Influence of Residue Management and Tillage Systems on Carbon Sequestration and Nitrogen,Phosphorus, and Potassium Dynamics of Soil and Plant and Wheat Production in Semi-arid Region

Reducing the tillage and application of mulch are important strategies for soil and water conservation and sustainability of agricultural systems. Soil can be a source or sink for carbon (C) depending on management strategies and plays a major role in the global C cycle. These interacting practices can alter nutrient movement and availability to the crops, reduce water loss, slow down organic-matter (OM) decomposition, and thus enhance C sequestration. A 2-year field study was conducted to quantify the tillage and mulching effect on soil organic C (SOC), OM, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) at two depths (i.e., 0–15 and 15–30 cm deep) in the soil profile and N, P, and K concentrations (g kg^?1) in plant shoots at harvest on a Typic Calciargids in wheat–maize rotation. The four tillage systems used were zero tillage (ZT), minimum tillage (MT), conventional tillage (CT), and deep tillage (DT), and four mulch rates [control, 2 (M₂), 4 (M₄), and 6 (M₆) Mg ha^?1 year^?1 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw] were applied in combination with each tillage system, keeping recommended rates of fertilizers. There was a linear positive response of mulch application on SOC for both years, but it was more pronounced during the second year. Greater values were found in ZT and the lowest in CT at all depths, although greater SOC content was found in upper layers than in deeper ones. Greater shoot N, P, and K concentrations were found in MT, CT, and DT, whereas the lowest concentration was found in ZT. Mulch application has no effect on N, P, and K concentrations in shoots. The soil N concentration was not affected by tillage and mulch, yet greater soil N content was found at 0–15 cm than 15–30 cm deep. There was significant effect of tillage on soil P and K during one year as greater P and K concentrations were found under MT, CT, and DT compared to ZT. More N, P, K, and OM concentrations were found at 0–15 cm deep than at 15–30 cm deep during the whole study period. Mulch effect was significant on K, and significantly greater amounts were found at greater levels of mulch application. The increases in the soil OM were 34.5, 35.75, and 24% at 0–8, 8–16, and 16–24 cm deep respectively from the first year to the second year. Tillage effect on soil organic-matter content was not significant. Tillage increased grain production for both years. For the first year, 22.9 and 27% greater yields were found in CT and DT, whereas in the second year yields were 10.6, 17.9, and 57% greater, respectively, in MT, CT, and DT as compared to ZT. Grain production was increased at a result of mulch application by 12.9, 20.3, and 10.6% during the first year and 11.45, 23.74, and 10.9% during the second year as compared to control (i.e., without mulch). Results show the importance of mulch application and crop residue retention. Both can increase the SOC content and water-holding capacity, which will result in improved production and soil physical health over long and continuous use of mulch.     

Effects of zone-tillage in rotation with no-tillage on soil properties and crop yields in a semi-arid soil from central Spain

