Journal Description
Agronomy
Agronomy
is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. The Spanish Society of Plant Physiology (SEFV) is affiliated with Agronomy and their members receive a discount 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), AGRICOLA, AGRIS, and many other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Agronomy) / CiteScore - Q2 (Agronomy and Crop Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 17.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2021).
- 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.
Impact Factor:
3.417 (2020)
;
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.64 (2020)
Latest Articles
Detection and Dynamic Variation Characteristics of Rice Nitrogen Status after Anthesis Based on the RGB Color Index
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091739 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
We aimed to elucidate the color changes of rice leaves after anthesis and create an algorithm for monitoring the nitrogen contents of rice leaves and of the whole plant. Hence, we aimed to provide a theoretical basis for the precise management of rice
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We aimed to elucidate the color changes of rice leaves after anthesis and create an algorithm for monitoring the nitrogen contents of rice leaves and of the whole plant. Hence, we aimed to provide a theoretical basis for the precise management of rice nitrogen fertilizer and the research and development of digital image nutrition monitoring equipment and reference. We selected the leaf colors of the main stems of four major rice varieties promoted in production, including Huaidao 5 (late-maturing medium japonica rice), Yangjing 4227 (early maturing late japonica rice), Changyou 5 (late japonica hybrid rice), and Yongyou 8 (late japonica hybrid rice). Under different nitrogen levels, the leaf R, G, and B values of the four rice varieties at different stages after anthesis, the dynamic changes in RGB normalized values, the correlations between RGB normalized values and leaf SPAD values, the leaf nitrogen content and whole plant nitrogen content, and the nitrogen prediction model were studied. The research results demonstrate the following: (1) regardless of nitrogen levels, the leaf of R, G, B, NRI, NGI and NBI of different rice varieties after anthesis followed the order, G > R > B. R, G, NRI, NGI, and days after heading could be fitted according to a logarithmic equation, y = aebx (0.726 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.992); B, NBI, and days after heading could be fitted using a linear equation, y = a + bx (0.863 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.992). Both fitting effects were significant (except NGI). (2) A quadratic function (Y = −1296.192x2 + 539.419x − 10.914; Y = −1173.104x2 + 527.073x − 12.993) was adopted to construct a monitoring model for the NBI and SPAD values of japonica rice and hybrid japonica rice leaves after anthesis and the R2 values were 0.902 and 0.838, respectively. Exponential functions (Y = 5.698e7.261x; Y = 3.371e9.326x) were employed to construct monitoring models of leaf nitrogen content, and the R2 values were 0.833 and 0.706, respectively. Exponential functions (Y = 5.145e4.9143x; Y = 3.966e5.364x) were also used to construct a monitoring model for the nitrogen content of the whole plant, and the R2 values were 0.737 and 0.511, respectively. The results obtained from prediction tests by using Determination Coefficient (R2), Relative Percent Deviation (RPD), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) showed that it was feasible, accurate, and efficient to use a scanner for measuring the nitrogen content of rice.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Modelling Cropping Systems to Improve Yield and Quality)
Open AccessArticle
Effects of Organic Amendments Produced from Agro-Wastes on Sandy Soil Properties and Black Pepper Morpho-Physiology and Yield
by
, , , , , , , and
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091738 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Sandytextured soil infertility poses a problem for sustainable crop cultivation. This problem is usually dealt with by the addition of chemical fertilizers, which are expensive and can cause serious environmental issues if not managed well. A better alternative to improve and manage sandy
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Sandytextured soil infertility poses a problem for sustainable crop cultivation. This problem is usually dealt with by the addition of chemical fertilizers, which are expensive and can cause serious environmental issues if not managed well. A better alternative to improve and manage sandy soil infertility is the use of organic amendments produced from agro-wastes. This two (2)-year field study was conducted in a sandy-textured soil grown with black pepper to evaluate mainly the effects of chemical fertilizer, fermented plant and fruit juices, compost, and biochar on soil properties and morpho-physiological characteristics and yield of black pepper. Generally, the results indicated that the combination of fermented fruit juice, compost, and biochar was comparable to and in some cases better than chemical fertilizer in terms of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties as well as crop performance. These findings were even more pronounced in the second year of measurements. There were strong positive relationships between soil N and pepper leaf chlorophyll content and between soil microbes and soil respiration. The findings showed that these soil amendments produced from agro-wastes are a good alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers on sandy soils to improve soil fertility and productivity and the yield of black pepper sustainably.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing of Organic Wastes for Potential Use in Agriculture)
