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Harun Gitari
Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Kenyatta University, Nairobi P. O. Box 43844-00100, Kenya

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Original research
Published: 30 July 2021 in Food and Energy Security
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Intercropping Moldavian balm with mung bean is an ecological approach for improving resource productivity. A field experiment was conducted over two growing seasons (2018 and 2019) to determine the effect of fertilizer application on yield and essential oil (EO) productivity of Moldavian balm intercropped with mung bean. The experiment had a two-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The first factor comprised of five cropping patterns: Moldavian balm sole crop (MBs), mung bean sole crop (MGs), one row each of Moldavian balm +mung bean (1MB:1MG), two rows each of Moldavian balm +mung bean (2MB:2MG), and three rows of Moldavian balm +two rows of mung bean (3MB:2MG). The second factor comprised four fertilizer sources: no fertilizer application (C, control), 100% chemical fertilizer (NPK), 50% chemical fertilizer +100% bacterial fertilizer (NPK+BF), and 100% bacterial fertilizer +100% mycorrhizal fungi (BF+MF). The sole crop fertilized with NPK+BF produced the highest seed yields for MG (1189 kg/ha) and MB (7027 kg/ha), while 3MB:2MG fertilized with NPK+BF had the highest nutrient contents. Moldavian balm produced the highest EO content and yield in 2MB:2MG fertilized with NPK+BF. The EO of MB mainly comprised geranyl acetate (30–39%), geranial (20–31%), neral (18–24%), and geraniol (3–8%). In addition, the 3MB:2MG intercropping treatment fertilized with NPK+BF had the highest land equivalent ratio (LER = 1.35). We recommend an intercropping ratio of 2MB:2MG fertilized with NPK+BF is recommended as an alternative and eco-friendly strategy for farmers to improve EO quantity and quality.

ACS Style

Shahin Faridvand; Esmaeil Rezaei‐Chiyaneh; Martin Leonardo Battaglia; Harun I. Gitari; Muhammad Ali Raza; Kadambot H. M. Siddique. Application of bio and chemical fertilizers improves yield, and essential oil quantity and quality of Moldavian balm ( Dracocephalum moldavica L.) intercropped with mung bean ( Vigna radiata L.). Food and Energy Security 2021, e319 .

AMA Style

Shahin Faridvand, Esmaeil Rezaei‐Chiyaneh, Martin Leonardo Battaglia, Harun I. Gitari, Muhammad Ali Raza, Kadambot H. M. Siddique. Application of bio and chemical fertilizers improves yield, and essential oil quantity and quality of Moldavian balm ( Dracocephalum moldavica L.) intercropped with mung bean ( Vigna radiata L.). Food and Energy Security. 2021; ():e319.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Shahin Faridvand; Esmaeil Rezaei‐Chiyaneh; Martin Leonardo Battaglia; Harun I. Gitari; Muhammad Ali Raza; Kadambot H. M. Siddique. 2021. "Application of bio and chemical fertilizers improves yield, and essential oil quantity and quality of Moldavian balm ( Dracocephalum moldavica L.) intercropped with mung bean ( Vigna radiata L.)." Food and Energy Security , no. : e319.

Original paper
Published: 26 July 2021 in Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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As soil acidity is a recurring constraint for Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) yield and the application method can interfere with the liming efficiency, a field experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of broadcast- and band-applied limestone rates on amelioration of soil profile chemical characteristics and coffee nutrition, growth, and yield. The experiment took place from 2015 to 2020 on a sandy clay loam Acrisol (20% clay at 0–0.2-m depth) of southeastern Brazil. It was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments comprised two limestone rates (2100 and 4200 kg ha−1), both uniformly broadcast-applied all over the area or applied as a surface band under the canopy projection of the plants, and an unamended control. Liming efficiently improved soil chemical attributes up to the depth of 0.1–0.2 m, but only slightly affected the 0.2–0.4-m layer. Band-applied limestone was more efficient in reducing the acidity and increasing the concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the soil beneath the plant canopy, while greater effects between the rows were obtained with the broadcast application. When band-applied, limestone rates higher than those currently recommended did not cause an excessive increase in soil pH or micronutrient deficiency in coffee trees and increased bean yield by 42% (589 kg ha−1). Concentrated (band) application of limestone was more efficient than its broadcast application to ameliorate the soil acidity in depth and over time beneath the plant canopy, as well as to increase plant growth and coffee yield.

ACS Style

Renan J. Parecido; Rogério P. Soratto; Marcos J. Perdoná; Harun I. Gitari; Victor Dognani; Anderson R. Santos; Lucas Silveira. Liming Method and Rate Effects on Soil Acidity and Arabica Coffee Nutrition, Growth, and Yield. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 2021, 1 -13.

