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In Fall 1995, 12 row crop farmers in conjunction with Univ. of California, NRCS and private agency advisors established the West Side On-Farm Demonstration Project to conduct demonstrations of soil and pest management options aimed at sustained profitability and environmental stewardship in the western San Joaquin Valley of California. Monitoring of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties is done in side-by-side on-farm comparisons of plots amended with organic inputs and unamended plots. Intensive monitoring of beneficial and pest insects is carried out within each comparison block, and the data generated is used to guide pest management decision-making at each site. Yields and soil characteristics of the amended plots did not differ from those of unamended plots after the first year. The on-farm context and the cooperative farmer–scientist interactions of this project facilitate the development of timely and relevant research directions to be pursued beyond the core set of monitoring activities.
The present investigation was carried out during 1994 and 1995 seasons on `Roomy Red' grape vines cultivated in Minia and Beni Suef governates to study the effect of Dormex and/or overcropping on `Roomy Red' grape vines. Bud opening, number of clusters per vine, as well as the yield and its physical and chemical properties, were studied. Results indicated that Dormex overcame the irregularity of bud opening. At the same time, bud opening preceded the control by about 4 weeks. The percentage of bud opening, fruit set, as well as the number of clusters per vine, were increased. On the other hand, over-cropping had a vice versa effect on the previous parameters as compared with the control. Results also indicated that onion was of less effect than berseem in this concern.
A clear polyester plastic was evaluated to determine if its physical properties were suitable for vegetable plasticulture. Integrity of the clear plastic was greatly reduced if edges were damaged or torn, resulting in ripping during the mulch lading process. All six punching devices evaluated for planting holes performed well on the black plastic. Flame burner rated highest for the clear plastic and the lowest rating was achieved with the standard transplanter wheel punch. Clear plastic deteriorated quickly and by 78 days after laying was brittle. Where paint treatments provided adequate coverage, deterioration was greatly reduced. Weed growth under clear plastic was a problem early, but weeds soon died due to heat accumulation under the clear plastic. Despite a lower cost, limited agricultural use could be made of this material.
We compared the firmness and force relaxation characteristics of tomato flesh harvested at six maturity stages and stored intact or as 7-mm slices for 0 to 20 days. Three measurements were made on outer pericarp and columella tissue. A 4-mm cylindrical probe provided more consistent firmness measurements (lower percent CV) than a 6.4-mm spherical probe at harvest, and distances of 3 mm were more consistent than 1 mm. Following loading, stress relaxation was recorded for 10 s. Stored tomato samples were tested only with the 4-mm cylindrical probe and distance of 3 mm. Firmness was taken as the maximum force (Fmax) in the loading portion, usually occurring at 3 mm. Fmax of freshly harvested tomatoes ranged from 15 to 2 N for mature green and red tomatoes, respectively. Fmax was closely correlated to area, slope, and force at first peak, i.e., all four parameters measured the same physical property, and was moderately correlated (R > 0.9) to forces at specific relaxation times. Tomatoes stored intact generally had lower CVs than that of those sliced before storage, although there was little difference in average firmness (Fmax) between the two at a given storage time. A three-parameter model was developed to fit the relaxation curves. There was little correlation between Fmax and the three relaxation characteristics (R = 0.6 to 0.0), i.e., the relaxation characteristcs measured different physical properties than did Fmax. The responses of the relaxation characteristcs over storage time were dependent on the initial maturity of the tomatoes, but their values usually differed significantly between tomatoes stored intact or sliced, with tomatoes sliced before storage generally having higher values.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba L.), a species of the eastern United States, bears the largest edible fruit of all native trees. Relatively little is known about ripening of pawpaw, and several problems, such as short shelf life and duration of harvesting, hamper pawpaw production. While previous investigations have resulted in identifying physical properties associated with ripening, the effects on phenolic content and antioxidant capacity have not been investigated. The objectives of the study were to investigate changes in phenolic content and antioxidant capacity and to identify physical parameters of pawpaw pulp during ripening. Sample extraction of pawpaw was achieved by adding acetone (2 mL/1 g of sample) to pulp of a pawpaw cultivar, PA Golden, and then vortexing (30 s) and sonicating (15 min) the sample and solvent, prior to centrifugation (15 min) twice at 2987 × g. Folin-Ciocalteu assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were used for the estimation of phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity, respectively. While soluble solid content increased during ripening, the hardness of the fruit decreased, confirming previous reports. The pulp of unripe fruits had the greatest phenolic content (gallic acid eq. 131.2 mg/100 g FW) and antioxidant capacity (Trolox eq. 22.7 μM/g FW), which decreased by about 20% as the fruit ripened. Of three color properties measured, chroma, an estimate of color saturation, increased with ripening, while lightness of pawpaw pulp remained the same. A high correlation was found between chroma and hardness of fruits (r = 0.62), and between phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of pawpaw pulp (r = 0.80), suggesting these parameters can be incorporated into methods to estimate the ripeness of pawpaw fruit.
