Shallow Tillage Research Articles

Physical and hydraulic properties of a sandy loam soil under zero, shallow and deep tillage practices

The effect of tillage depth on physical properties in sandy soils under sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) is not well understood and documented. A 4-yr study was conducted to investigate the effect of zero tillage (ZT), shallow tillage (ST), and deep tillage (DT) practices on soil bulk density (BD), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), and moisture content (MC) in a sandy loam. Undisturbed soil cores were collected at 0- to 10, 10- to 20, 20- to 30, and 30- to 40cm depths to measure BD and MC under each tillage practice. Soil Ks for the surface and subsurface layers were measured using a single head pressure ring infiltrometer and a constant head well permeameter, respectively. Soil BD was not significantly influenced by tillage in the 0- to 10, 10- to 20, 20- to 30, and 30- to 40cm layers when averaged for four years. When averaged across the 0- to 40cm depth, soil BD did not differ significantly among three tillages in 2008, 2009 and 2010; however, BD was significantly lower in DT (1.50Mgm−3) than in ZT (1.61Mgm−3) and ST (1.59Mgm−3) in 2011. Soil BD averaged over all years and layers resulted in nonsignificant differences among three tillage practices. Soil Ks did not differ significantly among three tillage practices in 2008, 2009, and 2011 for the 0- to 40cm depth. Similarly, soil Ks averaged across four years and four layers was not affected by tillage. In 2010, Ks was significantly greater in ST (27.60mmh−1) than in ZT (17.21mmh−1) and DT (12.46mmh−1). Soil MC was not significantly influenced by tillage in any of the four depths when averaged across four years and when also averaged across four depths for each year. Across four years and four depths, averaged MC was not influenced by tillage. Large variations in Ks among ZT, ST and DT were likely caused by soil variability among replications within each tillage treatment. We concluded that tillage did not significantly affect BD, Ks and soil MC most likely due to the unchanging total porosity in sandy loam soil regardless of tillage type.

Shallow tillage in autumn reduced methane and nitrous oxide emissions from a paddy field with incorporated rice straw in a cold region of Japan

Shallow tillage in autumn reduced methane and nitrous oxide emissions from a paddy field with incorporated rice straw in a cold region of Japan

Effects of broadcasting and shallow tillage method on yield and seed quality of soybean

Effects of broadcasting and shallow tillage method on yield and seed quality of soybean

Effect of tillage and fertilization on soil Nin forms

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different tillage, fertilization, depth of soil sampling and date of sampling on dynamics of N in forms in a Haplic Luvisol under winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). In the experiment three main tillage systems for winter wheat were used: B1 = conventional tillage (to 0.25 m); B2 = shallow tillage (to 0.20 m); B3 = minimization tillage (to 0.15 m). Three variants of the fertilization were used within each treatment: 0 = unfertilised control; PH = NPK fertilization; PZ = NPK fertilization + plough down of postharvest residues. The highest average concentration of inorganic nitrogen (28.68 mg kg -1 ) was found in autumn period. It was result of more favourable temperature and moisture conditions in the soil and also of poor uptake by plants. Based on our results, the highest concentration of N in was found under shallow tillage (14.07 mg kg -1 ). Analysis of variance showed that only fertilization (p=0.8956) had no statistically significant effect on amount of N in . Despite this fact, slight increase of concentration of inorganic nitrogen has been seen in the variant PZ (13.33 mg kg -1 ) compared with variants PH (13.11 mg kg -1 ) and 0 (13.21 mg kg -1 ). On the basis of our results we can conclude that soil and climatic conditions were major factors that influenced concentration of N in in the soil. Keywords: ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, tillage, fertilization, winter wheat

Minimum tillage unpuddled transplanting: An alternative crop establishment strategy for rice in conservation agriculture cropping systems

Adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) has been hampered in puddled rice-based cropping systems. In this study, we developed a method for transplanting rice (Oryza sativa L.) with minimal soil disturbance (referred to as minimum tillage unpuddled transplanting) that can expand the range of situations where CA could be practiced in rice-based cropping systems. A field experiment was conducted over three years at two sites with unpuddled and puddled rice comparisons in each monsoon season. In addition, transplanted rice was grown in three seasons on unpuddled or fully puddled soils in a total of 27 farmers' plots in north-west Bangladesh. In each year and season, minimum tillage unpuddled conditions were established by strip tillage and compared with single pass shallow tillage or bed formation, and with the conventional soil puddling and transplanting. Unpuddled transplanting by any of the three single-pass soil disturbance operations had no negative effect on rice yields across seasons and years. The minimum soil disturbance in strip tillage did not impede transplanting of rice or increase the labor costs of transplanting compared to puddled transplanting except in the farmers' plot of the first season. All single-pass and minimum soil disturbance tillage operations reduced cost of production, and increased the gross margin of rice relative to conventional puddling and transplanting. Minimum tillage unpuddled transplanting reduced the time taken for land preparation and crop establishment and decreased the number of irrigation events required to saturate the soil. Minimum tillage unpuddled transplanting appears to be a feasible approach for establishment of wetland rice in CA systems.

Effects of different irrigation regimes on soil compaction in a winter wheat–summer maize cropping system in the North China Plain

An adjusted irrigation regime may help to minimize the risk of soil compaction, which is a major yield constraining factor in global crop production, constituting a serious issue in the winter wheat–summer maize double cropping system of the North China Plain. Thus this study aimed to evaluate the natural changes of soil penetration resistance (PR) and soil bulk density (BD) caused by freezing/thawing (FT) and wetting/drying (WD) cycles. This was tested under full irrigation (FI) and deficit irrigation (DI) over three double cropping seasons from 2011 to 2014, following a conventional tillage sequence of shallow, deep and shallow tillage before the first, second and third season, respectively. The results showed that in the deeper soil layer FT during winter reduced the PR by 22.9%, 34.7% and −18.7% under FI for the three seasons, respectively. The values under DI were 4.5%, 8.0% and −33.8% for the three seasons, respectively. However the compaction alleviating effects due to FT were only of temporary nature. Furthermore FI caused a stronger recompaction after deep tillage compared to DI, mainly attributed to increased slumping of soil. On the contrary DI reduced the BD by 8.4% in the deep soil layer by fostering intensive cycles of WD over the three double cropping seasons. Results also showed that DI resulted in a higher physical quality of subsoil, expressed by the value of S, compared to FI. It was concluded that irrigation intensity should be reduced after deep tillage to minimize and slow down subsequent recompaction.

Effect of Tillage and Straw Returning on Nitrogen Reserves in Summer Corn Topsoil

A field experiment with six treatments was conducted to study the nitrogen reserves in summer maize topsoil on the north China plain. Results showed that topdressing significantly increased topsoil nitrogen reserves. Summer corn topsoil nitrogen reserves were affected by several management measures. Shallow tillage, wheat straw no-returning and deep intertillage at the corn seedling stage significantly decreased topsoil nitrogen reserves, while wheat straw returning, no-tillage and biogas residue application during the wheat planting season significantly increased topsoil nitrogen reserves. The topsoil nitrogen reserve of Treatment 5 (straw returning + biogas residue + no-tillage + no-intertillage at the corn seedling stage) (biogas residue applied in the wheat season) increased by 629.55 kg/ha in the corn season. In Treatment 2 (straw returning + no-tillage + no-intertillage at corn seedling stage), topsoil nitrogen reserve increased by 445.2 kg/ha. Topsoil nitrogen storage showed the largest decrease in Treatment 3 (straw returning + no-tillage + intertillage at corn seedling stage), with a reduction of 1283.85 kg/ha. The topsoil N storage of Treatment 4 (straw returning + shallow (spin) tillage + no-intertillage at corn seedling) stage, Treatment 1 (straw no-returning + no-tillage + no-intertillage at corn seedling stage) and Treatment 3 (straw returning + no-tillage + intertillage at corn seedling stage) decreased by 935.7 kg/ha, 399.3 kg/ha and 351.9 kg/ha, respectively.