A limiting factor to the no-tillage system in arid and semi-arid regions is the possibility of soil densification from lack of tillage. This research examines the extent and duration of the effects of periodic (rotational) zone-tillage over 2 years, on selected soil physical and chemical properties and crop yields. In the first year four tillage treatments were applied: conventional tillage with mouldboard plow (CT), minimum tillage with chisel plow (MT), no-tillage (NT) and zone-tillage subsoiling with a paraplow (ZT). In the second year, the ZT plots were returned to NT to follow the residual effects of ZT. The soil was a loamy sand (Calcic Haploxeralf) from semi-arid Central Spain and the crop rotation was grey pea (Pisum sativum L.)–barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Crop residues on the soil surface after sowing grey pea were 85% in NT plots, 55% in ZT plots and 15% in MT plots. When comparing NT and ZT, the immediate effects of subsoiling on soil physical properties were significant (P < 0.05). Soil strength as measured by cone index approached 3.0 MPa in NT and was reduced to <1.0 MPa by ZT over 300 mm sampling depth. Soil moisture content and bulk density were improved by ZT. No-till and ZT favoured surface accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), total N and available P and K. Stratification ratio of SOC was not different among tillage systems, but soil N stratification ratio followed the order NT > ZT > MT > CT. Grey pea yields were reduced by 3 Mg ha⁻¹ in the NT and MT compared with ZT. Crop residues on the soil surface after barley sowing were 80% in NT, 56% in ZT, and 12% in MT. At the end of the second year, soil strength, soil moisture and bulk density in ZT declined to NT levels at all soil depths. The positive effect of ZT in increasing SOC in the top layer had also disappeared. However, total N, and available P and K concentrations under NT and ZT were still significantly higher than in MT and CT. Stratification ratios of SOC under NT and ZT were >2 and more than two-fold those under MT and CT. Nitrogen stratification ratio under ZT increased and no significant differences between NT and ZT could be reported. Barley yield was 0.6 Mg ha⁻¹ higher in ZT compared with NT. Our results suggest that ZT improved the physical and chemical condition of the soil studied in months following subsoiling. These positive effects, however, diminished with time and only some residual effects on total N and available P and K content in the top-layer were still evident after 2 years.     

耕作对旱区坡耕地土壤碳素转化及冬小麦产量的影响

利用长期定位试验(1999开始保护性耕作,2004年采样测定),在豫西旱区坡耕地上进行了不同耕作对土壤有机碳、微生物态碳及水分利用效率的影响研究。结果表明:深松覆盖和免耕覆盖处理的耕层有机碳增加较明显,以深松覆盖有机碳含量最高为6.79gkg-1,比传统耕作高13.82%,其次是免耕,较传统高11.58%,而少耕却较传统降低了1.38%,随着土层的加深,土壤有机碳含量降低,0～60cm有机碳平均值,深松和免耕较传统分别增加了14.08%、5.41%,少耕较传统减少1.12%。土壤微生物碳对耕作敏感,其含量免耕>深松>传统>少耕,分别为206.87mgkg-1、138.43mgkg-1、115.42mgkg-1和112.57mgkg-1,较传统增加79.3%、19.9%和-2.5%。土壤有机碳和土壤微生物态碳都有坡下富集现象。少耕、免耕、深松和传统的SMBC/SOC的值分别为1.91%、3.11%、2.04%和1.93%,免耕和深松对培肥地力、改善环境有好的应用前景;同时免耕覆盖与深松覆盖可提高产量,增产分别达10.22%与9.26%;可提高水分利用效率。     

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.     

秸秆还田与耕作方式对麦后复种花生田土壤性质和产量的影响

小麦-花生一年两熟是解决粮油争地矛盾,实现粮油自给的重要途径,小麦收获后直播花生是麦油两熟的主要种植方式。试验在前茬小麦收获后设计秸秆还田与耕作方式2种处理因素,共6个处理:旋耕秸秆不还田(RT)、旋耕秸秆还田(RTS)、免耕秸秆不还田(NT)、免耕秸秆覆盖(NTS)、深耕秸秆不还田(DT)和深耕秸秆还田(DTS)。研究秸秆还田与耕作方式对土壤理化性质以及花生产量的影响。结果表明:不同耕作方式对土壤理化性质的影响不同,在0—10 cm土层中,与深耕处理和旋耕处理相比,免耕处理增加了大粒径团聚体的质量比例,提高了团聚体的稳定性,增加了土壤细菌、真菌、放线菌的数量。而深耕处理主要改善了10—20,20—30 cm土层土壤理化性质,深耕处理还增加了干物质积累量,提高了花生荚果产量和籽仁产量。在相同的耕作方式下,与秸秆不还田处理相比,秸秆还田处理降低了土壤容重,增加了土壤孔隙度,增加了粗大团聚体的质量比例以及土壤有机碳和全氮含量,提高了团聚体的稳定性,增加了土壤细菌、真菌、放线菌的数量,增加了干物质积累量,提高了花生荚果产量和籽仁产量。DTS处理荚果产量和籽仁产量比DT处理分别增加了10.89%和14.65%,RTS处理荚果产量和籽仁产量比RT处理分别增加了10.00%和11.77%,NTS处理荚果产量和籽仁产量比NT处理分别增加了16.31%和19.82%。处理间比较,与其他5个处理相比,DTS处理不仅改良了土壤理化性质,而且提高了花生荚果产量和籽仁产量。     

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.     

