Abstract
A three year on-farm conservation-tillage experiment was initiated in fall of 2008 at Randle Farm LLC, located in Auburn, AL. Our objective was to evaluate and demonstrate implementation of tenable conservation vegetable production practices using high amounts of cover crop residues that reduce soil erosion, improve soil productivity and quality, reduce energy costs, and promote farm profitability. Cereal rye, crimson clover, and a rye and crimson clover mixture were evaluated as cover crops; these were terminated using either a prototype two-stage roller/crimper alone or followed by an application of 2.5 L a.i. ha−1 45% cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum L.) oil (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, eugenol acetate,)/45% clove oil (eugenol, acetyl eugenol, caryophyllene) mixture in the spring prior to crop establishment. A winter fallow conventional tillage system was included for comparison. Watermelons, cantaloupes, and okra then were transplanted into each cover crop and termination treatment combination in mid-May, utilizing a modified transplanter equipped with a custom fitted subsoiling shank and row cleaners to alleviate soil compaction and facilitate transplanting. In all years, all cover crop treatments exceeded 4000 kg ha−1and in 2009 and 2011, exceeded 6000 kg ha−1. At 21 days after termination in 2010 when the slowest termination occurred, higher termination rates were obtained for cereal rye (95% to 96%) followed by lower termination rates for the clover/rye mixture (83% to 85%); the lowest termination rates were obtained for crimson clover (66% to 68%). Commercially available cinnamon/clove oil solution provided little cover crop termination above that provided by a roller crimper alone. Volumetric soil moisture content for rolled/crimped cover crops was consistently higher compared to the conventional system, indicating that flattened and desiccated cover crop residue provided water conservation. In 2010 and 2011, yields for cantaloupe, okra, and watermelons were consistently higher for the conventional system compared with no-till system with cover crops likely due to weed cultivation limitations and insect pressure. Future studies need to focus on weed control and integrated pest management.
Highlights
Cover crops are an integral component in conservation agriculture because they provide important benefits that enhance soil quality and plant growth [1]
Volumetric soil moisture content for rolled/crimped cover crops was consistently higher compared to the conventional system, indicating that flattened and desiccated cover crop residue provided water conservation
Termination results indicate that Weed ZAP was ineffective in speeding up the termination process, extra costs incurred for purchasing this organic product and cost of application was added to overall cost of termination without tangible results, is not recommended for cover crop termination
Summary
Cover crops are an integral component in conservation agriculture because they provide important benefits that enhance soil quality and plant growth [1]. Similar biomass production by crimson clover of 6000 kg ha−1 was reported in central Alabama [5], but higher biomass production (7000 kg ha−1 ) has been reported [4]. Cover crops provide a physical barrier on the soil surface which inhibits weed germination, emergence and growth [13,14,15,16]. In addition to providing a physical barrier, cereal rye possesses allelopathic properties that provide control similar to applying a pre-emergence herbicide [17,18]. Improved soil physical/chemical properties from increasing soil organic carbon, are conditions for better crop growth and sustainable agriculture [19]
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