Sickersaft-Austrag und Stickstoff-Fracht aus Mistmieten

Leachates and nitrogen leakage from farmyard manure heaps
Leachates from differently covered cattle manure heaps amount to 88.7–117.4 1/m³ within 177 days, nitrogen leakage to 89.0–119.0 g, respectively. A total protection against precipitation with plastic foil led to the lowest quantity of leachates indeed, but not to the lowest nitrogen leakage. During the first decomposition period no rain fell, but the quantities of leachates as well as the leakage of nitrogen were highest. After 20 days (11,7% of the experimental period) already 55.0–81.3% of total leachates and 71.2-87.0% of total nitrogen leakage were found, but only 1.7 % of the precipitate, fallen within 177 days. This clearly shows, that only the covering of manure heaps can not be sufficient either to reduce liquid leaching or nitrogen leakage significantly.     

Zum Einfluß von Untersaaten zur Begrünung von Ackerbrachen auf die Vegetationsentwicklung und die Nitratdynamik

The influence of undersown green manure crops for fallows – set-aside land – in view of vegetation-development and the dynamic of nitrate
In view of the establishment of rotational fallows - set-aside land - as well as the bridging of the vegetation-free winter period the suitability of different undersown grasses and legumes m winter cereals was investigated in field trials. Festuca rubra developed well in winter barley and winter wheat. The success of the cultivation of Lolium perenne, Trifolium pratense and Trifolium repens in winter cereals is uncertain because of the risk of light and water deficiences. Dactylis glomerata caused an negative influence on the yield of the cover crop. During the fallow period only low levels of nitrate could be found in the soil. Under fallow tilled repeatedly complete fallow- a nitrate accumulation could be observed during the fallow period. After ploughing up the fallow vegetation, nitrate concentrations - depth 0–150 cm – increased to 60 kg NO₃-N · ha^-1 after the natural fallow without seeding, between 60 and 130 kg NO₃-N · ha^-1 after Trifolium and between 160 and 210 kg NO₃-N · ha^-1 after complete fallow. Lowest nitrate levels were observed from the grass-sites. Undersown Festuca rubra seems to be the best choice in order to compete with weeds, to form a dense sod and to prevent nitrate leaching. In general a seed rate of 8 kg · ha^-1 can be recommended.     

Differences between Maize Cultivars in Yield Formation, Nitrogen Uptake and associated Depletion of Soil Nitrate

In a 3-year field experiment conducted on a Gleyic Luvisol in Stuttgart-Hohenheim, ten maize cultivars (nine commercial and one experimental hybrid) were compared in their ability to utilize a high soil nitrogen (N) supply. Total N content of the shoots at about silage maturity ranged from 213 to 328 kg N ha⁻¹ (1986), from 177 to 223 kg N ha⁻¹ (1987) and from 185 to 226 kg N ha⁻¹ (1988). In all three experimental years, total shoot N uptake was significantly positively correlated to stover yield, and also to N concentrations in the ears and in the total plant dry matter. In contrast, a negative correlation between ear yields of the cultivars and total N uptake was indicated. Differences between the cultivars in N uptake were reflected in a corresponding soil nitrate depletion. At harvest, residual nitrate-N in the 0–90 cm soil layer ranged from 34–63 kg N ha⁻¹ m 1987 and 32–71 kg N ha⁻¹ in 1988. The results indicate, that growing of cultivars selected for high N uptake-capactiy of the shoots may contribute to an increased utilization of a high soil N supply and thus to a reduction of nitrate leaching.     

Evaluation of N Fertilizer Rate and Timing and Wheat Cultivars on Soil Residual Nitrates

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer management for production of bread quality wheat may increase nitrate residues in the soil. To assess soil nitrate levels associated with bread quality wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) production in Eastern Canada, an experiment was conducted for 2 years at each of two sites in Québec. Four cultivars (Columbus, Katepwa, Max and Hege 155-85), four N levels (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha⁻¹) and two N timings (all at seeding time or 60 % at seeding and 40 % at anthesis) were combined in a factorial arrangement on a Bearbrook clay and a Ste-Rosalie clay. Residual soil NO₃-N levels were measured in the 0–20 and 20– 60 cm soil layers. The cultivars used have potential as bread wheats. Cultivar effects on soil nitrate levels existed only in the Ste-Rosalie soil, suggesting that the cultivars used were better adapted to the conditions on the Bearbrook soil. Changes in soil NC₃N levels over winter indicated that mineralization had occurred. Calculated balance-sheet values were larger than measured residual NO₃-N in the autumn of each year, indicating that NO₃-N was lost from the systems, possibly due to denitrification. Potential increases in, and thus potential pollution from, residual soil NO-N existed only at the 180 kg N ha⁻¹ level. Overwinter changes in soil NO₃-N levels were proportional to the inverse of the fall NC₃N levels. Differences between sites were large for many of the variables measured.     