Long-term effects of tillage systems and rotations on soil structural stability and organic carbon stratification in semiarid central Spain

Under semiarid Mediterranean climatic conditions, soils typically have low organic matter content and weak structure resulting in low infiltration rates. Aggregate stability is a quality indicator directly related to soil organic matter, which can be redistributed within soil by tillage. Long-term effects (1983–1996) of tillage systems on water stability of pre-wetted and air dried aggregates, soil organic carbon (SOC) stratification and crop production were studied in a Vertic Luvisol with a loam texture. Tillage treatments included conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT) and zero tillage (ZT) under winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and vetch (Vicia sativa L.) rotation (W–V), and under continuous monoculture of winter wheat or winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) (CM). Aggregate stability of soil at a depth of 0–5 cm was much greater when 1–2 mm aggregates were vacuum wetted prior to sieving (83%) than when slaked (6%). However, slaking resulted in tillage effects that were consistent with changes in SOC. Aggregate stability of slaked aggregates was greater under ZT than under CT or MT in both crop rotations (i.e., 11% vs. 3%, respectively).

SOC under ZT tended to accumulate in the surface soil layer (0–5 and 5–10 cm) at the expense of deeper ones. At depths of 10–20 and 20–30 cm no differences in SOC were encountered among tillage systems, but CT exhibited the highest concentration at 30–40 cm depth. Nevertheless, when comparisons were made on mass basis (Mg ha⁻¹), significant differences in stocked SOC were observed at depths of 0–10 and 0–20 cm, where ZT had the highest SOC content in both rotations. The stock of SOC to a depth of 40 cm, averaged across crop rotations, was greater under ZT (43 Mg ha⁻¹) than under CT (41 Mg ha⁻¹) and MT (40 Mg ha⁻¹) although these figures were not significantly different. Likewise, no significant differences were encountered in the stock of SOC to a depth of 40 cm among crop rotations (i.e., 42 Mg ha⁻¹ for W–V vs. 40 Mg ha⁻¹ for CM).

Crop production with wheat–vetch and continuous cereal showed no differences among tillage systems. Yields were strongly limited by the environmental conditions, particularly the amount of rainfall received in the crop growth season and its distribution. Similar yield and improved soil properties under ZT suggests that it is a more sustainable system for the semiarid Mediterranean region of Spain.     

覆盖方式对夏玉米土壤水分和产量的影响

为探索半湿润偏旱区不同覆盖栽培模式夏玉米田土壤蓄水保墒和增产效果,于2014年6-10月在陕西杨凌节水灌溉试验站,通过设置垄覆地膜沟覆秸秆（PSM）、全覆膜平作（PM）、覆秸秆平作（SM）、露地平作（CK）4种栽培模式进行玉米种植试验,对0-200cm土壤不同深度土层含水率进行全生育期动态监测,分析比较各种模式下土壤含水率、土层贮水量以及作物耗水量的变化规律,并结合产量资料计算各种种植模式的水分利用效率。结果表明：一次30.5mm降水过程结束后,PSM处理的集水作用最明显,降水2d后,垄沟中40cm土层土壤含水率最高,达35.8%。与降水2d后相比,降水6d后,CK、PSM处理沟中（PSM-F）、PM和SM处理40cm土层土壤含水率分别下降10.3%、2.9%、1.8%和0.2%,而PSM处理垄下（PSM-B）含水率则提高10.4%。PSM处理在干旱季沟中和垄下土壤含水量差异明显,降雨较多时,沟垄土壤含水率基本达到平衡。PSM、PM和SM处理能显著提高玉米生育期0-20cm土层贮水量,其中以PSM处理最为显著;各处理苗期以后20-100cm土层贮水量均低于对照;100-200cm土层贮水量以SM处理最高,PSM处理最低。夏玉米产量与拔节-灌浆期耗水量呈显著正相关（r=0.98*）。PSM、PM和SM处理的玉米产量较CK分别提高95.3%、83.1%和55.4%,水分利用效率较对照分别提高75.7%、71.0%和58.8%。研究结果表明垄覆地膜沟覆秸秆栽培模式能够显著提高玉米产量和水分利用效率,适宜在半湿润偏旱区夏玉米生产中应用。     

