Effect of Conservation Agriculture on Maize Yield in the Transilvanian Plain, Romania
An experimental study is presented on the effect of
Conservation Agriculture (CA) compared to Conventional
Agriculture (ConvA) upon Maize Yield based on split-plot model.
Two factors have been considered: A Factor-Fertilization with two
variants: A1- N40P40 kg/ha and A2- N90P70 kg/ha; B Factor- Crop
protection with 4 variants : B1- 4 treatments, B2-3 treatments, B3- 2
treatments and B4- 1 treatment. In comparison with conventional
agriculture, CA determined lower maize yields. Fertilization is the
key factor determining a yield gain of 973.58 kg/ha in ConvA and
1,123.33 kg/ha in CA. A reduced number of treatments determined a
yield decline. The A-B interaction had a positive effect on maize
yield when a larger amount of fertilizer and 4 or 3 treatments were
applied in ConvA and a benefic in CA for highest fertilization level
and 2 treatments. The B2A2 ConvA variant was the most efficient
leading to 302.67 kg/ha gain while B3A2 CA variant brought 181.33
kg production gain.
[1] P. C. Wall, J. M. Ekboir, and P. R. Hobbs, "Institutional aspects of
Conservation Agriculture". International Workshop on CA for
Sustainable Wheat Production with Cotton in Limited Water Resource
Areas. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct.13-18, 2002, G. O. Young, "Synthetic
structure of industrial plastics (Book style with paper title and editor),"
in Plastics, 2nd ed. vol. 3, J. Peters, Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill,
1964, pp. 15-64.
[2] M. Paraschivu, G. Paunescu, and A.M, Paraschivu, "Conservation
Agriculture, an alternative for a sustainable agriculture, From the
Mexican Agriculture Experience", Annals of INCDA Fundulea,
Vol.LXXVII, 2009
[3] A. Limon-Ortega, K. D. Sayer, R. A. Drijber, and C.A. Francis, "Soil
attributes in a furrow- irrigated bed planting system in northwest
Mexico", in Soil Tillage Res., 2002, 63, pp.123-132
[4] B. Govaerts, K. Sayre, N. Verhulst, L. Dendooven, A. Limon-Ortega,
and L. Patino-Zuniga, "The effects of conservation agriculture on
crop performance, soil quality and potential emission reduction and
C segregation in contrasting environments in Mexico", www.fao.org
[5] A. Hemmat, and I. Eskandari, "Conservation tillage practices for
Winter Wheat-fallow farming in the temperate continental climate in
North Western Iran", in Field Crops Research, 2004, Vol.89, Issue 1,
pp.123-133
[6] M. Tursunov I. Bobojonov, J. P. A. Lamers,and A. Pulatov, "The
Comparative Advantage of Conservation Agriculture in Wheat and
Cotton Rotation in the Khorezm Region, Aral Sea Basin","Prosperity
and Poverty in a Globalized World: Challenges for Agriculture
Research", Tropentag, 2006, Bonn Germany
[7] K. Giller, E. Witter, M. Corbeels, and P. Tittonell, "Conservation
Agriculture and smallholder farming in Africa: The heretics view", in
Field Crops Research, 2009, Vol.114, Issue 1, pp.23-34
[8] C. Thierfeler, and P.C.Wall, "Investigating conservation agriculture
systems in Zambia and Zimbabwe to mitigate future effects of climate
change", in African Crop Science Conference Proceedings, 2009,
Vol.9, pp.303-307
[9] L. Rusinamhodzi, M. C. Rufino, M. van Wjik, J. Nyamangara, M.
Corbeels, and K.E. Giller, "Long-term effects of Conservation
Agriculture practices on maize yields under rain-fed conditions".
Proceedings of Agro 2010:The XI th ESA Congress, Aug.29-Sept.3,
2010, Montpellier, France, Agropolis International, pp.227-228
[10] R. Sommer, P. C. Wall, and B. Govaerts, "Model-based assessment of
maize cropping under conventional and conservation agriculture in
highland Mexico", in Soil and Tillage Research, 2007, Vol.94, Issue 1,
pp.83-100
[11] M. K. Devkota, C. Martius, K. D. Sayre, O. Egomberdiev, K. P.
