Abstract
In continuous cereal-based crop rotation, inappropriate residue management such as burning and removing may deteriorate soil properties and crop productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different tillage systems (TSs), nitrogen fertilization, and maize (Zea mays L.) stubble management (SM) on subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop and soil properties. The experiment consisted of three TSs, i.e., shallowing with rotavator (0–10 cm), conventional (0–20 cm), and deep tillage (0–30 cm) as main plots, whereas the subplots were SM (removal, burning, or incorporation) with or without 120 kg N ha-1 as urea. The treatments were laid out in a split-plot fashion with whole-plot factor in a randomized complete block design. Shallow tillage (ST) increased wheat yield and soil moisture retention, soil mineral N, total N, and organic carbon. Similarly, stubble incorporation with N fertilization enhanced grain yield and soil properties as compared with the stubble removed or burning treatments. Synergetic effects were noted between ST and residue incorporation with N fertilization for grain yield and soil N response. We conclude that in a cereal-based cropping system, ST and maize stubble incorporation accompanied by N fertilization can improve soil properties and productivity of subsequent wheat crop in existing soil conditions.
Highlights
Many agronomic practices such as crop rotation, soil tillage, and residues incorporation can greatly impact important soil quality attributes such as organic matter, soil structure, and moisture holding capacity (Carter 1992; Chan and Pratley 1997)
The basic goal of this study was to study the practices of tillage and maize (Zea mays L.) stubble management (SM) in a cereal-based cropping system for their effects on soil physicochemical properties and subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop productivity
Similar trend was observed for soil total N and organic C in shallow and conventional tillage regimes
Summary
Many agronomic practices such as crop rotation, soil tillage, and residues incorporation can greatly impact important soil quality attributes such as organic matter, soil structure, and moisture holding capacity (Carter 1992; Chan and Pratley 1997). In Pakistan, tillage is exercised mainly through tractor-mounted cultivator that can till the soil to a depth of 0.08–0.15 m. This creates a hard pan below 0.15 m that hinders soil water/air movement and root growth (Hassan and Gregory 1999). Conservation tillage, i.e., leaving behind crop residues in soil after harvest, reduces soil loss by providing a protective cover. This practice promotes water balance by reducing evaporation from soil surface and enhances soil water holding capacity by improving soil structure (Carter 1991). The reduced tillage allows maximum water retention as compared with deep TSs (Slawinski et al 2012)
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