Effects of conventional and deep tillage on mustard for efficient water and nitrogen use in coarse textured soils

Crops grown on coarse textured soils are prone to water and nutrient stresses owing to low water retention, poor inherent fertility, and rapid development of mechanical impedance to root growth. These stresses can be alleviated by enlarging rooting volume in the soil and/or by regulating the supply of water and nutrients. Field investigations were carried for 3 years to assess interactive effects of deep tillage, irrigation regime and nitrogen rate on root growth, dry matter accumulation, water use and yield of mustard in a loamy sand and a sandy loam soil. Treatments included combinations of two tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT) (one discing, two cultivations down to 10 cm depth, and a planking), and deep tillage (DT) (chiseling down to 35–40 cm followed by CT); three irrigation regimes: no irrigation (I₀), 7 cm water 28 days after seeding (DAS) (I₁), and two irrigations of 7 cm each at 28 DAS and at peak flowering (I₂); and four nitrogen rates: 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha⁻¹. The experiment was replicated three times in a split plot design with tillage and irrigation in main plots and nitrogen in sub-plots.

Deep tillage and early irrigation enhanced the rooting density and the rate of dry matter accumulation of mustard, and as a consequence, there was greater depletion of profile stored water and better plant water status, particularly in the low water retentive loamy sand. Tillage enhanced the synergistic effects of irrigation and nitrogen on crop water use. Interaction effects of the three variables on grain yield were significant in this soil. Regression models relating relative yield to water supply and nitrogen rates showed that, for a given yield, more water and nitrogen were required for CT than for DT in the loamy sand indicating that tillage enhanced the utilization of water and nutrients. The magnitude of tillage effects was much less in the sandy loam.     

耕深对土壤物理性质及小麦-玉米产量的影响

为了解不同犁底层破除程度对黄淮海平原农田土壤蓄水保墒、穿透阻力动态变化及作物产量的影响,在山东德州试验基地以冬小麦-夏玉米轮作农田为研究对象,设置4个犁底层厚度处理,分别为犁底层不破除(RT15)、犁底层破除1/3(DL20)、犁底层破除2/3(DL25)和犁底层完全破除(DL40)。结果表明:1)完全或者部分破除犁底层均能够显著降低10~30 cm土层容重和穿透阻力,各处理降低幅度具体表现为DL40DL25DL20RT15。2)DL20、DL25和DL40处理有利于增加降水或灌溉后水分入渗,冬小麦苗期20~70 cm土壤平均含水率分别较RT15处理提高5.3%、15.9%和23.6%,且冬小麦季耗水量分别较RT15处理提高4.9%、10.2%和11.6%;DL20、DL25和DL40处理夏玉米苗期20~70 cm土壤平均含水率分别较RT15处理提高7.7%、14.2%和15.8%,但夏玉米季耗水量分别较RT15处理降低5.8%、7.6%和10.5%。3)冬小麦季0~15和15~30 cm土层穿透阻力均表现为双峰型,且2土层受冻融作用影响各处理在越冬期达到穿透阻力峰值1 489.2~2 128.1和1 925.4~4 423.7 kPa;30~45 cm土层各处理穿透阻力变化规律在两季作物生长后期差异较大,冬小麦生长后期表现为DL40DL25DL20RT155,而夏玉米后期表现为DL40DL25DL20RT15。4)相对完全打破犁底层,部分打破犁底层更有利于提高水分利用效率,显著增加作物产量,DL25处理冬小麦和夏玉米产量分别较DL40处理增加4.2%和2.4%。综合考虑,DL25是目前相对较好的犁底层改良方式,此时犁底层厚度适当,既可节省农机能耗,又可兼有透水、增产效能。     

Modeling tillage effects on soil physical properties

Tillage refers to the manipulation of soil by an implement powered by humans, animals or machines. Tillage operation generally create two zones: (1) a zone where soil has been fractured and then turned over leading to rough surface conditions; and (2) a zone where soil has been compacted by the weight of the machinery. Thus, modeling tillage effects on soil physical properties involves two separate approaches depending upon the zone under consideration.

