Effect of mulch and tillage system on soil porosity under wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Crop residues and reduced tillage become current tendency in modifying tillage due to better water management, organic and nutrient supply and increasing crop production. This study was carried out to quantify the effect of fodder radish mulching and different tillage systems in wheat production. In 2004–2006 the field trial was set up on Luvic Chernozems derived from loess. This experiment consisted of two factors: tillage system (conventional or reduced) and mulch (with or without). The air–water properties of soil with particular focus on macropore characteristics were investigated.The tillage system and mulch application significantly influenced physical properties of investigated soil. Reduced tillage, without mouldboard plough, increased the soil density with respect to conventional tillage. However, in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm) with mulch residues the bulk density decreased and reached the similar value as those obtained at conventional tillage (1.25 g cm⁻³). The macroporosity of soil with conventional tillage (14.79%) was significantly higher in comparison with reduced tillage (6.55%). The mulch of fodder radish added at reduced tillage increased the macroporosity in pore diameter range of 50–500 μm. These changes referred to all shape classes: regular, irregular and elongated pores. The lowest transmission pores content (0.078 cm³ cm⁻³) was noticed at the reduced tillage without mulch at the 0–10 cm layer. Due to lack of differences in storage pores the tillage and mulching had no effect on both AWC (available water content) and PWC (productive water content) values. The higher value of AWC was noticed in the upper soil layer (0.198 cm³ cm⁻³ in average), whereas in the 10–20 cm soil layer it was 0.186 cm³ cm⁻³. Similar relation was recorded in PWC values, 0.165 and 0.154 cm³ cm⁻³, respectively. The results obtained in physical properties of soil reflected in wheat yields. The yields obtained at reduced tillage system without mulch (5.54 t ha⁻¹) were significant lower with respect to treatment when mulch applied (6.79 t ha⁻¹). The mulch residues did not affect yields at conventional tillage (6.53 t ha⁻¹ without mulch and 7.00 t ha⁻¹ with mulch). The main conclusion is that the mulching can help to avoid yield reduction in wheat production when reduced tillage is used.     

Long-term continuous cropping in the Pacific Northwest: Tillage and fertilizer effects on winter wheat, spring wheat, and spring barley production

Conventional tillage winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) (WW)–summer fallow reduces soil productivity and increases soil erosion. Conservation tillage management, together with intensive cropping may have the potential to reverse these sustainability concerns. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems on grain yield of long-term annual cropping of monoculture WW, spring wheat (SW), and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) (SB) grown with or without fertilizer, in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. In unfertilized crops, grain yield of WW, SW, and SB was 15%, 25%, and 50% higher, respectively, in CT than in NT plots, an indication of the involvement of yield limiting factors under the NT cropping system. When fertilized, there were no significant differences in grain yield of WW. Yields of SW and SB, however, remained 21% and 15% higher, respectively, in CT than in NT, an indication that factors other than fertility were involved. These results suggest that in order for NT management to be widely adopted by area growers, the yield-limiting factors need to be addressed.     

Converting from no-tillage to pre-seeding tillage: Influence on weeds, spring wheat grain yields and N, and soil quality

On the Canadian prairies there has been a steady increase in no-till seeding coupled with more frequent cropping, facilitated by the greater use of snow management to increase stored soil water. Although no-till seeding can gradually improve soil conservation and soil quality, it may also increase the incidence of grassy weed infestations and thus cause more frequent use of costly herbicides, such as glyphosate. Our objective was to determine if no-till producers experiencing grassy weed problems could introduce pre-seeding tillage for a few years to more economically control perennial weeds, without adversely affecting grain yield and quality, and soil quality. An experiment in which spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown for 9 years with no-tillage management on an Orthic Brown Chernozem (Typic Haplobroll) with treatments involving snow management and N rate, placement and timing, was converted to a study of pre-seeding shallow (5–7.5 cm) tillage with a cultivator, versus no-tillage, by replacing the N timing treatment in the tenth year. The experiment was then continued for three more years, during which we assessed the effect of tillage on weed populations, grain yield and N content, and on soil quality. Soil quality was also assessed following one more year during which the entire study site was summerfallowed and subjected to four tillage operations. Weed populations generally were not affected by tillage or snow management treatments, but differed among N rate and placement treatments, though not in a way that could be easily interpreted. Tillage had no effect on yield or grain N content. It increased the erodible fraction of soil (dry sieving), but did not affect wet aggregate stability. Neither microbial biomass C, nor C and N mineralization were affected by the change in tillage method. We conclude that the judicious use of shallow pre-seeding tillage in an otherwise no-till cropping system can be tolerated to manage persistent grassy weed problems without deleteriously influencing soil quality, grain yield or protein.     