AMA Style

Renan J. Parecido, Rogério P. Soratto, Marcos J. Perdoná, Harun I. Gitari, Victor Dognani, Anderson R. Santos, Lucas Silveira. Liming Method and Rate Effects on Soil Acidity and Arabica Coffee Nutrition, Growth, and Yield. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 2021; ():1-13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Renan J. Parecido; Rogério P. Soratto; Marcos J. Perdoná; Harun I. Gitari; Victor Dognani; Anderson R. Santos; Lucas Silveira. 2021. "Liming Method and Rate Effects on Soil Acidity and Arabica Coffee Nutrition, Growth, and Yield." Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition , no. : 1-13.

Original paper
Published: 21 June 2021 in Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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The study aimed at assessing the effects of maize-alfalfa intercropping with and without nitrogen fertilization on photosynthetic characteristics, photosynthetic nitrogen utilization efficiency (PNUE), and yield. A 2-year field experiment with split-plot arrangements was conducted to study the effect of different planting patterns (monocropping and intercropping) and N fertilization (N0 and N 225 kg ha−1) on the PNUE of the maize with and without N fertilization in 2018–2019. The study findings showed that intercropping under nitrogen fertilizer application increased the yield and dry biomass of the maize crop by 23% and 14% and 25% and 18%, respectively, in 2018–2019. The land equivalent ratio (LER) was > 1, indicating more efficient use of the available resources by intercrops. Furthermore, the leaf chlorophyll, photosynthetic activities, and other leaf-related traits of maize crop showed an improved efficiency in intercropping when it was practiced with N fertilization, which resulted in a better PNUE as compared to monocropping. The study suggests that intercropping under nitrogen fertilization can improve the leaf photosynthetic activities and PNUE of the maize crop, thereby improving its yield. Therefore, adopting intercropping as an agronomic practice could be crucial for the betterment of the plant, while utilizing the available resources efficiently.

ACS Style

Jamal Nasar; Waqif Khan; Muhammad Zubair Khan; Harun Ireri Gitari; Jones Feyisike Gbolayori; Abdourazak Alio Moussa; Ajmal Mandozai; Nabeel Rizwan; Gulaqa Anwari; Sami Muhammad Maroof. Photosynthetic Activities and Photosynthetic Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Maize Crop Under Different Planting Patterns and Nitrogen Fertilization. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 2021, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Jamal Nasar, Waqif Khan, Muhammad Zubair Khan, Harun Ireri Gitari, Jones Feyisike Gbolayori, Abdourazak Alio Moussa, Ajmal Mandozai, Nabeel Rizwan, Gulaqa Anwari, Sami Muhammad Maroof. Photosynthetic Activities and Photosynthetic Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Maize Crop Under Different Planting Patterns and Nitrogen Fertilization. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 2021; ():1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jamal Nasar; Waqif Khan; Muhammad Zubair Khan; Harun Ireri Gitari; Jones Feyisike Gbolayori; Abdourazak Alio Moussa; Ajmal Mandozai; Nabeel Rizwan; Gulaqa Anwari; Sami Muhammad Maroof. 2021. "Photosynthetic Activities and Photosynthetic Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Maize Crop Under Different Planting Patterns and Nitrogen Fertilization." Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition , no. : 1-11.

Article
Published: 14 May 2021 in Agronomy Journal
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Soil acidity and low concentrations of exchangeable Ca and Mg are among the main factors that limit the Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) yield in Brazil. Constant fertilizations, especially with ammonium‐based N, contribute to acidification in the soil region where they are applied. Coffee producers wonder if limestone and phosphogypsum, isolated or combined, can increase coffee yields. A field experiment was conducted from 2015 to 2020 in southeastern Brazil to evaluate the effect of sole application of limestone and phosphogypsum, or their combined application to young coffee trees (2 years old), on plant nutrition, yield, and profitability of Arabica coffee crop. Treatments included three limestone rates (0, 2100, and 4200 kg ha−1), two phosphogypsum rates (0 and 2300 kg ha−1), and their combinations, which were band applied under coffee plant canopy. Limestone, in association with phophogypsum or when sole‐applied, increased the pH and the concentration of Ca and Mg in the soil, whereas the application of phosphogypsum increased Ca and SO4‐S concentration. Coffee yields were increased by the sole application of limestone and phosphogypsum (to a lesser extent), but not when they were combined. The most successful treatment was the sole application of limestone, with increases of up to 44% (613 kg ha−1 yr−1 on average) in yield and 43% in economic returns. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

ACS Style

Renan J. Parecido; Rogério P. Soratto; Marcos J. Perdoná; Fernando V. C. Guidorizzi; Guilherme G. Gomes; Rodrigo A. Paula; Harun I. Gitari. Limestone increased coffee yield and profitability more than phosphogypsum or their combination. Agronomy Journal 2021, 113, 3586 -3599.

