Runoff,sediment and nutrient losses from various tillage systems of cotton

Runoff, sediment and nutrient losses were studied from 3 tillage systems of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘McNair 235’): (1) no-till without a cover crop (NT); (2) reduced-till with a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Coker 747’) as a cover crop (RTC); (3) conventional-till (CT) in the Tennessee Valley of north Alabama during the 1985 growing season. Runoff samples were collected from natural rainfall events and analyzed for sediment and nutrient losses.Among the 3 tillage systems the RTC system was the most effective in reducing the surface runoff, sediment and nutrient losses while maintaining comparable crop yield. Runoff and sediment concentrations from the CT system were high during the “critical period” (from planting to the last cultivation of the CT system). During the “non-critical period” (between the last cultivation of the CT system to harvesting) sediment concentrations from all tillage systems were relatively low even with high-runoff events. Summer cultivations reduced both surface runoff and sediment concentrations from the CT system. This may signify that a combination of conservation tillage and summer cultivation has the potential for controlling weeds without enhancing soil erosion.Concentration of ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N) and soluble-phosphorus concentration in surface runoff were higher than the recommended standard level for public water supplies and the growth of algae, respectively. Concentration of nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) in the surface runoff was well within the upper limit for drinking water.     

Characterizing the relationships between soil organic matter components and microbial function and composition along a tillage disturbance gradient

We studied the effect of no-till (disc seeder), conventional-till (tine scarifier+disc seeder) and rotary-till (rotary hoe+disc seeder) management on soil organic matter (SOM) components, rates of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling, substrate utilization and microbial community composition. We hypothesized that labile SOM fractions are sensitive to changes in tillage techniques and, in turn mediate any tillage-induced changes in microbial function and composition. A replicated field site was established in May 1998 in the semi-arid agricultural region of Western Australia and soils were collected in September 2004. We found soil pH varied between different tillage techniques as an initial lime application was mixed to deeper soil depths in rotary-till soil than no-till and conventional-till soil. Total-C was greater in surface soil and lower in subsurface soil from no-till and conventional-till plots than from rotary-till plots, but there was no effect of tillage technique on total-C when averaged across soil depths. Light (specific density <1.0 g cm^?3) fraction organic matter (LFOM), dissolved organic matter (DOM) and microbial biomass (MB) C and N pools, and rates of C and N cycling all tended to decrease with soil depth. In general, LFOM-C and N, dissolved organic C (DOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MB-C), soil respiration, cellulase activity, gross immobilization rates were positively correlated (r>0.50) and were greater in no-till and conventional-till soil than rotary-till soil both within, and across soil depths. These soil variables generally increased (r>0.5) with increasing soil pH. Dissolved organic N and gross N mineralization were positively correlated (r>0.90) but neither was affected by tillage techniques. No-till soil had greater utilization of carboxylic acids and lower utilization of amino acids and carbohydrates than conventional-till and rotary-till soil; surface soil also had greater utilization of carboxylic acids than subsurface soil. In turn, substrate utilization differed between soil depths, and between no-till soil and conventional-till and rotary-till soil; these differences were correlated with soil pH, total-N, DOC, LFOM-N and microbial biomass nitrogen (MB-N). Bacterial and fungal biomasses generally decreased with soil depth and were greater in no-till and conventional-till soil than rotary-till soil. Microbial community composition differed between all tillage techniques and soil depths; these differences were correlated with soil textural classes, soil pH, and total, LFOM, DOM and microbial C and N pools. These results indicate that most tillage-induced changes to soil properties were associated with the greater soil disturbance under rotary-till than under no-till or conventional-till management. Our results indicate that tillage-induced changes to soil pH, and LFOM, DOM and microbial biomass pools are likely to be important regulators of the rates of C and N cycling, substrate utilization and microbial community composition in this coarse textured soil.     

