Soil,crop and emission responses to seasonal-controlled traffic in organic vegetable farming on loam soil

Some organic arable and vegetable farms in the Netherlands use cm-precise guidance of machinery to restrict wheel traffic to fixed traffic lanes and to achieve non-trafficked cropping zones with optimized soil structure in between the lanes. Contrary to controlled traffic farming (CTF) the traffic lanes are not yet used for harvesting and primary tillage. Therefore, the system is called a seasonal-controlled traffic farming (SCTF) system. A field experiment was conducted on an organic vegetable farm to reveal soil, crop and emission responses of SCTF with traffic lanes at 3.15-m centres compared with conventional random traffic farming (RTF) using low ground pressures in spring from 2002 till 2005. The traffic systems were investigated in the crops green pea (Pisum sativum L.), spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.), onions (Allium cepa L.) and carrots (Daucus carota L.). Compared with RTF, the topsoil structure in the SCTF system improved for the crops sown on the flat but not for carrot grown on ridges. Crop yields increased significantly in green pea, spinach and planted onion sets but not in carrot and direct-sown onion. The available N-min at the end of the cropping period was not different between systems and, therefore, leaching losses in winter are expected to be the same. SCTF resulted in a significant reduction of N₂O emissions (by 20–50% compared to RTF). For CH₄, application of the SCTF system resulted in increased CH₄ uptake (by a factor 5–20) compared to the RTF system in three of the four measured fields. At the fourth field, lower (but not significant) CH₄ emissions (by a factor 4) were measured in the SCTF system compared to RTF. Effects of SCTF on timeliness and on the economic feasibility are discussed.     

Spatial variability of soil properties and wheat yields in an irrigated field

Abstract

An irrigated farmer's field at Hafizabad village in Dera Ismail Khan District of Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan was sampled at a regular grid spacing of 50x15 m from surface (15 cm) to study the spatial variability of soil properties and wheat yield. The farm measured 250x75 m. Soil samples collected were analyzed for soil pH, lime content, organic matter, mineral nitrogen (N), ammonium bicarbonate (AB)‐DTPA‐extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and soil texture. A uniformly trial on wheat with a uniform rate of 120 kg N ha^‐1, 90 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1, and 60 kg K₂O ha^‐1 was laid out. The results showed that the soil P had the highest coefficient of variation (CV 46%) followed by organic matter (36.20%) and clay content (33.81%). Grain yield had also a considerable variation in the field (CV=31.84%). Geostatistical technique of semivariogram analysis showed that mineral N, AB‐DTPA‐extractable K, sand, silt, and clay content had the strong spatial structure. Maps of soil fertility and crop productivity of the farm was prepared using modern geostatistical technique of kriging. The farm was divided into different management zones based on these maps for fertility management.     

Importance of soil mineral N in early spring and subsequent net N mineralisation for winter wheat following winter oilseed rape and peas in a milder climate

Abstract

Nine biennial field experiments, 2000–2004, in south Sweden, 55–56°N, with winter wheat following winter oilseed rape, peas, and oats, were used to estimate the impact of a future milder climate on winter wheat production in central Sweden, 58–60°N. The trials included studies 1) on losses during winter of soil mineral nitrogen (N_min, 0–90 cm soil), accumulated after the preceding crops in late autumn, 2) on soil N mineralisation (N_net) during the growing season of the wheat (early spring to ripeness) and 3) on grain yield and optimum N fertilisation (Opt-N rate) of the wheat. Average N_min in late autumn following winter oilseed rape, peas, and oats was 68, 64, and 45 kg ha^?1, respectively, but decreased until early spring. Increased future losses of N_min during the winter in central Sweden due to no or very short periods with soil frost should enhance the demand for fertiliser N and reduce the better residual N effect of winter oilseed rape and peas, compared with oats. Their better N effect will then mainly depend on larger N_net (from March to maturity during the winter wheat year). Owing to more plant-available soil N (mainly as N_net) Opt-N rates were lower after oilseed rape and peas than after oats despite increased wheat yields (700 kg ha^?1) at optimum N fertilisation. In addition to these break crop effects, a milder climate should increase winter wheat yields in central Sweden by 2000–3000 kg ha^?1 and require about 30–45 kg ha^?1 more fertiliser N at optimum N fertilisation than the present yield levels. Increased losses and higher N fertilisation to the subsequent winter wheat in future indicates a need for an estimation of the residual N effect at the individual sites, rather than using mean values as at present, to increase N efficiency.     

