Rice yield and energy balance in an agrivoltaic system established in Shonai plain, northern Japan.

An agrivoltaic system (AVS), wherein crops and electricity are simultaneously produced on the same agricultural land, contributes to renewable energy production and food security. AVS is expected to expand energy production in rural areas; however, its energy balance has not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, the energy balance of an AVS established in 2021 in the paddy fields on Shonai Plain was determined.

Application of consecutive polyethylene glycol treatments for modeling the seminal root growth of rice under water stress.

The response of root growth to various osmotic potentials is quite important in assessing the drought resistance of rice. This study modeled seminal root growth by applying consecutive polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatments (from 0 to 25%, 1% step), mathematical equations and noncontact image analysis to quantitatively evaluate the root response. Treatment began after seeds were germinated, and root growth was recorded by a digital camera every day from 7 to 20 days after seeding (DAS).

Importance of individual root traits to understand crop root system in agronomic and environmental contexts.

Resource acquisition, one of the major functions of roots, can contribute to crop growth and mitigating environmental impacts. The spatio-temporal distribution of roots in the soil in relation to the dynamics of the soil resources is critical in resource acquisition. Root distribution is determined by root system development.

Assessing energy efficiencies and greenhouse gas emissions under bioethanol-oriented paddy rice production in northern Japan.

To establish energetically and environmentally viable paddy rice-based bioethanol production systems in northern Japan, it is important to implement appropriately selected agronomic practice options during the rice cultivation step. In this context, effects of rice variety (conventional vs. high-yielding) and rice straw management (return to vs.

Developmental changes in peanut root structure during root growth and root-structure modification by nodulation.

Background And Aims: Basic information about the root and root nodule structure of leguminous crop plants is incomplete, with many aspects remaining unresolved. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) forms root nodules in a unique process. Structures of various peanut root types were studied with emphasis on insufficiently characterized lateral roots, changes in roots during their ontogenesis and root modification by nodule formation.