Spatial and temporal effects of direct drilling on soil structure in the seedling environment

Inherent poor soil fertility is one of the factors responsible for the low productivity of rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) grown on the vertisols of the Indian sub-continent. A conservation tillage system such as reduced tillage (RT) is one approach to improve soil conditions. Field studies were conducted over 5 years to evaluate RT systems and determine the effects of retaining cotton crop residues on growth and yield of cotton. Results indicated that the RT systems (RT1: two inter-row cultivations and RT2 with no inter-row cultivation) gave significantly greater seed cotton than the conventional tillage (CT) in the first 3 years. In the later 2 years, the differences were not significant. However, yield decline was noticed in RT2 where there was no soil disturbance due to the increased build up of dicot weeds. The effect of crop residue on seed cotton yield was significant in 1998–1999 and 2000–2001. Leaf amended (R1) and leaf+stalk amended (R3) yields were equal to the control (R0). Stalk alone amended (R2) plots had the least seed cotton yield. The RT plots, generally had greater plant dry matter and yield attributes (number of bolls per plant and seed cotton yield per plant) than CT plots during the first 3 years, which contributed to significant yield differences between RT and CT plots. Residue amended plots had significantly greater SOC than the control. Eliminating complete soil disturbance, as in RT2, may not be a viable option, because of increased weed density, especially dicot weeds. The RT1 comprising pre-plant herbicide application and one pass of harrow, and two inter-row cultivation for early season and late season weed control, respectively, is a viable option to cotton growers of the semi-arid tropics of India.     

Experimental and simulated soil mineral N dynamics for long-term tillage systems in northern France

Soil N mineralization was quantified in two long-term experiments in northern France, in which no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) had been differentiated for 33 years (Site 1) and 12 years (Site 2). Both sites had the same soil type but differed in crop rotation. N mineralization kinetics were assessed in situ in bare soil in both systems for 254 days (Site 1) and 555 days (Site 2) by taking frequent measurements of water and nitrate contents from soil layers and using the LIXIM calculation model. The N mineralization potential was also determined in soil samples incubated under controlled laboratory conditions. Small or non-significant differences in water and nitrate contents between NT and CT were apparent within the soil profiles on both sites. Net mineralization did not differ significantly between sites or tillage treatments. The amount of N mineralized from August 2003 to April 2004 was 67 ± 10 kg N ha⁻¹ on Site 1 and 74 ± 5 kg N ha⁻¹ on Site 2, and 161 ± 6 kg N ha⁻¹ from August 2003 to February 2005 on Site 2. The kinetics of N mineralization versus normalized time (equivalent time at constant temperature of 15 °C and water content at field capacity) were linear during the shorter period (254 days corresponding to 120 normalized days). The slope (N mineralization rate) did not differ significantly between treatments and sites, and the average rate was 0.57 ± 0.05 kg N ha⁻¹ nd⁻¹. The kinetics were non-linear on Site 2 over the longer period (555 days corresponding to 350 normalized days). They could be fitted to an exponential model with a slope at the origin of 0.62 kg N ha⁻¹ nd⁻¹. The N mineralization kinetics obtained in laboratory incubations for 120–150 normalized days were also almost linear with no significant differences between treatments. Assuming that mineralization took place in the ploughed layer (in CT) or over the same soil mass (in NT) they were in good agreement with the kinetics determined in situ on both sites. The calculated water drainage below the sampled profile was slightly greater in NT due to lower evaporation. The calculated leached N was slightly higher in NT than CT on Site 1, but did not differ between treatments on Site 2. It is concluded that N mineralization and leaching in NT and CT were similar, despite large differences in N distribution within the soil profile and a slight difference in organic N stock.     

