Effect of long-fallow on soil quality and cotton lint yield in an irrigated, self-mulching, grey Vertosol in the central-west of New South Wales

Soil Research ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 621 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. R. Hulugalle ◽  
P. C. Entwistle ◽  
J. L. Cooper ◽  
S. J. Allen ◽  
D. B. Nehl
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Plastic Limit ◽  
Cotton Lint ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Black Root Rot ◽  
Nitrate N ◽  
South Wales

Reduced crop growth rates (‘long-fallow disorder’) can be a feature of long-fallow cotton (cotton, alternating with a bare fallow, is sown every other year). This is usually attributed to decreased development of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), although associated soil physical, chemical, and biological properties are very rarely reported. A study was conducted from 1993 to 1997 in a grey, self-mulching Vertosol in the central-west of New South Wales to characterise soil properties under long-fallow cotton with a view to identifying soil factors other than AM that could contribute to cotton growth rate reductions. Soil quality indicators monitored were compaction (bulk density and air-filled porosity), strength (cone resistance), plastic limit, exchangeable cations, nitrate-N, pH, organic C, development of AM, and incidence of cotton root diseases. In comparison with continuous cotton, long-fallow cotton had lower soil strength, and lower plastic limit. Exchangeable Ca and Mg were higher with continuous cotton only in 1994. Higher nitrate-N was also observed with long-fallow during the first fallow phase of the experiment. Long-fallow did not have any significant effect on soil organic carbon. However, a net decline in soil organic C and exchangeable Mg occurred with both treatments. During the cotton phase, subsoil nitrate-N and incidence of black root rot were lower with long-fallow cotton. Uptake of nitrogen by continuous cotton may have been reduced by greater severity of black root rot. Vegetative and reproductive growth, water extraction, and cotton lint yields in long-fallow cotton plots were higher than those in continuous cotton plots. AM development was similar with continuous cotton and long-fallow cotton. Compared with long-fallow cotton, the lower lint yield in continuous cotton was thought to be due to the interactive effects of declining nutrient availability, higher soil strength, and greater severity of black root rot causing decreases in nutrient and water uptake.

Residual effects of cotton-based crop rotations on soil properties of irrigated Vertosols in central-western and north-western New South Wales

Soil Research ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 467 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. R. Hulugalle ◽  
T. B. Weaver ◽  
L. A. Finlay
Keyword(s):  
Faba Bean ◽  
Specific Volume ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Crop Rotations ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
High Input ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Nitrate N ◽  
South Wales

The residual effects of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) based crop rotations on soil physical and chemical properties were evaluated in 2 irrigated on-farm experiments located at Warren (1999–2001) in the central-west and Merah North (2000–05) in the north-west of New South Wales. The soils in both sites were grey, self-mulching Vertosols. The rotations sown at Warren from 1993 to 1998 were: (1) continuous cotton (cotton sown every year); (2) long-fallow cotton (cotton alternating with a bare fallow); (3) cotton–high input wheat (Tricticum aestivum L.), in which wheat was sown at a rate of 100 kg/ha and fertilised with 180 kg/ha of urea; (4) cotton–low input wheat, in which wheat was sown at a rate of 40 kg/ha and did not receive any N fertiliser; and (5) cotton–green manured field pea (Pisum sativum L.). At Merah North the rotations sown from 1993 to 2000 were: (1) continuous cotton; (2) long-fallow cotton; (3) cotton–green manured faba bean (Vicia faba L.) until 1999 when sorghum was sown during the 1999–2000 growing season; (4) cotton–dolichos (Lablab purpureus L.)–green manured faba bean from 1993 to 1994 followed by cotton–unfertilised wheat in which wheat was sown at a rate of 50–70 kg/ha thereafter; (5) cotton–dolichos; and (6) cotton–fertilised dolichos with P and K removed by cotton replaced as fertiliser. Soil was sampled to a depth of 0.6 m at 0.15-m increments and analysed for pH (in 0.01 m CaCl2), EC1 : 5, ESP, specific volume, nitrate-N, organic C (SOC), plastic limit, and dispersion. Residual effects of rotation history were reflected in subsoil specific volume at both sites, and nitrate-N in the surface 0.3 m and SOC in the 0–0.6 m depth at Warren. In general, higher values of specific volume occurred where cotton–wheat rotations, and in particular, fertilised wheat, had been sown. At Merah North, subsoil specific volume in ex-long-fallow cotton was similar to that in the cotton–wheat rotation. At Warren, ex-continuous cotton had lowest subsoil specific volume, the ex-cotton–high input wheat rotation and ex-long fallow cotton had greater SOC sequestration, and the ex-cotton–high input wheat rotation had higher nitrate-N. These differences mirrored those present when the rotation treatments were in place. Residual effects of crop rotations are more likely to occur where the residues of the rotation crops are relatively recalcitrant or where cropping intensity is lower.