Open AccessArticle
Soybean Response to Seed Coating with Chitosan + Alginate/PEG and/or Inoculation
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091737 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Inoculated or coated soybean seeds are often sown in agricultural practice. These treatments play a different role depending on the chemical composition of the preparation. The aim of the field experiment was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed coating (chitosan + alginate/PEG)
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Inoculated or coated soybean seeds are often sown in agricultural practice. These treatments play a different role depending on the chemical composition of the preparation. The aim of the field experiment was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed coating (chitosan + alginate/PEG) and commercial inoculant (HiStick® Soy) applied alone or in combination to soybean seeds. Uncoated (control) seeds were sown for comparison. The research was carried out in 2018–2020 using the cultivar ‘Mavka’. The experiment was located in Makowisko, Podkarpackie Province, Poland. Coating composition was developed in a laboratory belonging to the Łukasiewicz Research Network—Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibers in Łódź, Poland. The main role of the coating is to protect soybean seeds from low temperatures. HiStick® Soy inoculant contains Bradyrhizobium japonicum bacteria which increase nodulation on the roots. The conducted research demonstrated that sowing only coated seeds was not very effective, because the suitable number of nodules had not developed on soybean roots. The application of the inoculant alone positively affected the assessed traits compared to control, however, plant population was lower than expected. The highest seed yield was obtained after sowing coated seeds in combination with the inoculant (4.32 t·ha−1) and only inoculated seeds (4.23 t·ha−1) compared to control (3.64 t·ha−1). The test of the novel seed-coating agent showed that it had an good effect and efficacy, but only in combination with the inoculation procedure.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Parameterization and Calibration of Wild Blueberry Machine Learning Models to Predict Fruit-Set in the Northeast China Bog Blueberry Agroecosystem
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091736 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Data deficiency prevents the development of reliable machine learning models for many agroecosystems, especially those characterized by a dearth of knowledge derived from field data. However, other similar agroecosystems with extensive data resources can be of use. We propose a new predictive modeling
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Data deficiency prevents the development of reliable machine learning models for many agroecosystems, especially those characterized by a dearth of knowledge derived from field data. However, other similar agroecosystems with extensive data resources can be of use. We propose a new predictive modeling approach based upon the concept of transfer learning to solve the problem of data deficiency in predicting productivity of agroecosystems, where productivity is a nonlinear function of various interacting biotic and abiotic factors. We describe the process of building metamodels (machine learning models built and trained on simulation data) from simulations built for one agroecosystem (US wild blueberry) as the source domain, where the data resource is abundant. Metamodels are evaluated and the best metamodel representing the system dynamics is selected. The best metamodel is re-parameterized and calibrated to another agroecosystem (Northeast China bog blueberry) as the target domain where field collected data are lacking. Experimental results showed that our metamodel developed for wild blueberry achieved 78% accuracy in fruit-set prediction for bog blueberry. To demonstrate its usefulness, we applied this calibrated metamodel to investigate the response of bog blueberry to various weather conditions. We found that an 8% reduction in fruit-set of bog blueberry is likely to happen if weather becomes warmer and wetter as predicted by climate models. In addition, southern and eastern production regions will suffer more severe fruit-set decline than the other growing regions. Predictions also suggest that increasing commercially available honeybee densities to 18 bees/m2/min, or bumble bee densities to 0.6 bees/m2/min, is a viable way to compensate for the predicted 8% climate induced fruit-set decline in the future.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Research on Crop Pollinators)
Open AccessReview
Mitigating Soil Salinity Stress with Gypsum and Bio-Organic Amendments: A Review
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1735; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091735 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Salinity impedes soil and crop productivity in over 900 million ha of arable lands worldwide due to the excessive accumulation of salt (NaCl). To utilize saline soils in agriculture, halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) are commonly cultivated. However, most food crops are glycophytes (salt-sensitive). Thus,