AMA Style

Renan J. Parecido, Rogério P. Soratto, Marcos J. Perdoná, Fernando V. C. Guidorizzi, Guilherme G. Gomes, Rodrigo A. Paula, Harun I. Gitari. Limestone increased coffee yield and profitability more than phosphogypsum or their combination. Agronomy Journal. 2021; 113 (4):3586-3599.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Renan J. Parecido; Rogério P. Soratto; Marcos J. Perdoná; Fernando V. C. Guidorizzi; Guilherme G. Gomes; Rodrigo A. Paula; Harun I. Gitari. 2021. "Limestone increased coffee yield and profitability more than phosphogypsum or their combination." Agronomy Journal 113, no. 4: 3586-3599.

Original paper
Published: 11 May 2021 in Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of nitrogen (N) forms: ammonium, nitrate, and urea on maize performance, N uptake and use efficiency, and the grain protein content. The experiment was laid out as a split-plot with the whole plot factor being the three fertilizer treatments and the subplot being four N levels (0, 25, 50, and 100 kg N ha−1) with three replicates. Plant tissues were analyzed for total N uptake. Grain and stover yields and grain protein were determined at maturity. The highest (62 cm) plant height (at the vegetative stage) was recorded in nitrate treatment. Grain yield was highest (2.9 t ha−1) in plots that received nitrate. Fertilization with nitrate enhanced grain protein more (11.6%) than when urea or ammonium was used. N uptake was highest (42 kg N ha−1) under ammonium treatment, intermediate (22 kg N ha−1) in those treated with nitrate, and lowest (21 kg N ha−1) in urea-receiving plots. Application of 25 kg N ha−1 resulted in the least N uptake efficiency with optimal values registered at 50 kg N ha−1. Agronomic N use efficiency differed among the rates with values ranging from 44 to 183 t ha−1 per N kg ha−1 applied in the order of 25 < 50 < 100 kg N ha−1. This study showed that for optimal growth, productivity, and nutritional benefits, maize ought to be grown using nitrate N form at the rate of 50 kg N ha−1.

ACS Style

Isaiah O. Ochieng’; Harun I. Gitari; Benson Mochoge; Esmaeil Rezaei-Chiyaneh; Joseph P. Gweyi-Onyango. Optimizing Maize Yield, Nitrogen Efficacy and Grain Protein Content under Different N Forms and Rates. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 2021, 1 -14.

AMA Style

Isaiah O. Ochieng’, Harun I. Gitari, Benson Mochoge, Esmaeil Rezaei-Chiyaneh, Joseph P. Gweyi-Onyango. Optimizing Maize Yield, Nitrogen Efficacy and Grain Protein Content under Different N Forms and Rates. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 2021; ():1-14.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Isaiah O. Ochieng’; Harun I. Gitari; Benson Mochoge; Esmaeil Rezaei-Chiyaneh; Joseph P. Gweyi-Onyango. 2021. "Optimizing Maize Yield, Nitrogen Efficacy and Grain Protein Content under Different N Forms and Rates." Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition , no. : 1-14.

Note
Published: 10 May 2021 in Bioremediation Journal
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Using silicon (Si) can reduce heavy metal stress in plants, which have been grown in soil contaminated with cadmium (Cd). This study aimed at evaluating the influence of Si on Cd uptake, mobility, and compartmentation in leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, and amaranths. The study was conducted in both greenhouse and field experiments, which included four treatments: Cd, Cd + Si, Si, and control. Data were collected on root, stem, and leaves Cd concentration, transfer index (TI), translocation factor (TF), and Cd uptake by leafy vegetables. The Cd concentration was higher in roots than in stems and leaves in all the treatments whereas its TI and TF were less than one with spinach having the highest TF. Generally, Cd transfer was highest in roots and least in leaves in all treatments and it increased with age of the vegetables. Spiking the soils with Cd in the greenhouse resulted in higher Cd concentration in leafy vegetable tissues than in the field experiment. With application of Si, there was a significant reduction in the concentration of Cd in plant tissues of between 20 and 40%, which further resulted in strong and positive relationships between the Cd concentration in the soil and plant tissues. Therefore, the study recommends against the production of leafy vegetables in Cd contaminated soils for human consumption. Nonetheless, under unavoidable circumstances, we recommend application of Si to alleviate the transfer of Cd to edible tissues of leafy vegetables.