Devkota, R. K. Gupta, A. M. Manschadi, and J. P. A. Lamers,
"Performance of maize under CA on salt-affected irrigated croplands in
Uzbekistan, Central Asia", Tropentag, 2010, Conference on
International Research on Food Security, National Resource
Management and Rural Development
[12] K. Sayre, K.,and P. Hobbs, "The raised-bed system of cultivation for
irrigated production conditions", in: "Sustainable agriculture and the
Rice-Wheat System". Lal, R.P., Hobbs, N., Uphoff and D. O. Hansen
(eds). Ohio State University, Columbia, Ohio, USA, p.337-355. In:
Performance of maize under CA on salt-affected irrigated croplands in
Uzbekistan, Central Asia, Devkota, M.K., C. Martius, K.D. Sayre, O.
Egomberdiev, K.P.Devkota, R.K.Gupta, A.M. Manschadi, J.P.A.
Lamers (eds), Tropentag, 2010, Conference on International Research
on Food Security, National Resource Management and Rural
Development
[13] R.Lal, D.C., Reicosky, and J. D. Hanson, "Evolution of the plow over
10,000 years and the rationale for no-till farming", in Soil and Tillage
Research 93(1), pp.1-12, in "Performance of maize under CA on saltaffected
irrigated croplands in Uzbekistan, Central Asia", Devkota,
M.K., C. Martius, K.D.Sayre, O. Egomberdiev, K.P. Devkota,
R.K.Gupta, A.M. Manschadi, J.P.A. Lamers (eds), Tropentag, 2010,
Conference on International Research on Food Security, National
Resource Management and Rural Development
[14] H. Pang, Yu-Yi Li, Jin-Song Yang, Ye-Sen Liang, "Effect of blackish
water irrigation and straw mulching on soil salinity and crop yields
under monsoonal climatic conditions. African Water
Management":doi:10.1016/j.agwat.2009.08.020, in "Performance of
maize under CA on salt-affected irrigated croplands in Uzbekistan,
Central Asia", Devkota, M.K., C. Martius, K.D. Sayre, O. Egomberdiev,
K.P. Devkota, R.K. Gupta, A.M. Manschadi, J.P.A. Lamers (eds),
Tropentag, 2010, Conference on International Research on Food
Security, National Resource Management and Rural Development
[15] P. De Vita, E. Di, Paolo, G. Fecondo, N. Di Fonzo, and M.Isante,
"No-tillage and conventional tillage effects on durum wheat yield, grain
quality and soil moisture content in Southern Italy", in Soil and Tillage
Research 92: pp. 69-78. In: "Performance of maize under CA on saltaffected
irrigated croplands in Uzbekistan, Central Asia", Devkota,
M.K., C. Martius, K. D. Sayre, O. Egomberdiev, K. P. Devkota, R. K.
Gupta, A. M. Manschadi, J.P.A. Lamers (eds), Tropentag, 2010,
Conference on International Research on Food Security, National
Resource Management and Rural Development
[16] R. A. Fisher, F. Santiveri, and I. R. Vidal, "Crop rotation, tillage and
crop residue management for wheat and maize in the sub-humid tropical
highlands: II. Maize and system performance", in Field Crops
Research 79(2-3), pp.123-137 in "Performance of maize under CA on
salt-affected irrigated croplands in Uzbekistan, Central Asia", Devkota,
M.K., C.Martius, K.D. Sayre, O. Egomberdiev, K.P. Devkota, R.K.
Gupta, A.M. Manschadi, J.P.A. Lamers (eds), Tropentag, 2010,
Conference on International Research on Food Security, National
Resource Management and Rural Development
[17] O. Erenstein, K. Sayre, P.C. Wall, J. Dixon, and J. Hellin, "Adapting
No - Tillage Agriculture to the condition of smallholder Maize and
Wheat Farmers in the Tropics and Sub-Tropics", 2008,
www.cultivationsudan.com :pp.253-277
[18] H. Kabama, and A. Muimba-Kankolongo, "Adoption and impact of
conservation farming on crop productivity among smallholder farmers
in Kapiri Mposhi District of Zambia", in Journal of Animal & Plant
Sciences, 2009, Vol.3, Issue 2, pp.205-214
[19] R. Derpsh, "No-tillage and Conservation Agriculture. A progress
Report". In "No-till farming systems", Goddard T., Zoebisch, M.A.,
Gen, Y.T., Ellis, W., Watson, A., Soubatpenit, S., (Eds), 2008. Special
publication No.3, World Association of Soil and Water Conservation,
Bangkok, 60-1, pp.544.
