This study examined the influence of agroecological conditions on the ontogenesis and production yield traits of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.). Understanding the agronomic and phenological properties related to productive properties of black oats can enable more successful introduction into new areas of oat cultivation. Field microexperiments were performed during the three consecutive years (2017–2019) on the two localities in South Banat, in Serbia, which differed in soil type: carbonate chernozem and humogley, respectively. The results showed that all investigated traits of oat in the chernozem soil type were higher when compared with measured traits obtained from the humogley soil type. The average value of yields of aboveground biomass, yield and protein content were significantly higher in relation to the humogley, by 13%, 17% and 11%, respectively for all three seasons. Observed by years, all productivity parameters differed significantly, which confirmed that the productivity of the cultivated plants was strongly influenced by different agroecological, soil and climatic conditions in Pannonian environments. The aboveground biomass and grain yield obtained from the humogley soil type indicate that this species can be successfully grown and utilized in production as a cover or fodder crop even in less favorable soil conditions.

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The experiments showing the effect of drip irrigation on yield and evapotranspiration of fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) were conducted at the experimental field of the Alternative Crops Department, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia. Irrigation was based on the water balance method. Daily evapotranspiration (ETd) was computed from the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and crop coefficient (kc) 0.5, 0.9 and 1.1 from sowing to 3-4 pair of leaves, from 3-4 pair of leaves to appearance of male flowers and from appearance of male flowers to the end of the season, respectively. ETo was calculated using Hargreaves equation. The irrigation depth was restricted to the soil depth of 0.4 m. In other words, irrigation started when readily available water in the soil layer of 0.4 m was completely depleted by plants. The irrigation rate was 30 mm at the beginning of the season, 40 mm in the middle of the season, and the amount of water added by irrigation was 320 mm during the entire season. Irrigation significantly affected the yield of fresh stems, fresh leaves, flowers and plant height, but not stem diameter and fibre content. Water used on evapotranspiration in irrigation conditions (ETm) was 470 mm, while in non-irrigated control variant it amounted to 129 mm (ETa). These preliminary results could be used as a good platform for hemp growers in the region, in terms of optimizing the use of irrigation water.

Summary:The experiments showing the effect of drip irrigation on yield, evapotranspiration and water productivity of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were conducted at the experimental field of the Alternative Crops Department, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad. Irrigation was scheduled on the basis of the water balance method. Daily evapotranspiration (ETd) was computed from the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and crop coefficient (kc) in May, June, July and August of 0.5, 0.6, 1.1 and 1.0, respectively. ETo was calculated using Hargreaves equation. The irrigation depth was restricted to the soil depth of 0.3 m. In other words, irrigation started when readily available water in the soil layer of 0.3 m was completely depleted by plants. The irrigation rate was 30 mm (30 l m -2 ) while the amount of water added by irrigation during the season was 140 mm. Basil sensitivity to water stress was determined using a yield response factor (Ky). According to the results, the yield of fresh herb of basil under irrigation (32.015 t ha -1 ) was higher by 9% compared to non-irrigated, control variant (29.364 t ha -1 ). Worthy of note, basil essential oil yield was significantly affected by irrigation (35.329/28.766 kg ha -1 ). The content of essential oil was significantly higher in irrigated (6.45 g kg -1 ) than in non-irrigated variant (5.33 g kg -1 ) in the first harvest, while no significant difference between irrigated and non-irrigated variants was obtained in the second harvest (6.83 and 6.62 g kg -1 , respectively). Water used on evapotranspiration in irrigation conditions (ETm) was 431 mm and 270 mm in non-irrigated, control variant (ETa). The values of irrigation water use efficiency (Iwue) and evapotranspiration water use efficiency (ETwue) were 1.89 kg m -3 and 1.65 kg m -3 respectively. Ky value (0.22) exhibits all essential characteristics of climate conditions of 2016 rainy year. These preliminary results could be used as a good platform for basil growers in the region, in terms to optimize the use of irrigation water.

Summary The objective of the study, conducted in Vojvodina a northern part of the Serbia Republic, was to analyse the effect of drip irrigation on yield, evapotranspiration and water productivity of watermelon (Cirullus lanatus Thunb.) grown with plasticulture. Irrigation was scheduled on the basis of water balance method. Daily evapotranspiration was computed using the reference evapotranspiration and crop coefficient. The yield of watermelon in irrigation conditions (37,28 t/ha) was significantly higher compared to non irrigated (9,98 t/ha). Water used on evapotranspiration in irrigation conditions was 398 mm and 117 mm on non irrigated variant. The crop yield response factor of 1,04 for the whole growing season reveals that relative yield decrease was nearly equal to the rate of evapotranspiration deficit. The values of irrigation water use efficiency and evapotranspiration water use efficiency were 9,93 kg/m3 and 10,29 kg/m3 respectively. The determined results could be used as a good platform for watermelon growers in the region, in terms of improvement of the optimum utilization of irrigation water.