Tillage effects on cassava (Manihot esculenta) production and some soil properties

Cassava is traditionally grown on tilled soils. Interest in reduced-tillage systems is increasing in the humid tropics due to erosion problems. A field study was conducted on a sandy clay loam Ultisol to compare cassava performance in three tillage systems effects on soil water and organic carbon content. Tillage treatments were: (1) ploughing, harrowing and ridging (conventional); (2) digger-made holes (minimum); (3) pushing the sharpened end of cassavs cuttigs directly into the soil (no-till). Tillage did not affect total biomass yields in the first year. In the second year, significant differences were obtained in the yield of tops but not of fresh roots. No-till and minimum tillage out-yielded the conventional system by 40% and 23%, respectively, in the yield of tops,. It was apparent that elimination of ploughing did not reduce total biomass yield. Soil moisture contents in no-till and minimum tillage were significantly higher (P = 0.05) than in the conventional-tillage system. Conv organic carbon decresed significantly (P = 0.01) over time in all tillage systems. Conventional tillage gave the highest reduction. Cassava may be grown successfully in reduced-tillage systems in Ultisols of the humid tropics.     

Tillage and mulch effects on soil physical environment, root growth, nutrient uptake and yield of maize and wheat on an Alfisol in north-west India

Field experiments were conducted for 6 years on a silty clay loam to study the effect of soil management on soil physical properties, root growth, nutrient uptake and yield of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a sequence. Treatments were: no-tillage (NT), NT+pine needle mulch at a rate of 10 t ha⁻¹ (NT+M), conventional tillage (CT), CT+pine needle mulch at a rate of 10 t ha⁻¹ (CT+M) and deep tillage (DT). The soil is classified as a Typic Hapludalf and has compact sub-surface layers. The NT treatment increased the bulk density of the surface layer but this problem was not observed in the no-tilled treatment having mulch at the surface (NT+M). The CT+M and NT+M treatments favourably moderated the hydro-theregime resulting in greater root growth, nutrient uptake and grain yields of maize and wheat. The DT treatment, imposed only once, at the beginning of the study, also enhanced root growth and grain yields. The yields were similar to the mulched treatments for maize and somewhat less than the mulched treatments for wheat. Mulched treatments generally showed significantly greater total uptake of N, P and K than corresponding unmulched ones. Since NT+M was comparable to CT for maize and superior for wheat, the latter is preferable since it does not require ellaborate tillage.     

Tillage and mulch effects on productivity and water use of pea and soil carbon stocks

Soil management can notably influence crop production under rainfed farming; however, improper soil management is one of the key factors threatening sustainability. The objective of this 3 years’ study was to evaluate the performance of two types of tillage: conventional tillage (CT) and zero tillage (ZT) systems with four mulches; paddy straw mulch (PSM), maize stubble (MS), Imperata cylendrica (thatch grass, TG) and no mulch (NM) on yield and water use of pea (Pisum sativum) and physico-chemical properties of soil. CT and PSM have registered 11.1% and 36.1% higher pod yield, 10.0% and 40% improvement of water use efficiency (WUE) and 9.7% and 49.2% better harvest monetary benefit (HMB) over ZT and NM, respectively. Soil moisture content (SMC) was higher with ZT than CT. Placement of mulch has considerably higher SMC on upper soil layer over NM, but at deeper depth, there was no such evidence. The soil organic carbon (SOC) was considerably improved by 4.1% with ZT than CT, whereas, MS improved SOC by 1.9% than NM. The findings clearly suggested that CT along with PSM registered improvement in pod yield, WUE and HMB, but ZT and MS improved SOC at different soil depths and responded to carbon stock management.     

