The effects of diverse cropping systems on aggregation of a Luvisolic soil in the Peace River region

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Broersma ◽  
J. A. Robertson ◽  
D. S. Chanasyk
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Water Drop ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Peace River ◽  
River Region ◽  
Wet Sieving

Aggregate distribution and stability of surface soil were determined for different cropping systems of a Luvisolic soil in the Peace River region of Alberta. Gray Luvisolic soils have inherent problems that include weak platy structured surface horizons which are underlain by compact sub-soils. The cropping systems consisted of (i) continuous barley (CB) (Hordeum vulgare L.); (ii) barley/forage (BF), 3 yr of barley followed by 3 yr of forage (mixture of bromegrass [Bromus inermis Leyss] and red clover [Trifolium pratense L.]); (iii) continuous grass (CG) (bromegrass); and (iv) continuous legume (CL) (red clover). The barley/forage rotation consisted of two phases, the barley phase (BF) and forage phase (BF). Each phase was present every year. Aggregate separation by dry-sieving with a rotary sieve indicated that the CL cropping system had fewer large aggregates and more small aggregates than the other cropping systems. The CG, BF and CB cropping systems had more larger aggregates and were similar to each other. Wet-sieving, by contrast, resulted in the CG cropping system having greater amounts of large aggregates while the CL, BF phases, and CB cropping systems were similar with more smaller aggregates. Wet-sieving of the different aggregate size fractions from the rotary dry-sieve indicated that the cropping system aggregate stability was in the order of: CG > CL > BF ≥ BF ≥ CB. The stability of the BF cropping system was greater than that of the BF as it had recently come out of the BF phase (3 yr of forage production). Aggregate stability for the cropping system soils was consistent among the evaluation method of wet-sieving and the McCalla water-drop method. Inclusion of forage crops are important in maintaining or improving soil structure of Luvisolic surface horizons. Key words: Luvisolic soil, cropping systems, aggregation, aggregate stability, Peace River region

Net nitrogen mineralization from a Gray Luvisol under diverse cropping systems in the Peace River region of Alberta

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Broersma ◽  
N. G. Juma ◽  
J. A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
N Mineralization ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Mineralization Rate ◽  
River Region ◽  
Gray Luvisol

Proper management of crops on Gray Luvisols requires knowledge of net soil N mineralization during the growing season. Soil samples from a long-term field experiment at Beaverlodge, Alberta, were used to determine the kinetics of net N mineralization in soil samples from different crop rotations. The cropping systems established in 1968 consisted of (i) continuous barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) (CB); (ii) barley–forage (BF) [bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)]; (iii) continuous bromegrass (CG); and (iv) continuous legume (red clover) (CL.). The BF rotation was generally alternated every 3 yr, and each phase of the rotation (BF and BF) was present in every year. Soil samples from each cropping system were sampled to a depth of 15 cm in 1984. Net N mineralized during a 20-wk laboratory incubation at 30 °C and optimum moisture ranged from 32 to 207 mg kg−1 soil and followed the trend BF < CB = CG = BF < CL. The potentially mineralizable N (N0) ranged from 29 to 364 mg kg−1 soil; the mineralization rate constant (k) ranged from 0.04 to 0.26 wk−1; and the ratio of N0 to total N (active fraction) ranged from 1.1 to 11.4%. The net N mineralization rate of CL soil was 10-fold greater than that of the other cropping systems at the end of 20 wk of incubation. This suggests that the CL cropping system provides more N than other cropping systems during the growing season. Results support the observation that forages improve the N-supplying power of Gray Luvisols. Key words: Gray Luvisol, Typic Cryoboralf, N mineralization potential, cropping rotations, active N fraction

Benefits and barriers to perennial forage crops in Iowa corn and soybean rotations

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Olmstead ◽  
E. Charles Brummer
Keyword(s):  
World War Ii ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Land Grant Universities ◽  
Ecological Benefits ◽  
Row Crops

