Doctoral Degrees (Agronomy)

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Biomass production, yield and quality response of spring wheat to soil tillage, crop rotation and nitrogen fertilisation in the Swartland wheat producing area of South Africa
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2003-03) Maali, Safiah Hasan; Agenbag, G. A.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Agronomy.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A long term experiment was conducted at the Langgewens Experimental Farm, near Malmesbury in the Western Cape province of the Republic of South Africa. The effect of soil tillage, crop rotation and nitrogen fertiliser rates on mineral-N levels in the soil, nitrogen levels in plants, wheat growth and yield components, grain yield as well as quality parameters of spring wheat were determined. Although the tillage treatments tested were initiated in 1976, present crop rotations and nitrogen application rates were only applied since 1990. Most of the data that are discussed however was recorded during the 1997 to 2001 period. The trial was designed as a randomised complete block with a split-plot arrangement and four replicates. Main plots were tillage methods namely conventional tillage (CT), tine tillage (TT), minimum tillage (MT) and no tillage (NT). Crop rotations used were continuous wheat (WW) and wheatl lupin/wheat/canola (WLWC). Both soil and crop data were recorded. The results of this study showed the differences in total mineral-N content of the soil. N-contents of wheat, wheat growth and yield components as well as wheat quality parameters were found between tillage treatments, crop rotations used as well as N- fertiliser rates applied. Response however, varied largely between years due to annual variation in especially total precipitation and distribution of rainfall. The inclusion of a legume crop (lupin) and canola in the rotation with wheat was found to have only a small effect probably due to the fact that lupins were grown once in a four year cycle only. Application of different nitrogen rates did increase the mineral-N in the soil, but the effect did not last very long in most years due to either N-leaching or plant uptake. To ensure sufficient mineral-N levels, late application of N-fertiliser will therefore be needed. Minimum tillage or reduced tillage performs better than conventional tillage in low rainfall years. In general these tillage systems should be combined with crop rotation to ensure that yields are comparable to that obtained with conventional tillage.
The effect of nitrogen and sulphur on the nutrient use efficiency, yield and quality of canola (Brassica napus L.) grown in the Western Cape
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Ngezimana, Wonder; Agenbag, G. A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Agronomy.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is an increasing demand for canola (Brassica napus L.), an emerging oilseed crop in South Africa. Canola thrives in the Western Cape. However, yet low yields are still obtained within the production areas with poor and or variable responses to nitrogen applications. Crop nutrition and specifically the contribution of sulphur (S) to nitrogen (N) use and selection of nutrient efficient genotypes can be strategies of considerable significance in increasing yields. This study investigated growth, yield and quality responses of canola to different N (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1) and S (0, 15 and 30 kg S ha-1) fertilisation rates in field trials at different localities, during the 2009-2011 period. Responses to N and S under optimum growing conditions and responses of different cultivars were investigated in unison in glasshouse trials at the Department of Agronomy of the University of Stellenbosch. Locality and growing season (year) significantly affected nutrient content in plants at flowering (90 days after planting), dry mass production as well as yield and quality of canola in field trials at five different localities during the 2009-2011 period. Growth and yield were also affected by N application rate in both field and glasshouse trials. Sulphur applications did not have an effect on vegetative growth, but rather stimulated flower and pod production in glasshouse trials and resulted in higher grain yields in field trials. Response depends largely on rainfall and S content of the soil. Highest yields were, on average, obtained with application rates of 120 kg N and 30 kg S ha-1, while glasshouse trials showed that even higher rates may be considered under optimum growing conditions. High application rates of N and S also improved water use efficiency from approximately 4-5 kg grain yield to about 8-9 kg grain yield mm-1 of rain during the growing season. Agronomic efficiencies of applied N decreases with increasing N rates and values of about 8 kg grain yield increase per kg of N applied at N rates of 120 kg N ha-1 indicated that high N rates may improve profit margins of canola as long as the cost of N is not more than eight times the producers price of canola. Agronomic efficiencies of N applications are improved if 15 kg S ha-1 is applied complimented with high rainfall, but not with applications of 30 kg S ha-1. Improved agronomic efficiencies of S applications shown at higher N rates, confirmed the dependency of S responses to sufficient availability of nitrogen. Sulphur applications, in contrast to N, resulted in an increase in oil content of the grain in field trials. Yield responses of different cultivars to nitrogen fertilisation under glasshouse conditions differed, with better responses obtained within short and medium season cultivars, than with a late maturing (long season cultivar), in spite of a better vegetative (dry mass) response of the later maturing cultivar. These results may indicate differences in the growth habit of different cultivars, but more research in this regard is needed.
