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Effect of multifunctional adjuvants on physical and chemical features of spray liquid and efficacy in sugar beet
In the period 2017–2019, field experiments were conducted at the Research and Education Center Gorzyń, unit Złotniki (52°486′ N; 16°819′ E), Poznan University of Life Sciences, at the Luvisols, under natural weather conditions, to evaluate the effect of multifunctional methylated seed oil (EXP 1, 2, and 3) and standard adjuvants (AtB and S) on the efficacy of mixtures phenmedipham + ethofumesate and metamitron applied in full (PEM 1) and reduced rates (PEM 2) in sugar beet. Field studies were carried out and three applications of herbicides were administrated subsequent to the emergence of weeds (BBCH 11–12). PEM applied at reduced rates with EXP was more effective than after AtB and S adjuvants. They enabled the attainment of high and consistent efficacy of herbicides (with EXP—96–97%, AtB—97%, S—95%, compared to PEM 1—93%, and PEM 2—82%), irrespective of varying weather conditions during, and subsequent to, their application. The sugar beet root yield from herbicide treatments after tested adjuvants was higher than from the untreated control and after application of reduced rates of herbicides without adjuvants.
Genotype by year interaction for selected traits in sweet maize (Zea maize L.) hybrids using AMMI model
AbstractThis study investigated genotype × environment interactions for the stability of expression of four productivity traits (cobs yield, cobs I class trade share, lend of cobs and fulfilment of cobs) of sweet maize hybrids (Zea mays L.). The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model was employed to assess genotype × environment interaction. AMMI stability value was used to evaluate both stability and genotype. The genotype selection index was calculated for each hybrid, incorporating both the average trait value and the stability index. Ten sweet maize hybrids were evaluated: Golda, GSS 1453, GSS 3071, GSS 5829, GSS 8529, Overland, Noa, Shinerock, Sindon, and Tessa. Trials were ran conducted over four vegetative seasons at a single location in the Wielkopolska region using replicated field experiments. The AMMI model revealed significant genotypic and environmental effects for all analyzed traits. Based on their superior stability and favorable average trait values, both the Golda cultivar and the GSS 3071 hybrid are recommended for further breeding program inclusion.
Evaluation of Changes in the Chemical Composition of Grasses as a Result of the Methane Fermentation Process and Biogas Production Efficiency
Methane fermentation, which is one of the key processes in biogas production, plays an important role in the conversion of biomass to energy. During this process, changes occur in the chemical composition of organic feedstocks, including the chemical composition of grasses. The assessment of these changes is crucial for the efficiency and productivity of biogas production. The material for this study comprised fully mature grass blades with leaves and inflorescences and was collected from extensively used meadows and pastures, as well as cultivated and set-aside areas in the Wielkopolskie Voivodeship, the communes of Białośliwie and Trzcianka, Poland. The aim of this study was to compare methane fermentation efficiency in nine grass species and identify the biomass component involved in biogas production. The results indicate that the fermentation process, as expected, changed the cellulose content. The lignin content of the grasses before fermentation varied more than the cellulose content. The content of holocellulose (sum of carbohydrate components) in the grasses ranged from 59.77 to 72.93% before fermentation. Methane fermentation significantly reduced the carbohydrate content in the grasses, with a low degree of polymerization. Grassland biomass-based biogas production is a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
The Economic and Technological Challenges of the Agri-Development Implementation Model in the Case of the Wielkopolska Region in Poland
This study discusses key issues relating to the agri-development perspective, which is based on the “numbered” agriculture model. Selected economic and technological dilemmas related to agribusiness development in the Wielkopolska region of Poland were reviewed. Based not only on a literature review, but also on our own research, we identified the current challenges for farmers in terms of innovation, green energy, and environmental ideas. Using the diagnostic survey method, with agricultural practitioners as experts, the potential directions of regional agricultural development were assessed from the perspective of programming the next stages of the “agricultural revolution”. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with purposely invited farmers from Wielkopolska, one of the most agriculturally developed regions of Poland. By verifying the ex post assessment of the key pillars of the Agriculture “3.0” and “4.0” concepts’ adaptation model, as carried out on the respondents’ farms, the optimal model for farm operation was sought. The study assumed the implementation of the next stages of agribusiness development had taken place and that implementation of the “Agriculture 5.0” model, under the conditions evaluated, was possible. The so-defined hypothesis was only partially confirmed (conditionally). The identified potential provides a development path for the optimal idea of “Agriculture N.0”, with the value of “N” not yet known. Finally, key conclusions and recommendations relating to Wielkopolska’s agribusiness were formulated.