[20] Informative Sheet No.5."Conservation Agriculture, Durable Agriculture
and Soil Conservation. Agricultural Methods and Systems
nondangerous for Soil" www.soco.jtc.europa.eu,.
[21] D. Malschi Dana, A. Ivas, A. Simon, and M. Ignea, "Evolution of
Wheat pests and production performance under conservation technology
and treatments with insecticides adequate to present climate change",
in Scientific Session, INCDA Fundulea, SCDA Turda, 2011, Romania
[22] F. Chetran, "Technology Peculiarities in Winter Wheat in Conservation
Agriculture", Scientific Session, INCDA Fundulea, SCDA Turda, 2011,
Romania
[23] C. Nagy, M. Ignea, A. Simon, and V. Pacurar, "A few concerns
related to the Implementation of Conservation Agriculture in
commercial farms", Transilvanian Agriculture, No.13/2008
[24] M.A. Grigoras, and M. Ignea, "Crop and Integrated Systems
Management for obtaining high Quantitative and Qualitative
Productions", Romania, Research National Partnership Project 52-
179/2008-2011, Romania
[25] T. Rusu, and M. Ignea, "Monitoring the Impact of agriculture on global
climate change, water and soil management and carbon by conservation
systems: minimum tillage and no-tillage in the Transilvanian Plain",
Research National Partnership Project 52-114/2008, Romania
[1] P. C. Wall, J. M. Ekboir, and P. R. Hobbs, "Institutional aspects of
Conservation Agriculture". International Workshop on CA for
Sustainable Wheat Production with Cotton in Limited Water Resource
Areas. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct.13-18, 2002, G. O. Young, "Synthetic
structure of industrial plastics (Book style with paper title and editor),"
in Plastics, 2nd ed. vol. 3, J. Peters, Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill,
1964, pp. 15-64.
[2] M. Paraschivu, G. Paunescu, and A.M, Paraschivu, "Conservation
Agriculture, an alternative for a sustainable agriculture, From the
Mexican Agriculture Experience", Annals of INCDA Fundulea,
Vol.LXXVII, 2009
[3] A. Limon-Ortega, K. D. Sayer, R. A. Drijber, and C.A. Francis, "Soil
attributes in a furrow- irrigated bed planting system in northwest
Mexico", in Soil Tillage Res., 2002, 63, pp.123-132
[4] B. Govaerts, K. Sayre, N. Verhulst, L. Dendooven, A. Limon-Ortega,
and L. Patino-Zuniga, "The effects of conservation agriculture on
crop performance, soil quality and potential emission reduction and
C segregation in contrasting environments in Mexico", www.fao.org
[5] A. Hemmat, and I. Eskandari, "Conservation tillage practices for
Winter Wheat-fallow farming in the temperate continental climate in
North Western Iran", in Field Crops Research, 2004, Vol.89, Issue 1,
pp.123-133
[6] M. Tursunov I. Bobojonov, J. P. A. Lamers,and A. Pulatov, "The
Comparative Advantage of Conservation Agriculture in Wheat and
Cotton Rotation in the Khorezm Region, Aral Sea Basin","Prosperity
and Poverty in a Globalized World: Challenges for Agriculture
Research", Tropentag, 2006, Bonn Germany
[7] K. Giller, E. Witter, M. Corbeels, and P. Tittonell, "Conservation
Agriculture and smallholder farming in Africa: The heretics view", in
Field Crops Research, 2009, Vol.114, Issue 1, pp.23-34
[8] C. Thierfeler, and P.C.Wall, "Investigating conservation agriculture
systems in Zambia and Zimbabwe to mitigate future effects of climate
change", in African Crop Science Conference Proceedings, 2009,
Vol.9, pp.303-307
[9] L. Rusinamhodzi, M. C. Rufino, M. van Wjik, J. Nyamangara, M.
