Genetic and Agronomic Parameter Estimates of Growth, Yield and Related Traits of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Different Rates of Nitrogen Fertilization

This study evaluated the genetic and agronomic parameter estimates of maize under different nitrogen rates. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site during 2021 and 2022 in a split block design with three maize varieties (IWCD2, 2009EVDT, and DMR-ESR-Yellow) and seven nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg∙N∙ha−1) rates. Findings showed that cob diameter and anthesis silking time (ASI) had intermediate heritability, ASI had high genetic advance, ASI and grain yield had high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), while traits with high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were plant height, ASI, grain yield, number of kernel per cob, number of kernel rows, ear length, and ear height. The PCV values were higher than GCV, indicating the influence of the environment in the studied traits. Nitrogen rates and variety significantly (p < 0.05) influenced grain yield production. Mean grain yields and economic parameter estimates increased with increasing nitrogen rates, with the 30 and 180 kg∙N∙ha−1 plots exhibiting the lowest and highest grain yields of 1238 kg∙ha−1 and 2098 kg∙ha−1, respectively. Variety and nitrogen effects on partial factor productivity (PFPN), agronomic efficiency (AEN), net returns (NR), value cost ratio (VCR) and marginal return (MR) indicated that these parameters were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by these factors. The highest PFPN (41.3 kg grain kg−1∙N) and AEN (29.4 kg grain kg−1∙N) were obtained in the 30 kg∙N∙ha−1 plots, while the highest VCR (2.8) and MR (SLL 1.8 SLL−1 spent on N) were obtained in the 180 kg∙N∙ha−1. The significant influence of variety and nitrogen on traits suggests that increasing yields and maximizing profits require use of appropriate nitrogen fertilization and improved farming practices that could be exploited for increased productivity of maize.

The Mechanism of Critical Strain of Serrated Yielding in Strain Rate Domain

The mechanism of the critical strain of serrated yielding is studied via tension tests at various strain rates. Betore the critical strain, it is deduced that dislocations are not pinned at high strain rates, and dislocations at low strain rates are pinned but cannot escape. The critical strain depends on the first pinning process at high strain rates and on the first unpinning process at low strain rates. The calculated results based on the two criteria are in good consistency with the experiment.

Characteristics of Retoon Rice Yield Components and Relationship of the Characteristics with Rate of Bud Emergence and Root Activity

[Objective] The aim was to study on characteristics of retoon rice yield components, and relationship of the characteristics with born bud rate and root ac- tivity of retoon rice before harvesting. [Method] Eighteen mid-season hybrid rice va- rieties approved recently were taken as materials in high-yield cultivation conditions. Characteristics of retoon rice yield components were analyzed, and relationship of yield components characteristics with the rate of bud emergence and root activity of retoon rice before harvesting was explored, based on related data. [Result] Highly- yielding retoon rice is characterized by high effective ear number （Xl） and high set- ting percentage （X4）; the number of germinated shoots the 5^＊ d after first-batch rice was cut is a key factor for retoon rice yield and was of positive correlation with re- toon rice seedlings and effective ears, with correlation coefficients at 0.80^＊＊ and 0.76^＊＊. In addition, bleeding sap was of positive correlation with grain number and setting percentage of retoon rice and correlation coefficients were 0.50^＊ and 0.48^＊＊, and of positive correlation with average panicle weight, with correlation coefficient at 0.63. [Conclusion] It is an effective way for the rate of bud emergence and root activity at lar ecological zones. mproving retoon rice yield to increase harvesting in the test sites and simi lar ecological zones.

Effects of Interaction between Density and Nitrogen Rate on Growth and Yield of No-tilling and Direct Sowing Rapeseed in Chengdu Plain

[Objective] The aim was to explore the optimal density and nitrogen rate of no-tilling and direct sowing rapeseeds in Chengdu plain. [Methods] Effects of in- teraction between density and nitrogen rate on the growth and yield of direct sowing rapeseed under no-tillage condition were investigated with Chuanyou 58 as materials and a split-plot experiment adopted. [Results] In Chengdu Plain, the yields of rape- seed changed from increasing to decreasing with increase of density and nitrogen rate. Both of density and nitrogen rate had significant effects on growth and yield of rapeseed and the latter overweighed in the effect. In addition, interaction of the two had negative effects on rapeseed yield. The yield of rapeseeds achieved the highest at 3 395.25 kg/hm^2 with interaction of density at 30.00×10^4 plant/hm^2 and nitrogen rate at 180.00 kg/hm^2; the theoretical maximal yield was 3 403.41 kg/hm^2 with interaction of density at 40.80×10^4 plants/hm^2 and nitrogen rate at 198.90 kg/hm^2. [Conclusion] In Chengdu Plain, the optimal density and nitrogen rate are 30.00×10^4-45.00×10^4 plant/hm^2 and 180.00-198.90 kg/hm^2, respectively.

