Publication Date
1997
Description
The objective of this experiment was to determine the rate and extent of changes in soil structural conditions under a range of forage plants and management practices. During the first experimental phase (years 1-6), the rate of soil structural improvement was slow even in the most effective treatment, with the greatest changes apparent in the surface soil (0-10 cm). Plants that produced the greatest aboveground dry matter and root mass were the most effective at improving soil structure, especially when annual tillage was avoided. In the second phase of the experiment (year 7), a spring wheat test crop was grown to measure the effect of contrasting soil structural conditions on crop yield. Harvest yields were significantly greater following treatments that had improved soil structural conditions. The decline in soil structure under cropping was rapid, although some benefit was still apparent after the first test crop. The longevity of this residual effect is under investigation.
Citation
Francis, G S.; Tabley, F J.; and Bartley, K M., "The Effect of Forages on Soil Structure in New Zealand Mixed Cropping Rotations" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 47.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session19/47
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Effect of Forages on Soil Structure in New Zealand Mixed Cropping Rotations
The objective of this experiment was to determine the rate and extent of changes in soil structural conditions under a range of forage plants and management practices. During the first experimental phase (years 1-6), the rate of soil structural improvement was slow even in the most effective treatment, with the greatest changes apparent in the surface soil (0-10 cm). Plants that produced the greatest aboveground dry matter and root mass were the most effective at improving soil structure, especially when annual tillage was avoided. In the second phase of the experiment (year 7), a spring wheat test crop was grown to measure the effect of contrasting soil structural conditions on crop yield. Harvest yields were significantly greater following treatments that had improved soil structural conditions. The decline in soil structure under cropping was rapid, although some benefit was still apparent after the first test crop. The longevity of this residual effect is under investigation.