不同耕作方式对豫西旱区坡耕地水肥利用与流失的影响

为筛选适宜豫西早坡地应用的耕作技术，对深松覆盖、免耕覆盖、一次深翻和传统耕作等4种耕作方式的土壤水分、养分及其利用与流失情况进行了研究，结果表明：深松覆盖、免耕覆盖能提高土壤蓄水量，土壤有机质和氮、磷、钾含量明显高于传统耕作，特别是对上层土壤全氮及碱解氮和深层土壤的有效磷及速效钾的影响更为明显，并能有效地减少地表产流次数和径流量，减少土壤养分的流失，提高水分利用效率和养分的生产效率，显著提高小麦产量。与传统耕作相比，深松覆盖和免耕覆盖水分利用效率提高16．37％和10．62％，氮素生产效率提高17．40％和10．27％，磷素生产效率提高19．80％和12．54％，钾素生产效率提高19．44％和12．19％，小麦产量提高23．22％和15．38％，经济效益提高29．36％和21．13％。     

Surface Water Quality Impacts of Conservation Tillage Practices on Burley Tobacco Production Systems in Southwest Virginia

A plot-scale, rainfall-simulation study measured edge-of-field pollutant losses from conventional-till, strip-till, and no-till treatments in a burley tobacco production system. The field experiment results show that the conventional-till treatment yielded more total runoff than strip- and no-till treatments. Compared to the conventional-till treatment, both no-till and strip-till reduced the total mass losses of total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), nitrate (NO-N), ammonia (NH₃-N), total phosphorus (TP), orthophosphate (PO₄-P), and the insecticide chlorpyrifos in runoff. Although statistical analyses indicated that there was no significant difference between the no-till and strip-till practices, the no-till practice consistently yielded less edge-of-field pollutant loss than the strip-till practice. This research reinforces the body of knowledge documenting the effectiveness of conservation-tillage practices in reducing edge-of-field pollutant losses.     

Residual effects of potassium placement for conservation-till corn on subsequent no-till soybean

Biannual surface application of potassium (K) fertilizer prior to corn (Zea mays L.) in a corn–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation has been common in conventional-till crop production in North America; however, whether this traditional K management practice is effective for soybean when both corn and soybean are grown with conservation tillage is largely unknown. This study evaluated the residual effects of spring K fertilizer placement in conservation tillage systems applied to previous corn on subsequent no-till soybean. Experiments involving a corn–soybean rotation were conducted from 1997 to 2000 on a silt loam soil (Albic Luvisol) with 12 years of continuous no-till management near Paris, Ontario, Canada. The fields had low initial soil-test K levels (<61 mg l⁻¹) and evident soil K stratification in the top 20 cm. In the “corn” years from 1997 through 1999, spring K fertilizer placement methods of deep band (76 cm centers), surface broadcast, broadcast plus shallow band, and no K were evaluated for no-till, spring zone-till, and spring mulch-till tillage systems (1997 and 1998) but for no-till alone in 1999. From 1998 to 2000, soybean was no-till planted in 19 cm row widths on the respective previous-year corn treatments without further K fertilizer application. Soybean leaf K concentrations responded more frequently and positively to K application in no-till corn than in zone-till and mulch-till corn. Deep band and surface broadcast K placements were similar in their residual effects on soybean leaf K. Positive soybean yield responses to residual K fertilizer were observed in only 1 out of 3 years despite consistent increases in both soil K and soybean leaf K concentrations where K was applied to previous corn. On long-term no-till fields with low soil K levels, interrupting a continuous no-till corn–soybean system with mulch-till corn production provided residual benefits in soil K availability and leaf K nutrition for subsequent no-till soybean. Furthermore, the residual effects of K fertilizer applied to previous corn on subsequent no-till soybean were not affected by K placement method.     