Modeling tillage systems offers an opportunity to: (1) synthesize the extensive experimental data in the literature; (2) develop tools for site specific management recommendations; and (3) identify areas of research where additional information is needed. Modeling tillage systems involves modeling the soil physical, chemical and biological properties and processes and then linking them with crop growth models to simulate crop yields or environmental impacts. This paper reviews models for predicting tillage effects on state soil physical properties. Specifically, we reviewed models which predict bulk density, surface microrelief, aerodynamic roughness length, water retention characteristics, hydraulic conductivity function, thermal conductivity, volumetric heat capacity and gas diffusion coefficient. Since most of the existing models for predicting soil physical properties are developed for untilled soils, the paper outlines procedures to adapt these models to fractured and compacted zones in tilled soils. The paper also identifies specific assumptions that need both laboratory and field testing.     

Maize growth responses to deep tillage, straw mulching and farmyard manure in coarse textured soils of N.W. India

Abstract. The effects of deep tillage, straw mulching and farmyard manure on maize growth in loamy sand and sandy loam soils were studied in experiments lasting three years. Treatments included all combinations of conventional tillage (10 cm deep) and deep tillage (35–40 cm deep), two farmyard manure rates (0 and 15 t/ha) and two mulch rates (0 and 6 t/ha), replicated three times in a randomixed block design.
Deep tillage decreased soil strength and caused deeper and denser rooting. Mulching decreased maximum soil temperature and kept the surface layers wetter resulting in better root growth. Farmyard manure also improved root growth, and the crop then extracted soil water more efficiently. All three treatments increased grain yield in the loamy sand, but in the sandy loam only tillage and farmyard manure increased yields significantly. Deep tillage and straw mulch effects varied with soil type and amount of rainfall in the growing season. In the loamy sand the mean responses to deep tillage and mulching were largest in a dry year. A tillage-mulch interaction was significant in the loamy sand.     

Effect of tillage depth on physical properties of a tropical soil and on yield of maize, sorghum and cotton

Field experiments were carried out to study the effect of three tillage depths (5, 15 and 30 cm) on soil physical properties and on yield of maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) on a ferruginous tropical soil. The increase in porosity due to deep tillage was only temporary and differences in water storage and movement were only noticeable during the early part of the rainy season. Deep tillage increased the yield of maize and cotton by about 10% but sorghum yield was not affected.     

秸秆还田与旋耕对川中土壤物理性状及玉米机播质量的影响

为明确川中丘陵地区紫土小麦-玉米两熟种植模式下机播玉米生产适宜的秸秆还田方式与耕作方式,改善土壤的瘠薄、黏性过大等问题,提高耕层土壤的播种条件、播种质量,达到作物高产的目的,设置秸秆还田旋耕(RTS)、秸秆还田免耕(NTS)、秸秆不还田旋耕(RT)、秸秆不还田免耕(NT)4个处理,研究麦秸还田与旋耕对川中丘区紫色黏土物理性状及机播夏玉米播种质量的影响。结果表明:与秸秆不还田相比,麦秸还田显著增加了拔节期0~10 cm土层土壤毛管孔隙度和免耕处理0~10 cm全生育时期土壤含水量,显著降低出苗率、播种均匀度和幼苗整齐度等指标。与免耕相比,旋耕处理降低了0~10 cm土壤容重、含水量,增加了毛管孔隙度,出苗率提高9.9%,幼苗株高、茎粗、叶面积和干重显著提高。麦秸还田条件下,旋耕处理较免耕处理0~10cm土壤容重降低2.0%~12.1%,出苗率、播种均匀度、每穴苗数、幼苗整齐度显著提高,其中出苗率增加17.9%。玉米出苗率与0~10 cm土壤含水量呈显著正相关,播种均匀度与幼苗整齐度均与0~10 cm土壤容重呈显著负相关。可见,麦秸还田下旋耕处理改善了土壤结构,增加了土壤含水量,更有利于川中丘陵地区小麦-夏玉米种植模式机播玉米质量和幼苗素质的提高。     