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Salinity impedes soil and crop productivity in over 900 million ha of arable lands worldwide due to the excessive accumulation of salt (NaCl). To utilize saline soils in agriculture, halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) are commonly cultivated. However, most food crops are glycophytes (salt-sensitive). Thus, to enhance the productivity of saline soils, gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) as well as bio-organic (combined use of organic materials, such as compost and straw with the inoculation of beneficial microbes) amendments have been continuously recognized to improve the biological, physical and chemical properties of saline soils. CaSO4·2H2O regulates the exchange of sodium (Na+) for calcium (Ca2+) on the clay surfaces, thereby increasing the Ca2+/Na+ ratio in the soil solution. Intracellularly, Ca2+ also promotes a higher K+/Na+ ratio. Simultaneously, gypsum furnishes crops with sulfur (S) for enhanced growth and yield through the increased production of phytohormones, amino acids, glutathione and osmoprotectants, which are vital elicitors in plants’ responses to salinity stress. Likewise, bio-organic amendments improve the organic matter and carbon content, nutrient cycling, porosity, water holding capacity, soil enzyme activities and biodiversity in saline soils. Overall, the integrated application of gypsum and bio-organic amendments in cultivating glycophytes and halophytes is a highly promising strategy in enhancing the productivity of saline soils.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Biological Amendments in Abiotic Stress Tolerance of Crops)
Open AccessArticle
Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Growth and Seed Production When in Competition with Peanut and Other Crops in North Carolina
by
, , , , , , , and
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1734; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091734 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) is a highly competitive weed that can be difficult to manage in many cropping systems. Research to date has not quantified the growth and development of A. palmeri in a manner that allows direct comparisons across
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Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) is a highly competitive weed that can be difficult to manage in many cropping systems. Research to date has not quantified the growth and development of A. palmeri in a manner that allows direct comparisons across cropping systems. Research was conducted to compare the growth, development, and seed production of A. palmeri when competing with corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] when emerging with crops or emerging three weeks after crops emerge. Regardless of when A. palmeri emerged, seed production was greatest and similar in cotton and peanut and exceeded that of corn and soybean; seed production in soybean exceeded that of corn. However, seed production was approximately 10-fold greater when A. palmeri emerged with crops compared with emergence three weeks later. These results illustrate the importance of controlling weeds during the first three weeks of the season relative to contributions of A. palmeri to the weed seed bank and is the first report comparing seed production in presence of these crops in a manner allowing a statistical comparison of seed production and highlighting the importance of crop sequence for seed bank management.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Hybrid Bermudagrass and Tall Fescue Turfgrass Irrigation in Central California: II. Assessment of NDVI, CWSI, and Canopy Temperature Dynamics
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091733 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
As the drought conditions persist in California and water continues to become less available, the development of methods to reduce water inputs is extremely important. Therefore, improving irrigation water use efficiency and developing water conservation strategies is crucial for maintaining urban green infrastructure.
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As the drought conditions persist in California and water continues to become less available, the development of methods to reduce water inputs is extremely important. Therefore, improving irrigation water use efficiency and developing water conservation strategies is crucial for maintaining urban green infrastructure. This two-year field irrigation project (2018–2019) focused on the application of optical and thermal remote sensing for turfgrass irrigation management in central California. We monitored the response of hybrid bermudagrass and tall fescue to varying irrigation treatments, including irrigation levels (percentages of reference evapotranspiration, ETo) and irrigation frequency. The ground-based remote sensing data included NDVI and canopy temperature, which was subsequently used to calculate the crop water stress index (CWSI). The measurements were done within two hours of solar noon under cloud-free conditions. The NDVI and canopy temperature data were collected 21 times in 2018 and 10 times in 2019. For the tall fescue, a strong relationship was observed between NDVI and visual rating (VR) values in both 2018 (r = 0.92) and 2019 (r = 0.83). For the hybrid bermudagrass, there was no correlation in 2018 and a moderate correlation (r = 0.72) in 2019. There was a moderate correlation of 0.64 and 0.88 in 2018 and 2019 between tall fescue canopy minus air temperature difference (dt) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) for the lower CWSI baseline. The correlation between hybrid bermudagrass dt and VPD for the lower baseline was 0.69 in 2018 and 0.64 in 2019. Irrigation levels significantly impacted tall fescue canopy temperature but showed no significant effect on hybrid bermudagrass canopy temperature. For the same irrigation levels, increasing irrigation frequency slightly but consistently decreased canopy temperature without compromising the turfgrass quality. The empirical CWSI values violated the minimum expected value (of 0) 38% of the time. Our results suggest NDVI thresholds of 0.6–0.65 for tall fescue and 0.5 for hybrid bermudagrass to maintain acceptable quality in the central California region. Further investigation is needed to verify the thresholds obtained in this study, particularly for hybrid bermudagrass, as the recommendation is only based on 2019 data. No CWSI threshold was determined to maintain turf quality in the acceptable range because of the high variability of CWSI values over time and their low correlation with VR values.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Water Conservation: Tools, Strategies, and Practices)