Poultry litter and tillage influences on corn production and soil nutrients in a Kentucky silt loam soil

Broiler chicken (Gallus gallus) manure, a rich source of plant nutrients, is generated in large quantities in southeastern USA where many row crops, such as corn (Zea mays L.), are also extensively grown. However, the use of broiler manure as an economical alternative source of nutrients for corn production has not been extensively explored in this region. This study was conducted to examine the use of broiler litter as a source of nutrients for corn production, as influenced by tillage and litter rate, and any residual effects following application. In addition, the consequence of litter application to soil test nutrient levels, particularly P, Zn and Cu, was explored. The treatments consisted of two rates of broiler litter application, 11 and 22 Mg ha⁻¹ on a wet weight basis, and one rate of chemical fertilizer applied under no-till and conventional tillage systems. Treatments were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Corn was grown with broiler litter and inorganic fertilizer applied to the same plots each year from 1998 to 2001. In 2002 and 2003, corn was planted no-till, but only N fertilizer was applied in order to make use of other residual litter nutrients. Soil samples were taken yearly in the spring prior to litter application and 4 years after the cessation of litter application to evaluate the status of the residual nutrients in soil. Two years out of the 4-year experiment, broiler litter application produced significantly greater corn grain yield than equivalent chemical fertilizer application and produced similar grain yield in the other 2 years. Corn grain yield was significantly greater under no-till in 1999, but significantly greater under conventional-till in 2000, and no difference between the two tillage systems were observed in 1998 and 2001. With 4 years of litter application, Mehlich-3 P increased from an initial 18 mg kg⁻¹ to 156 mg kg⁻¹ with 11 Mg ha⁻¹ litter and to 257 mg kg⁻¹ with 22 Mg ha⁻¹ litter. For every 6 kg ha⁻¹ of P applied in poultry litter Mehlich-3 P was increased by 1 mg kg⁻¹. Modest increases in Mehlich-3 Cu and Zn did not result in phytotoxic levels. This study indicated that an optimum rate of broiler litter as a primary fertilizer at 11 Mg ha⁻¹ applied in 4 consecutive years on a silt loam soil produced corn grain yields similar to chemical fertilizer under both no-till and conventional tillage systems and kept soil test P, Cu and Zn levels below values considered to be harmful to surface water quality or the crop.     

Applications of reduced tillage in hills of central Nepal

Conventional tillage practices on steep and fragile landscape of Himalayan hills result in significant loss of topsoil during rainy season. Soil erosion in Nepal mid-hills is the most critical during pre-monsoon season. Many reviews argue that reduced tillage could be an option to tackle this problem. However, very few field experiments to evaluate reduced tillage systems have to date been conducted in this region. Thus, a field experiment was initiated in factorial randomized complete block design on acidic sandy loam soil (Lithic Dystochrept) during the summer season of 2001 at Kathmandu University (1500 masl) to assess the effects of tillage and cropping patterns on soil and nutrient losses, crop yield and soil fertility. Two main treatments viz. conventional and reduced till, and two sub-treatments viz. sole maize (Zea mays) and maize + soybean (Glycine max) were considered. Soil organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (N), plant available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable potassium (K) were determined for the original soil and eroded sediment using standard methods. Two years of data indicated annual soil and nutrient losses to be significantly lowered by reduced till as compared to conventional till. Total annual soil loss from conventional and reduced till was 16.6 and 11.1 Mg/ha, respectively. Similarly, annual nutrient losses associated with the eroded sediment were 188 kg OC/ha, 18.8 kg N/ha, <1 kg P/ha and 3.8 kg K/ha for conventional till and 126 kg OC/ha, 11.8 kg N/ha, <1 kg P/ha and 2.4 kg K/ha for reduced till. Soil OC and N losses were significantly higher in conventional till and this may be one of the major causes of fertility depletion in the Nepalese hills. Soil chemical properties did not differ due to tillage and cropping systems; however, over years pH, N and P were increased irrespective of treatments. Although treatments were at par for maize grain yield, conventional till + soybean produced highest grain yield (4.0 Mg/ha) followed by reduced till + soybean (3.9 Mg/ha) and conventional till sole maize (3.8 Mg/ha). Mixed cropping of legumes and maize do not help conserve soil and nutrient loss in hills of central Nepal. Thus, reduced till could be a viable option for minimizing soil and nutrient losses without sacrificing economic yields in central hills of Nepal.     

