Shallow Tillage Research Articles

The Effect of Shallow Tillage on Soil Erosion in a Semi-Arid Vineyard

Soil erosion has been considered a threat for semi-arid lands due to the removal of solid materials by water and wind. Although water erosion is currently considered the most important process of soil degradation, a growing interest has been drawn to the impact of soil tillage. Although numerous studies on tillage erosion have been carried out on arable land using a moldboard plow, a chisel, and a tandem disc for different crops, there are no studies on the effect of shallow tillage on soil redistribution in vineyards. The aim of this work was to evaluate the soil tillage erosion rate in a vineyard using a 13C natural abundance tracer. A strip of soil (C3-C soil) was removed, mixed with C4-C tracer, and replaced. After the installation of the strip, tillage (upslope in one inter-row and downslope in the other inter-row) was performed with a cultivator and soil was collected along the slope with an interval of 0.2 m from the C4-C strip. Soil organic carbon and δ13C were measured and the total mass of translocated soil (T) soil was calculated. The net effect of tillage after two consecutive operations (downslope and upslope tillage) was a T of 49.3 ± 4.2 kg m−1. The estimated annual erosion rate due to tillage in the studied vineyard was 9.5 ± 1.2 Mg ha−1year−1. The contribution of the soil tillage erosion rate was compared with that of water erosion in the same vineyard, and we conclude that tillage is a threat to soil degradation.

Controlled traffic farming delivers better crop yield of winter bean as a result of improved root development

This paper reports on the continuation of a long–term experiment on the effects of alternative field traffic systems (STP–random traffic with standard tyre inflation pressure, LTP–random traffic with low tyre inflation pressure and CTF–controlled traffic farming) on soil conditions and crop development as influenced by different tillage depths (DEEP–250 mm, SHALLOW–100 mm and ZERO–tillage), in a randomised 3 x 3 factorial design in 4 replicates launched by Harper Adams University in Edgmond, UK, in 2011. The results from season 2017–2018 revealed that CTF delivered 8% higher crop yield of winter field bean (Vicia faba) cv. Tundracomparing to STP (p = 0.005), i.e. 4.13 vs 3.82 tonnes ha-1respectively (at 14% moisture content). The ZERO–tillage plots featured significantly lower plant establishment percentage comparing to shallow and deep tillage: 79% vs 83% and 83% respectively (p = 0.012). The research showed that roots traits differed significantly between contrasting traffic at depths greater than 50mm with p < 0.05of: tap root biomass, number of lateral roots, biomass of lateral roots as well as total root biomass (tap+lateral roots),delivering significantly greater values of those before mentioned parameters on CTF comparing to STP. Tap root length significantly differed between traffic systems (p < 0.001)giving significantly greater results on CTF comparing to LTP and STP (17.7, 13.4 and 12.6 mm respectively). Significant differences in tap root diameter were found only at the depth of 100 mm (p < 0.001) where again CTF delivered significantly higher root diameter than the remaining 2 traffic systems.In the shallow layer of soil (0–50 mm) a significant difference was found only for tap root biomass, for interactions, where STP ZERO gave significantly higher results than STP SHALLOW and CTF SHALLOW (1.430, 0.733 and 0.716 g respectively).

Seed germination niche for common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) populations naturalized in Turkey

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is an invasive species, and is currently spread in different habitats over several regions in Turkey. However, no information exists on the seed germination biology of Turkish populations. Therefore, the seed germination niche (upper and lower limits of environmental conditions for seed germination) was determined for common ragweed populations in two climatic regions (Thrace and Black Sea) of Turkey. Seed germination was evaluated under different photoperiods, constant temperatures and levels of water stress, salinity and pH. Seedling emergence was recorded from various seed burial depths. Significant differences were observed among populations for the seed germination niche and seedling emergence. Seed germination niche helps explain the occurrence of the species in the diverse environmental conditions found across Turkey. Seeds from the Thrace populations were more tolerant to water and salinity stress and germinated under relatively higher pH levels than those from the Black Sea populations. Further, seeds from the Thrace region germinated to higher percentages at all temperatures than those from the Black Sea populations. Seeds from all populations germinated to higher percentages in light/dark than in dark. Seedling emergence was significantly retarded by a seed burial depth >4 cm. The results suggest that the species has extensive range expansion potential in the country and that immediate management of the naturalized populations is needed. In agricultural habitats, the species can be managed by shallow tillage and subsequent management of emerging seedlings to reduce the soil seed bank. Management strategies such as appropriate mowing time and mowing frequency need to be developed for control of roadside populations.

Apparent Gains, Hidden Costs: Examining Adoption Drivers, Yield, and Profitability Outcomes of Rotavator Tillage in Wheat Systems in Nepal.

