Differing responses of root morphology and physiology to nitrogen application rates and their relationships with grain yield in rice

Root morphology and physiology influence aboveground growth and yield formation in rice.However,root morphological and physiological differences among rice varieties with differing nitrogen(N)sensitivities and their relationship with grain yield are still unclear.In this study,rice varieties differing in N sensitivity over many years of experiments were used.A field experiment with multiple N rates(0,90,180,270,and 360 kg ha^(-1))was conducted to elucidate the effects of N application on root morphology,root physiology,and grain yield.A pot experiment with root excision and exogenous application of 6-benzyladenine(6-BA)at heading stage was used to further verify the above effects.The findings revealed that(1)under the same N application rate,N-insensitive varieties(NIV)had relatively large root biomass(root dry weight,length,and number).Grain yield was associated with root biomass in NIV.The oxidation activity and zeatin(Z)+zeatin riboside(ZR)contents in roots obviously and positively correlated with grain yield in N-sensitive varieties(NSV),and accounted for its higher grain yield than that of NIV at lower N application rates(90 and 180 kg ha^(-1)).(2)The root dry weight required for equal grain yield of NIV was greater than that of NSV.Excision of 1/10 and 1/8 of roots at heading stage had no discernible effect on the yield of Liangyoupeijiu(NIV),and it significantly reduced yield by 11.5%and 21.3%in Tianyouhuazhan(NSV),respectively,compared to the treatment without root excision.The decrease of filled kernels and grain weight after root excision was the primary cause for the yield reduction.Root excision and exogenous 6-BA application after root excision had little influence on the root activity of NIV.The oxidation activity and Z+ZR contents in roots of NSV decreased under root excision,and the increase in the proportion of excised roots aggravated these effects.The application of exogenous 6-BA increased the root activity of NSV and increased filled kernels and grain weight,thereby reducing yield loss after root excision.Thus,the root biomass of NIV was large,and there may be a phenomenon of"root growth redundancy."Vigorous root activity was an essential feature of NSV.Selecting rice varieties with high root activity or increasing root activity by cultivation measures could lead to higher grain yield under lower N application rates.

Yield performance and optimal nitrogen and phosphorus application rates in wheat and faba bean intercropping

Yield performance in cereal and legume intercropping is related to nutrient management,however,the yield response of companion crops to nitrogen(N)input is inconclusive and only limited efforts have focused on rationed phosphorous(P)fertilization.In this study,two multi-year field experiments were implemented from 2014-2019 under identical conditions.Two factors in a randomized complete block design were adopted in both experiments.In field experiment 1,the two factors included three planting patterns(mono-cropped wheat(MW),mono-cropped faba bean(MF),and wheat and faba bean intercropping(W//F))and four N application rates(N0,0 kg N ha^(-1);N1,90 and 45 kg N ha^(-1) for wheat and faba beans,respectively;N2,180 and 90 kg N ha^(-1) for wheat and faba beans,respectively;and N3,270 and 135 kg N ha^(-1) for wheat and faba beans,respectively).In field experiment 2,the two factors included three P application rates(P0,0 kg P_(2)O_(5) ha^(-1);P1,45 kg P_(2)O_(5) ha^(-1);and P2,90 kg P_(2)O_(5) ha^(-1))and the same three planting patterns(MW,MF,and W//F).The yield performances of inter-and mono-cropped wheat and faba beans under different N and P application rates were analyzed and the optimal N and P rates for intercropped wheat(IW)and MW were estimated.The results revealed that intercropping favored wheat yield and was adverse to faba bean yield.Wheat yield increased by 18-26%,but faba bean yield decreased by 5-21% in W//F compared to MW and MF,respectively.The stimulated IW yield drove the yield advantage in W//F with an average land equivalent ratio(LER)of 1.12.N and P fertilization benefited IW yield,but reduced intercropped faba bean(IF)yield.Nevertheless,the partial LER of wheat(pLER_(wheat))decreased with increasing N application rates,and the partial LER of faba bean(pLER_(faba bean))decreased with increasing P application rates.Thus,LER decreased as N input increased and tended to decline as P rates increased.IW maintained a similar yield as MW,even under reduced 40-50% N fertilizer and 30-40% P fertilizer conditions.The estimated optimum N application rates for IW and MW were 150 and 168 kg ha^(-1),respectively,and 63 and 62 kg ha^(-1) for P_(2)O_(5),respectively.In conclusion,W//F exhibited yield advantages due to stimulated IW yield,but the intercropping yield benefit decreased as N and P inputs increased.Thus,it was concluded that modulated N and P rates could maximize the economic and ecological functions of intercropping.Based on the results,rates of 150 kg N ha^(-1) and 60 kg P_(2)O_(5) ha^(-1) are recommended for IW production in southwestern China and places with similar conditions.