利于小麦—玉米轮作田土壤理化性状和作物产量的耕作方式研究

【目的】干旱缺水是陕西渭北旱塬粮食生产的主要矛盾。该区长期采用单一土壤耕作方法,造成土壤质地紧实,蓄水纳墒和提供营养的能力变差,直接影响粮食作物产量的提高。本文通过多年不同轮耕方式定位试验研究,旨在探讨免耕/深松、深松/翻耕和翻耕/免耕3种土壤轮耕模式对旱地冬小麦春玉米轮作田土壤理化性状和作物产量的影响。【方法】以平衡施肥（每公顷基施N 150 kg、P2O5 120 kg和K2O 90 kg）为主处理,免耕、深松和翻耕3种耕作方式组成免耕/深松、深松/翻耕和翻耕/免耕3种土壤轮耕模式为副处理,以连年免耕、连年深松和连年翻耕为对照,进行为期连续 4 年（2007~2011年）的土壤轮耕结合平衡施肥定位试验,详细探讨了不同土壤处理模式对土壤的理化性状和作物产量的影响。【结果】在四年试验中,免耕/深松、深松/翻耕和翻耕/免耕模式下的040 cm土壤容重较连年免耕分别降低4.50%、6.45%和3.57%,深松/翻耕较连年深松无差异,而较连年翻耕降低1.78%。深松/翻耕较对照组040 cm土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾、碱解氮和速效钾分别增加0.27%~15.60%、3.14%~8.61%、3.76%~24.32%、15.62%~25.17%、10.90%~14.43%、8.61%~15.53%,翻耕/免耕较连年翻耕仅有机质、全氮、碱解氮和速效钾含量提高。各处理的040 cm土壤0.25 mm水稳性团聚体含量依次为连免免/深连深深/翻翻/免连翻,连免显著高于（P0.05）其他处理1.1~2.5倍。冬小麦和春玉米籽粒产量有3年表现为深松/翻耕＞免耕/深松＞翻耕/免耕,2009年在免耕/深松轮耕模式下春玉米产量显著高于深松/翻耕模式。其余免耕/深松较连年免耕增产12.05%（P0.05）,深松/翻耕较连年免耕增产18.15%（P0.05）、较连年深松增产4.55%（P0.05）,较连年翻耕增产11.22%（P0.05）,比免耕/深松和翻耕/免耕分别增产5.44%（P0.05）和14.57%（P0.05）;而翻耕/免耕则在各方面的效应下降,增产效果降低,较连年翻耕减产2.92%（P0.05）。总之,以免耕/深松和深松/翻耕轮耕模式可创造良好的土壤耕层结构,增加水稳性团聚体,降低耕层及耕层以下土壤容重,提高土壤养分,促进作物生长发育。其中以深松/翻耕轮耕模式的效果较为明显,增产效果更突出。【结论】在渭北旱塬干旱少雨的生态环境下,深松/翻耕土壤耕作模式可以显著改善土壤的理化性状,提高土壤水性团聚体,降低土壤容重,释放土壤养分,从而提高作物产量,是陕西省渭北旱塬及类似地区冬小麦、春玉米一年一熟制作物轮作模式最佳的土壤轮耕模式,其次是免耕/深松轮耕模式。     

Effect of tillage and field condition on soil physical properties, cane and sugar yields in Vertisols of Kenana Sugar Estate, Sudan

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of heavy disc harrowing in combination with chisel ploughing to depths of 10, 20, and 30 cm, on soil physical properties, cane yield, and sugar yield. The experiment was executed in two non-fallow, two semi-fallow and one fallow field conditions, in Kenana Sugar Estate, Sudan.

Results showed that the final surfaces for all tillage treatments were clean and smooth. Percent residue cover ranged from 4.2 to 5.4. After seedbed preparation percent clods greater than 1 cm in diameter ranged from 31.1 to 35.8, while gravimetric moisture content in the tillage zone ranged from 29.9 to 30.5. No significant differences were observed between treatments in residue cover, clod size and moisture content.

Soil penetration resistance in the five sites measured after the last irrigation showed no significant differences. Cone index ranged from 802 to 934 kPa. Bulk density measurements also showed no significant differences between tillage treatments.

Yield data showed that chisel ploughing to depths of 20 and 30 cm before disc harrowing, significantly increased cane and sugar yields than conventional tillage at Kenana. The highest field productivity (105.27 Mg ha⁻¹) was obtained with the combined disc harrowing and 20 cm chisel ploughing. Yield of cane per hectare under this method was 8.38 Mg ha⁻¹ higher than that under the conventional method. Sugar yield per hectare increased by 1 metric ton, which was 8.6% higher than that of the conventional method.