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Open AccessArticle
Adoption of Conservation Agriculture in Rwanda: A Case Study of Gicumbi District Region
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091732 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Conservation agriculture (CA) is described as a farming system that is founded around three principles: minimum soil disturbance (reduced or no tillage), keeping a permanent soil cover (with crop residues, cover crops or both) and plant species diversification (plant associations and sequences). Little
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Conservation agriculture (CA) is described as a farming system that is founded around three principles: minimum soil disturbance (reduced or no tillage), keeping a permanent soil cover (with crop residues, cover crops or both) and plant species diversification (plant associations and sequences). Little to no information has been documented about conservation agriculture adoption in developing countries, such as Rwanda, with especially no information about its hilly and climate-varying part to which the Gicumbi district belongs. This study is targeted towards ascertaining the level of CA adoption in the Gicumbi district in relation to the socioeconomic status of the farming population, to suggest the relevant strategies for accelerating CA adoption specific to this region. The sampling technique used was a non-discriminative, snowball-sampling one, eventually gathering data from 500 households in three sectors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using household questionnaires. Adoption of CA was related to the knowledge acquired during training and hands-on work on demonstration plots. Some farm-level constraints found were little to no material, few extension services and market problems. The impacts attributed to the use of CA were soil and productivity improvement.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroecology and Organic Horticulture)
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Open AccessArticle
The Distribution of Soil Micro-Nutrients and the Effects on Herbage Micro-Nutrient Uptake and Yield in Three Different Pasture Systems
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091731 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Pasture micro-nutrient concentrations are often deficient for herbage productivity and the health of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate soil and herbage micro-nutrient content and the effects on yield on the three pasture systems of the North Wyke Farm Platform
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Pasture micro-nutrient concentrations are often deficient for herbage productivity and the health of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate soil and herbage micro-nutrient content and the effects on yield on the three pasture systems of the North Wyke Farm Platform (NWFP): high-sugar grass + legume mix minus nitrogen (N) fertilizer (blue/HSG + L); permanent pasture plus N fertilizer (green/P + N); high-sugar grass plus N fertilizer (red/HSG + N). The locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations had a greater slope and higher soil organic matter (SOM) content. Herbage micro-nutrient concentrations were often greater at the locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations. The concentration and uptake of nearly all micro-nutrients was greatest in the herbage of the green/P + N system, which had the highest SOM content, whereas they were often lowest in the red/HSG + N system, which had the lowest SOM and the highest yield, indicating biomass dilution of micro-nutrients in the herbage. At the locations with high soil micro-nutrient concentrations, yield was higher than at locations with low micro-nutrient concentrations, and was equal across the three pasture systems, regardless of fertilizer N treatment. Variation in micro-nutrient uptake/yield in the blue grass–legume system was predominantly explained by the soil molybdenum (Mo) concentration, possibly relating to the requirement for Mo in biological nitrogen fixation. There was, therefore, a trade-off in ploughing and re-seeding for higher yield, with the maintenance of SOM being important for herbage micro-nutrient content.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Small Ruminants Grazing as a Rehabilitative Land Management Tool in the Negev Highland; Soil, Geomorphological and Topographical Perspectives
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091730 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
The ‘wadis’ (ephemeral incised channels in arid regions) concern badlands with low agriculture utilisation that expands to neighbouring cultivated areas. They are noticeable and unique landforms characterised by vegetation patches and seasonal flood flows with scenic beauty that must be conserved. The wadi
