Economic assessment of irrigated and nonirrigated soybean cropping rotations on a clay soil

Abstract

Experiments were conducted in Keiser, Arkansas on a Sharkey silty clay soil for three years to examine soybean, wheat, and grain sorghum rotations. Treatments also included selected variation of conventional versus no till and alternative wheat residue management. Both irrigated and nonirrigated strategies were investigated. Agronomic results show that irrigated soybean yields average about 1,344 kg ha^‐1 (20 bu A^‐1) higher than comparably treated nonirrigated soybean treatments. Economic analysis using enterprise budgets reveals three top rotations regardless of irrigation: continuous monocropped soybean, wheat fallow followed by monocropped soybean, and wheat‐soybean double‐cropped with burned wheat stubble. Statistical analysis demonstrates the profitability of irrigation and the dependence of the most economical crop rotation upon weather conditions.     

美国堪萨斯州不同天气事件与土壤类型条件下作物产量预测

Computer simulation was used for predictive analysis of the effects of weather and soil type on crop yield in the U.S.crop insurance program.The Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model was modified to include hail weather events,which completed the modifications necessary to simulate the four most frequent causes of crop yield loss (hail,excessive wet,excessive cold,and excessive dry) associated with soil type in Kansas,USA.At the region level,per hectare yields were simulated for corn,wheat,soybean,and sorghum.We concluded that it was possible to predict crop yields through computer simulation with greater than 93% accuracy.The hail damage model test indicated EPIC could predict hail-soil-induced yield losses reasonably well (R² > 0.6).The investigation of soil type influence on dryland sorghum and wheat production indicated that Wymore silty clay loam soil and Kenoma silt loam produced the highest sorghum yields statistically;Kuma silt loam,Roxbury silt loam,Crete silty clay loam,and Woodson silt soils produced the second highest sorghum yields statistically;and Richfiled silt loam,Wells loam,and Canadian sandy loam produced the lowest sorghum yields.By contrast,wheat production showed less sensitivity to soil type variation.The less sensitive response of wheat yields to the soil type could be largely due to the unconsidered small-scale variability of soil features.     

Dissolved and Soil Organic Carbon after Long‐Term Conventional and No‐Tillage Sorghum Cropping

Abstract

Distribution of dissolved (DOC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) with depth may indicate soil and crop‐management effects on subsurface soil C sequestration. The objectives of this study were to investigate impacts of conventional tillage (CT), no tillage (NT), and cropping sequence on the depth distribution of DOC, SOC, and total nitrogen (N) for a silty clay loam soil after 20 years of continuous sorghum cropping. Conventional tillage consisted of disking, chiseling, ridging, and residue incorporation into soil, while residues remained on the soil surface for NT. Soil was sampled from six depth intervals ranging from 0 to 105 cm. Tillage effects on DOC and total N were primarily observed at 0–5 cm, whereas cropping sequence effects were observed to 55 cm. Soil organic carbon (C) was higher under NT than CT at 0–5 cm but higher under CT for subsurface soils. Dissolved organic C, SOC, and total N were 37, 36, and 66%, respectively, greater under NT than CT at 0–5 cm, and 171, 659, and 837% greater at 0–5 than 80–105 cm. The DOC decreased with each depth increment and averaged 18% higher under a sorghum–wheat–soybean rotation than a continuous sorghum monoculture. Both SOC and total N were higher for sorghum–wheat–soybean than continuous sorghum from 0–55 cm. Conventional tillage increased SOC and DOC in subsurface soils for intensive crop rotations, indicating that assessment of C in subsurface soils may be important for determining effects of tillage practices and crop rotations on soil C sequestration.     

