Journal Description
Agronomy
Agronomy
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on agronomy and agroecology published monthly online by MDPI. The Spanish Society of Plant Physiology (SEFV) is affiliated with Agronomy and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Agronomy) / CiteScore - Q1 (Agronomy and Crop Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journals for Agronomy include: Seeds, Agrochemicals, Grasses and Crops.
Impact Factor:
3.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
The Effects of Harvesting Period and Inoculant on Second-Crop Maize Silage Fermentative Quality
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 982; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050982 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Southern Europe’s mutating weather conditions and the European environmental agenda have suggested the cropping of maize (Zea mays L.) after winter cereal cultivation, even if shortening the growing period could result in an immature harvesting stage, limiting its silage quality. The experimental
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Southern Europe’s mutating weather conditions and the European environmental agenda have suggested the cropping of maize (Zea mays L.) after winter cereal cultivation, even if shortening the growing period could result in an immature harvesting stage, limiting its silage quality. The experimental design investigated the effects of four harvesting dry matter (DM) classes (DMvl, 23.9%; DMl, 25.3%; DMm, 26.2%; DMh, 30.4%) in two inoculant types (heterofermentative (HE) vs. homofermentative (HOM) on fermentative quality, DM losses, and aerobic stability. The early harvested DMvl and DMl classes had the lowest silage density (<130 kg m−3) and resulted in an organic acids profile lowering the fermentative quality and increasing the DM losses, while no differences were detected following the use of the inoculants. The aerobic stability was more susceptible to further adverse fermentation via opportunistic microorganisms in the DMm and DMh classes, probably due to the lower moisture content, but the use of both HE and HOM lactic acid bacteria seemed to contain this silage surface damage. In summary, a shortening of the maize growing period might limit the achievement of the maturity stage ideal for high-quality silage, hampering the positive effects of both HOM and HE inoculants in the ensiling process of early harvested maize.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering)
Open AccessEditorial
Metagenomic Analysis for Unveiling Agricultural Microbiome
by
Yao Wang, Peng Yu and Yong-Xin Liu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050981 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Microbial communities play crucial roles in sustaining agricultural ecosystems, influencing both crop health and productivity [1] (Figure 1) [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metagenomic Analysis for Unveiling Agricultural Microbiome)
Open AccessArticle
Zn Oxide Nanoparticles and Fine Particles: Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of the Toxic Effect on Germination and Vigour of Solanum licopersicum L.
by
Marina de Francisco, Sara Mira, Luisa Durães, Andreia Romeiro, Silvia Álvarez-Torrellas and Patricia Almendros
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050980 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
The micronutrient Zinc (Zn) is essential for the proper growth and development of crops. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and fine particles are presented as an emerging alternative to more traditional fertilizers. In this study, the possible toxic effect of four laboratory-synthesized ZnO NPs
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The micronutrient Zinc (Zn) is essential for the proper growth and development of crops. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and fine particles are presented as an emerging alternative to more traditional fertilizers. In this study, the possible toxic effect of four laboratory-synthesized ZnO NPs and fine particles with different characteristics on tomato seed germination and vigor parameters was examined in comparison to bulk ZnO. Different metal precursors were used for the chemical synthesis of the particles: Zn(NO3)2 and ZnSO4, for particles named NIT-. and SUL-., respectively. In addition, the synthesis process was modified to obtain coated particles (denoted as UW-, NIT-UW and SUL-UW) and washed particles (denoted as W-, NIT-W and SUL-W). These particles were applied at different toxic doses (0, 1.4, 2.8, 5.6 and 11.2 g L−1). The results indicated that although the constant contact time between the ZnO particles did not affect the germination capacity of the seeds, it affected the growth of roots and hypocotyls, with a higher impact on the roots’ development. This toxicity was more evident from the lowest particle dose used, although it did not prevent radicle and hypocotyl elongation during the development period studied (14 days). The synthesized coated particles (NIT-UW, SUL-UW) generated high toxicity on radicle and hypocotyl development, and this effect was observed from the first days of contact with the particles. The observed toxic effects on radicle length were minimized by the application of bulk ZnO particles. In the case of hypocotyl growth, these minor toxic effects were observed by using NIT-W particles and bulk ZnO. The possibility of positive effects on seed germination and development (radicle and hypocotyl length) when in continuous contact with ZnO, whether in fine particles, nanoparticles, or bulk sizes, was excluded. Furthermore, no benefits on germination parameters were observed by suppressing the final washing step in the particle’s synthesis process, suggesting that particle coating did not provide any advantage for seed germination under these continuous contact conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Sodium Tetraborate Induces Systemic Resistance in Watermelon against Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum
by
Nguyen Thi Thu Nga, Eigil de Neergaard, Hunthrike Shekar Shetty, Tran Thi Thu Thuy, Pham Van Kim and Hans Jørgen Lyngs Jørgensen
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050979 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
Imbibing watermelon seeds in 1 mM sodium tetraborate (Na2B4O7) for 24 h systemically protected plants against foliar infection by Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum in detached leaves and under greenhouse conditions. The treatment resulted in both a reduction in the
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Imbibing watermelon seeds in 1 mM sodium tetraborate (Na2B4O7) for 24 h systemically protected plants against foliar infection by Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum in detached leaves and under greenhouse conditions. The treatment resulted in both a reduction in the overall percentage of leaf infection as well as in the size of lesions. Studies of the mechanisms by which Na2B4O7 protected watermelon showed that there was no direct effect on the S. cucurbitacearum mycelium growth in vitro. On the other hand, plants raised from seeds primed with Na2B4O7 showed a higher frequency of fluorescent epidermal cells compared to the plants treated with water. This indicates that a higher number of cells expressed the hypersensitive response after Na2B4O7 priming. In addition, there was an increase in peroxidase activity and an enhanced accumulation of a 45 kDa acidic peroxidase isoform during the early stages of infection in plants treated with Na2B4O7 compared to plants treated with water and this was positively correlated to the reduction of leaf infection caused by the pathogen. These results indicate that Na2B4O7 is able to induce systemic resistance in watermelon against S. cucurbitacearum by activating the hypersensitive reaction at penetration sites, increasing peroxidase activity and altering the peroxidase isozyme profile. Although each individual response may only have had a minor effect, their combined effects had a reducing effect on the disease.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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Open AccessArticle
The Effect of Fertilizers on Soil Total and Available Cadmium in China: A Meta-Analysis
by
Xiaoning Zhao, Li Li, Lihua Xue, Yi Hu and Jiangang Han
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050978 - 07 May 2024
Abstract
The unreasonable use of fertilizers is a significant cause of cultivated soil cadmium (Cd) accumulation. Although there is research about the effect of fertilizers on soil cadmium (Cd) accumulation under different crops, soils, and cultivation durations locally and specifically, its relative and determinant
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The unreasonable use of fertilizers is a significant cause of cultivated soil cadmium (Cd) accumulation. Although there is research about the effect of fertilizers on soil cadmium (Cd) accumulation under different crops, soils, and cultivation durations locally and specifically, its relative and determinant factors are seldom comprehensively and comparatively researched and evaluated. We used meta-analysis to analyze the effects of fertilizers (mineral fertilizer N, P, K (NPK) with manure (NPKM), NPK with straw (NPKS), and the mineral fertilizer N (N), NK (NK)), crops, duration, climate, and soil texture on the Chinese soil total and available Cd change during 1987–2022. The results showed that the order of the increased soil total and available Cd change was NPKM (total: 62%–104%, available: 61%–143%) > NPKS (50%–86%, 48%–116%) > NPK (25%–50%, 35%–75%) > NK (5%–19%, 19%–33%) > N (2%–6%, 7%–31%). NPKM and NPKS significantly increased the total Cd under maize (104%, 86%) and available Cd under rice (136%, 116%). Cd changed the fastest with the NPKM cultivation duration for total Cd under maize (slope: 5.9) and available Cd under rice (6.6). The change of the soil total and available Cd had the higher value in the semiarid region, clay soils, lower pH, and long cultivations. The change of the soil total and available Cd were highest (398%, 375%) in the semiarid region for clay loam after 20–25 years of NPKM fertilization, when the pH decreased to the lowest (−1.9). According to the aggregated boosted tree analysis, the fertilizers and duration were the best explanatory variable (>53%) for the soil total and available Cd. In conclusion, the soil Cd could be mitigated through reducing the long–term manure, straw, and P fertilizer content with Cd, and field managements such as liming, wetting, and drying according to the crops, climate, and soil texture.