Tillage effects on microbial biomass and nutrient distribution in soils under rain-fed corn production in central-western Mexico

Quantifying how tillage systems affect soil microbial biomass and nutrient cycling by manipulating crop residue placement is important for understanding how production systems can be managed to sustain long-term soil productivity. Our objective was to characterize soil microbial biomass, potential N mineralization and nutrient distribution in soils (Vertisols, Andisols, and Alfisols) under rain-fed corn (Zea mays L.) production from four mid-term (6 years) tillage experiments located in central-western, Mexico. Treatments were three tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT) and no tillage (NT). Soil was collected at four locations (Casas Blancas, Morelia, Apatzingán and Tepatitlán) before corn planting, at depths of 0–50, 50–100 and 100–150 mm. Conservation tillage treatments (MT and NT) significantly increased crop residue accumulation on the soil surface. Soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, potential N mineralization, total N, and extractable P were highest in the surface layer of NT and decreased with depth. Soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, total N and extractable P of plowed soil were generally more evenly distributed throughout the 0–150 mm depth. Potential N mineralization was closely associated with organic C and microbial biomass. Higher levels of soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, potential N mineralization, total N, and extractable P were directly related to surface accumulation of crop residues promoted by conservation tillage management. Quality and productivity of soils could be maintained or improved with the use of conservation tillage.     

Dryland corn response to tillage and nitrogen fertilization. II. P,K, CA,MG

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilization and tillage practices may influence the availability and uptake of essential plant nutrients other than N. This study was conducted to assess the interactive effects of N rate and timing and tillage practices on uptake and concentration of P, K, Ca and Mg in corn grown under dryland conditions. Potassium accumulations in no till (NT) soils were greater than in conventional till (CT) near the surface and lower than CT in the subsoil. Phosphorus and Ca levels decreased with soil depth, while Mg tended to accumulate in the subsoil. Phosphorus uptake and concentration of 5‐leaf stage corn was increased as tillage intensity decreased. Nitrogen rate at planting increased 5‐leaf P uptake but reduced P concentration; however, by silking no effect of tillage or N fertilization practice on ear leaf P concentration was obtained. Increases in 5‐leaf corn K uptake and concentration as tillage intensity decreased may have reduced Mg and Ca concentrations via cation antagonism. Ear leaf Mg and Ca concentrations were increased by N rate, probably as a result of solubilization of Ca and Mg and improved crop growth. Distribution of essential elements in the soil due to tillage in combination with varying N fertilization practices can influence temporal nutrient uptake, thereby altering plant nutrient diagnosis.     

植物篱埂垄向区田技术对坡耕地水土和氮磷流失控制研究

针对松干流域农田面源污染控制需求,该文开展了植物篱埂垄向区田技术在坡耕地上的水土及氮磷流失控制效应研究。田间设置8个试验处理,包括两个对照即传统顺垄种植(CK1)与横垄种植(CK2)、3个间距的顺垄种植植物篱埂(1 m间距,T1;3 m间距,T2;5 m间距,T3)和3个间距的土埂(1 m间距,T4;3 m间距,T5;5 m间距,T6)。选择三叶草为植物篱材料。结果表明:1)与传统顺垄种植相比,横垄种植泥沙量减少46.9%,径流量减少52.9%;植物篱埂T1、T2与T3泥沙量分别减少44.6%、44.1%和42.1%,径流量分别减少50.6%、49.8%和49.2%;T4、T5和T6也能降低水土流失量,但与T1、T2与T3相比,泥沙流失量分别增加16.3%、12.6%和29.5%,径流量分别增加29.6%、46.8和76.9%;植物篱埂垄向区田技术的泥沙量与径流量控制效果相对接近横垄种植。2)与传统顺垄种植相比,各处理泥沙与径流TN浓度增大,TP浓度无变化;各处理的径流TN与TP浓度增大,其中各处理间的TN浓度有较大差异,TP浓度无明显差异;径流液TN浓度增加并没有引起农田氮流失增加,农田氮流失平均降低19.7%。3)考虑到经济投入问题,推荐植物篱埂间距3～5 m,较大坡度和坡上坡中采用较小间距,较小坡度和坡底采用较大间距;植物篱埂垄向区田技术能够提高玉米产量,平均增产5%～5.6%。     