Effects of phosphorus fertilizer application rate on transformation processes of phosphorus fractions in the purple alluvial soil of a riparian zone

Effects of phosphorus(P)fertilizer application rate on soil transformation processes of P fraction are still unclear in the riparian zone.Purple alluvial soils in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir were collected to conduct a 21-day incubation executed by two hydrological environments(drying and flooding)and ten application rates of P fertilizer.Transformation percentages of P fertilizer(TPPF)were calculated as content differences of soil P fractions between fertilizer addition and none fertilizer addition divided by soil total P increases caused by fertilizer addition.TPPF to inorganic P extracted by sodium hydroxide(NaOH-Pi)and hydrochloric acid(HCl-Pi)increase by 20.91%(9.71%)and 24.26%(40.72%)under the drying(flooding)environment.Instead,TPPF to the other fractions decrease.Phosphorus fertilizer input mainly has indirect positive and negative effects on organic P via precipitated P under the drying and flooding environments and finally has indirect positive effects on labile P(p<0.001).Percentage changes of water-soluble inorganic P(H2O-Pi)and HCl-Pi under the flooding environment are higher than that under the drying environment,and percentage changes of organic P extracted by sodium hydrogen carbonate(Na HCO3-Po)and NaOH-Pi show an opposite trend(p<0.01).?(differences in soil P fraction content between flooding and drying incubations)H2O-Pi is negatively correlated with?NaHCO3-Po,and?NaHCO3-Po is positively correlated with?NaOH-Pi(p<0.001).In conclusion,P fertilizer is transformed more into precipitated P than into other P fractions with an application rate increase.Phosphorus fertilizer input mainly increases organic P via precipitated P under the drying environment and decreases organic P via precipitated P under the flooding environment,and organic P is further transformed into labile P.With P fertilizer input,P release caused by flooding is derived from NaHCO3-Po release triggered by NaOH-Pi release.The results can be helpful for the understanding of P fertilizer migration processes from the riparian zone soil to the Three Gorges Reservoir under rain leaching and flooding.

Effects of the potassium application rate on lipid synthesis and eating quality of two rice cultivars

Lipid content has an important effect on rice eating quality,but the effects of fertilizer application rate on the lipid synthesis and eating quality of rice are not well understood.Potassium(K)has a strong influence on rice quality and the requirement for K fertilizer in rice is greater than for nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)fertilizers.To investigate the effects of K fertilizer on the lipid synthesis and eating quality of rice,we used Nanjing 9108(NJ9108,japonica)and IR72(indica)rice as experimental materials and four K levels:K0(0 kg ha^(-1)),K1(90 kg ha^(-1)),K2(135 kg ha^(-1))and K3(180 kg ha^(-1)).The results showed that the lipid content,free fatty acid(FFA)content,unsaturated fatty acid(UFA)content,malonyl-CoA(MCA)content,phosphatidic acid(PA)content,lipid synthesis-related enzyme activities and eating quality first increased and then decreased with increasing K in both cultivars.The maximum values were obtained under K2.However,the saturated fatty acid(SFA)content showed the opposite trend.No significant differences were found in pyruvate(PYR)content among the K treatments.The protein and oxaloacetic acid(OAA)contents and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPCase)activity of NJ9108 first decreased and then increased with increasing K,and the minimum values were obtained under K2;while IR72 showed the opposite trend and the maximum values were obtained under K1.Overall,increasing K optimized the fatty acid components and increased the lipid content and eating quality of rice by enhancing lipid synthesis-related enzyme activities and regulating substrate competition for lipid and protein synthesis.The optimal K application rate for lipid synthesis,eating quality and grain yield was 135 kg ha^(-1)for both cultivars.

