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ISSN : 1225-8504(Print)
ISSN : 2287-8165(Online)
Journal of the Korean Society of International Agriculture Vol.36 No.4 pp.355-367
DOI : https://doi.org/10.12719/KSIA.2024.36.4.355

Development of Crop Rotation System and Appropriate Chemical Fertilizer for Sesame Plantations in Paraguay

Miguel Florentin*, Jenny Bareiro**, Betania Fernández**, Seong-Bin Kim***, Bong Nam Chung**†
*Centro de Investigación para la Agricultura Familiar - Instituto Paraguayo de Tecnología Agraria (CIAF-IPTA) Choré, San Pedro, Republic of Paraguay
**KOPIA Paraguay Center, Centro De Investigación Hernando Bertoni - CIHB - IPTA Caacupé, Ruta 02 Km. 48.5, Caacupé, Republic of Paraguay
***Rural Development Administration, Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture Division, 300, Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do 54875, Republic of Korea
† Corresponding author (Phone) +595 981 250 696 (E-mail) chbn7567@gmail.com
August 28, 2024 September 19, 2024 September 19, 2024

Abstract


This study was conducted in the San Pedro Department to determine the impact of different soil management practices on sesame productivity. Different tillage methods (conventional deep tillage, minimum tillage, and no-tillage), crop rotations (monoculture, double, and triple rotation), various combinations of green manure, and appropriate doses of chemical fertilizers were studied. The results revealed that the no-tillage method combined with crop rotation (corn-cotton-sesame) and fertilization had the highest productivity of 1,548 kg/ha. In contrast, the conventional deep tillage method without fertilization showed the lowest productivity with 614 kg/ha. Incorporation of summer green manures (Mucuna pruriens) in minimum tillage methods with fertilization significantly improved productivity (1,010 kg/ha) in comparison with the same tillage method and fertilization but without Mucuna (720 kg/ha), which highlights the synergistic effects of combining green manures with chemical fertilizers. The treatment of winter green manures consisting of black oat + white lupine and black oat + radish has also significantly improved the productivity of sesame with 904 and 900 kg/ha, respectively, compared to the non-use of winter green manure and the use of chia, which had productivities of 695 and 298 kg/ha, respectively. The best chemical fertilization doses of nitrogen (urea 45% N), phosphorus (46% P2O5), and potassium (60% K2O) were determined through tests with increasing doses of each nutrient, maintaining 40 kg/ha as the base for the other two. The highest productivity was obtained with N, P, and K levels of 70 kg/ha each, resulting in productivities of 1,421, 1,522, and 1,486 kg/ha. However, the maximum profit compared to the input is obtained with doses of 50 kg/ha for N and 60 kg/ha for P and K, giving a productivity of 1,390, 1,510, and 1,421 kg/ha, respectively.


sesame productivity , soil management practices , crop rotation , green manure , chemical fertilization

파라과이 참깨 재배지 윤작체계 개발 및 적정 화학비료

Miguel Florentin*, Jenny Bareiro**, Betania Fernández**, 김성빈***, 정봉남**†
*Centro de Investigación para la Agricultura Familiar – Instituto Paraguayo de Tecnología Agraria (CIAF-IPTA) Choré, San Pedro, Republic of Paraguay
**Centro de Investigación Hernando Bertoni - CIHB del Instituto Paraguayo de Tecnología Agraria – IPTA Caacupé, Ruta 02 Km 48.5, Caacupé, 파라과이
***농촌진흥청 국외농업기술과, 전라북도 전주시 덕진구 농생명로300, 54875

초록

    INTRODUCTION

    Sesame was introduced to Paraguay in the mid-19th century by Moisés Bertoni. Nevertheless, commercial cultivation did not begin until the late 1990s (Enciso and León, 2022;FAO, 2024). Over 90% of the country’s sesame production is currently exported, constituting an important item for the farmers’ economy. The main export destination is Japan, followed by Mexico and Germany. In the last decade (2014-2023), exports had an annual average of 27,487 tons for an average annual value of more than 45 million FOB Dollars (Free On Board) (An et al., 2020;BCP, 2024;Enciso and León, 2022).