Effects of tillage and seeding methods on soil physical properties and yield of upland rice for an ultisol in southeast Nigeria

The yield of direct-seeded and transplanted upland rice was investigated for seven tillage methods for an ultisol in a high rainfall region of southeastern Nigeria. The tillage methods were: two compaction passes of a 6-t roller with and without residue mulch; six compaction passes with mulch; ploughing with and without mulch and no-till with and without mulch. Soil compaction decreased seedling emergence and shoot and root growth. Residue mulching decreased seedling emergence by 35.6% in direct-seeded rice. There were more leaves, productive tillers and dry matter in the ploughed plots. Root densities at 10–20- and 20–30-cm depths were higher by 157 and 47%, respectively, in ploughed treatments. The highest grain yields of 6.3 and 6.1 Mg ha⁻¹ in ploughed plots for the first and second seasons, respectively, were associated with greater uptake of P, Na, Fe and Zn at flowering and of N, Mg, K, Mn and Cu at both maximum tillering and flowering growth stages. The grain yield in the first season was 2.1 and 2.5 Mg ha⁻¹ for two- and six-compaction pass mulched plots, respectively. In the second season, the yields of no-till and compacted treatments were identical and ranged from 1.5 to 2.4 Mg ha⁻¹. Mulching decreased grain yield by 43, 27 and 12% on compacted, no-till and ploughed plots, respectively, due to transient flooding and mechanical impedance to seedling emergence by the mulch cover. Within the unmulched treatments, ploughing increased rice yield by 71 and 35% over two compaction passes and the no-till treatments, respectively. The least bulk density and penetrometer resistance were also observed in ploughed plots.     

Tillage effects on soil hydraulic properties in space and time: State of the science

Soil tillage practices can affect soil hydraulic properties and processes dynamically in space and time with consequent and coupled effects on chemical movement and plant growth. This literature review addresses the quantitative effects of soil tillage and associated management (e.g., crop residues) on the temporal and spatial variability of soil hydraulic properties. Our review includes incidental management effects, such as soil compaction, and natural sources of variability, such as topography. Despite limited research on space–time predictions, many studies have addressed management effects on soil hydraulic properties and processes relevant to improved understanding of the sources of variability and their interactions in space and time. Whether examined explicitly or implicitly, the literature includes studies of interactions between treatments, such as tillage and residue management. No-tillage (NT) treatments have been compared with various tillage practices under a range of conditions with mixed results. The trend, if any, is for NT to increase macropore connectivity while generating inconsistent responses in total porosity and soil bulk density compared with conventional tillage practices. This corresponds to a general increase in ponded or near-zero tension infiltration rates and saturated hydraulic conductivities. Similarly, controlled equipment traffic may have significant effects on soil compaction and related hydraulic properties on some soils, but on others, landscape and temporal variability overwhelm wheel-track effects. Spatial and temporal variability often overshadows specific management effects, and several authors have recognized this in their analyses and interpretations. Differences in temporal variability depend on spatial locations between rows, within fields at different landscape positions, and between sites with different climates and dominant soil types. Most tillage practices have pronounced effects on soil hydraulic properties immediately following tillage application, but these effects can diminish rapidly. Long-term effects on the order of a decade or more can appear less pronounced and are sometimes impossible to distinguish from natural and unaccounted management-induced variability. New standards for experimental classification are essential for isolating and subsequently generalizing space–time responses. Accordingly, enhanced methods of field measurement and data collection combined with explicit spatio-temporal modeling and parameter estimation should provide quantitative predictions of soil hydraulic behavior due to tillage and related agricultural management.     

