Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
seeds, i.e. 40-60 kg per ha. Late sowing, for example on weedy fields, is recommended to be
done using closer row spacing and higher sowing rates. Greenhouse experimental data in
quinoa showed that optimal plant populations varies from 30 plants m
-2
[58] to an optimal
plant population of 140 plants m
-2
[59], to 200 plants m
-2
in the 2.3 field trials (Jacobsen et al.,
2005) with interrow spacing 0.4 to 0.8 m. In amaranths 0.12 to 08 m interrow spacing, 150 to
200 seeds m
-2
and final plant population about 40 plants m
-2
. From variable data we can stress
that in
A. cruentus
cultivars would be recommended above 30-cm row spacing and populations
of 74000 and 272000 plants ha
-1
[40].
Yields of
A. cruentus
cv. 'G6' were affected by growing season and date of sowing. There was
a higher protein content (165 g kg
-1
) and lower (39.3 g kg
-1
) in grain of plants sown in May and
June, respectively [57].
Harvesting, post-harvest treatments and stocking
According to botanical distinction harvesting, postharvest techology and food processing [60]
vary in comparison with cereals, except seeding machines, harvesters and mills in buckwheat.
Buckwheat is harvested when about 75% of the seeds have reached ripeness, in quinoa when
at the maturity stage, plants become lighter and more yellow, and the leaves fall off and in
amaranths the appropriate harvesting period is indicated by the yellowing of bottom leaves
and dry seed [36]. After harvesting, which can be done with special adaptation of cereals or
clover threshers, must follow immediate winnowing, after-drying to 10-12% water content and
placing in a slot-floor storages equipped with an air ventilation system. Storage facilities must
be dry and airy.
2.4. Labour use and economics
Pseudocereals as low input crops (labor, fertilizers) have a petty differences between yield in
conventional and organic farming system, where production should be more profitable
according to higher prices of organic products.
3. Conclusions
Cereals and maize are the most important food and fodder crops also in organic farming, they
are essential rotation crops, as long as they are not taking up more than 50% of the crops in
the rotation. Cereals are more suitable for cool and humid climates than maize, due to the slow
initial growth caused by low temperatures and less expressed weed competition. Well
structured soils and enough available nutrients in the soil based on crop rotation and inputs
of organic manures, and systematic use of other preventive and corrective measures for pest,
disease, and weed control will contribute to stabilization of yield at about 80-90% in compar‐
ison with conventional crops, depending on climate and soil type. Using organic price
premiums for organic crops, net incomes from organic cereals and maize are higher than those
of their conventional counterparts.