Maximizing Sugarcane Yield by Increasing Plant Population Density, Minimizing NO3-N Leaching and Improving Soil Organic Matter in Different Crop Rotations

In a field experiment conducted during 1992–95 at Lucknow, India, sugarcane was planted in rows 60 and 90 cm apart in three crop rotations (rice-sugarcane-ratoon, Sesbania aculeata for green manure-sugarcane-ratoon, and cowpea-sugarcane-ratoon) with 0, 150 and 300 kg N ha⁻¹ as urea either with or without farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t ha⁻¹. Sugarcane yields were significantly greater in the Sesbania rotation than in the other because of a larger N uptake. N uptake of the crop was significantly affected by soil organic carbon, and available N and K contents. Ratoon yields, however, were largest in the cowpea sequence followed by the rice rotation, probably due to a prolonged residual effect of cowpea and rice root residues. The residual effect of a Sesbania green manure was negligible as demonstrated by the low NO₃-N content of the soil profile after sugarcane harvest compared to the other two crop sequences. The total cane productivity (main sugarcane plus ratoon) was greater (156 t ha⁻¹) in the cowpea rotation than the Sesbania (152 t ha⁻¹) and rice (140 t ha⁻¹) rotations.     

Die Wurzelentwicklung von Zuckerrübenpflanzen auf einem Sandlöß-Standort und ihre Bedeutung für die Stickstoffernährung

Root development of sugar beet plants on a sandy loess site with regard to nitrogen nutrition.
Root development of sugar beet plants in a sandy loess soil (Haplic Phaeozem) was observed from the early seedling stage up to harvest by measuring at first the greatest vertical and lateral extension of the root systems of single plants and later the rooting density of the whole plant stands (auger method, profile wall method).
During the seedling stage not only the subsoil, but also large parts of the topsoil between the plants remained unoccupied by the root systems. In this phase the greatest lateral extension of single roots reaches nearly the length of the greatest leaf of the plant. With the closure of the canopy the rooting density in the topsoil accounts to 1–2 cm cm⁻³.
In summer roots penetrate to a depth of 100–150 cm with rooting densities of 0.1 to 1 cm - cm⁻³. Thus, the plants gain not only access to water reserves, but sometimes meet remarkable amounts of nitrate which under the relatively dry conditions of the region tends to accumulate in 60–120 cm depth and – when taken up by the beet plants in the late stage of growth – affects crop quality negatively.     

Untersuchungen über die Wirkung von Ammonium- und Nitrat-Ernährung auf die Ertrags- und Proteinbildung bei Hafergenotypen

Investigations about the effect of ammonium- and nitrate nutrition on the formation of yield and protein of oats genotypes
The formation of yield and proteins of three different oats genotypes (cv. Gambo, Flämingskrone, Caesar ) in dependence on ammonium or nitrate nutrition was investigated in pot trials over 2 years (from 1982 to 1983). On oats the NH₄-nutrition showed in comparison to NO₃ nutrition increases in grain yield up to 20 % due to a favourable influence on the number of panicles per pot (s. Fig. 1).
Protein content and protein yield increased particularly by high fertilizing with NH₄-N (N₃- and Invariant); the best effect was ascertained by the N₄-variant increase of 4 % (D.M.). Among the protein fractions (albumins, globulins, prolamins, glutelins) the albumin- and prolamin-proteins increased after NH₄-fertilizing by 1–2 %, whereas at the same time the glutelins decreased by 1–4 %; the globulins showed no differences.     

