Preplant Tillage, Soil Strength, and Root Growth of Turnip Greens1

Abstract

Abstract Disc tillage of turnip greens (Brassica campestris L. Rapifera group) caused an abrupt increase in soil strength below tillage depth, which in turn prevented turnip root penetration. Soil strength of 85 N/cm2 on Lakeland sand and 100 N/cm2 on Tifton sandy loam prevented penetration of turnip roots. In general, root fresh and dry weights were unaffected by tillage treatments. Turnip root growth with the disc treatment was shallow, whereas turnips grown with subsoil-bed and subsoil-plant tillages developed deeper root systems. Balanced downward and horizontal turnip root systems were developed with mold-board plow preplant tillage.