The relation between tillage depth (x) and cane yield (Y), in tons of cane per hectare, for average Kenana field condition could be expressed by the third-order polynomial:

Y=158.141−7.725x+0.293x²−0.003x³

The fallow, semi-fallow and non-fallow sites were not significantly different in cane yield.

All tillage methods studied were more intensive than adequate levels for soil conservation practices found in the reviewed literature; it is suggested to omit the re-harrowing operation of Kenana conventional tillage.     

残茬覆盖与耕作方式对土壤性状及夏玉米水分利用效率的影响

采用田间和小面积模拟降水试验的方法,对小麦机械收获后残茬覆盖与不覆盖两种条件下免耕、翻耕和间隔深松3种土壤耕作方式夏玉米田的土壤物理性状和水分利用效率进行了研究。结果表明,残茬覆盖与深松相结合,可平衡和改善耕层土壤温度状况,在土壤温度较低时具有保温作用,在土壤温度较高时具有降温作用;可以增加土壤的蓄水和保水能力,模拟降水后24 h测定1 m土层含水量比免耕不盖多26.1 mm,全生育期平均耕层土壤含水量比免耕不覆盖高9.37%;土壤通透性也得到改善;最终水分利用效率比免耕不盖提高25.26%。     

Response of soil physical properties to tillage and residue management on two soils in a cool temperate environment

In view of their potential benefits, reduced or no tillage (NT) systems are being advocated worldwide. Concerns about impairment of some soil conditions, however, cast doubt on their unqualified acceptance. We evaluated the effects of 6 years of tillage and residue management on bulk density, penetration resistance, aggregation and infiltration rate of a Black Chernozem at Innisfail (loam, 65 g kg⁻¹ organic matter, Udic Boroll) and a Gray Luvisol at Rimbey (loam, 31 g kg⁻¹ organic matter, Boralf) cropped to monoculture spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in a cool temperate climate in Alberta, Canada. Tillage systems were no tillage and tillage with rototilling (T), and two residue levels were straw removed (−S) and straw retained (+S). Bulk density (BD) of the 0–7.5 and 7.5–15 cm depths was significantly greater under NT (1.13–1.58 Mg m⁻³) than under T (0.99–1.41 Mg m⁻³) in both soils, irrespective of residue management. In both soils, penetration resistance (PR) was greater under NT than under T to 15 cm depth. Residue retention significantly reduced PR of the 0–10 cm soil in NT, but not in T. In the 0–5 cm depth of the Black Chernozem, the >2 mm fraction of dry aggregates was highest under NT + S (72%), and lowest under T − S (50%). The wind-erodible fraction (dry aggregates <1 mm size) was smallest (18%) under NT + S and largest (39%) under T − S. Soil aggregation benefited more from NT than from residue retention. Proportion of wind-erodible aggregates was generally greater in the Gray Luvisol than in the Black Chernozem. In the Black Chernozem, steady-state infiltration rate (IR) was significantly lower (33%) under NT than under T. Residue retention improved IR in both NT and T. In the Gray Luvisol, IR was not significantly affected by tillage and residue management. Despite firmer soil, NT and residue retention are recommended to improve aggregation in the cool temperate region of Western Canada.     

保护性耕作对土壤物理特性及玉米产量的影响

保护性耕作措施是干旱区农田提高作物产量的新型耕作技术。为了探讨其区域适应性,在2004～2007年期间,以毛乌素沙地南缘的靖边县北部风沙区农田为研究对象,选用了免耕、秸秆覆盖、覆膜和传统翻耕(CK)4种措施,采用完全随机试验设计进行了田间定位试验研究。结果表明,秸秆覆盖和免耕地的地温在春播初期略比传统翻耕低0.1℃,但随后迅速回升,覆膜在玉米生长期都高于其他措施。耕作措施对播种前土壤容重没有显著影响,而对收获后土壤容重影响显著,与传统翻耕相比,免耕降低了表层土壤容重1.65%,但次层20～40 cm容重增加了1.8%。3种保护性耕作措施均增加了土壤含水量,顺序依次为秸秆覆盖>覆膜>免耕>翻耕,且在作物需水关键期免耕和秸秆覆盖下的土壤含水量相对稳定,保证作物需水,提高水分利用率,分别为8%、22.0%和13.3%。使作物分别增产4.44%、13.14%和19.26%。因此,保护性耕作在风沙区有利于改善农田土壤物理条件,提高作物产量,适于在风沙区推广。     