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(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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Open AccessArticle
Reduced Translocation Confers Paraquat Resistance in Plantago lanceolata
by
Vhuthu Ndou, Deon Kotze, Biljana Marjanovic-Painter, Ethel E. Phiri, Petrus J. Pieterse and Molahlehi S. Sonopo
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050977 - 06 May 2024
Abstract
Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) is a common weed in the winter rainfall region of South Africa. This weed is widespread across vineyards, orchards, and roadsides in the region. The weed has already evolved resistance to glyphosate and paraquat; however, the mechanism
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Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) is a common weed in the winter rainfall region of South Africa. This weed is widespread across vineyards, orchards, and roadsides in the region. The weed has already evolved resistance to glyphosate and paraquat; however, the mechanism of paraquat resistance has not been documented. This study aimed to investigate the resistance mechanisms in this resistant (R) biotype. Dose–response trials conducted with R biotypes from the Robertson area reconfirmed paraquat resistance. Dose–response trials established that the paraquat rate causing 50% mortality (LD50) for the R biotype is three times greater than for the susceptible (S) biotype. To find out how paraquat affected the photosynthetic performance of P. lanceolata, the quantum yield of photosystem II was measured. The photosystem reaction centres of the R biotype recovered 24 h after paraquat treatment. To evaluate paraquat transport in the plant cell, selective transport inhibitors were applied. Plantago lanceolata (S) biotypes had the highest electrolyte leakage after paraquat treatment. A combined radio/UV-HPLC was used for the separation and identification of paraquat and its metabolites. Paraquat degradation was not observed, indicating that metabolism was not a resistance mechanism within the R biotype. To assess leaf absorption and translocation, [14C]-labelled paraquat was applied to fully expanded leaves. There were no significant differences in paraquat absorption. However, paraquat translocation differed significantly across the R and S biotypes, indicating that non-target site resistance through reduced paraquat translocation was the main mechanism of resistance in the R biotype. As the resistance of weed species to post-emergence herbicides continues to increase, achieving sustainable weed management necessitates the implementation of diversified weed control strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbicides Toxicology and Weeds Herbicide-Resistant Mechanism—Series II)
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Natural Contamination of Rice with Ustiloxins and the Connection with Climate Conditions in Southern China
by
Xuexue Miao, Ying Miao, Yang Liu, Shuhua Tao, Huabin Zheng, Na Kuang, Jiemin Wang and Qiyuan Tang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050976 - 06 May 2024
Abstract
Mycotoxins often contaminate rice, which are the secondary metabolites of fungi. Ustiloxins, a type of mycotoxin that has often been overlooked, pose a significant risk to human health. Therefore, identifying and controlling the pollution of ustiloxins in rice is required. In this study,
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Mycotoxins often contaminate rice, which are the secondary metabolites of fungi. Ustiloxins, a type of mycotoxin that has often been overlooked, pose a significant risk to human health. Therefore, identifying and controlling the pollution of ustiloxins in rice is required. In this study, we examined the natural contamination of rice with ustiloxins and their link to climate conditions. A total of 300 paddy samples were collected from six regions in southern China, and concentrations of ustiloxins A, B, C, D, and F were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results showed that the occurrence of ustiloxins A, B, C, D, and F in paddies was found to be 55.7%, 41.3%, 29.0%, 93.7%, and 96.7%, respectively. Ustiloxin A had the highest mean (177.8 µg/kg) and maximum (3620.9 µg/kg) concentration, followed, in order, by ustiloxins C, B, D, and F. Furthermore, ustiloxin levels were significantly different depending on their origin, with the highest concentration in rice from Changde and Yueyang. And the regional difference in ustiloxins was related to the diversity of climate. A positive correlation between ustiloxin occurrence and mean humidity and precipitation was found in July and August of different regions, while mean temperature indicated a negative dependence. This is an essential survey of the contamination of rice with ustiloxins throughout southern China. The influence of climatic conditions on ustiloxins contamination was evaluated for the first time in our study. Overall, the rice samples examined in this study exhibited a high distribution of ustiloxins, suggesting that regulatory limits and the establishment of maximum allowable levels of ustiloxins in rice are necessary. This study provides a basis and guidance for the pollution situation and control strategy of ustiloxins in China.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering)
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The Physiological Adjustments of Two Xerophytic Shrubs to Long-Term Summer Drought
by
Mingze Xu, Tianshan Zha, Yun Tian, Peng Liu, Charles P.-A. Bourque, Xin Jia, Cheng Li, Chuan Jin, Zifan Guo and Xiaoshuai Wei
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050975 - 06 May 2024
Abstract
Adaptive characteristics of plants, such as those associated with photosynthesis and resource use efficiency, are usually affected by synthesis costs and resource availability. The impact of extreme climate events such as long-term drought on plant physiological functions needs to be examined, particularly as
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Adaptive characteristics of plants, such as those associated with photosynthesis and resource use efficiency, are usually affected by synthesis costs and resource availability. The impact of extreme climate events such as long-term drought on plant physiological functions needs to be examined, particularly as it concerns the internal management of water and nitrogen (N) resources. In this study, we evaluated the resource management strategies for water and N by xerophytic shrubs, Artemisia ordosica and Salix psammophila, under extreme summer drought. This was carried out by comparing the plants’ physiological status during periods of wet and dry summer conditions in 2019 and 2021. Compared with the wet period, A. ordosica and S. psammophila both decreased their light-saturated net carbon (C) assimilation rate (Asat), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), leaf N content per leaf area (Narea), and photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) during the summer drought. Whether in wet or dry summers, the gas-exchange parameters and PNUE of A. ordosica were generally greater than those associated with S. psammophila. The instantaneous water use efficiency (IWUE) response to drought varied with species. As a drought-tolerant species, the A. ordosica shrubs increased their IWUE during drought, whereas the S. psammophila shrubs (less drought-tolerant) decreased theirs. The divergent responses to drought by the two species were largely related to differences in the sensitivity of gs, and as a result, E. Compared with A. ordosica, S. psammophila’s inferior plasticity regarding gs response affected its ability to conserve water during drought. Our research illustrates the need for assessing plasticity in gs when addressing plant adaptation to long-term drought. A high dry-season IWUE in xerophytic shrubs can benefit the plants by augmenting their C gain.