The evaluation and management of different grasses and legumes as potential cover crops in the vineyards of South Africa
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-03) Fourie, J.C.; Agenbag, G. A.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Agronomy.
A selection of species suitable for cover crop management in the different wine grape regions is required to enable more producers to apply this environment friendly practice in a sustainable manner as part of an integrated production strategy. The correct management practice(s) to be applied to these species over both the short and long term in a cooler and warmer wine grape region needed clarification. The effect of seeding date on the dry matter production (DMP) and weed control efficacy of seven grasses and sixteen legumes, as well as varieties of three of these species, was determined during 1991 and 1992. The decomposition rate of the mulches was determined. In the cooler climate of Stellenbosch (33o55'S, 18o52'E), the Medicago species, subterranean clovers, pink Seradella and three Vicia species did not compete effectively with the winter weeds if the weekly precipitation from mid-March to mid-May (autumn) exceeded 18 mm. The two oat species, as well as rye and triticale produced more than five t/ha of dry matter if the precipitation exceeded 18 mm per week. The DMP of the above-mentioned species indicated that these species could be considered for cover crop management in Lutzville (31o35'S, 18o52'E), if full surface irrigation of 18 mm per week could be applied for 10 weeks directly after sowing, followed by 18 mm fortnightly. Seeding date had a significant effect on DMP in both regions. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.85, p ≤ 0.0001) existed between the decomposition rate of the mulches and the initial amount of dry matter present on the soil surface.
Irrigation scheduling of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) grown hydroponically in coir
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-12) Van der Westhuizen, Rykie Jacoba; Agenbag, G. A.; Van Rensburg, L. D.; Deckers, Ir. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Agronomy.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of capacitance water sensors for the scheduling of irrigation for hydroponic tomato and cucumber crops grown in coir was investigated in a series of laboratory and glasshouse experiments in the Free State province of South Africa. Laboratory experiments in a climate controlled chamber were conducted to accurately calibrate ECH2O capacitance sensors, models EC-10 and EC-20, in coir with an improved calibration procedure. Water content predictions by the coir-specific calibration and manufacturer’s calibration equations were compared to actual water content measured from mass loss of the coir sample. The manufacturer’s calibration equation indicated a poor accuracy of prediction, which mostly underestimated the volumetric water content, compared to the near perfect prediction of the coir-specific calibration of individual sensors. A rapid calibration procedure for EC-10 and EC-20 sensors was proposed to reduce the calibration time of the sensors and promote their commercial use for irrigation management in coir. The accuracy of prediction by the rapid calibration procedure for the plant available water content range was high for both EC-10 and EC-20 sensors and allowed for the compensation for variation between sensors. Glasshouse studies aimed to characterise the water retention and ability of coir to supply water to greenhouse tomato and cucumber crops through the continuous monitoring of medium water content in small and large growing bags with the EC-10 and EC-20 capacitance sensors during a drying cycle, compared to well-watered plants. Stages of crop water stress were identified and, based only on the plant’s response to the drying cycle, it was suggested that water depletion can be allowed to the point of mild water stress for both greenhouse tomato and cucumber crops, which can be detected by soil water sensors. In a second series of glasshouse experiments, the identified stages of crop water stress were used to determine and apply depletion levels in coir and compare this irrigation strategy to a well-watered treatment for greenhouse cucumber and tomato plants, with regard to the water balance components, yield and water use efficiency for different bag sizes. Results indicated that irrigation was successfully managed to the pre-determined water depletion levels for cucumber and tomato plants in coir, through the use of in situ calibrated capacitance sensors. For both crops the depletion of water varied between bag sizes, indicating that various bag sizes require different irrigation management strategies. Scheduling to the highest pre-determined by 124 L m-2 in the small and 240 L m-2 in the large bags for cucumbers and 427 L m-2 in the small and 487 L m-2 in the large bags for tomato plants, compared to the well-watered treatments. Yields achieved by the greenhouse tomato plants in the large growing bags and cucumber plants in the small and large bags were maintained or improved when scheduled to the highest depletion level (approximately 60% available water content) compared to the well-watered treatment. The combination of reduced irrigation and improved or maintained yields resulted in improved water use efficiencies (based on irrigation and transpiration) for the highest depletion level compared to the well-watered treatments. In all glasshouse experiments the well-watered treatment resulted in luxury water use by the plants. Finally, a study was conducted in order to compare crop water stress of greenhouse cucumber and tomato plants under luxury water supply and cyclic water deficit conditions. The comparison was based on the transpiration ratio and yield, while the use of capacitance sensors was evaluated for irrigation scheduling in coir for both crops. Transpiration data indicated that cucumber and tomato plants subjected to luxury water supply experience water stress earlier than plants subjected to cyclic water deficit conditions, irrespective of bag size. Results also indicated that irrigation scheduling according to water depletion levels in small bags is not yet recommended for greenhouse tomato and cucumber plants grown in coir, until further research is conducted. Scheduling to water depletion levels in large bags is, however, justified by the improved or maintained yields of the greenhouse cucumber and tomato plants. The estimated depletion levels for large bags beyond which yield are reduced was at 85% for tomatoes and 70% for cucumbers. In conclusion, the results clearly indicated that the use of capacitance sensors in large growing bags improves irrigation management of hydroponic cucumbers and tomatoes in coir by eliminating over-irrigation and improving water use efficiency. More research is needed before a conclusion can be made regarding irrigation scheduling with capacitance sensors in small growing bags.