ACS Style

Moses M. Ngugi; Harun I. Gitari; Catherine Muii; Joseph P. Gweyi-Onyango. Cadmium mobility, uptake, and accumulation in spinach, kale, and amaranths vegetables as influenced by silicon fertilization. Bioremediation Journal 2021, 1 -13.

AMA Style

Moses M. Ngugi, Harun I. Gitari, Catherine Muii, Joseph P. Gweyi-Onyango. Cadmium mobility, uptake, and accumulation in spinach, kale, and amaranths vegetables as influenced by silicon fertilization. Bioremediation Journal. 2021; ():1-13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Moses M. Ngugi; Harun I. Gitari; Catherine Muii; Joseph P. Gweyi-Onyango. 2021. "Cadmium mobility, uptake, and accumulation in spinach, kale, and amaranths vegetables as influenced by silicon fertilization." Bioremediation Journal , no. : 1-13.

Journal article
Published: 08 May 2021 in Journal of Cleaner Production
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Intercropping improves crop productivity in dryland farms, but little information is available on its application to irrigated land. Therefore, a three-year field trial was conducted to compare two maize-soybean strip-intercropping planting patterns (two-rows of maize intercropped with two-rows of soybean [2M2S] or -three rows of soybean [2M3S]) were studied with sole maize (SM) and sole soybean (SS) systems. Our results showed that wider-strips of soybean grown as 2M3S had significantly higher leaf area index (LAI; 19%), total dry matter accumulation (TDM; 15%), and grain yield (21%) than the narrower 2M2S strips; this is likely related to the reduced effects of maize shading on soybean. Slightly decreased LAI (4%), TDM (8%), and grain yield (5%) of maize were found in 2M3S. On average, intercropped maize and soybean produced 80% and 52% in 2M2S and 76% and 63% in 2M3S compared to SM and SS yields, respectively, demonstrating the dominance of maize over soybean when intercropped. Similarly, maize was a stronger competitor for water than soybean, with partial water equivalent ratio of 0.81 in 2M2S and 0.78 in 2M3S, while that of soybean was 0.54 in 2M2S and 0.66 in 2M3S. In the intercropping systems, the land equivalent ratio ranged from 1.31 to 1.45, and the water equivalent ratio ranged from 1.32 to 1.49, exhibiting that maize-soybean strip-intercropping is a productive strategy to maximize water use efficiency. The results suggest that the maize-soybean strip-intercropping system may be a productive and sustainable strategy to improve the water use efficiency and land productivity under irrigated conditions. This strategy could benefit agriculture with cleaner, and more efficient production under a global scenario of constrained land and water resources. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of intercropping systems in various growing conditions.

ACS Style

Muhammad Ali Raza; Hina Gul; Jun Wang; Hassan Shehryar Yasin; Ruijun Qin; Muhammad Hayder Bin Khalid; Muhammd Naeem; Ling Yang Feng; Nasir Iqbal; Harun Gitari; Shakeel Ahmad; Martin Battaglia; Muhammad Ansar; Feng Yang; Wenyu Yang. Land productivity and water use efficiency of maize-soybean strip intercropping systems in semi-arid areas: A case study in Punjab Province, Pakistan. Journal of Cleaner Production 2021, 308, 127282 .

AMA Style

Muhammad Ali Raza, Hina Gul, Jun Wang, Hassan Shehryar Yasin, Ruijun Qin, Muhammad Hayder Bin Khalid, Muhammd Naeem, Ling Yang Feng, Nasir Iqbal, Harun Gitari, Shakeel Ahmad, Martin Battaglia, Muhammad Ansar, Feng Yang, Wenyu Yang. Land productivity and water use efficiency of maize-soybean strip intercropping systems in semi-arid areas: A case study in Punjab Province, Pakistan. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2021; 308 ():127282.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Muhammad Ali Raza; Hina Gul; Jun Wang; Hassan Shehryar Yasin; Ruijun Qin; Muhammad Hayder Bin Khalid; Muhammd Naeem; Ling Yang Feng; Nasir Iqbal; Harun Gitari; Shakeel Ahmad; Martin Battaglia; Muhammad Ansar; Feng Yang; Wenyu Yang. 2021. "Land productivity and water use efficiency of maize-soybean strip intercropping systems in semi-arid areas: A case study in Punjab Province, Pakistan." Journal of Cleaner Production 308, no. : 127282.