Optimum Application Rate of Nitrogen in Summer Peanut in Southern Shandong Area

[Objectives]To study the effect of nitrogen(N)on the growth demand of summer peanuts under a certain level of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers,and to carry out experiments on nitrogen fertilizer control of summer peanuts.[Methods]Four treatments were set up in the experiment:no-nitrogen plot(N 0P_(4)K_(4)),optimized nitrogen plot(N_(7)P_(4)K_(4)),70%optimized nitrogen plot(N_(5)P_(4)K_(4)),130%optimized nitrogen plot(N 9P 4K 4),repeated 3 times,and arranged in random blocks.The area of the plot was 42 m^(2),ridges were set between the plots,and protective rows of more than 1 m were set around the experimental site.The types of fertilizers were urea,superphosphate,and imported potassium chloride,and the variety of peanuts was Linhua 5.Except for the level of fertilization,other agricultural operations were the same,and soil sampling tests,field records,and yield testing were carried out according to the requirements of the plan.[Results]On the basis of 60 kg/ha of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer application,the optimum economical fertilizer application rate and the highest application rate of pure nitrogen were about 115.20 and 131.25 kg/ha,respectively.[Conclusions]This study is expected to provide a certain basis for the high-quality and high-yield summer peanuts in southern Shandong area.

Remote Sensing and Precision Agriculture Technologies for Crop Disease Detection and Management with a Practical Application Example

Remote sensing technology has long been used to detect and map crop diseases.Airborne and satellite imagery acquired during growing seasons can be used not only for early detection and within-season management of some crop diseases,but also for the control of recurring diseases in future seasons.With variable rate technology in precision agriculture,site-specific fungicide application can be made to infested areas if the disease is stable,although traditional uniform application is more appropriate for diseases that can spread rapidly across the field.This article provides a brief overview of remote sensing and precision agriculture technologies that have been used for crop disease detection and management.Specifically,the article illustrates how airborne and satellite imagery and variable rate technology have been used for detecting and mapping cotton root rot,a destructive soilborne fungal disease,in cotton fields and how site-specific fungicide application has been implemented using prescription maps derived from the imagery for effective control of the disease.The overview and methodologies presented in this article should provide researchers,extension personnel,growers,crop consultants,and farm equipment and chemical dealers with practical guidelines for remote sensing detection and effective management of some crop diseases.

Effects of Density and Nitrogen Application Rate on Population Structure and Yield of Early-maturing Late Japonica Tongjing 981

The study adopted split block design with different treatment levels of density and fertilizer to investigate the growth period,population tiller dynamics,leaf area,dry matter accumulation,plant traits,panicle-grain structure,yielding ability and stress resistance of Tongjing 981 under different density and nitrogen fertilizer levels,so as to make clear the effects of different densities and nitrogen fertilizer levels on the population development and yield of Tongjing 981.The results showed that a too-low density was not conductive to the formation of sufficient number of panicles,and when the density was too high,it affected the number of grains per panicle and 1000-grain weight;and when nitrogen fertilizer was at a too-low level,it would restrict the population development,and a too-high nitrogen fertilizer easily led to the extension of the growth period and the aggravation of sheath blight.Reasonable density and fertilization level could make the development of individuals in Tongjing 981 population coordinated,and further help to establish a reasonable population structure,maintain a high leaf area and dry matter accumulation during the filling period,and balance the relationship of population dry matter weight with economic coefficient and panicle,grain and weight,thereby improving the population quality and yield of Tongjing 981.

Effects of Calcium Application Rate on Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield of Peanut

The effects of calcium application rate on dry matter accumulation and yield of peanut were studied under high-yielding field condition. The variety used for the study was Tang A8252( Spanish peanut). The results showed that number of full fruit,dry weight per plant,kernel yield,and pod yield all increased with calcium application increased,and they decreased when calcium application rate was more than150 kg/ha. Both the height of main stem and the length of side shoot decreased with calcium application increased. Therefore,to obtain the optimal agronomic character index and the highest yield benefit,the suggested calcium application rate would be 150 kg/ha for peanut.

