• Authors:
    • Rosolem, C.
    • Olibone, A.
    • Olibone, D.
    • Prando, M.
  • Source: REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIA DO SOLO
  • Volume: 34
  • Issue: 3
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: In soils with physical and/or physical hydric restrictions for root growth, it may be a viable strategy to increase crop productivity by increasing water storage potential through improvements in water infiltration. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to determine water infiltration in a Hapludult in three crop rotations under no-tillage, with and without initial chiseling. Crop rotations consisted of: millet/soybean/sorghum/maize/sorghum; millet/soybean/Brachiaria ruziziensis/corn/Brachiaria ruziziensis; and millet/soybean/Brachiaria ruziziensis+castor bean/corn/Brachiaria ruziziensis+castor bean. Water infiltration in soil was evaluated in the field, using concentric discs at the soil surface and at depths of 0.10 and 0.20 m, in 2006 and 2007. After the first year, chiseling led to increased infiltration of water into the soil. Water infiltration was greatest in the crop rotation system with Brachiaria ruziziensis+castor bean. The activity of root systems of crops in the plots without chiseling increased the rate of water infiltration into the soil.
  • Authors:
    • Stone, L.
    • Schlegel, A.
    • Klocke, N.
    • Blanco-Canqui, H.
    • Rice, C.
  • Source: Soil Science Society of America Journal
  • Volume: 74
  • Issue: 4
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Deficit irrigation is an important strategy to manage water, but its impacts on soil C sequestration and physical properties have not been well documented. We assessed changes in soil organic C (SOC) and soil inorganic C (SIC) concentrations and selected soil physical properties at two no-till experiments on Ulysses silt loam (a fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Aridic Haplustoll) with <1% slope under six irrigation treatments (66, 86, 117, 152, 182, and 217 mm of water applied) at Garden City and three (127, 254, and 381 mm of water applied) at Tribune in western Kansas after 5 and 8 yr of management, respectively. For the 0- to 10-cm depth, SOC concentration and wet aggregate stability increased with an increase in irrigation amount, but bulk density, particle-size distribution, and SIC concentration were unaffected. At Garden City, the SOC pool in the 0- to 10-cm depth increased by 46% (11.2 vs. 16.4 Mg ha -1) from the lowest (66 mm) to the highest (217 mm) irrigation amount. At Tribune, the SOC concentration in the 5- to 10-cm soil depth increased by 30% when the irrigation amount increased from 127 (7.8 g kg -1) to 254 (10.2 g kg -1) mm. The amount of macroaggregates increased with an increase in the irrigation amount, particularly in the 5- to 10-cm depth. At Garden City, irrigation-induced increase in SOC concentration increased the mean weight diameter of aggregates ( r=0.66; P<0.001). Overall, deficit irrigation affected SOC concentration and soil structural development near the soil surface, but the magnitude of impacts was site specific.
  • Authors:
    • Ginovart, M.
    • Josa, R.
    • Sole, A.
  • Source: International Agrophysics
  • Volume: 24
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: In an experiment conducted in NE Spain, cereals and legumes were rotated for seven cycles using two different tillage techniques - conventional tillage and direct drilling (no-tillage: NT). Straw was removed after harvesting in both tillage systems. With NT, more than 30% of the soil surface was still covered by residues (stubble) at sowing. The soil was Calcic Cambisol and the climate aridity index was 0.76. The climatic water balance was negative, at -187 mm y(-1) from 1950 to 1980. The aims of the study were to determine the effect of tillage system on 2-D macroporosity by micromorphology, and bulk density (excavation method) of the upper layer of the ploughed horizon. To identify differences, either parametric or nonparametric statistical tests were performed depending on sample size. Direct drilling with residue removal affected bulk density, macroporosity and mean macropore area in the top 10 cm of the profile. The same effects were observed under conventional tillage. The upper layer of the studied horizon had higher total porosity than the layer beneath with both treatments. The upper layer of the horizon showed unfavourable physical conditions with direct drilling.