Review
Published: 14 February 2021 in Agronomy
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Intensive agriculture is based on the use of high-energy inputs and quality planting materials with assured irrigation, but it has failed to assure agricultural sustainability because of creation of ecological imbalance and degradation of natural resources. On the other hand, intercropping systems, also known as mixed cropping or polyculture, a traditional farming practice with diversified crop cultivation, uses comparatively low inputs and improves the quality of the agro-ecosystem. Intensification of crops can be done spatially and temporally by the adoption of the intercropping system targeting future need. Intercropping ensures multiple benefits like enhancement of yield, environmental security, production sustainability and greater ecosystem services. In intercropping, two or more crop species are grown concurrently as they coexist for a significant part of the crop cycle and interact among themselves and agro-ecosystems. Legumes as component crops in the intercropping system play versatile roles like biological N fixation and soil quality improvement, additional yield output including protein yield, and creation of functional diversity. But growing two or more crops together requires additional care and management for the creation of less competition among the crop species and efficient utilization of natural resources. Research evidence showed beneficial impacts of a properly managed intercropping system in terms of resource utilization and combined yield of crops grown with low-input use. The review highlights the principles and management of an intercropping system and its benefits and usefulness as a low-input agriculture for food and environmental security.

ACS Style

Sagar Maitra; Akbar Hossain; Marian Brestic; Milan Skalicky; Peter Ondrisik; Harun Gitari; Koushik Brahmachari; Tanmoy Shankar; Preetha Bhadra; Jnana Bharati Palai; Jagadish Jena; Urjashi Bhattacharya; Sarath Kumar Duvvada; Sagar Lalichetti; Masina Sairam. Intercropping—A Low Input Agricultural Strategy for Food and Environmental Security. Agronomy 2021, 11, 343 .

AMA Style

Sagar Maitra, Akbar Hossain, Marian Brestic, Milan Skalicky, Peter Ondrisik, Harun Gitari, Koushik Brahmachari, Tanmoy Shankar, Preetha Bhadra, Jnana Bharati Palai, Jagadish Jena, Urjashi Bhattacharya, Sarath Kumar Duvvada, Sagar Lalichetti, Masina Sairam. Intercropping—A Low Input Agricultural Strategy for Food and Environmental Security. Agronomy. 2021; 11 (2):343.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sagar Maitra; Akbar Hossain; Marian Brestic; Milan Skalicky; Peter Ondrisik; Harun Gitari; Koushik Brahmachari; Tanmoy Shankar; Preetha Bhadra; Jnana Bharati Palai; Jagadish Jena; Urjashi Bhattacharya; Sarath Kumar Duvvada; Sagar Lalichetti; Masina Sairam. 2021. "Intercropping—A Low Input Agricultural Strategy for Food and Environmental Security." Agronomy 11, no. 2: 343.

Soil and crop sciences
Published: 01 January 2021 in Cogent Food & Agriculture
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Low nutrients have been reported in potato-growing areas of Kenya, prompting a need for nutrient management research. A study was designed to determine the effect of omitting nutrients on potato growth, yield and harvest index. On-farm nutrient omission trials were set during the long rains (LR) and short rains (SR) of 2016 in which the treatments involve the judicious omission of N, P, K, S and B. Additional two treatments were included with one receiving all the nutrients and a control where no nutrients were added. The treatment was laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Potato yields reduced by 6.6 and 11.2 t ha−1 in N-omitted treatments in LR and SR, respectively, when compared to the one receiving all the nutrients, while omitting P resulted in respective yield reductions of 3.8 and 2.0 t ha−1. Stability analysis revealed that omission of N was more stable with a regression coefficient of 0.5; it was followed by P with a value of 1. Potassium, S and B were limiting nutrients only in some farms. N and P should continue to be included in potato nutrient management, while K, S and B should be added based on soil test.

ACS Style

James N. Mugo; Nancy N. Karanja; Charles K. Gachene; Klaus Dittert; Harun I. Gitari; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Response of potato crop to selected nutrients in central and eastern highlands of Kenya. Cogent Food & Agriculture 2021, 7, 1 .

AMA Style

James N. Mugo, Nancy N. Karanja, Charles K. Gachene, Klaus Dittert, Harun I. Gitari, Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Response of potato crop to selected nutrients in central and eastern highlands of Kenya. Cogent Food & Agriculture. 2021; 7 (1):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

James N. Mugo; Nancy N. Karanja; Charles K. Gachene; Klaus Dittert; Harun I. Gitari; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. 2021. "Response of potato crop to selected nutrients in central and eastern highlands of Kenya." Cogent Food & Agriculture 7, no. 1: 1.