Effect of Direct and Residual Effects of Different Sulfur Fertilizers on Groundnut and Wheat Cropping System on Typic Haplaquent Soils

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on sulfur deficient soil during kharif dry seasons of 1993, 1994, and 1995 to study the comparative efficacy of selected sources of sulfur to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The results of the experiment were tested on farm trial in cultivator's field during the kharif season of 1999. The yield of groundnut crop in experimental field increased significantly with increasing levels of sulfur up to 40 kg S ha^?1. Among the various sources tested, gypsum was the best with respect to yield, followed by single super phosphate and ammonium sulfate. In on‐farm trial the application of gypsum at 20 kg S ha^?1 increased the yield parameters and yield over un‐treated control. The residual effect of different sulfur sources on wheat (Triticum aestivum) grain yield, the effect of treatments was non significant but the levels of sulfur and the interaction between source and levels were significant.     

Soil Properties,Yield, and Landscape Relationships in South-Central Saskatchewan Canada

ABSTRACT

Soil water and nutrient availability are major limiting factors for crop production in the Canadian prairies. Most variations in soil properties observed across prairie farm fields are the result of the effect of landscape on water and soil redistribution. The relationships among soil chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and available nutrients), soil water, elevation, and canola seed yield were investigated in a transect across a hummocky, undulating farm field in the Brown soil zone of south-central Saskatchewan. Overall, seed yield was highest in foot slope positions in the landscape where soil organic matter, nutrients, and available water content were higher. Correlations between soil properties and seed yield were highest for pH (R = ?0.46, P < 0.01), which was followed by organic C % (R = 0.27, P < 0.05), water content (R = 0.23), extractable potassium (K) (R = 0.18) and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supply rates to exchange resin membranes (R = 0.15). Extractable N and P were poorly correlated with seed yield (R < 0.1). The landscape region with soil parameters and yield closest to the average for the entire transect was the back slope region, suggesting that in similar landscapes, this region would be most appropriate for selection as a representative benchmark sampling site.     

Are horticulture-based land uses benign for fertility and health of soils in mid to high hills of the north-western Himalayan region?

ABSTRACT

Soil fertility in many parts of the north?western Himalayan region (NWHR) has declined owing to accelerated nutrient mining under existing crop regime. Therefore, this study aimed to assess effect of the predominant horticulture?based land uses on soil fertility and health in mid and high hills of NWHR. Soil samples (0?20 cm) were collected, analyzed for different soil chemical attributes (pH, electrical conductivity, organic C, available primary-, secondary-, and micro-nutrients), and compared across five key land uses: perennial grass (PG), peach orchard (PO), apple orchard (AO), field vegetable farming (VF), and protected vegetable farming (PV). Soils of the investigated land uses were neutral to near neutral in soil reaction (6.3?6.8) except field vegetable and protected vegetable farming. Amount of soil organic C and labile organic C was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in soils of apple orchards (18.6 g kg^?1 and 687.3 mg kg^?1, respectively) and peach orchards (20.4 g kg^?1 and 731.3 mg kg^?1, respectively) over others. An abrupt and significant increase in Olsen-P was recorded in soils of field vegetable farming (17.1 mg kg^?1) and protected vegetable farming (13.0 mg kg^?1), which shifted their nutrient index (NI) of P in to high category (≥ 2.33). The concentration of mineralizable-N in soil was statistically at par in soils under perennial grass and fruit orchards, while protected vegetable farming showed maximum soil mineralizable-N content (115.5 mg kg^?1) and NI of nitrogen (1.83). The NI was in high category (≥ 2.33) for copper, iron, and manganese in majority of the land uses. In view of the results, temperate fruit?tree based land uses are benign in up?keeping soil fertility and soil health, and needs promotion on large scale. Additionally, policies to create incentives for the build-up of soil organic matter and replenishment of the depleted soil macro and micro nutrients in vegetable-farmed lands are warranted.     

