced N uptake efficiency and N partial factor productivity,and it also compensated for the N harvest index and N metabolic related enzyme activities.Compared with W2N2D1,the N uptake efficiency and N partial factor productivity increased by 28.6 and 17.6%under W1N1D2.W1N2D2 had 8.4% higher N uptake efficiency and 13.9% higher N partial factor productivity than W2N2D1.W1N2D2 improved urease activity and nitrate reductase activity by 5.4% at the R2(blister)stage and 19.6% at the V6(6th leaf)stage,and increased net income and the benefit:cost ratio by 22.1 and 16.7%,respectively.W1N1D2 and W1N2D2 reduced the nitrate nitrogen and ammoniacal nitrogen contents at the R6 stage in the 40-100 cm soil layer,compared with W2N2D1.In summary,increasing the planting density by 30% can compensate for the loss of grain yield and aboveground N accumulation under reduced water and N inputs.Meanwhile,increasing the maize density by 30% improved grain yield and aboveground N accumulation when water was reduced by 20% while the N application rate remained constant in arid irrigation areas.

Physiological and psychological responses to tended plant communities with varying color characteristics

Exposure to plants has been reported to promote health and reduce stress,and plant color has direct impacts on physical and mental health.We used images of common types of tended plant communities in Shenyang,China,with combinations of yellow,green,and red foliage,as experimental stimuli.A total of 27 images were used as visual stimuli.We used electroencephalography to measureαwave activity(8-13 Hz)in 40 subjects while they viewed visual stimuli.These data were combined with subjective questionnaire data to analyze the relaxing effect of images of tended plant communities with different color types and proportions on people.The results revealed that,although there were slight differences between the electroencephalography and psychological findings,women were significantly more relaxed than men after viewing the images.Physiological and psychological responses varied with the types and proportions of colors in the tended plant communities:those of foliage with combinations of two or three colors induced stronger responses than images with a single color.Specifically,(1)for one-color plant communities,green or yellow plant communities induced a stronger relaxation effect than red plant communities;(2)for two-color plant communities,the optimal color proportion was 55%+45%,and the green+yellow and green+red color combinations induced a stronger relaxation effect;(3)for three-color plant communities,the relaxation effect was strongest when the color proportion was 55%green+25%yellow+20%red.These data would provide a plant color matching in future plant landscape design,which may be helpful for creating healthy and relaxing environments.

Elevational patterns of warming effects on plant community and topsoil properties: focus on subalpine meadows ecosystem

Climate warming profoundly affects plant biodiversity, community productivity, and soil properties in alpine and subalpine grassland ecosystems. However, these effects are poorly understood across elevational gradients in subalpine meadow ecosystems. To reveal the elevational patterns of warming effects on plant biodiversity, community structure, productivity, and soil properties, we conducted a warming experiment using open-top chambers from August 2019 to August 2022 at high(2764 m a. s. l.), medium(2631 m a. s. l.), and low(2544 m a. s. l.) elevational gradients on a subalpine meadow slope of Mount Wutai, Northern China. Our results showed that three years of warming significantly increased topsoil temperature but significantly decreased topsoil moisture at all elevations(P<0.05), and the percentage of increasing temperature and decreasing moisture both gradually raised with elevation lifting. Warming-induced decreasing proportions of soil organic carbon(SOC, by 19.24%), and total nitrogen(TN, by 24.56%) were the greatest at high elevational gradients. Experimental warming did not affect topsoil C: N, p H, NO_(3)^(-)-N, or NH_(4)^(+)-N at the three elevational gradients. Warming significantly increased species richness(P<0.01) and Shannon-Weiner index(P<0.05) at low elevational gradients but significantly decreased belowground biomass(P<0.05) at a depth of 0–10 cm at three elevational gradients. Warming caused significant increases in the aboveground biomass in the three elevational plots. Warming significantly increased the aboveground biomass of graminoids in medium(by 92.47%) and low(by 98.25%) elevational gradients, that of sedges in high(by 72.44%) and medium(by 57.16%) elevational plots, and that of forbs in high(by 75.88%), medium(by 34.38%), and low(by 74.95%) elevational plots. Species richness had significant linear correlations with SOC, TN, and C: N(P<0.05), but significant nonlinear responses to soil temperature and soil moisture in the warmed treatment(P<0.05). The warmed aboveground biomass had a significant nonlinear response to soil temperature and significant linear responses to soil moisture(P<0.05). This study provided evidence that altitude is a factor in sensitivity to climate warming, and these different parameters(e.g., plant species richness, Shannon-Weiner index, soil temperature, soil moisture, SOC, and TN) can be used to measure this sensitivity.