AbstractThe transition away from forage-based cropping systems in Iowa to corn and soybean rotations since World War II has corresponded with degraded economic and environmental conditions in the state. Falling net incomes for farmers and concern over global warming and the effects of agriculture-related pollution on water, wildlife and human health have increased interest in diversified cropping systems. This paper reviews the benefits of diversifying Iowa corn and soybean rotations with perennial forage species such as alfalfa and red clover. Perennial forage crops improve soil quality, decrease NO3-N leaching and soil erosion, increase carbon sequestration and decrease pesticide and herbicide needs by controlling weed and insect pests. Forage legumes reduce N fertilizer needs for succeeding corn crops at a higher rate than soybeans, and corn crops following forages have higher yields than after corn or soybeans. Farmers who add alfalfa to corn and soybean rotations could realize significant economic gains. A simulated 5-year rotation in Iowa including corn–soybeans–oats/alfalfa–alfalfa–alfalfa would result in a 24% net income increase over 5 years of corn–soybean–corn–soybean–corn, even with government farm support payments for the row crops. Farm policies that encourage commodity production create little incentive for Iowa farmers to diversify their cropping systems beyond corn and soybeans, despite the clear economic and ecological benefits. We recommend increasing federal support for conservation programs that reward environmentally beneficial farm practices such as the Conservation Securities Program and we encourage land grant universities to hire researchers interested in alternative agricultural systems.

scholarly journals Agronomic and Economic Performance of Maize, Soybean, and Wheat in Different Rotations during the Transition to an Organic Cropping System

Agronomy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 192 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Cox ◽  
John Hanchar ◽  
Jerome Cherney
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
High Input ◽  
Price Premiums

Crop producers transitioning to an organic cropping system must grow crops organically without price premiums for 36 months before certification. We evaluated red clover-maize, maize-soybean, and soybean-wheat/red clover rotations in organic and conventional cropping systems with recommended and high inputs in New York, USA to identify the best rotation and management practices during the transition. Organic compared with conventional maize with recommended inputs in the maize-soybean rotation (entry crop) averaged 32% lower yields, $878/ha higher production costs, and $1096/ha lower partial returns. Organic maize compared with conventional maize with recommended inputs in the red clover-maize rotation (second transition crop) had similar yields, production costs, and partial returns. Organic compared with conventional soybean with recommended inputs in soybean-wheat/red clover or maize-soybean rotations had similar yields, production costs, and partial returns. Organic compared with conventional wheat with recommended inputs in the soybean-wheat/clover rotation had similar yields, $416/ha higher production costs, and $491/ha lower partial returns. The organic compared with the conventional soybean-wheat/red clover rotation had the least negative impact on partial returns during the transition. Nevertheless, all organic rotations had similar partial returns ($434 to $495/ha) so transitioning immediately, regardless of entry crop, may be most prudent. High input management did not improve organic crop yields during the transition.

Evolved Resistance to Glyphosate in Junglerice (Echinochloa colona) from the Tropical Ord River Region in Australia

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 480-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd A. Gaines ◽  
Andrew Cripps ◽  
Stephen B. Powles
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Acetolactate Synthase ◽  
Glyphosate Resistance ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Perennial Crop ◽  
Susceptible Population ◽  
River Region ◽  
Resistant Population ◽  
Chemical Fallow

The objective of this study was to determine whether a junglerice population from the tropical Ord River region of northwest Australia was glyphosate resistant, and whether alternative herbicides labeled for junglerice control were still effective. Seed samples collected from the field site were initially screened with glyphosate in the glasshouse, and surviving individuals were self-pollinated for subsequent glyphosate dose-response studies. Glyphosate resistance was confirmed, as the suspected resistant population was found to be 8.6-fold more resistant to glyphosate than a susceptible population based on survival (LD50of 3.72 kg ha−1), and 5.6-fold more resistant based on biomass reduction (GR50of 1.16 kg ha−1). The glyphosate-resistant population was susceptible to label-recommended doses of all other herbicides assessed, including three acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) –inhibiting herbicides (fluazifop-P, haloxyfop, and sethoxydim), two acetolactate synthase (ALS) –inhibiting herbicides (imazamox and sulfometuron), paraquat, and glufosinate. Glyphosate resistance has previously evolved in numerous species found in glyphosate-resistant cropping systems, no-till chemical fallow, fence line, and perennial crop situations. Here we report the evolution of glyphosate resistance in a cropping system that included annual tillage. The evolution of glyphosate resistance in junglerice from a tropical cropping system further demonstrates the need for improved glyphosate stewardship practices globally.

