Influence of tillage and liquid swine manure on productivity of a soybean-barley rotation and some properties of a fine sandy loam in Prince Edward Island

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 741-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
M R Carter ◽  
A J Campbell

Interactions between tillage management for manure incorporation and rate of manure application may influence crop productivity and soil properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of liquid swine (Sus scrofa L.) manure (LSM) applied at three N rates (40, 80, 160 kg ha-1), compared with mineral N fertilizer, in a 2-yr barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)-soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) rotation, incorporated by two tillage methods (chisel plough and disc), on crop yield and quality and some soil properties, especially C parameters. The LSM was applied every second year in the spring, prior to barley seeding. The study was conducted over a 5-yr period on a Charlottetown fine sandy loam (Orthic Humo-Ferric Podzol) in Prince Edward Island. The experimental design was a split-plot with four replicates. Soil samples (0–60 cm) were obtained at the termination of the study to determine residual effects of the LSM on soil properties. The two methods of LSM incorporation had no differential effect on crop response. Generally, increasing the application rate of LSM increased the barley yield, but had no effect on grain N concentration. A residual effect on crop grain yield for the high rate of LSM was evident in the soybean year. Crop response to LSM was similar to that of mineral fertilizer. Application operations for LSM had no adverse effect on soil strength or soil bulk density. Soil properties (microbial biomass C, carbohydrates, water-stable aggregates) were not greatly influenced by LSM application, however, increases in particulate C (POM-C) were evident for the high LSM rate at the 10- to 30-cm soil depth. The study showed that for fine sandy loams in Prince Edward Island low to medium rates of LSM applied every second year could serve as a source of N for barley in barley-soybean rotations. Key words: Barley, soybean, liquid swine manure, fine sandy loam, soil properties, tillage incorporation, eastern Canada

1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. CARTER ◽  
R. P. WHITE ◽  
R. G. ANDREW

Minimum tillage for soils that require regular cultivation consists of reducing the degree of secondary tillage and number of passes over the field. This study was conducted to determine whether one-pass mouldboard-ploughed systems were suitable for production of silage corn (Zea mays L.) and spring cereals (Hordeum vulgare L., Triticum aestivum L.) on loam to sandy loam soils (Humo-Ferric Podzol and Gray Luvisol) in the perhumid soil climate of Prince Edward Island. The effects of reduction in secondary tillage were gauged by characterizing crop yield and nutrient content, soil properties and structure, and relative economics. Plant growth, crop yield, and nutrient content were similar in all the mouldboard-ploughed systems. Soil chemical properties were not affected by reduction in secondary tillage, but the one-pass plough system did result in a macro-aggregate distribution with a greater proportion of large soil aggregates (9.5–16 mm) and a slight reduction in soil strength over the 10- to 25-cm soil depth. Macroporosity and soil density in the top 8 cm of soil were similar between tillage systems. Reducing both the degree of secondary tillage and number of tillage operations decreased both estimated cultivation costs and time of tillage per hectare by 26 and 39%, respectively. One-pass mouldboard-ploughed systems appear suitable for annual crop production on medium-textured soils under the soil environment of Prince Edward Island. Key words: One-pass tillage, soil properties, crop growth


2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 607-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Carter ◽  
J. E. Richards

Subsoils in Prince Edward Island have poor chemical and often physical quality for root growth that may present a barrier to development of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). This study was conducted to characterise the response or benefit, on soil properties and alfalfa growth, of chemical amelioration and loosening of the subsoil. In 1987, the following three treatments were imposed on an acidic, fine sandy loam, Humo-Ferric Podzol: control (no subsoiling or lime), subsoiling alone, and subsoiling plus lime (5 Mg ha−1 dry CaCO3) mixed into the subsoil. The subsoiler was a Wye Double-Digger, a combined plough and rotary cultivator that facilitated the mixing of lime into the soil over the 230–480 mm depth. Management of the 0–200 mm soil depth was the same for all treatments. Growth of alfalfa and change in soil properties were monitored over time. In 2 of 4 yr (1991–1994), alfalfa yield was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by the subsoil plus lime treatment, compared with subsoiling alone or the control. Yield increases were related to periods of low growing season precipitation. Subsoil amelioration increased alfalfa root penetration (by 90 mm) and reduced leaf Mn concentration. Over an 8-yr period (1987–1994), soil exchangeable Ca was increased over fourfold, while exchangeable Al was decreased threefold in the ameliorated subsoil, compared with the control. Soil pH (in water) was increased from 4.8 to near 6.0. There was some evidence that liming of the topsoil improved the subsoil chemistry over time. Bulk density and penetrometer resistance contours, measured over time, indicated that the soil loosening effect was sustained throughout the soil profile over the duration of the study. Soil biological properties were not changed by the subsoil treatments. Key words: Subsoil acidity, podzol, lime, deep placement, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), cool-humid climate