Effects of desert plant communities on soil enzyme activities and soil organic carbon in the proluvial fan in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain in Ningxia,China

It is of great significance to study the effects of desert plants on soil enzyme activities and soil organic carbon(SOC)for maintaining the stability of the desert ecosystem.In this study,we studied the responses of soil enzyme activities and SOC fractions(particulate organic carbon(POC)and mineral-associated organic carbon(MAOC))to five typical desert plant communities(Convolvulus tragacanthoides,Ephedra rhytidosperma,Stipa breviflora,Stipa tianschanica var.gobica,and Salsola laricifolia communities)in the proluvial fan in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,China.We recorded the plant community information mainly including the plant coverage and herb and shrub species,and obtained the aboveground biomass and plant species diversity through sample surveys in late July 2023.Soil samples were also collected at depths of 0–10 cm(topsoil)and 10–20 cm(subsoil)to determine the soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities.The results showed that the plant coverage and aboveground biomass of S.laricifolia community were significantly higher than those of C.tragacanthoides,S.breviflora,and S.tianschanica var.gobica communities(P<0.05).Soil enzyme activities varied among different plant communities.In the topsoil,the enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase(ALP)andβ-1,4-glucosidas(βG)were significantly higher in E.rhytidosperma and S.tianschanica var.gobica communities than in other plant communities(P<0.05).The topsoil had higher POC and MAOC contents than the subsoil.Specifically,the content of POC in the topsoil was 18.17%–42.73%higher than that in the subsoil.The structural equation model(SEM)indicated that plant species diversity,soil pH,and soil water content(SWC)were the main factors influencing POC and MAOC.The soil pH inhibited the formation of POC and promoted the formation of MAOC.Conversely,SWC stimulated POC production and hindered MAOC formation.Our study aimed to gain insight into the effects of desert plant communities on soil enzyme activities and SOC fractions,as well as the drivers of SOC fractions in the proluvial fan in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain and other desert ecosystems.

Exploring the impact of high density planting system and deficit irrigation in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.):a comprehensive review

Lessons learned from past experiences push for an alternate way of crop production.In India,adopting high density planting system(HDPS)to boost cotton yield is becoming a growing trend.HDPS has recently been considered a replacement for the current Indian production system.It is also suitable for mechanical harvesting,which reducing labour costs,increasing input use efficiency,timely harvesting timely,maintaining cotton quality,and offering the potential to increase productivity and profitability.This technology has become widespread in globally cotton growing regions.Water management is critical for the success of high density cotton planting.Due to the problem of freshwater availability,more crops should be produced per drop of water.In the high-density planting system,optimum water application is essential to control excessive vegetative growth and improve the translocation of photoassimilates to reproductive organs.Deficit irrigation is a tool to save water without compromising yield.At the same time,it consumes less water than the normal evapotranspiration of crops.This review comprehensively documents the importance of growing cotton under a high-density planting system with deficit irrigation.Based on the current research and combined with cotton production reality,this review discusses the application and future development of deficit irrigation,which may provide theoretical guidance for the sustainable advancement of cotton planting systems.