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(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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Cultivated Grassland Types Differently Affected Carbon Flux Downstream of the Yellow River
by
Yibo Wang, Xudong Qu, Meixuan Li, Juan Sun and Zhenchao Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050974 - 06 May 2024
Abstract
Cultivated grasslands are an important part of grassland ecosystems and have been proven to be major carbon sinks, then playing an important role in the global carbon balance. The effect of cultivated grassland type (Medicago sativa, Triticum aestivum, Secale cereale
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Cultivated grasslands are an important part of grassland ecosystems and have been proven to be major carbon sinks, then playing an important role in the global carbon balance. The effect of cultivated grassland type (Medicago sativa, Triticum aestivum, Secale cereale, and Vicia villosa grasslands) on carbon flux (including net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE), ecosystem respiration (ER), and gross ecosystem productivity (GEP)) downstream of the Yellow River was studied via the static chamber technique and a portable photosynthetic system. Bare land was used as a control. The results showed that the four cultivated grassland types were mainly carbon sinks, and bare land was a carbon source. The cultivated grassland types significantly affected carbon flux. The average NEE and GEP of the grassland types were in the following order from high to low: Medicago sativa, Secale cereale, Triticum aestivum, and Vicia villosa grassland. Stepwise regression analysis showed that among all measured environmental factors, soil pH, soil bulk density (BD), soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil microbial carbon (MBC) were the main factors affecting CO2 flux. The combined influence of soil BD, SOC, and pH accounted for 77.6% of the variations in NEE, while soil BD, SOC, and MBC collectively explained 79.8% of changes in ER and 72.9% of the changes in GEP. This finding indicates that Medicago sativa grassland is a cultivated grassland with a high carbon sink level. The changes in carbon flux were dominated by the effects of soil physicochemical properties.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluate the Functional Value of Agroecosystem under Different Management Scenarios)
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Study of Wind Field and Surface Wind Pressure of Solar Greenhouse Group under Valley Topography Conditions
by
Zixuan Gao, Jing Xu, Rui Wang, Yi Jiang and Zongmin Liang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050973 - 06 May 2024
Abstract
There is a wind interference effect between greenhouses in a group arrangement of solar greenhouse groups. To ensure the structural integrity of greenhouse groups situated in valleys, it becomes imperative to analyze both the wind pressure distribution patterns and the wind interference effects.
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There is a wind interference effect between greenhouses in a group arrangement of solar greenhouse groups. To ensure the structural integrity of greenhouse groups situated in valleys, it becomes imperative to analyze both the wind pressure distribution patterns and the wind interference effects. This arises from the recognition that the wind load coefficients applicable to solar greenhouse groups nestled within valleys deviate from those observed in flat plains. The application of the contour modeling method facilitated a realistic reconstruction of the authentic topography within the study area. Subsequently, a wind field simulation was executed specifically for the constructed valley. The resultant wind field data for the studied valley area were then obtained. In the valley, nine solar greenhouses were systematically arranged in a three by three configuration. Special attention was directed towards assessing the surface wind pressures derived meticulously from the simulated wind field and wind direction angle of 0°. The findings elucidate the following: (a) The wind speed ratio exhibits a diminution on the leeward side of the mountain as compared to the windward side, with a notably reduced wind speed ratio observed in proximity to the mountain. (b) An amplification effect is discernible in the peripheral zone adjacent to the leading row of greenhouses, proximate to the incoming airflow. Particular emphasis is warranted regarding the reversal of wind direction observed in the secondary row of greenhouses positioned along the north wall and front roof, specifically at a wind angle of 0°, owing to the pronounced influence of interference effects. Hence, when undertaking the design and construction of a cluster of solar greenhouses within the valley terrain of Tibet, meticulous consideration must be directed towards both the meticulous calculation of wind loads within the periphery of the greenhouses and the judicious selection of the grouping’s location.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering)
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Evaluation of Production and Pest Management Practices in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) in Ghana
by
Ahmed Seidu, Mumuni Abudulai, Israel K. Dzomeku, Georgie Y. Mahama, Jerry A. Nboyine, William Appaw, Richard Akromah, Stephen Arthur, Grace Bolfrey-Arku, M. Brandford Mochiah, David L. Jordan, Rick L. Brandenburg, Greg MacDonald, Maria Balota, David Hoisington and Jamie Rhoads
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050972 - 06 May 2024
Abstract
The economic return for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Ghana is often low due to limitations in the availability of inputs or their adoption, which are needed to optimize yield. Six experiments were conducted in Ghana in 2020 and 2021 to determine