Loss Rate Estimation of Yield and Output Value of Tobacco Leaf Infected by Tobacco Blown Spot (Alternaria alternata)

[Objective] The paper was to study the effect of tobacco blown spot on the yield and output value of tobacco leaf.[Method]The upper,middle and lower leaves in tobacco plant were selected during the harvest period of tobacco to carry out loss rate estimation of yield and output value of tobacco leaf caused by different disease levels of brown spot.Regression correlation analysis was also conducted.[Result]The disease levels of brown spot had extremely significant strong negative correlation with single leaf weight of tobacco leaf,and it had extremely significant strong positive correlation with the loss rate of single leaf weight.The increase speed of loss rate of single leaf weight of middle and upper leaves was obviously faster than that of lower leaves.The loss rates of single leaf weight of upper,middle and lower leaves were 3.18%-28.95%,3.43%-28.88% and 10.07%-26.90%,respectively.The higher the disease level of blown spot was,the lower the yield and output value of tobacco leaf was,and the corresponding loss rate was also higher.Correlation analysis showed that the disease level of blown spot had extremely significant strong negative correlation with the yield and output value of tobacco leaf,and it had extremely significant strong positive correlation with the loss rate of yield and output value.The negative impact of blown spot on the output value of tobacco leaf was far greater than that on the yield.The highest loss rate of the yield of tobacco leaf was 28.56%,while the highest loss rate of output value reached 89.67%.[Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for accurately holding the critical period for the control of blown spot,thus reducing the damage on tobacco leaf and improving the output value of tobacco leaf.

Effects of Sowing Rate on Marginal Superiority and Yield of Wheat in Wheat-cotton Intercropping System

In the wheat-cotton intercropping system, total 6 sowing rates （187.5, 225.0, 262.5, 300.0, 337.5 and 375.0 kg/hm2） were arranged, and the effects of sowing rate on marginal superiority and yield of wheat were investigated. The re- sults showed that the effect of sowing rate on inner-line wheat was greater than that on side-line wheat; with the increased sowing rate, the marginal superiority of panicle number was reduced in overall, and the difference in panicle number be- tween inner and side lines was decreased from 9.0×10^5/hm2 （sowing rate of 187.5 kg/hm2） to 7.8×10^5/hm2 （sowing rate of 375.0 kg/hm2）; the marginal superiority of grains per spike was increased first and then reduced, and the largest difference in grains per spike between the inner and side lines reached 4.6 under the sowing rate of 300.0 kg/hm2; the marginal superiority of 1 000-grain weight and yield was gradually increased, and the largest difference in 1 000-grain weight between the inner and side lines reached 3.9 g under the sowing rate of 337.5 kg/hm2, and in yield reached 3 136.5 kg/hm2under the sowing rate of 375.0 kg/hm2. The effects of sowing rate on the three yield factors of intercropped wheat ranked as panicle number 〉 grains per spike 〉 1 000-grain weight. The appropriate sowing rate of wheat was 225.0-262.0 kg/hm2 in the wheat-cotton intercropping system.

Density and Fertilization Optimization for Highyielding Cultivation of a Wheat Variety Heibaoshi 1

The growth period, population tiller dynamics, plant characters, paniclegrain structure, yielding ability and stress resistance of a wheat variety Heibaoshi 1 were studied using a two-factor split plot design to investigate the effects of different density and fertilizer levels on individual development and yield of Heibaoshi 1 in riparian region of Jiangsu Province. In addition, high-yielding agronomic measures were explored through multiple non-linear regression analysis. The results showed that low density was not conducive to the formation of panicles, while high density affected grain number per panicle; low fertilizer level restricted individual development, while high fertilizer level affected grain number per panicle and grain weight and was prone to leading to lodging. Reasonable combination of density and fertilizer could coordinate individual development and balance panicle, grain and weight, thus achieving a high yield. The yield potential was highest （7 384.3 kg/hm2） under density of 239.6×104 basic seedlings/hm2 and N level of 237.7 kg/hm2. When the planting density ranged from 200×104 to 270×104 basic seedlings/hm2 and the N level ranged from 220 to 260 kg/hm2 or the density basic seedling number ranged from 210×104/hm2 to 260×104/hm2 and the N level ranged from 210 to 270 kg/hm2, the yield could exceed 7 200 kg/hm2.