Spring wheat growth and 15N studies under zero and shallow tillage on the Canadian prairie

Zero-tillage (ZT) farming systems offer the potential of reducing soil erosion and conserving soil moisture on the semi-arid regions of the Canadian prairie. Since changes in soil tillage may alter the soil condition and environment, field experiments were conducted to assess the effect of ZT on spring wheat growth and ¹⁵N urea utilization and recovery. The study compared ZT and conventional shallow tillage (ST, 10 cm) systems, of 2–16-year duration, situated on a range of Chernozemic soils. Generally, ZT produced similar grain and straw yields as the ST; incidences of reduced yield under ZT were associated with poor seedling establishment. Characteristic lower soil temperature (1–4°C in seed row at 5-cm depth) under ZT was not related to crop yield, except for reduced early growth at one site. Soil moisture (to 120 cm) was similar between tillage systems, although moisture variations at the soil surface (0–5 cm), associated with differences in surface mulch, were apparent. Plant uptake of P and K was similar between tillage systems. Differences in N concentration, plant uptake of soil and fertilizer N and indices of available soil N between tillage systems over the growing season, tended to be small and did not differ substantially, although site or location differences were evident. Overall N yield was mainly related to the ability of the plant to utilize N for growth and plant yield. Recovery of the fertilizer N in the soil-plant system was not related to differences in soil tillage.     

Soil properties,crop productivity and energetics under different tillage practices in fodder sorghum + cowpea – wheat cropping system

Tillage is an important agricultural operation which influences soil properties, crop yield and environment. Nine combinations of three tillage practices including conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT) and zero tillage (ZT) were evaluated in fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) + cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) – wheat (Triticum durum) cropping system for 5 years (2009–2014) on clay loam soil under limited irrigation. Continuous ZT practices significantly improved surface soil organic carbon, bulk density, infiltration rate and maximum water holding capacity. Carbon sequestration rate, soil organic carbon stock and soil enzymatic activities were relatively more under ZT than CT-CT practice. Higher fodder yield of sorghum + cowpea was recorded with CT (kharif) while wheat grain yield with ZT (rabi). However, the system productivity was statistically similar in all the tillage treatments on pooled data basis. The economic benefits were also maximum under ZT-ZT practice. The ZT-ZT practice recorded significantly lowest energy input (17.1 GJ ha^?1) which resulted in highest energy use efficiency (13.6) and energy productivity (518 kg GJ^?1). Thus, adoption of ZT significantly improved soil health, stabilized crop yield, increased profitability and energy use efficiency in the semi-arid agro-ecosystem.     

Long-term conservation agriculture and intensified cropping systems: Effects on growth, yield, water, and energy-use efficiency of maize in northwestern India