Energy use efficiency of deficit-irrigated silage maize in different soil tillage practices on a high plain with a semi-arid climate

ABSTRACT

Energy requirement increases rapidly in agriculture due to the increase in mechanization. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the energy use efficiency of silage maize under three different tillage practices (conventional, reduced, no-tillage) combined with four different irrigation levels (full and three deficit irrigations). The no-tillage and reduced tillage practices provided savings in input energy at the rate of 17.4 and 9.1%, respectively compared to the conventional tillage. The highest silage yields in all irrigation levels were obtained in the no-tillage practice. Therefore, in full and deficit irrigated silage maize, the highest energy ratio, energy productivity and net energy and the lowest specific energy values were manifested in the no-tillage practice. Energy rates in the no-tillage practice were higher by 34.2 and 22.9% than the conventional and the reduced tillage practices, respectively. Moreover, the direct and non-renewable energy requirements were the lowest in the no-tillage practice. In conclusion, the fully-irrigated no-tillage practice can be recommended to obtain the highest energy use ratio and productivity. However, no-tillage irrigated with up to 50% less water amount could be a better alternative for areas with a water shortage by improving the energy use ratio with better water and fuel savings.     

Effects of tillage and management practices on soil crust morphology under a Mediterranean environment

Soil crust formation can be affected by soil tillage. Alternative soil conservation practices consisting of reduced tillage were tested against traditional tillage, which involves mechanical weeding by frequent ploughing in rainfed vineyard soils in Catalonia, Spain. After 2 years of the experiment (1994–1996), thin sections of the surface crusts were studied to evaluate the effects of the soil management treatments on crust morphology and genesis, using micromorphological observations and pore characterisation with image analysis. Reduced tillage caused thicker and more complex crusts consisting of layers with different degrees of sorting and pore types, compared to traditional tillage. Total porosity of crusts did not differ from that of non-crusted areas, but pores in crusts were less interconnected, more horizontally distributed and more elongated than in the underlying non-crusted material. The soil type, especially structure and texture, affected crust morphology and played an important role in the process of crusting. The results show that reduced tillage may be limited as an alternative management practice when used to reduce crust formation in Mediterranean conditions, due to the difficulty to establish an effective groundcover.     

Small grains stubble burning and tillage effects on soil organic C and N, and aggregation in northeastern Saskatchewan

Field experiments were conducted over 5 years (2000–2004) at two sites (Star City and Birch Hills) in the Saskatchewan Parkland region to determine the effects of tillage and crop residue burning on soil total organic C (TOC), total organic N (TON), light fraction organic matter (LFOM), light fraction organic C (LFOC), light fraction organic N (LFON) and dry aggregation. Two tillage (ZT, zero tillage; CT, conventional tillage, with one tillage in autumn and another in spring) and two burning (B, residue burnt in autumn; NB, residue not burnt and returned to the soil) treatments were combined in a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)–canola (Brassica napus L.) rotation. After five crop seasons, the mass of TOC and TON in the 0–15 cm soil tended to be greater, whereas mass of LFOM, LFOC and LFON was significantly greater in NB than B treatments at both sites. Zero tillage resulted in greater TOC, TON, LFOM, LFOC and LFON in soil than CT, in both B and NB treatments. The mass of TOC, TON, LFOM, LFOC and LFON in soil was the highest in the ZT–NB treatment, and lowest in the CT–B treatment. Zero tillage had a lower proportion of fine aggregates (<0.83 mm diameter) and a greater proportion of large aggregates (>6.4 mm diameter) at both sites, but the mean weight diameter (MWD) was greater under ZT than CT only at Birch Hills. Although the tillage × burning interaction was not significant in most cases, the ZT–NB treatment usually had the lowest proportion (22.6%) of fine aggregates and the greatest proportion (47.1%) of large aggregates, compared to the highest (34.9%) and the lowest proportion (35.6%) of these aggregates, respectively, in CT–B treatment. This indicated reduced potential for wind erosion when tillage was omitted (ZT) and crop residues were returned to the soil (NB). Returning crop residue to soil rather than burning usually increased soil organic C and N, and aggregation, but the differences between treatments were of greater magnitude between tillage treatments (ZT versus CT) than between burning treatments (B versus NB). Overall, returning crop residues along with ZT improved soil organic C and N, and aggregation, while burning in combination with CT resulted in the deterioration of these soil properties.     

