Compositional nutrient diagnosis of corn using the Mahalanobis distance as nutrient imbalance index

Parent, L. E., Natale, W. and Ziadi, N. 2009. Compositional nutrient diagnosis of corn using the Mahalanobis distance as nutrient imbalance index. Can. J. Soil Sci. 89: 383-390. Compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) provides a plant nutrient imbalance index (CND - r(2)) with assumed chi(2) distribution. The Mahalanobis distance D(2), which detects outliers in compositional data sets, also has a chi(2) distribution. The objective of this paper was to compare D(2) and CND - r(2) nutrient imbalance indexes in corn (Zea mays L.). We measured grain yield as well as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations in the ear leaf at silk stage for 210 calibration sites in the St. Lawrence Lowlands [2300-2700 corn thermal units (CTU)] as well as 30 phosphorus (2300-2700 CTU; 10 sites) and 10 nitrogen (1900-2100 CTU; one site) replicated fertilizer treatments for validation. We derived CND norms as mean, standard deviation, and the inverse covariance matrix of centred log ratios (clr) for high yielding specimens (>= 9.0 Mg grain ha(-1) at 150 g H(2)O kg(-1) moisture content) in the 2300-2700 CTU zone. Using chi(2) = 17 (P < 0.05) with nine degrees of freedom (i.e., nine nutrients) as a rejection criterion for outliers and a yield threshold of 8.6 Mg ha(-1) after Cate-Nelson partitioning between low- and high-yielders in the P validation data set, D(2) misclassified two specimens compared with nine for CND -r(2). The D(2) classification was not significantly different from a chi(2) classification (P > 0.05), but the CND - r(2) classification differed significantly from chi(2) or D(2) (P < 0.001). A threshold value for nutrient imbalance could thus be derived probabilistically for conducting D(2) diagnosis, while the CND - r(2) nutrient imbalance threshold must be calibrated using fertilizer trials. In the proposed CND - D(2) procedure, D(2) is first computed to classify the specimen as possible outlier. Thereafter, nutrient indices are ranked in their order of limitation. The D(2) norms appeared less effective in the 1900-2100 CTU zone.

Effects of row spacing and intercrop on maize grain yield and forage production of palisade grass

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Sowing depths of brachiaria in intercropping with corn in no tillage planting

A produção de forragem na integração lavoura-pecuária é de suma importância, tanto para alimentação animal como para formação de palhada para plantio direto. O experimento foi conduzido no outono/inverno de 2009 e 2010, em Selvíria -MS, na Fazenda de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão da FEIS/UNESP. O objetivo foi avaliar a profundidade mais adequada para deposição das sementes de duas espécies de braquiárias em consórcio com milho, com ênfase para a produtividade do milho e formação de palha. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos principais foram duas espécies de braquiárias (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandú e Urochloa ruziziensis), cujas sementes foram misturadas ao fertilizante do milho, e um tratamento-testemunha (sem consórcio). Os tratamentos secundários constituíram-se em três profundidades (8; 10 e 16 cm) de deposição do fertilizante (em consórcio e na testemunha). Os consórcios de milho com braquiária produziram quantidades de palha semelhantes. A produção total de palha foi maior nos consórcios e nas menores profundidades. O consórcio com U. ruziziensis propiciou maior produtividade de grãos de milho em relação ao com U. brizantha, em 2010. As profundidades de semeadura das forrageiras não afetaram a produtividade de milho.

Nutrient Digestibility of Cereal Grain Products and By-products in Extruded Diets for Nile Tilapia

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Phosphorus utilization by corn as affected by green manure, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Sample size for single, double and thee-way hybrid corn ear traits