Electrochemical Determination of Rate Constants for Reactions of OH and its Application in the Evaluation of Anti-Oxidant Actions of Rheum

A single-sweep oscillopolarographic procedure is descrital which allows detethenahon of rateconstants for reachons of oH. For a wide range of compounds, the results fit well with rate constantspreviously obtained with other methods. Rate constants for reactions of six kinds of active compoundscontalned in rheum, a tradihonal Chinese herb, have been deteboned by this method. Rcationmechanism ha5 also been discussed.

Identifying the critical phosphorus balance for optimizing phosphorus input and regulating soil phosphorus effectiveness in a typical winter wheat-summer maize rotation system in North China

Phosphorus(P)is a nonrenewable resource and a critical element for plant growth that plays an important role in improving crop yield.Excessive P fertilizer application is widespread in agricultural production,which not only wastes phosphate resources but also causes P accumulation and groundwater pollution.Here,we hypothesized that the apparent P balance of a crop system could be used as an indicator for identifying the critical P input in order to obtain a high yield with high phosphorus use efficiency(PUE).A 12-year field experiment with P fertilization rates of 0,45,90,135,180,and 225 kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1)was conducted to determine the crop yield,PUE,and soil Olsen-P value response to P balance,and to optimize the P input.Annual yield stagnation occurred when the P fertilizer application exceeded a certain level,and high yield and PUE levels were achieved with annual P fertilizer application rates of 90-135 kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1).A critical P balance range of 2.15-4.45 kg P ha^(-1)was recommended to achieve optimum yield with minimal environmental risk.The critical P input range estimated from the P balance was 95.7-101 kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1),which improved relative yield(>90%)and PUE(90.0-94.9%).In addition,the P input-output balance helps in assessing future changes in Olsen-P values,which increased by 4.07 mg kg^(-1)of P for every 100 kg of P surplus.Overall,the P balance can be used as a critical indicator for P management in agriculture,providing a robust reference for limiting P excess and developing a more productive,efficient and environmentally friendly P fertilizer management strategy.

Response of grain yield to plant density and nitrogen rate in spring maize hybrids released from 1970 to 2010 in Northeast China

The objective of this study was to identify the response of grain yield to plant density and nitrogen rate in spring maize hybrids released from 1970 to 2010 and grown extensively in Northeast China.Twenty-one hybrids were grown for 2 years in Northeast China at densities of 30,000,52,500,75,000,and 97,500 plants ha^(-1)and N application levels of 0,150,300,and 450 kg N ha^(-1).Irrespective of density or nitrogen application rate,grain yields both per plant and per unit area were significantly higher for newer than older hybrids.As plant density increased from 30,000 to 97,500 plant ha^(-1),yield per plant of 1970 s,1980 s,1990 s,and 2000 s hybrids decreased by 50%,45%,46%,and 52%,respectively.The response of grain yield per unit area to plant density was curvilinear.The estimated optimum plant densities were about 58,000,49,000,65,000,and 65,000 plants ha^(-1)for hybrids released in the 1970 s,1980s,1990 s,and 2000 s,respectively.The theoretical optimum densities for the hybrids released from the 1970 s to the 2000 s increased by 1750 plants ha^(-1)decade^(-1).Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased grain yields per plant and per unit area for all hybrids.The theoretical optimum N application rates for high yield for hybrids released in the 1970 s and 1980 s were about 280 and 360 kg ha^(-1),and the hybrids from the 1990 s and 2000 s showed highest yield at 330 kg ha^(-1)N.No significant difference in the grain yields of 2000 s hybrids between the N levels of 150 to 450 kg ha^(-1)was found.Significant yield gains per plant and per unit area were found,with average increases of 17.9 g plant^(-1)decade^(-1)and936 kg ha^(-1)decade^(-1)over the period 1970–2010,respectively.Yield gains were attributed mainly to increased yield per plant,contributed by increases in kernel number per ear and1000-kernel weight.The rates of lodging and barren plants of newer hybrids were significantly lower than those of older ones,especially at high plant density.