Elongation Rate of Wheat Root Axes

The elongation rate of seminal root axes for two wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes (one gene dwarf Sonalika RR-21 and three gene dwarf UP 301 ) grown in pots under three fluctuating soil water tension regimes of 0.3 to 0.8, 2.0 to 2.5 and 4.0 to 4.5 bars was measured throughout the growing period.
Two distinct peaks were observed for both genotypes. The first peak of highest elongation rate (25.0 to 35.5 mm day⁻¹) for both genotypes occurred during 22–28 days after planting which corresponds to the crown root initiation stage of the crop. The second lower peak (11.2 to 14.5 mm day⁻¹) occurred during 49–60 days after planting for Sonalika RR-21 but 60–72 days for UP 301. The time of occurrence of second peak corresponds to the stem elongation stage.
The elongation rate of root axes differed significantly for different stages and genotypes but when considered over the whole growing season, soil water tension regimes showed no effect. Over a period of 72 days from planting, average elongation rate ranged from 11.3 to 12.7 mm day⁻¹. The elongation rate of root axes bore no consistent relationship with either mean air or soil temperature at 5 and 15 cm depths that prevailed during crop growth period.     

N-Aufnahme und -Verwertung verschiedener N-Düngerformen durch Winterweizen – Gefäßversuche mit 15N

N-uptake and N utilization of different fertilizer types by winter wheat – pot experiments with ¹⁵N
The efficiency of top dressing urea, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate fertilizers on winter wheat grown on loamy sand and loessial black soil was studied. At a rate of 0.5 g N per pot on the loamy sand 20 % volatilization losses of NH₃ occurred with urea and 10 % on the loessial black soil with urea resp. ammonium sulphate.
The grain yields an N removal correspond to these results. At an amount of 1.6 g N per pot the N-uptake of ¹⁵N ranged from 0.589 g (urea) on sandy soils to 1.279 g (ammonium nitrate) which agrees with 76 % an 91 % of the total N uptake. On black soil 0.675 g (urea) and 1.038 g (ammonium nitrate) or 44 % and 51 % of the total uptake are found.     

High-temperature Effects on Germination and Viability of Weed Seeds in Soil

The control of weeds by solar heating of the soil using transparent polyethylene (PE) sheets was studied in the field during the summers of 1994 and 1995. The maximum soil temperature under plastic cover at 5 cm depth averaged 53°C. At 5 cm soil depth, solarization increased temperature by about 9°C. In the non-solarized soils, such high-temperature days were fewer. A temperature of 55°C at 5 cm soil depths was recorded both in irrigated and non-irrigated mulched soils. However, mulched soil recorded 70% of the treatment period compared with 43% in unirrigated and mulched soils. Lower depths of 10 and 15 cm did not attain a temperature 55°C or 60°C on any day during the experimental period.
Solarization treatment with PE sheets significantly increased NO⁻₃—N and NH⁺₄—N in comparison with non-solarized plots. While uncovered plots showed significant increase in available phosphorus and marginally increased in potassium and electrical conductivity. Organic carbon content and pH did not vary under different treatments.
PE mulching for 30 days significantly reduced the number of weed seeds, specifically Avena fatua L. and Phalaris minor Retz., while Trianthema monogyna Linn, and Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. were not affected much in comparison with the former. Melilotus indica (L.) All, was not at all affected by the solarization treatment studied. The solarization reduction index (SRI) was calculated for each weed species studied and it was concluded that weeds having a low SRI can be controlled more effectively than weeds with high SRI values. The heating effect from solarization decreased significantly with soil depth. The 30 days' soil solarization treatment in moist soil was more effective than the 10 and 20 days' heating treatment in moist and dry soils for weed control.     

Effect of Integrated Use of Farmyard Manure and Sulphur in a Soybean and Wheat Cropping System on Nodulation, Dry Matter Production and Chlorophyll Content of Soybean on Swell-Shrink Soils in Central India

In a 3-year experiment on a Typic Haplustert low in soil test sulphur (S), the response to applied farmyard manure (FYM) and S was studied in terms of the nodule production, nodule dry weight, chlorophyll content, dry matter production and seed yield of soybean. FYM was applied to soybean at four levels (0–16 t ha⁻¹). S as gypsum was also applied at four levels (0–60 kg ha⁻¹) to both soybean and wheat every year. Both total and active nodule production, nodule dry weight, dry matter production and seed yield of soybean were increased significantly by the application of both FYM and S. However, the proportion of total nodules to active nodules fell sharply for applications higher than 8 t FYM and 40 kg S ha⁻¹.     