Conservation agriculture(CA)-based best-bet crop management practices may increase crop and water productivity, while conserving and sustaining natural resources. We evaluated the performance of rainy season maize during 2014 under an ongoing long-term trial(established in 2008) with three tillage practices, i.e., permanent bed(PB), zero tillage(ZT), and conventional tillage(CT) as main plots, and four intensified maize-based cropping systems, i.e., maize-wheat-mungbean, maize-chickpea-Sesbania(MCS), maizemustard-mungbean, and maize-maize-Sesbania) as subplot treatments. In the seventh rainy season of the experiment, maize growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, and water-and energy-use efficiency were highest at fixed plots under ZT. Maize growth parameters were significantly(P 0.05) superior under ZT and PB compared with CT. Maize yield attributes, including cobs per m~2(7.8), cob length(0.183 m), grain rows per cob(13.8), and grains per row(35.6), were significantly higher under ZT than CT; however, no significant effect of cropping systems was found on maize growth and yield attributes. Zero tillage exhibited the highest maize productivity(4 589 kg ha~(-1)). However, among the cropping systems, MCS exhibited the highest maize productivity(4 582 kg ha~(-1)). In maize, water use was reduced by 80.2–120.9 mm ha-1under ZT and PB compared with CT, which ultimately enhanced the economic water-use efficiency by 42.0% and 36.6%, respectively. The ZT and PB showed a 3.5%–31.8% increase in soil organic carbon(SOC) at different soil depths(0–0.45 m), and a 32.3%–39.9% increase in energy productivity compared with CT. Overall, our results showed that CA-based ZT and PB practices coupled with diversified maize-based cropping systems effectively enhanced maize yield and SOC,as well as water-and energy-use efficiency, in northwestern India.     

免耕对土壤团聚体特征以及有机碳储量的影响

以实施7年的中国科学院禹城综合试验站冬小麦夏玉米轮作免耕长期定位试验场为对象,研究免耕条件下土壤水稳性团聚体和有机碳储量的变化,为进一步评价免耕措施对黄淮海平原土壤结构和质量的影响提供科学依据。设置免耕(NT)、免耕秸秆不还田(NTRR)、常规耕作(CT)3种处理,分析土壤表层(0~20 cm)及深层(20~60 cm)水稳性团聚体分布特征、土壤有机碳以及团聚体有机碳的变化和相互关系。研究结果表明:由于减少了对土壤的破坏以及增加了秸秆还田和有机肥的施用,与常规耕作相比,NT和NTRR可提高表层土壤有机碳含量和储量、水稳性团聚体平均重量直径(MWD)和几何平均直径(GMD),以及大团聚体有机碳的含量和储量。其中,秸秆覆盖比施用有机肥对表层土壤有机碳储量和0.25~2 mm团聚体有机碳储量的提高具有更显著的作用。与表层不同,深层土壤有机碳和大团聚体有机碳的含量和储量表现为NT相似文献   

Changes in soil chemical characteristics with different tillage practices in a semi-arid environment

We examined the effects of various tillage intensities: no-tillage (NT), minimum tillage with chisel plow (MT), conventional tillage with mouldboard plow (CT), and zone-tillage subsoiling with a paraplow (ZT) applied in alternate years in rotation with NT, on the topsoil profile distribution (0–30 cm) of pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), organic N and available nutrients on a semi-arid soil from Central Spain. The equivalent depth approach was used to compare SOC, N and nutrient stocks in the various tillage treatments. Measurements made at the end of 5 years showed that in the 0–30 cm depth, SOC and N had increased under NT and ZT compared with MT and CT. Most dramatic changes occurred within the 0–5 cm depth where plots under NT and ZT had respectively 7.0 Mg ha⁻¹ and 6.2 Mg ha⁻¹ more SOC and 0.5 Mg ha⁻¹ and 0.3 Mg ha⁻¹ more N than under MT or CT. No-tillage and ZT plots, however, exhibited strong vertical gradients of SOC and N with concentrations decreasing from 0–5 to 20–30 cm. In the 0–20 cm layer, higher concentrations of P and K under NT and ZT than under MT or CT were also found. Soil pH under NT and ZT was 0.3 units lower than under MT or CT at a depth of 0–5 cm. This acidifying effect was restricted at the surface layer and in the 20–30 cm interval, pH values under NT and ZT were higher than in MT and CT plots. These results suggest that in the soil studied, ZT in rotation with NT maintain most advantages associated with NT, and present a definite potential for use as a partial-width rotational tillage practice.     

