Reservoir Tillage Research Articles

Effect of Reservoir Tillage System and Organic Fertilization on Soil Water Erosion Resistance under Rainfed Conditions

Effect of Reservoir Tillage System and Organic Fertilization on Soil Water Erosion Resistance under Rainfed Conditions

Soil physical properties and soil water tension monitoring by wireless sensor network after reservoir and minimum tillage practices

Rain-fed agriculture in central Spain is mostly water limited. Reservoir tillage (RT) can increase soil water content, thus helping overcome most factors limiting crop production in this region. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of two tillage practices on soil physical properties and water availability where rain-fed barley was being grown. A field experiment was established on a loamy soil for comparing RT and minimum tillage (MT). Bulk density and volumetric water content were measured in 5-cm increments to a depth of 30 cm. The soil water tension was monitored using a wireless sensor network with sensors at 10, 20, and 30 cm depths. The results showed that bulk density in RT and MT treatments at all soil depths were statistically similar. However, soil water tensions in the MT treatment were substantially higher than that in RT in the entire observation period at all depths. In conclusion, RT could be used to minimise risks from crop failure during the poorer rainy seasons, and it showed increased soil water retention and improved barley yield.

Soil erosion control and wheat productivity are improved by a developed ridge-furrow and reservoir tillage systems

ABSTRACT Soil erosion and drought are significant environmental hazards for crop production in the northwestern coastal zone of Egypt, leading to increased soil resources degradation. In-situ rainwater harvesting techniques by changing the micro-topography of soil via tillage practices can increase runoff retention and improve soil productivity. In this study, field trials were conducted on a sandy loam soil to determine the effects of four tillage systems [integrated ridge-furrow tillage (RFT), integrated reservoir tillage (RT), conventional tillage (CT), and No tillage (NT)] on soil bulk density, volumetric water content, runoff, soil loss, precipitation use efficiency, and winter wheat yield during two growing seasons under-rainfed conditions. The results indicated that tillage systems significantly affected soil properties, precipitation use efficiency and wheat yield in the order of: RFT > RT > CT > NT. Compared with the CT, the mean runoff with the developed RFT and RT was significantly decreased by 55.4% and 40.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, the precipitation use efficiency increased by 18.1% and 9.5%, respectively. By taking into account the stability of soil productivity along with environmental protection, it is suggested that the RFT and RT are the tillage systems that can efficiently increase the availability of soil water and, consequently, wheat yield.

Effect of DEM grid size on microrelief indexes estimation for sloping lands after reservoir tillage

In many studies, the role of tillage-induced surface microrelief (TSM) in water erosion was assessed by comparing the changes in microrelief indexes during rainfall estimated from a digital elevation model (DEM). Accurate quantification of microrelief indexes is essential because it was said that DEM resolution affects microrelief indexes. The objective of this study was to estimate several common microrelief indexes (tortuosity index (TB), maximum depression storage (MDS), depression volume, depression area ratio and surface microrelief slope) and determine how DEM resolution affects these indexes. Surface elevation data of three surface slopes were collected using a laser scanner from 1-m-wide by 2-m-long plots after reservoir tillage. A series of DEMs with grid sizes of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 40 and 60 mm were generated based on the interpolation method. Our results showed that TB decreased with increasing grid size, while no significant differences were measured among the small grid sizes; overall, the MDS and depression volume remained steady regardless of DEM grid size, meaning that the effects of grid size on the MDS and depression volume are very small; the depression area ratio decreased with increasing grid size. As the grid size increased, the number of steep slopes decreased, while gentle and medium slopes exhibited increasing surface microrelief slopes. Therefore, on reservoir tillage-treated slopes, the effects of grid size on microrelief indexes differed due to their different physical meanings. Based on our results, it is better to maintain a grid size of 20 mm or smaller when estimating DEM-based microrelief indexes.