Journal article
Published: 13 November 2020 in Plants
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Heavy metal stress is a leading environmental issue reducing crop growth and productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid agro-ecological zones. Cadmium (Cd), a non-redox heavy metal, can indirectly increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing cell death. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of Cd (0, 5, 25, 50, 100 µM) on physiological and biochemical parameters in two sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) cultivars: JS-2002 and Chakwal Sorghum. The results showed that various concentrations of Cd significantly increased the Cd uptake in both cultivars; however, the uptake was higher in JS-2002 compared to Chakwal Sorghum in leaf, stem and root. Regardless of the cultivars, there was a higher accumulation of the Cd in roots than in shoots. The Cd stress significantly reduced the growth and increased the electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both cultivars, but the Chakwal Sorghum showed more pronounced oxidative damage than the JS-2002, as reflected by higher H2O2, MDA and EL. Moreover, Cd stress, particularly 50 µM and 100 µM, decreased the activity of different antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). However, the JS-2002 exhibited higher SOD, POD and CAT activities than the Chakwal Sorghum under different Cd-levels. These findings revealed that JS-2002 had a stronger Cd enrichment capacity and also exhibited a better tolerance to Cd stress due to its efficient antioxidant defense system than Chakwal Sorghum. The present study provides the available information about Cd enrichment and tolerance in S. bicolor, which is used as an important agricultural crop for livestock feed in arid and semi-arid regions.

ACS Style

Muhammad Jawad Hassan; Muhammad Ali Raza; Sana Ur Rehman; Muhammad Ansar; Harun Gitari; Imran Khan; Muhammad Wajid; Mukhtar Ahmed; Ghulam Abbas Shah; Yan Peng; Zhou Li. Effect of Cadmium Toxicity on Growth, Oxidative Damage, Antioxidant Defense System and Cadmium Accumulation in Two Sorghum Cultivars. Plants 2020, 9, 1575 .

AMA Style

Muhammad Jawad Hassan, Muhammad Ali Raza, Sana Ur Rehman, Muhammad Ansar, Harun Gitari, Imran Khan, Muhammad Wajid, Mukhtar Ahmed, Ghulam Abbas Shah, Yan Peng, Zhou Li. Effect of Cadmium Toxicity on Growth, Oxidative Damage, Antioxidant Defense System and Cadmium Accumulation in Two Sorghum Cultivars. Plants. 2020; 9 (11):1575.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Muhammad Jawad Hassan; Muhammad Ali Raza; Sana Ur Rehman; Muhammad Ansar; Harun Gitari; Imran Khan; Muhammad Wajid; Mukhtar Ahmed; Ghulam Abbas Shah; Yan Peng; Zhou Li. 2020. "Effect of Cadmium Toxicity on Growth, Oxidative Damage, Antioxidant Defense System and Cadmium Accumulation in Two Sorghum Cultivars." Plants 9, no. 11: 1575.

Journal article
Published: 23 September 2020 in Field Crops Research
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Intercropping is gaining popularity in developing countries as a viable strategy for diversifying cropping systems to ease food insecurity, given that arable land is shrinking, and demand for food crops is increasing due to rapid population growth. A field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2016, to examine the biological and economic viability of two intercropping systems (potato-dolichos and potato-bean planted in two potatoes to legume population density ratios: 1.1:2 and 1: 2.4) and their corresponding pure stands. Intercropping systems were also evaluated based on five competition indices: relative crowding coefficient (K), aggressivity (A), competitive ratio (CR), intercropping advantage (IA) and actual yield loss (AYL). Although biological feasibility revealed that intercropping decreased the yield of intercrops compared with respective monocultures; the economic assessment of different cropping systems indicated that intercropping resulted in a higher remuneration (gross and net income) than pure stands. Intercropping potato with a high population of legume (in 1: 2.4 patterns), resulted in not only higher system productivity but also potato equivalent yield compared to 1.1:2. Intercropping proved to be advantageous with AYL decreasing with increasing proportion of the legumes, whereas IA increased as the population of legumes increased. With regard to competition between the intercrops, the potato was more aggressive (A of potato was positive, and its CR > 1) in all cropping systems, and it dominated over legume (that had negative A values and CR < 1). Aggressivity and dominance capacity was higher in 1: 2.4 than 1.1:2 series. These results suggest that potato-legume intercropping may provide viable intensification options, especially for smallholder farmers.

ACS Style

Harun I. Gitari; Shadrack O. Nyawade; Solomon Kamau; Nancy N. Karanja; Charles K.K. Gachene; Muhammad A. Raza; Sagar Maitra; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Revisiting intercropping indices with respect to potato-legume intercropping systems. Field Crops Research 2020, 258, 107957 .