Exploring optimal soil mulching to enhance maize yield and water use efficiency in dryland areas in China

Water and nutrient availability significantly limits global crop production, especially for dryland agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. To explore the optimal soil mulching options for the Loess Plateau in China, a 3-year field study was conducted to investigate the effects of various soil mulching practices on soil temperature and the water use and grain yield of spring maize. The treatments included traditional flat farming (CK), narrow plastic film mulch (NM), wide plastic film mulch (WM) and narrow plastic film mulch?+?maize straw mulch between rows (MS). The results showed that MS treatment increased consistently soil temperature during the initial stages of maize growth, and more importantly, it reduced diurnal temperature variation. MS also increased in soil water storage by 10.1%, leading to the highest water use efficiency (WUE?=?30.9?kg?ha^?1?mm^?1) over CK on 3 year average. MS significantly increased maize yield and net income of farmers by up to 20%, compared to CK. In conclusion, optimisation of soil mulching strategies significantly enhanced crop yield and water productivity in dryland agriculture in China. Our study provides important guidance for exploring better soil management practice for dryland agriculture in the other regions of the world.     

长期保护性耕作对土壤有机碳和玉米产量及水分利用的影响

【目的】通过研究保护性耕作对旱地春玉米土壤有机碳(SOC)、产量及水分利用的影响,分析保护性耕作的增产机制,为旱作农田耕作技术应用提供理论和技术支持。【方法】采用2003~2013年连续11年的田间定位试验,设传统耕作(CT)、少耕(RT)和免耕(NT)3种耕作措施,分析土壤0-20 cm和20-40 cm土层有机碳含量、土壤0-20 cm含水量、作物耗水量、玉米产量和水分利用效率的年际变化和耕作处理间的差异,并对玉米产量与影响因素的相关性进行分析。【结果】1)保护性耕作能有效提高土壤有机碳含量,少耕、免耕处理0-20 cm土层有机碳含量11年平均值较传统耕作分别提高了11.2%和3.4%;至2013年少耕、免耕20-40 cm土层有机碳含量分别较传统耕作增加了5.53和3.29 g/kg;土壤0-20 cm有机碳储量净增加速率分别为C 0.365和0.754t/(hm2·a)。2)保护性耕作具有明显的增产效果,少耕产量最高,增产效果最好2003~2013年均产量为5.83t/hm~2,较传统耕作提高了14.7%;免耕次之,年均产量为5.39 t/hm~2,较传统耕作增产6.1%。3)各耕作处理玉米产量与土壤0-20 cm土层含水量之间存在显著的二次方程关系,与作物耗水量之间具有显著的乘幂方程关系。4)保护性耕作可以增加土壤水分减少玉米生育期内的耗水量,提高水分利用效率,其中免耕土壤0-20 cm土层水分含量最高2003-2013年平均含水量为15.2%,较传统耕作和少耕提高了1.90和1.66个百分点,且生育期耗水量最少2003~2013年均耗水量为403.5 mm,较传统耕作和少耕减少了16.1 mm和7.6 mm;少耕、免耕的水分利用效率较传统耕作分别提高了16.1%和10.2%,降水利用效率较传统耕作提高13.9%和5.8%。【结论】长期保护性耕作可以有效地提高土壤有机碳含量、增加土壤水分、减少作物耗水量,从而显著提高了玉米产量和水分利用效率,3种耕作措施中以少耕效果最好,免耕次之在旱作农田推广少、免耕保护性耕作措施是一种增产、节水的有效途径。     

Microbial properties and nitrogen contents of arable soils under different tillage regimes