A model for estimating crop yield losses caused by soil compaction

A computerized empirical model for estimating the crop yield losses caused by machinery-induced soil compaction and the value of various countermeasures is presented, along with some examples of estimations made with it. The model is based mainly on results of Swedish field trials, and predicts the effects of compaction in a tillage system that includes mouldboard ploughing. It is designed for use at farm level and predicts four categories of effects: (1) Effects of recompaction after ploughing. The calculations are based on the wheel track distribution in the field and the relationship between “degree of compactness” of the plough layer and crop yield. (2) Effects of plough layer compaction persisting after ploughing. Crop yield losses are estimated from traffic intensity in Mgkm ha⁻¹ (Mgkm = the product of the weight of a machine and the distance driven), soil moisture content, tyre inflation pressure and clay content. (3) Effects of subsoil compaction. The calculations are similar to those presented under point (2), but only vehicles with high axle load are considered. These effects are the most persistent. (4) Effects of traffic in ley crops. The estimations are based on wheel track distribution, soil moisture content and several other factors.     

RZWQM2模型模拟牛场肥水施用夏玉米土壤硝态氮迁移特征

为研究华北平原种养结合中养殖肥水的合理施用,减少典型农田水肥施用后土壤氮淋溶对地下水的影响。该研究以河北省徐水区夏玉米为研究对象,应用RZWQM2模型验证牛场肥水施用玉米农田的可行性,对2014—2016年玉米种植前后数据进行模型参数率定与验证。验证结果表明,土壤体积含水率的均方根误差和平均相对误差值分别在0.000 6～0.070 7 cm~3/cm~3和0.21%～21.44%之间变化,土壤硝态氮均方根误差和平均相对误差值分别在0.000 8～2.617 3 mg/kg和0.03%～18.58%之间变化,其中牛场肥水施用土壤中硝态氮主要在0～120 cm土层发生变化,说明RZWQM2模型可以用来模拟华北平原牛场肥水施用对土壤水分、硝态氮含量及玉米产量的动态变化。利用率定和验证后的模型进行了夏玉米农田硝态氮淋溶的验证与预测,表明硝态氮淋溶浓度随肥水氮量的增加而增加。RZWQM2模型可以应用于牛场肥水施用农田的模拟,为预测和评估土壤适宜的肥水施用提供更合适的方法。     

Impact of urea and farm yard manure on nitrate concentration in soil profile and productivity of wheat crop

Abstract

During the last century, concerns about nitrate presence in the groundwater have tremendously increased worldwide, mainly because of its detrimental consequences on environment and human health. There are different factors contributing their past in nitrate pollution, farm manure is given due consideration. Knowing above facts, a field study was performed to check the effect of different farm yard manure (FYM) levels with urea on nitrate distribution in the soil profile and yield of wheat crop. The experiment was set out in a randomized complete block design, consisted of application of nitrogen at 125?kg ha^?1 from urea, 80?kg ha^?1 of N from urea +10 tons FYM ha^?1 and 20 tons FYM ha^?1 with three replications. Wheat (cultivar S7ehar-2006) was sown as test crop. Soil samples were examined to measure the nitrate concentration from four different depths (0–25, 25–50, 50–75, and 75–100?cm) after harvesting. Results showed that the straw yield, total biomass, spike length, and number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight were significantly influenced by fertilizer strategies. All manure treatments significantly affected the infiltration rate and concentration of nitrate at different depths of the soil profile. Farm yard manure showed greater nitrate concentration up to 50?cm depth as compared to alone urea and combined application, while at the depth of 100?cm, combined application of urea and FYM showed a minimum concentration of nitrates than alone application of either urea or FYM.     