Economics of tillage systems for spring wheat production in southwestern Saskatchewan (Canada)

The economic performance of continuous wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and fallow-wheat rotations grown under conventional, minimum- and zero-tillage management practices on silt loam, sandy loam and heavy clay in southwestern Saskatchewan was determined during the relatively dry period of 1982–1988. The costs and returns for each rotation-tillage system were evaluated annually based on 1989–1990 price and cost conditions, and for various other plausible scenarios. Gross returns on silt loam were higher for continuous wheat (average 228 $ ha⁻¹) than for fallow-wheat systems (average 155 $ ha⁻¹). On the sandy loam, gross returns were similar for all cropping systems (average 112 $ ha⁻¹); on the heavy clay, they were higher for fallow-wheat than for continuous wheat (139 versus 119 $ ha⁻¹). Conservation tillage management increased gross returns over that obtained with conventional tillage only in years when growing season temperatures were high and precipitation was poorly distributed, or when the 21-month summerfallow period was droughty. On silt loam, gross returns were significantly lower with conservation tillage in as many as 3 of 7 years. On silt loam, net returns were highest for conventionally tilled continuous wheat when wheat prices were> 175 $ t⁻¹; at lower wheat prices, conventionally tilled fallow-wheat was the most profitable. On the other soils, minimum- and zero-tillage fallow-wheat provided the highest net returns at all wheat prices tested, with minimum tillage being slightly better at low wheat prices, but at these sites conventionally tilled fallow-wheat was not studied. The cost of production was highest for continuous wheat and for zero-tillage management. For fallow-wheat systems, conservation tillage required lower expenditures than conventional tillage for fuel, labor, machine repair and machine overheads; costs for minimum tillage averaged 9 $ ha⁻¹ and for zero tillage 15 $ ha⁻¹ lower on the silt loam. These savings were more than offset by increased herbicide costs which averaged 26 and 64 $ ha⁻¹ higher for minimum-tillage and zero-tillage systems, respectively. We concluded that producers in southwestern Saskatchean who are motivated primarily by short-term profit will find little incentive to adopt conservation tillage systems for spring wheat production, unless they are situated on soils that have already incurred severe soil loss or the soils are highly prone to further erosion losses.     

Erratum to “Soybean yield as affected by crop rotations, deep tillage and irrigation layout on a hardsetting Alfisol”: [Soil & Tillage Research 44 (1997) 151–164]

The hardsetting surface of many Alfisols in Australia is a limiting factor in crop production. Better soil management systems are required to improve productivity. This study reports the effects of several untested management systems, involving the combined effects of tillage (deep ripping, deep mouldboard ploughing and disc ploughing), irrigation layout (permanent beds, border ditch) and crop rotation treatments (single cropping, double cropping and pasture), on soil structure and the production of irrigated soybeans [Glycine max (L) Merr.] on a hardsetting Alfisol. It was conducted under a system of controlled traffic near Trangie, NSW, Australia. The double cropping and pasture treatments increased total water entry, soil organic carbon and soybean leaf water potential. Consequently, soybean yield was increased by as much as 58%. The retention of cereal and pasture stubble increased total water entry by slowing the rate of irrigation water advance, reducing the potential for slaking and increasing the number of continuous vertical macropores. The increases in soil water were associated with a reduction in soil strength; a key limiting factor in crop growth on hardsetting Alfisols. Deep tillage or the use of permanent beds did not affect soybean yields under the conditions reported in this paper, although the combination of disc ploughing and furrow irrigation was successful.     

Macronutrient uptake,translocation, and tissue concentration of soybeans infested with the soybean cyst nematode and elemental composition of cysts isolated from roots 1