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The ‘wadis’ (ephemeral incised channels in arid regions) concern badlands with low agriculture utilisation that expands to neighbouring cultivated areas. They are noticeable and unique landforms characterised by vegetation patches and seasonal flood flows with scenic beauty that must be conserved. The wadi characteristics have influenced the way of life of their indigenous residents from ancient times until now. The main one is grazing with small ruminants (SR). The authorities and public consider grazing in these areas as a destructive land management practice that should be reduced. To assess the viability of grazing in such regions, we hypothesised that fluvial and biological flows tightly correlate with the wadis’ landforms, channels and slopes. The site of study is located in the Yeroham mountains nearby the Rahma planned Bedouin village. Five different transects of channels and slopes were located over representative wadis, including those exposed to grazing. The finding indicates that a herbaceous vegetation expansion uphill was observed only in grazed transects, while the wadi slope patterns affect its patterns. It contains an increased soil water content (from a similar value of 5% until 13% change in the grazed transect), 1.5% higher soil organic matter, 0.08 mg Kg−1 higher Nitrite content and 1–2% higher clay content in the grazed transects, up to 4 m ahead from the channel. The novelty of this finding suggested that the SR influences the organic matter to reach the wadi channel and facilitate the adherence of aggregated clay and the formed colluvial layer that serves as a substrate to the expanded vegetation growth. Adequate implementation of these grazing patterns may rehabilitate degraded ‘wadis’ and increase their tourism eligibility.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Grazing on Sustainability of Rangelands under Changing Climate)
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Open AccessArticle
Hyperaccumulators for Potentially Toxic Elements: A Scientometric Analysis
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091729 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Phytoremediation is an effective and low-cost method for the remediation of soil contaminated by potentially toxic elements (metals and metalloids) with hyperaccumulating plants. This study analyzed hyperaccumulator publications using data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) (1992-2020). We explored the research
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Phytoremediation is an effective and low-cost method for the remediation of soil contaminated by potentially toxic elements (metals and metalloids) with hyperaccumulating plants. This study analyzed hyperaccumulator publications using data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) (1992-2020). We explored the research status on this topic by creating a series of scientific maps using VOSviewer, HistCite Pro, and CiteSpace. The results showed that the total number of publications in this field shows an upward trend. Dr. Xiaoe Yang is the most productive researcher on hyperaccumulators and has the broadest international collaboration network. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (China), Zhejiang University (China), and the University of Florida (USA) are the top three most productive institutions in the field. China, the USA, and India are the top three most productive countries. The most widely used journals were the International Journal of Phytoremediation, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, and Chemosphere. Co-occurrence and citation analysis were used to identify the most influential publications in this field. In addition, possible knowledge gaps and perspectives for future studies are also presented.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Phytoremediation in Trace Elements Contaminated Soils)
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Grain Quality-Based Simulated Selective Harvest Performed by an Autonomous Agricultural Robot
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1728; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091728 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Grain price differences due to protein content can have economic effects on the farm as well as environmental effects when alternative protein sources are imported. Grain protein variability can vary from year to year due to environmental factors and can be addressed by
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Grain price differences due to protein content can have economic effects on the farm as well as environmental effects when alternative protein sources are imported. Grain protein variability can vary from year to year due to environmental factors and can be addressed by site-specific management practices. Alternatively, it can be addressed at harvest time by selective harvest. Agricultural autonomous robots can accurately follow alternative harvesting routes that are subject to grain quality maps, making them suitable choices for selective harvest. This study addresses therefore the potential revenue of selective harvest performed by the route planner of an autonomous field robot. The harvest capacity and potential economic revenues of selective harvest in a Danish context were studied for a set of 20 winter wheat fields with four hypothetical scenarios. The results showed significant differences in harvest capacity between conventional and selective harvest. Even though in some scenarios selective harvest did not require notable additional harvest times, the cost–benefit analysis showed small economic returns of up to 46 DKK ha−1 for the best scenarios, and for most cases losses up to 464 DKK ha−1. Additionally, the location of the high protein content areas has great influence on the profitability of selective harvest.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Agriculture: Towards Automation)
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Open AccessArticle
Diaphragm-Type Pneumatic-Driven Soft Grippers for Precision Harvesting
