crop growth Articles
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Growth analysis of biomass production in sole-crop and double-crop corn systems
Increased biomass productivity could be achieved through double-cropping if extended growth duration could be realized with minimal reductions in growth efficiency relative to sole-cropping. To test this hypothesis, functional growth analysis was used to assess the relative importance of photosynthetic duration and efficiency in determining biomass production by sole-crop corn (Zea mays L.; SC) ...
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Growth, yield, and yield component changes among old and new soybean cultivars
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield has increased at a rate of 25 to 30 kg ha–1 yr–1 due in part to improved genetic gain, and has been further advanced by the addition of resistance to soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe; SCN) in new cultivars. The objective was to determine specific growth changes that explain the yield improvement from old to new cultivars and the further ...
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The Importance of Leaf Area Index (LAI) in Environmental and Crop Research
Leaf Area Index (LAI), which is used as a measure in hundreds of studies on forests, crops, climate and the environment, is calculated as half the area of all leaves per unit area of ground. It is measured as the leaf area (m2 ) per ground area (m–2) and is unit-less. So, a plant with a LAI of 2 has an amount of leaves that can cover a given area two times. LAI is calculated for a plant or ...
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The importance of Leaf Area Index (LAI) in environmental and crop research
Leaf Area Index (LAI), which is used as a measure in hundreds of studies on forests, crops, climate and the environment, is calculated as half the area of all leaves per unit area of ground. It is measured as the leaf area (m2 ) per ground area (m–2) and is unit-less. So, a plant with a LAI of 2 has an amount of leaves that can cover a given area two times. LAI is calculated for a plant or ...
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Regulating fertilizer applications in agriculture for healthier crops & environment
Farm Fertilizer - A Double-Edged Sword The excessive use of fertilizers is one of the main causes of the environmental impact of industrial agriculture. The notion that more is better has caused more harm than good to farming, as well as the environment. Therefore, using the right amount of fertilizers is considered an important part of farm management. To this end, there has been a lot of ...
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Digging deep for new irrigation methods
Irrigation is essential to increase food production. However, competing needs and increasing drought makes water for irrigation scarce. Therefore, new methods and strategies are continuously being tested by scientists to improve food production, accompanied by better water use efficiency. This article will examine how modern field tools are helping in this venture. Irrigation Methods According ...
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Influence of environment on plants
There is no denying the importance of light for the growth of plants; however, there are many other environmental factors—such as temperature, moisture and nutrient availability, and soil type–that also influence plant growth. These factors do not act in isolation and are, many times, correlated. So, it is interesting to see how light works in combination with other resources to ...
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Detecting plant root diseases & pests
Soil-borne pests and diseases are harder to detect than those on the aerial parts of a plant. Visible symptoms in leaves and stem appear only in the final stages of the attacks. If plants are treated at this point, it may be difficult to avoid plant injury, as plants could already have been severely impacted. Early detection and identification are key to prevent crop loss. There are, however, ...
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Tree, Crop & Plant Stress – A Primer on Abiotic and Biotic Stressors
The natural conditions in which plants and trees grow are neither uniform nor controlled. Many changes or fluctuations, even if they are temporary, can have a negative impact on and stress plants. The factors which can lead to stress can be one of two types: abiotic or biotic. Stress can have serious repercussions on various phases of a plant’s growth and, ultimately, crop productivity. ...
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Tree, crop & plant stress – A primer on abiotic and biotic stressors
The natural conditions in which plants and trees grow are neither uniform nor controlled. Many changes or fluctuations, even if they are temporary, can have a negative impact on and stress plants. The factors which can lead to stress can be one of two types: abiotic or biotic. Stress can have serious repercussions on various phases of a plant’s growth and, ultimately, crop productivity. ...
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Micronutrient research using leaf area & photosynthesis rates to improve crop yields
With the pressure to increase food production, every agricultural practice that can be optimized for improving crop yield is under scrutiny; therefore, micronutrients, which are important for crop health and growth, are receiving more attention. Agronomists are increasingly studying different treatment methods to establish the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve micronutrient ...
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Cadmium toxicity in plants
Cadmium is a heavy, non-biodegradable metal that is toxic to plants, people, and animals. With increasing pollution and emission of cadmium, its levels in agricultural soils are increasing. The risk to humans is high due to consumption of cadmium-contaminated food. Modern applications of gas analysis and laser measurements are speeding up research in addressing the problem of cadmium stress. ...
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Detecting salinity stress in crops
Salinity inhibits growth and development in crops. Due to the extent of damage salinity causes to agriculture, it is identified as a major threat to food production. Therefore, practices to deal with the effects of salinity on crops are receiving a lot of attention. To be able to provide proper recommendations that are also sustainable, it is first necessary to find out how salinity affects ...
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