    In 2022, the San Pedro Department contributed 35% of sesame production in Paraguay, while the Concepción Department accounted for 15.8%. These two departments, located north of the country’s Eastern Region, represented the main sesame-producing area, with 14,108 tons. The second largest production area was located in the Western Region, also known as Chaco, specifically in the Boquerón Department, which in 2022 produced 9,098 tons, representing 32.8% of the national total (DCEA-MAG, 2023). However, the average national yield of 400-600 kg/ha is lower than the yield potential of the varieties used in the country (CIAF-IPTA, 2024;DCEA-MAG, 2023;Enciso and León, 2022;Salas et al., 2019).

    The soil characteristics of the two regions of Paraguay, Eastern and Western or Chaco, are very different and may present differences in the ability of the soils to provide nutrients to crops (Candia et al., 2024). In the Eastern Region, two-fifths of the area is covered by sandstone- based soils, and the Paraná plateaus are covered by basaltic lava soils, which are characterized by their higher fertility (Painter et al., 2024). This region encompasses six different ecoregions (Aquidabán, Amambay, Central Litoral, Central Forest, Atlantic Forest of Alto Parana, and Ñeembucú) and, regarding the land use capacity classification established by Molinas et al. (1995) based on the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) methodology, it has a more significant presence of Class III and II, and less presence of Class I (MAG, 2018;Molinas et al., 1995;SEAM, 2013) . Within this scale, c lasses I , II, and I II a re optimal for agriculture. On the other hand, the soils of the Chaco region consist largely of alluvial mud, clay, and sand coming from the Bolivian highlands (Painter et al., 2024) and encompass five distinct ecoregions (Dry Chaco, Pantanal, Humid Chaco, Cerrado, and Médanos). Currently, there is no specified data regarding the classification of land use capacity. Nevertheless, the area is grouped into three types of land use: forested areas without human-induced overexploitation, grasslands for cattle grazing, and extensive agricultural lands with crops mainly including sesame, cotton, and peanuts (MAG, 2018;SEAM, 2013).

    Soil is an extremely important resource for the country’s agriculture, which is one of the pillars of the economy and provides food for smallholder farmers (Arguello, 2023;Benítez, 2023). The conventional deep tillage method, which consists of deep plowing, is still widely used in sesame cultivation. However, it can cause mechanical resistance to soil penetration due to increased soil compaction (CIAF-IPTA, 2024; Villar, no date; Torres, 2023). This practice has been identified as one of the technical problems in sesame cultivation, as it directly affects the physical and chemical properties of the soil and results in lower crop productivity (CIAF-IPTA, 2024). No-tillage and minimum tillage methods with crop rotation and green manures were introduced as alternatives to stop rapid soil degradation (Cubilla, 2011). These methods cause very little soil disturbance and consist of opening a small furrow in the soil, either mechanically or manually, into which the seed is placed. Outside this opening, the soil remains undisturbed, and most of the stubble from the previous crop remains on the surface (Ohep et al., 2002;Rojas, 2001). Therefore, the three main pillars of sustainable soil preparation are no-soil erosion, the use of green manure cover crops, and crop rotation, which contribute to reducing wind erosion and the loss of organic matter and soil water, stabilizing soil temperature, and promoting the balance of soil microbial activity when integrated (Moriya, 2019).

    Of the total sesame cultivation area in the country, only 45% apply the no-tillage method. The Boquerón Department leads the use of this technique, using it in 80% of its cultivation area. On the other hand, San Pedro and Concepción use the no-tillage method in only 14.1% and 25.4% of their areas (DCEA-MAG, 2023).

    In addition to adopting the no-tillage method and avoiding soil disturbance, it is essential to integrate green manures that serve as cover crops and, once dead, provide physical support to the subsequent crop, contribute to soil restoration, and enhance crop productivity (Enciso et al., 2014). Green manures can be summer or winter and, when properly combined, can fix the nitrogen, recycle nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or micronutrients, and provide allelopathy (Cubilla, 2019). Furthermore, proper chemical fertilization of the soil in conjunction with green manures can increase soil fertility and help increase organic matter (Añazco, 2007). One of the reasons for low national sesame productivity is poor soil fertility and limited technical knowledge on proper fertilization, soil management, conservation, and rehabilitation. In addition, fertilizer prices have an economic impact on production costs. In Paraguay, prices have increased by almost 100% since 2022, and the volume of imports has decreased by 24.5% (DGP-MAG, 2022;IICA, 2023).