  • Authors:
    • Dolijanovic, Z.
    • Oljaca, S.
    • Kovacevic, D.
    • Simic, M.
  • Source: Sustainable agriculture: importance of cultural practices adaptation in winter wheat technology, 9th Alps-Adria Scientific Workshop Å pičák, Czech Republic, 12th–17th April 2010, DOI: 10.1556/Novenyterm. Vol. 59. 2010. Suppl. 4: 501-504
  • Volume: 59
  • Issue: Supplement
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: The paper deals with adaptations in winter wheat technology from high level inputs to a significant reduction of production costs and a maximum reliance upon natural resources on the weed infestation and grain yield of different cultivars. These adaptations must first and foremost build resilience within agroecosystem, increasing its ability to continue functioning when faced with unexpected events. Winter wheat technology consists from the following tillage systems: conventional, mulch tillage and no-tillage. Plots were fertilized with two nitrogen amount: rational level (60 kg ha -1) and high level (120 kg ha -1). Six Serbian cultivars were included in the trial. Four of them were chosen for low-input and two for high-input technology. Different tillage systems, nitrogen level and cultivars applied in four-year crop rotation (maize-winter wheat-spring barley+red clover-red clover). Winter wheat technology based on conventional tillage systems had better effect on weed control than both conservation tillage systems (mulch and no-till.). Low-input cultivars of winter wheat positively responded to different tillage systems and nitrogen level by their yield than high-input cultivars.
  • Authors:
    • da Rocha, M. R.
    • Reinert, D. J.
    • Carneiro Amado, T. J.
    • Nicoloso, R. da S.
    • Foletto Eltz, F. L.
    • Lanzanova, M. E.
  • Source: Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo
  • Volume: 34
  • Issue: 4
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: No-tillage associated to cover crops may maintain soil quality, improving or preserving favorable soil physical conditions for plant growth. This study assessed soil bulk density, porosity, penetration resistance, and water infiltration of a PALEUDALF, in the Experimental Area of the Soil Science Department of the Federal University of Santa Maria, in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, in an experiment started in 1991, with the following crop successions and rotations: (1) Corn/Soybean - Jackbean - MFP; (2) Bare soil - SDES; (3) Corn/Soybean - Fallow - POU; (4) Corn / Soybean - Ryegrass + Vetch - AZEV; (5) Corn / Soybean - Mucuna - MUG; (7) Natural Grass - CNA; (6) Corn/Soybean - Oilseed radish - NFO. Soil bulk density was affected in the 0-0.10 in layer; values were highest in the SDES. Total soil porosity and soil macroporosity were closely correlated to a depth of 0.10 m. Major restriction to root penetration occurred in the surface layer (0-0.03 m) in the SDES treatment, and NFO had greatest values at 0.16-0.18 m depth. The water infiltration rate was lowest in SDES and CNA treatments in all evaluations, while in the others infiltration was constant and statistically equal. Constantly uncovered soil induces degradation in soil physical properties. The studied cropping systems confirmed significant benefits in soil density, porosity, resistance, and water infiltration rate under long term no-tillage.
  • Authors:
    • Honeycutt, C. W.
    • Griffin, T. S.
    • Larkin, R. P.