Rainwater harvesting capacity of soils subjected to reservoir tillage during rainfall on the Loess Plateau of China

Soil rainwater harvesting (SRWH) is an important process in rainfed farming areas. Improving the capacity for SRWH via tillage is essential in many parts of the world. In recent years, reservoir tillage (RT) has attracted attention because it was said that RT contributes to SRWH. The objectives of this study were to measure the cumulative soil-harvested rainwater (SHR) of slopes subjected to RT and to evaluate the contribution of RT to SRWH under different rainfall conditions. A smooth surface (SS) served as a control surface. Three slope degrees (5°, 15° and 25°) were subjected to low and heavy (60 and 120 mm/h) and long-term rainfall (90 min). The results showed that the cumulative SHR decreased to different extents under different rainfall intensities as the slope degree increased. On the gentle slope (5°) and under low rainfall intensity (60 mm/h), no significant differences in cumulative SHR were detected between the RT and SS treatments, whereas significant differences in cumulative SHR were detected between them on the steep slopes (15° and 25°) and under high rainfall intensity (120 mm/h). The differences in cumulative SHR among the different conditions occurred because the contribution of RT to SRWH varied as the soil surface properties changed (especially as surface depression storage decreased due to sediment deposition) under the conditions of long-term rainfall. For example, on the 5° slope at a rainfall intensity of 120 mm/h, the contribution of RT to SRWH was 18.58% during the 0-30-min rainfall stage but -14.84% during the 60–90-min stage, resulting in nearly equal cumulative SHR values between the RT slope and the SS slope. Our results suggest that RT is not necessary contribute to SRWH in all cases.

Effect of tillage on soil erosion before and after rill development

AbstractTillage has a large effect on soil surface microtopography and consequently on soil erosion. Here, we measured soil and water loss from soil prepared by contour tillage (CT) and reservoir tillage (RT), and to analyse why tilled slopes produce more sediment run‐off. Rainfall experiments (90 mm/hr) were carried out to simulate the overland and rill flow erosion processes. Soil type is silt clay loam. Results showed that CT and RT reduced surface run‐off by 60% compared with a smooth slope during overland flow, whereas only a small reduction in run‐off occurred during rill flow. Sediment erosion from CT was reduced by about 30–60% compared with a smooth slope for both overland and rill flow erosion processes. Although RT also resulted in reduced sediment erosion during overland flow, sediment erosion increased by 25% during rill flow, leading to an overall increase in sediment flow on the RT‐treated slope. For slopes with CT, sediment production depends on the ridges, but furrows limit sediment transport. For slopes with RT, sediment production depends on the depressions, but once the depressions fill with sediment, rainwater outflowing from the depressions cause rill flow erosion and greater sediment loss compared with CT. Our results suggest that sediment and run‐off differences for different surface microtopographies induced by tillage are significant, especially during the rill flow erosion process. Future studies should address rill erosion on tilled sloped land with different microtopographies to better determine how rills are triggered and change during rainfall.

Effect of integrated reservoir tillage for in-situ rainwater harvesting and other tillage practices on soil physical properties

There is a need for in-situ soil moisture conservation in arid and semi-arid regions due to insufficient rainfall for agriculture. For this purpose, a combination implement [integrated reservoir tillage system (RT)] comprised of a single-row chisel plow, single-row spike tooth harrow, modified seeder, and spiked roller was developed and compared to the popular tillage practices, viz., minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT) in an arid Mediterranean environment in Egypt. The different tillage practices were conducted at tillage depths of 15, 20, and 25cm and forward speeds of 0.69, 1, 1.25, and 1.53m s−1. Some soil physical properties, runoff, soil loss, water harvesting efficiency and yield of wheat were evaluated. The different tillage practices caused significant differences in soil physical properties as the RT increased soil infiltration, producing a rate of 48% and 65% higher than that obtained in MT and CT, respectively. The lowest values of runoff and soil loss were recorded under RT as 4.91mm and 0.65tha−1, whereas the highest values were recorded under CT as 11.36mm and 1.66tha−1, respectively. In conclusion, the RT enhanced the infiltration rate, increased water harvesting efficiency, reduced runoff and achieved the highest yield of wheat. The best tillage operating parameters appeared to be at a tillage depth of 20cm and speed between 1.00 and 1.25ms−1.