Effect of tillage and crop management on runoff,soil erosion and organic carbon loss

Proper management of soil organic matter is an important issue in the context of sustainable agriculture. The intensification of production and the loss of organic carbon associated with agriculture reduce the efficiency of production and the quality of the environment, especially in relation to areas exposed to erosion. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of specific tillage systems and plant cover on the organic carbon losses, as well as on runoff and soil losses, over a 6-year study period following the introduction of no-till. The first factor in the experiment was the tillage system: conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT). The second factor was plant cover: horse bean, spring wheat and winter oilseed rape. The results showed that runoff was 4.3 ± 0.6% higher under NT than under CT, while soil loss was 66.8 ± 2.7% lower under NT than under CT. Compared to CT, NT limited the total organic carbon losses by an average of 46.0 ± 2.9% and organic carbon bound with sediment losses by 53.2 ± 0.7%, whereas for dissolved organic carbon, there were no significant differences for the tillage systems. The anti-erosion effectiveness of NT was lower in the first year, but it increased in subsequent years after the introduction of this tillage system. Plant cover also had a significant impact on organic carbon losses and soil protection. The crops were ranked according to runoff, soil losses and organic carbon losses in the following order from lower to higher losses: winter oilseed rape > spring wheat > horse bean.     

Temporal dynamics of soil nitrate-N after termination of forage phases in corn-forage rotation

 Efficient N-fertiliser management during the corn (Zea mays L.) phase in corn-forage rotation requires information on temporal dynamics of N release from forage biomass. The influence of forage phase, in corn-forage rotation, and no- versus conventional-till on (1) in situ temporal dynamics of soil nitrate-N (NO₃-N) during corn phase and (2) corn grain yield was investigated in this study. The data used were collected from a crop rotation (corn-forage) experiment, with superimposed tillage treatments, established on a silt loam soil in 1988 and continued until 1994. The cropping treatments were continuous conventionally cultivated (CT) corn, rotations involving corn and forages (alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.; and bromegrass, Bromus inermis L.) and continuous minimally tilled corn with under-seeded red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). The forages were grown for 6 years and corn was re-introduced in these plots under no- and conventional-till systems. Soil NO₃-N in the top 30 cm depth, determined six times during the corn phase, was significantly influenced by previous forage species and tillage system. Regression analysis indicated soil NO₃-N under continuous CT corn did not show significant temporal changes. In the rotations, soil NO₃-N after tillage or herbicide treatment, i.e. in no-till, increased with time until 45 days after tillage (DAT), reached a plateau between 45 and 65 DAT, and then decreased with time. During the plateau, soil NO₃-N in rotation plots ranged from 17 to 33 mg kg^–1 compared to 15.7 mg kg^–1 in the continuous CT corn. Tillage increased soil NO₃-N concentration in alfalfa plots whereas an opposite trend existed in the bromegrass plots. Soil NO₃-N in the rotation plots increased at rates ranging from 0.71 to 1.63 mg kg^–1 day^–1. The interaction involving forage species and the temporal dynamics of soil NO₃-N accounted for 68–77% of variability in corn grain yield. Received: 14 July 1998     

Twelve‐year tillage and crop rotation effects on yields and soil chemical properties in northeast Iowa