Attention is being paid to the use of different tillage regimes as a means of retaining soil organic carbon (SOC) and sequestering more SOC. Alongside earlier measurements of total SOC stocks under different tillage regimes, we have examined the distribution of nitrogen (N), microbial activity and the structure of the soil bacterial community from differently tilled plots under continuous barley. The plots were established 5 yr before sampling and have been maintained annually under conventional tillage (CT; moldboard ploughing to 20 cm and disking), deep ploughing (DP; ploughing to 40 cm and disking), minimum tillage (MT; disking to 7 cm) or zero tillage (ZT). Our earlier work showed there was no difference in SOC contents down to 60‐cm depth between the treatments, but now we report that there were significant differences in the total N and active microbial biomass (substrate‐induced respiration) contents of the same soils. The N contents of the CT, DP and MT treatments were not significantly different, but the ZT contained significantly more N, indicating either greater N retention under the ZT treatment or preferential loss from the more intensively tilled treatments, or a combination of both. The microbial biomass content was greater for the CT and DP treatments than for the MT and ZT treatments, indicating greater sensitivity to treatment effects of the microbial biomass pool than the total C pool, consistent with its more dynamic nature. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analyses of the soil bacteria DNA (a method of assessing the bacterial community structure) enabled the samples to be distinguished both according to SOC content, which is to be expected, and to tillage regime with the greatest differences in community structure occurring in the ZT treatment and the least in DP and CT treatments, reflecting the degree of homogenization or disturbance resulting from tillage.     

黑河流域保护性耕作对农田土壤微生物量碳、氮和有机质的调控

为了探讨黑河流域保护性耕作对土壤生产力的影响,设计20cm留茬(NS20),20cm留茬压倒(NPS20),40cm留茬(NS40),40cm留茬压倒(NPS40)和传统耕作(CT)5个处理,研究了黑河流域保护性耕作对农田土壤有机质、土壤微生物量C、土壤微生物量N以及作物产量和水分利用效率的影响。结果表明,保护性耕作农田0—20cm土层土壤有机质、土壤微生物量C和N的含量均高于传统耕作,且其在剖面中的变化趋势基本一致,即随土层深度增加下降;土壤微生物量N有明显的"表聚现象";相关分析表明土壤有机质和土壤微生物量C之间显著正相关(r=0.85,p0.05),与土壤微生物量N之间无明显的相关关系(r=0.47,p0.05);保护性耕作提高了春小麦的产量,NPS20和NPS40增产效果最好,较CT分别增产53.08%和46.59%,与CT之间差异达到极显著水平;保护性耕作提高了春小麦的水分利用效率(WUE),NPS20,NS40,NPS40,NS20分别较CT的WUE提高了58.02%,43.40%,47.27%,23.78%。     

Nutrient availability and cocoyam yield under different tillage practices

Research information on the effect of tillage systems on cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) growth, nutrient status and yield is lacking in Africa. The effects of zero tillage with mulch, zero tillage without mulch, manual mounding, manual ridging and conventional tillage on cocoyam yield, growth and nutrient availability were compared during 2 years on an Alfisol (Oxic Tropuldaf) at Owo in the rainforest zone of Nigeria. The surface soil (0–20 cm) was chemically analyzed before and after crop harvest and selected soil physical properties were determined. Concentration of soil organic C, N, P, K and Mg and the leaf N, P and K were significantly influenced (p = 0.05) by tillage, with zero tillage with mulch being the most effective treatment in conserving the fertility of the surface soil (0–20 cm). Soil fertility, as indicated by organic C, N, P, K, Ca and Mg, declined significantly (p = 0.05) over time in all tillage systems, but this decline was more pronounced in the conventional tillage. Zero tillage with mulch, zero tillage without mulch, manual mounding, manual ridging and conventional tillage reduced the soil organic C concentration by 20, 23, 23, 24 and 33%, respectively over the 2-year period. The decreases in soil N concentration were 25, 31, 31, 38 and 56%, soil P concentration were 13, 15, 17, 16 and 26%, and soil K concentration were 16, 26, 31, 37 and 53%, respectively. Tillage did not affect corm and cormel yields in the first year. In the second year, due to the elimination of ploughing, significant differences were obtained in the cormel yield but not of corm yield. In 2005, zero tillage with mulch produced the highest cormel yield (13.5 mg ha⁻¹) of cocoyam followed by zero tillage without mulch (13.2 mg ha⁻¹), manual mounding (12.7 mg ha⁻¹) and manual ridging (12.5 mg ha⁻¹). The lowest cormel yield (9.5 mg ha⁻¹) of cocoyam was produced by conventional tillage. Soil water contents in zero tillage with mulch and zero tillage without mulch were significantly higher (p = 0.05) than in the other tillage systems. Soil bulk density ranging from 1.21 to 1.40 mg m⁻³ correlated positively with leaf nutrient concentration and yield. Cocoyam can be grown successfully on zero tillage, with mulch and without mulch or minimum tillage systems on an Alfisol of the humid tropics.     

