scholarly journals Effect of Cover Crops on Soil Erosion in Nursery Aisles

1993 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
Reed W. Cripps ◽  
Herbert K. Bates

Abstract The effectiveness of soil erosion control of various vegetative aisle covers was evaluated using Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) type plots. ‘Appalow’ sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don ‘Appalow’), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) aisle treatments and a clean till plot were established on a 5% slope Typic Paleudult soil. Previously established ‘Indian Magic’ crabapple (Malus ‘indian magic’) and silver maple (Acer saccharium L.) were grown parallel to the slope in the center of each plot. Runoff from the clean till aisle resulted in the greatest sediment concentration, runoff volume, and sediment runoff. Crimson clover and perennial ryegrass runoff was similar. The ‘Appalow’ lespedeza aisle cover had the highest runoff volume of any vegetative aisle cover. However, runoff sediment concentration and sediment runoff were least from ‘Appalow’ lespedeza covered aisles.

1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Bugg ◽  
Felix L. Wäckers ◽  
Kathryn E Brunson ◽  
Sharad C. Phatak ◽  
James D. Dutcher

Replicated field trials indicated that tarnished plant bug (TPB), Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae) attained relatively-high densities on hybrid vetches, Vicia sativa L. X V. cordata Wulf cv ‘Cahaba White’ and ‘Vantage’, lower densities on crimson clover, Trifolium incarnatum L. cv ‘Dixie,’ and particularly-low densities on subterranean clover, Trifolium subterraneum L. cv ‘Mt. Barker’. Densities of TPB were also relatively low on an additional 10 types of subterranean clover, including 7 cultivars representing T. subterraneum, 1 cultivar of T. brachycalycinum Katznelson and Morley, and 3 of T. yanninicum Katznelson and Morley. Field longevity trials indicated that late-instar and adult TPB lived longer when caged on crimson clover than on hybrid vetch, which in turn supported better survival than did subterranean clover. When adult TPB were caged on hybrid vetch or subterranean clover with or without floral and fruiting structures, there was no evidence that the presence of these structures prolonged TPB survival on either crop. In laboratory choice tests with flowering and fruiting shoots of three cover crops, TPB preferred crimson clover over hybrid vetch, which in turn was more attractive than subterranean clover. When shoots were presented after reproductive structures had been excised, there was no statistically-significant preference by TPB.


HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 570c-570
Author(s):  
Owusu A. Bandele ◽  
Marion Javius ◽  
Byron Belvitt ◽  
Oscar Udoh

Fall-planted cover crops of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense L. Poir), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) were each followed by spring-planted 'Sundance' summer squash [Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo (L.) Alef.] and 'Dasher' cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Squash and cucumber crops were followed by fall 'Florida Broadleaf mustard green [Brassica juncea (L.) Czerniak] and 'Vates' collard (Brassica oleracea L. Acephala group), respectively. The same vegetable sequences were also planted without benefit of cover crop. Three nitrogen (N) rates were applied to each vegetable crop. Squash following winter pea and crimson clover produced greater yields than did squash planted without preceding cover crop. Cucumber following crimson clover produced the greatest yields. No cover crop effect was noted with mustard or collard. Elimination of N fertilizer resulted in reduced yields for all crops, but yields of crops with one-half the recommended N applied were generally comparable to those receiving the full recommended rate.


HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 866-870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy G. Creamer ◽  
Mark A. Bennett ◽  
Benjamin R. Stinner

Planting polyculture mixtures of cover crops can optimize the benefits of their use. Thirteen polyculture mixtures of cover crops were evaluated in Columbus and Fremont, Ohio, to find a species mix that would establish quickly for erosion control, overwinter in Ohio, contribute sufficient N and have a C : N ratio between 20:1 and 30:1 to optimize N availability for subsequent crops, be killable by mechanical methods, and have high weed control potential. All of the mixtures in Columbus had achieved 30% ground cover 1 month after planting, but only four of the mixtures achieved this in Fremont due to poor conditions at planting. Above-ground biomass (AGB) accumulation in the mixtures ranged from 3631 to 13,642 kg·ha-1 in Columbus, and 449 to 12,478 kg·ha-1 in Fremont. Nitrogen in the AGB ranged from 74 to 269 kg·ha-1 in Columbus, and 10 to 170 kg·ha-1 in Fremont. Weed cover in the cover crop plots ranged from 1% to 91% eight weeks after cover crop kill in Columbus, and 12% to 90% seven weeks after cover crop kill in Fremont. Because one or more species in each screened mixture was determined not to be suitable, none of the mixtures was optimum. However, information gained about performance of individual species within the mixtures is also useful. `Nitro' alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), ladino clover (Trifolium repense L.), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), Austrian winter peas [Pisum sativum ssp. Arvense (L.) Poir], and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) did not overwinter dependably in Ohio. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) did not compete well with taller, more vigorous species, and were not persistent in the mixtures. Medium and mammoth red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), annual and perennial ryegrass, and white and yellow blossom sweetclover [Melilotus alba Desr., and Melilotus officianalis (L). Desr.], were not killable by mechanical methods. Individual species that established quickly, were competitive in the mixtures, overwintered dependably, and were killed by mechanical methods were rye (Secale cereale L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.)