Untersuchungen zum Wurzelwachstum von Jungpflanzen alter und neuer Winterweizensorten sowie eines Spelzweizens bei variierter N-Versorgung

Root growth of seedlings of old and new winter wheat cultivars and a spelt wheat at varying levels of nitrogen
Root growth of five old (time period 1882–1920) and five new (time period 1975–1982) winter wheal cultivars and a spelt winter wheat cultivar was investigated in two greenhouse trials. Nitrogen (NH₄NO₃) was supplied at six (Exp. I) and two (Exp. II) levels (sub- to supraoptimal for shoot growth). The seedlings were grown in sand-filled polyethylene tubes of 4.5 cm diameter and 50 cm length at 20 ^oC. The plants were harvested 11 (Exp. I) and 12 (Exp. II) days after emergence. At this early stage of development root growth o: old and new cultivars differed only slightly. The old T. aestivum cultivars had more seminal roots. The longest roots of the modern cultivars penetrated into deeper layers of the substrate. For some traits, cultivar: seemed to respond specifically to the varying N-supply. However, there were no significant difference: between old and new cultivars. Neither were old cultivars better adapted to low N-fertilization nor were modern cultivars superior in tolerating toxic concentrations of NH₄NO₃. Increasing N supply changes root growth as follows: decline in root dry matter, increase in shoot/root ratio of dry weight, decrease in number of seminal roots, shortening of axes and more laterals, increase in diameter of the laterals and less significantly of the main roots, increase in density of laterals, decline in root surface area. The number of apices was affected only to a very small degree.     

不同冬季覆盖作物轮作对农田土壤碳氮影响

风蚀是干旱区农田生态系统中土壤质量降低的关键因素,冬季作物覆盖可有效减少农田的土壤风蚀。通过探究河西灌区不同冬季覆盖作物轮作复种绿肥对农田土壤碳氮影响,以期为构建合理的周年覆盖轮作模式提供理论依据。本研究在热量一熟有余两熟不足的河西灌区春小麦种植区把冬小麦、冬油菜两种冬季覆盖作物和绿肥还田处理嵌套种植形成：（1）春小麦—冬油菜—箭筈豌豆(WCP)、（2）春小麦—冬小麦—箭筈豌豆(WWP)、（3）春小麦—箭筈豌豆(WP)、(4)春小麦—春小麦(W,CK)不同种植模式,在360 kg/hm² (N2)、270 kg/hm² (N1)、0 kg/hm² (N0) 3个施氮水平下,研究不同轮作模式对农田土壤碳、氮含量的提升效应。结果表明：在同一种植模式下土壤有机碳、土壤可溶性有机碳、热提取态有机碳、硝态氮、氨态氮、微生物量碳氮含量随施氮量的增加而增加,但在氮肥减量(N1)的条件下,与常规施氮(N2)相比较WCP轮作模式土壤有机碳、土壤可溶性有机碳、热提取态有机碳含量及微生物量氮无显著降低。相同施氮条件下,轮作模式间差异不显著,但与CK间差异显著;其中,0~10 cm土层,WCP轮作模式土壤有机碳、土壤可溶性有机碳、土壤热提取态有机碳、硝态氮、氨态氮、微生物量碳氮含量平均较CK提高5.42%、9.78%、10.96%、20.51%、15.76%、18.94%;10~30 cm土层,提高9.54%、7.06%、12.99%、20.12%、16.51%、18.16%。因此,春小麦轮作冬油菜复种绿肥模式在氮肥减量条件下仍对农田土壤碳氮有明显的提升效应,为河西灌区良好的周年覆盖作物轮作模式。     

Influence of Oil Seed Rape and Faba Bean as Green Manure on Nitrogen Utilization in a Spring Cereal Rotation

A lysimeter study was conducted to investigate how nitrogen uptake of spring wheat and oats and N leaching losses are differing when either oilseed rape or faba bean are grown as green manure. The experiment was conducted during 1982–1988, and fertilizer applied to the cereals was either farmyard manure, FYM, (6 and 12 g N/m²/year) or mineral fertilizer, MiF, at a rate of 6 g N/m². On average of the 7 year period faba bean increased N uptake of the cereals fertilized with FYM at harvest by 3–4 g/m². Differences between the two application rates were negligible. N-leaching losses increased twofold when faba bean was grown instead of oilseed rape. Growing faba bean after cereals supplied with MiF, too, increased N uptake of the cereals and significantly increased leaching losses.     