Effects of plant density and nitrogen rate on cotton yield and nitrogen use in cotton stubble retaining fields

Increasing nitrogen(N)rate could accelerate the decomposition of crop residues,and then improve crop yield by increasing N availability of soil and N uptake of crops.However,it is not clear whether N rate and plant density should be modified after a long period of cotton stubble return with high N rate.This study seeks to assess the effects of N rate and plant density on cotton yield,N use efficiency,leaf senescence,soil inorganic N,and apparent N balance in cotton stubble return fields in Liaocheng,China,in 2016 and 2017.Three plant densities 5.25(D_(5.25)),6.75(D_(6.75))and 8.25(D_(8.25))plants m^(-2) and five N rates 0(N_(0)),105(N_(105)),210(N_(210)),315(N315),and 420(N420)kg ha^(-1) were investigated.Compared to the combination used by local farmers(D_(5.25)N_(315)),a 33.3%N reduction and a 28.6%increase in plant density(D_(6.75)N_(210))can maintain high cotton yield,while a 66.7%N reduction at 6.75 plants m^(-2)(D_(6.75)N_(105))can only achieve high yield in the first year.Biological yield increased with the increase of N rate and plant density,and the highest yield was obtained under 420 kg N ha^(-1) at 8.25 plants m^(-2)(D_(8.25)N_(420))across the two years under investigation.Compared to D5.25N315,N agronomic efficiency(NAE)and N recovery efficiency(NRE)in D_(6.75)N_(210) increased by 30.2 and 54.1%,respectively,and NAE and NRE in D6.75N105 increased by 104.8 and 88.1%,respectively.Soil inorganic N decreased sharply under 105 kg N ha^(-1),but no change was found under 210 kg N ha^(-1) at 6.75 plants m^(-2).N deficit occurred under 105 kg N ha^(-1),but it did not occurr under 210 kg N ha^(-1) at 6.75 plants m^(-2).Net photosynthetic rate and N concentration of leaves under N rate ranging from 210 to 420 kg ha^(-1) were higher than those under N rate of 0 or 105 kg N ha^(-1) at all three densities.The findings suggest that D6.75N210 is a superior combination in cotton stubble retaining fields in the Yellow River Valley and other areas with similar ecologies.

Perspective on oil flax yield and dry biomass with reduced nitrogen supply

Field experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design to determine effects of nitrogen(N)application levels(J0:150 kg/hm^2,J1:120 kg/hm^2,J2:90 kg/hm^2,J3:60 kg/hm^2)on regulating dry biomass accumulation,allocation and translocation,and grain yield of oil flax during 2018 cropping season.Significant promotion was observed in dry matter during accumulation stage of oil flax,when N rate was reduced by 40%(from 150 to 90 kg/hm^2).Under J2 treatment,translocation of dry matter from vegetative organs to pod increased by 38.46%and 61.54%respectively,when compared with J1 and J0 treatment Dry matter distribution proportion of pod at maturity increased 4.47%-7.61%,contribution rate of leaf to grain upgraded 5.09%-8.77%,and number of effective pods and grains per pod increased by 27.16%-45.38%and 6.49%-26.59%respectively compared to other treatments.As a result,seed yield of oil flax under J2 treatment was 2.23%-18.21%higher than those of other treatments.Our study recommended 90 kg/hm^2 as the best N fertilizer level to improve seed yield of oil flax.

Effects of Different Nitrogen Levels on Growth and Nitrogen Utilization of Sugarcane

[Objectives]To systematically study the effects of different nitrogen levels on the growth and nitrogen utilization of sugarcane in Guangxi.[Methods]Through field experiment and indoor analysis,different nitrogen application levels were set up to determine soil nitrogen content and sugarcane nitrogen content.The effects of different nitrogen levels on sugarcane yield,agronomic characters and nitrogen utilization were studied.[Results]The effect of nitrogen application rate on sugarcane yield showed a quadratic curve,and nitrogen application could significantly increase sugarcane yield,and the sugarcane yield reached the maximum when the nitrogen application rate reached 714 kg/ha.[Conclusions]With the increase of nitrogen application rate,sugarcane yield increased,but when it exceeded a certain range,the sugarcane yield decreased significantly.