The ‘high speed’ rotavator is used for shallow tillage to create a fine tilth and incorporate crop residues, often with a single tractor pass. Rotavator tillage has spread quickly in many parts of South Asia, despite short‐term experimental trials suggesting deteriorating soil quality and crop yield penalties. Evidence of rotavator impacts on farmer fields across soil gradients and time is largely absent. From a farm household survey conducted among wheat farmers in Nepal, we estimate wheat yield and profitability outcomes for rotavator adopters and non‐adopters using propensity score matching. We find that rotavator adoption leads to inferior outcomes, despite significant cost savings for land preparation (US$ 11–15 per hectare). With rotavator adoption, farmers lose about 284–309 kg of wheat grain and about US$ 93–101 of profits on average per hectare per season, and these penalties increase with longer‐term use of the technology. Adoption of rotavator appears to be driven by the cost and time savings for land preparation. Against this backdrop, new policy and extension efforts are required that discourage rotavator use and favour more sustainable tillage technologies.

Results of the research of the basic model of multifunctional tillage unit

The analysis of equipment for basic boardless plowing and surface tillage revealed the absence in the market of agricultural machinery of multifunctional units capable of reliable and efficient performing both types of tillage by means of one machine. The constructive-technological scheme is offered and the basic model of the unit with replaceable working bodies is developed: flat hoes for performance of the basic processing of soil at 14-25 сm with the creation of a mulch layer and cultivator hoes for carrying out the surface and shallow tillage at 5-14 cm. To assess the effectiveness of the basic model of the unit in 2018 in field conditions a research was carried out, during which the main agrotechnical indicators of the quality of soil treatment were determined. Studies have shown that the degree of crumbling of the soil at the basic boardless plowing of sod-podzolic medium loamy soil at a speed of more than 6.5 km/h exceeded 80 %. For shallow tillage to a depth of 12 cm in the range of operating speeds above 7.0 km/h the amount of a soil fraction up to 25 mm was not less than 70 %. The unit stably sustains the working coverage width and the installation depth of tillage. The variant of the unit with a set of working bodies for the basic boardless plowing in the entire range of operating speeds provides an average tillage depth of 19.5-21.0 cm at an installation depth of 20 cm, with working bodies for shallow tillage - of 11.5-12.0 cm at an installation depth of 12 cm. The height of roughness of the field surface after the basic boardless plowing was 20.7-23.0 mm, for shallow tillage – 12.5-17.0 mm. The results of the research showed that the basic model of the multifunctional unit can perform the basic boardless plowing and shallow tillage in compliance with the basic agrotechnical requirements without the use of replaceable adapters for additional tillage of the top layer of soil. The use of additional working bodies will make it possible to form more highly specialized versions of the machine based on the basic model of the unit.

Increasing profitability, yields and yield stability through sustainable crop establishment practices in the rice-wheat systems of Nepal

The rice-wheat rotation is the dominant cropping pattern in the Terai ‘food basket’ of Nepal. Current production practices require significant labor, water, and energy which erode profitability and, hence, incentives for intensification. Dry direct seeded rice (DSR) and zero tillage wheat (ZTW) have been widely tested on experiment stations as alternative establishment technologies in South Asia. However, adoption at the farm level is low, perhaps in part due to the absence of systematic technology assessment across production ecology gradients under ‘real world’ conditions. A series of participatory on-farm experiments were conducted over seven-years (2011–2017) for performance verification and refinement of DSR and ZTW technology in the western Terai region of Nepal. DSR and ZTW produced a similar or higher grain yield with lower total production cost (by $ 160 ha−1 in DSR and $ 70 ha−1 in ZTW); and higher water productivity (by 4–18% in DSR and 30% in ZTW) and net profit (by $ 122–232 ha−1 in DSR and $ 115 ha−1 in ZTW) as compared to conventional practices. When early rainfall is deficient, DSR permits timely establishment which significantly boosts yields and produced stable yield with farmers' adoption. Agronomic adjustments to DSR practices further boosted performance, with pre-sowing irrigation followed by shallow tillage reducing early weed pressure (by 30–45%) and increasing grain yield in contrast to DSR established with post-sowing irrigation. DSR can be cultivated using the same varieties and fertilizer rates as PTR, whereas ZTW can be cultivated using the same variety as conventionally tilled wheat, but fertilizer rates should be adjusted. When adopted in tandem, results confirm that DSR followed by ZTW increased rice-wheat system productivity by 0.5 to 1.9 t ha−1, reduced total production cost by $ 237 ha−1, and increased net profit by $ 347–572 ha−1 and minimized the climatic risk compared to conventional practices in rainfed or limited irrigation areas. While the benefits are clear, coordinated efforts are required to overcome technology scaling bottlenecks that have kept adoption rates of these technologies at a nascent state in Nepal.