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is a major pest of soybeans (Glycine max L. Merrill) in the central and southern United States. Soybean cyst nematode causes stunted top growth, root pruning and symptoms of mineral element deficiency in soybeans. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two selections of SCN (I selected on PI209332 and IV selected on PI 89772) on macronutrient uptake, translocation, and tissue concentrations of soybean and to determine the elemental composition of cysts isolated from roots. Soybeans were grown in plastic tubes in the greenhouse where the middle one‐third of the Hodge fine sand (Typic Udipsamment) contained 0, 25,000, or 50,000 SCN eggs. After 35 days, plants were harvested and tissue nutrient element concentrations were determined. Plants infested with both SCN selections were smaller and had much less root volume than controls. Dry weight of each plant tissue decreased as SCN population was increased. Root concentration of potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) was decreased, whereas root calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were increased with SCN treatments. Leaf Mg and Ca concentrations increased with SCN treatment. Magnesium uptake per unit root volume was decreased, but Mg translocation (% of total plant content in aerial portion) was increased with SCN treatment. Calcium uptake per unit of root volume was increased, but translocation was unchanged by SCN treatment. The Ca and P concentration of cysts isolated from the soybean roots was high. This high concentration of Ca in cysts is interesting based on the greater root Ca concentration and uptake per unit of root volume in SCN infested plants. Since total uptake and root concentrations of both K and Mg were decreased by SCN treatment, infested soybeans might require very high levels of K and Mg fertilization. These results indicate that K and Mg fertility should be followed closely in SCM‐infested soybean fields.     

Seasonal dynamics of active soil carbon and nitrogen pools under intensive cropping in conventional and no tillage

Active fractions of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) can undergo seasonal changes due to environmental and cultural factors, thereby influencing plant N availability and soil organic matter (SOM) conservation. Our objective was to determine the effect of tillage (conventional and none) on the seasonal dynamics of potential C and N mineralization, soil microbial biomass C (SMBC), specific respiratory activity of SMBC(SRAC), and inorganic soil N in a sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation and in a wheat/soybean double crop. A Weswood silty clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept) in southcentral Texas was sampled to 200 mm depth 57 times during a 2-yr period. Potential C mineralization was lowest (≈?2 to 3 g · m^?2 · d^?1) midway during the sorghum and soybean growing seasons and highest (≈?3 to 4 g · m^?2 · d^?1) at the end of the wheat growing season and following harvest of all crops. Addition of crop residues increased SMBC for one to three months. Potential N mineralization was coupled with potential C mineralization, SRAC, and changes in SMBC at most times, except during the wheat growing season and shortly after sorghum and soybean residue addition when increased N immobilization was probably caused by rhizodeposition and residues with low N concentration. Seasonal variation of inorganic soil N was 19 to 27%, of potential C and N mineralization and SRAC was 8 to 23%, and of SMBC was 7 to 10%. Soil under conventional tillage experienced greater seasonal variation in potential C and N mineralization, SRAC, bulk density, and water-filled pore space than under no tillage. High residue input with intensive cropping and surface placement of residues were necessary to increase the long-term level of active C and N properties of this thermic-region soil due to rapid turnover of C input.     

Conservation Tillage,Rotations, and Cover Crop Affecting Soil Quality in the Tennessee Valley: Particulate Organic Matter,Organic Matter,and Microbial Biomass

Abstract

The impact of conservation tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping on soil‐quality indicators was evaluated in a long‐term experiment for cotton. Compared to conventional‐tillage cotton, other treatments had 3.4 to 7.7 Mg ha^?1 more carbon (C) over all soil depths. The particulate organic matter C (POMc) accounts for 29 to 48 and 16 to 22% of soil organic C (SOC) for the 0‐ to 3‐and 3‐ to 6‐cm depths, respectively. Tillage had a strongth influence on POMc within the 0‐ to 3‐cm depth, but cropping intensity and cover crop did not affect POMc. A large stratification for microbial biomass was observed varing from 221 to 434 and 63 to 110 mg kg^?1 within depth of 0–3 and 12–24 cm respectively. The microbial biomass is a more sensitive indicator (compared to SOC) of management impacts, showing clear effect of tillage, rotation, and cropping intensity. The no‐tillage cotton double‐cropped wheat/soybean system that combined high cropping intensity and crop rotation provided the best soil quality.     