AMA Style

Harun I. Gitari, Shadrack O. Nyawade, Solomon Kamau, Nancy N. Karanja, Charles K.K. Gachene, Muhammad A. Raza, Sagar Maitra, Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Revisiting intercropping indices with respect to potato-legume intercropping systems. Field Crops Research. 2020; 258 ():107957.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Harun I. Gitari; Shadrack O. Nyawade; Solomon Kamau; Nancy N. Karanja; Charles K.K. Gachene; Muhammad A. Raza; Sagar Maitra; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. 2020. "Revisiting intercropping indices with respect to potato-legume intercropping systems." Field Crops Research 258, no. : 107957.

Articles
Published: 18 December 2019 in Journal of Plant Nutrition
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Phosphorus (P) is an essential element and its efficient use is of global importance. This study evaluated the effect of growing potato under legume intercrops on P uptake and use efficiency indices: P harvest index (PHI), P uptake efficiency (PuPE), P partial factor productivity (PPFP) and P partial balance (PPB). The experiment was carried out for four consecutive seasons with treatments comprising potato cultivated under legume intercrops: none (T1), dolichos (Lablab purpureus L) (T2), peas (Pisum sativum L) (T3) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) (T4). Across the seasons, the mean haulm P uptake for T2 (6.7 kg P ha−1), T4 (5.5) and T3 (4.5) were 6%, 23% and 36% lower than that observed in T1 (7.1 kg P ha−1), respectively. On the other hand, tuber P uptake was highest in T1 (21.8 kg P ha−1) and T2 (21.3 kg P ha−1) and were significantly higher than 13.2 kg P ha−1 in T3 and 15.1 kg P ha−1 in T4. This had a profound effect on PuPE, which was equally highest in T1 (0.26 kg total P uptake kg−1 P supply) and T2 (0.25) and lowest in T3 (0.16) and T4 (0.18). Similarly, PPFP, PHI and PPB followed a similar trend, with highest values in T1 (57 kg tuber dry matter yield kg−1 P supply, 76.4 kg tuber P uptake kg−1 total plant’s P uptake and 0.20 kg tuber P uptake kg−1 P supply, respectively). Among the tested legume intercrops, dolichos competed least for P with the main crop (potato) hence it can be integrated into potato-based cropping systems without compromising potato tuber yield.

ACS Style

Harun I. Gitari; Nyawade Shadrack; Solomon Kamau; Nancy N. Karanja; Charles K. K. Gachene; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Agronomic assessment of phosphorus efficacy for potato (Solanum tuberosum L) under legume intercrops. Journal of Plant Nutrition 2019, 43, 864 -878.

AMA Style

Harun I. Gitari, Nyawade Shadrack, Solomon Kamau, Nancy N. Karanja, Charles K. K. Gachene, Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Agronomic assessment of phosphorus efficacy for potato (Solanum tuberosum L) under legume intercrops. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 2019; 43 (6):864-878.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Harun I. Gitari; Nyawade Shadrack; Solomon Kamau; Nancy N. Karanja; Charles K. K. Gachene; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. 2019. "Agronomic assessment of phosphorus efficacy for potato (Solanum tuberosum L) under legume intercrops." Journal of Plant Nutrition 43, no. 6: 864-878.

Journal article
Published: 18 November 2019 in Open Agriculture
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In order to enhance sustainable intensification of potato-based cropping systems, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a need to investigate the economic viability of investing in this lucrative venture. This study evaluated the economic returns under legume intercropping systems using value/cost ratio (VCR) and benefit/cost ratio (BCR) under treatments comprising of potato intercropped with dolichos (Lablab purpureus L.) (P-D), climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (P-B) and garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) (P-G), and a potato pure stand control (P-S). Across the seasons, tuber yield was not significantly (p < 0.05) affected by intercropping with P-D, whereas under P-B and P-G, it decreased by 19% and 16%, respectively compared to P-S. P-G, P-B and P-D recorded 6, 7 and 12% higher potato equivalent yield (PEY) relative to P-S. P-D was the most profitable intercropping system with VCR of 35 and BCR of 5.1 as compared to values recorded in P-S of 31 and 5, respectively. Regression of VCR against PEY resulted in a stronger coefficient (0.98) compared to that of BCR against PEY (0.82) implying that VCR is a simple tool that could be adopted for economic returns to investment studies such as potato-legume inter-cropping systems.