Influence of long-term conservation tillage on soil and rhizosphere microorganisms

 In long-term field experiments on sandy loam and loamy sand soils, the influence of conservation and conventional tillage on soil and rhizosphere microorganisms was studied. Conservation tillage stimulated rhizosphere bacteria on winter wheat, winter barley, winter rye and maize in different soil layers. Particularly the populations of Agrobacterium spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were increased. On the sandy loam, N₂ fixation and nodulation of pea plants were significantly increased. No influence of different soil tillage was determined on the colonization of the rhizosphere by mycorrhiza and saprophytic fungi. Stubble residues infected with Gaeumanomyces graminis were infectious for a longer time on the soil surface than after incorporation into the soil. Received: 10 March 1998     

Effects of tillage systems on soil characteristics, glomalin and mycorrhizal propagules in a Chilean Ultisol

Tillage affects the soil physical and chemical environment in which soil microorganisms live, thereby affecting their number, diversity and activity. However, soil disturbance generally has the greatest impact on biological properties, including both free and symbiotic fungal populations. Interest in more ecologically sustainable agricultural systems is rising with increasing recognition that agricultural intensification can adversely affect environmental quality. This paper discusses the effect of tillage system on some soil characteristics, such as pH, C, N and S levels, total and Olsen-P contents including some P forms associated with organic matter, glomalin contents and arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) parameters, such as root colonization, spore number and total and active hyphal length. Measurements were in the sixth year of an on-going tillage-rotation experiment conducted on an Ultisol under no-till (NT), reduced tillage (RT) and conventional tillage with stubble mixed into the soil (CTS) or stubble burnt (CTB). Soil was sampled at two dates; after wheat (Triticum aestivum) harvest (autumn) and 6 months after subsequent grassland seeding (spring). Higher C, N, S, total P and fulvic acid-P concentrations and pH occurred under NT and RT than under CTS and CTB after wheat harvest. However, results at the second sampling were not consistent. AM spore number and active hyphal length were highest under NT having the greatest incidence on AM root colonization and P concentration in shoots of the pasture. Glomalin concentration was higher under NT and RT than under CTS and CTB but no differences in calculated glomalin to total C (ca. 5%) were found. It is concluded that a less disruptive effect of NT influences positively all soil characteristics and also increases P acquisition by the following crop in the rotation system.     

No-tillage and conventional tillage effects on durum wheat yield, grain quality and soil moisture content in southern Italy

