Publication Date
1997
Description
The success of annual medics (Medicago spp.) in ley farming systems with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) depends largely on the ability of tillage systems to maintain sufficient seed reserves (200 kg ha-1) in the topsoil (0-50 mm) without decreasing the yields of the successive wheat crop. The effect of six methods of tillage i.e. fieldspan (50 mm), shallow scarifier (50 mm), deep scarifier (150 mm), shallow disc plough (50 mm), deep disc plough (150-200 mm) and mouldboard plough (250 mm), on the distribution of the medic seed reserves in the soil profile and yields of successive wheat crops were investigated. Shallow tine cultivations favours the regeneration of medics, but more deep scarifier cultivations may be needed to ensure high wheat yields.
Citation
Kotze, T N.; Langenhoven, W R.; and Agenbag, G A., "The Influence of Soil Tillage on the Distribution of Medic Seed in the Soil and Subsequent Regeneration of Medics in a Medic Wheat Rotation" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 32.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session19/32
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Influence of Soil Tillage on the Distribution of Medic Seed in the Soil and Subsequent Regeneration of Medics in a Medic Wheat Rotation
The success of annual medics (Medicago spp.) in ley farming systems with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) depends largely on the ability of tillage systems to maintain sufficient seed reserves (200 kg ha-1) in the topsoil (0-50 mm) without decreasing the yields of the successive wheat crop. The effect of six methods of tillage i.e. fieldspan (50 mm), shallow scarifier (50 mm), deep scarifier (150 mm), shallow disc plough (50 mm), deep disc plough (150-200 mm) and mouldboard plough (250 mm), on the distribution of the medic seed reserves in the soil profile and yields of successive wheat crops were investigated. Shallow tine cultivations favours the regeneration of medics, but more deep scarifier cultivations may be needed to ensure high wheat yields.