Evaluation and optimization of border irrigation in different irrigation seasons based on temporal variation of infiltration and roughness

Soil infiltration and Manning’s roughness values are key parameters to determine the performance of surface irrigation. However, temporal variability in these parameters due to tillage practices, irrigation, and crop growth greatly hinders efforts to improve irrigation quality. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate effects of infiltration and surface roughness variation on irrigation water movement and irrigation performance indicators for border irrigation with three border lengths. Field experiments were conducted from 2013 to 2015 in a wheat (Triticum aestivum)-maize (Zea mays L.) rotation planting system at the Jinghui Canal Irrigation Area in Guanzhong Plain of northwest China. In this work, Manning’s equation and a surface irrigation simulation model (WinSRFR) were used to estimate Manning’s roughness values and Kostiakov soil infiltration parameters. We determined that both parameters reached moderate levels of variation for both deep and shallow tillage treatments. The impacts of temporal variation in soil infiltration and surface roughness on irrigation water movement and irrigation quality were then evaluated. Results showed that water advance times varied significantly while recession times varied much more, affecting irrigation water amounts at various distances along the length of the border. Irrigation performance indicators were significantly different over various irrigation seasons, especially for borders that were 235 m in length. Finally, considering these temporal variations during the two rotation cycles, combinations of inflow rate and cut-off ratio during different irrigation seasons were optimized, and high irrigation quality could be achieved for 80 m and 120 m borders, but not for 235 m borders. Water percolation amounts during the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 growing periods were reduced by 55 mm and 107 mm for 235 m borders, 26 mm and 23 mm for 120 m borders, and 36 mm and 39 mm for 80 m borders, respectively. Therefore, utilizing optimal combinations of inflow rate and cut-off ratio and considering temporal variation in soil infiltration and Manning’s roughness could maintain high water application efficiency and sustainable utilization of limited water resources.

Урожайність та показники якості пшениці озимої залежно від систем основного обробітку грунту та удобрення

Досліджено вплив застосування різних систем основного обробітку ґрунту (полицева, мілка безполицева, глибока безполицева) та рівнів удобрення на урожайність та якісні показники зерна пшениці озимої. Дослідженнями встановлено, що в умовах Правобережного Лісостепу України систематичний безполицевий обробіток ґрунту підвищує урожайність та якість зерна пшениці озимої на всіх рівнях удобрення, порівняно із традиційним полицевим. Внесення органічних і мінеральних добрив на чорноземі типовому позитивно впливає на урожайність пшениці озимої, підвищуючи її порівняно з контролем на 0,28-0,84 т/га за оранки, на 0,36-1,26 т/га за глибокого безполицевого обробітку і на 0,4-1,55 т/га – за мілкого. Виявлено, що найвищу урожайність культури (4,72 т/га) отримано за мілкого плоскорізного обробітку ґрунту на фоні органо-мінерального удобрення із застосуванням гною, а за глибокого безполицевого обробітку цей показник був лише на 3 % нижчим. Загалом уміст білка та клейковини на удобрюваних варіантах відповідали нормам якості сильної, а на контролі – цінної пшениці. Найвищі якісні показники зерна пшениці озимої відмічені на варіанті з традиційним органо-мінеральним удобренням (Гній + NPK) за мілкого безполицевого обробітку: вміст білка склав 15,5 %, а вміст клейковини – 31,9 %, що відповідає І групі якості.

Soil Cutting by a Compact Disc Harrow Having Various Disc Arrangements

Abstract. The compact disc harrow (CDH) is a relatively new type of conservation tillage implement. The disc arrangement on the implement is critical to the tillage performance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of disc spacing and offset on the tillage performance of a CDH. Tests were conducted in an indoor soil bin using a CDH with three-disc units. The spacing of the two rear discs in each unit was set at 203, 254, or 305 mm, and the front discs were set at one of three offset positions (left, center, or right) relative to the rear two discs. The discs were operated at two different tillage depths: shallow (63.5 mm) and deep (127 mm). The results showed that the soil cutting area ratio (the ratio of disturbed area to the total area of the furrow) decreased as the spacing increased from 203 to 305 mm. In contrast, the soil cutting efficiency (the volume of soil cut per unit quantity energy used) remained constant in the shallow tillage depth and increased in the deep tillage depth. As for the effect of offset, the center position resulted in a soil cutting area ratio of more than 80%, which was superior to the other two offset positions. However, the right offset had the highest efficiencies of 15.3 and 22 m3 MJ-1 in the shallow and deep tillage depths, respectively. The common standard disc spacing of 254 mm with a center offset was not necessarily the optimal setting, depending on the working depth and tillage performance indicators of interest. Keywords: Disc, Offset, Performance, Soil Cutting, Spacing, Tillage.