Various inorganic soil amendments have been promoted as a means of improving the chemical and physical properties of certain soils. To test this hypothesis, a marginally productive soil was supplemented with 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% (v/v) of either selected inorganic amendments or sand. Amendments consisted of commercially available diatomaceous earth, calcined clay, zeolite, and crystalline SiO2. The soil material was extracted from the argillic horizon of a Cecil sandy loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults). Ability of these soil-amendment mixtures to promote `Tifway' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] growth was evaluated under greenhouse conditions, and contrasted to that obtained in nonamended soil. Selected chemical and physical properties that are pertinent to plant growth were also evaluated. The experiment, which was conducted 3×, began with a §60-day period in which both water and nutrients were optimum. This was followed by a 30-day drought. During optimum water and nutrients, no soil-amendment treatment(s) consistently resulted in superior bermudagrass growth compared to soil alone. However, <2% of the bermudagrass tissue that was produced during the drought became green and succulent with the resumption of irrigation in nonamended soil. This percentage was exceeded by all treatments that contained either ≥60% diatomaceous earth (Axis), or ≥40% calcined clay (Profile); and by 100% zeolite (Clinolite) and 100% silica (Green's Choice). Drought-sustaining ability of soil-amendment mixtures was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with water-holding ability, soil strength, bulk density, and oxygen diffusion rate, but not correlated with either pH or cation exchange capacity (CEC). While certain inorganic amendments did improve the drought-sustaining ability of soil, the amount required was generally ≥40%.
The viability of urban interface agriculture (located near housing tracts, shopping centers, roadways, schools, and parks) depends on the ability of growers to allow their neighbors to enjoy the full benefits of their property. Growers must eliminate or minimize the noise, dust, flies, spray drift, odors, and field worker improprieties that can be associated with agricultural enterprises. An excellent way to minimize “ag/urban interface” problems is to grow a protective border planting between housing and agricultural production fields. Border plantings increase the aesthetic value of agricultural open spaces and screen out unwanted agricultural activities for those living adjacent to production areas. An ideal protective barrier planting consists of plants that 1) grow quickly and are easy to maintain; 2) provide a good physical barrier to dust, spray, and noise; 3) are inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing; 4) do not harbor insect pests that would damage crops or surrounding landscape plantings; and 5) support beneficial insects that prey on crop insect pests. Border planting sites were developed to identify plants that are adapted to border planting use and to gather information on insect populations that are supported by those plantings. Early results indicate that native plants including coyote bush, wild lilac, buckwheat, coffeeberry, yarrow, deer grass, and purple-needle grass can provide the desired physical barrier and beneficial insect support. Bio-diversity is the key to increasing populations of beneficial insects and several different native plant species have, therefore, been incorporated into the border plantings. Beneficial insect populations have been increased with appropriate border plantings.
The 1980 NC-140 uniform apple rootstock trial plantings located in Michigan and Ohio were used to determine root distribution patterns of the nine rootstooks involved in the trial. The scion for the trial was Starkspur Supreme (Malus domestica Borkh.) on Ottawa 3, M.7 EMLA, M.9 EMLA, M.26 EMLA, M.27 EMLA, M.9, MAC 9, MAC 24 and OAR 1 rootstock. Trenches were established parrallel with the tree rows 0.8 m from the center of the trunks on both sides. The trenches were 1.5 to 2 m deep. Grids were constructed 1.2 m deep × 1.8 m wide with 30 cm × 30 cm grid squares. Soil was washed from the profile and the grid was placed over the profile. Roots were classified into 3 size categories; less than 2 mm, 2 to 5 mm and greater than 5 mm. Soil physical properties were also characterized. Differences were found between rootstock root distribution patterns and will be discussed in relation to rootstock and location/soil properties.
Sustainable strawberry production depends on effective weed and soil management. Alternative weed management strategies are needed because few herbicides are registered for use in matted-row strawberry culture. Soil analyses are often measured in terms of chemical and physical properties alone. Measuring biological indicators of soil quality that are sensitive to changes in the environment can enhance these analyses. The experiment compared the effects of four weed management systems on weed growth, soil quality properties, and strawberry yield, growth, and development. Treatments were killed-cover crop mixture of hairy vetch (Viciavillosa) and cereal rye (Secalecereale); compost + corn gluten meal + straw mulch; conventional herbicide; and methyl bromide soil fumigation. Results indicated that there were no differences in percentage of weed cover or number of strawberry runners between the four weed management treatments in the planting year (July or Aug. 2004). The soil quality parameters, infiltration rate, soil bulk density, earthworm number, and total porosity were similar for all treatments. Plots that received the straw mulch treatment had a soil volumetric water content 20% higher and air-filled porosity that was 26% higher than the average of other treatments. Although treatment plots received similar N, leaf nutrient analysis showed that plants receiving the straw mulch + corn gluten meal treatment had a similar amount of total N when compared to the conventional and methyl bromide treatments, but was 21% higher than the killed-cover crop treatment.
Abstract
Proper management of organic wastes such as crop residues, animal manures, and sewage sludges on land is essential for protecting agricultural soils from wind and water erosion, and for preventing nutrient losses through runoff. Efficient and effective use of these materials also provides one of the best means we have for maintaining soil productivity 2 by recycling plant nutrients and by improving soil physical properties. The beneficial effects of organic wastes on soil physical properties are widely known (1, 21) as evidenced by increased water infiltration, water-holding capacity, water content, aeration and permeability, soil aggregation and rooting depth, by decreased soil crusting and runoff, and by lower bulk density.