Occurrence of Phytophthora clandestina in Trifolium subterraneum paddocks in Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Aldaoud ◽  
W. Guppy ◽  
L. Callinan ◽  
S. F. Flett ◽  
K. A. Wratten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Differential Cultivars

In 1995–96, a survey of soil samples from subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) paddocks was conducted across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, to determine the distribution and the prevalence of races of Phytophthora clandestina (as determined by the development of root rot on differential cultivars), and the association of its occurrence with paddock variables. In all states, there was a weak but significant association between P. clandestina detected in soil samples and subsequent root rot susceptibility of differential cultivars grown in these soil samples. Phytophthora clandestina was found in 38% of the sampled sites, with a significantly lower prevalence in South Australia (27%). There were significant positive associations between P. clandestina detection and increased soil salinity (Western Australia), early growth stages of subterranean clover (Victoria), mature subterranean clover (South Australia), recently sown subterranean clover (South Australia), paddocks with higher subterranean clover content (Victoria), where herbicides were not applied (South Australia), irrigation (New South Wales and Victoria), cattle grazing (South Australia and Victoria), early sampling dates (Victoria and New South Wales), sampling shortly after the autumn break or first irrigation (Victoria), shorter soil storage time (Victoria) and farmer’s perception of root rot being present (Victoria and New South Wales). Only 29% of P. clandestina isolates could be classified under the 5 known races. Some of the unknown races were virulent on cv. Seaton Park LF (most resistant) and others were avirulent on cv. Woogenellup (most susceptible). Race 1 was significantly less prevalent in South Australia than Victoria and race 0 was significantly less prevalent in New South Wales than in South Australia and Western Australia. This study revealed extremely wide variation in the virulence of P. clandestina. The potential importance of the results on programs to breed for resistance to root rot are discussed. in South Australia.

The development of lucerne with resistance to root rot in poorly aerated soils

1978 ◽  
Vol 18 (92) ◽  
pp. 434 ◽  
Author(s):  
VE Rogers ◽  
JAG Irwin ◽  
G Stovold
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Mass Selection ◽  
Infested Soil ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Phytophthora Megasperma ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Disease Free

Three cycles of recurrent mass selection in the field increased the level of resistance of lucerne (Medicago sativa) to Phytophthora root rot in irrigated heavy clay soil at Deniliquin, New South Wales. The breeding stocks were derived from Siro Peruvian and Lahontan. In each cycle between 45 and 80 vigorous, disease free plants were selected from soil naturally infested with Phytophthora megasperma var. sojae, and allowed to interpollinate. Yield data and ratings for root rot were obtained for half-sib families sown in rows. Progeny in cycle 1 were inoculated by isolates of P. megasperma from both New South Wales and Queensland, and there was substantial agreement between both sources in ratings for disease. In the third cycle of selection, progeny had a disease rating of 1.4 when inoculated with Queensland isolates of P. megasperma, compared with 3.6 and 4.1 for Hunter River and Siro Peruvian respectively (plants scored 1 or 2 considered resistant; 3, 4 or 5 susceptible). In a field trial, the percentage of disease-free plants after eight months of growth in infested soil was: cycle 3 selections, 44.4; Hunter River, 9.9; Siro Peruvian, 12.0. Cumulative dry matter production of the selections during that time was twice that of Hunter River.

Aphanomyces Root Rot of Bean at Valla, New South Wales.

1987 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
RN Allen ◽  
DB Letham ◽  
AA Akehurst ◽  
MM Say
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Wales

Herbicide strategies for reducing nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus L.) density in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 231 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Charles
Keyword(s):  
Gossypium Hirsutum ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Cyperus Rotundus ◽  
Additional Experiment ◽  
Gossypium Hirsutum L ◽  
Cotton Lint ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cotton Lint Yield

Summary. A range of herbicides and combinations of herbicides were evaluated for controlling nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus L.) in 5 experiments in irrigated cotton in northern New South Wales. Control was assessed by comparing the density of tubers before and after treatment. Cotton lint yield and ginning percentage were also assessed. Combinations of herbicides, including 2,4-D, were evaluated in an additional experiment in fallow. Multiple in-crop applications of glyphosate reduced tuber density by up to 96% over 2 seasons. This was improved with successive applications of glyphosate. Nutgrass tuber density was also reduced when glyphosate was combined with norflurazon (96%), benfuresate (92%), fluometuron (84%) or EPTC (87%). Similar reductions in nutgrass density were observed with methazole, dimethenamid, atrazine, and the combination of norflurazon + MSMA. Treatments which reduced nutgrass density generally resulted in average or above-average lint yields. From these results, a strategy for controlling nutgrass in cotton can be developed using norflurazon preplanting, and multiple applications of glyphosate and/or MSMA in-crop.