O uso dos tamanhos de amostras adequados nas unidades experimentais melhora a eficiência da pesquisa. Foi conduzido um experimento no ano agrícola 2004/2005 em Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, com o objetivo de estimar o tamanho de amostra para o comprimento de espiga, o diâmetro de espiga e de sabugo, o peso da espiga, dos grãos por espiga, do sabugo e de 100 grãos, o número de fileiras de grãos por espiga, o número de grãos por espiga e o comprimento dos grãos de dois híbridos simples (P30F33 e P Flex), dois híbridos triplos (AG8021 e DG501) e dois híbridos duplos (AG2060 e DKB701) de milho. Para uma precisão de 5% (D5), características de peso (peso de espiga despalhada, de grãos, de sabugo e de 100 grãos) podem ser amostradas com 21 espigas, características de tamanho (comprimento de espiga e de grão, diâmetro de espiga e de sabugo) com oito espigas, e dados de contagem (número de grãos e de fileiras) com 13 espigas. O tamanho de amostra é variável em função da característica da espiga e do tipo de híbrido: simples, triplo ou duplo. A variabilidade genética existente entre os híbridos de milho, na forma crescente: simples, triplo e duplo, não reflete na mesma ordem no tamanho de amostra de caracteres da espiga.

Simulation of within field variability of corn yield with Ceres-Maize model

The CERES-Maize model was used to estimate the spatial variability in corn (Zea mays L.) yield for 1995 and 1996 using data measured on soil profiles located on a 30.5 m grid within a 3.9 ha field in Michigan. The model was calibrated for one grid profile for the 1995 and then used to simulate corn yield for all grid points for the 2 yrs. For the calibration for 1995, the model predicted corn yield within 2%. For 1995, the model predicted yield variability very well (r(2) = 0.85), producing similar yield maps with differences generally within +/- 300 kg ha(-1). For 1996, the model predicted low grain yields (1167 kg ha(-1)) compared with measured (8928 kg ha(-1)) because the model does not account for horizontal water movement within the landscape or water contributions from a water table. Under nonlimiting water conditions, the model performed well (average of 8717 vs. 8948 kg ha(-1)) but under-estimated the measured yield variability.

Maternal antibody transfer to broiler progeny varies among strains and is affected by grain source and cage density

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of broiler breeder dietary grain source and cage density on maternal antibody (MatAb) transfer to progeny in 2 genetic strains (A and B). Broiler breeders were assigned to 16 litter floor pens and fed either corn- or wheat-based diets. Breeders were administered 4 live vaccines against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). At 23 wk of age, pullets and cocks, which reflected the full BW distribution from each treatment, were moved to a cage breeder house and placed at 1 or 2 hens/cage. Breeders were artificially inseminated at 44 wk (experiment 1) and 52 wk of age (experiment 2). Eggs were collected for 8 d, incubated, and placed in individual pedigree bags at d 19 of incubation. Blood samples from 5 chicks per treatment combination were collected at hatch in both experiments. Spleen and bursa were collected from the same chicks for histomorphometry analyses in experiment 2. In the second experiment, 12 chicks per treatment were placed in cages. Progeny were provided diets based on the same grain (corn or wheat) as their parents. Serum samples were collected at 5, 9, and 13 d of age and analyzed for anti-NDV MatAb. Data were analyzed as a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design considering strain, dietary grain source, and cage density as main factors. Interaction effects were observed in breeders and progeny. Experiment 1 showed that strain A chicks had lower levels of MatAb when hens were housed at 2 hens/cage rather than 1 hen/cage. The MatAb levels of strain B chickens were not affected by cage density in either experiment. Experiment 2 demonstrated similar effects of cage density on MatAb levels and the area of bursa follicles for both strains. Progeny of breeders fed corn-based diets had smaller spleen white pulp only when hens were housed at 2 hens/cage compared with 1 hen/cage. The results of these experiments suggest that breeder strain and cage-density conditions affected MatAb transfer to progeny and embryo development of spleen and bursa.