    This study examined the application and use of crop rotations and chemical fertilizers in no-tillage, minimum tillage, and conventional deep tillage methods to increase productivity per unit area for soil management in sesame plantations. In addition, the effects of winter and summer green manure crops on sesame production and soil quality were studied, and the response of the sesame crop to chemical fertilizer doses for technical and economic feasibility was determined.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    Experiment region and soil

    All experiments were carried out at the Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, a research institute located in the district of Choré in the San Pedro Department during the 2017/2018 period. The climate in the region is humid subtropical; the average annual temperature is 23 ºC, and the average annual rainfall is 1,551 mm. The results of the chemical analysis of the soil prior to the experimental runs were as follows: 6.2 water pH, 1.2% organic matter, 7 ppm assimilable phosphorus, 0.16 cmol/kg anabolic potassium, 2.7 cmol/kg calcium, 0.7 cmol/kg magnesium, and 0.0 cmol/kg exchangeable aluminum.

    Two tillage methods with crop rotation and chemical fertilization

    There were a total of 72 experimental units, each with 4 rows and 10x4 m (40 m2), totaling 2,880 m2. The experimental design consisted of three factors distributed in 2x3x2 sub-subdivided plots with three replications. The first factor in the main plot involved two soil management methods: conventional deep tillage without green manure and no-tillage with green manure. In the no-tillage method, the summer green manure, Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens), was included with corn, and after cotton and sesame, mixtures of winter green manures were included. The second factor in the secondary plot involved three crop rotations: sesame-sesame, corn-sesame, and corn-cotton-sesame. The varieties used were Karape Pytá for corn (Zea mays), IAN 425 for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), and Escoba Blanca for sesame (Sesamum indicum), which is a late-maturing variety. The third factor in the tertiary plot consisted of two fertilization levels: no fertilization and fertilization with N-P-K:65-40-40 kg/ha (N, P2O5, K2O). The first application of fertilizer was done at planting with 200 kg/ha of N-P-K:10-20-20, and 40 days after planting (DPP), fertilization with 100 kg/ha of urea only (N-P-K:45-0-0) was applied 10 cm from the plants.

    The conventional deep tillage method consisted of manual cleaning with a scythe one month before sowing, burning of residues, and one week before sowing, an animal- drawn plowing operation at a depth of 20-30 cm. Regarding the no-tillage method, the cotton stubble was cleared manually with a scythe, followed by a knife roller over the corn and Mucuna plots, leaving the residues on the soil. Weeds were controlled with herbicides 15 days later.

    In mid-September 2017, corn was planted at a density of 50,000 plants per hectare. In mid-October 2017, sesame was planted with 0.8 m spacing between rows and 10 plants per linear meter, and cotton, with a density of 66,000 plants per hectare. Insecticides were applied to all crops for the different pests, and no fungicides were applied to control diseases. For each crop, 9 m of the two central rows were harvested according to their ripening, which was better protected against drift due to biological and climatic factors.

    The effect of the treatments on productivity was measured in kg/ha. Interactions of tillage method factors with crop rotation were analyzed by a comparison of means using the Tukey test at a 5% error rate.

    Different tillage methods with the use of summer green manure (Mucuna) and fertilization

    There were 40 experimental units of 50 m2 each (5x10 m) and 2000 m2 in total. The experimental design consisted of two factors distributed in 5x2 divided plots and four replications. The first factor involved five treatments: conventional deep tillage without green manure (20-30 cm deep), minimum tillage without green manure (10-15 cm deep), minimum tillage with green manure (10-15 cm deep), no-tillage without green manure, and no-tillage with green manure. The second factor involved two fertilization levels: no fertilization and fertilization with N-P-K (N, P2O5, K2O) at a dose of 60-40-40 kg/ha for corn and 30-30-30 kg/ha for sesame. Phosphorus, potassium, and 1/3 of the nitrogen were applied at planting, while the remaining 2/3 of the nitrogen was applied 30 DPP. The conventional deep tillage method consisted of manual clearing with a machete blade, burning of residues, an animal- drown plowing operation at a depth of 20-30 cm, sowing with a manual seeder, hoeing, vegetation clearing, and ridging with an animal-drawn tool. The minimum tillage method consisted of manual clearing with a machete and burning of residues, opening a path of 30-40 cm wide and 10-15 cm deep with a hoe for planting rows, sowing with a hand seeder, hoeing, and digging with a hoe. The no-tillage system consisted of weed, green manure, and stubble management with a knife roller or machete, herbicide application after weed regrowth, sowing with a hand seeder, and digging with a hoe. A two-year intercropping was carried out with the Guarani V-312 corn variety and IPTA-K07 sesame variety, characterized by its early maturation. For the no-tilling method, summer green manure with (Mucuna pruriens) was u sed between h arvests, and it was associated with corn and chia (Salvia hispanica) after sesame.