Optimization of sowing date and seeding rate for high winter wheat yield based on pre-winter plant development and soil water usage in the Loess Plateau,China

Sowing date and seeding rate are critical for productivity of winter wheat(Triticum aestivum L.).A three-year field experiment was conducted with three sowing dates(20 September(SD1),1 October(SD2),and 10 October(SD3)) and three seeding rates(SR67.5,SR90,and SR112.5) to determine suitable sowing date and seeding rate for high wheat yield.A large seasonal variation in accumulated temperature from sowing to winter dormancy was observed among three growing seasons.Suitable sowing dates for strong seedlings before winter varied with the seasons,that was SD2 in 2012–2013,SD3 in 2013–2014,and SD2 as well as SD1 in 2014–2015.Seasonal variation in precipitation during summer fallow also had substantial effects on soil water storage,and consequently influenced grain yield through soil water consumption from winter dormancy to maturity stages.Lower consumption of soil water from winter dormancy to booting stages could make more water available for productive growth from anthesis to maturity stages,leading to higher grain yield.SD2 combined with SR90 had the lowest soil water consumption from winter dormancy to booting stages in 2012–2013 and 2014–2015; while in 2013–2014,it was close to that with SR67.5 or SR112.5.For productive growth from anthesis to maturity stages,SD2 with SR90 had the highest soil water consumption in all three seasons.The highest water consumption in the productive growth period resulted in the best grain yield in both low and high rainfall years.Ear number largely contributed to the seasonal variation in grain yield,while grain number per ear and 1 000-grain weight also contributed to grain yield,especially when soil water storage was high.Our results indicate that sowing date and seeding rate affect grain yield through seedling development before winter and also affect soil water consumption in different growth periods.By selecting the suitable sowing date(1 October) in combination with the proper seeding rate of 90 kg ha–1,the best yield was achieved.Based on these results,we recommend that the current sowing date be delayed from 22 or 23 September to 1 October.

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.

Single-seed sowing increased pod yield at a reduced seeding rate by improving root physiological state of Arachis hypogaea

Double-seed sowing(two seeds per hole)is the dominant pattern of peanut sowing in China,but within-hole plant competition usually limits their growth and yield formation.Besides,the traditional double-seed sowing method does not facilitate mechanization during sowing.The objective of this study was to determine if single-seed sowing at a proper seeding rate yielded better than traditional double-seed sowing pattern and the differences of physiological metabolism of roots.A field experiment was conducted in two consecutive years to compare pod yields of single-seed sowing at 180000(S180),225000(S225),and 270000 seeds ha^-1(S270)with that of double-seed sowing at 270000 seeds ha^-1(D270)using a completely randomized block design with four replications.And the root bleeding sap rate,nutrient content,and the main hormone contents in root bleeding sap were also comparatively investigated.Although the pod yields of single-seed sowing at the three densities were higher than that of traditional double-seed sowing(D270),S225 yielded better than the other two single-seed sowing treatments(S180 and S270).The increased pod yield in single-seed sowing at 225000 seeds ha^-1 was mainly due to the higher pod dry weight per plant and harvest index.The improved pod dry weight and shoot growth had closely relationship with the enhanced root physiological traits such as the increased root bleeding sap rate,content of free amino acids,soluble sugars,K^+,Mg^2+,Zn^2+,and Ca^2+of the individual plant root.The improved activity of root reductive,nitrate reductase(NR)and ATPase and higher zeatin and zeatin riboside(Z+ZR)content of root bleeding sap were alsocrucial to the pod and shoot growth of peanut.Single-seed sowing at a moderate seeding rate(S225)is a potential practice to increase pod yield and to save seed cost.