Corn Residue Management Strategies to Improve Soybean Yield in Northern Climates

Many soybean [Glycine max (Merr.)] growers in northern climates are reverting back to some tillage based on perceptions that increasing corn residues interfere with no‐till (NT) soybean performance. Field trials were established in southern Ontario, Canada, to investigate the impact of corn residues on soybean among seven tillage strategies (NT, stalk chop, vertical tillage (VT) twice in the fall, fall and spring VT, fall disc plus spring cultivate, fall disc plus fall cultivate, and fall plowed plus spring cultivate), three corn residue removal treatments (none, intermediate, and nearly complete), and two planters (row‐unit and drill). Overall, soybean yields were not different between NT and plowed systems, despite delayed development, and cooler/wetter seedbeds where corn residue was not removed. Shallow tillage after corn harvest did not increase yields from NT alone. Removal of corn residue did not increase soybean yields when averaged across tillage systems. However, NT yield was lowered by 0.36 Mg ha−1 when corn stalks were chopped in the fall, but only in the drill‐planted treatments. This result was significant since many farmers have purchased corn combine heads that chop stalks in an attempt to manage residue. Soybean planted with a row‐unit planter yielded 0.13 Mg ha−1 higher compared to a drill when averaged across tillage‐residue treatments; differences between planters were higher when contending with high amounts of corn residue or an uneven soil surface at planting. Our results show that shallow tillage and/or physically removing corn residue did not improve soybean yield compared to NT alone.

Long-term variations in soil organic matter under different tillage intensities

Tillage practices have a major effect on soil C storage and cropping sustainability, due to their impact on soil aggregation, organic residue decomposition rate, OC dynamics, microbial abundance and diversity, N mineralization and nutrient availability.Our research was aimed at assessing the long term effects of different tillage treatments on soil organic matter (SOM) quantity and quality and its evolution with time, in a loam textured-soil from central Italy cultivated with continuous maize. The tillage treatments included a conventional tillage (DP) by mouldboard ploughing to 40cm depth, a ripper subsoiling (RS) to 40–45cm, a shallow tillage by mouldboard ploughing to 20cm depth (SP) and minimum tillage to 10cm by disk harrowing (DH). The soil was sampled in 1999 and 2011 (after 5 and 17 years from the beginning of the trial, respectively), at depth increments of 0–10, 10–20, 20–30 and 30–40cm and analysed for total organic C (TOC), OC recalcitrant and labile fractions by chemical hydrolysis, total N, bulk density, aggregate stability and hydraulic conductivity.After 17 year of treatments, the different tillage systems did not affect the overall amount of OC stored in a 0–40cm equivalent soil mass; nevertheless, they produced significant differences in soil OC vertical distribution along the soil profile and OC recalcitrance. Both DH and RS increased soil TOC in the surface layer, with predominance of labile OC under DH and recalcitrant OC under RS. Differently, DP caused a net loss of recalcitrant OC, probably due to a detrimental impact on soil aggregate stability and, subsequently, on SOM physical protection. RS showed the largest potential for OC sequestration in stable form in the considered agroecosystem.

Effect of Three Tillage Depths on Sugarbeet Response and Soil Penetrability Resistance