新疆棉田地膜残留对棉花产量及土壤理化性质的影响

为了探讨地膜残留对棉花产量的影响,该文在全面调查新疆北疆短绒棉主栽区地膜残留状况的基础上,根据地膜残留趋势,人工设置地膜残留密度梯度（0、250、500、1 000、1 500、2 000 kg/hm2）,选择新陆早33号（发达根系）和新陆早13号（不发达根系）2个棉花主栽品种,研究了地膜残留对棉花产量性状和土壤理化性质的影响。结果表明,随着地膜残留密度的升高,2个品种产量和成苗率均呈下降趋势,新陆早13号减产趋势更加明显,早熟度明显提前。如果按照现有的地膜残留趋势,则覆膜68 a左右,即现在往后38 a,残膜密度将达到1 000 kg/hm2,新陆早33号和新陆早13号产量分别下降18.1%、13.5%,成苗率分别下降8.4%、16.5%,早熟度分别上升17.0%、26.7%。当残膜密度为2 000 kg/hm2（覆膜141 a左右）时,新陆早33号和新陆早13号产量分别下降38.3%、45.2%,成苗率分别下降13.0%、21.1%,早熟度分别上升32.2%、27.7%;生物量、根冠比和根系表面积等生长指标都与没有残膜下生长的棉株存在显著差异。地膜残留可导致土壤理化性质恶化,水分分布不均,土壤营养下降。其中在残膜密度为2 000 kg/hm2时,碱解氮、速效磷分别下降55.0%、60.3%。研究表明新疆地膜残留对棉花产量和土地产生明显影响,如不及时采取措施,将严重危害棉花可持续发展与土地的可持续利用,必须引起足够重视。同时发现,应用、培育发达根系的棉花品种可以一定程度上缓解地膜残留对产量的不利影响。     

Tillage and no-tillage effects on physical and chemical properties of an Argiaquoll soil under long-term crop rotation in Buenos Aires,Argentina

No-tillage systems are able to reduce the negative effects of agricultural intensification on soil properties. However, knowledge of long-term impacts of no-tillage systems on soil properties is insufficient. It is essential to know which soil quality indicators are the most sensitive to management practices in each particular environment. Therefore, the objective of this work is to determine which soil quality properties are more sensitive to the impact of two tillage systems in a vertic Argiaquoll soil from Buenos Aires, Argentina. This work started in 2006 and included crop rotation and tillage systems, including both tillage and no-tillage. Physical and chemical properties were measured in three consecutive years (2013–2015) at two depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm). The tillage system modified soil physical and chemical properties, mainly in the surface layer. No-tillage showed significantly higher bulk density (2013–2015 p < 0.05), gravimetric moisture (2013; 2014 p < 0.05), organic carbon (2013–2015 p < 0.05), and aggregates stability in the face of a heavy rain (2013; 2015 p < 0.05), than soil under tillage. Soil saturation (or total porosity) was significantly greater under tillage. The tillage system did not affect hydraulic conductivity, total nitrogen and extractable phosphorus from the surface, nor physical and chemical properties from the second depth. No-tillage alleviates, but is not enough to mitigate, the loss of soil organic carbon and aggregate stability caused by continuous cropping in this vertic Argiaquall. Bulk density, organic carbon, aggregates stability and saturation are indicators for future studies performed in environments with similar soil and climate conditions.     

Degradation of an acylated starch-plastic mulch film in soil and impact on soil microflora

Degradation of an acylated starch-plastic mulch film was evaluated in two soil types, a gray lowland soil (A) and a volcanic andosol (V). Weight loss, tensile strength (TS) loss and loss of percentage elongation (%E) were measured under laboratory conditions (black and white mulch films), and in the field (black films). Changes in the counts of total bacteria, total fungi, gram-negative bacteria, total Fusarium, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) content, % nitrification, pH (H₂O), and total C and total N contents were determined at 4,8, 12, and 20 months in the field test soils where the mulch was repeatedly applied, and compared with controls. Film weight loss was greater in soil V than in soil A in both the laboratory and the field, and the losses were greater in the laboratory than in the field in both soils A and V. Significant TS losses and considerable %E losses were observed. Values were similar in the laboratory and in the field. No significant changes in the counts of bacteria, fungi, gram-negative bacteria, and Fusarium were observed. The ATP content of the test soils increased slightly compared with the initial values. The ATP content in the control soils initially fell, and then increased in response to weeding. Nitrification remained almost unchanged in the test soils, but fell in the control soils until the last sampling. However, the mulch film underwent a definite process of degradation in the soils, with great loss of physical properties and lesser weight loss. This degradation had no adverse impact on the soil microflora.     

