Modeling the growth, yield and N dynamics of wheat for decoding the tillage and nitrogen nexus in 8-years long-term conservation agriculture based maize-wheat system

C.M. Parihar Dipaka Ranjan Sena Prakash Chand Ghasal Shankar Lal Jat Yashpal Singh Saharawat Mahesh Gathala Upendra Singh Hari Sankar Nayak (2024, [Artículo])

Context: Agricultural field experiments are costly and time-consuming, and their site-specific nature limits their ability to capture spatial and temporal variability. This hinders the transfer of crop management information across different locations, impeding effective agricultural decision-making. Further, accurate estimates of the benefits and risks of alternative crop and nutrient management options are crucial for effective decision-making in agriculture. Objective: The objective of this study was to utilize the Crop Environment Resource Synthesis CERES-Wheat model to simulate crop growth, yield, and nitrogen dynamics in a long-term conservation agriculture (CA) based wheat system. The study aimed to calibrate the model using data from a field experiment conducted during the 2019-20-2020-21 growing seasons and evaluation it with independent data from the year 2021–22. Method: Crop simulation models, such as the Crop Environment Resource Synthesis CERES-Wheat (DSSAT v 4.8), may provide valuable insights into crop growth and nitrogen dynamics, enabling decision makers to understand and manage production risk more effectively. Therefore, the present study employed the CERES-Wheat (DSSAT v 4.8) model and calibrated it using field data, including plant phenological phases, leaf area index, aboveground biomass, and grain yield from the 2019-20-2020-21 growing seasons. An independent dataset from the year 2021–22 was used for model evaluation. The model was used to investigate the relationship between growing degree days (GDD), temperature, nitrate and ammonical concentration in soil, and nitrogen uptake by the crop. Additionally, the study explored the impact of contrasting tillage practices and fertilizer nitrogen management options on wheat yields. The experimental site is situated at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, representing Indian Trans-Gangetic Plains Zone (28o 40’N latitude, 77o 11’E longitude and an altitude of 228 m above sea level). The treatments consist of four nitrogen management options, viz., N0 (zero nitrogen), N150 (150 kg N ha−1 through urea), GS (Green seeker based urea application) and USG (urea super granules @150 kg N ha−1) in two contrasting tillage systems, i.e., CA-based zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT). Result: The outcomes exhibited favorable agreement between the model’s simulations and the observed data for crop phenology (With less than 2 days variation in 50% onset of flowering), grain and biomass yield (Root mean square error; RMSE 336 kg ha−1 and 649 kg ha−1, respectively), and leaf area index (LAI) (RMSE 0.28 & normalized RMSE; nRMSE 6.69%). The model effectively captured the nitrate-N (NO3−-N) dynamics in the soil profile, exhibiting a remarkable concordance with observed data, as evident from its low RMSE = 12.39 kg ha−1 and nRMSE = 13.69%. Moreover, as it successfully simulated the N balance in the production system, the nitrate leaching and ammonia volatilization pattern as described by the model are highly useful to understand these critical phenomena under both conventional tillage (CT) and CA-based Zero Tillage (ZT) treatments. Conclusion: The study concludes that the DSSAT-CERES-Wheat model has significant potential to assess the impacts of tillage and nitrogen management practices on crop growth, yield, and soil nitrogen dynamics in the western Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) region. By providing reliable forecasts within the growing season, this modeling approach can facilitate better planning and more efficient resource management. Future implications: The successful implementation of the DSSAT-CERES-Wheat model in this study highlights its applicability in assessing crop performance and soil dynamics. Future research should focus on expanding the model’s capabilities by reducing its sensitivity to initial soil nitrogen levels to refine its predictions further. Moreover, the model’s integration with decision support systems and real-time data can enhance its usefulness in aiding agricultural decision-making and supporting sustainable crop management practices.

Nitrogen Dynamics Mechanistic Crop Growth Models Crop Simulation CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA NITROGEN CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE WHEAT MAIZE CROP GROWTH RATE SIMULATION MODELS

Oportunidad de aplicación de la metodología FRONT END LOADING en la expansión de gasoductos en el sureste mexicano: una evaluación

Opportunity to apply the front end loading methodology in the expansion of gas pipelines in the mexican southeast: an evaluation

Raúl Enrique Trejo Alvarado Luis Rolando Méndez Miguel (2023, [Artículo])

Con la finalidad de impulsar el desarrollo de la región sureste de México, la actual administración del gobierno federal se ha propuesto la ampliación de la red nacional de gasoductos hacia esa zona del país, con el fin de suministrar energía a los megaproyectos de la región. No obstante, estas obras presentan actualmente retrasos, evidenciando la necesidad de metodologías de gestión que permitan solucionar este problema de raíz. Una de las metodologías más prometedoras en esta materia es la front-end loading (FEL), ampliamente aplicada en el sector extractivo y energético. El propósito del articulo estriba en evaluar la posibilidad de aplicar la metodología FEL a los proyectos de expansión del Sistema Nacional de Gasoductos en el sureste mexicano.