Abstract

Long‐term tillage and crop management studies may be useful for determining crop production practices that are conducive to securing a sustainable agriculture. Objectives of this field study were to evaluate the combined effects of crop rotation and tillage practices on yield and changes in soil chemical properties after 12 years of research on the Clyde‐Kenyon‐Floyd soil association in northeastern Iowa. Continuous corn (Zea mays L.) and a corn‐soybean [Glycine max L. (Herr.)] rotation were grown using moldboard plowing, chisel plowing, ridge‐tillage, or no‐tillage methods. Tillage and crop rotation effects on soil pH, Bray P1, 1M NH₄OAc exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg, total C, and total N in the top 200 mm were evaluated. Profile NO₃‐N concentrations were also measured in spring and autumn of 1988. Crop yields and N use efficiencies were used to assess sustainability. Bray P1 levels increased, but exchangeable K decreased for all cropping and tillage methods. Nutrient stratification was evident for no‐tillage and ridge‐tillage methods, while the moldboard plowing treatment had the most uniform soil test levels within the 200 mm management zone. Chisel plowing incorporated fertilizer to a depth of 100 mm. Soil pH was lower with continuous corn than with crop rotation because of greater and more frequent N applications. Profile NO₃‐N concentrations were significantly different for sampling depth and among tillage methods in spring 1988. In autumn the concentrations were significantly different for sampling depth and for a rotation by tillage interaction. Estimated N use efficiencies were 40 and 50 kg grain per kg N for continuous corn, and 48 and 69 kg grain per kg N for rotated corn in 1988 and 1989, respectively. The results suggest that P fertilizer rates can be reduced, but K rates should probably be increased to maintain soil‐test levels for this soil association. Crop rotation and reduced tillage methods such as ridge‐tillage or chisel plowing appear to meet the criteria for sustainable agriculture on these soils.     

Soil erosion on Alfisols in Western Nigeria: IV. Nutrient element losses in runoff and eroded sediments

Nutrient element losses in runoff and eroded sediments were monitored during 1972 on different slopes and under different soil and crop management treatments. The experiments were conducted on 25 × 4 m field runoff plots, established on natural slopes of 1, 5, 10 and 15%. The soil and crop management treatments consisted of bare fallow (plowed), maize-maize (plowed and mulched), maize-maize (plowed), maize-cowpeas (no-till), and cowpeas-maize (plowed).Total loss of nutrient elements in runoff and eroded soil materials was significantly affected by slope and by soil and crop management treatments. Total annual nutrient element losses in runoff were 55 kg/ha for bare-fallow, 17 kg/ha for maize-maize (plowed), 12 kg/ha for cowpeas-maize (plowed), 2.3 kg/ha for maize-maize (plowed and mulched) and 4.3 kg/ha for maize-cowpeas (no-till). The concentration of nitrate in seepage water was two or three times higher than in surface water. Nutrient losses in eroded soil materials from the mulched and no-till treatments were negligible. From the plowed treatments, greatest losses were of organic matter and total nitrogen. The enrichment ratios were 2.4 times for organic carbon, 1.6 times for N, and 5.8 times for available phosphorus.     

Soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation with long-term no-till versus moldboard plowing overestimated with tilled-zone sampling depths