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091727 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Soft actuator technology and its role in robotic manipulation have been rapidly gaining ground. However, less attention has been given to the potential advantages of its application to the agricultural sector, where soft robotics may be a game changer due to its greater
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Soft actuator technology and its role in robotic manipulation have been rapidly gaining ground. However, less attention has been given to the potential advantages of its application to the agricultural sector, where soft robotics may be a game changer due to its greater adaptability, lower cost and simplicity of manufacture. This article presents a new design approach for soft grippers based on modules that incorporate the concept of bellows and combine it with the versatility and replicability of a 3D printed structure. In this way, the modules can be freely configured to obtain grippers adaptable to crops of different diameters. Furthermore, the definition of a method to determine the soft grippers features is also presented, with the aim of serving as the basis for a future benchmarking study on soft actuators. The experimental tests carried out demonstrated the feasibility and capability of the end-effectors to manipulate various fruits, ensuring a sufficient contact area for the safe handling of the targets and avoiding damaging the products.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Agriculture: Towards Automation)
Open AccessArticle
The Cumulative Effect of Various Tillage Systems and Stubble Management on the Biological and Chemical Properties of Soil in Winter Wheat Monoculture
by
, , , , and
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091726 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Agricultural practices, including tillage systems and postharvest residue management, strongly affect a wide range of soil properties. Depending on the degree of soil inversion, both negative and beneficial changes of its structure, chemical composition, and biological activity may occur as a result of
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Agricultural practices, including tillage systems and postharvest residue management, strongly affect a wide range of soil properties. Depending on the degree of soil inversion, both negative and beneficial changes of its structure, chemical composition, and biological activity may occur as a result of these treatments. The three-year experiment was carried out on the soil under winter wheat (cv. Arktis) monoculture. The effect of various tillage systems and stubble management on the soil environment’s biological and chemical features was investigated. The total number of microorganisms (TNM); bacteria (B); actinobacteria(A); fungi (F); soil respiratory activity (SR); pH in 1 M KCl (pH); organic carbon content (OC); content of available phosphorus (Pa); potassium (Ka); magnesium (Mg); and content of total nitrogen (TN) and mineral nitrogen forms were determined in soil samples. It was shown that manure application was the factor with the greatest influence on soil properties. The manure fertilization resulted in a higher number of microorganisms in arable soil. Conventional tillage procedures combined with manure application increased the amounts of available forms of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and mineral nitrogen. Introduction of the chopped straw in the field enhanced the beneficial effect of manure on soil properties.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living Soils: The Role of Microorganisms in Heterogeneous Soil Microenvironments)
Open AccessArticle
Blue Light Upregulates Auxin Signaling and Stimulates Root Formation in Irregular Rooting of Rosemary Cuttings
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1725; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091725 - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
Irregular rooting of rosemary stem cuttings, causing differences in either stem maturation or responses to growth conditions, restricts uniform production. Here, rooting efficiency of apical, middle, and basal cuttings from rosemary stems was evaluated by controlling light conditions to prevent irregular rooting. The
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Irregular rooting of rosemary stem cuttings, causing differences in either stem maturation or responses to growth conditions, restricts uniform production. Here, rooting efficiency of apical, middle, and basal cuttings from rosemary stems was evaluated by controlling light conditions to prevent irregular rooting. The types of light applied to the cuttings were natural sunlight (NSL), fluorescent, red, and blue (BL) light. Among these light sources, BL significantly induced root growth of not only basal cuttings, but also apical and middle cuttings, whereas NSL induced poor root formation in apical and middle cuttings. In particular, the roots of apical cuttings exposed to BL grew twice as fast as those exposed to other types of light. The overexpression of BL-induced IAA synthetic genes confirmed the rooting patterns. IAA synthetic genes were significantly upregulated by BL in the apical and middle cuttings. Irradiating with 50 μmol photons m−2 s−1 BL resulted in similar root production levels among the cutting positions with high biomass, guaranteeing the successful production of uniform cuttings. Thus, the application of proper high-intensity BL promoted healthy, similar-quality rosemary cuttings among stem cutting positions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In Vitro and In Vivo Propagation of Horticultural Plants)
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Open AccessArticle