Sulfur nutrition of winter wheat varieties with till and no‐till planting on highly weathered alfisol soils

Abstract

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occupies large hectarage and is important in crop rotations on the highly weathered, low organic matter silt loam soils common in southern Illinois and the southern midwest United States region. Sulfur (S) is an essential element with some potential for deficiency, but it is not commonly applied to winter wheat grown on these soils. This study was conducted to determine if S nutrition is limiting winter wheat growth and grain yield. Interactive effects of topdressed fertilizer S (0 and 28 kg S/ha), tillage (disk‐till, DT and no‐till, NT), and wheat variety on plant growth, nutrient concentration, and grain yield were investigated for three crop years on two soils in southern Illinois; Cisne silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Mollic Albaqualf), Brownstown site, and Grantsburg silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, mesic Typic Fragiudalf), Dixon Springs site. Grain yield was unaffected by S application although flag leaf and whole plant S concentrations increased. Lack of yield response to S application was consistent each year on both soils and across all varieties and tillage systems. Equivalent yields were produced with both tillage systems at Brownstown, but slightly lower yield occurred with no‐till at Dixon Springs. Plant S concentrations and soil sulfate levels indicated sufficient S was available from sources other than fertilizer S, including extractable soil S and atmospheric deposition. Wheat variety consistently influenced plant nutrient composition and grain yield more than tillage or application of S fertilizer. If, in the future, wheat grain production, atmospheric S deposition, and extractable soil S remain at levels measured in this study, then S fertilizer applications would not be expected to increase winter wheat grain yield.     

Effect of Cultural Management Practices on Grain Quality of Two Rice Cultivars

To reduce fuel and labor costs and increase profits, farmers are trying new ways of growing rice (Oryza sativa L.). This includes changing crop rotations, tillage systems, and fertilization levels. There is little information on how these changes affect the cooking quality of rice. We therefore looked at the parameters associated with cooking and processing quality (apparent amylose, gelatinization temperature, lipid and protein contents, and pasting properties) of two U.S. long grains (Cybonnet and Wells) that were grown using two different tillage systems, standard rate and high rates of fertilization, and different crop rotations (continuous rice R‐R, rice after soybeans R‐SB, and rice after corn R‐C). No differences in quality traits were observed among any of the tillage systems. Rice grown in continuous rice rotation had the lowest protein content of brown and milled rice (8.6 and 8.1%, respectively) as compared to the highest levels observed in the rice‐soybean rotation (9.3 and 8.6%, respectively). Rice grown in continuous rice rotation also had higher peak viscosity than other crop rotations. Increasing the fertilization rate increased the protein content of brown rice and decreased peak, trough, and final viscosities. Apparent amylose content, gelatinization temperature, and lipid content were not affected by crop rotation or fertility; however, they were influenced by cultivar. Although the results indicated statistical differences for some quality parameters, the differences were small enough that they are unlikely to have a major impact on processing quality of long grain rice if co‐mingled.     

Humus quantity and quality of an entic Haplustoll under different soil‐crop management systems

Abstract

The effects of different management systems on the level and composition of humified organic matter in an entic Haplustoll from the semiarid Pampean region were studied. The systems were: TPc, wheat‐mixed pasture; TV, wheat (Triticum aestivum), oat (Avena sativa), corn (Zea mays) and triticale grasses; TP, wheat‐cattle grazing; and V, virgin, non cultivated. Humic acids were extracted, fractionated, and analyzed for their organic carbon (OC) content, elemental composition, and E4:E6 spectral ratios. The infrared (IR), electron spin resonance (ESR). and ¹³C‐NMR spectra were registered on these humic acids. The TP rotation showed the lowest humic acid‐carbon to fulvic acid‐carbon (HA‐C:FA‐C) ratio. The lower O:C ratio of humic acids from the cropped soils indicates a higher level of oxidation than that of the virgin one. The comparison of the different methodologies allowed us to conclude that crop rotations and conservation tillage were adequate to mantain the level and composition of the soil organic matter and humus which affected the soil fertility and level of productivity     