Tillage and surface moisture effects on bare-soil albedo of a tropical loamy sand

Effects of four tillage systems on the albedo of a tropical loamy sand were studied under dry and moist surface conditions. The aim was to determine whether tillage-induced roughness and soil wetness significantly affected soil albedo. Changes in smooth reference surface albedo with respect to four roughness conditions were used to assess tillage effects. Surface albedo (), soil moisture content (θ_m) and soil surface roughness (δ) were measured. Two types of pyranometers used for albedometers are CM 3 and SP LITE. Mean albedo of a reference smooth surface (<2 mm sieved soil) was 0.16 and 0.20 for CM 3 and SP LITE under moist condition, and 0.29 and 0.28 under dry condition, respectively. Bare-soil shortwave albedo generally increased with an increase in solar zenith angle, whereas albedo decreased with an increase in surface roughness and soil wetness. Linear relationships of albedo with surface roughness and soil moisture content indicated that albedo was more sensitive to surface roughness under dry condition. The goodness-of-fit of a multiple linear regression model combining the effects of roughness and wetness on surface albedo was 0.96 with a standard error of 0.01. This simple model could be used to estimate albedo of bare soil similar to the tropical loamy sand reported in this study. This study provides useful information for modelling tillage effects on the energy budget at the soil surface.     

Tillage and land use effects on soil microporosity in Ohio, USA and Kolombangara, Solomon Islands

Micropores are important to soil moisture retention and plant growth. Microporosity and pore size distribution were evaluated using mercury intrusion porosimetery on aggregates from 35-year-old experiments started in 1962 at Wooster (40.5 °N, 82 °W) and South Charleston (39.8 °N, 84 °W) in Ohio, USA and from three land use practices on Kolombangara (8 °S, 157 °E) in Solomon Islands. Tillage treatments in Ohio included: moldboard plowing (MP), chisel plowing (CP), and no-till (NT) with continuous corn. The land use treatments in Kolombangara included: natural forest (NF), traditional farming (TF) and topsoil removal (TR). Pore size measured in aggregates ranged from 0.2 to 100 μm in diameter. Median pore radius was significantly (P < 0.05) larger for NT than for MP and CP treatments at Wooster, but not at South Charleston. Tillage treatments had significant effect on the volume of both storage and residual pores for both sites in Ohio. Volume of storage and residual pores were higher for Wooster than South Charleston soil. At Kolombangara, the NF treatment had significantly larger median and peak pore radii, and microporosity than TF and TR treatments. There was, however, no significant difference among treatments in the volume of pore size distribution. These data support a recommendation for adoption of no-till or conservation tillage in soils of the temperate region, and of minimal disturbance and effective erosion control in soils of the tropics.     

Evaluation of tomato growth and soil properties under methods of seedling bed preparation in an alfisol in the rainforest zone of Southwest Nigeria

Tillage is expected to influence growth, yield and nutrient status of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.) plant, but there is scarcity of research to investigate the relationship between tillage and performance parameters of tomato. Hence the variation in soil physical and chemical properties, tomato growth, plant nutrient contents and fruit yield in response to different tillage methods and seedling bed types and positions, were investigated on an alfisol (Ferric Luvisol) at Akure in the rainforest zone of Nigeria. Different bed types for transplanted tomato seedlings were created using herbicide-based zero tillage, manual clearing (a form of zero tillage), top, side and base positions of ridges and mounds for planting seedlings of early and late season tomato crops. The soil at the top, side and base positions of ridges and mounds had lower bulk densities that was associated with greater root length, plant height, number of stems, branches and number of leaves and weight of tomato fruits, and leaf nutrient contents compared with zero tillage and manually cleared soils. Planting on ridge or mound positions increased the number of fruits and fruit weight by 200 and 100%, respectively, compared with planting on untilled soils. Soil bulk density was negatively correlated with root growth and leaf nutrient content. Tomato requires tillage for optimum productivity.     