Uptake of Phosphorus from Modified P-Enriched Douglas Fir Biochar and Its Effects on Crop Growth and P Use Efficiency

The potential use of biochar as a sustainable soil amendment has recently gained global recognition. The use of biochar as a soil additive is attributed to its ability to improve soil chemical, physical and biological properties. Studies have shown that biochar amendments can enhance soil nutrient retention and availability, pH, water holding capacity, microbial activity and sequester carbon. In this study using corn (Zea mays L.) as an experimental crop, the influence of P availability from modified P enriched Douglas fir biochar (PEB), triple super phosphate fertilizer (SPF), and modified Douglas fir biochar (MB) on plant growth and P Use Efficiency (PUE) were compared. The rate of P applied (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg·ha-1) was calculated based on % P content of each soil additive. Except for MB treatments, P recovery, crop growth and P Use Efficiency increased with application rates. The maximum above ground dry matter yields corresponding to PEB, SPF and MB treatments were estimated at 3488 kg·ha-1, 2449 kg·ha-1 and 639 kg·ha-1, while their respective agronomic P use efficiency (AGE) rates were 32 kg·kg-1, 17 kg·kg-1, 0.5 kg·kg-1. Also, recovery of K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu, B and Mn improved in both PEB (p value 0.9) and SPF (p value < 0.0058, r2 > 0.9) treatments. More studies at field scale are needed to demonstrate the practicability of using modified P enriched Douglas fir biochar for soil amendments.

Improving energy efficiency of apple production by reduced application of pesticides

A large number of apple orchards are treated over 20 times during the vegetation period with high application rates(over 1000 L/hm^(2))or medium application rates(500-1000 L/hm^(2))of pesticides which require significant energy input.Experimental research was carried out in the Serbian region of Vojvodina with the aim to show the possibilities to reduce energy usage in apple production by reducing pesticide application rates(200-500 L/hm^(2))and smaller controlled number of treatments with pesticides while maintaining the biological efficiency of apple chemical protection.Research results showed that the cumulative life cycle energy demand of apple production in Vojvodina,assuming a typical 22 annual treatments and relatively high pesticide application rate(1150 L/hm^(2)),was 48 GJ/hm^(2)and energy output was 94 GJ/hm^(2).Reduced number of treatments and lower pesticide application rates have a favorable impact on energy inputs associated with diesel fuel,machinery,chemicals,water and electricity consumption and usage,whereas other energy inputs remain unchanged.The energy input for 12 treatments with pesticide application rates of 381 L/hm^(2)was 36 GJ/hm^(2),which is a 25%reduction in comparison to 22 treatments with a pesticide application rate of 1150 L/hm^(2).Reduced number of treatments and pesticide application rate increased the energy use efficiency from 1.96 to 2.61,energy productivity from 0.82 kg/MJ to 1.09 kg/MJ,and net energy from 46 GJ/hm^(2)to 58 GJ/hm^(2).Results also suggest that applying the correct IPM approach can easily lead to a strong reduction in the number of treatments and a major energy saving.

Sprinkler rotation and water application rate for the newly-designed complete fluidic sprinkler and impact sprinkler

One important indicator of the good performance of rotating sprinklers is the uniformity of rotation.The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the rotation uniformity and water application rate of the newly designed complete fluidic sprinkler in comparison to the widely used impact sprinkler,with the goal to offer recommendations to improve the fluidic sprinkler’s operation performance.Single-sprinkler water application experiments were conducted in accordance with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers standard.Sprinkler completion time through the four quadrants of rotation and water delivery in catch cans were measured at different operating pressures for each sprinkler-nozzle size configuration.The capabilities of Matrix Laboratory were employed to simulate the overlap of adjacent quadrants and to visualize the effect of sprinkler rotation speed variation on water application rate.Quadrant completion time variations were small for both impact and fluidic sprinklers.However,variations in completion time through the quadrants were higher for the fluidic sprinkler compared to the impact sprinkler.Relatively higher variations in water application rates were also observed for the fluidic sprinkler.The optimization of the design features of the fluidic component is necessary to improve rotation stability and to minimize variability in water application rate of the fluidic sprinkler.The study significantly highlighted some performance qualities of the complete fluidic sprinkler in comparison to that of the impact sprinkler.The findings of this research will help to improve the efficiency of the new type complete fluidic sprinkler.