Effects of tillage and traffic on crop production in dryland farming systems: II. Long-term simulation of crop production using the PERFECT model

Soil water conservation is critical to long-term crop production in dryland cropping areas in Northeast Australia. Many field studies have shown the benefits of controlled traffic and zero tillage in terms of runoff and soil erosion reduction, soil moisture retention and crop yield improvement. However, there is lack of understanding of the long-term effect of the combination of controlled traffic and zero tillage practices, as compared with other tillage and traffic management practices.In this study, a modeling approach was used to estimate the long-term effect of tillage, traffic, crop rotation and type, and soil management practices in a heavy clay soil. The PERFECT soil–crop simulation model was calibrated with data from a 5-year field experiment in Northeast Australia in terms of runoff, available soil water and crop yield; the procedure and outcomes of this calibration were given in a previous contribution. Three cropping systems with different tillage and traffic treatments were simulated with the model over a 44-year-period using archived weather data.Results showed higher runoff, and lower soil moisture and crop production with conventional tillage and accompanying field traffic than with controlled traffic and zero tillage. The effect of traffic is greater than the effect of tillage over the long-term. The best traffic, tillage and crop management system was controlled traffic zero tillage in a high crop intensity rotation, and the worst was conventional traffic and stubble mulch with continuous wheat. Increased water infiltration and reduced runoff under controlled traffic resulted in more available soil water and higher crop yield under opportunity cropping systems.     

气候变化下黄土高原耕作系统演变与适应性管理

耕作系统主要包括土壤系统、作物系统和区域气候系统等几个相对独立、但又紧密关联的组成部分,涉及作物栽培模式、作物类型、杂草和病虫害及农田水土资源管理等方面,在黄土高原生态系统管理和农业可持续发展中占有重要地位。过去50a (1951-2000年),黄土高原的年平均气温升高了1.1℃,且其变率逐渐增加,降雨和热量资源分布呈现复杂的时空异质性。作物种植区域的变迁、熟制制度的演变和农田灾害的加剧促使农田管理模式不断寻求改变,对当地农业耕作系统产生了深远影响。本文总结了黄土高原过去多年的气候变化（气温、降水量、积温）特征和发展趋势,气候变化下耕作系统（种植区、耕作制度、土壤环境）和作物系统（需水量、物候、品种、产量）的演变规律,作物与土壤互作关系,以及气象灾害对黄土高原耕作系统的影响,并提出气候变化下耕作系统适应性管理途径和策略。旨在为黄土高原耕作技术和田间管理提供新的理论,寻求气候变化下区域农业可持续发展应对策略。     

Effect of phosphate fertilization on crop yield and soil phosphorus status

To evaluate the effect of three phosphorus (P) fertilization regimes (no P, P input equivalent to P off‐take by crops, P input higher than P off‐take) on crop yield, P uptake, and soil P availability, seven field experiments (six in crop rotations, one under permanent grassland) were conducted in Switzerland during nine years (six trials) or 27 years (one trial). Soil total P (Pt), inorganic P (Pi), organic P (Po), and the amount of isotopically exchangeable soil P were measured in the 0–20 cm and 30–50 cm layers of the arable soils and in the 0–10 cm layer of the permanent grassland soil. Omitting P fertilization resulted in significant yield decreases only in one field crop trial as the amount of P isotopically exchangeable within one minute (E_1min) reached values lower than 5 mg P (kg soil)^–1. In the absence of P fertilization Pi decreased on average from 470 to 410 mg P (kg soil)^–1 in the upper horizon of 6 sites while Po decreased only at two sites (from 510 to 466 mg P (kg soil)^–1 on average). In all the treatments of the trials started in 1989 the E_1min values of the upper horizon decreased on average from 15.6 to 7.4 mg P (kg soil)^–1 between 1989 and 1998. These decreases were also observed when P inputs were higher than crops needs, showing that in these soils the highest P inputs were not sufficient to maintain the high initial available P levels. Finally for the six arable trials the values of the isotopic exchange kinetics parameters (R/r₁, n, C_P) and P exchangeable within 1 minute (E_1min) at the end of the experiment could be estimated from the values measured at the beginning of trial and the cumulated P balance.     