Weed infestation structure of fodder beet fields under various tillage systems

Nowadays in domestic arable farming sown crop (weed) vegetation is among the leaders as to the harmfulness for agricultural crop yields. Weeds are an annually acting factor which reduces the yields of economically-valuable output in all the regions of Ukraine. It is to be mentioned that in arable farming of the country the yield losses of agricultural crops, caused by weeds, are growing constantly. A serious decrease of public target financing to protect cultivated crops from pests, diseases and weeds resulted in the violation of farm practices in agricultural crop cultivation all over the country. Namely, in all agro-climatic regions of Ukraine well-balanced scientifically-grounded crop rotations were reduced to 3–4 field rotations with 60–70 % share of grain crops. And, without a proper expertise of the farm machinery available at the farms, minimal or zero tillage is used. For example, reduced crop rotation with a dominating share of grain crops led to the increased load, caused by annul application of the same herbicides, and this, in turn, resulted in the appearance of resistant weed kinds in agro-phytocoenoses; the term violation of the weed control measures (first of all, chemical thinning) caused the decrease of their efficiency, particularly in controlling root-sprout weeds. Secondly, climate warming resulted in the increase of weed infestation of the agricultural crop fields due to the fact that most of the weeds survived during winter time and those typical for southern regions moved to the north (barnyard grass, amaranth, nightshade black, milkweed sharp, mallow runty and others). At the same the migration of northern kinds to the south was not recorded. One of the leading measures to regulate a weed component in agro-phytocoenoses is mechanical tillage. The updated tillage system has to be based on the principles of minimization which envisage the reduction of a mechanical effect on the soil aimed at the increasing of its erosion resistance and the optimization of soil fertility indicators. One of the ways to minimize mechanical tillage is to substitute moldboard tillage for mould boardless one, and also to decrease its depth and the number of cultivations. Purpose of the research is to estimate weed infestation of the fodder beet fields when various tillage systems are used. The experiments in five-field crop rotation were carried out in accordance with the theme of the research in a stationary field trial of SPC of Bila Tserkva NAU in 2009-2011. Four systems of tillage were studied. Three-fold replication and compact placing of replications are used; plots of the first order (tillage) are placed in one layer, gradually, systematically. Farm practices of fodder beet cultivation, used in the experiment, are typical to the ones applied in the research institutions and at the advanced farms of the zone. Machines, equipment and mechanisms, which are available at SPC BTsNAU and advanced farm enterprises are equipped with, are used when growing fodder beets. The methodology and organization of the technique of performing the trial facilitated this. Lowing at 30-32 cm depth was done with plow PLN –3–35, mouldboardless tillage – at 30–32 cm depth with subsurface cultivator KPG –250, shelling – at 10–12 cm depth with stubble plow PL – 5–25 and disc harrow BDV –3.0. The largest amount of weed raw mass was recorded under regular tillage with a subsurface cultivator. When differentiated and continuous shallow tillage was done, this indicator was the highest, as compared with the control, in the first year of the trial, and a reverse regularity was recorded in the last year of the trial. The raw mass of one sown crop was the highest under regular mouldboardless tillage, and under differentiated and continuous shallow tillage it was at the level of the control. Under continuous mouldboard, regular mouldboardless, differentiated and continuous shallow tillage this indicator was 3.67; 4.06; 3.71 and 3.73 g in 2009 and 3.37; 3.82; 3.34 and 3.34 g in 2011. A determinative factor, which weed infestation of agricultural crop fields depends on in the period of their vegetation, is light condition of the soil surface in the field. The latter is determined by the peculiarities of plant morphology, their development and sowing practice. In the structure of weed infestation the highest percentage – 20.7 % belongs to amaranth, 15.7 %– to Setaria pumila, 14.2 % – to barnyard grassand 11.1 %– to quinoa white. Under the effect of crop rotation weed grouping is changed (succession) in the period of germination of fodder beets which is connected with both the effect of a forecrop and a fertilization system of crop rotations and variants of tillage. Key words: fodder beet (mangold), tillage system, structure of weed infestation, raw mass of weeds, succession.