Tillage can alter soil properties and affect crop yield and quality. A 4‐yr study was conducted on a Lihen sandy loam soil loam (sandy, mixed, frigid Entic Haplustoll) to evaluate the effect of tillage depth on sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) root yield, root quality, and soil penetration resistance (PR). Tillage treatments consisted of no‐tillage (NT), shallow tillage (ST), and deep tillage (DT). Soil PR was measured with a penetrometer in 2.5‐cm increments to a 40‐cm depth at three locations within each plot. Roots were hand harvested from each plot and each sample consisted of roots of two adjacent rows. Sugarbeet root yield and adjusted sucrose yield were not significantly affected by the depth of tillage in 2008, 2009, and 2011. In 2010, root yield was significantly greater (16.5%) in DT than in NT. The average sugarbeet yields across 4 yr were 58.77, 60.30, and 63.03 Mg ha−1 for NT, ST, and DT, respectively. Root yield was lower in 2011 than other 3 yr due to cold and wet weather conditions in the spring. Soil PR values were significantly lower in DT than in ST and NT from 5‐ to 30‐cm depth. However, significant differences were found between ST and NT at the 5‐ to 7.5‐cm depth. Overall, DT enhanced soil physical environment but on average across 4 yr had no statistically significant effect on sugarbeet root yield and quality compared to both ST and NT practices, though a trend was noted that as tillage depth increased root yield increased.

Sprouting Ability and Seasonal Changes of Sugar Concentrations in Rhizomes of Calystegia sepium and Roots of Convolvulus arvensis

Factors influencing the sprouting ability of rhizome pieces of Calystegia sepium and root pieces of Convolvulus arvensis were analyzed in four experiments. In the first experiment, sprouting was investigated as a function of bud number. About half of the rhizome and root pieces with one bud could sprout. Almost all pieces with 6 or more buds sprouted. Mostly several buds sprouted in longer rhizome and root pieces. In the second experiment, sprouting of rhizomes and roots was measured in dependence of burial depth in the soil. With increasing depth, the sprouting ability of about 10 cm long rhizome and root pieces decreased. From deeper than 35 cm for C. sepium and 30 cm for C. arvensis no new shoots emerged. This shows that common shallow tillage practices are mostly not sufficient to suppress vegetative regeneration of these two weed species. In the third experiment, rhizome and root pieces were collected in the field and their sprouting ability was examined in the greenhouse over the season. Rhizomes of C. sepium and the roots of C. arvensis were dormant in the winter and sprouting was highest in April and May. In the fourth trial, seasonal changes of sugar concentrations were studied in the rhizomes and roots. It was found that concentrations of fructose, glucose and saccharose were highest and starch rates were lowest in mid-June for both species. We assume that this time corresponds to the optimum time for herbicide translocation in the roots/rhizomes.

Projection of Soil Organic Carbon Reserves in the Argentine Rolling Pampa Under Different Agronomic Scenarios. Relationship of these Reserves with Some Soil Properties

The soil organic carbon (SOC) of the Argiudolls of the Argentine Rolling Pampa evolves rapidly. Currently, the soils richest in SOC are cultivated with intensified crop sequences (e.g. maize-double cropped wheat/soybean, MWS) under no tillage (NT) and the poorest ones with soybean monoculture (S) under NT. There are great uncertainties about the future projections of SOC reserves and soil fertility associated with changes in land use and management. The aim of this study was to predict soil fertility in 2032, by: a) validating the simple AMG model in long-term experiments of the Rolling Pampa, b) correlating the SOC and active carbon pools (SOCm and Ca, respectively) modeled for 2008 with some soil properties, and c) simulating the evolution of SOC reserves under different agronomic scenarios, using the AMG model, starting from rich and poor SOC soils of the Rolling Pampa. The AMG model was able to provide satisfactory simulation of the SOC reserves (R2 = 0.87) and showed good quality of fit between Ca and particulate organic carbon (POC) and SOCm and structural stability index (SSI), indicating that the AMG model could project SOC reserves and soil fertility. In rich SOC soils, the maintenance or increase in mean crop yields (MWS NT and MWS with high yields under NT, MWS opt., respectively) caused no changes, whereas the conversion to S under NT reduced the SOC reserves by 12%. Maize residue removal caused 4.5% SOC loss in MWS NT and no changes in MWS opt. In poor SOC soils, the continuity of S under NT and the conversion to MWS NT produced no changes; the passage to continuous or periodic shallow tillage caused 6% SOC loss; and the conversion to Miscanthus x giganteus produced an increase of 9% in SOC.