Root development in potato and carrot crops – influences of soil compaction

Row crops such as potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) and carrots (Daucus carota L.) are of high economic value in the Nordic countries. Their production is becoming more and more specialized, including continuous arable cropping and heavier farm machinery, with increased risk of soil compaction. The result may be restricted root development and economic losses. Potatoes have widely branched adventitious roots, whereas carrots have taproots with fibrous roots extending from them. Under optimal soil conditions, total root length per surface area may reach more than 10 km m^?2 for both species. Maximal root depth is about 140 cm for potato and more than 200 cm in carrots. Most of the root mass is usually distributed within the upper 100 cm, whereof more than 50% may be deeper than 30 cm. Soil compaction causes a dense soil with few large pores, poor drainage and reduced aeration, especially in wet soils with low organic matter content and high proportions of silt or clay. With compacted subsoil layers, roots will be concentrated more in the upper layers and thus explore a smaller soil volume. This will lead to reduced water and nutrient uptake, reduced yields and low nutrient utilization efficiency. In this review article, we describe the interactions between root development and soil conditions for potatoes and carrots, with special focus on sub-optimal conditions caused by soil compaction. We also discuss the effects of tilling strategies, organic material, irrigation and fertilization strategies and controlled traffic systems on root and yield development. To reduce subsoil compaction there is a need to implement practises such as controlled traffic farming, new techniques for ploughing, better timing of soil operations, crop rotations with more perennial crops and supplements of organic material. Moreover, there is a need for a stronger focus on the impacts of farm machinery dimensions.     

Bioassays and application of olive pomace compost on emmer: effects on yield and soil properties in organic farming

Abstract

Composting olive oil pomace could solve the problem of disposal, by recycling this organic waste for agricultural purposes. Furthermore, application of composted organic waste could be a way to sustain both soil fertility and production, especially in organic farming. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the phytotoxicity and the effects of application of olive pomace composts on emmer performance and soil properties. Two types of olive pomace composts, with a different initial C/N ratio, were stopped at the active phase and processed until maturation. The obtained four olive pomace composts were compared with a commercial fertilizer in a two-year field experiment. Before the field trial, a bioassay was performed to assess phytotoxicity both for the raw pomace and the not-stabilized composts. Growing and yielding data for emmer were determined during the two-year period and soil characteristics were measured at the start and at the end of the experiment.

The composts were not phytotoxic (germination index was higher than 90%) and their total organic carbon content was always higher than the minimum values established by the Italian fertilizers legislation. The emmer protein content was significantly higher in the matured compost treatment with low C/N, than in the other compost treatments. Its value was comparable with that of the commercial fertilizer, suggesting a good performance on crop yield quality. Although not significant, this compost showed an increase of 9.8% in grain yield compared with commercial fertilizer treatment. On the whole, it can be suggested that repeated compost application might preserve the soil organic carbon content and supply macronutrients to a crop.     

Effect of tillage practices on wheat performance in a semi-arid environment

Sodosol soils are at risk of degradation under existing fallow management practices involving tillage. Topsoil erosion exposes horizons with reduced infiltration and low concentrations of plant nutrients. Conservation management systems are needed on these soils to avoid a reversion to low intensity grazing. This paper reports on a 4 year study (1986–1989) of the effects of tillage practices on profile soil water and crop yield in a Sodosol (Typic Natrustalf) in central Queensland, Australia. The tillage treatments were: zero till fallow (weed control by herbicides), reduced till fallow (chisel plough/scarifier or herbicides) and conventional till fallow (chisel plough/scarifier) in two linked experiments. In the first experiment, wheat was grown in three contour bays (approximately 1 ha), and in the second, wheat was grown in replicated plots (30 m × 6 m) to allow statistical comparisons.

Zero till provided consistent advantages in grain yield in all 4 years compared with conventional till. Zero till also outyielded reduced till as well as conventional till in the plot experiment. The average yield increase of 0.5 t ha⁻¹ in zero till compared with convention till was associated with greater water use and increased water use efficiency. Tillage practice caused only marginal differences in the available water content in the root zone (0–100 cm) at sowing; zero and reduced till contained, on average, an additional 4 and 8 mm, respectively, compared with conventional till. The tillage treatments had no effect on plant available water capacity. Some of the soil water that accumulated during the fallow drained beyond the root zone in all treatments and was not available to the following wheat crop. At the conclusion of the experiment, soil water accumulation in the 100–180 cm soil layer was 86 mm in zero till, 39 mm in reduced till and 40 mm in conventional till.

Results indicate that zero till can be a more productive wheat farming practice than conventional mechanical tillage. The increase in water storage below the root zone of the wheat crop shows that there may be benefit in using a deeper-rooting crop or pasture species in rotation with wheat, particularly after zero till fallows.     