Nomogramm zur Keimung von Wintergerste (Hordeum vulgare L.) zwischen Teigreife und Ernte in Abhangigkeit von Temperatur und Niederschlag

Nomogram of germination of winter barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) between dough stage and harvest, as influenced by temperature and rainfall
Winter barley, cv. Katja , was cultivated on loess soil near Göttingen in three seasons (1982–1984). After passing the dough stage, barley seeds were separated at regular intervals and incubated at 12 °C for germination.
For the germination (Y, in probits), the following regression equation was found: Y = 3.91 + 0.1186 X₁– 0.0267 x₂, where x₁= daily mean temperature (°C), and x₂= quantity of rainfall (mm) in the four days before the separation of the seeds.
The relationship among germination, temperature and rainfall was presented in the form of a nomogram which shows a convenient method to solve the regression equation graphically.     

Zeitliche und vertikale Nitratverteilung in der ungesättigten und gesättigten Bodenzone grundwassernaher Sandböden Nordwestdeutschlands

Periodic and Vertical Nitrate Distribution in Unsaturated and in Saturated Zone of Sandy Soils Close to Groundwater in North-West Germany
Investigations into the periodic and vertical distribution of nitrate were conducted in three geologically, pedologically and climatically comparable arable sandy soils lying close to the groundwater zone of the coastal moorlands of N.W. Germany. Periodical and vertical distribution of nitrate was observed in unsaturated and in saturated zones of the soil.
The investigation concerns podzol-brown earths. The depth of the water-unsaturated zone is 2 to 3 m. The crops in two locations consisted of maize and winter rye; in one location, of maize only. N-manuring consisted of mineral fertilizers and/or of organic liquid manure. At two locations the investigations were conducted over 3 years, at one location, over 18 months.
The results from the three locations indicate a corresponding clear variability of nitrate amounts in the soil depending on weather conditions, on the course of growth of the crops, and on the date, the rate and the type of manuring.
The dependence of nitrate content on the time span is most clearly expressed in the top soil. The peak values of NO₃ in the top soil appear in May, June and in the autumn months. Nitrate peaks in the top soil are continued in the subsequent ground levels with a time shift. Underneath the root zone, the nitrate peak values are transferred, largely without losses, by the seepage water through the capillary and groundwater zones close to the surface.
In the capillary and groundwater zones the nitrate peak values are characterized by time-dependent extension.
The time-span for transferring nitrate peak values from the top soil down to 4.00 m under the surface was determined to be approximately 6-8 months.     

Stickstoffaufnahme und Stickstoffrückstände von Hauptfrucht-und Ausfallrapsbeständen

Nitrogen Uptake and Nitrogen Residuals of Winter Oil-Seed Rape and Fallout Rape
The objective of the investigation was a study of the relationship between seed dry-matter production and vegetative dry-matter production in oil-seed rape crops and their dependence on the production conditions. In addition to the relationship between the N-uptake during the vegetation period and the N-residue after harvest was of major interest. Furthermore the potential for N-uptake in fallout rape was measured. Over two vegetation periods factorial field experiments with winter oil-seed rape, cv. Lirabon, different drilling techniques and different nitrogen fertilization levels were tested. Measured traits were: the dry-matter accumulation including root mass and fall-off leaf-material mass, the N-uptake of both the oil-seed crops and the fallout rape stands, and, simultaneously, the soil NO₃-N content. Finally the harvest indices and the N-harvest indices were calculated.
Combined with a N-uptake of up to 330 kg N/ha, oil-seed rape crops produced up to 200 dt dry matter/ ha. At seed yield levels of 33dt/ha (d.m.), harvest indices varied from 0.14—0.23 and N-harvest indices varied from 0.30–0.50. As a result of the residue of vegetative plant material at harvest, leaf losses before harvest and the soil NO₃-N-contents at harvest up to 275 kg N/ha remained in the field. After the harvest of oil-seed rape, the soil NO₃-N-contents were quickly reduced by emerging and growing fallout rape stands. However, following soil-preparation measures in the autumn, a continuous rise in the soil NO₃-N-content was observed.     