scholarly journals Crop diversification for weed management in organic arable cropping systems

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Livija Zarina ◽  
Barbel Gerowitt ◽  
Bo Melander ◽  
Jukka Salonen ◽  
Roman Krawczuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Perennial Weeds ◽  
Arable Farming

<p>Within the ERA-net CORE Organic Plus transnational programmes supported project PRODIVA producing of the information required for a better utilization of crop diversification for weed management in North European organic arable cropping systems was started. To fulfill the goal of this project- not to eradicate weed problems, which is unlikely to happen in any arable farming system, but to maintain a diversified and manageable weed flora that can support beneficial organisms- there were data from ongoing long-termed cropping system experiments from Latvia analyzed.</p><p>It is hypothesised that: a) perennial weeds can be suppressed in the post-harvest period by improved cover crop establishment and pertinent selection of cover crop species; b) on-farm practices of crop diversification are related to weed pressure and species composition.</p><p class="R-MainText">On the bases on data from organic farm and ongoing long-termed cropping system experiment on weed dynamics in six-field crop rotations with cover crop was concluded that red clover as cover crop after the harvest period is effective to manage perennial weeds. In crop rotation with higher proportions of cereals weed infection growth in six-field rotation with 50% share of cereals up to 3.4, but with 33.3 %  share-up to 2.1 times.</p>

scholarly journals CROPPING SYSTEM AND POULTRY LITTER EFFECTS ON RESIDUAL SOIL NO3-N AND P

HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 756c-756
Author(s):  
D.R. Earhart ◽  
V.A. Haby ◽  
M.L. Baker ◽  
A.T. Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Ground Water ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Poultry Litter ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Residual Soil ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Time Of Application

Primary environmental concerns regarding application of poultry litter (PL) for crop production are nitrate leaching into ground water and increased levels of P in the soil that can erode into surface water. This study was initiated to investigate use of warm- and cool-season annual forage crops to remove excess nutrients supplied by PL in rotational-cropping systems on a Bowie fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic, Plinthic Paleudults). PL was applied at one (1×) or two (2×) times the recommended rate in the spring, fall, or spring and fall. Rates were based on N requirement of the crop and percent N in the litter. Comparisons were made to fertilizer blends (FB) and control treatments with no PL or FB. After 3 years of treatments, NO3-N increased at the 122-cm depth by 30 and 50 mg·kg–1 from the 1× and 2× rate, respectively. The greatest accumulation was from FB (72 mg·kg–1). With PL applied in spring only, spring vegetables followed by a fall cover showed a significant reduction in NO3-N leaching and accumulation. Regardless of cropping system, rate, or time of application, P concentration increased by 40 mg·kg–1 in the surface 15 cm of soil when compared to FB. If applied in an environmentally sound manner, PL will be less of a threat to pollution of ground water than similar rates of FB. Applying PL rates sufficient to meet crop needs for N results in P accumulation that can lead to nonpoint source pollution of surface waters.

Evaluation of selected factors influencing aggregate fragmentation using fractal theory

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Rasiah ◽  
B. D. Kay ◽  
E. Perfect
Keyword(s):  
Fractal Dimension ◽  
Probability Model ◽  
Soil Aggregates ◽  
Fractal Theory ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Aggregate Size ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Probability Of Failure ◽  
Continuous Corn ◽  
Wet Sieving