The Economic Potential of Stump Wood as an Energy Resource—A Polish Regional Case Study
This paper discusses the possibilities of using stump wood as a raw material for energy generation. The research was based on an analysis of the state of knowledge, forest field studies, and participatory observations. A formula was sought to optimise the procurement cost of stump wood appropriate to Polish conditions. Conceptualisation was carried out in a selected area of the Notecka Forest in the Wielkopolska region, located in western Poland. A pilot study was designed to test a computational formula to assess the profitability of harvesting wood from stump wood resources for energy generation. The potential of stump wood is estimated to be around half a million cubic metres per year from the Notecka Forest area alone. This resource provides an opportunity for business development in both forestry and the renewable energy sources (RESs) sector, despite the barriers and risks shown in this study.
Natural and habitat conditions of medow communities in the Northern Polder in the "Ujście Warty" National Park
Research on natural and functional values of grassy and reed phytocenoses in the “Ujście Warty” National Park in the Northern Polder, was carried out in 2013–2019. They showed that the formation of grass communities, their richness and floristic diversity, as well as natural and agricultural values, is mainly influenced by moisture, which results from the mosaic of habitats and the intensity of use. The aim of the study was to assess the floristic diversity, natural values and utility of grass communities in leasehold complexes in the “Ujście Warty” National Park in the Northern Polder in the Natura 2000 area. One of the methods of protection and renaturation of naturally valuable meadow communities is the introduction of extensive forms of mowing and pasture use. The aim of such activities is, among others, to improve floristic diversity and prevent unfavorable transformations of protocoenoses, especially in relation to areas covered by the Natura 2000 area. Single, annual mowing during the growing season, through the implementation of agri-environmental programs, does not cause significant changes in the botanical composition of the sward, but it is conducive to restoring the most valuable natural habitats as a potential habitat for bird species endangered on a national and European scale. The distinguished communities have a diversified economic and use value of Lwu ranging from 1.1 to 7.4, and some are wastelands. The calculated floristic diversity (H’) is varied and ranges from 1.3 to 3.9, and the obtained yields are sm. range from 2.8 to 14.8 t∙ha−1 .
The Dynamics of Sugar Maize (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.) Infestation of Field Pansy (Viola arvensis)
Field pansy infestation can lead to a decrease in the species diversity of plant communities and to the disappearance of other species. Field pansy infestation is fairly common in many crops, including maize. Understanding the ecology and management strategies for field pansy in maize is essential for effective weed control. This research into sugar maize was conducted from 1992 to 2019 in the Research and Education Center Gorzyń, Złotniki branch, which belongs to the Poznań University of Life Sciences. The assessment of weed infestation was carried out in experiments that focused on chemical weed control in maize. The experiments were established as single-factor randomized block designs with four field replications. The aim of the study was to evaluate dynamic changes in the status and the degree of field pansy infestation in sugar maize that was cultivated after various other crops in the Wielkopolska region, with a focus on weather conditions. The results indicated that the probability of field pansy individuals occurring among the total number of weeds was highest when maize was cultivated after wheat, but the probability of such infestation did not significantly differ when maize was sown in a crop rotation after winter triticale.
Lowland Sedge Meadows as a Potential Source of Macro and Micronutrient Supplementation
From the point of view of farming utilization, investigations on the recognition of the mineral composition of sedges appears important, appropriate and useful. Sedges are often found in many meadow and pasture communities. It is therefore worth paying attention to the mineral content of their tissues and their possible impact on the organisms of farm animals such as pigs. The basic objective of this study was to determine the concentration of selected macro and microelements: phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), silicon (Si), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chrome (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in the biomass of seven sedge species, potentially used as fodder, commonly occurring in natural sites in Central Europe. The material was collected twice during one growing season in the Krześniczka (N 52°37′14′ E 14°46′06′)—lubuskie voivodeship. The first harvest was carried out at the beginning of May, during the shooting and earring phase. The collected plant material included stems and leaves. The second harvest—the end of June—was collected at a time when the seedlings were developing flowers and young fruits, and their vegetative organs were developing dynamically. In June, the collected material represented organs in all possible development phases. The collected material was dried at a temperature of 65 °C, ground, and analyzed. The obtained results showed a difference in the content of microelements between the May and June harvest dates in the dry matter of all analyzed sedge species, which differed statistically significantly only in relation to copper. The harvest date had a statistically significant impact on the change in the content of macroelements in the dry matter of all analyzed sedge species and was associated with a decrease in the content of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium, while in the case of silicon, the delay in mowing resulted in an increase in the content of this element.