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The economic return for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Ghana is often low due to limitations in the availability of inputs or their adoption, which are needed to optimize yield. Six experiments were conducted in Ghana in 2020 and 2021 to determine the impact of planting date, cultivar, fertilization, pest management practices, and harvest date on peanut yield, financial return, and pest reaction. A wide range of interactions among these treatment factors were often observed for infestations of aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover); groundnut rosette disease (Umbravirus: Tombusviridaee); millipedes (Peridontopyge spp.); white grubs (Schyzonicha spp.); wireworms (Conoderus spp.); termites (Microtermes and Odontotermes spp.); canopy defoliation as a result of early leaf spot disease caused by Passalora arachidicola (Hori) and late leaf spot caused by Nothopassalora personata (Berk. and M. A. Curtis); and the scarification and boring of pods caused by arthropod feeding. Pod yield and economic return increased for the cultivar Chitaochi and Sarinut 2 when fertilizer was applied and when fertilizer was applied at early, mid-, and late planting dates. Pod yield and economic return increased when a combination of locally derived potassium soaps was used for aphid suppression and one additional hand weeding was used in the improved pest management practice compared with the traditional practice without these inputs. Pearson correlations for yield and economic return were negatively correlated for all pests and damage caused by pests. The results from these experiments can be used by farmers and their advisors to develop production packages for peanut production in Ghana.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pest Control Technologies Applied in Peanut Production Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Nitric Acid Rain Decreases Soil Bacterial Diversity and Alters Bacterial Community Structure in Farmland Soils
by
Xuan Chen, Yiming Wang, Hui Wei and Jiaen Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050971 - 05 May 2024
Abstract
Being regarded as one of the environmental problems endangering biodiversity and ecosystem health, acid rain has attracted wide attention. Here, we studied the effects of nitric acid rain (NAR) on the structure and diversity of microbial communities in agricultural soils by laboratory incubation
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Being regarded as one of the environmental problems endangering biodiversity and ecosystem health, acid rain has attracted wide attention. Here, we studied the effects of nitric acid rain (NAR) on the structure and diversity of microbial communities in agricultural soils by laboratory incubation experiments and greenhouse experiments. Our results indicated that NAR had an inhibitory effect on soil microorganisms, showing a significant reduction in the Chao1 index and Shannon index of soil bacteria. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Chloroflexi were the dominant bacterial phyla under NAR stress in this study. NAR significantly reduced the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, but significantly increased the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota and Chloroflexi, suggesting that NAR was unfavorable to the survival of Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. It is worth noting that the inhibitory or promoting effect of NAR on the dominant bacterial phyla gradually increased with increasing NAR acidity and treatment time. In addition, the study observed that the change in soil pH caused by NAR was the main reason for the change in soil bacterial community structure. In summary, the effects of NAR on soil microorganisms cannot be underestimated from the perspective of sustainable agricultural development.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of the Soil Microbiome on Nutrient Cycling and Soil Health in Agroecosystems)
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Genetic Diversity Assessment of Cupressus gigantea W. C. Cheng & L. K. Fu Using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat Technique
by
Ximei Ji, Yaxuan Jiang, Jianxin Li, Pei Lei and Fanjuan Meng
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050970 - 05 May 2024
Abstract
Cupressus gigantea W. C. Cheng & L. K. Fu is an endemic conifer tree species that is distributed widely along the northern portion of the deep gorge of the Yarlung Tsangbo River on the Tibetan Plateau. However, as a key plant species growing
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Cupressus gigantea W. C. Cheng & L. K. Fu is an endemic conifer tree species that is distributed widely along the northern portion of the deep gorge of the Yarlung Tsangbo River on the Tibetan Plateau. However, as a key plant species growing on the Tibetan plateau, C. gigantea has since become an endangered species due to habitat loss and degradation, overexploitation, and other factors. It has been listed as a first-grade national protected wild plant species in China. Accordingly, to conserve this plant species, we should obtain more information on its genetic structure. In this study, the genetic diversity and structure among 67 samples were evaluated by the inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) technique. Overall, 78 bands were produced with a molecular length of 200 bp to 3100 bp using 10 ISSR primers. The mean values for the average number of alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), Nei’s gene diversity (H), and Shannon’s information index (I) were 1.529, 1.348, 0.199, and 0.293, respectively. Additionally, the number of polymorphic loci (NPLs) and percentage of polymorphic loci (PPLs) averaged 41.25 and 52.90, respectively. Further, total variation among populations was 14.2%, while that within populations was 85.8%; accordingly, the within-population genetic differentiation was found to be significant (p < 0.001). These results demonstrated that a genetic structure model with K = 3 fitted the data best, which agreed with the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster and the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). These findings are beneficial for ensuring the development and genetic protection of C. gigantea populations in the future.