Two fractal parameters, probability of failure (P) and fractal dimension (D), were used to evaluate the influence of cropping and wetting treatments, and aggregate size on fragmentation of soil aggregates during wet sieving. Five different sizes of aggregates (4–10, 2–4, 1–2, 0.5–1 and 0.25–0.5 mm) from five cropping treatments [conventionally cultivated continuous corn (CCC), CCC underseeded to red clover (CCR), minimally tilled continuous corn underseeded to red clover (CCRM), alfalfa (AL), and bromegrass (BR)] were subjected to two wetting treatments (rapid and slow) before being wet sieved. P increased nonlinearly with increasing aggregate size. The P of the slowly wetted agggregates was always less than that of the rapidly wetted aggregates. The P of larger aggregates, 2–4 and 4–10 mm, increased in the following order of cropping: BR = AL < CCRM < CCR = CCC. The D for the size distribution of 4- to 10-mm aggregates increased in the same order of cropping as that given previously. The D for the rapidly wetted aggregates was higher than that of the slowly wetted aggregates for all cropping treatments except CCC. The values of P predicted from a fractal probability model correlated well with the observed values. The results show that P and D of soil aggregates are strongly influenced by cropping and wetting treatments and aggregate size. Key words: Probability of failure, fractal dimension, wet sieving, wet aggregate stability, prewetting

DISTRIBUTION AND IMPORTANCE IN NORTHWESTERN ALBERTA OF TOADFLAX AND ITS INSECT ENEMIES

1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. DARWENT ◽  
W. LOBAY ◽  
W. YARISH ◽  
P. HARRIS
Keyword(s):  
Forage Crops ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Tillage Practices ◽  
Peace River ◽  
River Region ◽  
Seed Eating ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Seed Yields ◽  
Summer Fallow ◽  
Made In

A survey was conducted during 1971–73 to determine the distribution of toadflax (Linaria vulgaris Mill.) in the Peace River region of northwestern Alberta. A total of 4,189 ha were found to be moderately or heavily infested. Approximately 47% of the infested land was used for perennial forage crops and 45% for annual crops and summer fallow. The remainder occurred on abandoned lands or in farmyards and woodland. Comparison with estimates of toadflax distribution made in 1956 indicates that the weed may be decreasing in a large portion of the survey areas, although increases are apparent on a few farms. Two biological control agents, the flower-feeding beetle, Brachypterolus pulicarius L., and the seed-eating weevil, Gymnaetron antirrhini Payk., accompanied by improved tillage practices appear to be the major factors restricting the spread of toadflax. The weed is not considered a serious problem in cereal crops but is troublesome in forage crops such as creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) where high densities reduce seed yields.

Changes in microbial biomass and structural stability at the surface of a duplex soil under direct drilling and stubble retention in north-eastern Victoria

Soil Research ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 493 ◽  
Author(s):  
MR Carter ◽  
PM Mele
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Microbial Biomass C ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Stubble Retention ◽  
C And N ◽  
Direct Drilling ◽  
Wet Sieving

Changes and relationships for organic C, microbial biomass C and N, and soil structural stability indices were determined at the soil surface after 10 years of direct drilling stubble retained (DDR) and stubble burnt (DDB), and cultivation with stubble burnt (CCB) for cropping systems on a sandy clay loam, duplex soil (calcic luvisol) in south-eastern Australia. Direct drilling caused a slight but significant increase in soil organic C at the 0-25 mm soil depth compared to the cultivated treatment. Microbial biomass C and N increases over the 0-100 mm soil depths were seasonal and generally greater for the DDR in comparison with DDB and CCB systems. Use of short duration wet sieving for the 0-25 mm soil depth showed a significant increase in aggregate stability for the DDR, especially for 2-10 mm sized aggregates, compared with the other tillage treatments. Such differences were reduced by standard wet sieving or use of a dispersion test illustrating the fragile nature of these unstable aggregates developed under cropping systems. Soil structural indices (water stable aggregates >2.00 mm, and >0.25 mm; mean weight diameter) were weakly correlated with increases in microbial biomass (r = 0.45, P < 0.01) and to total organic C (r = 0.35, P < 0.05). For these tillage systems, microbial biomass tended to be a poor predictor of changes in soil organic C. Overall, the long term effect of direct drilling and stubble retention in these cropping systems provided only relatively minor increases in organic C and, consequently, aggregate stability.

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