Effects of emitter discharge rates on soil salinity distribution and cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch in an arid region of Northwest China

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of different emitter discharge rates under drip irrigation on soil salinity distribution and cotton yield in an extreme arid region of Tarim River catchment in Northwest China. Four treatments of emitter discharge rates, i.e. 1.8, 2.2, 2.6 and 3.2 L/h, were designed under drip irrigation with plastic mulch in this paper. The salt distribution in the range of 70-cm horizontal distance and 100-cm vertical distance from the emitter was measured and analyzed during the cotton growing season. The soil salinity is expressed in terms of electrical conductivity （dS/m） of the saturated soil extract （ECe）, which was measured using Time Domain Reflector （TDR） 20 times a year, including 5 irrigation events and 4 measured times before/after an irrigation event. All the treatments were repeated 3 times. The groundwater depth was observed by SEBA MDS Dipper 3 automatically at three experimental sites. The results showed that the order of reduction in averaged soil salinity was 2.6 L/h 〉 2.2 L/h 〉 1.8 L/h 〉 3.2 L/h after the completion of irrigation for the 3-year cotton growing season. Therefore, the choice of emitter discharge rate is considerably important in arid silt loam. Usually, the ideal emitter discharge rate is 2.4-3.0 L/h for soil desalinization with plastic mulch, which is advisable mainly because of the favorable salt leaching of silt loam and the climatic conditions in the studied arid area. Maximum cotton yield was achieved at the emitter discharge rate of 2.6 L/h under drip irrigation with plastic mulch in silty soil at the study site. Hence, the emitter discharge rate of 2.6 L/h is recommended for drip irrigation with plastiic mulch applied in silty soil in arid regions.

Effects of Plant Density and Nitrogen Application Rate on Grain Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Super Hybrid Rice

The nitrogen uptake, yield and its components for two super-high-yielding hybrid rice combinations, Guodao 6 and Eryou 7954 were investigated under different plant densities （15, 18, and 21 plants/m^2） and different nitrogen application rates （120, 150, 180, and 210 kg/hm^2）. The experiment was conducted on loam soil during 2004-2006 at the experimental farm of the China National Rice Research Institute in Hangzhou, China. In these years, the two hybrid rice cleady showed higher yield at a plant density of 15 plants/m^2 with a nitrogen application rate of 180 kg/hm^2. Guodao 6 produced an average grain yield of 10 215.6 kg/hm^2 across the three years, while the yield of Eryou 7954 was 9 633.0 kg/hm^2. With fewer plants per unit-area and larger plants in the plots, the two hybrid rice produced more panicles per plant in three years. The highest nitrogen uptake of the two hybrid rice was at a plant density of 15 plants/m^2 with a nitrogen application rate of 180 kg/hm^2. Further increasing nitrogen application rate was not advantageous for nitrogen uptake in super-high-yielding rice under the same plant density.

Multi-Location Investigation of Optimum Planting Density and Boll Distribution of High-Yielding Cotton (G.hirsutum L.) in Hubei Province,China

Cotton yield per unit ground area has stagnated for a dozen years in Hubei Province, China, although a series of new high- yielding varieties have been commercialized. A multi-location investigation was carried out in 2008 and 2009 in 13 counties to determine if increased planting population density （PPD） would break the stagnant yield. The results showed that significant differences among the fields existed in theoretical yield, PPD, and bolls per square meter （BPM）. The lowest yield of 1 641.1 kg ha-I was resulted from the lowest PPD of 1.7 plants m-2 and the lowest BPM of 71.8 bolls m-2, while the highest yield of 2 779.7 kg ha-~ was resulted from the highest PPD of 2.5 plants m-2, and the highest BPM of 129.4 bolls m-z. Plant mapping revealed that boll retention rate （BRR） was maintained over 30 or 40% for the first 17-18 fruiting branches （FBs） and decreased dramatically thereafter, rotten boll rate （RBR） decreased, but open boll rate （OBR） rose first and dropped later with rising FB from the bottom to the top. But BRR, RBR, and OBR were all dropped with the fruiting positions （FPs） extending outwards. The optimum range of plant density would be 2-3 plants m-2 and the proper individual plant structure would be 16-19 FBs with 5-7 FPs for cotton production in Hubei Province.

Derivation of Plastic Work Rate Done per Unit Volume for Mean Yield Criterion and Its Application

In Haigh Westergaard stress space linear combination of twin shear stress and Tresca yield functions is called the mean yield （MY） criterion. The mathematical relationship of the criterion and its plastic work rate done per unit volume were derived. A generalized worked example of slab forging was analyzed by the criterion and its corresponding plastic work rate done per unit volume. Then, the precision of the solution was compared with those by Mises and Twin shear stress yield criterions, respectively. It turned out that the calculated results by MY criterion were in good agreement with those by Mises criterion.