Corbeels, and K.E. Giller, "Long-term effects of Conservation
Agriculture practices on maize yields under rain-fed conditions".
Proceedings of Agro 2010:The XI th ESA Congress, Aug.29-Sept.3,
2010, Montpellier, France, Agropolis International, pp.227-228
[10] R. Sommer, P. C. Wall, and B. Govaerts, "Model-based assessment of
maize cropping under conventional and conservation agriculture in
highland Mexico", in Soil and Tillage Research, 2007, Vol.94, Issue 1,
pp.83-100
[11] M. K. Devkota, C. Martius, K. D. Sayre, O. Egomberdiev, K. P.
Devkota, R. K. Gupta, A. M. Manschadi, and J. P. A. Lamers,
"Performance of maize under CA on salt-affected irrigated croplands in
Uzbekistan, Central Asia", Tropentag, 2010, Conference on
International Research on Food Security, National Resource
Management and Rural Development
[12] K. Sayre, K.,and P. Hobbs, "The raised-bed system of cultivation for
irrigated production conditions", in: "Sustainable agriculture and the
Rice-Wheat System". Lal, R.P., Hobbs, N., Uphoff and D. O. Hansen
(eds). Ohio State University, Columbia, Ohio, USA, p.337-355. In:
Performance of maize under CA on salt-affected irrigated croplands in
Uzbekistan, Central Asia, Devkota, M.K., C. Martius, K.D. Sayre, O.
Egomberdiev, K.P.Devkota, R.K.Gupta, A.M. Manschadi, J.P.A.
Lamers (eds), Tropentag, 2010, Conference on International Research
on Food Security, National Resource Management and Rural
Development
[13] R.Lal, D.C., Reicosky, and J. D. Hanson, "Evolution of the plow over
10,000 years and the rationale for no-till farming", in Soil and Tillage
Research 93(1), pp.1-12, in "Performance of maize under CA on saltaffected
irrigated croplands in Uzbekistan, Central Asia", Devkota,
M.K., C. Martius, K.D.Sayre, O. Egomberdiev, K.P. Devkota,
R.K.Gupta, A.M. Manschadi, J.P.A. Lamers (eds), Tropentag, 2010,
Conference on International Research on Food Security, National
Resource Management and Rural Development
[14] H. Pang, Yu-Yi Li, Jin-Song Yang, Ye-Sen Liang, "Effect of blackish
water irrigation and straw mulching on soil salinity and crop yields
under monsoonal climatic conditions. African Water
Management":doi:10.1016/j.agwat.2009.08.020, in "Performance of
maize under CA on salt-affected irrigated croplands in Uzbekistan,
Central Asia", Devkota, M.K., C. Martius, K.D. Sayre, O. Egomberdiev,
K.P. Devkota, R.K. Gupta, A.M. Manschadi, J.P.A. Lamers (eds),
Tropentag, 2010, Conference on International Research on Food
Security, National Resource Management and Rural Development
[15] P. De Vita, E. Di, Paolo, G. Fecondo, N. Di Fonzo, and M.Isante,
"No-tillage and conventional tillage effects on durum wheat yield, grain
quality and soil moisture content in Southern Italy", in Soil and Tillage
Research 92: pp. 69-78. In: "Performance of maize under CA on saltaffected
irrigated croplands in Uzbekistan, Central Asia", Devkota,
M.K., C. Martius, K. D. Sayre, O. Egomberdiev, K. P. Devkota, R. K.
Gupta, A. M. Manschadi, J.P.A. Lamers (eds), Tropentag, 2010,
Conference on International Research on Food Security, National
Resource Management and Rural Development
[16] R. A. Fisher, F. Santiveri, and I. R. Vidal, "Crop rotation, tillage and
crop residue management for wheat and maize in the sub-humid tropical
highlands: II. Maize and system performance", in Field Crops
Research 79(2-3), pp.123-137 in "Performance of maize under CA on
salt-affected irrigated croplands in Uzbekistan, Central Asia", Devkota,
M.K., C.Martius, K.D. Sayre, O. Egomberdiev, K.P. Devkota, R.K.