Effects of tillage systems on soil physical properties,root distribution and maize yield on a Colombian acid-savanna Oxisol

Abstract

Tillage systems may affect many soil properties, which in turn may alter the soil environment and consequently impact on root growth and distribution, and crop yield. In 1993, a long-term field experiment on sustainable crop rotation and ley farming systems was initiated on a Colombian acid-savanna oxisol to test the effects of grain legumes, green manures, intercrops and leys as possible components that could increase the stability of systems involving annual crops. In the present study, five agropastoral treatments (maize monoculture, maize-soybean rotation, maize-soybean green manure rotation, native savanna, maize-agropastoral rotation) under two tillage systems (no tillage and minimum tillage) were investigated. Lower bulk density and higher total porosity for all treatments and soil layers were found in no-tillage compared to the minimum tillage system. Between the two tillage systems, significantly higher maize grain yields (p<0.1) were obtained under no-tillage agropastoral treatments compared to the same treatments under minimum tillage. Maize yields on native savanna soils were markedly lower than in the rest of the treatments, indicating the need for improved soil conditions in subsoil layers for root growth of maize.     

Influence of tillage and crop residue on soil physical properties and yields of rice and wheat under shallow water table conditions

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of tillage and residue incorporation on soil properties and yields of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in rotation for 4 years on a silty clay loam of an Aquic Hapludoll with natural water table fluctuating between 0.05 and 0.97 m depth The rice experiment was laid out in split plot design with four levels of tillage, viz. conventional puddling (CP), puddling by four passes of rotavator (PR), reduced puddling by two passes of rotavator (ReP), and direct seeding without puddling (DSWP) and two levels of residue, viz. residue incorporation (RI) and residue removal (RR) in four replications. The treatments for wheat were zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT) with RI and RR superimposed over the plots of rice. Tillage for rice increased puddling index and bulk density (BD) over the years. The increase was significantly higher in CP and PR than in ReP. In wheat season, BD was higher under ZT than under CT but the differences were not significant. Puddling decreased saturated hydraulic conductivity with time, which became significantly lower in CP and PR in the fourth year than in ReP in the first year. Infiltration rate (IR) also decreased with time and was lowest in CP and PR. In wheat season, IR was at par under ZT and CT. Rice yield in PR was maximum and at par with that in ReP. But wheat yield was lowest in PR and highest in DSWP, and was at par in DSWP and ReP. Thus, rice yields were optimum under ReP, in which changes in soil properties were least, and wheat yields were optimum both under ZT and CT in the DSWP and ReP plots of rice under shallow water table conditions of the silty clay loam.     

一膜两年覆盖条件下耕作方法对旱作玉米产量及土壤物理性状的影响

为了优化全膜双垄沟播玉米土壤耕作技术,实现土壤质量保育和增产增效,布设田间定位试验,比较研究了一膜两年全膜双垄覆盖条件下,少免耕对玉米产量、水分利用效率(WUE)、经济效益及土壤物理性状的影响。结果表明:一膜两年用条件下,深松耕—免耕较对照能显著提高玉米的籽粒产量、水分利用效率、收获指数、总产值及产投比,其籽粒产量、水分利用效率、收获指数、总产值及产投比分别较对照提高22.8%,22.0%,15.0%,17.4%,17.4%;深松耕—免耕具有降低表层土壤容重、紧实度,增加土壤总孔度、大团聚体含量及饱和导水率的作用,全膜双垄沟播玉米采用深松耕—免耕具有明显的稳增产增效及土壤结构改善的作用,建议在全膜双垄沟播玉米种植体系中推广应用。     