Numerous investigators of tillage system impacts on soil organic carbon (OC) or total nitrogen (N) have limited their soil sampling to depths either at or just below the deepest tillage treatment in their experiments. This has resulted in an over-emphasis on OC and N changes in the near-surface zones and limited knowledge of crop and tillage system impacts below the maximum depth of soil disturbance by tillage implements. The objective of this study was to assess impacts of long-term (28 years) tillage and crop rotation on OC and N content and depth distribution together with bulk density and pH on a dark-colored Chalmers silty clay loam in Indiana. Soil samples were taken to 1 m depth in six depth increments from moldboard plow and no-till treatments in continuous corn and soybean–corn rotation. Rotation systems had little impact on the measured soil properties; OC content under continuous corn was not superior to the soybean–corn rotation in either no-till or moldboard plow systems. The increase in OC (on a mass per unit area basis) with no-till relative to moldboard plow averaged 23 t ha⁻¹ to a constant 30 cm sampling depth, but only 10 t ha⁻¹ to a constant 1.0 m sampling depth. Similarly, the increase in N with no-till was 1.9 t ha⁻¹ to a constant 30 cm sampling depth, but only 1.4 t ha⁻¹ to a constant 1.0 m sampling depth. Tillage treatments also had significant effects on soil bulk density and pH. Distribution of OC and N with soil depth differed dramatically under the different tillage systems. While no-till clearly resulted in more OC and N accumulation in the surface 15 cm than moldboard plow, the relative no-till advantage declined sharply with depth. Indeed, moldboard plowing resulted in substantially more OC and N, relative to no-till, in the 30–50 cm depth interval despite moldboard plowing consistently to less than a 25 cm depth. Our results suggest that conclusions about OC or N gains under long-term no-till are highly dependent on sampling depth and, therefore, tillage comparisons should be based on samples taken well beyond the deepest tillage depth.     

翻耕除草对不同坡长下紫色土氮磷流失的影响

为揭示自然降雨下翻耕除草和坡长对紫色土氮、磷流失的影响,通过野外设置径流小区(2个坡面:翻耕除草与自然恢复;3种坡长:20,40,60 m,共9个小区),定位监测研究不同处理下产流产沙及氮、磷流失特征。结果表明,同一坡面不同坡长间产流产沙差异不显著(P0.05);同一坡长不同坡面处理小区的径流量、产沙量差异极显著(P0.01)。与翻耕除草相比,自然恢复坡面20,40,60 m坡长小区径流量分别减少77.55%,62.62%,79.56%,产沙量分别减少85.21%,94.97%,96.25%。仅在40 m坡长下,不同坡面处理径流中DN、DP流失量差异不显著(P0.05),其他坡长DN、DP流失量差异显著(P0.05);各坡长不同坡面处理下泥沙中TN、TP流失量差异极显著(P0.01)。与翻耕除草相比,自然恢复坡面处理径流中DN、DP流失量分别减少75.13%,80.22%,泥沙中TN、TP流失量分别减少96.07%,96.38%。在翻耕除草坡面处理下,降雨强度与径流量、产沙量及泥沙中的TN和TP流失量呈极显著幂函数关系;在自然恢复坡面处理下,上述关系均不显著。研究结果可为紫色土氮、磷流失及面源污染防治等提供理论参考依据。     

No‐tillage corn response to placement of fertilizer nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium

Abstract

Fertilizer placement for corn (Zea mays L.) has been a major concern for no‐tillage production systems. This 3‐yr study (1994 to 1996) evaluated fertilizer phosphorus (P) or potassium (K) rates and placement for no‐tillage corn on farmers’ fields. There were two sites for each experiment involving fertilizer P or K. Treatments consisted ofthe following fertilizer rates: 0,19,and 39 kg P ha^‐1 or 0, 51, and 102 kg K ha^‐I. The fertilizer was broadcast or added as a subsurface band 5 cm beside and 5 cm below the seed at planting. Early plant growth, nutrient concentrations, and grain yields were measured. At the initiation of the study, soil test levels for P and K at the 0–1 5 cm depths ranged from optimum (medium) to very high across sites. Effects of added fertilizer and placement on early plant growth and nutrient concentrations were inconsistent. Added fertilizer had a significant effect on grain yields in two of twelve site‐years. Therefore, on no‐tillage soils with high fertility, nutrient addition, and placement affected early plant growth and nutrient utilization, but had limited effect on grain yield. Consequently, crop responses to the additions of single element P or K fertilizers under no‐tillage practices and high testing soils may not result in grain yield advantages for corn producers in the Northern cornbelt regardless of placement method.     