Gupta, A.M. Manschadi, J.P.A. Lamers (eds), Tropentag, 2010,
Conference on International Research on Food Security, National
Resource Management and Rural Development
[17] O. Erenstein, K. Sayre, P.C. Wall, J. Dixon, and J. Hellin, "Adapting
No - Tillage Agriculture to the condition of smallholder Maize and
Wheat Farmers in the Tropics and Sub-Tropics", 2008,
www.cultivationsudan.com :pp.253-277
[18] H. Kabama, and A. Muimba-Kankolongo, "Adoption and impact of
conservation farming on crop productivity among smallholder farmers
in Kapiri Mposhi District of Zambia", in Journal of Animal & Plant
Sciences, 2009, Vol.3, Issue 2, pp.205-214
[19] R. Derpsh, "No-tillage and Conservation Agriculture. A progress
Report". In "No-till farming systems", Goddard T., Zoebisch, M.A.,
Gen, Y.T., Ellis, W., Watson, A., Soubatpenit, S., (Eds), 2008. Special
publication No.3, World Association of Soil and Water Conservation,
Bangkok, 60-1, pp.544.
[20] Informative Sheet No.5."Conservation Agriculture, Durable Agriculture
and Soil Conservation. Agricultural Methods and Systems
nondangerous for Soil" www.soco.jtc.europa.eu,.
[21] D. Malschi Dana, A. Ivas, A. Simon, and M. Ignea, "Evolution of
Wheat pests and production performance under conservation technology
and treatments with insecticides adequate to present climate change",
in Scientific Session, INCDA Fundulea, SCDA Turda, 2011, Romania
[22] F. Chetran, "Technology Peculiarities in Winter Wheat in Conservation
Agriculture", Scientific Session, INCDA Fundulea, SCDA Turda, 2011,
Romania
[23] C. Nagy, M. Ignea, A. Simon, and V. Pacurar, "A few concerns
related to the Implementation of Conservation Agriculture in
commercial farms", Transilvanian Agriculture, No.13/2008
[24] M.A. Grigoras, and M. Ignea, "Crop and Integrated Systems
Management for obtaining high Quantitative and Qualitative
Productions", Romania, Research National Partnership Project 52-
179/2008-2011, Romania
[25] T. Rusu, and M. Ignea, "Monitoring the Impact of agriculture on global
climate change, water and soil management and carbon by conservation
systems: minimum tillage and no-tillage in the Transilvanian Plain",
Research National Partnership Project 52-114/2008, Romania
@article{"International Journal of Biological, Life and Agricultural Sciences:61523", author = "M.A.Grigoras and A.Popescu and D.Pamfil and I.Has and L.C.Cota", title = "Effect of Conservation Agriculture on Maize Yield in the Transilvanian Plain, Romania", abstract = "An experimental study is presented on the effect of
Conservation Agriculture (CA) compared to Conventional
Agriculture (ConvA) upon Maize Yield based on split-plot model.
Two factors have been considered: A Factor-Fertilization with two
variants: A1- N40P40 kg/ha and A2- N90P70 kg/ha; B Factor- Crop
protection with 4 variants : B1- 4 treatments, B2-3 treatments, B3- 2
treatments and B4- 1 treatment. In comparison with conventional
agriculture, CA determined lower maize yields. Fertilization is the
key factor determining a yield gain of 973.58 kg/ha in ConvA and
1,123.33 kg/ha in CA. A reduced number of treatments determined a
yield decline. The A-B interaction had a positive effect on maize
yield when a larger amount of fertilizer and 4 or 3 treatments were
applied in ConvA and a benefic in CA for highest fertilization level
and 2 treatments. The B2A2 ConvA variant was the most efficient
leading to 302.67 kg/ha gain while B3A2 CA variant brought 181.33
kg production gain.", keywords = "conservation agriculture, conventional agriculture,maize, yield", volume = "5", number = "6", pages = "356-6", }