Comparison of Net Photosynthetic Rate in Leaves of Soybean with Different Yield Levels

A total of nine soybean （Glycine max （L.） Merr.） cultivars were divided into three yield levels which were planted under the same environmental condition. The net photosynthetic rate was measured by LI-6400 portable photosynthesis system. The chlorophyll content and specific leaf weight were measured with regular methods. The results showed that the specific leaf weight, chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate of high yield varieties were higher than those of low yield varieties. The yield had a significantly positive correlation with the net photosynthetic rate. With the improvement of modem technology, the net photosynthetic rate could be measured quickly and exactly. Hence, net photosynthetic rate could be used as an effective index in the selection of high yield soybean.

Net energy yield and carbon footprint of summer corn under different N fertilizer rates in the North China Plain

Excessive use of N fertilizer in intensive agriculture can increase crop yield and at the same time cause high carbon（C） emissions.This study was conducted to determine optimized N fertilizer application for high grain yield and lower C emissions in summer corn（Zea mays L.）.A field experiment, including 0（N0）, 75（N75）, 150（N150）, 225（N225）, and 300（N300） kg N ha–1 treatments, was carried out during 2010–2012 in the North China Plain（NCP）.The results showed that grain yield, input energy, greenhouse gas（GHG） emissions, and carbon footprint（CF） were all increased with the increase of N rate, except net energy yield（NEY）.The treatment of N225 had the highest grain yield（10 364.7 kg ha–1） and NEY（6.8%）, but the CF（0.25） was lower than that of N300, which indicates that a rate of 225 kg N ha–1 can be optimal for summer corn in NCP.Comparing GHG emision compontents, N fertilizer（0–51.1%） was the highest and followed by electricity for irrigation（19.73–49.35%）.We conclude that optimazing N fertilizer application rate and reducing electricity for irrigation are the two key measures to increase crop yield, improve energy efficiency and decrease GHG emissions in corn production.

Effects of Different Nitrogen Application Rates and Methods on Root Nodule Growth and Yield of Soybean

This study was conducted wiffl a spring soybean variety Jindou 19 to test file effects of rhizobia inoculation or non-inoculation and nitrogen application rates at 0, 27, 54 and 75 kg/hm^2 （N1-4） on root nodule dry weight, root nodule number, yield and yield components of soybean. The results showed that the nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected soybean root noduce and soybean yield, the dry weight and number of root nodules increased gradually with the increase of nitrogen application rate, and the yield of file rhizobia inoculated treatment was significantly higher than that of file rhizobia non-inoculated treatment; and under file condition of file rhizobia inoculation, with nitrogen application amount at 75 kg/hm^2, file Jindou 19 performed a better nitrogen fixing effect in file growing stage, and its plot yield was 4 997.417 kg/hm^2, 4.06% higher than that of file treatment without inoculating rhizobium and 12.50% higher than that of the treatment without applying nitrogen fertilizer.

Grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency of an ultrashort-duration variety grown under different nitrogen and seeding rates in direct-seeded and double-season rice in Central China

Nitrogen(N) and seeding rates are important factors affecting grain yield and N use efficiency(NUE) in directseeded rice. However, these factors have not been adequately investigated on direct-seeded and double-season rice(DDR) in Central China. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various N and seeding rates on the grain yield and NUE of an ultrashort-duration variety grown under DDR. Field experiments were conducted in 2018 in Wuxue County and 2019 in Qichun County, Hubei Province, China with four N rates and three seeding rates.The results showed that the grain yield of the ultrashort-duration variety ranged from 6.32 to 8.23 t ha–1with a total growth duration of 85 to 97 days across all treatments with N application. Grain yield was increased significantly by N application in most cases, but seeding rate had an inconsistent effect on grain yield. Furthermore, the response of grain yield to the N rates was much higher than the response to seeding rates. The moderate N rates of 100–150 and 70–120 kg N ha–1in the early and late seasons, respectively, could fully express the yield potential of the ultrashort-duration variety grown under DDR. Remarkably higher N responses and agronomic NUE levels were achieved in the early-season rice compared with the late-season rice due to the difference in indigenous soil N supply capacity(INS) between the two seasons. Seasonal differences in INS and N response should be considered when crop management practices are optimized for achieving high grain yield and NUE in ultrashort-duration variety grown under DDR.