Morphological and physiological responses of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to spatial arrangements
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-12) Tolmay, John Peter Cleggenett; Agenbag, G. A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Agronomy.
The adoption of the no-till planting method brought about changes to the way the wheat crop is established in the Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape. Row widths have to increase from the normal narrow rows (170-180 mm) to at least 250 mm to allow for sufficient stubble handling. Furthermore, planters are designed to place seed accurately in the soil at uniform depth, which may increase seedling survival rates. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of the use of wide row widths on yield, the components of yield and grain quality parameters and to revisit planting density recommendations to be used with the notill planting method. On-farm, producer managed trials which included cultivars, row widths and planting density treatments were planted at Riversdale, Swellendam and Caledon in the Southern Cape region and at Moorreesburg and Hopefield in the Swartland during the 2004 to 2006 production seasons. All trials were factorial RCB designs with split-split plot arrangements. Grain yield, grain protein, hectolitre mass (HLM) and the yield components, seedlings m-2, seedling survival (%), number of heads m-2, number of heads plant-1, number of kernels head-1 and thousand kernel mass (TKM) were determined at all sites in 2005 and 2006. Seedling survival rates of 80% were easily achieved in all trials with the exception of Caledon and Swellendam in 2005. The no-till planting method may be efficient to improve on survival rates of 50-70% found with the conventional planting methods. The yield component response that raised the most concern was the clear trend of the reduction in the number of heads m-2 as row widths increased, which was significant in eight out of the nine experiments. The number of heads plant-1 decreased significantly as planting density increased in all experiments. Cultivars differed in the grain quality parameters grain protein (%) and HLM but were influenced minimally by the other treatments. Reductions in grain yield occurred in three out of eight trials in the Southern Cape and in three out of six trials in the Swartland, with reductions of between 6.8% and 33% in some seasons. The risk of yield loss due to wide row widths could not be excluded by this study and therefore the row widths used by producers should remain as narrow as practically possible. Grain yield response to increasing planting density differed between the two regions. No significant yield benefits were found in any of these trials if planting densities were increased above 175 target plants m-2. Planting densities may be reduced to between 70 and 87.5 kg seed ha-1 to achieve this target if the crop is planted in time and seedling survival rates of at least 80% can be achieved.
Nitrogen management strategies on perennial ryegrass-white clover pastures in the Western Cape Province
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2005-03) Labuschagne, Johan; Agenbag, G. A.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Agronomy.