The Influence of Environmental Factors on Germination of Burcucumber (Sicyos angulatus) Seeds: Implications for Range Expansion and Management

AbstractBurcucumber (Sicyos angulatusL.) is a highly invasive vine that has become naturalized in the humid Black Sea region of Turkey, but previous to this study there was no information on the germination biology of this weed. The germination biology of three naturalized populations ofS. angulatusfrom the Black Sea region was studied in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. The germination of nondormant seeds was observed under different photoperiods, constant temperatures, and varying levels of pH, salinity, and osmotic potential. Furthermore, seedling emergence from various soil depths was investigated. The seeds of all populations proved nonphotoblastic (82% to 90%, 55% to 66%, and 48% to 56% germination under 12-, 24-, and 0-h photoperiod, respectively) and germinated over a wide range of temperatures (5 to 40 C). Seedlings emerged from all seed burial depths (0 to 15 cm); however, germination was drastically reduced (&gt;90% reduction) beyond 6 to 8 cm. Seed germination was 30% to 38% for seeds placed on the surface and increased to 78% to 88% for seeds buried 2 cm deep, while germination was severely reduced for seeds buried 10 and 15 cm deep (8 to 12% and 0 to 6%, respectively). Seeds of all populations were found to be sensitive to osmotic and salinity stress and to highly acidic and alkaline pH levels. All populations had similar requirements for germination that are directly related to their area of naturalization. These results indicate that the species has limited potential for range expansion to arid, semiarid (nonirrigated), and relatively saline areas. However, humid, salinity-free, and frequently irrigated areas of the country are at high risk of invasion. In arable lands, deep tillage followed by shallow tillage and effective management of emerging seedlings could deplete the soil seedbank in the long run. However, there is an urgent need for effective strategies to manage the species in other nonarable areas.

Productivity of sugar beets depending on the method of main soil tillage and levels of fertilization

Soil tillage and fertilization level are important in the system of agro-technical measures that increase soil fertility and sugar beets productivity. Today the cultivation of this crop requires a great deal of expense, therefore, there is a need for a wider study of the use of cheap soil cultivation, soil protection, energy-saving soil tillage technologies and appropriate ferti-lization levels.&#x0D; Under western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine conditions, investigations were conducted on dark grey podzolic light loamy soils where the influence of tillage models and fertilization levels on the formation of sugar beets root crops was studied.&#x0D; Shallow no-plow tillage of the soil on 14-16 cm is expedient to use as a main tillage under sugar beets. Under favorable weather and climatic conditions, it can provide yielding capacity at the level of deep fall plowing. The use of shallow no-plow tillage helped to increase the yielding capacity of sugar beet roots relative to plowing by 28-30 cm for 1.3 t / ha and the biological sugar output – for 0.2 t / ha. Then the sugar content was by 0.1% higher in the application of deep fall plowing on 28-30 cm.&#x0D; The optimization of the system of sugar beets fertilization allows ensuring the growth of the yielding capacity of root crops. It is established that the application of fertilizer norm N300P225K350 provides the yielding capacity at the level of 90 t / ha. The sugar content of root crops at the given fertilizer rate was the lowest in the experiment - 16.5 – 16.6%. Thanks to the high yielding capacity of root crops in terms of N300P225K350, the sugar harvesting was the highest and depending on the method of basic soil tillage was 14.95 – 14.79 t / ha. That is in 3.2 times more as to the control, in 1.3 times more than the norm of N180P135K210 and in 1.1 more than the fertilization level N240P180K280.

Effects of tilling methods on soil penetration resistance, organic carbon and water stable aggregates in a vineyard of semiarid Mediterranean environment

Tillage, especially in semiarid Mediterranean environment, enhances the mineralization process of soil organic matter (SOM) and, in turn, decreases aggregate stability. Furthermore, continuous tillage leads to the formation of plough pan beneath the tilled layer. In the present study, we investigated the effect of an innovative self-propelled machine (spading machine, SM) for shallow tillage on SOM, water stable aggregates (WSA) and soil penetration resistance (PR). Such effects were compared to those of chisel plough (CP), rotary tiller (RT) and no tillage (NT). Each tilling method was applied up to a depth of 15 cm, whereas in NT only a brush cutter was used for weed control. Soil analyses were performed at the start of the experiment (March 2009, T0), in April 2010 (T1), May 2012 (T3), and June 2014 (T5) at both 0–15 and 15–30 cm. Compared to T0, soil PR increased with time in all the treatments and generally followed the order SM < RT < CP < NT. In soil tilled with the SM, soil PR never exceeded 2.5 MPa that was demonstrated to be a critical value for root elongation, and no evidence of the formation of plough pan beneath the tilled layer was observed. SOC as well as water content and WSA were higher in SM compared with CP and RT. In conclusion, the spading machine was proved to be more efficient in lowering the soil PR and in avoiding the formation of the plough pan. Furthermore, SM increased SOC and WSA.