Effect of different tillage systems on soil properties and wheat yield in Middle Anatolia

Field experiments were conducted on a clay soil in entisol to determine the effect of different tillage tools on soil properties, emergence rate index and yield of wheat in Middle Anatolia. There were four different tillage treatments: mouldboard ploughing followed by disc harrowing twice; rotary tillage twice; stubble cultivator followed by a disc harrowing; heavy globe disc twice. The smallest aggregate mean weight diameters and surface roughness were produced by rotary tillage. Decreasing mean weight diameter decreased the surface roughness. There was a significant (P < 0.01) effect of the four different tillage systems on moisture content, bulk density, penetration resistance, aggregate mean weight diameter and surface roughness. Tillage systems had a significant effect on emergence rate and yield of wheat. Emergence rate index and yield of wheat varied from 15.24 to 18.88 and from 3065 kg ha⁻¹ to 4265 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. The greatest emergence rate index and yield were obtained with stubble cultivator followed by disc harrowing treatment.     

Effects of tillage method on soil physical properties, infiltration and yield in an olive orchard

The long-term effects of two different tillage systems, conventional (CT) and no tillage (NT), were studied in an olive orchard in Santaella (Southern Spain) for 15 years. In both tillage systems, two distinct zones developed in the orchard in relation to soil physical properties; one underneath the tree canopy, and the other in the rows between trees. Surface soil organic matter content, bulk density, cone index, macroscopic capillary length and hydraulic conductivity showed significant differences between tillage systems and positions. After 15 years, the NT treatment achieved greater bulk density and cone index values than CT. This compaction reduced the infiltration rate of NT soil with respect to CT, particularly in the rows between trees. Despite that reduction, the NT soil retained a moderate infiltration potential. That may be explained by the high infiltration rates and macroporosity of the zone beneath the tree, the temporary effects of tillage on infiltration and probably by the self-repair of soil structure in the Vertisol studied. Yield was not affected by tillage except in one year with very low precipitation, where NT significantly yielded more than CT. The reduction in infiltration in NT must have been compensated by unknown factors that improve the tree water supply in drought years.     

Effects of biochar and poultry manure on soil properties,growth, yield and quality of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium Schott) grown in sandy soil

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons, to evaluate the effects of biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) on soil physical and chemical properties, leaf nutrient concentrations, growth, mineral composition and corm and cormel yield of cocoyam. The experiment each year consisted of 4 × 2 factorial combinations of B (0, 10, 20 and 30 t ha^?1) and PM (0 and 7.5 t ha^?1). Results of the study indicated that in both years, the application of B and PM alone, and in combination, improved soil physical and chemical properties, leaf nutrient concentrations, growth, mineral composition and corm and cormel yield of cocoyam. There was a significant interaction effect of B and PM (B x PM) which was adduced to the ability of the B to increase PM-use efficiency and promote better use of the nutrients in the PM. It was found that combination of 30 t ha^?1 B and 7.5 t ha^?1 PM (B₃₀+ PM_7.5) gave the highest corm and cormel yield of cocoyam compared with other treatments. The combination of 30 t ha^?1 B and 7.5 t ha^?1 PM (B₃₀+ PM_7.5) exhibited the highest impact and is therefore recommended for soil sustainability and cocoyam productivity on sandy soil.     

Mulching effects on soil physical quality of an alfisol in western Nigeria

Degradation of soil physical quality, following deforestation and cultivation, is a major soil‐related constraint to an intensive use of soil for crop production in subhumid regions of subSaharan Africa. Use of crop residue mulch is an important strategy to minimize the risks of soil degradation. Therefore, a three‐year experiment was conducted to study the effects of five rates of mulch application (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 Mg ha⁻¹ season⁻¹) on soil physical properties and growth and yield of maize (Zea mays). Mulch rate of rice straw significantly increased maize grain and stover yields during the first season, and the stover yield during the second season. In comparison with the control, the grain yield increased by 20 per cent at 2 Mg ha⁻¹ of mulch rate and by 33 per cent at 8 Mg ha⁻¹ of mulch rate. The rate of increase was 0·16 Mg ha⁻¹ for grain yield and 0·38 Mg ha⁻¹ for stover yield for every Mg of mulch applied. The increase in stover yield during the second season was 67 per cent for 8 Mg ha⁻¹ mulch rate compared with the unmulched control. Effects of mulch rate on soil physical properties were confined mostly to the surface 0–5 cm depth. For this depth, mulching decreased bulk density from 1·17 Mg m⁻³ for control to 0·98 Mg m⁻³, and penetration resistance from 1·54 kg cm⁻² to 1·07 kg cm⁻² for 8 Mg ha⁻¹ of mulch rate. Application of mulch up to 16 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ for three consecutive years had no effect on soil physical properties below 5 cm depth. Experiments were probably not conducted for a long enough period. For mulch farming to be adopted by farmers of West Africa, it must be an integral part of the improved farming system. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Short-term green manure and tillage management effects on maize yield and soil quality in an Andisol