2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Jayasundara ◽  
C. Wagner-Riddle ◽  
G. Parkin ◽  
J. Lauzon ◽  
M. Z Fan

An improved understanding of the fate of manure N is necessary for developing efficient manure management plans that ensure adequate crop nutrition and minimum environmental problems. This study quantified the fate of 15N-labelled liquid swine manure applied at three different times (late-fall, spring pre-plant and side-dress) on two soil types (a well-drained fine sandy loam and an imperfectly drained silt loam). Manure N uptake by corn (Zea mays L.) was significantly lower with fall application than with two spring applications (14-18% vs. 30-38% of applied N) in both soil types. Manure application increased total N leaching (30-43 vs. 27 kg N ha-1 yr-1 in the control), especially with fall application. Manure N contributed 18-25% of the total N leached in the fine sandy loam and 8-10% of the total N leached in the silt loam. Application timing did not affect manure N leaching in the silt loam, which ranged between 3 and 5% of applied N. In the fine sandy loam, fall application resulted in significantly higher manure N leaching (15% of applied N) than with two spring applications (8-10% of applied N). Unaccounted losses, assumed to be in gaseous forms, over 6 mo following fall application were higher in the silt loam than in the fine sandy loam (29% vs. 16% of applied N). Estimated NH3 losses were low (<7% of applied N); hence, denitrification is suggested to be the main mechanism for gaseous N losses. The estimated ratio of denitrification to leaching manure N loss for fall application was about 7:1 in the silt loam and 2:1 in the sandy loam. To maximize manure N use by corn and minimize environmental N losses, spring or side-dress application of liquid swine manure is recommended, particularly in well-drained soils.Key words: Swine manure, application timing, soil type, 15N, N losses


1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 799-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
LINNELL M. EDWARDS ◽  
J. R. BURNEY

Three soils from Prince Edward Island (a loam, a fine sandy loam, and a sandy loam) were tested under a laboratory rainfall simulator to examine the effects of frequency of freezing and thawing, winter rye cover, incorporated cereal residue, and subsoil compaction on runoff volume and sediment loss. Wooden soil boxes were subjected to simulated rain (i) at the end of a 10-d freezing period, and (ii) at the end of the 5th 24-h freezing period of a 10-d alternating freeze-thaw cycle (freeze/thaw). Where the soil was continuously frozen for 10 d, there was 178% greater sediment loss and 160% greater runoff than with daily freeze/thaw over the same period, but there was no difference in sediment concentration. Incorporated cereal residue decreased sediment loss to 50% and runoff to 77% of that from bare soil. Winter rye cover decreased sediment loss to 73% of that from bare soil. Simulated soil compaction caused a 45% increase in sediment loss. The loam soil showed 16.5% greater loss of fine sediment fractions <0.075 mm than the fine sandy loam which showed 23.4% greater loss than the sandy loam. Key words: Freeze-thaw, erosion, compaction, winter rye, cereal residue, rainfall simulator, Prince Edward Island soils


2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
M R Carter ◽  
R D Peters ◽  
C Noronha ◽  
J Kimpinski