Characteristics,classification and ordination of riparian plant communities in the Three-Gorges areas

Sixteen different vegetation types of grassland and shrubland were selected to study the component and diversity of plant species of riparian plant communities along main channel in the Three-Gorges areas. Species richness (s), Simpson index (D), and Shannon-Weiner index (H) were used to study the biodiversity and the hierarchical classification was carried out by the methods of TWINSPAN and DCA ordination. The results showed that the components of flora were complex and dominated by the temperate type in the riparian plant communities. Species diversity was not different between the communities, but Shannon-Weiner indexes of different layers in some grassland were significantly different. TWINSPAN and DCA indicated that riparian plant communities distributed along the gradient of moisture.

Effects of Planting Density on Yield and Mechanical Harvesting Loss Rate of Brassica napus L.

[Objective] This study aimed to explore agronomical measures to reduce the mechanical harvesting loss of rapeseed. [Method] Two rapeseed cultivars, Ningza 19 and Ningza 21, with certain pod-cracking resistance, were employed in field experiments. The two-factor split plot design and randomized complete block design were adopted. The rapeseed seeds were directly sowed with four different seeding rates （1.50, 2.25, 3.00 and 3.75 kg/hm2）. A total of four treatments were designed （112 500, 225 000, 337 500 and 450 000 plants/hm2）. After ripe, the rapeseed was harvested with harvester. Then the yield and harvesting loss rate were determined. [Result] When the planting density ranged from 112 500 to 450 000 plants/hm2, the mechanical harvesting loss rate was decreased with the increase of planting density （Ningza 19, 7.54%-4.01%; Ningza 21, 7.19%-3.81%）. The total loss rates were all below 5% for the high plant densities, 337 500 and 450 000 plants/hm2. High planting density had certain regulating effects on plant type of rapeseed, including reducing plant height, reducing biomass per plant, reducing branch pod numbers per plant, weakening crossing and tangling among stems and improving ripening uniformity of pods. All the changes above were all conducive to reducing mechanical harvesting loss. In addition, the test results showed after the pods grew to maturity, especially when pods were yellow and the moisture content in grains was reduced to 11%, the mechanical harvesting loss only accounted for about 1% of the total field loss. In addition, the shattering loss, caused by mild col- lision, represented more than 90%, and the cleaning loss, occurred during the threshing and cleaning process, represented 4%-8% of the total field loss. The un- harvesting loss accounted for approximately 1% of the total loss. The shattering loss is closely related to cultivar characteristics, planting density, production level and other agronomic factors. The cleaning loss is determined by properties of harvesting machines. The unharvesting loss depends on mechanical properties ad skills of workers or farmers who drive harvesting machines. [Conclusion] In order to reduce mechanical harvesting loss, the rapeseed production should be improved from the perspectives of agricultural machinery and agronomic measures.

Study on complexity of plant communities at different altitudes on the Northern Slope of Changbai Mountain

By the method of gradient pattern analysis, twenty plots were set at altitudes of 700-2600 m with an interval of 100 m on the northern slope of the Changbai Mountain. The dissimilarity of respective sub-plots in the same community was measured and the complexity of plant communities at different altitudes was analyzed. The result from binary data of tree species in canopy tree indicated that the sub-plots in the communities, except subalpine Betula ermanii forest, showed comparatively high dissimilarity in species composition. Especially, the dissimilarity index (0.7) of broadleaved/Korean pine forest at low altitudes was obviously higher than other communities. The differences are not obvious between communities referring to dark coniferous forest. Comparatively, the dissimilarity in sub-plots of the communities at altitude of 1400 m was slightly higher than that of other communities, which reflected the complexity of tree species compositions of transitory-type communities. For subalpine Betula ermanii forest, tree species composition was simple and showed a high similarity between sub-plots. The results derived from binary data of shrub showed that the dissimilarity index of shrub species in broadleaved/Korean pine forest at low altitudes was higher than that in other communities, but the divergence tendency wasn抰 so obvious as that of arbor species. The dissimilarity derived from binary data of herb and all plant species at different altitudes showed greatly close tendency, and the differences in herb and all plant species between sub-plots were the greatest for the communities of broad-leaved-Korean pine forest and alpine tundra zone..