    Sesame productivity was evaluated in kg/ha, and the results were subjected to the Tukey test at a 5% error rate.

    Effect of winter green manure crops on sesame production and the soil

    The experimental design was randomized blocks with eight experimental units each, and three replications, totaling 24 experimental units of 80 m2 (10x8 m) and an area of 1,920 m2. A total of eight treatments were established. Six treatments consisted of combinations of green manures including black oat (Avena strigose), radish (Raphanus saticus), and white lupine (Lupinus albus), with the following combinations: black oat, radish, white lupine, black oat + radish, black oat + white lupine, black oat + radish + white lupine. In addition, one control treatment with chia (Salvia hispanica), and a complete control with no green manure application.

    The experimental cycle began with sowing the winter green manure in April on a plot that had been used for sesame for more than two decades under conventional deep tillage.

    In terms of soil management, no fertilizer was used, and the plots were cleared one month before sowing. The six green manure treatments utilized the no-tillage method, and a knife roller was employed 15 days prior to planting the sesame. The early maturing sesame variety IPTA-K07 was sown after the green manure experiment in six rows with 0.5-meter spacing between them, and 8 m out of the 10 m of the two central rows were harvested, which are better protected against drift due to biological and climatic factors.

    The effect of each treatment on sesame productivity was evaluated in kg/ha, and the results were subjected to Tukey’s test at a 5% error rate.

    Chemical fertilization: optimum adjustment for productivity and optimum economic adjustment

    There were 52 experimental units of 24 m2 each (2.4x10 m), totaling 1,248 m2. The experimental design consisted of two factors distributed in 3x4 divided plots with randomized blocks in four replications and an additional field as an absolute control without fertilization, totalizing 13 treatments. The first factor involved the nutrients N (45% urea), P (P2O5 with 46% P ) , and K (K2O with 60% K). The second factor involves four increasing doses of N-P-K fertilization: 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg/ha, with the doses of only one nutrient modified at a time. The doses of the other two nutrients not evaluated at that moment were kept at 40 kg/ha for all treatments, except for the absolute control, where the levels were maintained at N-P-K: 0-0-0 (Table 1).

    Tillage was carried out one month before sowing and leveling one week before sowing, which took place in October. Planting was done in four plowed rows with the early maturing sesame variety IPTA-K07. Twenty DPP, the crop was thinned to a density of 10 plants per meter and fertilized at different rates at a distance of 15 cm from the plants. The useful harvest area was 9 m long of the two central rows for each experimental unit.

    The effect of treatments on sesame productivity was evaluated in kg/ha. In the statistical analysis, the productivity values were subjected to a comparison of means by Duncan’s test with a 5% error rate. Upon confirming significant differences between treatments, a polynomial regression analysis was conducted on the disaggregated nutrient data. The regression equation used was Y=1056.083+10.40208X-0.07421875X2, where Y represents sesame productivity in kg/ha, X represents the amount of fertilizer applied, 10.40208X indicates the linear increase in productivity per fertilizer unit, and -0.07421875X2 reflects the diminishing returns or potential productivity reduction at higher fertilizer doses (Barchia et al., 2021). Subsequently, each fertilizer’s technical and economic feasibility parameters were evaluated. Dose for the maximum productivity were determined using quadratic response curves derived from quadratic equations (Melchiori et al., 2022). An economic analysis was performed to ascertain the financially viable dose, incorporating productivity response at each dose and its incremental increase in kg/ha. This analysis assessed the profit margin based on the price of sesame in US$/kg and the cost of nutrients in US$/ha.

    RESULTS

    Two tillage methods with crop rotation and chemical fertilization

    The no-tillage method with N-P-K:65-40-40 kg/ha (N, P2O5, K2O) fertilization and triple crop rotation (corn-cotton- sesame) has been s tatistically superior and without significant difference with the no-tillage method with N-P-K:65-40-40 kg/ha and monoculture (sesame-sesame) reaching productivities of 1,548 and 1,476 kg/ha respectively. The conventional deep tillage method without fertilization and in monoculture gave the worst result with 614 kg/ha. Each treatment combination between crop rotation and fertilization was lower when performed with the conventional deep tillage method compared to the treatments within the no-tillage method (Table 2).