Changes in the weed communities as affected by different primary soil tillage and deep loosening

ABSTRACTLong-term soil cultivation at the same depth affects soil characteristics and crop productivity. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of a long-term different intensity soil tillage methods and deep loosening on weed number, weed agrobiological group and soil seed bank changes in till Bathygleyic Dystric Glossic Retisol soil under the climatic conditions of the Western Lithuania (geographical coordinates 55°43′38″N, 21°27′43″E). The study included different soil tillage methods (conventional ploughing, shallow ploughing and shallow ploughless tillage) and deep loosening. During investigational years, the greatest weed number in crops and the greatest weed seed number in the seed bank were determined in the soil reduced tillage (shallow ploughing and shallow ploughless tillage). The weed number in crops of conventional ploughing soil was 35.8% lover compared to reduced tillage soil. The weed seed number in the seed bank of conventional ploughing was 49.6% lover compared to reduced tillage Decreasing soil tillage intensity resulted in weed seeds concentration in the upper topsoil. A one-time deep loosening had a significant effect during the crop rotation: the weed number in crops and weed seed number in the seed bank were determined to have increased by 26.6% and 51.6% in conventional ploughing soil and by 11.9% and 23.2% shallow ploughless soil respectively. However, after deep loosening, the number of Poa annua in crops decreased 2.9 times in plots of conventional ploughing and 1.7 times – in plots of shallow ploughing soil.

Soil moisture loss reduction owing to evaporation

Soil-climatic conditions of arid regions of Russia have a great potential for obtaining high yields of various crops, but the constant lack of soil moisture hampers the increase in production volumes. However, the deficiency of soil moisture is due not only to a lack of atmospheric precipitation, but also to inefficient saving. Moisture losses because of unproductive evaporation reach 40-70 percent of atmospheric precipitation. One of the effective ways to accumulate and conserve soil moisture is the autumn shallow mulching tillage, which creates a loosened top layer of soil with a mulched surface. The top layer of soil during loosening and mulching promotes the accumulation and conservation of moisture not only in the upper, but also in the deeper soil horizons. A new combined tillage tool was developed and manufactured to implement such tillage. The tool is equipped with 2 batteries of knife disks placed in two rows one behind the other, with flat hoes arranged in two rows in staggered order, and a roller with pins mounted on its working surface. When soil cultivation by the proposed tool, a qualitatively loosened layer with a mulch surface is created. Enhanced water permeability and moisture capacity increase the penetration of atmospheric precipitation into the soil and reduce the loss of moisture owing to evaporation. The research carried out to determine the loss of moisture due to evaporation, depending on the type and quality of soil cultivation, have confirmed the advantage of the proposed type of tillage. The reserves of productive moisture in a 1 m soil layer increase by 31.8; 25.8 and 16.8 mm in comparison with fields without tillage, shallow tillage by disc mulcher DM-5.2 and by cultivator KPIR-3.6 respectively. The productivity of barley variety Volgar' at the area cultivated by experimental tools was 2.24 t per hectar, by KPIR-3.6 – 2.12 t, DM-5.2 – 2.02 t, without tillage – 1.46 t per hectar.

Integrated weed management in dry-seeded rice using stale seedbeds and post sowing herbicides

Dry-seeded rice (DSR) grown with alternate wetting and drying water management (AWD) has recently been introduced in northwest India as an alternative to conventional puddled hand-transplanted rice which is labour, water and energy intensive. The aerobic seedbed of DSR can be extremely susceptible to invasion by diverse weed flora, and if weeds are not controlled effectively, yield losses can be very high. This study was undertaken to investigate the impacts of stale seedbed techniques on the soil weed seedbank and weed infestation in DSR, and to determine the influence of integration of the stale seedbed methods with post sowing herbicides on weed control and rice grain yield. The study, conducted in 2014 and 2015, comprised three seedbed treatments in main plots: without stale seedbed-conventional method, stale seedbed with glyphosate 1 kg ha−1andstale seedbed with shallow (5 cm) tillage, and four post sowing herbicide treatments in sub plots: unsprayed check, pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha−1 (pre-emergence), bispyribac-sodium 0.025 kg ha−1(post-emergence) and pendimethalin followed by bispyribac-sodium. The two stale seedbed treatments included one additional irrigation prior to sowing which increased weed seedling emergence prior to sowing by 1.9–2.2-fold; weeds in the stale seedbed treatments were then killed with the application of glyphosate or shallow tillage. At sowing, both stale seedbed treatments significantly decreased the viable seedbank of Echinochloa colona and Dactyloctenium aegyptium to 25–30% of that without a stale seedbed. After rice harvest, both stale seedbed treatments had a significantly lower seedbank than without a stale seedbed, by 13–33%; the stale seedbed with tillage had significantly lower seedbank at harvest than the stale seedbed with glyphosate in the second year. The sequential application of pendimethalin and bispyribac resulted in a significantly lower seedbank of both these grass weed species at harvest. At 20 DAS, both stale seedbed methods had 22–51% lower density of Cyperus rotundus and 42–67% less grass weeds than rice sown without a stale seedbed. There was more than a 2-fold increase in C. rotundus density from 2014 to 2015 without a stale seedbed and with the stale seedbed with glyphosate, and a 1.6-fold increase in the stale seedbed with tillage. In the absence of post sowing herbicides, the stale seedbed with tillage increased grain yield from 0.7–1.0 t ha−1 to 2.1–2.5 t ha−1, while the stale seedbed with glyphosate only increased grain yield in 2015. The combination of the stale seedbed with tillage, pendimethalin and bispyribac had the highest rice grain yield (7.3 t ha−1) and the highest economic returns ($ 1310 ha−1); the returns in this treatment were $ 260 ha−1 higher than using the same herbicides used without a stale seedbed. The results indicate that integrated use of a stale seedbed with shallow tillage followed by the sequential application of post sowing herbicides has potential to control the complex weed flora in dry-seeded rice. The reasons for greater consistency in weed control with the stale seedbed with tillage than glyphosate are unclear and need further investigation in dry seeded rice, as do the long term effects of use of stale seedbeds.