Influence of Green Light Added with Red and Blue LEDs on the Growth, Leaf Microstructure and Quality of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
by
, , , , , and
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091724 - 28 Aug 2021
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of green light, added with red and blue LEDs, on the growth, leaf microstructure and quality of spinach plants. Plants were transplanted and grown hydroponically for 30 days under different combinations of red:blue
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of green light, added with red and blue LEDs, on the growth, leaf microstructure and quality of spinach plants. Plants were transplanted and grown hydroponically for 30 days under different combinations of red:blue with a 4:1 ratio (R4B1), red:blue:green with a 5:2:3 ratio (R5B2G3) and red:blue:green with a 1:1:1 ratio (R1B1G1), at a 190 µmoL m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). The results showed that green light, added to red and blue LEDs at a reasonable ratio, could reduce the growth, leaf microstructure and quality of spinach plants, but not the organic acid content. The highest values for the growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, leaf structure characteristics and quality of the spinach plant were observed for the R4B1 treatment, but not for the organic acid content. Therefore, our results suggest that green light added to red and blue LEDs at a reasonable ratio is not suitable for the growth of spinach.
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Open AccessArticle
Structure of Anther Epidermis and Endothecium, Production of Pollen, and Content of Selected Nutrients in Pollen Grains from Six Rubus idaeus L. Cultivars
by
and
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1723; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091723 - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
Poland is the largest European Union producer of Rubus idaeus. This species provides insects with nectar and pollen from June to September. The rationale behind the present research is the increasing commercial production and the use of food attractants for pollinators increasing
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Poland is the largest European Union producer of Rubus idaeus. This species provides insects with nectar and pollen from June to September. The rationale behind the present research is the increasing commercial production and the use of food attractants for pollinators increasing fruit yields. The intensive search for phytochemicals applicable in industry and phytotherapy together with the unavailability of data on anther epidermis and endothecium structure justify undertaking these investigations. The pollen mass, the content of elements, protein, and fat, as well as the composition of amino acids and fatty acids in the pollen of six R. idaeus cultivars were compared. In terms of pollen production, the cultivars ranked as follows: ’Pokusa’ < ‘Polana’ < ‘Glen Ample’ < ‘Polka’ < ‘Radziejowa’ < ‘Laszka’. The protein content (26–31%) in the pollen indicates its good quality and high attractiveness. Exogenous amino acids, including those with dietary importance, constituted a substantial proportion (33–39%). The content of MUFAs and PUFAs was 32–47% and 3.7–9.1%, respectively. The presence of elements that determine the nutritional value and proper development of pollen was detected in the mineral composition of the exine. The data on the epidermis and endothecium structure provide new information about the micromorphology, anatomy, ultrastructure of and generative organs and auxiliary criteria in the taxonomy of related species.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals - Occurrence, Metabolism and Biological Importance)
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Nitrogen Effects on the Essential Oil and Biomass Production of Field Grown Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) Populations
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Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091722 - 28 Aug 2021
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This study investigates the effect of different nitrogen fertilization levels on the agronomic traits of five Greek oregano populations. Nitrogen supply positively affected dry bio-mass production, with the highest accumulation recorded at 80 kg N ha−1 (N2), which was 59% higher compared
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This study investigates the effect of different nitrogen fertilization levels on the agronomic traits of five Greek oregano populations. Nitrogen supply positively affected dry bio-mass production, with the highest accumulation recorded at 80 kg N ha−1 (N2), which was 59% higher compared to the control plots (no additional nitrogen). In contrast, the essential oil content (mL 100 g−1 DW) was reduced, with the control treatment showing a 15% higher value compared to the mean value of the nitrogen treatments. However, nitrogen supply positively affected the essential oil yield (L ha−1), and the highest value was recorded at 80 kg N ha−1, (N2), showing a 40% increase compared to the control. A wide phenotypic variation among the five populations was also observed. In the three-year analysis, the population with the highest dry biomass production was Papadates (92% higher), that with the highest essential oil content was Vytina (25% higher), and the highest essential oil yield was observed for Papadates and Litochoro (57% and 51% higher, respectively), compared to the least yielding population. Significant interactions were also found between nitrogen levels and populations, implying that, in all cases, nitrogen levels should be specified for each population in order to optimize oregano productivity in sustainable farming systems.