Effects of mechanized deep placement of nitrogen fertilizer rate and type on rice yield and nitrogen use efficiency in Chuanxi Plain, China

This paper investigates the yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of machine-transplanted rice cultivated using mechanized deep placement of N fertilizer in the rice–wheat rotation region of Chuanxi Plain,China.It provides theoretical support for N-saving and improves quality and production efficiency of machine-transplanted rice.Using a single-factor complete randomized block design in field experiments in 2018 and 2019,seven N-fertilization treatments were applied,with the fertilizer being surface broadcast and/or mechanically placed beside the seedlings at (5.5±0.5) cm soil depth when transplanting.The treatments were:N0,no N fertilizer;U1,180 kg N ha^(–1) as urea,surface broadcast manually before transplanting;U2,108 kg N ha^(–1) as urea,surface broadcast manually before transplanting,and 72 kg N ha^(–1) as urea surface broadcast manually on the 10th d after transplanting,which is not only the local common fertilization method,but also the reference treatment;UD,180 kg N ha^(–1) as urea,mechanically deep-placed when transplanting;M1,81.6 kg N ha^(–1) as urea and 38.4 kg N ha^(–1) as controlled-release urea (CRU),mechanically deep-placed when transplanting;M2,102 kg N ha^(–1) as urea and48 kg N ha^(–1) as CRU,mechanically deep-placed when transplanting;M3,122.4 kg N ha^(–1) as urea and 57.6 kg N ha^(–1) as CRU,mechanically deep-placed when transplanting.The effects of the N fertilizer treatments on rice yield and NUE were consistent in the 2 yr.With a N application rate of 180 kg ha^(–1),compared with U2,the N recovery efficiency (NRE),N agronomic use efficiency (NAE) and yield under the UD treatment were 20.6,3.5 and 1.1% higher in 2018,and 4.6,1.7 and 1.2% higher in 2019,respectively.Compared with urea alone (U1,U2 or UD),the NRE,NAE and yield achieved by M3 (combined application of urea and controlled-release urea) were higher by 9.2–73.3%,18.6–61.5% and 6.5–16.5%(2018),and 22.2–65.2%,25.6–75.0% and 5.9–13.9%(2019),respectively.Compared with M3,the lower-N treatments M1 and M2 significantly increased NRE by 4.0–7.8% in 2018 and 3.1–4.3% in 2019,respectively.Compared with urea surface application (U1 or U2),the yield under the M2 treatment was higher by 4.3–12.9% in 2018 and 3.6–10.1% in 2019,respectively.Compared with U2,the NRE and NAE under the M2 treatment was higher by 36.9 and 36.3% in 2018,and 33.2 and 37.4% in 2019,mainly because of higher N uptake.There was no significant difference in the concentration of nitrate in the top 0–20 cm soil under U1,U2 and M2 treatments during the full heading and maturity stages.During the full heading stage,U2 produced the highest concentration of nitrite in 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil among the N fertilizer treatments.In conclusion,mechanized deep placement of mixed urea and controlled-release urea (M2) at transplanting is a highly-efficient cultivation technology that enables increased yield of machine-transplanted rice and improved NUE,while reducing the amount of N-fertilization applied.

Equal perimeter yield criterion and its specific plastic work rate: Development, validation and application

In order to overcome the nonlinearity of Mises criterion, a new linear yield criterion with a dodecagon shape of the same perimeter as Mises criterion was derived by means of geometrical analysis. Its specific plastic work rate expressed as a linear function of the yield stress, the maximum and minimum strains was also deduced and compared with that of Mises criterion. The physical meaning of the proposed yield criterion is that yielding of materials begins when the shear yield stress τs reaches the magnitude of 0.594σs. By introducing the Lode parameter, validation of evolution expressions of the proposed yield criterion with those based on Tresca, Mises and TSS criteria as well as available classical yield experimental results of various metals shows that the present results intersect with Mises results and coincide well with experimental data. Moreover, further application to the limit analysis of circle plate as an example is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed yield criterion, and the subsequent comparison of limit loads with the Tresca analytical solutions and Mises numerical results shows that the present results are higher than the Tresca analytical results, and are in good agreement with the Mises numerical results.