    Table 3 presents the comparative results of the interaction between soil tillage methods and crop rotations. The no-tillage method shows a significantly higher average productivity of 1,211 kg/ha compared to the conventional deep tillage average, resulting in 904 kg/ha. In terms of crop rotation, the corn-cotton-sesame combination achieved the highest average productivity of 1,166 kg/ha. It especially stood out when performed with the no-tillage system, resulting in 1,287 kg/ha, which indicates a positive interaction between crop rotation and the no-tillage method.

    Table 4 presents the comparative results of the interaction between the soil preparation method and the application of N-P-K fertilization. The table shows an average productivity of 1,247 kg/ha when N-P-K:65-40-40 kg/ha fertilization is applied, which was significantly higher than in the no fertilization, whose average productivity was 868 kg/ha. The average productivity using the no-tillage method is 1,211 kg/ha, significantly exceeding the average productivity of conventional deep tillage of 904 kg/ha. The no-tillage method reached maximum productivity of 1,452 kg/ha when combined with N-P-K:65-40-40, compared to 970 kg/ha without fertilization. Significant differences reveal that both the type of soil preparation and fertilization level have a considerable influence on productivity, with the combination of no-tillage and N-P-K:65-40-40 being the most effective. Overall, applying N-P-K markedly improves productivity, with the no-tillage method providing the optimal conditions for maximizing crop productivity.

    Different tillage methods with the use of summer green manure (Mucuna) and fertilization

    Table 5 shows that the average productivity with the minimum tillage method and Mucuna as green manure resulted in 863 kg/ha, significantly outperforming the other tillage systems with and without green manure. The average productivity with N-P-K:60-40-40 kg/ha fertilization was 897 kg/ha, which is significantly better when compared to no fertilization, which resulted in 633 kg/ha. All tillage methods with or without green manure were significantly better when N-P-K:60-40-40 kg/ha was applied. The best result of the experiment was obtained when combining the minimum tillage method with green manure and N-P-K:60-40-40 kg/ha, with a productivity of 1,010 kg/ha. In contrast, the worst result was obtained when combining the no-tillage method with no Mucuna use and no fertilizer, with a 540 kg/ha productivity. Statistical differences indicate that both fertilization and incorporation of Mucuna as green manure in minimum tillage or no-tillage systems are key practices to maximize sesame productivity, suggesting a synergy between green manure and chemical fertilization that enhances crop productivity.

    Effect of green winter manure crops on sesame production

    The best combinations of winter green manure used for the early maturing sesame crop (IPTA-K07) were the treatments of black oat + radish and back oat + white lupine, which achieved average productivities of 900 kg/ha and 904 kg/ha, respectively. These combinations significantly outperformed other treatments and demonstrated the effectiveness of mixed green manure in enhancing sesame productivity. They were followed by the sole use of white lupine with a result of 795 kg/ha, and without significant difference, the combination of black oat + radish + white lupine with an 804 kg/ha. In stark contrast, the worst performance was observed when using chia, which resulted in a meager productivity of just 298 kg/ha. This significant underperformance emphasizes the variability in effectiveness among different green manure treatments and highlights the need for careful selection based on specific crop requirements and local conditions (Table 6).

    Chemical fertilization: optimum adjustment for productivity and optimum economic adjustment

    Concerning chemical fertilization, the productivity without nitrogen (N-P-K:0-40-40 kg/ha) was 1,056 kg/ha, peaking at 1,421 kg/ha with a dose of 70 kg/ha (N-P-K:70- 40-40 kg/ha). However, a financial analysis indicated that the optimal nitrogen dose was 50 kg/ha, resulting in productivity of 1,390 kg/ha and a net benefit of 146 US$/ha (Fig. 1a).

    Regarding phosphorus application (P2O5), the productivity without it (N-P-K:40-0-40 kg/ha) was 1,047 kg/ha, reaching a maximum of 1,522 kg/ha with a 70 kg/ha dose (N-P-K:40-70-40 kg/ha). In terms of financial benefit, the optimal phosphorus dose was 60 kg/ha, with productivity of 1,510 kg/ha and net earnings of 233 US$/ha (Fig. 1b).