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(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)
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Heavy Metal-Based Fungicides Alter the Chemical Fractions of Cu, Zn, and Mn in Vineyards in Southern Brazil
by
Guilherme Wilbert Ferreira, Samya Uchoa Bordallo, Edenilson Meyer, Zayne Valéria Santos Duarte, Josué Klein Schmitt, Luana Paula Garlet, Allan Augusto Kokkonen da Silva, Jean Michel Moura-Bueno, George Wellington Bastos de Melo, Gustavo Brunetto, Tales Tiecher and Cledimar Rogério Lourenzi
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050969 - 05 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate Cu, Zn, and Mn fractions in vineyard soils in two important wine-growing regions in Latin America, which have soils with different soil organic matter (SOM) and clay contents. Soils were collected from vineyards aged 35, 37, and 39
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This study aimed to evaluate Cu, Zn, and Mn fractions in vineyard soils in two important wine-growing regions in Latin America, which have soils with different soil organic matter (SOM) and clay contents. Soils were collected from vineyards aged 35, 37, and 39 years (Serra Gaúcha) and 13, 19, and 36 years (Campanha Gaúcha). In each region, soils were collected from a non-anthropized area, and in the oldest vineyards, the collection was conducted on and between the planting lines. The available and total Cu, Zn, and Mn contents were analyzed in addition to the chemical fractions. The ΔCu, ΔZn, and ΔMn were also calculated by subtracting the contents of each fraction of the vineyards from the reference areas. The use of fungicides promotes increased metal contents in vineyard soils. In soils with high SOM contents, Cu tended to increase in the organic fraction in surface and depth. In contrast, Zn increased in the residual fraction, and Mn increased in most bioavailable fractions. Cu and Zn increased their contents in soils with low SOM and clay contents in the organic and mineral fractions. Mn accumulated in the mineral and residual fractions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Pollution and Remediation in Sustainable Agriculture)
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The Effects of Tillage and the Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Yield of Maize Leaves
by
Guangming Xie, Min Liang, Pei Chen, Chang Zhang, Mingyuan Fan, Chuangyun Wang and Li Zhao
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050968 - 04 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of the combined application of organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer using different tillage methods to delay the senescence of maize leaves. The yield and activities of GDH, CAT, APX, GR, and GSH enzymes
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The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of the combined application of organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer using different tillage methods to delay the senescence of maize leaves. The yield and activities of GDH, CAT, APX, GR, and GSH enzymes in maize leaves were measured at different growth stages by using two tillage methods, three organic and inorganic combined applications (P1, P2, and P3), and four control treatments. (1) During the growth period, the R + S and R treatments were P1 treatments, with the highest enzyme activities noted for GDH, CAT, APX, GR, and GSH, which were 36.79–103.22% higher than those of CK. (2) The average yield of all R + S treatments was higher than that of R treatments, and the average yield of P1 treatment was the highest under R + S, which was 13,663.79 kg hm−2, which was 6.39%, 7.90%, and 14.67% higher than that of P2, P3, and CK, respectively, which was lower than that of R. The yield of P1 treatment was 2.53% higher. (3) There was a significant positive correlation between APX activity, CAT activity, GR activity, GDH activity, GSH activity, grain number per ear, ear length, and 100-grain weight of maize leaves at the grain filling stage, and a significant negative correlation between bald tip length and yield. The treatment details had the strongest enzyme activity and the highest yield when using the rotary tillage + subsoiling (R + S) P1 method, which was the most suitable tillage method and the best fertilizer ratio combination, which could be demonstrated and popularized in a large area in the dry farming area of spring maize in Shanxi Province.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cropping Systems and Agronomic Management Practices of Field Crops—2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Impact of Soil Factors on the Yield and Agronomic Traits of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni in the Agro-Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China
by
Xingrong Ma, Lingdong Wang, Hongfen Zhu, Jingjing Peng and Rutian Bi
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050967 - 04 May 2024
Abstract
The ecologically fragile agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China is characterized by relatively poor arable land quality. Yunzhou District in Datong City, which is situated within this transitional zone, boasts over 600 years of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni cultivation. Exploring the effects of soil physicochemical
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The ecologically fragile agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China is characterized by relatively poor arable land quality. Yunzhou District in Datong City, which is situated within this transitional zone, boasts over 600 years of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni cultivation. Exploring the effects of soil physicochemical properties on daylily yield and related agronomic traits is essential for enhancing the ecological and economic value of dominant crops in ecologically fragile areas. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the daylily, a characteristic cash crop that is grown in the agro-pastoral ecotone in Yunzhou District. Physicochemical property measurement and yield estimation were performed using soil samples collected from 37 sites, with Spearman’s correlation analysis, one-way analysis of variance with multiple comparisons, path analysis, and stepwise regression analysis used to analyze the generated data. The results showed the following: (1) The pathway analysis of daylily yield with each agronomic trait showed that the BN and PH directly affected the yield of daylily with direct pathway coefficients of 0.844 and 0.7, respectively, whereas the SN indirectly affected the yield of daylily through the BD and PH, with indirect pathway coefficients of 0.827 and 0.566, respectively. (2) A total of four principal components were extracted for the soil factors, of which SMC, ST and BD had large loadings on PC1; OM, TN and pH had large loadings on PC2; AK had large loadings on PC3; and AP had large loadings on PC4. (3) From the principal component regression and stepwise regression, it can be seen that SMC is the most critical factor affecting the yield of daylily, as well as the related agronomic traits, and the results also show that yield prediction was affected by OM, ST, and AK, while BN was influenced by OM and ST, and SN and PH were influenced by AP. Comparing the goodness of fit and significance of the two models, it can be concluded that the stepwise regression model is the optimal model for this study.
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(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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Open AccessArticle
Improving the Yield and Quality of Tomato by Using Organic Fertilizer and Silicon Compared to Reducing Chemical Nitrogen Fertilization
by
Fan Zhang, Yan Liu, Yi Liang, Zemin Dai, Yanli Zhao, Yu Shi, Jing Gao, Leiping Hou, Yi Zhang and Golam Jalal Ahammed
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050966 - 04 May 2024
Abstract
Essential macronutrient nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and yield, but excessive chemical N fertilizer not only increases unnecessary production costs but also causes environmental pollution. Therefore, reducing N fertilizer use by increasing organic fertilizer use is crucial for sustainable agriculture. In
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Essential macronutrient nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and yield, but excessive chemical N fertilizer not only increases unnecessary production costs but also causes environmental pollution. Therefore, reducing N fertilizer use by increasing organic fertilizer use is crucial for sustainable agriculture. In this study, we investigated the effects of three nitrogen levels—the recommended rate (N), a 20.0% reduced rate (0.8N), and a 40.0% reduced rate (0.6N)—and two levels of organic fertilizer—a normal dose (M) and a four-times the normal dose (4M)—combined with root application of the beneficial element silicon (Si) on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and fruit quality of the tomato cultivar ‘Tianxi No. 5’. Compared with M + N treatment, the longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, fruit weight, and fruit yield of tomato fruit in 4M + 0.6N treatment significantly increased by 12.4%, 14.6%, 14.5%, and 12.8%, respectively, while the yield was further improved with Si application. In addition, a reduction in N fertilizer and an increase in organic fertilizer, combined with Si application, improved fruit quality parameters such as concentrations of vitamin C, lycopene, phenols, flavonoids, sucrose, fructose, etc., and promoted sugar metabolism-related enzyme activity (sucrose synthase, invertase, and sucrose phosphate synthase) and the accumulation of N in the fruit. The principal component analysis and three-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the fruit quality and yield indices showed that nitrogen fertilizer, organic fertilizer, silicon fertilizer, and the interaction of the three had significant effects on the quality and yield of tomato fruits, and that the 4M + 0.6N + Si treatment had the best combined effect on the yield and quality of the tomatoes. Thus, a moderate reduction in chemical N fertilizer, combined with increased organic fertilizer and Si, could be an effective agronomic practice for improving the yield and quality of tomatoes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Organic Amendments in Agricultural Production—Volume II)
Open AccessArticle
Response of the Endophytic Microbial Composition in Amaranthus Roots to Different Fertilization Treatments
by
Xinru Lin, Da Yang, Xinyan Zhou, Xun Wei, Yuanyuan Xie and Shangdong Yang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050965 - 03 May 2024
Abstract
To explore how endophytic microbial compositions in amaranth roots are influenced by various fertilization methods and to determine whether these microbes are associated with amaranthin formation, we conducted an analysis of the endophytic microbial community structure. The roots of amaranth plants subjected to
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To explore how endophytic microbial compositions in amaranth roots are influenced by various fertilization methods and to determine whether these microbes are associated with amaranthin formation, we conducted an analysis of the endophytic microbial community structure. The roots of amaranth plants subjected to different fertilization treatments—conventional fertilization without potassium (NP), conventional fertilization without phosphorus (NK), conventional fertilization without nitrogen (PK), and balanced fertilization (NPK)—were examined. The results showed that the proportions of Streptomyces, Actinospica, and Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia in the amaranth roots under the balanced fertilization (NPK) treatment were all greater than those in the amaranth roots under the nitrogen (PK), phosphorus (NK), and potassium (NP) deficiency fertilization treatments. In contrast, the proportions of Phenylobacterium, Acrocalymma, Neocosmospora, Fusarium, Acidovorax, Gibellulopsis, Cladosporium, Dactylonectria, and Gibberella in the amaranth roots under the nutrient deficiency fertilization (NP, NK, and PK) treatments were higher than those in the amaranth roots under the balanced fertilization treatment. Additionally, a significantly positive correlation was found between Streptomyces and the amaranthin content. Furthermore, Acrocalymma, Neocosmospora, and Fusarium exhibited significantly negative correlations with the amaranthin content. The above results suggested that endophytes could easily colonize in amaranth roots as beneficial microorganisms under balanced fertilization conditions. In other words, the balanced fertilization (N, P and K fertilizers are 188.0, 53.0 and 50.0 kg·hm−2, respectively) could recruit more beneficial endogenous microorganisms in amaranth roots for improving their growth and quality.