保护性耕作对土壤养分分布及冬小麦吸收与分配的影响

通过田间试验研究了华北平原山前平原区不同耕作方式下土壤氮、磷、钾等养分分布及冬小麦吸收与分配变化和对产量的影响。试验设深翻耕秸秆还田(MC)、秸秆还田旋耕(X)、秸秆粉碎免耕(NC)和整秸覆盖免耕(NW) 4 种冬小麦播前土壤耕作方式。试验结果表明, 6 年的不同耕作处理对土壤养分分布及冬小麦吸收与分配有显著影响。秸秆还田旋耕可显著提高土壤表层(0~5 cm)有机质、全氮以及碱解氮、速效磷、速效钾含量,但随土壤深度增加, 提高效果呈逐渐下降趋势; 20~30 cm 土层土壤有机质、全氮和速效氮含量显著低于秸秆粉碎免耕处理。两种免耕模式(NC、NW)植株的全氮、全磷、全钾含量在苗期明显低于翻耕(MC)和旋耕(X)模式,在返青期差异最为显著。到拔节和扬花期, 免耕(NC、NW)植株的全氮、全磷、全钾含量与翻耕(MC)和旋耕(X)之间的差异逐渐减少, 并最终影响到籽粒养分的积累。     

Corn and soybean grain yield responses to soil amendments and cover crop in upland soils

A field study was conducted on upland soils for six years to determine interactive effects of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cover crop, organic and inorganic soil amendments on grain yields and nutrient utilizations in a no-till corn (Zea mays)-soybean (Glycine max) rotation. Experimental design was a split-plot arrangement with four replicates. Cover crops were the main plots and fertilization treatments used as sub-plot. Fertilization treatments included an unfertilized control, poultry litter, poultry litter (PL) plus flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and inorganic N fertilizer applied every other year to corn. Corn grain yield and grain N and P uptake were greater with PL than inorganic fertilizer in 2014 and 2016. Addition of FGD gypsum to PL significantly increased corn grain yield by 15% in 2016. Cover crop increased corn and soybean grain yields in a year with less seasonal rainfall possibly by conserving soil moisture.     

Dust storm erosion and its impact on soil carbon and nitrogen losses in northern China

There is increased awareness of the environmental impacts of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) losses through wind erosion, especially in areas heavily affected by dust storm erosion. This paper reviews the recent literature concerning dust storm-related soil erosion and its impact on soil C and N losses in northern China. The purpose of our study is to provide an overview of the area of erosion-affected soils and to estimate the magnitude of soil C and N losses from farmland affected by dust storm erosion.According to the second national soil erosion remote-sensing survey in 2000, the area affected by wind erosion was 1.91 million km², accounting for 20% of the total land area in China. This area is expanding quickly as the incidence of heavy dust storms has greatly increased over the last five decades, mainly as a result of the intensification of soil cultivation. The economic and ecological damage caused by wind erosion is considerable. Heavily affected areas show a loss of nutrients and organic carbon in soils and the heavily degraded soils are much less productive. Compared with the non-degraded soil, the C and N contents in degraded soils have declined by 66% and 73%, respectively. The estimated annual losses per cm toplayer of soil C and N by dust storm erosion in northern China range from 53 to 1044 kg ha^− 1 and 5 to 90 kg ha^− 1, respectively. Field studies suggest that soil losses by wind erosion can be reduced by up to 79% when farmers shift from conventional soil tillage methods to no-till. Thus shifting to no-till or reduced tillage systems is an effective practice for protecting soil and soil nutrients. Our study indicates that soil conservation measures along with improved soil fertility management measures should be promoted in dry-land farming areas of northern China. As erosion is a major mechanism of nutrient withdrawal in these areas, we plead for the development of accurate methods for its assessment and for the incorporation of erosion, as a nutrient output term, in nutrient budget studies.