    For potassium fertilization (K2O), the productivity without it (N-P-K:40-40-0 kg/ha) was 1,054 kg/ha, peaking at 1,486 kg/ha with a dose of 70 kg/ha (N-P-K:40-40-70 kg/ha). Financial analysis indicated that the optimal potassium dose was 60 kg/ha, achieving productivity of 1,481 kg/ha and net earnings of 176 US$/ha (Fig. 1c).

    DISCUSSION

    The results of this study indicate that tillage methods significantly influence the productivity of sesame crops. Using minimum tillage and no-tillage, along with crop rotation and green manure application, benefits the crop, and applying fertilizers in these methods improves sesame productivity.

    Regarding the effect of tillage methods on soil properties, El Mekkaoui et al. (2023) evaluated the physical properties comparing conventional deep tillage methods (15-20 cm depth) and no-tillage in Morocco. They observed a significant difference between tillage methods and depth concerning granulometry, structural stability, and organic matter content. Their results demonstrate that conventional deep tillage breaks clods, while the no-tillage method increases organic matter and maintains soil structural stability, reducing erosion risk.

    Similarly, Khan et al. (2017) compared three tillage methods in Pakistan: minimum tillage (including 2 plows and 2 harrows), conventional tillage (including 1 disk, 2 harrows, and 2 plows), and deep tillage (including 1 moldboard plow, 2 harrows, and 2 plows), to evaluate their impact on soil physical properties, nitrate leaching, and maize yield. Although conventional tillage and deep tillage improved biomass production, grain yield, and leaf area index; the minimum tillage method reduced nutrient leaching, especially nitrate, increased nutrient availability, and improved soil bulk density, soil organic carbon, percent porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Khairul et al. (2014) obtained similar results when evaluating the effect of three tillage methods on soil properties and the productivity of four crops in Bangladesh: no-tillage, minimum tillage (6-8 cm depth), conventional tillage (14-16 cm depth), and deep tillage (24-26 cm depth). They observed that no-tillage provided the best results for organic matter accumulation, root mass density, and improvement of soil physicochemical properties. This method also recorded increased porosity, field capacity, and the highest levels of nutrients (N-P-K and S) in available forms. In another study in Romania, Rusu et al. (2013) compared conventional deep tillage (classic plow + disc 2x) and three minimum tillage methods (paraplow + rotary harrow, chisel plow + rotary harrow, and rotary harrow), highlighting the significant advantages of the three minimum tillage methods over the conventional tillage method even on different soil types, including higher humus content, water and organic matter conservation, and a reduction in CO2 emissions, which improves soil structure.

    Additionally, in Brazil, Nogueira et al. (2021) compared conventional deep tillage (20-30 cm depth), minimum tillage (0-10 cm depth), and no-tillage methods and their effect on soil physical properties. They observed that soil bulk density and penetration resistance were significantly higher in the no-tillage method. However, penetration resistance remained below the threshold, which could affect crop growth. Therefore, they suggest that in the short term, no-tillage is a viable alternative to reduce soil mobilization and its negative impacts without compromising crop yield. The results obtained in this study coincide with those displayed before, demonstrating the superiority of the no-tillage method over all other tillage methods.

    Regarding microbial activity and the tillage method, in the Choré district, Gallar (2019) evaluated microbial respiration and organic matter content at two depths (0-5 cm, 5-10 cm) under two tillage methods (no-tillage and conventional deep tillage) with the use of green manures (Mucuna pruriens in summer and Raphanus saticus + Avena strigosa in winter) and three crop rotations (sesamesesame, corn-sesame, corn-sesame-cotton) with the sesame variety IPTA-K07. Overall, the author observed higher microbial activity in the no-tillage method when compared to the conventional deep tillage, regardless of crop rotation. He also observed that the percentage of organic matter is higher in the no-tillage method, with greater accumulation in the surface layer.

    Concerning the interaction between crop rotation and tillage methods on soil properties, Báez et al. (2019) evaluated soil bulk density and porosity under two tillage methods (conventional deep tillage and no-tillage) for sesame monoculture, biennial rotation of sesame + corn, and triennial rotation with corn +sesame + cotton in the Choré district, San Pedro. They observed that crop rotation impacted soil porosity and bulk density. In particular, the biennial rotation tended to have better results regardless of the tillage method at 0 to 5 cm depth.