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2334
Author(s):  
Heather L. Tyler

Conservation management practices can improve soil health while minimizing deleterious effects of agriculture on the environment. However, adoption of these practices, particularly cover crops, is not widespread, as they often reduce crop yields compared to traditional management practices. The purpose of the current study was to determine if a two-species cover crop treatment of rye (Secale cereale L.) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) could increase soil health parameters and maximize soybean (Glycine max L.) yield greater than rye only in tilled and no-till Mississippi field soils. Enhanced microbial biomass and organic matter input from cover crops increased the activities of β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, N-acetylglucosaminidase, and phosphatase in surface soils. Rye plus clover tended to elicit higher activities than rye only in no-till plots. Both cover crop treatments inhibited soybean yield in tilled plots by 11–25%. These results indicate that tillage exacerbates yield inhibition by cover crops in soybean and that double-species cover crop treatments were more consistent in increasing activities linked to nutrient cycling. Further study examining different combinations of cover crops in no-till systems is necessary to gain a better understanding of how they can be implemented to enhance soil health while maximizing crop yield.


HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 436b-436
Author(s):  
Julia Whitworth

The usefulness of cover crops for weed management in strawberries were evaluated. Wheat (Triticum aestevum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) were grown in individual pots then killed by tillage or herbicide and followed in the same pots by plantings of bermuda grass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.), crabgrass [Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl.], or strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa `Cardinal'). Rye and wheat tilled into the medium generally increased the growth of strawberries and decreased the growth of bermuda grass. Rye and wheat residues appeared to suppress growth of weeds and strawberries when the residues remained on the medium surface. Crimson clover had little affect on the growth of weeds or strawberries. Yellow nutsedge and crabgrass were not significantly affected by cover crop residues.


Weed Science ◽  
1968 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 396-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Creel ◽  
C. S. Hoveland ◽  
G. A. Buchanan

Germination, growth, and potential phytotoxicity of sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia L.) were studied. Seed germination occurred in the temperature range from 18 to 36 C, but rapid seedling growth occurred only between 30 and 36 C. Seed dormancy caused by a waxy coat resulted in only 15% germination in soil over a 12-month period. A 1:15 (g/ml) water extract of sicklepod tops inhibited germination of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) seed. Incorporation of sicklepod residues in soil reduced germination of cotton seed but increased persistence of sericea (Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don.) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) because damping-off was almost eliminated. There was evidence in nutrient cultures that sicklepod released a phytotoxic residue from its roots, reducing growth of cotton but having no effect on soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Sicklepod grew well in soils ranging from pH 3.2 to 7.9. Sicklepod response to N, P, and K levels was similar to cotton and higher than that of soybeans.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 20-21
Author(s):  
Russell C Carrell ◽  
Sandra L Dillard ◽  
Mary K Mullenix ◽  
Audrey Gamble ◽  
Russ B Muntifering

Abstract Utilization of cool-season cover crops has been shown to increase soil health and cash crop performance in minimum tillage cash crop systems. Though evidence that grazing of cover crops can be viable is limited. Our objective was to determine animal and forage performance when grazing a cool-season annual cover-crop. Twelve 1.2 ha pastures were established in a forage mix consisting of black oats (Avena strigose), cereal rye (Secale cereal), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and T-raptor (Brassica napus × B. rapa) and randomly allocated to be grazed either 0, 30, 60, or 90 days. Three tester steers were randomly placed in each paddock with the exception of control paddocks and allowed ad libitum grazing. Animals were weighed every 30 d for determination ADG and total gain (TG). Forage was harvested bi-weekly and analyzed for NDF and ADF using an ANKOM fiber analyzer (ANKOM Tech, Macedon, NY). All data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). Differences were found in ADG between 90 and 60 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs. 2.8 ± 0.12 kg/d; P < 0.01) and 90 and 30 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs 2.7 ± 0.12 kg/d; P < 0.01). Differences in TG were detected between 90 and 60 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs. 386.67 ± 13.35 kg; P < 0.01), between 90 and 30 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg; P < 0.01), and between 60 and 30 days grazed (386.67 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg, P < 0.01). No differences in NDF (44.86%, P = 0.99) or ADF (27.20%, P = 0.92) were detected between treatments. These results indicate that different grazing periods could influence cattle growth and performance without negatively impacting forage quality and production.