Andisols are very important land resources supporting high human population density. Maize (Zea mays L.) production on Andisols located in the Purhepecha Region of central Mexico is representative of the highlands conditions of Mexico and Latin America. Farmers struggle with low crop yield and low soil nutrient availability. A 2-year field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of green manures either tilled into the soil (CT) or cut and left on the surface as a mulch (ZT), on maize yield and soil quality. Green manure treatments were: vetch (Vicia sativa L.), oat (Avena sativa L.) and none. No extra N was added to maize. Green manure and tillage had a significant effect on maize grain yield, N uptake and P uptake with CT vetch performing better than ZT oat. Soil organic C and total N were significantly higher under ZT than under CT management. Soils with vetch had higher P concentration. Soil under ZT oat had the highest infiltration rate and penetration resistance compared with other treatments. There appears to be a trade off between soil productivity and intrinsic soil physical properties among soil treatments.     

Effect of tillage and mode of straw mulch application on soil erosion in the submontaneous tract of Punjab, India

The submontaneous tract of Punjab comprising 10% of the state, is prone to soil erosion by water. Soils of the area are coarse in texture, low in organic matter and poor in fertility. High intensity rains during the monsoon season result in fertile topsoil removal. There is an urgent need to control soil erosion in this region so as to improve soil productivity. A field study was conducted to estimate the effect of tillage and different modes of mulch application on soil erosion losses. Treatments comprised two levels of tillage, viz. minimum (T_m) and conventional (T_c) in the main plots and five modes of straw mulch application, viz. mulch spread over whole plot (M_w), mulch spread on lower one-third of plot (M_1/3), mulch applied in strips (M_s), vertical mulching (M_v) and unmulched control (M_o), in subplots in a replicated split plot design. Rate of mulch application was 6 t ha⁻¹ in all modes. Compared with M_o, M_w reduced runoff by 33%. Runoff and soil loss were 5 and 40% higher under T_c than under T_m. Though other modes of straw mulch application (M_1/3, M_s and M_v) controlled soil loss better than M_o, their effectiveness was less than M_w. T_m was more effective in conserving soil moisture than T_c. Compared with M_o, M_w had 3–7% higher soil moisture content in the 0–30 cm soil depth under T_m. Minimum soil temperature of the surface layer was 1.4–2.4 °C lower under M_w than under M_o. Straw mulching reduced maximum soil temperature and helped in conserving soil moisture. Minimum tillage coupled with M_w was highly effective in reducing soil erosion losses, decreasing soil temperature and increasing moisture content by providing maximum surface cover.     

Interactive effect of tillage depth and mulch on soil temperature, productivity and water use pattern of rainfed barley (Hordium vulgare L.)

Soil porosity and organic matter content influence the hydrology, thermal status and productivity of agricultural soils. Shape, size and continuity of soil pores are determined by tillage practices. Thus appropriate tillage and mulch management can conserve residual soil moisture during the post rainy season. This can play a key role in enhancing productivity under the rainfed ecosystem of subhumid region in eastern India. A field study was carried out on a fine loamy soil from 1993–1994 to 1995–1996. Two tillage treatments were conventional ploughing (150 mm depth) and shallow ploughing (90 mm) depth. Each tillage practice was tested with three mulch management viz., no mulch, soil dust mulch and rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw mulch. Soil organic carbon, bulk density, moisture retentivity, soil temperature with productivity and water use pattern of barley (Hordium vulgare L.) were measured.Reduction in ploughing depth resulted in nominal increase in profile (0.0–1.2 m) moisture status, yield, and soil thermal status at 14:00 and water use efficiency (WUE). However, it decreased the magnitude of soil temperature in the morning (07:00). Straw mulch conserved 19–21 mm of moisture in the profile (1.2 m) over the unmulched condition. Both soil dust and rice straw mulching elevated soil thermal status at 07:00 as compared to unmulched condition, but this trend was reversed at 14:00. Straw mulching significantly increased grain yield and WUE over soil dust mulch and unmulched condition. Impact of straw mulch was more pronounced under shallow ploughing depth. Shallow tillage with rice straw mulching is recommended to the farmers to obtain higher level of yield and water use efficiency.     