Water Use Efficiency and Rain Water Productivity of Wheat under Various Tillage-Glyphosate Interactive Systems

Abstract Rainfed wheat is generally grown in rotation with summer fallow in medium to high rainfall zone of Pothwar plateau of Pakistan. The present study was, therefore, conducted to investigate the impact of shallow and deep tillage practices, with and without herbicide (glyphosate) application, on moisture conservation and subsequent wheat yields. The study also aimed to examine the feasibility of substituting intensive shallow tillage with single application of glyphosate. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates and net plot size of 14 m x 10 m, during 2007 and 2008 at two locations i.e high and medium rainfall. Wheat cultivar “GA-2002” was planted as a test crop. The data showed the superiority of conservation tillage in terms of conservation of moisture and increasing grain yields. Results also elaborated that tillage cannot be completely eliminated for profitable fallow management. However, deep ploughing with moldboard followed by single application of glyphosate proved potential option for substituting shallow tillage carried out during summer (kharif). The additional benefits under this tillage system included saving in fuel, labour and lower depreciation and maintenance costs for tillage machinery in addition to unquantifiable environmental benefits.

Agronomic Practices at Low Environmental Impact for Durum Wheat in Mediterranean Conditions

The application of conservative agricultural practices such as crop rotation, shallow tillage, and organic fertilizer could usefully sustain crop yield and increase soil fertility, thus playing an important role in the sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted to determine the effects of conservative agronomic practices on yield and quality of wheat. The effects of these practices on soil fertility were further investigated in this four-year study (2005–2008). Two cropping systems, durum wheat in continuous cropping, and in two-year rotation with leguminous crops, were investigated at Foggia (Southern Italy) in rain-fed conditions. Within each cropping system, two levels of crop management were compared: i) conventional, characterized by a higher soil tillage management and mineral fertilizers application; ii) conservative, with a lower soil tillage management and organic-mineral fertilizers. The seasonal weather greatly affected the wheat yield and quality, inducing lower production in years that were characterized by unfavorable climatic conditions. This trend was found when the conventional treatment was applied, both in continuous cropping and rotations. The effects of cropping systems and crop management pointed out the positive role played by the leguminous crops (common vetch and chickpea) in crop rotation. This introduction improved wheat yield in rotation (6.47% compared to the continuous cropping), improved grain protein content (5.88%), and reduced the productive gap between conventional and conservative treatments (9.24 and 14.14% of the wheat in rotation and continuous cropping, respectively). Conversely, the effects of cropping systems and crop management on soil fertility were not very high, since the differences found at the end of the study in total nitrogen values were poor. However, total organic carbon (16.04 and 17.58% for cropping system and crop management, respectively) and available phosphorus values (11.30 and 7.43%) depend on root organic matter contribution, plant biomass residues, and fertilizations. The suitable crop rotation and the sustainable crop management appear important agronomical practices to improve yield and quality of wheat, and may reduce the environmental risks resulting from conventional intensive cropping systems.

Effects of autumn tillage and residue management on soil respiration in a long‐term field experiment in Sweden

AbstractSeveral previous field studies in temperate regions have shown decreased soil respiration after conventional tillage compared with reduced or no‐tillage treatments. Whether this decrease is due to differences in plant residue distribution or changes in soil structure following tillage remains an open question. This study investigated (1) the effects of residue management and incorporation depth on soil respiration and (2) biological activity in different post‐tillage aggregates representing the actual size and distribution of aggregates observed in the tilled layer. The study was conducted within a long‐term tillage experiment on a clay soil (Eutric Cambisol) in Uppsala, Sweden. After 38 y, four replicate plots in two long‐term treatments (moldboard plowing (MP) and shallow tillage (ST)) were split into three subplots. These were then used for a short‐term trial in which crop residues were either removed, left on the surface or incorporated to about 6 cm depth (ST) or at 20 cm depth (MP). Soil respiration, soil temperature, and water content were monitored during a 10‐d period after tillage treatment. Respiration from aggregates of different sizes produced by ST and MP was also measured at constant water potential and temperature in the laboratory. The results showed that MP decreased short‐term soil respiration compared with ST or no tillage. Small aggregates (< 16 mm) were biologically most active, irrespective of tillage method, but due to their low proportion of total soil mass they contributed < 1.5% to total respiration from the tilled layer. Differences in respiration between tillage treatments were found to be attributable to indirect effects on soil moisture and temperature profiles and the depth distribution of crop residues, rather than to physical disturbance of the soil.