Short-term effects of four tillage practices on soil physical properties, soil water potential, and maize yield

The area cultivated using conservation tillage has recently increased in central Spain. However, soil compaction and water retention with conservation tillage still remains a genuine concern for landowners in this region because of its potential effect on the crop growth and yield. The aim of this research is to determine the short-term influences of four tillage treatments on soil physical properties. In the experiment, bulk density, cone index, soil water potential, soil temperature and maize (Zea mays L.) productivity have been measured. A field experiment was established in spring of 2013 on a loamy soil. The experiment compared four tillage methods (zero tillage, ZT; reservoir tillage, RT; minimum tillage, MT; and conventional tillage, CT). Soil bulk density and soil cone index were measured during maize growing season and at harvesting time. Furthermore, the soil water potential was monitored by using a wireless sensors network with sensors at 20 and 40cm depths. Also, soil temperatures were registered at depths of 5 and 12cm. Results indicated that there were significant differences between soil bulk density and cone index of ZT method and those of RT, MT, and CT, during the growing season; although, this difference was not significant at the time of harvesting in some soil layers. Overall, in most soil layers, tillage practice affected bulk density and cone index in the order: ZT>RT>MT>CT. Regardless of the entire observation period, results exhibited that soils under ZT and RT treatments usually resulted in higher water potential and lower soil temperature than the other two treatments at both soil depths. In addition, clear differences in maize grain yield were observed between ZT and CT treatments, with a grain yield (up to 15.4%) increase with the CT treatment. On the other hand, no significant differences among (RT, MT, and CT) on maize yield were found. In conclusion, the impact of soil compaction increase and soil temperature decrease, produced by ZT treatment is a potential reason for maize yield reduction in this tillage method. We found that RT could be certainly a viable option for farmers in central Spain, particularly when switching to conservation tillage from conventional tillage. This technique showed a moderate and positive effect on soil physical properties and increased maize yields compared to ZT and MT, and provides an opportunity to stabilize maize yields compared to CT.

Effect of reservoir tillage on rainwater harvesting and soil erosion control under a developed rainfall simulator

Soil erosion is a serious environmental threat in the Mediterranean region due to torrential rainfalls, and it contributes to the degradation of agricultural land. Techniques such as rainwater harvesting may improve soil water storage and increase agricultural productivity, which could result in more effective land usage. Reservoir tillage is an effective system of harvesting rainwater, but it has not been scientifically evaluated like other tillage systems. Its suitability for the conditions in Spain has not been determined. To investigate and quantify water storage from reservoir tillage and how it could be adapted to improve infiltration of harvested rainwater, a laboratory-scale rainfall simulator was developed. Rainfall characteristics, including rainfall intensity, spatial uniformity and raindrop size, confirm that natural rainfall conditions are simulated with sufficient accuracy. The simulator was auto-controlled by a solenoid valve and three pressure nozzles were used to spray water corresponding to five rainfall intensities ranging from 36 to 112mmh−1 for 3 to 101-year return period with uniformity coefficients between 83 and 94%. In order to assess the reservoir tillage method under surface slopes of 0, 5, and 10%, three soil scooping devices with identical volume were used to make depressions in the following forms: a) truncated square pyramid, b) triangular prism, and c) truncated cone. These depressions were compared to a control soil surface with no depression. For the loam soil used in this study, results show that reservoir tillage was able to reduce soil erosion and surface runoff and significantly increase infiltration. There was significant difference between the depressions and the control. Compared to the control, depression (a) reduced surface runoff by about 61% and the sediment yield concentration by about 79%.

Developing reservoir tillage technology for semi‐arid environments

AbstractArable farming on suitable land in semi‐arid environments is hampered by low and erratic rainfall and droughts. To use this land effectively, techniques, such as water harvesting may improve soil water storage and increase agricultural productivity. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess two reservoir tillage methods under different slopes, rainfall intensities and soil densities. A commercial trailed tillage tool (Aqueel) was used to form discrete soil depressions by compression of the soil and a soil scooping device with similar dimensions was used to make depressions in shear by lifting the soil out. The results show that, for the sandy loam used in this study, reservoir tillage is an effective method of harvesting water under high‐intensity rainfall of short duration common in semi‐arid areas. It reduced surface run‐off by 95% on 10° slopes when depressions were staggered and positioned with their long axis across slope. However, high initial soil bulk densities lead to a significant reduction in the volume of the depressions formed in compression and to internal compaction. Increasing vertical load on the Aqueel resulted in an increase in depression volume without an increase in internal compaction but at high bulk densities the depression volumes remained small and high implement load damaged the depression function and stability. This suggests a need for a pre‐loosening tillage operation for compacted soils and the need to design new implements to form depressions in shear.