ACS Style

Harun I Gitari; Shadrack O Nyawade; Solomon Kamau; Charles K. K Gachene; Nancy N Karanja; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Increasing potato equivalent yield increases returns to investment under potato-legume intercropping systems. Open Agriculture 2019, 4, 623 -629.

AMA Style

Harun I Gitari, Shadrack O Nyawade, Solomon Kamau, Charles K. K Gachene, Nancy N Karanja, Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Increasing potato equivalent yield increases returns to investment under potato-legume intercropping systems. Open Agriculture. 2019; 4 (1):623-629.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Harun I Gitari; Shadrack O Nyawade; Solomon Kamau; Charles K. K Gachene; Nancy N Karanja; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. 2019. "Increasing potato equivalent yield increases returns to investment under potato-legume intercropping systems." Open Agriculture 4, no. 1: 623-629.

Regular article
Published: 23 March 2019 in Plant and Soil
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To assess the effects of potato-legume intercropping on selected soil physical and chemical properties after four consecutive growing seasons (from the short rains in 2014 to long rains 2016). The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with four replicates. The treatments were potato-dolichos (PD); potato-garden pea (PG); potato-bean (PB) intercropping systems, and a pure stand of potato (PS). After every harvest, crop residues were ploughed back and selected soil physico-chemical properties were assessed after two years of cultivation. Potato-legume intercropping resulted in a significant increase down the slope for clay and silt under PS, PG and PB whereas, an opposite observation was made for sand and bulk density. Nonetheless, under PD, slope position had no significant effect on soil physical properties. In all cropping systems, a significant increase was observed down the slope for pH and cation exchange capacity. Similar observations were made for phosphorous, nitrogen and organic carbon under all the cropping systems except PD. This study has established PD as a viable intercropping system, which could be adopted by farmers for improved soil fertility.

ACS Style

Harun I. Gitari; Charles K. K. Gachene; Nancy N. Karanja; Solomon Kamau; Shadrack Nyawade; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Potato-legume intercropping on a sloping terrain and its effects on soil physico-chemical properties. Plant and Soil 2019, 438, 447 -460.

AMA Style

Harun I. Gitari, Charles K. K. Gachene, Nancy N. Karanja, Solomon Kamau, Shadrack Nyawade, Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Potato-legume intercropping on a sloping terrain and its effects on soil physico-chemical properties. Plant and Soil. 2019; 438 (1-2):447-460.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Harun I. Gitari; Charles K. K. Gachene; Nancy N. Karanja; Solomon Kamau; Shadrack Nyawade; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. 2019. "Potato-legume intercropping on a sloping terrain and its effects on soil physico-chemical properties." Plant and Soil 438, no. 1-2: 447-460.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2018 in Agricultural Water Management
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Harun I. Gitari; Charles K.K. Gachene; Nancy N. Karanja; Solomon Kamau; Shadrack Nyawade; Kalpana Sharma; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Optimizing yield and economic returns of rain-fed potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) through water conservation under potato-legume intercropping systems. Agricultural Water Management 2018, 208, 59 -66.

AMA Style

Harun I. Gitari, Charles K.K. Gachene, Nancy N. Karanja, Solomon Kamau, Shadrack Nyawade, Kalpana Sharma, Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Optimizing yield and economic returns of rain-fed potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) through water conservation under potato-legume intercropping systems. Agricultural Water Management. 2018; 208 ():59-66.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Harun I. Gitari; Charles K.K. Gachene; Nancy N. Karanja; Solomon Kamau; Shadrack Nyawade; Kalpana Sharma; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. 2018. "Optimizing yield and economic returns of rain-fed potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) through water conservation under potato-legume intercropping systems." Agricultural Water Management 208, no. : 59-66.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2018 in Field Crops Research
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ACS Style

Harun I. Gitari; Nancy N. Karanja; Charles K.K. Gachene; Solomon Kamau; Kalpana Sharma; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Nitrogen and phosphorous uptake by potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and their use efficiency under potato-legume intercropping systems. Field Crops Research 2018, 222, 78 -84.

AMA Style

Harun I. Gitari, Nancy N. Karanja, Charles K.K. Gachene, Solomon Kamau, Kalpana Sharma, Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. Nitrogen and phosphorous uptake by potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and their use efficiency under potato-legume intercropping systems. Field Crops Research. 2018; 222 ():78-84.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Harun I. Gitari; Nancy N. Karanja; Charles K.K. Gachene; Solomon Kamau; Kalpana Sharma; Elmar Schulte-Geldermann. 2018. "Nitrogen and phosphorous uptake by potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and their use efficiency under potato-legume intercropping systems." Field Crops Research 222, no. : 78-84.