Struktur, mikrobieller Stoffwechsel und potentiell mineralisierbare Stickstoffvorräte in ökologisch und konventionell bewirtschafteten Tonböden

Structure, microbial metabolism and potentially mineralizable nitrogen pools in organically and conventionally farmed clay soils
Soil physical, soil chemical and biological studies were carried out on two differently cultivated clay soils. One soil, under organic farming system (TNL), was not ploughed for the last 14 years, the 0–10 cm layer was tilled by a rotowator system. The other soil was tilled conventionally and was ploughed down to 22 cm (TKL). For comparison the topsoil of a pasture was investigated.
The saturated hydraulic conductivity (depicted as frequency distribution from k_t values) was very high in the TNL soil and in the pasture soil. The TKL soil showed a lower conductivity and pore continuity than the other soils, especially in the layer of 0–10 cm (Ap_rhonzon). Aggregate stability (measured as total settlement) was highest in the pasture soil, followed by the 10–20 cm layer of TKL soil. The small fragments of TNL soil resulted in a decline of the aggregate stability.
Dehydrogenase activity was similar in the TNL soil and the pasture, and lower in the TKL soil. Potentially mineralizable nitrogen showed the same trend as dehydrogenase activity. Soil respiration was higher in the TKL soil than in the TNL soil. This was attributed to higher amounts of microbial available carbon probably because of the presence of undecomposed crop residues in the TKL soil.     

The Effects of Prolonged Drought and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Root and Shoot Growth and Water Uptake by Winter Wheat

Winter wheat growing on a silty clay loam soil was protected from rainfall by a mobile shelter for 100 days from tillering to maturity. During this time the crop was either irrigated according to demand or grew on stored soil water. The effects of this high and low water supply, in combination with a high and low N supply, on root and shoot growth and water uptake were studied.
The crop given both N and water yielded 9.7 t/ha of grain (85 % DM), drought reduced this to 7.9 t/ha, low N to 4.3 t/ha and drought and low N to 3.8 t/ha. Yield reductions were mainly due to fewer grains being produced.
Little root growth occurred in the topsoil during the drought but there was compensatory growth in the subsoil provided that N fertilizer was given. The droughted crops rooted to 160 cm, about 20 cm deeper than the irrigated crops, but the amount of root in the deep subsoil was very small, less than 0.1 cm/cm³ ai 140–160 cm, compared with 5–9 cm/cm³ in the topsoil.
The crop demand for water at any given time was partitioned throughout the root system but atmospheric demand was only met whilst the topsoil was wet. The fertilized, droughted crop extracted all of the potentially available water to a depth of 80 cm and a mean rooting density of 1 cm/cm³ was necessary to achieve this. Uptake from below this depth was limited by root growth.
The limiting value of the potential soil water deficit was 170 mm, and weather records showed that this would be exceeded one year in ten, on average. The likelihood of yield reduction due to drought could be reduced on this soil by improving root growth below 80 cm depth, although the chances of achieving this are low as root growth was probably limited by poor soil structure.     

Studies on Sowing Depth for Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), Faba Bean(Vicia faba L.) and Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) in a Mediterranean-type Environment of South-western Australia

Pulses such as chickpea, faba bean and lentil have hypogeal emergence and their cotyledons remain where the seed is sown, while only the shoot emerges from the soil surface. The effect of three sowing depths (2.5, 5 and 10 cm) on the growth and yield of these pulses was studied at three locations across three seasons in the cropping regions of south-western Australia, with a Mediterranean-type environment. There was no effect of sowing depth on crop phenology, nodulation or dry matter production for any species. Mean seed yields across sites ranged from 810 to 2073 kg ha⁻¹ for chickpea, 817–3381 kg ha⁻¹ for faba bean, and 1173–2024 kg ha⁻¹ for lentil. In general, deep sowing did not reduce seed yields, and in some instances, seed yield was greater at the deeper sowings for chickpea and faba bean. We conclude that the optimum sowing depth for chickpea and faba bean is 5–8 cm, and for lentil 4–6 cm. Sowing at depth may also improve crop establishment where moisture from summer and autumn rainfall is stored in the subsoil below 5 cm, by reducing damage from herbicides applied immediately before or after sowing, and by improving the survival of Rhizobium inoculated on the seed due to more favourable soil conditions at depth.