Companion Crop and Planting Configuration Effect on Onion

Field trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of planting configurations (raised bed and no bed) and reservoir tillage on onion (Allium cepa) yield and grade when a cereal grass or cool-season broadleaf species was used as a companion crop. Total onion yield, the number of plants harvested, percentage of single centers, and cull-sized bulb yields did not differ among planting configurations. However, planting onion seed in raised beds with reservoir tillage resulted in more large-diameter bulbs compared to planting without a bed configuration. Raised beds also had fewer small-sized bulbs than the non-bed configuration. Companion crop influence on onion yield and grade varied among environments (location plus year). In general, canola (Brassica napus) as a companion crop increased the yield of small-sized bulbs and decreased total yield and the yield of large-sized bulbs. These results were attributed to poor canola control from the initial bromoxynil plus oxyfluorfen application because each label restricts application until onions have reached the two true-leaf stage. Onion yield and grade with barley (Hordeum vulgare) as a companion crop was similar to that of onion with no companion crop except during 2002 (Carrington) when rain delayed the postemergence grass herbicide application and lowered onion yield.

Effect of Planting Configuration, Spring Cover Crop, and Reservoir Tillage on Onion

Field trials were initiated near Carrington and Absaraka, N.D., on a Heimdal clay loam and a Spottswood sandy loam, respectively to evaluate onion grade and yield in response to planting configuration, spring cover crop, and reservoir tillage. Results from the Carrington and Absaraka locations during 2002 and 2003 showed that colossal-sized onion was the largest grading size obtained (Carrington, 2003) and that the greatest number of colossal onion were from the bed configuration that had a reservoir tillage treatment. The coarser soil texture at Absaraka allowed for spring and fall formed raised bed comparison (2003) in which the fall formed raised bed tended to have greater yields and more marketable onion. Planting configuration resulting in the greatest total yield varied among locations and years but generally increased with reservoir tillage. Soil moisture and temperature monitoring during the early growing season did not differ greatly. However, differences in soil water potentials at the 6“ depth were observed during the last part of the growing season. Cover crop results indicated that a row of canola planted between onion rows for wind erosion protection will reduce onion yields even when ample water is available through routine irrigation. Herbicides for broadleaf control were not applied until onion had two true-leaves due to label restrictions. This delay enabled the canola to grow beyond the recommended stage for broadleaf control and to quickly outgrow the herbicide injury.

Volunteer Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Control with Herbicides and Cultivation in Field Corn (Zea mays)1

Volunteer potato plants are difficult to control in rotational crops, and they harbor harmful diseases, nematodes, and insects. Five herbicide treatments were evaluated for control of volunteer potato in field corn grown under no-till and conventional tillage in 1994 and 1995. In mid-June, potato control was greater in conventionally tilled corn than no-till corn primarily due to the reservoir tillage that followed postemergence (POST) herbicide applications in the conventional system. Final potato tuber weight was not different between tillage levels in 1994 or 1995. Herbicide treatments reduced potato tuber weight 64 to 96% in no-till corn and 85 to 99% in conventionally tilled corn compared to nontreated checks. Atrazine applied preemergence at 1.1 kg ai/ha followed by dicamba plus 2,4-D applied POST at 0.28 plus 1.1 kg ae/ha, respectively, reduced potato tuber weight greater than 95% in both years and both tillage systems. Corn yield was not affected by tillage level or herbicide treatments in 1994 or 1995 and averaged 10.5 MT/ha in 1994 and 15.1 MT/ha in 1995. In a separate experiment, glyphosate, dicamba plus 2,4-D, or fluroxypyr applied at the eight-leaf stage to potato grown without a corn crop, and followed by cultivation 10 d later, reduced the number of potato tubers produced 79 to 95% compared to nontreated potato.Nomenclature: Atrazine; cyanazine; 2,4-D, dicamba, dimethylamine salt; fluroxypyr; glyphosate, nicosulfuron; primisulfuron; triclopyr, triethylamine salt; corn, Zea mays L ‘Pioneer 3394’; potato, Solanum tuberosum L. ‘Russet Burbank.’Additional index words: No-till, reservoir tillage (dammer diking).Abbreviations: DAT, days after treatment; EPOST, early postemergence; LPOST, late postemergence; PRE, preemergence; POST, postemergence; WAT, weeks after treatment.