玉米秸秆全量深翻还田对高产田土壤结构的影响

为达到玉米生产耕层最适深度(22 cm)和耕层最适土壤容重(1.1~1.3 g×cm~(-3)),解决内蒙古平原灌区耕层浅、犁底层坚硬且厚的农田土壤结构问题,分别选用连续1、2、3、4年秸秆深翻还田定位试验地,秋收后玉米秸秆全量粉碎深翻还田,秸秆年均还田量为20 034.97 kg×hm-2,形成秸秆深翻还田1~4年的4个试验处理(SF1-SF4),以不深翻秸秆还田的处理为对照(CK),研究土壤容重、土壤坚实度、土壤团聚体及其稳定性、土壤肥力及p H随不同年限秸秆深翻还田的变化规律。结果表明:1)SF1-SF4处理0~40 cm土层,土壤容重和土壤坚实度比CK显著减小。2)0~20 cm土层,SF4处理0.25 mm团聚体比例(R0.25)、几何平均直径(GWD)和平均重量直径(MWD)均比CK显著减小;SF1处理土壤团聚体破坏率(PAD)比CK显著降低9.56%,不稳定指数(SWA)随深翻年限增加而显著降低;团聚体分形维数SF4比CK显著增大7.30%。3)20~40 cm土层,SF1和SF2处理R0.25比CK分别显著增加13.69%和17.83%;SF2处理的MWD和GWD分别比CK显著增加23.92%和53.38%;SF1-SF4处理的PAD比CK显著降低,且SF2显著高于SF1和SF3;而SF1-SF4的SWA比CK显著增加,且随秸秆深翻年限的增加呈逐渐升高趋势;团聚体分形维数SF2比CK显著降低7.39%。4)土壤有机质含量SF1-SF4比CK显著增加,且SF2-SF4处理显著大于SF1;速效氮、速效磷和速效钾SF1-SF4比CK显著增加,土壤p H SF3、SF4比CK显著降低。总之,深翻秸秆还田1~4年对0~40 cm土层土壤影响显著;深翻秸秆还田2年适合土壤犁底层结构的改良,深翻秸秆还田3年和4年适合土壤耕层结构的改良。玉米秸秆全量深翻还田既能达到耕作土壤的目的,同时也增加了土壤有机质,降低土壤团聚体破坏率和土壤水稳性团聚体的不稳定系数,利于培肥耕层土壤。     

轮耕对土壤物理性状和冬小麦产量的影响

针对华北地区土壤连续单一耕作存在的主要问题,进行了土壤轮耕效应的研究。试验选择冬小麦夏玉米玉两熟区连续5 a免耕田,设置免耕、翻耕和旋耕3种轮耕处理（即免耕一免耕,免耕一翻耕和免耕一旋耕）,冬小麦播种前进行耕作处理。研究结果表明：多年免耕后进行土壤耕作（翻耕、旋耕）可以显著降低土壤体积质量;旋耕显著降低0～10 cm土壤体积质量,翻耕则降低0～20 cm体积质量;随时间变化各处理土壤体积质量差异逐渐降低。翻耕、旋耕均显著增加了0～10 cm土壤总孔隙,同时翻耕显著增加了10～20 cm土壤总孔隙;翻耕、旋耕显著提高了5～10 cm毛管孔隙。0～10 cm土壤饱和导水率表现为旋耕＞翻耕＞免耕,翻耕、旋耕在5%水平上显著高于免耕;10～20、20～30 cm土层均表现为翻耕＞旋耕＞免耕,且10～20 cm翻耕5%水平上显著高于免耕;饱和导水率与体积质量呈显著线性负相关。翻耕、旋耕有效穗数与免耕相比分别提高了24.1%、22.3%;冬小麦的实际产量表现为：旋耕＞翻耕＞免耕,翻耕、旋耕分别比免耕增产11.8%、16.9%。总之,长期免耕后进行土壤耕作有利于改善土壤物理性状,提高作物产量。     

Grain yields and soil properties on loam soil after three decades with conservation tillage in southeast Norway

Four tillage trials have been performed on moderately well-drained loam soil in southeast Norway for 30–37 years (mean 34), comparing reduced tillage (8–10 cm in spring) with autumn ploughing (25 cm). In some years, additional stubble harrowing in autumn (10–12 cm) was compared with harrowing only in spring. Weeds were controlled with herbicides. Straw residues were retained after around 1990 and no fungicides were used. Grain yields are reported for the last nine years, and compared with earlier years. Results are presented for a number of soil properties measured in recent years. Autumn harrowing gave no consistent yield benefit over harrowing only in spring. There was little difference between ploughed and unploughed treatments in mean grain yields over the whole trial period, and the variability between years was similar in both tillage systems. Relative grain yields, calculated as yields obtained without ploughing in percentage of those obtained with ploughing, appeared to be normally distributed around 100%. Responses were often positive in dry years, and negative in wet years. Reduced tillage gave higher P and K concentrations near the soil surface and slightly lower concentrations in deeper layers. There was little change in their levels, relative to earlier findings. Changes in bulk density and total porosity were mostly attributable to changes in the stratification of organic matter. Reduced tillage increased porosity at 4–8 cm depth and decreased it slightly at 24–28 cm, but there was no change in the intermediate layer. The moisture-holding capacity of the soil was altered little by reduced tillage, and soil aeration properties were satisfactory at all three depths measured. There was no change in the total amount of organic matter stored within the topsoil, despite marked changes in its distribution. Reduced tillage gave significant increases in aggregate stability and an indication of greater earthworm activity.     