  • Source: Plant Disease
  • Volume: 94
  • Issue: 12
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Seven different 2-year rotations, consisting of barley/clover, canola, green bean, millet/rapeseed, soybean, sweet corn, and potato, all followed by potato, were assessed over 10 years (1997-2006) in a long-term cropping system trial for their effects on the development of soilborne potato diseases, tuber yield, and soil microbial communities. These same rotations were also assessed with and without the addition of a fall cover crop of no-tilled winter rye (except for barley/clover, for which underseeded ryegrass was substituted for clover) over a 4-year period. Canola and rapeseed rotations consistently reduced the severity of Rhizoctonia canker, black scurf, and common scab (18 to 38% reduction), and canola rotations resulted in higher tuber yields than continuous potato or barley/clover (6.8 to 8.2% higher). Addition of the winter rye cover crop further reduced black scurf and common scab (average 12.5 and 7.2% reduction, respectively) across all rotations. The combined effect of a canola or rapeseed rotation and winter rye cover crop reduced disease severity by 35 to 41% for black scurf and 20 to 33% for common scab relative to continuous potato with no cover crop. Verticillium wilt became a prominent disease problem only after four full rotation cycles, with high disease levels in all plots; however, incidence was lowest in barley rotations. Barley/clover and rapeseed rotations resulted in the highest soil bacterial populations and microbial activity, and all rotations had distinct effects on soil microbial community characteristics. Addition of a cover crop also resulted in increases in bacterial populations and microbial activity and had significant effects on soil microbial characteristics, in addition to slightly improving tuber yield (4% increase). Thus, in addition to positive effects in reducing erosion and improving soil quality, effective crop rotations in conjunction with planting cover crops can provide improved control of soilborne diseases. However, this study also demonstrated limitations with 2-year rotations in general, because all rotations resulted in increasing levels of common scab and Verticillium wilt over time.
  • Authors:
    • Kismanyoky, A.
    • Lehoczky, E.
  • Source: Novenytermeles OR ACTA PHYTOPATHOLOGICA ET ENTOMOLOGICA HUNGARICA or Agrokémia és Talajtan ?
  • Volume: 59
  • Issue: Supplement
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Soil cultivation (the factor A) and nitrogen fertilization (the factor B) effects on yields of winter wheat and maize and weeds-cover was tested in the long-term experiment conducted on Keszthely Eutric cambisol (Ramann type brown forest soil) in 2005-2008 period. The bi-factorial trial was arranged in split plot design with four replications (basic plots 435 m 2 and 87 m 2, for A and B, respectively). Conventional tillage (ploughing=PL), no-till drill (NT) and disking (D) were the treatment of soil cultivation, while five rates of nitrogen (kg N ha -1: 0; 120; 180; 240; 300) were applied on blanket application of phosphorus and potassium (kg ha -1: 100 P 2O 5+100 K 2O). There was no weed control until our investigation. The weed surveys were made with Balazs-Ujvarosi coenological method. The fewer yields were obtained in the wheat-maize no-tillage system compared to the others. It was proved at high and low level alike (good and unfavourable years). In the average of years the decreasing of yield was 10-15% compared to the traditional cultivation. In survey the weed cover (%) at wheat in springtime it can be said that the weed cover increased parallel with the amount of N fertilizer and above 200 kg/ha N doses declined. The dynamic of relation of weeds v.s. N fertilizer it is similar to the square equation of yield curve. In case of maize there were not significant differences between the N treatments (25-30%) regarding the weed cover. The results draw ones attention to that facts that with the propagation of the reduced soil cultivation systems it is necessary to modify and harmonize the practice of weed control and fertilization.
  • Authors:
    • Lehoczky, É.
    • Kismányoky, A.
  • Source: Agrokémia és Talajtan
  • Volume: 59
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: A long-term soil tillage experiment was conducted in 2005 to 2008 on a Ramann-type brown forest soil (Eutric Cambisol) in Keszthely, Hungary, with different cultivation methods (no-till, drill, disc tillage, conventional tillage (ploughing)) and five increasing N doses. Treatment A was the cultivation method: conventional tillage (ploughing), no-till, drill, disc tillage; and Treatment B was N fertilizer application: N 0-N 4 (0, 120, 180, 240 and 300 for maize, and 0, 120, 160, 200 and 240 kg/ha per ton for wheat, respectively). Both plots received a blanket application of 100 kg P 2O 5/ha and 100 kg K 2O/ha. With soil cultivation and N fertilization treatments, winter wheat yield varied between 2.5 and 6.0, while maize yield ranged from 6 to 10 t/ha. The influence of the annual circumstances (mostly rainfall) on the yields was measurable and from time to time statistically significant. The different amounts of N fertilizer significantly increased the yields of maize and wheat. The highest increases were found in the case of N 1 and N 2 treatments. The maximum yields of maize and wheat were obtained with the 200-250 kg N/ha doses. On the average of years, the largest weed cover (28%) was recorded in the no-tillage treatment, while the ploughing system was the least weedy (10-15%).