Effect of Preparatory Tillage and Mulch on Productivity of Rainfed Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan(L.) Millsp.

An experiment was carried out at Junagadh (Gujarat) during kharif seasons of 2011 and 2012 to assess the growth and yield of pigeonpea to preparatory tillage (conventional tillage, shallow tillage, row subsoiling and deep tillage) and mulching (control, soil mulch, wheat straw, groundnut shell and weed mulch). The results revealed that deep tillage up to 30 cm soil depth by tractor drawn disc plough and row subsoiling up to 30 cm by tractor drawn two-tyned subsoiler significantly improved growth and yield attributes viz., plant height, plant spread, number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, number of grains/pod, grain weight/plant and 100-grain weight and thereby increased grain yield (1376 kg/ha) and stalk yield (3207 kg/ha) with higher B: C ratio (2.10) and increased soil moisture content over conventional tillage (cross cultivation followed by blade harrowing and planking). The mulching with wheat straw @ 5 t/ha enhanced growth and yield parameters viz. plant height, plant spread, number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, number of grains/pod, grain weight/plant and 100grain weight and ultimately increased grain yield (1387 kg/ha) and stalk yield (3212 kg/ha) with higher B: C ratio (1.83) and conserved more soil moisture over no mulch.

Optimization of the Angle of Frog in Mouldboard Tillage Operations in Sandy Clay Soil

This paper investigated the effect of three independent variables including: tillage speed (ranges of below 2.5 m/s and between 2.5 m/s and 5 m/s), tillage depth (range of 10 cm from 0 cm to 30 cm) and frog angle (30&deg 40&deg, and 50&deg) on draught forces. The experimental work was completed with determination of the draught forces using an analytical method (Saunders Equation). Numerical Simulation: Discrete Element Method (DEM) was used to verify the results obtained analytically. The results indicated that tillage depth has a stronger influence on the draught forces as compared to the tillage speed. Minimal draught forces can then be achieved through operating at shallow tillage depth and maintaining a frog angle of 30&deg. The results showed a variance of ±15.95% to the calculated values supporting DEM as a numerical method capable of predicting draft forces correctly, tillage power optimization and determination of optimal frog angle for the mouldboard plough.

옥수수밭 예방적 잡초방제를 위한 가묘상 처리 시기

본 연구는 예방적 잡초방제 중 하나인 가묘상의 이용방법을 체계화 하고자 처리방법과 처리시기를 달리하여 옥수수 밭에서 수행하였다. 가묘상 처리 적기를 찾기 위하여 5월 초부터 6월 초까지 1주 단위로 실시하고 3주와 7주 후 발생 잡초를 조사하였다. 잡초 억제 효과가 가장 좋았던 가묘상 처리시기는 5월 하순 이후 처리, 처리 방법으로는 화염 제초가 얕은 경운 처리보다 다소 좋았다. 또한 5월 중순 이후 가묘상 1회 처리시 무처리구 대비 27-52%였던 잡초억제율이 2회 처리시 70-90%로 높아져 가묘상의 활용 가능성을 보여주었다. 옥수수 생육 및 수량 또한 5월 하순 이후 처리구가 가장 좋았다. 이 결과를 종합했을 때 가묘상 처리 적기는 5월 하순 이후였으며 얕은경운 또는 화염으로 2회 처리를 하면 효과적인 초기잡초관리를 수행할 수 있었다. Effects of false seedbed procedures in organic corn field were evaluated as affected by preparation date and method. False seedbed was prepared at May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 5 with shallow tillage or flame weeding. Weed suppression rate of each treatment was evaluated 3 weeks after sowing. Optimal false seedbed preparation time was between end of May and early in June. Weed suppression rate of early false seedbed preparation was quiet low. Flaming weed treatment was better than shallow tillage. Weed suppression rate by the second treatment was increased approximately 30-60% compared to <TEX>$1^{st}$</TEX> treatment. Weed suppression rate at 3 weeks after sowing was 70-90% by the second false seedbed preparation. The results showed that the false seedbed technique between end of May and early in June preparation has some potential weed control to reduce weed population during crop growth. Therefore late planting time crop such as corn, sorghum and soybean would be possible to apply false seedbed for organic weed control.