No-tillage (NT) is becoming increasingly attractive to farmers because it clearly reduces production costs relative to conventional tillage (CT). However, many producers in southern Italy are reluctant to adopt this practice because NT can have contrasting consequences on grain yield depending on weather conditions. The effect of NT and CT on continuous durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) under rainfed Mediterranean conditions was studied, over a 3-year period (2000–2002) at two locations (Foggia and Vasto) in southern Italy. Yield, grain quality [thousand kernel weight (TKW), test weight (TW) and protein content (PC)] and soil water content were assessed.Higher yield was obtained with NT than CT in the first 2 years at Foggia. In contrast, mean yield and quality parameters at Vasto were similar for the two treatments, except in the third year in which CT produced more than NT (4.6 Mg ha⁻¹ versus 2.9 Mg ha⁻¹). At Foggia, TW and TKW were higher in NT than CT in all years. Highest PC was obtained under CT (19.6% and 15.5% for CT versus 14.7% and 11.4% for NT, respectively, in the growing season 2000–2001 and 2001–2002) indicating that grain was shriveled with low starch accumulation.At Foggia, where this study was part of a long-term experiment started in 1995, a strong correlation was observed between yield and rainfall during the wheat growing season. The coefficient of determination (R²) values for CT and NT were 0.69^* and 0.31 ns, respectively, and the regression straight line crossed around 300 mm of rainfall. These results indicate that NT was superior below this rainfall value, whereas more rainfall enhanced yield in CT. We conclude that NT performed better at Foggia with limited rainfall during the durum wheat growing season. The superior effect of NT in comparison to CT, was due to lower water evaporation from soil combined with enhanced soil water availability.     

Effect of long-term conservation tillage on soil biochemical properties in Mediterranean Spanish areas

In semi-arid Mediterranean areas, studies of the performance of conservation tillage systems have largely demonstrated advantages in crop yield, soil water storage and soil protection against wind and water erosion. However, little attention has been given to interactions between soil biochemical properties under different tillage practices. Biochemical properties are useful tools to assess changes caused by different soil tillage systems in long-term field experiments. This study deals with the effect of long-term tillage practices (reduced tillage and no-tillage vs. traditional tillage) on soil chemical properties and microbial functions in three different sites of Spain (two of them located in the Northeast and one in the Southwest) under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. Soil biological status, as index of soil quality, was evaluated by measuring microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase (an oxidoreductase) and protease (a hydrolase) activities at three soil depths (0–5, 5–10 and 10–25 cm). In the three experimental areas, increases in soil organic matter content, MBC and enzymatic activities were found at the superficial layers of soil under conservation tillage (reduced tillage and no-tillage) in comparison with traditional tillage. Values of the stratification ratio of some biochemical properties were significantly correlated with yield production in Northeast sites.Conservation tillage has proven to be an effective strategy to improve soil quality and fertility in Mediterranean areas of Spain.     

Effect of long-term N fertilization on soil organic C and total N in continuous wheat under conventional tillage in Oklahoma

Fertilizer nitrogen (N) can impact on soil total N and organic carbon (C). The effects of long-term nitrogen (N) applications in continuous winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production systems on total N and organic C in soils has not been studied previously. Deep soil cores were taken from four long-term winter continuous wheat experiments in Oklahoma, on silt loam and clay loam soils, to evaluate differences in total N and C as affected by more than 23 years of annual N applications. When N was applied at rates ≥90 kg ha⁻¹, surface soil (0–30 cm) organic C was either equal to that of the check (no N applied) or slightly greater. Total soil N (0–30 cm) increased at the high N rates at all locations. However, at two locations, total soil N decreased at low N rates, indicating the presence of priming (increased net mineralization of organic N pools when low rates of fertilizer N are applied). At these two same sites, soil–plant inorganic N buffering (amount of N that could be applied in excess of that needed for maximum yield without resulting in increased soil profile inorganic N accumulation) was greater compared to the other two sites where no evidence of priming was found. In general, C:N ratios increased at the low rates of applied N and then decreased to levels below that found in check plots at high N rates (≥134 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Combined surface (0–30 cm) soil analyses of total N and organic C were useful in detecting where priming had taken place and where soil–plant inorganic N buffering was expected to be high in these long-term N fertilization experiments. Predictability of the priming effect combined with soil–plant inorganic N buffering should assist us in establishing environmentally safe N rates. Soil organic C increased when N was applied at rates in excess of that required for maximum yield.     