Effects of Planting Density on Yield and Sourcesink Characteristics of Sweet Potato[Ipomoea batatas(L.) Lam]

[Objective] The aim was to resolve the issue of sparsely planting （37 500-40 500 plants/hm2） of sweet potato in hilly areas. [Method] The starch-oriented Jishu No.21 and raw-eating oriented Jishu No.22 were studied to explore effects of planting density on yield and sink and source characteristics of sweet potato. [IRe- suit] Leaf area index of Jishu No.21 and Jishu No.22 were increasing upon planting density. Leaf area index of the same planting density showed a single-peak curve. Specifically, leaf area index grew fast during the 40th-80th d after planting, and reached the peak on the 80th d after planting, followed by decreasing. What＇s more, ventilation and sunshine transmission both declined upon planting density, as well as the number of leaf, the number of branch, the length of vine, dry and fresh weights of stem and leaf. When planting density exceeded 75 000 plants/hm2, the yield of sweet potato dropped dramatically. Besides, the optimal planting density tended to be volatile upon cultivars. For example, the range of 45 000-60 000 plants/hm2 is the optimal planting density of Jishu No.21 and the range of 60 000-75 000 plants/hm2 is the optimal planting density of Jishu No.22. [Conclusion] It can be concluded that rational planting densities would well coordinate sweet potato growth of ground parts and underground parts to get a high yield by providing a rational group structure. Considering the optimal planting density differs upon cultivars, it is necessary to take genotype, environment, soil fertility and planting density into consideration in determining planting density.

Flora and ecological characteristics of rare plant communities on the southern slope of Shennongjia Mountain

According to the investigation of sampling area of 6800 m2 on the south slope of Shennongjia Mountain, there were 126 vascular plant species, belonging to 108 genera and 64 families, in the investigated rare plant communities, of which 9 rare plant species were recorded, accounting for 27.3% of the total rare plants. The communities were about 30 m in height and were divided into three layers as tree layer, shrub layer, and herb layer. The flora of the communities had obvious temperate character. Phanerophytes (accounted for 65.9%), Mesophyllous (62.7%), Papyraceous (84.1%), simple leaf (83.3%), un-entire leaf (69.8%) were dominant in life form, leaf size class, leaf texture, leaf form, and leaf margin respectively. According to important value of species, the communities were divided into three types as Davidia involucrata + Litsea pungens community, Cercidiphyllum japanicum + Padus wilsonii community, and Padus wilsonii + Acer mono community. The indexes of species diversity of tree layer had little difference among communities and evenness was high. The results indicated that the communities had complex structure and relative stability.

Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Amount on Stalk Lodging-Resistance and Yield of Summer Maize in Sichuan Basin

[Objective] The experiment was conducted to explore the suitable planting density and nitrogen amount for summer maize in Sichuan Basin with the objective to provide technical reservation and scientific basis for high-yielding cultivation technique.[Method] A widely planted maize cultivar ＇Chengdan 30＇ was used as experimental material to study the effects of planting density and nitrogen amount on the stalk agronomic traits,stalk lodging-resistance mechanical characters,stalk breaking percentage and yield of maize.Experiment was arranged in a two-factor split plot design with three replicates.The planting density was the main factor with three density gradients（4.5×10^4,6.0×10^4 and 7.5×10^4 plants/hm^2） and the nitrogen amount was the second factor with two different levels of nitrogen content（300 and 375 kg/hm^2）.[Result] The stalk lodging-resistance and yield were affected by planting density significantly.The increase of planting density would result in an increase of internode length and decrease of internode diameter,dry matter weight of per unit stalk length,rind penetration strength and breaking resistance of 3rd and 4th basal internodes.When planting density increased from 6.0×10^4 plants/hm2 to 7.5×10^4 plants/hm^2,the stalk breaking percentage in the whole growing season increased by 17.17%,and the yield reduced by 17.58%.The interaction between planting density and nitrogen amount affected the stalk breaking percentage in the whole growing season and yield significantly.The treatment with planting density of 6.0×104 plants/hm^2 and nitrogen amount of 375 kg/hm^2 of pure N was an optimal combination,which may not only control the stalk breaking percentage of whole growing stage effectively,but also could obtain an optimum grain yield.[Conclusion] In Sichuan Basin,the appropriate planting density and nitrogen amount for summer maize were 6.0×10^4 plants/hm^2 and 375 kg/hm^2.