Effects of hand weeding strip and nitrogen fertilizer on corn plants

The objective of the present research was to evaluate effects of different strip weed control associated with nitrogen fertilizer on corn applied after planting. The experiment was set and conducted in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, and the hybrid planted was Dekalb 333-B. A completely randomized block design with four replications was used. Experimental plots were disposed as a factorial scheme 2 x 2 x 4, constituted by two types of weeding on row (with or without manual hoeing), two types of weeding on inter-row (with or without manual hoeing), and four nitrogen levels applied after planting (00, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1). Plots were composed by six rows with 5 m length. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at 35 days after emergence (d.a.e). For weed community it was evaluated: weed density, dominancy, frequency, and relative importance. The main weed species were: Brachiaria plantiginea, Amaranthus retroflexus, Bidens pilosa, Cyperus rotunds, Brachiaria decumbens, Euphorbia heterofila, Oxalis latifolia, Acanthospermum hispidum, Commelina benghalensis. It was evaluated corn height at 40 and 100 d.a.e., first ear insertion height at 100 d.a.e., and final grain yield at harvesting. Plants and first ear insertion height were affected when nitrogen fertilizer was not applied. Treatments without weed control showed that weed interfered negatively with plants height. There were no correlation between weeds and nitrogen fertilizer for all parameters evaluated. Parcels without weed showed the highest ear weights and final grain production. Treatments that received nitrogen fertilizer, independently of studied arrangement, provided higher yields.

Corn root length density and root diameter as affected by soil compaction and soil water content

Negative effects of soil compaction have been recognized as one of the problems restricting the root system and consequently impairing yields, especially in the Southern Coastal Plain of the USA. Simulations of the root restricting layers in green house studies are necessary for the development of mechanism which alleviates soil compaction problems in these soils. The selection of three distinct bulk densities based on the standard proctor test is also an important factor to determine which bulk density restricts the root layer. The experiment was conducted to assess the root length density and root diameter of the corn (Zea mays L.) crop as a function of bulk density and water stress, characterized by the soil density (1.2; 1.4, and 1.6 g cm -3), and two levels of the water content, approximately (70 and 90% field capacity). The statistical design adopted was completely randomized design, with four replicates in a factorial pattern of (3 × 2). The PVC tubes were superimposed with an internal diameter of 20 cm with a height of 40 cm (the upper tube 20 cm, compacted and inferior tube 10 cm), the hardpan with different levels of soil compaction were located between 20 and 30 cm of the depth of the pot. Results showed that: the main effects of subsoil mechanical impedance were observed on the top layer indicating that the plants had to penetrate beyond the favorable soil conditions before root growth was affected from 3.16; 2.41 to 1.37 cm cm -3 (P<0.005). There was a significant difference at the hardpan layer for the two levels of water and 90% field capacity reduced the root growth from 0.91 to 0.60 cm cm -3 (P<0.005). The root length density and root diameter were affected by increasing soil bulk density from 1.2 to 1.6 g cm -3 which caused penetration resistance to increase to 1.4 MPa. Soil water content of 70% field capacity furnished better root growth in all the layers studied. The increase in root length density resulted in increased root volume. It can also be concluded that the effect of soil compaction impaired the root diameter mostly at the hardpan layer. Soil temperature had detrimental effect on the root growth mostly with higher bulk densities.

Evaluation of biochemical and redox parameters in rats fed with corn grown in soil amended with urban sewage sludge

The increased production of urban sewage sludge requires alternative methods for final disposal. A very promising choice is the use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer in agriculture, since it is rich in organic matter, macro and micronutrients. However, urban sewage sludge may contain toxic substances that may cause deleterious effects on the biota, water and soil, and consequently on humans. There is a lack of studies evaluating how safe the consumption of food cultivated in soils containing urban sewage sludge is. Thus, the aim of this paper was to evaluate biochemical and redox parameters in rats fed with corn produced in a soil treated with urban sewage sludge for a long term. For these experiments, maize plants were grown in soil amended with sewage sludge (rates of 5, 10 and 20. t/ha) or not (control). Four different diets were prepared with the corn grains produced in the field experiment, and rats were fed with these diets for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Biochemical parameters (glucose, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) as well the redox state biomarkers such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, glutathione peroxidase and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were assessed. Our results show no differences in the biomarkers over 1 or 2 weeks. However, at 4 weeks BuChE activity was inhibited in rats fed with corn grown in soil amended with sewage sludge (5, 10 and 20. t/ha), while MDA levels increased. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to corn cultivated in the highest amount per hectare of sewage sludge (8 and 12 weeks) was associated with an increase in MDA levels and a decrease in GSH levels, respectively. Our findings add new evidence of the risks of consuming food grown with urban sewage sludge. However, considering that the amount and type of toxic substances present in urban sewage sludge varies considerably among different sampling areas, further studies are needed to evaluate sludge samples collected from different sources and/or undergoing different types of treatment. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Sorghum grain yield, forage biomass production and revenue as affected by intercropping time