The influence of biopreparations on the reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions in shallow and deep soil tillage

The application of innovation in agriculture technologies is very important for increasing the efficiency of agricultural production, ensuring the high productivity of plants, production quality, farm profitability, the positive balance of used energy, and the requirements of environmental protection. Therefore, it is a scientific problem that solid and soil surfaces covered with plant residue have a negative impact on the work, traction resistance, energy consumption, and environmental pollution of tillage machines. The objective of this work was to determine the dependence of the reduction of energy consumption and CO2 gas emissions on different biopreparations. Experimental research was carried out in a control (SC1) and seven different biopreparations using scenarios (SC2–SC8) using bacterial and non-bacterial biopreparations in different consistencies (with essential and mineral oils, extracts of various grasses and sea algae, phosphorus, potassium, humic and gibberellic acids, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, and calcium), estimating discing and plowing as the energy consumption parameters of shallow and deep soil tillage machines, respectively. CO2 emissions were determined by evaluating soil characteristics (such as hardness, total porosity and density). Meteorological conditions such average daily temperatures (2015–20.3 °C; 2016–16.90 °C) and precipitations (2015–6.9 mm; 2016–114.9 mm) during the month strongly influenced different results in 2015 and 2016. Substantial differences between the averages of energy consumption identified in approximately 62% of biological preparation combinations created usage scenarios. Experimental research established that crop field treatments with biological preparations at the beginning of vegetation could reduce the energy consumption of shallow tillage machines by up to approximately 23%, whereas the energy consumption of deep tillage could be reduced by up to approximately 19.2% compared with the control treatment. The experimental research results reveal the reduction of CO2 emissions in shallow tillage to approximately 20.14% (and that in deep tillage to approximately 19.16%) when works were performed by different biological preparation usage scenarios. This experimental research demonstrates the efficient use of the special adaptation of a new biotechnological method for the reduction of the energy consumption and CO2 gas emissions of agricultural machinery.

Structure characteristics of soil and canopy and their relationships in wheat field under different tillage and application of organic fertilizer.

With the aim to optimize the structural characteristics of wheat canopy by improving topsoil structure, we examined the effects of three different tillage treatments, deep tillage (DT), shallow tillage (ST), no-tillage (NT) alone, and with application of organic fertilizer, DTF, STF and NTF, on the soil structure and wheat canopy characteristics for five years. Under the same tillage treatment, application of organic fertilizer decreased soil bulk density, the content of soil aggregates with diameter > 5 mm, the mean mass diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD) values of the soil aggregates with diameter >0.25 mm. Soil porosity and the content of soil aggregates with diameters of 2-5 mm and 0.25-2 mm at 20-40 cm soil layer were increased. Compared with other treatments, NTF was better in improving soil bulk density and increased soil porosity at 0-20 cm soil layer. DTF decreased the soil bulk density and the stability of mechanical aggregate with diameter > 0.25 mm at 40-60 cm soil layer, and increased soil permeability. Application of organic fertilizer decreased leaf angle index and increased leaf area index (LAI) and the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the flag leaf at post-anthesis stage. The lowest angle index and the highest Pn were detected in STF and DTF treatment, respectively. Results from path analysis showed that the direct path coefficients were significant from the independent variables (soil bulk density, soil porosity, R0.25 and MWD) to the dependent variables (angle index, LAI and Pn). At 0-20 cm soil layer, the increased MWD value was beneficial to the improvement of Pn and LAI. At 20-40 cm soil layer, the increased soil bulk density would optimize the leaf angle and further improve canopy light penetration. At 40-60 cm soil layer, high soil bulk density and low porosity negatively affected the value of LAI and Pn. We concluded that deep tillage or shallow tillage with application of organic fertilizer would be beneficial for improving soil structure, increasing soil permeability, optimizing wheat canopy structure, increasing canopy light harvesting rate, leaf area index and photosynthetic rate, with positive consequences on wheat yield.