Spatial and environmental effects on plant communities in the Yellow River Delta, Eastern China

Types and structure of plant communities in the Yellow River Delta were investigated by using detrended canonical correspondence analyses （DCCAs） and a two-way indicator species analysis （TWINSPAN）. The distribution pattern and influential factors of the plant communities were also analyzed by testing elevation, slope, soil characteristics, longitude and latitude of 134 vegetation samples collected by representative plot sampling methods. Results showed that all the 134 vegetation samples could be divided into seven vegetation groups, separately dominated by Robinia pseucdoacacia, Imperata cylindrical, Miscanthus saccharifleus, Suaeda salsa, Aeluropus sinensis, Phragmites australis and Tamarix chinensis. The vegetation distribution pattern was mainly related to elevation, ground water depth and soil characteristics such as salinity and soluble potassium. Among the factors affecting distribution pattern of the plant communities, the species matrix explained by non-spatial environmental variation accounts for 45.2% of total variation. Spatial variation and spatial-structured environmental variation explain 11.8%, and 2.2%, respectively. Remained 40.8% of undetermined variation is attributed to biological and stochastic factors.

The changes of co-possession of plant species between communities with altitudes on northern slope of Changbai Mountain

Twenty plots were investigated on northern slope of Changbai Mountain at an attitude interval of 100 m (from 700 to 2600 m). The species co-possession between plant communities at different altitudes was analyzed by Jaccard index. The analytical results showed that the co-possession calculated according to species in different layers or all species between adjacent communities was higher than that between disjunct communities. The co-possessions between adjacent communities calculated by species in different layers had comparability and dissimilarity. If the two adjacent communities belong to different types of vegetation, then their co-possession was lower. The peak values and valley values of species co-possession between communities along elevation gradient just matched vegetation gradient patterns, and species subrogation of shrubs had more obvious rule on northern slope of Changbai Mountain. Co-possessions between communities with same altitude difference were much similar, and it decreased as the increase of elevation difference, which showed that species compositions in different layers of the communities were highly related.

Effect of Fertilizing Level and Planting Densities on Yield and Nitrogen Utilization in Maize

Elite maize hybrid Guidan0810 was selected as material, and the effects of fertilizing level and planting densities on yield and nitrogen utilization were dis- cussed in the study. In field experiments as per double-cropping system, 4 main plots （fertilization levels） and 6 subplots （planting densities） were set in a split plot design. The results suggested that yield had close relationship with fertilization levels and planting densities. Different fertilization levels and planting densities significantly affected yield. With the increase of nitrogen fertilization, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen agronomic efficiency and nitrogen physiological efficiency declined. Under the same fertilization level, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen agronomic efficiency and nitrogen physiological efficiency grew a little with the increase of planting density, so nitrogen efficiency could be improved by regulating planting density. The results also showed that A2 （including N 225.0 kg/hm2, P205 75.0 kg/hm^2, K20 187.5 kg/hm^2） matching to B3 （52 500 plants/hm^2） or B4（60 000 plants/hm^2） was a better design, which could obtain a higher yield in the range of 7 913.2-8 207.8 kg/hm2, respectively.