Sorghum is an excellent alternative to other grains in poor soil where corn does not develop very well, as well as in regions with warm and dry winters. Intercropping sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] with forage crops, such as palisade grass [Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich) Stapf] or guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.), provides large amounts of biomass for use as straw in no-tillage systems or as pasture. However, it is important to determine the appropriate time at which these forage crops have to be sown into sorghum systems to avoid reductions in both sorghum and forage production and to maximize the revenue of the cropping system. This study, conducted for three growing seasons at Botucatu in the State of São Paulo in Brazil, evaluated how nutrient concentration, yield components, sorghum grain yield, revenue, and forage crop dry matter production were affected by the timing of forage intercropping. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. Intercropping systems were not found to cause reductions in the nutrient concentration in sorghum plants. The number of panicles per unit area of sorghum alone (133,600), intercropped sorghum and palisade grass (133,300) and intercropped sorghum and guinea grass (134,300) corresponded to sorghum grain yields of 5439, 5436 and 5566kgha-1, respectively. However, the number of panicles per unit area of intercropped sorghum and palisade grass (144,700) and intercropped sorghum and guinea grass (145,000) with topdressing of fertilizers for the sorghum resulted in the highest sorghum grain yields (6238 and 6127kgha-1 for intercropping with palisade grass and guinea grass, respectively). Forage production (8112, 10,972 and 13,193Mg ha-1 for the first, second and third cuts, respectively) was highest when sorghum and guinea grass were intercropped. The timing of intercropping is an important factor in sorghum grain yield and forage production. Palisade grass or guinea grass must be intercropped with sorghum with topdressing fertilization to achieve the highest sorghum grain yield, but this significantly reduces the forage production. Intercropping sorghum with guinea grass sown simultaneously yielded the highest revenue per ha (€ 1074.4), which was 2.4 times greater than the revenue achieved by sowing sorghum only. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Quantitative descriptors and their direct and indirect effects on corn yield

The objective of this study was to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of ten quantitative descriptors of agronomic importance in productivity of 25 maize hybrids and their respective influences of heritability. The experiment in randomized blocks with four replications, was conducted in 2010/2011 crop in a soil under humid subtropical climate. The quantitative descriptors were: ear length, ear diameter, cob diameter, number of rows of grains, stem diameter, plant height, ear height, weight of 100 grains, grain weight per ear and number of grains per ear. The grain weight per ear and ear length showed high correlation with grain yield, and the descriptors with the highest potential for selecting superior genotypes and showing high heritability.

Leaf application of silicic acid to upland rice and corn

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

RESPONSE OF CORN GROWN IN TILLAGE SYSTEM FOR THE APPLICATION OF NITROGEN DOSES IN A SEQUENCE OF PLANT COVER

The use of cover crops can produce large amounts of biomass, improving the cycling of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, promoting productivity gains and cost savings. Given this, the objective was to evaluate the use of N rates associated to cover crops grown in pre-harvest nutritional status, nitrogen accumulation and corn yield in both years. The experiment was conducted in an Oxisol with maize, no-tillage system. The experimental design was a randomized block, split plot with four replications. The main treatments were: six cropping systems (sun hemp, jack bean, lablab, millet, and velvet bean fallow) in secondary treatments: four doses of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha(-1) N). Corn yield was not affected by the type of coverage for pre-season, regardless of the nitrogen applied in the soil. Still, the use of nitrogen fertilizer in the soil promotes gains in grain yield in the first year of cultivation, regardless of the type of coverage in pre-season. In the first year (2006/2007) the species of coverage produced more biomass were velvet bean, jack bean, sun hemp and lablab, while in the second year (2007/08) were the sun hemp, millet, lablab, jack bean and velvet bean, respectively.