  • Authors:
    • Guglielmini, A. C.
    • Abelleyra, D. de
    • Kruk, B. C.
    • Verdu, A. M. C.
    • Mas, M. T.
    • Satorre, E. H.
  • Source: Weed Research
  • Volume: 50
  • Issue: 4
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Weed surveys were performed in commercial no-till glyphosate-tolerant soyabean crops in southern Entre Rios province (Mesopotamic Pampas of Argentina) in 2005 and 2007, during the soyabean grain filling to maturity growth stages. The objectives were to describe the weed communities in fields recently introduced to crop production and to analyse the effect of the new cropping patterns on assemblages. The fields surveyed varied in the length of the no-till period (1-11 years), the previous crop and the soil productivity rating. Weed communities were described in terms of composition, constancy, life forms, morphotypes and (only during 2007) frequency. Tragia geraniifolia, Bidens subalternans, Sida spinosa, and Eryngium horridum were species associated with fields with more than 5 years of no-till glyphosate-tolerant crops. These fields had a significantly higher relative abundance of perennials (52% versus 32%) and of dicotyledons (66% versus 39%) than fields with less than 5 years of no-till. Previous crop and soil productivity affected weed community structure. Six species, five of them annuals, were associated with fields that had high yields and maize as the previous crop. In contrast, perennials and dicotyledons had the highest relative abundance when wheat-soyabean double cropping was the previous crop. The results show that changes in cropping systems acted as filters on functional traits, modifying the previous weed community assemblage. The information may be used to develop integrated crop-weed management strategies, leading to a reduction in the assemblage of highly competitive weed communities.
  • Authors:
    • Holzapfel, C. B.
    • Kutcher, H. R.
    • Gan, Y.
    • Brandt, S. A.
    • May, W. E.
    • Lafond, G. P.
  • Source: Canadian Journal of Plant Science
  • Volume: 90
  • Issue: 5
  • Year: 2010
  • Summary: Differences in response to nitrogen (N) fertilizer will affect the production economics of field crops. Currently, there is limited information comparing the agronomic and economic performance of juncea canola (Brassica juncea L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to napus canola (Brassica napus L.) and flax (Limon ustitatissimum L.) in Saskatchewan under no-till practices. A study of these species was carried out at five Saskatchewan locations over 3 yr and included eight nitrogen rates. All four species had a curvilinear increase in grain yield as N rate increased with the largest yield response observed in napus canola to as much as 200 kg N ha I. The majority of the increase in flax grain yield occurred as the N rate increased from 10 to 90 kg ha(-1), while most of the increase in grain yield of juncea canola and sunflower occurred as N increased from 10 to 70 kg ha(-1). Biplot analysis indicated that grain yield variation was reduced at and above 50 kg N ha(-1) in flax, napus canola and juncea canola, but not in sunflower. Analysis indicated that a wide range of N rates would provide a similar adjusted gross return within each crop with the exact N range being determined by crop price and nitrogen cost. The N rate affected the kernel weight of sunflower but not the kernel weight of other crops. The protein concentration of all the species increased as N rate increased. Seed oil concentration tended to decrease as the N rate increased, but this was not consistent. In conclusion, higher yielding cultivars of sunflower and juncea canola are needed before they will replace a large acreage of flax or napus canola; however, in the drier regions of the Saskatchewan there is potential to expand sunflower production.