Analysis on Differences in Photosynthetic Characteristics of Korla Fragrant Pear among Different Planting Densities

[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the differences in photosynthetic characteristics of Korla fragrant pear among different planting densities,providing a basis for the improvement of fruit yield and quality of Korla fragrant pear in production. [Method] The net photosynthetic rates, photoresponse curves and CO2 response curves of Korla fragrant pear under six different planting densities were determined using Li-6400 XT portable photosynthesis system. [Result] There were significant differences in photosynthetic parameters of Korla fragrant pear among six different planting densities. The net photosynthetic rate of Korla fragrant pear was highest under the planting density of 4.0 m × 6.0 m. At the planting density of4.0 m×6.0 m, when the light intensity reached 1 800 μmol/（m^2·s）, the net photosynthetic rate of Korla fragrant pear reached the peak [19.326 μmol/（m^2·s）], and the apparent quantum yield, carboxylation efficiency and dark respiration rate all reached the maximum values; at the planting density of 6.0 m ×7.0 m, Korla fragrant pear showed lower light compensation point and CO2 compensation point, but higher light saturation point. At the planting density of 3.0 m ×5.0 m, Korla fragrant pear had higher light saturation point. [Conclusion] Among the six different planting densities,Korla fragrant pear with planting density of 4.0 m ×6.0 m showed the highest net photosynthetic rate. It suggested that Korla fragrant pear, at the planting density of4.0 m ×6.0 m, had stronger utilization capacity for low light and low-concentration CO2. Therefore, the Korla fragrant pear with the planting density of 4.0 m ×6.0 m has the highest photosynthesis efficiency, and the planting density of 4.0 m ×6.0 m is the most ideal planting density for Korla fragrant pear.

Effects of Planting Density, Duration of Disclosing Plastic Film and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Growth Dynamics of Rapeseed under No-tillage Cultivation

[ Objective] This study was to understend the optimized combination of planting density, duration of disclosing plastic film and nitrogen fertilization under no-tillage cultivation. [ Method] Quadratic polynomial regression and saturated D-optimal design were employed to investigate the effects of planting density, duration of disclosing plastic film and nitrogen fertilization on the dynamics growth of rapeseed under no-tillage cultivation.[ Result] Within the experimental range, the growth dynamics of no-tillage cultivated rapeseed assumed a rise-fall tend. For the effects to the growth dynamics of no-tillage cultivated rapeseed, nitrogen application amount was higher than planting density and duration of disclosing plastic film. The interaction effect between planting density and duration of disclosing plastic film was higher than that between nitrogen application amount and planting density, and between nitrogen application amount and duration of disclosing plastic film. [ Conclusion] The optimized combination of these factors for dynamic growth of rapeseed under no-tillage cultivation was determined to be： planting density of per hectare 154 925 individuals, duration of disclosing plastic film of 110 d, nitrogen application amount of 315 kg/hm^2.

Diversity Analysis on the Plant Communities of Urban Park Green Space in Wuhan

In order to systematically study the diversity of plant communities in park green space,78 plant communities of 10 representative parks in Wuhan City were investigated.The total 449 species belonging to 275 genera and 112 families were found in this investigation.The communities were divided into 35 dominant-species,13 life-forms and 6 vegetation-forms.The community structures and the composition of dominant species were also studied.The results showed that the shortages of the low diversity,high proportion of exotic species and simple community structures appeared in plant community of park green space in Wuhan City.It is proposed that species,especially native ones,should be abundant to keep a high level species diversity.At the same time,more simulated native communities should be utilized to build the natural,multi-layers,bright local vegetation characteristics landscape of urban parks.