Sustaining Soil Quality with Legumes in No‐Tillage Systems

Abstract

Tillage, cropping system, and cover crops have seasonal and long‐term effects on the nitrogen (N) cycle and total soil organic carbon (C), which in turn affects soil quality. This study evaluated the effects of crop, cover crop, and tillage practices on inorganic N levels and total soil N, the timing of inorganic N release from hairy vetch and soybean, and the capacity for C sequestration. Cropping systems included continuous corn (Zea mays L.) and stalk residue, continuous corn and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), continuous soybeans (Glycine max L.) plus residue, and two corn/soybean rotations in corn alternate years with hairy vetch and ammonium nitrate (0, 85, and 170 kg N ha^?1). Subplot treatments were moldboard plow and no tillage. Legumes coupled with no tillage reduced the N fertilizer requirement of corn, increased plant‐available N, and augmented total soil C and N stores.     

Doybean growth and composition as affected by K,Ca, and Mg rates and corn rotation

Abstract

Different rates of K, Ca, and Mg were applied to bulklots of Decatur clay loam (pH 5.8) which had been collected from an area under natural vegetation. Nitrogen and P were each applied at the rate of 100 ppm. Soybean (Glycine max L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were planted to pots in four replications of each treatment. Plants were grown for 6 weeks and subsequently all the pots were re‐planted to soybeans. This crop rotation was repeated until six crops had been harvested from each pot.

Potassium fertilization did not affect soybean growth but increased the dry matter of corn plants. Calcium application affected the growth of neither crop, but Mg addition to the soil reduced the growth of both crops. The composition of the plants generally reflected the available amounts of each nutrient. Additionally, Mg consistently decreased K in soybeans but increased Mn in the two crops. The inclusion of corn in rotation with soybeans resulted in the following effects on the succeeding soybean harvests: more tolerance to high Mg, greater reduction of plant Ca and Mg caused by K application, and lower levels of available K and Ma in soils and soybeans. However, the greater rate of depletion of soil K and Mn under corn rotation did not appear Co affect the dry matter yields of the following soybean plants relative to the plants under the continuous soybean cropping system.     

Previous Corn Row Effects on Potassium Nutrition and Yield of Subsequent No‐Till Soybeans

Abstract

Narrow‐row soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in corn [Zea mays L.]–soybean rotations results in various distances of soybean rows from previous corn rows, yet little is known about soybean responses to proximity to prior corn rows in no‐till systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of preceding corn rows on potassium (K) nutrition and yield of subsequent no‐till soybeans. Four field experiments involving a corn–soybean rotation were conducted on long‐term no‐till fields with low to medium K levels from 1998 to 2000 near Paris and Kirkton, Ontario, Canada. In the corn year, treatments included K application rate and placement in conjunction with tillage systems or corn hybrids. Before soybean flowering, soil exchangeable K concentrations (0–20 cm depth) in previous corn rows were significantly higher than those between corn rows. At the initial flowering stage, trifoliate leaf K concentrations of soybeans in preceding corn rows were 2.0 to 5.3 g kg^?1 higher than those from corresponding plants between corn rows. Yield of no‐till soybeans in previous corn rows increased 10 to 44% compared to those between previous corn rows. Positive impacts of prior corn rows on soil K fertility, soybean leaf K, and soybean yield occurred even when K fertilizer was not applied in the prior corn season. Deep banding of K fertilizer tended to accentuate row vs. between‐row effects on soybean leaf K concentrations in low‐testing soils. Corn row effects on soybeans were generally not affected by either tillage system or corn hybrid employed in the prior corn crop. Potassium management strategies for narrow‐row no‐till soybeans should take the potential preceding corn row impacts on soil K distribution into account; adjustments to current soil sampling protocols may be warranted when narrow‐row no‐till soybeans follow corn on soils with low to medium levels of exchangeable K.     