Influence of tillage practices and nutrient management on crack parameters in a Vertisol of central India

The frequency, size and rate of development of cracks influence the transport of water, nutrients and gases in the soil profile and plant growth processes in Vertisols. Despite their importance, studies on characterising cracks in Vertisols of India are limited. This study attempts to evaluate the influence of different tillage practices, nutrient management and cropping systems on cracking behaviour of a Vertisol in central India. The length, depth, width, area and volume of cracks were recorded after the harvest of the wet season crops, i.e. soybean (Glycine max L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) from three ongoing tillage experiments with three different cropping systems, i.e. soybean–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), soybean–linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and rice–wheat. The results revealed that all the crack parameters were significantly negatively correlated with the water content of the 0–15 cm soil layer and, crack width and crack volume were significantly positively correlated with the bulk density of the 0–15 cm soil layer. Gravimetric water content and bulk density of the 0–15 cm soil layer together explained 79% variation in the crack volume. The crack volume was significantly negatively correlated (r=0.86,P=0.01) with the root length density of the previous soybean crop. Rice grown under puddled condition significantly enhanced different crack parameters viz., length, depth, width, surface area and volume of the cracks over nonpuddled direct seeded rice. Sub-soiling practised in soybean under the soybean–linseed system significantly reduced the width, depth, length and surface area of cracks by 12.5, 10, 5 and 12%, respectively, over conventional tillage. No tillage practised in soybean under soybean–wheat system resulted in significant increase in width, depth and volume of the cracks but decrease in length and surface area of cracks over conventional tillage and mould board tillage practice. Application of manure reduced the magnitude of different crack parameters in soybean–linseed cropping system. Thus cracking in Vertisols can be favourably managed by the selection of proper tillage practice, cropping system and organic manure amendments.     

Endomycorrhizae in a newly cultivated acidic meadow: Effects of three years of barley cropping,tillage, lime,and phosphorus on root colonization and soil infectivity

The dynamics of mycorrhizae under disturbance created by crop production is not well understood. A 3-year experiment was undertaken on a nutrient-poor and acidic land that had last been cultivated in the early 1970s. We observed the effects of cropping spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under four P-fertilizer levels and four levels of lime, in a minimum (rototillage), a reduced (chisel), or a conventional tillage system, on the mycorrhizal receptiveness of the host (maximum level of mycorrhizal colonization, as measured at harvest) and soil infectivity most probable number method. The host receptiveness decreased with time, while crop yields and soil infectivity increased simultaneously with time. Liming increased mycorrhizal colonization of barley roots and soil infectivity. P additions decreased root colonization but did not significantly affect the most probable number valuse. Slightly higher soil infectivity estimates were found under reduced tillage.     

Soil disturbed using a strip tillage implement on a range of soil types and the effects on sugar beet establishment

The area of soil disturbed using a single tine is well documented. However, modern strip tillage implements using a tine and disc design have not been assessed in the UK or in mainland Europe. Using a strip tillage implement has potential benefits for European agriculture where economic returns and sustainability are key issues. Using a strip tillage system a narrow zone is cultivated leaving most of the straw residue on the soil surface. Small field plot experiments were undertaken on three soil types and the operating parameters of forward speed, tine depth and tine design were investigated together with measurements of seedbed tilth and crop emergence. The type of tine used was found to be the primary factor in achieving the required volume of disturbance within a narrow zone whilst maintaining an area of undisturbed soil with straw residue on the surface. The winged tine produced greater disturbance at a given depth compared with the knife tine. Increasing forward speed did not consistently increase the volume of disturbance. In a sandy clay loam the tilth created and emergence of sugar beet by strip tillage and ploughing were similar but on a sandy loam the strip tillage treatments generally gave a finer tilth but poorer emergence particularly at greater working depth.     