Suitable Date of Seeding, Planting Density and Water Use Efficiency for Propagation of Stock Seed Potato in Mountainous Region of Southwest Sichuan

[Objective] The experiment was conducted to study suitable date of seed- ing and density of spring potato at the stock breeding base in Ebian County at an elevation of 1 200 to 1 500 m. [Methods] Virus-free Potato ＂Chuanyu 13＂ was used as material to study the effects of date of seeding and density on growing period, germination rate, yield and water use efficiency of spring potato in the field. [Result] With the postponement of date of seeding, the days from sowing to germination shortened, while the germination rate, the number of tubers per plant, the number of middle and small tubers in a group, yield and water use efficiency all increased. Planting density had no effects on the days from sowing to germination and the ger- mination rate, while the number of tubers per ptant, the number of middle and small tubers in a group, yield and water use efficiency increased significantly along with the increasing planting density. [Conclusion] At an elevation of 1 200 m to 1 250 m in Ebian County, the suitable date of seeding for potato was from February 9 to March 1, and the suitable planting density was 12×10^4 plants per hm^2, however, in the optimum planting density has not been found so that it needs further research,

Effects of Genotype and Planting Density on Agronomic Traits and Storage Root of Sweetpotato

The effects ol different genotypes and planting densities on main agronomic traits, storage root traits and yield were studied with 6 high-quality sweetpotato varieties as study objects by 2-factor completely random design. The results showed that there were significant differences in stem diameter, length of the longest vine and top/root （T/R） between different genotypes, T/R differed significantly under dif- ferent planting densities, and number of basal branches decreased with planting density increasing. Genotype and genotype x density showed significant or very sig- nificant effects on fresh root yield per plant, dry matter content and fresh root yield per hectare, fresh root yield per plant gradually decreased with planting density in- creasing, while fresh root yield per hectare increased with planting density increas- ing. Numbers of storage roots in different sizes of the 6 sweetpotato cultivars all exhibited an order of number of large-sized storage roots〈number of medium-sized storage roots〈small-sized storage root; and there were very significant differences in ratio of large-sized storage roots between different genotypes. The number of large- sized storage roots, ratio of large-sized storage roots and number of commercial storage roots deceased with planting density increasing, while there were no signifi- cant differences in number of medium-sized storage roots, number of small-sized storage roots, ratio of medium-sized storage roots and ratio of small-sized storage roots between different densities. Correlation analysis showed that there was signifi- cant positive correlation between number of basal branches and fresh root yield per plant; dry matter content in storage roots was in significant positive correlation with stem diameter, and in significant negative correlation with length of the longest vine; fresh root yield per hectare was in significant positive correlation with fresh root yield per plant, and in very significant negative correlation with dry matter content; and ratio of large-sized storage roots was in very significant positive correlation with number of large-sized storage root and fresh root yield per plant, and in very sig- nificant negative correlation with ratio of medium-sized storage roots and ratio of small-sized storage roots. This experiment showed that under the planting density of 7.5×104 plants/hm2, the 6 sweetpotato cultivars all reached the highest numbers of commercial storage roots and fresh root yields per hectare.

Effects of Planting Density and Row Spacing on Grass Yield of Forage Sweet Sorghum(Sorghum bicolor [L.]Moench)

[Objective] The aim was to explore high-yielding cultivation techniques for forage sweet sorghum. [Method[ The effects of planting density and row spacing on plant productivity and grass yield of forage sweet sorghum （Sorghum bicolor （L.） Moench） were compared using split-plot design and LSD method of IBMSPSSStatis- ticsv22. [Result]The planting density and row spacing had important influence on the plant productivity and yield of forage sweet sorghum. The optimum planting density- row spacing combination for plant productivity of forage sweet sorghum was A1B,, i. e., planting density of 75 000 plants/hm2 and row spacing of 40 cm, and the opti- mum combination for yield of forage sweet sorghum was A2B,, i.e., planting density of 225 000 plants/hm2 and row spacing of 40 cm. [Conclusion] This study will pro- vide theoretical basis and technical support for the production practice of forage sweet sorghum.