Impact of tillage, stubble management and crop rotation on nematode populations in a long-term field experiment

The population abundance of free-living and plant-parasitic nematodes was investigated in a long-term rotation/tillage/stubble management experiment at Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The treatments were a combination of two crop rotations: wheat (Triticum aestivum)–wheat and wheat–lupin (Lupinus angustifolius); two tillage systems: conventional cultivation (CC) and direct drill (DD); and two stubble management practices: stubble retention (SR) and stubble burnt (SB). Plots of one of the wheat–wheat treatments received urea at 100 kg N ha⁻¹ during the cropping season. Soil samples from 0–5 and 5–10 cm depths were collected in September (maximum tillering), October (flowering) and December (after harvest), 2001, to analyse nematode abundance. Soil collected in September was also analysed for concentrations of total and labile C, and pH levels.Three nematode trophic groups, namely bacteria-feeders (primarily Rhabditidae), omnivores (primarily Dorylaimidae excluding plant-parasites and predators) and plant-parasites (Pratylenchus spp. and Paratylenchus spp.) were recorded in each soil sample. Of them, bacteria-feeders (53–99%, population range 933–2750 kg⁻¹ soil) dominated in all soil samples. There was no difference in nematode abundance and community composition between the 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm layers of soil. The mean population of free-living and plant-parasitic nematodes varied significantly between the treatments in all sampling months. In most cases, total free-living nematode densities (Rhabditidae and Dorylaimidae) were significantly (P < 0.001) greater in wheat–lupin rotation than the wheat–wheat rotation irrespective of tillage and stubble management practices. In contrast, a greater population of plant-parasitic nematodes was recorded from plots with wheat–wheat than the wheat–lupin rotation. For treatments with wheat–wheat, total plant-parasitic nematode (Pratylenchus spp. and Paratylenchus spp.) densities were greater in plots without N-fertiliser (295–741 kg⁻¹ soil) than the plots with N-fertiliser (14–158 kg⁻¹ soil).Tillage practices had significant (P < 0.05) effects mostly on the population densities of plant-parasitic nematodes while stubble management had significant effects (P < 0.05) on free-living nematodes. However, interaction effects of tillage and stubble were significant (P < 0.01) for the population densities of free-living nematodes only. Population of Rhabditidae was significantly higher in conventional cultivated plots (7244 kg⁻¹ soil) than the direct drilled (3981 kg⁻¹ soil) plots under stubble retention. In contrast, plots with direct drill and stubble burnt had significantly higher populations of Dorylaimidae than the conventional cultivation with similar stubble management practice. No correlations between abundance of free-living nematodes, and concentration of total C and labile C in soil were observed in this study. These results showed that stubble retention contributed for enormous population density of free-living (beneficial) nematodes while conventional cultivation, irrespective of stubble management, contributed for suppressing plant-parasitic nematodes.     

Carbon sequestration in irrigated vertisols under cotton‐based farming systems

Abstract

Agricultural production systems account for approximately 15% of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Carbon dioxide accounts for a major proportion of these gases. Reducing or avoiding tillage, avoiding crop residue burning, mulching, sowing cover or rotation crops during fallow periods, minimizing land clearance, and using land clearing methods which minimize soil disturbance are thought to reduce carbon dioxide emission and improve carbon sequestration in soil, although experimental data obtained under Australian conditions are sparse. The effects of minimizing tillage and using cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)‐based crop rotations on carbon sequestration in irrigated Vertisols was evaluated from 1993 to 1998 in several experimental sites located in north‐western and central‐western New South Wales, Australia. Carbon sequestration was highest where minimum tillage and rotation with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) had been practiced for extended periods (>10 years). In the short‐term (<5 years), however, replacing intensive tillage with minimum tillage resulted in a fall in soil carbon sequestration. This was attributed to the low decomposition rate of cotton crop residues. Significant differences were also absent between crop rotations (e.g., cotton‐legume and cotton‐cereal) with respect to short‐term carbon sequestration.     