To boost the development of the southeast region of Mexico, the current federal government administration has proposed the expansion of the national gas pipeline network to this area of the country, to supply energy to the region's mega-projects. However, these projects are currently experiencing delays, demonstrating the need for management methodologies to solve this problem at its root. One of the most promising methodologies in this area is front-end loading (FEL), which has been widely applied in the extractive and energy sector. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the possibility of applying the FEL methodology to the expansion projects of the National Gas Pipeline System in the southeastern México.

Gas natural Sector energético Front end loading (FEL) Evaluación de proyectos Sureste mexicano Natural gas Energy sector Project evaluation Mexican southeast INGENIERÍA Y TECNOLOGÍA CIENCIAS TECNOLÓGICAS OTRAS ESPECIALIDADES TECNOLÓGICAS OTRAS OTRAS

Influence of residue type and method of placement on dynamics of decomposition and nitrogen release in maize-wheat-mungbean cropping on permanent raised beds: a litterbag study

ML JAT Rajeev Gupta (2022, [Artículo])

Decomposition Rate Nitrogen Release Placement Effect CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA CROP RESIDUES DEGRADATION NITROGEN PLACEMENT

Accumulation of wheat phenolic acids under different nitrogen rates and growing environments

Wenfei Tian Yong Zhang Zhonghu He (2022, [Artículo])

Functional Wheat Trans-Ferulic Acid Nitrogen Management Environment Interaction CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA WHEAT PHENOLIC ACIDS NITROGEN ENVIRONMENT ANTIOXIDANTS

Agricultural emissions reduction potential by improving technical efficiency in crop production

Arun Khatri-Chhetri Tek Sapkota sofina maharjan Paresh Shirsath (2023, [Artículo])

CONTEXT: Global and national agricultural development policies normally tend to focus more on enhancing farm productivity through technological changes than on better use of existing technologies. The role of improving technical efficiency in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction from crop production is the least explored area in the agricultural sector. But improving technical efficiency is necessary in the context of the limited availability of existing natural resources (particularly land and water) and the need for GHG emission reduction from the agriculture sector. Technical efficiency gains in the production process are linked with the amount of input used nd the cost of production that determines both economic and environmental gains from the better use of existing technologies. OBJECTIVE: To assess a relationship between technical efficiency and GHG emissions and test the hypothesis that improving technical efficiency reduces GHG emissions from crop production. METHODS: This study used input-output data collected from 10,689 rice farms and 5220 wheat farms across India to estimate technical efficiency, global warming potential, and emission intensity (GHG emissions per unit of crop production) under the existing crop production practices. The GHG emissions from rice and wheat production were estimated using the CCAFS Mitigation Options Tool (CCAFS-MOT) and the technical efficiency of production was estimated through a stochastic production frontier analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that improving technical efficiency in crop production can reduce emission intensity but not necessarily total emissions. Moreover, our analysis does not support smallholders tend to be technically less efficient and the emissions per unit of food produced by smallholders can be relatively high. Alarge proportion of smallholders have high technical efficiency, less total GHG emissions, and low emissions intensity. This study indicates the levels of technical efficiency and GHG emission are largely influenced by farming typology, i.e. choice and use of existing technologies and management practices in crop cultivation. SIGNIFICANCE: This study will help to promote existing improved technologies targeting GHG emissions reduction from the agriculture production systems.

Technical Efficiency Interventions CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA MITIGATION PRODUCTIVITY CROP PRODUCTION GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Transición de leña a gas licuado a presión (GLP) en el sur de México, oportunidad para la mitigación del cambio climático en la región menos desarrollada del país

Transition from biomass to LP gas in southern Mexico, an opportunity for climate change mitigation in the least developed region in the country

Elio Guarionex Lagunes Díaz María Eugenia González Rosende Alfredo Ortega Rubio (2015, [Artículo])

"En los estados del sur de México, entre un 25% y un 55% de los hogares dependen de la leña para cocinar, lo cual trae consecuencias en el ambiente, el desarrollo y la salud. No obstante, el conocimiento de estas consecuencias y la migración hacia combustibles modernos ha permanecido relegada de las políticas de desarrollo. En este trabajo, partiendo de una descripción del panorama de uso de leña en el país y su importancia como fuente de energía, se presenta una aproximación para estimar ahorros en emisiones de CO2 logrables por la transición a gas licuado a presión (GLP), los cuales pueden alcanzar 3.14 Mt CO2e, 26% menos que el escenario base. Se finaliza con una discusión de la transición hacia combustibles modernos, las barreras que la impiden y los logros y fallos de la distribución de estufas ahorradoras de leña, la principal iniciativa gubernamental para aliviar el consumo de leña en el país."