麦稻轮作下耕作模式对土壤理化性质和作物产量的影响

为了探明不同耕作模式对土壤理化性质和作物产量的影响,采用田间定位试验方法,于2007-2010连续4a在麦稻轮作制下开展了本试验研究。结果表明,免耕提高了耕层土壤体积质量,降低了土壤含水率。但是免耕土壤表层(0～10cm)的体积质量仍在作物适宜生长的范围内,并未对作物的生长产生不利影响。免耕促进了土壤有机质和全氮在表层土壤的富集。0～10cm土层有机质和全氮含量比翻耕处理显著增加,而>10～20cm土层上述养分含量明显低于翻耕处理。小麦季免耕土壤的碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾含量的变化趋势与有机质和全氮含量相似,而水稻季免耕处理整个耕层土壤碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾含量均低于翻耕处理。免耕显著的提高了小麦产量,但降低了水稻产量,起主要作用的产量构成因素是小麦和水稻的有效穗数。整个轮作周期的作物产量以小麦免耕水稻翻耕模式的产量较高,比小麦翻耕水稻免耕模式产量增加了5.70%。     

Subsoil improvement in a tropical coarse textured soil: Effect of deep-ripping and slotting

In many coarse textured soils, limited root development and biomass production are attributed to adverse physical conditions in the subsoil. The current study was undertaken on an Arenic Acrisol located in Northeast Thailand (i) to assess whether subsoil physical characteristics influence crop rooting depth, and (ii) to compare the benefits associated with conventional tillage with that of localised subsoil loosening on crop performance and selected soil attributes. Control plots consisted of disk ploughing; the implemented treatments were conventional deep-ripping and localised slotting below the planting line. A crop rotation consisting of a legume followed by maize was established annually to assess the impact of these treatments on crop performance. In the control treatment, root development was restricted to the topsoil (0–20 cm) due to high subsoil bulk density (>1.6 Mg m⁻³). After deep-ripping, no improvement was observed in bulk density, rooting depth and in crop performance. The implementation of a slotting treatment systematically improved root development in the slotted subsoil, root impact frequency increasing from <0.2 to 0.6–0.8 (P = 0.01) despite no change in the bulk densities of the subsoil. This systematic improvement in root development could be explained by (i) reduced slumping that enable root development prior to recompaction and/or (ii) preferential drainage in the slot and therefore decreased resistance to root penetration. In a dry year maize yield was improved by 78% (P = 0.01); the deep-rooting legume Stylosanthes was tested only a wet year and its biomass production increased by >40% (P = 0.03). This study highlights the detrimental impact of subsoil compaction on root development and the potential role of slotting in coarse textured soils as a long-term management tool in addressing adverse subsoil physical characteristics that limit deep-rooting.     

Effects of deep tillage and profile modification on soil properties,root growth,and crop yields in the United States and Canada

Unfavorable conditions of soil profiles, through their adverse effects on the growth, proliferation, and activity of roots, may severely limit the yield of crops at some locations in the United States and Canada. A review of the literature showed that deep tillage and modification of soils having unfavorable profiles may increase crop production by providing larger, more favorable zones of soil for the growth, proliferation, and activity of roots. The improved conditions may result from disrupting dense, high-strength horizons; leaching or burying salts or toxic materials; increasing the capacity of sandy soils to retain water; and reducing the erodibility of soil. When the horizons causing problems were adequately disrupted or altered, yields of crops were generally increased. Benefits from the treatments were greater when precipitation or irrigation were limited than when they were adequate. There are many soils on which no benefits can be expected from deep tillage and profile modification.