Impact of soil compaction upon soil water balance and maize yield estimated by the SIMWASER model

The capability of the soil water balance model SIMWASER to predict the impact of soil compaction upon the yield of maize (Zea mays L.) is tested, using the results of a field experiment on the influence of soil compaction by wheel pressure upon soil structure, water regime and plant growth. The experimental site was located on an Eutric Cambisol with loamy silt soil texture at an elevation of 260 m in the northern, semi-humid sub-alpine zone of Austria. Within the experimental field a 7 m wide strip was compacted by a tractor driven trailer just before planting maize in May 1988. Compression effects due to trailer traffic resulted in distinct differences of physical and mechanical soil parameters in comparison with the uncompressed experimental plots down to a depth of about 30 cm: bulk density and penetration resistance at field capacity were increased from 1.45 to 1.85 g/cm³, and from 0.8 to 1.5 MPa, respectively, while air-filled pore space as well as infiltration rate were appreciable lowered from about 0.08–0.02 cm³/cm³ and from 50 to 0.5 cm per day, respectively. The overall effect was a clear depression of the dry matter grain yield from 7184 kg/ha of the non-compacted plot to 5272 kg/ha in the compacted field strip. The deterministic and functional model SIMWASER simulates the water balance and the crop yield for any number of crop rotations and years, provided that daily weather records (air temperature, humidity of air, global radiation, wind and precipitation) are available. Crop growth and soil water regime are coupled together by the physiological processes of transpiration and assimilation, which take place at the same time through the stomata of the plant leaves and are both reacting in the same direction to changes in the soil water availability within the rooting zone. The water availability during rainless seasons depends on the hydraulic properties of the soil profile within the rooting depth and on rooting density. Rooting depth and density are affected by both the type of the crop and the penetration resistance of the soil, which depends on the soil moisture status and may be strongly increased by soil compaction. The model SIMWASER was able to simulate these effects as shown by the calculated grain yields, which amounted in the non-compacted plot to 7512 and to 5558 kg dry matter/ha in the compacted plot.     

Conservation tillage: Short- and long-term effects on soil carbon fractions and enzymatic activities under Mediterranean conditions

Short- and long-term field experiments are necessary to provide important information about how soil carbon sequestration is affected by soil tillage system; such systems can also be useful for developing sustainable crop production systems. In this study, we evaluated the short- and long-term effects of conservation tillage (CT) on soil organic carbon fractions and biological properties in a sandy clay loam soil. Both trials consisted of rainfed crop rotation systems (cereal–sunflower–legumes) located in semi-arid SW Spain. In both trials, results were compared to those obtained using traditional tillage (TT). Soil samples were taken in flowering and after harvesting of a pea crop and collected at three depths (0–5, 5–10 and 10–20 cm). The soil organic carbon fractions were measured by the determination of total organic carbon (TOC), active carbon (AC) and water soluble carbon (WSC). Biological status was evaluated by the measurement of soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and enzymatic activities [dehydrogenase activity (DHA), o-diphenol oxidase activity (DphOx), and β-glucosidase activity (β-glu)].The contents of AC and MBC in the long-term trial and contents of AC in the short-term trial were higher for CT than TT at 0–5 cm depth for both sampling periods. Furthermore, DHA and β-glucosidase values in the July sampling were higher in the topsoil under conservation management in both trials (short- and long-term). The parameters studied tended to decrease as depth increased for both tillage system (TT and CT) and in both trials with the exception of the DphOx values, which tended to be higher at deeper layers.Values of DHA and β-glu presented high correlation coefficients (r from 0.338 to 0.751, p ≤ 0.01) with AC, WSC and TOC values in the long-term trial. However, there was no correlation between either TOC or MBC and the other parameters in the short-term trial. In general, only stratification ratios of AC were higher in CT than in TT in both trials. The results of this study showed that AC content was the most sensitive and reliable indicator for assessing the impact of different soil management on soil quality in the two experiments (short- and long-term).Conservation management in dryland farming systems improved the quality of soil under our conditions, especially at the surface layers, by enhancing its storage of organic matter and its biological properties, mainly to long-term.     