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Open AccessArticle
First Report of Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. in Cotton, Maize and Sorghum in Greece and Problems with Its Management
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1721; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091721 - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats., or commonly Palmer amaranth, is an invasive plant species that has invaded many countries worldwide and causes significant yield losses to annual spring crops. Palmer amaranth biotypes were detected in maize and sorghum fields in Western Greece and cotton
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Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats., or commonly Palmer amaranth, is an invasive plant species that has invaded many countries worldwide and causes significant yield losses to annual spring crops. Palmer amaranth biotypes were detected in maize and sorghum fields in Western Greece and cotton fields in Central Greece in 2020. The infestations were recorded both inside the crops and in the margins of the fields, indicating that Palmer amaranth could be characterized as an invasive weed for these regions and, thus, must be urgently managed. Four biotypes were screened for resistance to 2,4-D and nicosulfuron by using NDVI, canopy cover, photochemical efficiency, plant height and fresh weight values. All biotypes showed resistance to nicosulfuron. Resistance cases to important herbicides (i.e., ALS and synthetic auxins) in spring crops, such as maize and cotton, indicate that management could become even more challenging if farmers do not adopt integrated strategies and tools to manage this weed. The eradication of Palmer amaranth plants is imperative, since it has yet to be dispersed in several agricultural areas of Greece. Palmer amaranth is recommended to be enlisted as quarantine pest for regulation in Greece.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Management & Sustainable Agriculture)
Open AccessArticle
Biofortification of Sweetcorn with Iodine: Interaction of Organic and Inorganic Forms of Iodine Combined with Vanadium
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1720; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091720 - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
Around the world, maize cultivation is an essential part of food systems for humans and animals. Effective reactions against the occurrence of diseases related to the deficiency of elements in the human diet are related to the biofortification of plant species of broad
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Around the world, maize cultivation is an essential part of food systems for humans and animals. Effective reactions against the occurrence of diseases related to the deficiency of elements in the human diet are related to the biofortification of plant species of broad importance, including maize. The enrichment of maize with iodine is difficult due to the poor transport of this element to the plant’s generative organs. In marine algae, vanadium is part of the structure of the enzyme iodine-dependent peroxidase (vHIPO) that catalyzes the uptake of cellular iodine (I) and its volatilization as I2. The relationship between iodine and vanadium in higher plants, however, is not well-known. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of vanadium fertilization and the interactions of organic and inorganic iodine compounds with vanadium under soil application. In the pot experiment, NH4VO3 was applied to the soil in two doses of 0.1 and 1 μmol·dm−3 both separately and in combination, with the following iodine compounds: 5-iodosalicylic acid (5-ISA), 2-iodobenzoic acid (2-IBeA), potassium iodide (KI), and potassium iodate (KIO3). The iodine compounds were also applied independently to vanadium, while in the control combination, fertilization was performed without I and V. Iodine compounds were applied with doses calculated using the molar mass of this element (i.e., 10 μmol·dm−3 I). The highest level of iodine accumulation in grains (regardless of fertilization with V) was obtained after the application of organic compounds 5ISA and 2IBeA. A lower dose of vanadium (0.1 μmol·dm−3) in combination with KI and KIO3 increased the accumulation of iodine in leaves, roots, and grains compared to the combination without the additional application of vanadium. The combined application of vanadium in both doses with 2-IBeA most effectively stimulated the transport and accumulation of iodine to the maize grain. Under the combined application of 5-ISA and vanadium (10 μmol·dm−3), we observed the stimulating effect of this organic iodine compound on the accumulation of vanadium in the roots as well as the antagonistic effect of vanadium in combination with 5-ISA on the accumulation of iodine in the roots, leaves, and maize grain. Vanadium accumulated mainly in the roots, where the content of this element increased proportionally to its dose. The soil application of 5-ISA increased the total sugar content and vitamin C content in the grain.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Biofortification in Microelements of Grains to Food Products by Traditional and Innovative Methods)
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