Short‐Term Dynamics of Soil Physical Properties as Affected by Compaction and Tillage in a Silt Loam Soil

Core Ideas Compaction deteriorated soil physical quality especially for the top 0.1‐m layer and tilled soils. Tillage temporarily improved soil physical quality in compacted soils. No‐till for establishing autumn forage crops can be used to mitigate the compaction effect. Short‐term variation in hydraulic properties may be significant for soil and crop modeling. This study investigated short‐term dynamics of soil physical properties as affected by tillage and compaction in a silt loam soil. After establishment of an autumn‐sown forage oat (Avena sativa L.) crop with either NT or intensive tillage (IT), five degrees of livestock compaction (0–261 kPa) were applied in winter using a “cow treading implement.” A barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop was then sown following shallow cultivation of the soil in spring. After 2 yr of sheep‐grazed pasture, tillage significantly improved the soil physical quality in the 0‐ to 0.2‐m layer. Compaction significantly deteriorated soil physical quality, by, for example, decreasing macroporosity, available water content, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Compared with IT and the top 0.1‐m soil layer, soil physical properties in NT and the subsurface 0.1‐ to 0.2‐m layer were more resistant to compaction. Irrespective of tillage, the topsoil (0–0.1 m) was more susceptible to physical degradation than the subsurface soil (0.1–0.2 m). Compaction and tillage effects on soil physical quality declined with time because of natural recovery and the shallow tillage used to establish the subsequent barley crop. This study demonstrated that using NT to establish an autumn‐sown forage crop can mitigate the adverse impacts of livestock treading on soil physical quality during subsequent grazing. Although tillage and compaction effects were short lived, soil physical properties were significantly different between every two adjacent measurement times. This highlights the need to consider the short‐term changes in soil hydraulic properties when modeling soil–crop systems.

Изменение агрофизических свойств почвы и урожайности яровой пшеницы в зависимости от систем обработки почвы и удобрений в Волго-Вятском регионе

Studies were conducted in 2016-2017 in Nizhny Novgorod region on gray forest soil in a link of "soybeans -spring wheat" crop rotation. The scheme of field experiment included 5 soil tillage systems: 1. Traditional moldboard tilling based on autumn plowing with PN-3-35 at 20-22 cm (control); 2. Non-moldboard "deep" cultivation -autumn plowing with PN-3-35 (without moldboard) at 20-22 cm; 3. Non-moldboard "shallow" cultivation with the Pottinger stubble cultivator to a depth of 14-16 cm; 4. Minimal tillage with the disc harrow XM 44660 NOTHAD to a depth of 10-12 cm; 5. Zero tilling (No-till) with the Sunflower 9421-20 drill. For each soil tillage system, the effectiveness of the action of mineral fertilizers (N60P60K60) and straw in combination with StiMiX®Niva biological preparation (2 l/ha) and mineral nitrogen (10 kg of active matter per 1 ton of straw) was studied. Optimal density of the arable layer of gray forest soil for the growth and development of spring wheat was formed after autumn plowing for all years of the study (2014-2017). By the time of sowing, the bulk weight of the soil in all the studied cultivation technologies under spring wheat in crop rotation increased to 1.41-1.50 g/cm3 in the arable (0-20 cm) soil layer. Soil cultivation regulated the conditions for seeds germination in 0-10 cm soil layer to optimal values (1.29-1.34 g / cm3). No-till technology led to the compaction of gray forest soil both in the initial period of spring wheat vegetation (1.43 g/cm 3 ) and at the end of vegetation (1.48 g/cm 3 ). It negatively affected the growth and development of spring wheat and, as a result, its yield. A higher moisture content in the arable layer of the soil (0-20 cm) at the beginning of spring wheat sowing accumulated in the zero-tilling variant (19.9%). Variants with shallow plowing and minimum tillage with a disc harrow occupied an intermediate position between deep plowing and "direct" sowing as to the content of moisture in the soil. The highest yield of spring wheat of the Ester variety (3.99 t /ha) was obtained against the background of non-moldboard "shallow" tillage by the combined use of mineral fertilizers (N60P60K60) and ammonium nitrate (N10) applied for the decomposition of post-harvest plant residues.