    In another study in the Itapúa Department, Vega et al. (2019) compared different tillage methods (conventional deep tillage, minimum tillage, no-tillage, reference forest area) with various c rop sequences (soybean + wheat, soybean + wheat + black oat, soybean + corn + wheat + black oat + white lupine, 20-year-old tea plantation in a reference forest area). They determined that soil basal respiration was highest in the reference forest area due to the constant incorporation of residues, followed by minimum tillage with soybean + wheat rotation, which showed 4% less soil respiration than the reference forest area due to superficial tillage and the rapid decomposition of aggregates, which increased the availability of carbon in the soil.

    In his experiment conducted in Paraguarí, Ikeda (2006) compared the cultivation of corn associated with green manure (corn + Canavalia), corn monoculture, and bare soil. The study focused on soil loss due to water erosion. The results demonstrated that integrating green manure with corn cultivation reduces soil loss due to water erosion by one-tenth compared to the bare plot. In contrast, monoculture reduces it by only one-fourth.

    Regarding the effect of tillage methods with green manures on degraded soils and sesame yield in the Paraguarí Department, Macchi et al. (2003) found that no-tillage with Mucuna pruriens and Cajanus cajan outperformed no-tillage with white lupine + black oat and conventional deep tillage without green manure. In this context, Stern (2007) compared the use of conventional deep tillage and minimum tillage with the use of green manure and reported the highest corn yield in minimum tillage methods with the use of green manure, observing that this method was able to maintain organic matter at reasonable levels (1.2%).

    Furthermore, Florentin (2011) evaluated the physical and chemical properties of soil subjected to conventional deep tillage, no-tillage with green manure, and no-tillage without green manure in a crop rotation (corn-cotton), with and without chemical fertilization (65-40-40 kg/ha of N-P2O5-K2O) at three depths (0-10, 10-20, 20-30 cm). He observed lower soil density, higher porosity, and hydraulic conductivity in the no-tillage method with green manure throughout the soil profile. Both the no-tillage method without green manure and the conventional deep tillage method showed good results only in the surface layer but exhibited high compaction in the deeper layers. Additionally, the no-tillage method recorded higher organic matter accumulation in the surface layers with green manure and chemical fertilization.

    Regarding the response of productivity according to the tillage method, Álvarez and Steinbach (2009) evaluated minimum tillage throughout the Pampas region based on several experiments with different tillage practices: conventional deep tillage with plowing, reduced tillage with chiseling, and no-tillage. They concluded that despite improvements in soil properties and increased water content with the no-tillage method, more chemical fertilizer was needed to maintain crop yields.

    Vera (2011) obtained similar results in her evaluation of the effect of different fertilization combinations on sesame under no-tillage and the use of green manure (radish) on productivity and profitability at the National University of Asuncion’s (UNA) experimental field in San Lorenzo, demonstrating that the use of appropriate chemical fertilization increases not only yield (950.25 kg/ha) but also crop profitability (73.6%). Therefore, it is observed that even with the benefits of no-tillage methods, crop rotations, and green manures for soil properties, chemical fertilization contributes significantly to higher crop productivity and improves soil properties. Duarte (2021) also evaluated at the UNA’s experimental field in San Lorenzo the chemical properties of soil under N-P-K:50-60-40 kg/ha (N-P2O5-K2O) fertilization sources in sesame and found that the chemical parameters influenced were pH, slightly increasing from 4.47 to 4.49, P from 5.19 to 6.40 mg/dm³, and organic matter from 1 to 1.2%, while yield increased from 486 kg/ha without fertilization to 726 kg/ha with chemical fertilization.

    The cumulative findings from the studies underscore the significant impact of tillage methods, crop rotation, and green manure applications on both sesame productivity and soil health. Minimum and no-tillage methods stand out for their ability to enhance soil structure, increase organic matter, and mitigate erosion risks, all while supporting high crop yields. Green manures further amplify these benefits by improving nutrient availability and stimulating microbial activity, both essential for long-term soil fertility. When combined with sustainable practices, such as reduced tillage and green manures, the strategic use of chemical fertilizers is crucial for optimizing yield and soil quality. This integrated approach, which includes reduced tillage, crop rotation, green manuring, and careful fertilization, represents a robust strategy for sustainable sesame cultivation, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and soil resilience. The study concludes that adopting no-tillage methods, effective crop rotation, green manures, and appropriate fertilization can significantly enhance sesame productivity and soil health, aligning with global research that advocates for sustainable agricultural practices to improve soil properties and crop productivity.