The response of perennial ryegrass and white clover, grown under controlled conditions, to fertiliser N rates applied under variable soil temperature (6, 12 and 18 °C), soil water potential (-10, -20, -25 and -35 kPa) and seasonal growing (June/July and October/November) conditions as well as field conditions, were evaluated. Primary- (PDM), residual- (RDM) and total dry matter (TDM) production (g pot-1) were recorded over the first- and second regrowth cycles as well as the accumulative DM production over the two regrowth cycles, respectively. Leaf N content (%) was recorded at the end of first and second regrowth cycles. Tiller/stolon numbers and root dry mass (g pot-1) were recorded at the end of the second regrowth cycle. Soil ammonium-N and nitrate-N (mg kg-1) content was monitored after fertiliser N application. Decreasing soil temperatures resulted in decreased TDM production in both crops. Only perennial ryegrass was influenced by fertiliser N rate, with a general increase in dry matter production as fertiliser N rate was increased. Ryegrass TDM production did not differ between the 100 and 150 kg N ha-1 rates but were both higher (P=0.05) if compared to the 0 and 50 kg N ha-1 treatments. Soil nitrate levels 31 days after application of 150 kg N ha–1 were still sufficient to stimulate ryegrass RDM production. The 173.8% increase in ryegrass TDM production measured at 6 °C where 150 kg N ha-1 was applied compared to the 0 kg N ha-1 treatment illustrated the ability of ryegrass to respond to fertiliser N at low soil temperatures. Soil water potential of -20 kPa resulted in higher ryegrass PDM and TDM production compared to the -25 and -35 kPa levels. White clover PDM and TDM production were however not influenced by soil water potential or fertiliser N rate. Ryegrass TDM production increased (P=0.05) as fertiliser N rates were increased. The most favourable soil water level for both ryegrass and clover root development was found to be -35 kPa. Perennial ryegrass and white clover PDM, RDM and TDM production were higher during the October/November season compared to the June/July season. Increased fertiliser N rates resulted in increased (P=0.05) ryegrass PDM and TDM production. White clover dry matter production was not influenced by fertiliser N rates. In the field study the effect of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1 applied as a single application either in autumn, early winter, late winter, early spring or late spring on pasture dry matter production, clover content and selected quality parameters of a perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture were investigated. Soil nitrogen dynamics in the 0-100, 200-300 and 400-500 mm soil layers were studied for 49 days following fertiliser N application. The effect of 50 kg N ha-1 on soil N dynamics was generally the same as found at the 0 kg N ha-1 applications and may therefore be regarded as a low risk treatment. The application of 150 kg N ha-1 especially in autumn and early winter showed a tendency to exceed the absorption capacity of the pasture and thereby expose fertiliser N to possible leaching and contamination of natural resources. Increased fertiliser N rate resulted in a general increase in pasture dry matter production with the highest yields recorded where N was applied in early and late spring and the lowest in early winter. The application of 150 kg N ha-1 in early and late spring resulted in the highest TDM production, however, the 50 kg N ha-1 resulted in a more efficient conversion of N applied to additional DM produced. In contrast to DM production, the clover percentage generally decreased as fertiliser N rate was increased. The effect of season of application was inconsistent. Annual trends show that the clover percentage eventually recovered to the same levels as the 0 kg N ha-1 treatments. Due to the above minimum levels recorded for most mineral and quality parameters tested it is envisaged that treatment combinations as used in this study will not be at any disadvantage to pasture and animal productivity. The study has shown that the use of fertiliser N to boost perennial ryegrass-white clover productivity and thereby minimising the negative effect of the winter gap on fodder flow management during the cool season in the Western Cape Province, may be an important management tool. Except for late spring applications, all seasons of application reduced the negative impact of the winter gap on fodder availability. It is concluded that regression lines as summarised in Tables 7.2 and 8.2 show great potential to be instrumental in developing regression models, accurately predicting the effect of fertiliser N rate on pasture performance. Other factors to be considered includes the productivity of the pasture, initial clover content, expected clover content at the end of the first regrowth cycle after fertiliser N application and the quantity of additional fodder required. Additional requirements will be to maintain and 150 kg N ha-1) in winter, as the N uptake capacity of the pasture could be exceeded and thereby increasing the risk of N leaching, resulting in environmental pollution. The N response efficiency of the pasture is also the lowest at the 150 kg N ha-1 rates, thereby reducing the profitability of these treatments.