Sprinkler irrigation system for tea frost protection and the application effect

A sprinkler irrigation system was designed and applied for a tea field to achieve frost protection through latent heat release when water turning into ice.Frost protection effects during night were tested at different irrigation application rates by monitoring air temperature around tea canopy(Tc).Temperature sensors were arranged at different distances from the sprinkler.The preliminary results showed that,when the sprinkler system worked continuously at the application rate of 2-4 mm/h before sunrise,tea canopy was covered with ice and Tc remained around 0℃,preventing tea plants from frost damage.But no more temperature rise was obviously observed at the application rates above 4 mm/h,which means less cost effectiveness.The system was stopped after sunrise when background air temperature rose back to 0℃and Tc increased by 2.2℃in one hour,while Tc of non-irrigated area increased by 4.8℃,which might cause thawing injuries to tea plants.The leaf surface temperature was lower than Tc,and the difference between the leaf surface temperature and Tc decreased with the increase of application rate.Therefore,the sprinkler irrigation system could achieve tea frost protection,and the recommended application rate was 2-4 mm/h for better protection effect.The system should keep running throughout frost night till half an hour after sunrise.The start and stop of the sprinkler irrigation system should be controlled based on Tc.

An investigation of the effects of hydrochar application rate on soil amelioration and plant growth in three diverse soils

The hydrothermal carbonization(HTC)of biogas digestate alters the raw materials inherent characteristics to produce a carbon(C)-rich hydrochar(HC),with an improved suitability for soil amelioration.Numerous studies report conflicting impacts of various HC application rates on soil properties and plant growth.In this study,the influence of HC application rate on soil improvement and plant growth aspects was investigated in three diverse soils(Chernozem,Podzol,and Gleysol).Pot trials were conducted in which all soils were amended with 5,10,20 and 30%(w/w)HC in quintuplicate,with two controls of pure soil(with and without plants,respectively)also included.Prior to potting,soil samples were collected from all HC-amended soils and controls and analyzed for soil pH,plant available nutrients(PO4-P and K),and microbial activity using standard laboratory and statistical methods.Immediately after potting,a 6-week seed germination experiment using Chinese cabbage was conducted to determine germination success,followed by a plant growth experiment of equal duration and plant species to determine biomass success.At the end of the study(after a total plant growth period of 12 weeks),each pot was sampled and comparatively analyzed for the same soil properties as at the beginning of the study.Soil pH shifted toward the pH of the HC(6.6)in all soils over the course of the study,but was most expressed in the 20%and 30%application rates,confirming the well-documented liming effect of HC.The addition of HC increased the PO4-P and K contents,particularly with 20%and 30%HC amendments.These results are proposedly due to the large labile C fraction of the HC,which is easily degradable by microorganisms.The rapid decomposition of this C fraction prompted the quick release of the HCs inherently high PO4-P and K content into the soil,and in turn,further stimulated microbial activity,until this fraction was essentially depleted.HC addition did not inhibit seed germination at any rate,presumably due to a lack of phytotoxic compounds in the HC from aging and microbial processes,and furthermore,showed no significant impact(positive or negative)on plant growth in any soil,despite improved soil conditions.In conclusion,although less pronounced,soil improvements were still achievable and maintainable at lower application rates(5%and 10%),whereas higher rates did not ensure greater benefits for plant growth.While the addition of high rates of HC did not detrimentally effect soil quality or plant growth,it could lead to leaching if the nutrient supply exceeds plant requirements and the soil’s nutrient retention capacity.Therefore,this study validates the previous study in the effectiveness of the biogas digestate HC for soil amelioration and suggests that smaller regularly repeated HC applications may be recommendable for soil improvement.

An Experimentally Validated SOA Model for High-Bit Rate System Applications

A comprehensive model of the Semiconductor Optical Amplifier with experimental validation result is presented. This model accounts for various physical behavior of the device which is necessary for high bit-rate system application.