2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-27
Author(s):  
Ataollah Kavian ◽  
Iman Saleh ◽  
Mahmoud Habibnejad ◽  
Zeinab Jafarian

Abstract Soil erosion is one of the most serious environmental issues in the world. The use of vegetative buffer strips is an effective strategy to reduce surface water pollutions as well as soil erosion. The present research has been conducted with aim to study the efficiency of buffer strips in runoff volume and sediment control using experimental plots. In this regard, twelve experimental plots with the dimensions of 1 m × 10 m were provided, and runoff samples were collected monthly to measure runoff volume and sediment. Vetiver grass and tall fescue were used as the plant species of the studied vegetative buffer strips. It was found that, vegetative buffer strips reduced the runoff volume up to 97% and sediment concentration up to 96%. Vetiver grass showed a high efficiency in runoff and sediment control; but, the maximum efficiency is achieved when this species is used along with a plant similar to the tall fescue in terms of density and uniformity. Also, periodic cutting the plants and cleaning the buffer strips can be considered as effective strategies to prevent vegetative buffer strips acting as the source of sediment.


Weed Science ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 843-847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Brown ◽  
Ted Whitwell

Eleven herbicide systems were evaluated from 1981 to 1983 for cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL. ‘Stoneville 825’) planted no-till directly into cover crops or winter fallow and for cotton planted following conventional tillage. Herbicide systems consisted of paraquat (1,1’-dimethyl-4,4’-bipyridinium ion) or glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and/or residual herbicides applied prior to crop emergence. Some systems also included early postemergence or postemergence-directed applications. Cover crops were crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatumL.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth.), and rye (Secale cerealeL.). Soil cover in fallow treatments was comprised mainly of cotton stalk residue. Conventional tillage and seedbed preparation included fall moldboard plowing and spring disking/smoothing. Treatments were maintained in the same site each year. Order of cover crop susceptibility to herbicides applied prior to crop emergence was rye>clover>vetch. In 1981, all residual treatments except cyanazine {2-[[4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2-methylpropanenitrile} alone prior to crop emergence provided better than 80% control of annual weeds. In subsequent years only systems that included applications prior to crop emergence and postemergence-directed herbicides provided acceptable control. From 1981 to 1983, annual grasses increased 20- to 100-fold for systems in which control was poor. Weed control was generally superior in conventional tillage. Vetch adversely affected cotton stands in all 3 yr. Also, in 1982, reduced cotton stands resulted from cyanazine treatments applied prior to crop emergence in clover, vetch, and fallow. Cotton yields were affected by cover dessication, annual weed control, and cotton stands. Buildup of annual weeds reduced yields to near zero for some treatments in 1983.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 29-30
Author(s):  
Russell C Carrell ◽  
Sandra L Dillard ◽  
Mary K Mullenix ◽  
Audrey Gamble ◽  
Russ B Muntifering

Abstract Utilization of cool-season cover crops has been shown to increase soil health and cash crop performance in minimum tillage cash crop systems. Though evidence that grazing of cover crops can be viable is limited. Our objective was to determine animal and forage performance when grazing a cool-season annual cover-crop. Twelve 1.2 ha pastures were established in a forage mix consisting of black oats (Avena strigose), cereal rye (Secale cereal), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and T-raptor (Brassica napus × B. rapa) and randomly allocated to be grazed either 0, 30, 60, or 90 days. Three tester steers were randomly placed in each paddock with the exception of control paddocks and allowed ad libitum grazing. Animals were weighed every 30 d for determination ADG and total gain (TG). Forage was harvested bi-weekly and analyzed for NDF and ADF using an ANKOM fiber analyzer (ANKOM Tech, Macedon, NY). All data was analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). Differences were found in ADG between 90 and 60 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs. 2.8 ± 0.12 kg/d; P < 0.01) and 90 and 30 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs 2.7 ± 0.12 kg/d; P < 0.01). Differences in TG were detected between 90 and 60 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs. 386.67 ± 13.35 kg; P < 0.01), between 90 and 30 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg; P < 0.01), and between 60 and 30 days grazed (386.67 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg, P < 0.01). No differences in NDF (44.86%, P = 0.99) or ADF (27.20%, P = 0.92) were detected between treatments. These results indicate that different grazing periods could influence cattle growth and performance without negatively impacting forage quality and production.


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