Microbial biomass and microbial biodiversity in some soils from New South Wales, Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 777 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nargis A. Banu ◽  
Balwant Singh ◽  
Les Copeland
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Microbial Diversity ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Free Iron ◽  
South Wales

Eight surface soils (0–15 cm) including 1 Ferrosol, 2 Tenosols, 2 Kurosols, 1 Sodosol, 1 Chromosol, and 1 Kandosol were collected from mainly pasture sites in New South Wales. The soils had different physico-chemical properties and there were some differences between the sites in climatic conditions. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was estimated by the chloroform-fumigation extraction method, and substrate utilisation patterns determined by the Biolog method were used to assess the amount, functional diversity, substrate richness and evenness, and community structure of the microorganisms in these soils. The amount of MBC (585 µg C/g) and the microbial diversity (H´ = 3.24) were high in soils that had high clay (33%), organic C (5.96%), total N (0.45%), free iron (7.06%), moisture content (50%), and cation exchange capacitiy (133.5 mmolc/kg). These soil properties, e.g. soil moisture (r2 = 0.72), organic C (r2 = 0.58), total N (r2 = 0.63), free iron (r2 = 0.44), and EC (r2 = 0.53), were positively correlated with MBC and microbial diversity index, whereas pH and sand and silt content showed negative correlations. The climatic factors (temperature and rainfall) had no significant influence on either MBC or diversity.

Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker and Pythium spp. as pathogens of safflower in New South Wales

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (63) ◽  
pp. 455 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Stovold
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Pythium Ultimum ◽  
Carthamus Tinctorius ◽  
Pythium Myriotylum ◽  
Pythium Irregulare ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Phytophthora Drechsleri

Pythiaceous fungi associated with a widespread root rot disease of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) in New South Wales include Phytophthora drechsleri, Pythium myriotylum, Pythium ultimum Pythium irregulare, Pythium acanthicum, and a number of sterile Pythium spp. Pathogenicity of these fungi was tested against safflower seedlings and older plants growing either in soil with moisture content at field capacity or in flooded soil. Phytophthora drechsleri, Pythium myriotylum, Pythium ultimum and Pythiumirregulare caused severe pre-emergence damping off. When safflower plants, three and eight weeks old, were inoculated with each of the fungi, only Phytophthora drechsleriand Pythium myriotylum killed a high proportion of plants. The pathogenicity of Phytophthora drechsleri, Pythium myriotylum, Pythium ultimum, and Pythium irregulare was increased by flooding the soil for ninety hours after inoculation. Phytophthora drechsleri was isolated from naturally infected saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus). Cross inoculation tests with Phytophthora drechsleri isolates from safflower and saffron thistle showed that both isolates could infect each host. Saffron thistle could be an important alternative host of Phytophthora drechsleri in the field. It is concluded that Phytophthora drechsleri is the major cause of root rot of safflower in New South Wales.

Does nitrogen fixation of commercial, dryland chickpea and faba bean crops in north-west New South Wales maintain or enhance soil nitrogen?

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. D. Schwenke ◽  
M. B. Peoples ◽  
G. L. Turner ◽  
D. F. Herridge
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fixation ◽  
Faba Bean ◽  
N2 Fixation ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Soil Nitrate ◽  
North West ◽  
Nitrate N ◽  
South Wales ◽  
N Fertility

Summary. Nitrogen (N2 ) fixation accords pulse crops the potential to sustain or enhance total soil nitrogen (N) fertility. However, regional field experiments have shown that this potential is often not realised because N2 fixation is inhibited by the supply of nitrate N in the root zone (0–90 cm) coupled with a low demand for N during plant growth. The objectives of this study were to establish whether commercially grown chickpea and faba bean crops in the northern grain belt of New South Wales were depleting, maintaining or enhancing soil N fertility, and whether current farm management practices were maximising the N2 fixation potential of the crops. Fifty-one rainfed crops of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) were surveyed in the Moree, Walgett and Gunnedah districts of north-west New South Wales during the winters of 1994 and 1995. Nitrogen fixation was measured using the natural 15N abundance technique. Net N balance was calculated for each crop by subtracting grain N harvested from fixed N2. Soil, plant and fallow conditions with potential to influence N2 fixation were also documented. The percentage of crop N derived from N2 fixation (Pfix) ranged from 0 to 81% for chickpea and 19 to 79% for faba bean. Nitrogen fixation of chickpea was uniformly low in the 1994 drought. Total N2 fixed ranged from 0 to 99 kg/ha for chickpea and 15 to 171 kg/ha for faba bean. Net N balance ranged from –47 to +46 kg N/ha for chickpea crops, and –12 to +94 kg N/ha for faba bean crops. About 60% of the difference in Pfix between chickpea and faba bean at the average level of soil nitrate (65 kg/ha) was explained by the higher N demand of the latter. The remaining 40% could be due to greater tolerance of the faba bean symbiosis to nitrate effects. In addition, faba bean had a lower N harvest index than chickpea, which meant that proportionally less N needed to be fixed by faba bean to offset removal of grain N. On average, Pfix needed to exceed 35% for chickpea and 19% for faba bean to balance soil N. The equivalent soil nitrate levels were 43 kg nitrate N/ha for chickpea and 280 kg/ha for faba bean (extrapolated from the relationship between measured Pfix and soil nitrate). Double-cropping chickpea into summer cereal or grass pasture stubble provided the most consistent strategy for achieving the low levels of soil nitrate.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document