旱地长期施肥对土地生产力和肥力的影响

本文总结了半干旱黑垆土区 1 990～ 1 999年长期定位施肥的试验结果 .有机肥在提高旱地生产力和土壤肥力方面起着主导作用 .在施入等量氮磷养分下 ,平均有机肥增产 4 6 6% ,有机肥 +化肥增产4 4 8% ,化肥增产 2 2 4 % .施肥后效和土壤肥力均随施肥量的增加而提高 .后效的增产率在 3年内的约占原施肥处理的 1 / 4～ 1 / 3.     

Effects of soil management practices and tillage systems on surface soil water conservation and crust formation on a sandy loam in semi-arid Kenya

The effect of different soil management practices on crust strength and thickness, soil water conservation and crop performance was investigated on a ferric lixisol in a semi-arid environment of eastern Kenya.

The study proved that manure and mulching with minimum tillage have a greater effect on the water balance of crusted soils and maize emergence. There was increase in steady infiltration rates, amount of soil water stored in the soil and better drainage. The physical effect of mulch was less important in the rehabilitation of crusted soils in the study site when it was incorporated into the soil. Manure and surface mulch with minimum tillage should therefore be taken into account in land management and water conservation in the semi-arid areas of Kenya. The response of crops to the improved water availability due to manure with minimum and with conventional tillage and surface mulch was very clear. These management practices should be recommended when considering the effectiveness of soil and water management techniques in the study area.     

不同施钾量对砂质潮土冬小麦产量、钾效率及土壤钾素平衡的影响

在砂质潮土上通过田间试验研究了不同施钾量对冬小麦产量、钾素积累量、钾效率和土壤钾素平衡的影响,结果表明:砂质潮土施用钾肥能明显提高冬小麦产量,增产率为7.9%～27.7%;冬小麦植株钾素积累量随施钾量的增加而增加,拔节到灌浆期植株钾积累量增加较多;钾生理效率、钾素吸收效率、钾肥效率和钾肥当季回收率均随施钾量的增加而减少,钾效率和钾收获指数则呈先增后减趋势,以施K2O150kghm-2最佳;钾肥用量应达到K2O150kghm-2以上才能维持土壤钾素肥力;从钾肥增产增收效应、钾效率、土壤钾素平衡等多方面综合考虑,以施钾量150kghm-2效果最好,与不施钾处理相比可增产1462.2kghm-2,K2O每kg增产8.25kg,增收1069元hm-2,钾肥当季回收率为41.6%,并实现土壤速效钾的平衡。     

The influence of 12 years of tillage and crop rotation on total and labile organic carbon in a sandy loam soil

Information on which management practices can enhance soil organic matter (SOM) content and quality can be useful for developing sustainable crop production systems. We tested the influence of 12 years of no-till (NT) versus conventional tillage (CT), and four crop sequences on the organic C pools of a Grey Luvisolic sandy loam soil in northwestern Alberta, Canada. The crop sequences were: continuous wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.)–wheat–canola (Brassica rapa L.)–wheat, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) green manure–wheat–canola–wheat/red clover and fallow–wheat–canola–wheat. Soil samples from 1992, when the study was initiated, and 1996, 2000 and 2004 were analyzed for total organic C (TOC), the light fraction (LF) and its C content, and water-soluble and mineralizable C. Total organic C in the top 15 cm of soil was higher in the red clover rotation than either the pea or fallow rotation by 1996. The tillage effect became significant only in 2004 with NT having a higher TOC than CT. The LF dry matter (DM) increased from 6.9 g kg⁻¹ soil in 1992 to a range of 10–13 g kg⁻¹ in 2000 and 2004. It was higher under NT than CT in 2 of 3 years and in the red clover rotation than the pea or fallow rotation in 1 of 3 years. The LF C content exhibited a similar trend as LF DM. The water-soluble and mineralizable C pools were not affected by tillage but decreased with time. Among crop rotations, the red clover rotation tended to result in higher levels of hot water-soluble and mineralizable C. It is concluded that tillage had a greater influence than crop rotation on the LF DM and LF C (as indicators of C storage), whereas the converse effect applied to mineralizable C and, to a lesser degree, hot water-soluble C (as indicators of SOM quality).