Effect of LEPA Irrigation on Storage in Implanted Reservoirs

Successful irrigation with a Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) package on a center pivot depends on storing some water on the soil surface until it can infiltrate. Storage can be increased with basin or implanted reservoir tillage; however, persistence of storage throughout the irrigation season may be limiting. We developed a method to measure the cross-sectional profiles and the volume of storage in implanted reservoirs. We used these methods to measure the change of storage during the irrigation season on a silt loam soil (0.2% slope). We evaluated three configurations of the implement used to create the reservoirs and five water discharge rates with the LEPA devices.

In-Canopy Application Mode and Soil Surface Modification for Corn

A center-pivot sprinkler was equipped with low pressure spray nozzles, Senninger Quad Spray, mounted on drop tubes near the soil surface. Water was applied in the LEPA (low energy precision application) bubble andflat spray modes under the last span with various soil surface modification (SSM) treatments during the 1990 and 1991 seasons. The SSH treatments included no SSH, basin till, subsoil, and implanted reservoir. Field slope ranged from 0.3 to 6.9%. Individual irrigation amounts were 19 to 25 mm (0.75 to 1.0 in.). The bubble mode performed well, as long as reservoir tillage was used and field slope was less than I to 2%. Reservoir tillage was effective in maintaining soil water content and corn yield, but the flat spray mode was more effective. Linear coefficients of the yield function as affected by field slope were -1.48 Mg ha-1 slope %-1 (-23.6 bu a .1 slope %-I) for the bubble mode and -0.73 Mg ha-1 slope %-I (-11.7 bu a-1 slope 101ci-I)for theflat spray mode.

Controlling runoff under low pressure center pivot irrigation systems

A research study was conducted in commercial potato production fields irrigated by low pressure center pivot irrigation systems for three growing seasons in southern Idaho, USA. Plots were established to give several replications of both conventional and reservoir tillage under the outermost spans, where the highest application rates occur. The soil was silt loam, and the topography varied from nearly level to 5% slopes. The sprinkler devices included spray nozzles on drops (spraydrops), spray nozzles on booms (spraybooms) and rotator spray nozzles on drops (rotator spraydrops) with an operating pressure of 138 kPa.

Impact of Reservoir Tillage on Runoff Quality and Quantity

The effects of reservoir tillage on runoff and water quality were studied under two levels of soil compaction in the production of cotton. A wide frame tractive vehicle was used during plot establishment and during all farm operations to provide the desired soil compactions. LEPA (Low Energy Precision Application) irrigation was used to apply supplemental water as required. Runoff quantity was monitored with flumes and runoff samples were taken using Coshocton-type runoff samplers. Thirteen runoff events were monitored and analyzed over a two-year period for the replicated, four-treatment study. Reservoir tillage decreased runoff and total discharges of organic nitrogen and phosphate. Differences in concentrations of water quality parameters (total solids, ammonium, total kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate, phosphate, and COD) were not statistically significant. Although not statistically different, total runoff and total discharge of water quality parameters (except phosphate) were lower for the low compacted treatments compared to the high compacted treatments.

IMPACT OF RESERVOIR TILLAGE ON WATER INTAKE AND SOIL EROSION

ABSTRACT The effect of reservoir tillage on water intake and soil erosion was studied under two levels of soil compaction. Plots were instrumented to measure soil erosion and surface runoff. A Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) irrigation system was used to apply water to the plots. Four irrigation tests were conducted late in the growing season. Runoff from the reservoir tillage treatments was lower than from the non-reservoir tillage treatments. This was particularly evident in the high soil compaction treatments. In low compaction treatments, the difference in runoff amount between reservoir tillage and non-reservoir tillage was small. The depth of water which infiltrated exceeded 97% of the depth of water applied in low compaction plots, and varied between 50% and 90% of the depth of water applied in the high compaction plots. Infiltration rates measured by double-ring infiltrometer were higher in treatments with reservoir tillage than without reservoir tillage. Low compaction treatments had higher infiltration rates than high compaction treatments. KEYWORDS. Tillage, Reservoir, Runoff, Soil compaction, LEPA.