"Between 25% and 55% of households in southern Mexico depend on biomass for cooking, which carries serious consequences on the environment, development and health. In spite of the knowledge of these consequences, transition from biomass to modern fuels has remained outside energy and development policies. In the present work, after describing the panorama of fuelwood use in the country and its importance as an energy source, an approach is presented for estimating CO2 savings achievable by transition to pressurized liquefied gas (LP). These savings can reach 3.14 Mt CO2e, 26% less than the baseline scenario. At the end we discuss on the transition to modern fuels in Mexico, the barriers that hinder it and the achievements and failures of the distribution of fuelwood saving cookstoves, as the only and most important governmental initiative to alleviate biomass use, comparing it with other priorities in the government's agenda."

Transición energética, cambio climático, política energética. Energy transition, climate change, energy policy. CIENCIAS FÍSICO MATEMÁTICAS Y CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA Y DEL ESPACIO METEOROLOGÍA CONTAMINACIÓN ATMOSFÉRICA CONTAMINACIÓN ATMOSFÉRICA

Nitrogen deficiency tolerance and responsiveness of durum wheat genotypes in Ethiopia

Tesfaye Geleta Aga Kebebew Assefa Bekele Abeyo (2022, [Artículo])

Low-Nitrogen Tolerance Yield Reduction Tolerant Genotypes Parental Donors CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA NITROGEN HARD WHEAT GENOTYPES

Associations between endogenous spike cytokinins and grain-number traits in spring wheat genotypes

Gemma Molero Carolina Rivera-Amado Matthew Paul Reynolds John Foulkes (2024, [Artículo])

Spike Cytokinins Grain Number Fruiting Efficiency Wheat Breeding CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA SPIKES CYTOKININS GRAIN FRUITING HARVEST INDEX WHEAT PLANT BREEDING

Point placement of late vegetative stage nitrogen splits increase the productivity, N-use efficiency and profitability of tropical maize under decade long conservation agriculture

Hari Sankar Nayak C.M. Parihar Shankar Lal Jat ML JAT Ahmed Abdallah (2022, [Artículo])

Non-Linear Growth Model Nitrogen Remobilization Right Placement Precision Nitrogen Management CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA GROWTH MODELS NITROGEN NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Catching-up with genetic progress: Simulation of potential production for modern wheat cultivars in the Netherlands

João Vasco Silva Frits K. Van Evert Pytrik Reidsma (2023, [Artículo])

Context: Wheat crop growth models from all over the world have been calibrated on the Groot and Verberne (1991) data set, collected between 1982 and 1984 in the Netherlands, in at least 28 published studies to date including various recent ones. However, the recent use of this data set for calibration of potential yield is questionable as actual Dutch winter wheat yields increased by 3.1 Mg ha-1 over the period 1984 – 2015. A new comprehensive set of winter wheat experiments, suitable for crop model calibration, was conducted in Wageningen during the growing seasons of 2013–2014 and of 2014–2015. Objective: The present study aimed to quantify the change of winter wheat variety traits between 1984 and 2015 and to examine which of the identified traits explained the increase in wheat yield most. Methods: PCSE-LINTUL3 was calibrated on the Groot and Verberne data (1991) set. Next, it was evaluated on the 2013–2015 data set. The model was further recalibrated on the 2013–2015 data set. Parameter values of both calibrations were compared. Sensitivity analysis was used to assess to what extent climate change, elevated CO2, changes in sowing dates, and changes in cultivar traits could explain yield increases. Results: The estimated reference light use efficiency and the temperature sum from anthesis to maturity were higher in 2013–2015 than in 1982–1984. PCSE-LINTUL3, calibrated on the 1982–1984 data set, underestimated the yield potential of 2013–2015. Sensitivity analyses showed that about half of the simulated winter wheat yield increase between 1984 and 2015 in the Netherlands was explained by elevated CO2 and climate change. The remaining part was explained by the increased temperature sum from anthesis to maturity and, to a smaller extent, by changes in the reference light use efficiency. Changes in sowing dates, biomass partitioning fractions, thermal requirements for anthesis, and biomass reallocation did not explain the yield increase. Conclusion: Recalibration of PCSE-LINTUL3 was necessary to reproduce the high wheat yields currently obtained in the Netherlands. About half of the reported winter wheat yield increase was attributed to climate change and elevated CO2. The remaining part of the increase was attributed to changes in the temperature sum from anthesis to maturity and, to a lesser extent, the reference light use efficiency. Significance: This study systematically addressed to what extent changes in various cultivar traits, climate change, and elevated CO2 can explain the winter wheat yield increase observed in the Netherlands between 1984 and 2015.

Light Use Efficiency Potential Yield CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA CROP MODELLING LIGHT PHENOLOGY MAXIMUM SUSTAINABLE YIELD TRITICUM AESTIVUM WINTER WHEAT