稻草覆盖对红壤旱坡地水力性质及水分状况的影响

为探明红壤旱坡地应用稻草覆盖的雨季和旱季保水作用,在湖北省咸宁市第四纪红色黏土母质发育的红壤8°坡地上开展田间试验,以不覆盖为对照,研究稻草覆盖对红壤的持水性、水分有效性、供水性、导水性、含水量及储水量的影响。结果表明:稻草覆盖改善了土壤的持水性和水分有效性,覆盖当年土壤田间持水量、凋萎系数和有效水容量分别比对照提高6.0%、7.3%和4.4%;稻草覆盖显著减缓了雨季红壤表层饱和导水率的下降幅度,尤其是大雨期间保护地表饱和导水性的作用更明显,102.8 mm的降雨结束之后,稻草覆盖的土壤平均饱和导水率是对照的2.7倍;稻草覆盖对土壤的供水性及非饱和导水性的影响表现为低吸力段增强,高吸力段减弱;土壤储水量在集中降雨阶段的上升幅度和在降雨间歇期的下降幅度都表现为稻草覆盖对照。总体上,土壤储水量均表现为稻草覆盖对照;稻草覆盖增加雨季土壤储水量主要通过增加入渗,而增加旱季土壤储水量主要通过减少蒸散发;稻草覆盖增加雨季土壤储水量的作用有限,且保水作用雨季旱季。因此,稻草覆盖在红壤旱坡地上的雨季和旱季的保水途径、特点及作用大小都不同。     

Tillage, mulch and irrigation effects on corn (Zea mays L.) in relation to evaporative demand

The effects of deep tillage, straw mulching, and irrigation on corn (Zea mays L.) yield on a loamy sand (mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Ustipsamment) were studied for early (high evaporativity) and normally sown (relatively low evaporativity) crop for 3 years in a semi-arid sub-tropical monsoon region at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. Treatments included all combinations of two tillage systems (conventional tillage — harrowing the soil to a 10-cm depth; deep tillage — chiselling 40 cm deep, 35–40 cm apart), two irrigation regimes (75 mm irrigation when net open pan evaporation accumulated to 75 mm or 50 mm), and two straw mulch rates (0 and 6 Mg ha⁻¹).

Deep tillage significantly reduced soil strength (cone index) and caused deeper and denser rooting than conventional tillage, more so in the dry season and with the infrequent irrigation regime than in the wet season and frequent irrigation regime. Mulch also improved rooting by influencing the hydrothermal regime of the soil. Better rooting with deep tillage and/or mulch helped the crop to extract stored soil water more efficiently, which was reflected in a favourable plant water status (indicated by canopy temperature). Averaged across years, irrigation, and mulch, deep tillage increased grain yield by 1.6 Mg ha⁻¹ for the early season and 0.5 Mg ha⁻¹ for the normal season crop over the yield of 2.0 Mg ha⁻¹ achieved with conventional tillage regardless of season. Yield increase with mulching was also greater for the early season crop. Crop response to deep tillage and mulching was generally linked to the interplay between water supply (rain + irrigation) and demand (seasonal evaporativity) during the growing season. Increasing irrigation frequency increased crop yield when evaporativity exceeded rainfall early in the growing season. The results show that higher corn yields on coarse-textured soils in these regions may be achieved by advancing the seeding time and by using a proper combination of deep tillage, mulch, and irrigation.