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(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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Open AccessArticle
A Comparative Dataset of Annotated Broccoli Heads Recorded with Depth Cameras from a Moving Vehicle
by
Oliver Hardy, Karthik Seemakurthy and Elizabeth I. Sklar
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050964 - 03 May 2024
Abstract
An extensive, publicly available dataset is presented—the LAR Broccoli dataset—which contains 20,000 manually annotated images of broccoli heads captured from a moving tractor at an organic farm in the UK. The dataset contains images of the same row of broccoli heads recorded at
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An extensive, publicly available dataset is presented—the LAR Broccoli dataset—which contains 20,000 manually annotated images of broccoli heads captured from a moving tractor at an organic farm in the UK. The dataset contains images of the same row of broccoli heads recorded at 30 frames per second (fps) with three different cameras. Two off-the-shelf, relatively low-cost depth-sensing cameras were used, with the tractor moving at a speed of around 1 km/h, in addition to a webcam, with the tractor moving twice as fast. The utility of the dataset is demonstrated in four ways. First, three different state-of-the-art detector models were trained on the dataset, achieving an overall mean Average Precision (mAP) score of over 95% for the best-performing detector. The results validate the utility of the dataset for the standard task of in-field broccoli head recognition. Second, experiments with transfer learning were conducted, initialised with a smaller pre-trained broccoli detection model, and refined with the LAR Broccoli dataset. Third, we assessed the advantages of transfer learning not only using mAP but also according to time and space requirements for training models, which provides a proxy metric for energy efficiency, a practical consideration for real-world model training. Fourth, the cross-camera generalisation among the three camera systems was compared. The results highlight that testing and training detector models using different camera systems can lead to reduced performance, unless the training set also includes some images captured in the same manner as those in the test set.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Data, Models, and Their Applications in Agriculture)
Open AccessArticle
Variations in Soil Organic Carbon after Farmland Conversion to Apple Orchard
by
Yaping Wang, Ruifeng Li, Weiming Yan, Xiaoyang Han, Wenzhao Liu and Zhi Li
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050963 - 03 May 2024
Abstract
The Chinese Loess Plateau has undergone extensive revegetation to restore degraded land and enhance carbon sequestration. However, soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestrated in the soil profiles of deep-rooted plants has not been fully studied. Here, we investigated the SOC within a 0–23 m
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The Chinese Loess Plateau has undergone extensive revegetation to restore degraded land and enhance carbon sequestration. However, soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestrated in the soil profiles of deep-rooted plants has not been fully studied. Here, we investigated the SOC within a 0–23 m profile in farmlands and apple orchards converted from farmlands with different ages (A5, <5 years; A10, ~10 years; A15, ~15 years; A20, >20 years) and the controlling factors on three loess tablelands (Changwu, Qingyang, and Luochuan). The results show that SOC stocks among farmlands and orchards showed no significant difference (p = 0.88); however, SOC stocks showed a trend with tree ages, i.e., a decrease for A5 and A10 but an increase for A15 and A20. For the vertical variability, the SOC stock was the highest within 0–1 m, regardless of the standing age; however, the SOC stock in this layer only accounted for 8.8% of the total SOC stock (97.93 ± 9.18 kg m−2). Climate accounted for 82% of the variations and controlled the changes in SOC in the 0–1 m range, while soil texture dominated the SOC in the soil below 1 m, accounting for 57% of the SOC variations. The variations in SOC in the thick, unsaturated zones provide implications for future land use management and the sustainability of apple orchards in arid regions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter Contributes to Soil Health)
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