Organic carbon quantity and forms as influenced by tillage and cropping sequence

Abstract

Soil organic matter and its chemical fractions have a profound impact on soil chemical and physical properties. In turn, the effect of management (cropping and tillage) on the quantity and chemical properties of soil organic matter can be substantial. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of specific tillage regimes and crop sequences commonly used in the central Great Plains of the United States on the quantity, quality, and distribution with depth of soil organic carbon (SOC). Soils were sampled in 1 cm or 2 cm increments to a depth of 10 cm from experimental field plots on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll). The plots had been under 6 continuous tillage regimes since 1978 and cropped to continuous corn, continuous soybean, or corn‐soybean in rotation since 1985. Soils were analyzed for total SOC, fulvic acid (FA) carbon, and humic acid (HA) carbon. No‐till and continuous corn (Zea mays L.) management generally had the highest SOC, with a sharp reduction in SOC below 2 cm. Only no‐till increased FA, which also decreased with depth, especially between 2 and 4 cm. Humic acid concentration was highest under continuous corn but was unaffected by tillage. Humic acid also was highest in the 1‐ to 2‐cm increment of continuous corn. Two ratios which are used as indices of degree of humification, HA/FA and (HA+FA)/SOC, gave different estimates of the effect of management. Only continuous com increased HA/FA, suggesting increased humification. No treatment affected (HA+FA)/SOC. Overall, continuous corn and no‐till contributed the greatest amounts of residue and maintained a soil environment conducive to preserving the resulting organic matter. These management options increase not only total SOC, but also alter the quality of that SOC as measured by HA and FA. These changes in SOC characteristics may have implications for long‐term soil quality and soil productivity.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil aggregation in a no‐tillage system with crop rotation

Crop rotation adoption in no‐tillage systems (NTS) has been recommended to increase the biological activity and soil aggregation, suppress soil and plant pathogens, and increase the productivity aiming at the sustainability of agricultural areas. In this context, this study aimed to assess the effect of crop rotation on the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community and soil aggregation in a soil cultivated for nine years under NTS. Treatments consisted of combinations of three summer crop sequences and seven winter crops. Summer crop sequences consisted of corn (Zea mays L.) monoculture, soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) monoculture, and soybean–corn rotation. Winter crops consisted of corn, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L.), and millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke). Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–0.10 m for analyses of soil chemical, physical, and biological attributes. Spore abundance, total glomalin, and soil aggregate stability index were higher in the soil under corn monoculture. The highest values of aggregate mean weight diameter were observed in the soybean–corn rotation (3.78 mm) and corn monoculture (3.70 mm), both differing from soybean monoculture (3.15 mm), while winter crops showed significant differences only between sorghum (3.96 mm) and pigeon pea (3.25 mm). Two processes were identified in the soil under summer crop sequences. The first process was observed in PC1 (spore abundance, total glomalin, easily extractable glomalin, pH, P, and Mg²⁺) and was related to AMF; the second process occurred in PC2 (aggregate mean weight diameter, soil aggregate stability index, K⁺, and organic matter) and was related to soil aggregation. The nine‐year no‐tillage system under the same crop rotation adoption influenced AMF abundance in the soil, especially with corn cultivation in the summer crop sequence, which promoted an increased total external mycelium length and number of spores of AMF. In addition, it favored an increased soil organic matter content, which is directly related to the formation and stability of soil aggregates in these managements.     