Nutrient and water use of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) in soilless production systems
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Kempen, Estelle; Agenbag, G. A.; Deckers, Ir. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Agronomy.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Soilless production of crops relies on the addition of high concentrations of nutrients with the irrigation water. The drained nutrient solution should be re-used to reduce the risk of pollution and to increase the water- and nutrient use efficiency of the system. Besides the risk of pathogen build-up, one of the main impediments of a wider application of this method is the frequent analysis required to maintain optimum nutrient concentrations and ratios in the rootzone. Yield reductions may be caused by an unbalanced nutrient solution. Alternatively the addition level of nutrients can be calculated through the use of nutrient uptake models that simulate the change in the re-circulated nutrient solution. To simulate crop water and nutrient demand necessary for model based regulation it was necessary to quantify the key factors affecting nutrient uptake by plants. The nutrient solution concentration and ratios between the macro-nutrients affected the uptake of water and nutrients. The total nutrient uptake per root dry weight increased and more specifically the nitrate (NO3 -), phosphate (H2PO4 -), potassium (K+) and sulphate (SO4 2-) uptake increased with an increase in nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC) from 0.8 to 4.0 mS cm-1 while water uptake decreased. Except for Ca2+ uptake there was no correlation between nutrient and water uptake. Nutrient uptake can thus not be calculated based on water uptake. Instead a mechanistic high-affinity Michaelis-Menten based model can be used to estimate macro-nutrient uptake (Un, mg m-2 hr-1). Water and nutrient uptake was also affected by the solar radiation levels. Since nutrient uptake is related to the growth rate, solar radiation levels can be expected to influence nutrient uptake. The uptake of all ions increased with an increase in the solar radiation levels and for NO3 -, K+ and H2PO4 - the uptake rate was higher at higher nutrient solution concentrations. The Michaelis-Menten based model was adjusted to incorporate the effect of solar radiation levels on nutrient uptake. Water uptake (Wu, L m-2 day-1) was simulated as a function of crop transpiration and crop leaf area using a linear regression model, but since leaf area development was affected by solar radiation levels this was additionally incorporated into the estimation of the leaf area index (LAI). The composition of the nutrient solution also affected the biomass allocation of the crop which can again affect nutrient use as well as the fruit yield. There was also a direct effect of nutrient solution composition on fruit yield and quality with higher EC’s resulting in smaller fruit but an increase in fruit dry matter %, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and lycopene content. The results in this thesis make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the effect of nutrient availability (concentration and ratios) and nutrient requirement for growth (solar radiation levels) on nutrient uptake. Incorporating these into nutrient uptake models resulted in the development of a handy tool to simulate changes in composition of re-circulating nutrient solutions ultimately resulting in an improvement of the water and nutrient use efficiency of soilless systems.
Yield and quality response of hydroponically grown tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) to nitrogen source and growth medium
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-12) Langenhoven, Petrus; Agenbag, G. A.; Du Preez, C. C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Agronomy.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Pine sawdust-shavings (Pinus spp.) is at present a very popular soilless substrate in South African greenhouses. Growers use fresh pine sawdust-shavings as a substrate, which is biologically highly unstable. The greenhouse industry is looking at alternative organic substrates such as coco peat, which already went through a decomposition process and is more stable. A biological inactive substrate such as sand was included to compare microorganism activity with organic substrates. The main objective of this study was to compare the growth, yield and quality of hydroponically grown tomatoes in response to different growth mediums in combination with nitrogen source, irrigation frequency, period of substrate use and liming. In general the drainage water pH declined with an increase in NlLt+-N in the nutrient solution. Low pH values in the drainage water, especially when coco peat was used, had a detrimental effect on marketable yield. The drainage water pH of pine sawdustshavings increased during the growing season when 100 % N03--N was used. Due to the higher cation exchange capacity of coco peat, the drainage water electrical conductivity tends to increase more rapidly than with pine sawdust-shavings, during conditions with high temperatures and when insufficient irrigation volumes per irrigation cycle is applied. As expected the drainage water N03--N content decreased as the NlLt+-N content increased in the nutrient solution. Pine sawdust-shavings recorded a much lower N03--N and NlLt+-N content than sand and coco peat and thus supports the hypothesis that microbiological activity is higher in pine sawdustshavings, especially in the second season of substrate use. Coco peat produced the highest number of marketable fruit and yield per plant, followed by pine sawdustshavings and sand in the first season of substrate use. The number of marketable fruit and yield decreased with an increase in NlLt+-N content in the nutrient solution during production in warmer, summer conditions. Contrary to these fmdings, production in cooler, winter conditions recorded high yields when only N03--N or 80% N03--N : 20% NRt +-N was applied. The unmarketable yield increased with an increase in NlLt+-N in the nutrient solution. Visual evaluations showed that blossom-end rot (BER) was the main contributor to unmarketable yield. Increasing levels ofN03--N as nitrogen source in the nutrient solution, reduced weight loss and increased the loss of fruit firmness of tomatoes during storage. Increasing levels of N03 --N also increased fruit pH and reduced total titratable acidity. Coco peat produced fruit with a higher pH than pine sawdust-shavings. An increase in irrigation frequency affected fruit firmness negatively when coco peat was used as substrate. Different irrigation and fertigation practices are needed for different growth mediums and management needs to be adapted according to the growing season (winter vs. summer).

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