The results of an NPK-fertilisation trial of long-term crop rotation on carbonate-rich soil in Estonia

ABSTRACT

Soil is an element of crop cultivation that demands consistent fertilisation to compensate for the nutrients that are removed by the harvest. Changes in soil because of prolonged fertilisation can only be estimated by long-term field trials. Experiments in long-term field trial site Kuusiku (since 1965) include crop rotation of potato, late harvest barley, early harvest barley undersown with forage grasses (red clover?+?timothy), 1-year forage grasses, 2-year forage grasses, and winter rye. Various combinations of mineral and organic fertilisers were used to investigate the yield, soil humus, phosphorus, and potassium content (available and total) of the top- and subsoil. Fertilisation improved the yield of different crops by 1.3–2.6 times; meteorological conditions caused the yield to vary up to 6.4 times. The concentration of humus decreased 0.2% when not using inorganic and organic fertilisers; use of fertilisers increased the concentration of humus by 0.2–0.6%. The humus-rich subsoil (3.5% humus) contained less available phosphorus than humus-poor subsoil (humus 3.0%), which had 29 and 63?mg P_DL kg^?1, respectively. Grasses in crop rotation enriched the soil with organic matter and reduced the excess of nutrients remaining from previous fertilisation, thereby decreasing nutrient leakage and eutrophication of bodies of water.     

Effects of soil compaction on the relationships between nematodes,grass production and soil physical properties

As farm machinery has become heavier, concern has grown about its direct effects on soil physical conditions and its indirect effects on crop yields and soil biota. To study the relationships between these parameters, non-grazed temporary grassland plots on a loamy sand soil were subjected to full-width load traffic with widely different loads (0, 4.5, 8.5 and 14.5 t) one to four times per year for a period of 5 years. Soil bulk density was monitored as an indicator of soil compaction. Grass yield was measured throughout the experimental period. Root distribution over the soil profile and nematodes populations were assessed during the final year of the experiment. Results indicate that a moderate degree of compaction (∼4.5 t load) gave the highest crop yield and that at higher degrees of compaction roots failed to penetrate into the deeper soil layers (>20 cm depth). Total numbers of nematodes were not affected by compaction, but their distribution over the various feeding types shifted towards a population with increased numbers of herbivores and decreased numbers of bacterivores and omnivores/predators. This change in the structure of the nematode assemblage is associated with poorer conditions for crop growth.     

膜下滴灌玉米番茄间作农田土壤水分分布特征模拟

间作种植和覆膜滴灌是实现高产和节水的重要技术,已被广泛应用,而掌握覆膜滴灌条件下间作种植农田土壤水分分布特征对于提高水分利用效率以及增产增收都具有重要意义。该文通过2a田间试验设置高(T1)、中(T2)、低(T3)3个灌水定额处理,并通过HYDRUS2D模型模拟了间作滴灌农田不同位置土壤水分的差异性、水平水量交换以及土壤水分二维分布特征。结果表明:基于HYDRUS2D构建的间作种植滴灌农田土壤水分模型精度较高,平均相对误差为5.72%～8.14%,决定系数在0.85～0.90,均方根误差在0.017～0.023 cm~3/cm~3。对于3个灌水处理皆表现为0～40 cm土层含水率出现差异,且在0～20 cm土层含水率差异显著,2014年番茄侧和玉米侧土壤含水率在3个灌水处理下的平均土壤含水率分别较裸地高20.17%和17.83%,2015年为16.02%和12.99%。间作滴灌农田土壤水平水量交换强烈,生育期水流主要由作物侧流入裸地侧,其中对于3个灌水处理在番茄侧0～40 cm土层净流入裸地的平均水量是玉米侧的1.3倍,约为60mm/a,并且0～40cm土层由作物侧流入裸地的水量是40～100cm土层的2.5倍。二维土壤水分分布显示,滴灌湿润体与作物根系分布匹配性较好,灌水后1d湿润饱和区主要集中在0～30cm土层,其中T1、T2、T3处理的饱和区面积分别为559.14,288.61和109.78 cm~2。灌水2 d后,低灌水处理(T3)存在较明显的水分亏缺,缺水区面积是充分灌溉(T1)的30倍。研究结果可为间作滴灌农田制定灌溉制度提供参考。