    적 요

    1. 이 연구에서는 파라과이 San Pedro 지역의 참깨 (품종 Escoba Blanca) 재배지에서 세 가지 토양 관리 방법(관행 심 경, 최소 경운 및 무경운), 작물 윤작(단작물 재배, 두 작물 윤 작 및 세 작물 윤작) 및 녹비작물과 적절한 화학 비료의 다양 한 조합 사용을 하여 작물 생산성에 미치는 영향을 분석한 결 과, 세 작물 윤작(옥수수-면화-참깨) 및 화학 비료를 결합한 무 경운 방법이 1,548kg/ha의 가장 높은 생산성을 보였다. 반면 화학 비료를 사용하지 않는 관행 심경 방법은 614kg/ha로 가 장 낮은 생산성을 보였다.

    2. 최소 경운 방법에 화학 비료를 사용하고 여름 녹비 작물 인 Mucuna pruriens를 재배하면 생산성이1,010kg/ha로 동일 한 경운 방법과 화학비료를 사용하지만 Mucuna pruriens를 사 용하지 않은 경우의 생산성(720kg/ha) 에 비해 생산성이 크게 향상되어 녹비작물과 화학 비료를 결합하는 상승 효과가 나타 났다. 겨울 녹비작물인 검은 귀리 + 흰 루핀 및 검은 귀리 + 무를 조합한 처리도 참깨 생산성이 각각 904kg/ha와 900kg/ha 로 크게 개선한 반면, 겨울 녹비를 재배하지 않거나 치아 작물 만을 재배한 경우는 각각 695kg/ha와 298kg/ha의 생산성을 보 였다.

    3. 질소(요소 45% N), 인(46% P2O5), 칼륨(60% K2O) 비 료의 최적 투입량은 각 비료의 시비량을 증가시키는 시험을 통해 결정하였으며, 이때 실험하지 않는 두 종류의 비료는 투 입량을40kg/ha로 고정하였다. N, P, K의 최고 생산성은 각각의 비료를 70kg/ha투입시 얻어졌으며, 이때 생산성은 각각 1,421, 1,522, 1,486kg/ha이었다. 그러나 투입량에 비해 최대 수익을 얻 을 수 있는 시비량은 N의 경우 50kg/ha, P와 K의 경우 60kg/ha 이며, 생산성은 각각 1,390kg/ha, 1,510kg/ha, 1,421kg/ha이었다.

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

    This study was funded by the KOPIA Project (Development and dissemination of Sustainable Production Systems for sesame crops for family farmers in Paraguay) of the Rural Development Administration and carried out by the KOPIA Paraguay Center in association with its counterpart organization IPTA in Paraguay.

    Figure

    KSIA-36-4-355_F1.gif

    Impact of a) Nitrogen, b) Phosphorus, and c) Potassium doses on sesame productivity (kg/ha): Dose determination for highest productivity and maximum profit.

    Table

    Table of N-P-K nutrient dose combinations used in each treatment to identify productive and financially suitable doses.

    Productivity comparison of the Escoba Blanca late-maturing sesame variety under different soil preparation methods, crop rotation, and N-P-K fertilization (N-P2O5-K2O).

    Means with the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey’s 5% test.

    Productivity comparison of the Escoba Blanca late-maturing sesame variety under different soil preparation methods and crop rotation with corn and cotton.

    Tukey 5% test: identical uppercase letters horizontally and identical lowercase letters vertically are statistically equal.

    Productivity comparison of the Escoba Blanca late-maturing sesame variety under different soil preparation methods and fertilization with N-P-K: N-P2O5-K2O.

    Tukey 5% test: identical uppercase letters horizontally and identical lowercase letters vertically are statistically equal.

    Productivity comparison of the IPTA-K07 early-maturing sesame variety under different soil tillage methods, use of Mucuna as summer green manure, and fertilizer applications.

    Tukey 5% test: identical uppercase letters horizontally and identical lowercase letters vertically are statistically equal.

    Productivity comparison of the IPTA-K07 early-maturing sesame variety under different treatments of winter green manure crops.

    Means with the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey’s test at the 5% level.

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