Multifunctional Adjuvants Affect Sulfonylureas with Synthetic Auxin Mixture in Weed and Maize Grain Yield
A field study in the years 2017–2019 was carried out to evaluate the impact of novel adjuvant formulations on the efficacy of sulfonylurea and synthetic auxin herbicides. Treatments included nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron + dicamba (N+R+D) at full and reduced rates with three multicomponent (TEST-1, TEST-2, TEST-3) as well as standard (MSO, S) adjuvants. In this greenhouse study, Echinochloa crus-galli seeds were planted and treated with N+R+D at 2–3 leaf stages. The water with the desired pH (4, 7, and 9) for the preparation of the spray liquid was prepared by incorporating citric acid or K3PO4 to either lower or raise the pH of the water. Adjuvant TEST-1 added to the spray liquid at pH 4 increased the effectiveness to 68%, TEST-2 to 81%, and TEST-3 to 80%, compared to 73% and 66% with the MSO and S. The efficacy of N+R+D at pH 7 with TEST-1 increased to 83%, TEST-2 to 82%, and TEST-3 to 77%, but with MSO, it increased to 81%, and 71% with S. Adjuvants TEST-1, TEST-2, and TEST-3 in the liquid at pH 9 increased efficacy to 76 and 80%, compared to 79 and 63% with MSO or S adjuvants. N+R+D applied with TEST-1, TEST-2, and TEST-3 provided greater weed control than herbicides with surfactant (S) and similar or even better than with standard methylated seed oil (MSO) adjuvants. Maize grain yield after herbicide-with-tested-adjuvant application was higher than from an untreated check, and comparable to yield from herbicide-with-MSO treatment, but higher than from S treatment.
The Evaluation of Sweetcorn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.) Infestation of Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) Depending on Weather Conditions and Crop Rotation
This paper focuses on the weed species Echinochloa crus-galli, commonly known as barnyardgrass, which is a persistent threat to crop yield and quality, especially in maize (Zea mays) cultivation. It is one of the most problematic weeds in agricultural fields due to its aggressive growth, adaptability to different environmental conditions and prolific seed production. The incidence of Echinochloa crus-galli in maize fields has increased in recent years. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and behavior of Echinochloa crus-galli, and to suggest effective measures to control it. This research on sweetcorn was conducted from 1992 to 2019 at the Research and Education Center Gorzyń, Złotniki branch, which belongs to the Poznań University of Life Sciences. The evaluation of weed infestation was carried out in experiments focusing on chemical weed control in maize. The experiments were designed as a one-factor randomised block design with four field replications. The condition and the degree of weed infestation (number of weeds and fresh weight of weeds) in the control plots was assessed on an annual basis at the end of June and in July. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamic changes in the status and extent of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) infestation in maize grown after various other crops in the Wielkopolska region, with a focus on the weather conditions. The study found that barnyardgrass was most likely to occur when maize was sown after winter wheat in a dry and warm year, and least likely when maize was grown in rotation after winter wheat in a cold year with average rainfall. The proportion of barnyardgrass weed mass in the total weed mass was significantly lower after winter rye than after winter wheat, winter oilseed rape and winter triticale. Further research into the biology and ecology of barnyardgrass is key to effectively controlling this weed and safeguarding sweetcorn yields.
Pytanie o 'Rolnictwo X.0'? Perspektywy wdrażania strategii rozwoju agrobiznesu na przykładzie Wielkopolski.
Influence of Application Timings, Rates, and Adjuvants on Tiencarbazone-Methyl Plus Isoxaflutole and Mesotrione with Nicosulfuron and Rimsulfuron on Weed Control and Yield of Maize
Weed control in maize is usually limited to a single herbicide treatment, but the application of two or more herbicides is associated with many benefits, e.g., increasing the spectrum of control weeds, reducing the risk of damage to crops by using reduced rates of herbicides, limiting their residues in the soil or crop, etc. This field experiment was conducted in the years 2016–2018 to determine whether the split application of soil-applied thiencarbazone-methyl + isoxaflutole and foliar-applied mesotrione + nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron, in reduced rates with adjuvants, can contribute to enhancing herbicide effectiveness and increasing maize yield. Weed control in maize in a split-dose system with a mixture of thiencarbazone-methyl + isoxaflutole at strongly reduced rates with the addition of UAN and the adjuvant Atpolan SoilMaxx or Grounded, and then mesotrione + nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron at strongly reduced rates with UAN and Atpolan SoilMaxx or Actirob 842 EC allowed for great control of weeds. The total amount of substances was slightly higher than in single treatments with adjuvants, but lower than for individual active substances, leading to a reduction in the amount of active substances reaching the environment, while maintaining very high herbicide efficacy.
Effects of cover crops and tillage methods on selected physical and water retention properties of Luvisol
Effect of cover crops and soil tillage methods for sowing spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on selected soil physical properties
Ruderal Habitats: A Source for Biomass and Biogas
The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical composition and biogas potential of selected ruderal and expansive plant species: Heracleum sosnowskyi, Aegopodium podagraria, Chaerophyllum bulbosum, Acer negundo, and Urtica dioica. Plant material was collected from a 19th-century park in the village of Niegolewo (Greater Poland Voivodship) and analyzed for cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, extractives, and ash content before and after methane fermentation. Fermentation followed DIN 38 414-S8, and chemical analyses used standardized methods (TAPPI, Seifert, and DIN). Statistical analyses included ANOVA, CVA, and hierarchical clustering. The highest biogas yield was obtained from A. podagraria, which is associated with low lignin and high hemicellulose degradation. The results confirm the potential of ruderal biomass as a diverse source for biogas production.