翻耕和覆盖对我国黄土区麦田土壤水分的影响

Effects of different methods of tillage and mulch on soil moisture at fallow stage were studied in rainy and rain-deficient years.Soil moisture content per 20 cm was measured vertically within 0-300 cm soil layers in an experiment with five treatments:deep-loosening tillage(DLT),traditional tillage(TT),plastic mulch(PM),straw mulch(SM) and plastic plus straw mulch(PSM),All mulch treatments were under no tillage conditions.Total storage of precipitation in soil from 0 to 300cm was determined before sowing,Results showed that the new methods of tillage and mulch were the basic ways to improve water condition in dryland wheat fields.In a rainy year,PM with no tillage played a significant role in storing and conserving precipitation.while in a rain-deficient year,the role was not significant,Due to evaporation.DLT did not promote the storage of soil moisture,SM was the best way to store and conserve soil moisture,In SM treatment the wheat yields increased by more than 20%.     

长期保护性耕作提高土壤大团聚体含量及团聚体有机碳的作用

【目的】团聚体形成被认为是土壤固碳的最重要机制。本文以河南豫西地区长期耕作试验为研究对象,研究了长期保护性耕作对土壤团聚体性质及土壤有机碳(SOC)含量的影响,为探讨土壤固碳机理,优化黄土高原坡耕地区农田耕作管理措施,实现土壤固碳减排、培肥土壤提供理论依据。【方法】长期耕作试验开始于1999年,试验处理有免耕覆盖(NT)、深松覆盖(SM)和翻耕(CT)。利用湿筛法筛分第3年(2002年)和第13年(2011年)0—10cm和10—20 cm土层中,2000、250~2000、53~250和53μm级别的水稳性团聚体,计算团聚体平均质量直径(MWD),并测定了各级别团聚体的有机碳(SOC)含量。【结果】1)连续13年免耕覆盖和深松覆盖显著提高了土壤表层0—10 cm的SOC含量,分别比翻耕增加了33.47%和44.48%。2011年免耕覆盖和深松覆盖SOC含量较2002年上升了1.92%和8.59%,翻耕下降了18.97%。2)与翻耕相比,免耕覆盖和深松覆盖2000μm团聚体含量显著提高了40.71%和106.75%;53~250μm团聚体含量显著降低了19.72%和22.53%;团聚体平均质量直径显著提高了20.55%和39.68%,显示了土壤结构的明显改善。3)免耕覆盖和深松覆盖显著提高了表层土壤所有团聚体有机碳的含量,尤其以2000μm团聚体提升最多。与翻耕相比,2000μm团聚体有机碳分别提高了40.0%和27.6%。4)免耕覆盖和深松覆盖下表层土壤大团聚体有机碳含量随耕作年限增加,微团聚体有机碳随耕作年限降低。2000μm的土壤团聚体有机碳含量2011年较2002年分别升高了23.93%和7.12%,53~250μm微团聚体有机碳含量分别下降了19.58%和13.27%。【结论】长期保护性耕作(包括免耕覆盖和深松覆盖)可显著提高表层土壤大团聚体含量,降低微团聚体含量,提高团聚体的水稳性,改善土壤结构。同时可增加土壤团聚体有机碳含量,提高土壤肥力。长期保护性耕作在河南豫西丘陵地区是一种较为合理的耕作方式。