Impact of rainfall and tillage systems on off‐site herbicide movement

Abstract

Ground cover associated with conservation‐ and no‐till cropping systems can alter runoff and herbicide loss from the soil surface. This study was conducted in 1987 and 1988 to evaluate runoff losses of soil‐applied alachlor and imazaquin in five different soybean cropping systems. Cropping systems used were: 1) conventionally tilled monocrop soybean planted in May; 2) conventionally tilled monocrop soybean planted in June; 3) conventionally tilled doublecrop soybean with incorporated wheat stubble; 4) no‐till doublecrop soybean with burned wheat stubble; and 5) no‐till doublecrop soybean planted into standing wheat stubble. Runoff was lower in 1988 due to a lack of precipitation and dry soil conditions. Herbicide loss in both years was greatest in doublecrop soybean with incorporated wheat stubble, which corresponded to higher runoff. Lower herbicide loss in June‐planted monocrop soybean was attributed to a rougher seedbed that retarded runoff. May‐planted monocrop soybean also lost very little herbicide in 1987, although this treatment had the highest runoff. Lower concentrations of alachlor and imazaquin in runoff from this treatment may be attributed to degradation or soil sorption of herbicides between planting and the first runoff event 23 days later. Highest runoff losses of alachlor and imazaquin, as compared to their initial concentration, were approximately 10% in 1987, and less than 0.5% in 1988. Nomenclature: alachlor, 2‐chloro‐N‐(2, 6‐diethylphenyl) N‐(methoxymethyl) acetamide; imazaquin, 2‐[4, 5‐dihydro‐4‐methyl‐4‐(l‐methyl‐ethyl)‐5‐oxo‐1H‐imadazol‐2‐yl]‐3‐quinolinecarboxylic acid; soybean [Glycine max (L.)] Merr.; wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).     

Effects of 30 years of cropping and tillage systems on surface soil test changes

Abstract

A common belief is that no‐till systems with adequate fertility will improve soil quality over other tillage systems. The objectives of this study were to determine if crop phase, tillage systems, and n rate in a long‐term rotation affected soil chemical analyses in the surface 15 cm of soil and to evaluate the trend in chemical analyses. To test this hypothesis, surface soil samples were taken from a long‐term (30‐year) cropping and tillage study. This study was initiated in 1965 on a Harney silt loam soil in Central Kansas with every phase of the wheat‐sorghum‐fallow (WDF) rotation included each year. Tillage systems included clear‐till (CT), reduced‐till (RT), and no‐till (NT). In 1975, four nitrogen (N) rates (0, 22, 45, 67 kg N ha¹) were incorporated by subdividing the tillage plots. Topdressed N, as ammonium nitrate, was the only fertilizer added throughout the duration of the study. Soil samples were taken at depths of 0 to 7.5 and 7.5 to 15 cm in all plots in 1965 and in 1995. In 1998, soils on 1997 sorghum plots were samples in 2.5‐cm increments to 15 cm. Samples from all dates were analyzed for pH, available phosphorus (AP), and organic matter (OM), and deviations from the controls from 1965 to 1995 were assessed by subtracting 1995 results from 1965 results. The change in soil pH showed a crop phase by sample depth interaction. In the wheat phase, pH in the top 7.5 cm increased by 0.19 and increased by 0.28 in the 7.5–15 cm layer. In the fallow phase, pH increased by 0.04 and 0.35 in the top 7.5 cm and 7.5–15 cm layers, respectively. The pH change for sorghum was intermediate for both depths. The increase in overall pH from 1965 to 1995 was unexpected and contrary to normal expectations of a decrease over time. Soil OM was not changed significantly over the 30 years of the study, suggesting that OM buildup or depletion is very slow under this cropping system on a nearly level soil with minimal soil erosion. Increasing the rate of N application significantly reduced pH in the upper increment samples, but had little effect on pH below 10 cm. The NT system had the lowest surface increment in pH, but differences among tillage systems were minimal below 7.6 cm. The AP was highest for NT in the surface increment, but for CT at deeper depths. Likewise, OM was highest for NT in the 2.5 cm increment and the CT at deeper increments. Under the present N management, pH may reach levels where herbicide effectiveness and phosphorus availability could be affected adversely. Deep tillage by one‐way or mold‐board plowing might be an interim solution to raise the pH before liming is implemented or P fertilizer is added to maintain adequate AP throughout the top 15 cm. Nitrogen management may need to be changed to some form of band‐type placement to reduce the total N applied. Under the conditions of this study (WSF, reduced tillage, and 57 cm annual precipitation), soil OM increased very slowly.