Simulated Study on Effects of Ground Managements on Soil Water and Available Nutrients in Jujube Orchards

AbstractSoil erosion is a key factor affecting sustainable agriculture on Chinese Loess Plateau. A 2‐year study was conducted on jujube trees in a controlled study to compare effects of clean cultivation (CC) with jujube branch mulch (WJBM), strip white clover cover (SWC), strip shallow tillage (ST), jujube branch mulch under tree canopy + strip white clover cover (JBM + SWC) and jujube branch mulch under tree canopy + strip shallow tillage (JMB + ST). The study was on sloping soil (26·7%) in mesocosms (2·0 m × 0·8 m × 0·8 m) using a rainfall simulator. Runoff volume and sediment yield were significantly larger under CC than other treatments (p &lt; 0·05), and were least under WJBM. Water infiltration under CC was significantly less than other treatments (p &lt; 0·05), while it was the largest under WJBM. The available nitrogen (AN) and available phosphorus (AP) runoff loss under CC were significantly larger than others (p &lt; 0·05), and least under WJBM. No differences in soil AN, AP and water‐soluble organic carbon (WSOC) concentrations were detected among all treatments. The soil AN and WSOC concentration under all treatments decreased during the growing season and slightly increased during fallow, while AP concentrations fluctuated but decreased slowly. The WJBM was the best management in this sloping jujube orchard study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

English

Yield performance in wheat (Triticum aestivum) was compared under crop residue, tillage system and nitrogen rate treatments in cereal based cropping system. The experiments were conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Chopped crop residue on dry matter basis (5 t ha-1) of legume (Vigna unguicuata, var. Ebney) and cereal (Zea mays, var. Azam) was applied in main plots with no residue treatments and plowed with Mould Board (MB) and Cultivator as deep and shallow treatments, respectively. A month after the crop residue and tillage system treatments, field was uniformly plowed with cultivator and wheat was sown with drill in rows 25 cm apart in the month of November on both years. Both P2O5 and K2O (80 and 40 kg ha-1, respectively) were applied uniformly to all fields before sowing. Nitrogen as subplot treatment (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1) was applied in two splits, half at 15 and the other half at 45 days after sowing with uniform cultural practices for crop growth and development. Compared to year 1, crop of year 2 showed better phenology with extended life cycle (LC). On two years average across tillage and N treatments, biological yield did not change (p<0.05) under the residue but did report lower at no-residue treatment. Nonetheless, grain yield showed a significant (p<0.05) change with the highest in legume followed by cereal and the lowest in no-residue treatments. A non-significant tiller number and significant variations in grain weight and spike m-2 were observed that influenced the grain and biological yield differently. Deep than shallow tillage resulted in better traits, which returned better biomass and grain yield. Nitrogen application from control to every increment showed a significant (p<0.05) improvement in all observations contributing in yield. The study confirms the significance of legume vs. cereal over no-crop residue incorporated through deep tillage system with optimum N (120 kg ha-1) in cereal-based cropping system for sustainable performance to sustain soil C:N for future production.