Conservation practices in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cropping systems can reduce excess tillage, provide crop residue cover, and maintain crop productivity; however, little is known about their long-term influence on soil biota and biological properties. Conservation tillage was evaluated in two potato rotations: a 2-yr barley-potato rotation and 3-yr clover-based (barley-red clover-potato) rotation initiated in 1994 on a fine sandy loam (Orthic Podzol) in Prince Edward Island, eastern Canada. Soil samples were obtained in 2003 from the 0- to 10-cm soil depth of the potato phase of both rotations to evaluate the influence of conservation, compared with conventional tillage, on changes in soil fertility, soil structural properties, soil C and N fractions, soil-borne pathogens, nematode communities, and micro-arthropod (Collembola and Acari) communities. The 3-yr conservation tillage practice improved soil structural stability, increased soil extractable P and K, increased soil organic C and total N and their particulate fractions, compared with the other treatments. Comparisons with earlier studies indicated that soil organic C had reached an equilibrium level at the 0- to 10-cm soil depth. Reduction of potato disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani was evident in the 3-yr rotation, compared with the 2-yr rotation, but was not influenced by tillage practice. Plant parasitic nematodes were not greatly influenced by rotation and tillage treatments; however, densities of the beneficial bacterial-feeding nematodes were increased under the 3-yr conservation tillage treatment. The abundance of micro-arthropods was increased by conservation tillage, while their diversity was mainly influenced by the rotation cycle rather than tillage practice. Overall, the 3-yr conservation tillage treatment provided a more beneficial soil biological condition than the other treatments, especially when compared with the 2-yr conventional tillage practice. Key words: Conservation systems, potato rotation, fine sandy loam, soil fertility, soil organic C and N fractions, soil structure, soil-borne pathogens, nematode, Collembola; Acari


Agro-Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-26
Author(s):  
A.I. Afangide ◽  
N.H. Okoli ◽  
M.A. Okon ◽  
N.T. Egboka ◽  
P. Inyang

Application of animal manures for soil amendment plays a major role in the improvement of soil properties and enzymatic activities of a degraded Ultisol. This study assessed the effects of poultry manure (PM) and swine manure (SM) on the activities of catalase and urease enzymes and some soil properties. The PM and SM were applied at the rate of 30 t ha–1 each on experimental plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Soil samples were collected at day 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 from 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths and analyzed for catalase and urease enzymes and some soil properties using standard procedures. The results showed increase in soil pH (in H2O) from 4.0 to 5.4 following manure application. At 0-15 cm soil depth, PM and SM recorded 28.1 and 28.8% increases in soil pH (in H2O), respectively. Soil organic carbon was highest (2.6 g kg–1) at 0-15 cm depth for soil amended with SM while the lowest value of 1.1 g kg–1was obtained at 15-30 cm depth for soil unamended with SM. In PM-amended soil, catalase activities ranged from 1.32 to 6.77 mg g–1 while its activities in SM-treated soil significantly (p < 0.05) varied between 1.55 and 8.11 mg g–1. Urease showed ranges of 0.72-3.90 mg g–1 and 0.96-4.71 mg g–1 in PM-amended and SM-treated soils, respectively. The results uphold that animal manures improve soil properties and are enzymatically controlled.


1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 657-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. CARTER

Soil penetration resistance was used to characterize tillage-induced changes in soil strength, as a functon of soil depth and time, under three reduced tillage systems and a deep tillage study in loam to fine sandy loam, Podzolic and Luvisolic soils. The penetration resistance measurements quantified the depth, degree, and persistence of soil loosening, and potential soil rooting depth in regard to tillage system. Mouldboard ploughing provided a greater degree of soil loosening than chisel ploughing. The potential soil rooting depth of 33 – 36 cm under mouldboard ploughing was decreased to 26 cm under both direct drilling and shallow tillage. Use of a slant-legged subsoiler (i.e., “paraplow”) prior to direct drilling prevented the reduction in soil rooting depth. The depth of soil loosening gradually declined by 30 and 60%, over a 5-mo period, under mouldboard ploughing and the "paraplow" direct drilling system, respectively. Residual tillage effects and soil compaction after deep loosening were quantified by the penetration resistance measurements. The use of penetration resistance to rapidly screen soil depth to critical levels of soil strength demonstrated that under sequential direct drilled systems soil loosening should occur on a regular basis to maintain optimum soil structure on fine sandy loam soils. Key words: Soil strength, penetration resistance, reduced tillage, Podzolic soil, Luvisolic soil


1995 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.M. Edwards ◽  
J.R. Burney ◽  
P.A. Frame

1967 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. S. Ferguson

During the period 1956 to 1963 three rates of cereal straw (0, 4,484 and 8 967 kg/ha) and three rates of nitrogen (0, 44.8 and 89.7 kg/ha) were applied annually in factorial arrangement on Miniota sandy loam at the Research Station, Brandon, Manitoba. The plots were cropped each year, alternating wheat and oats. Alternated grain-summerfallow was used as a control.The yield of the first stubble crop without nitrogen was approximately 60% of the yield on summerfallow. After 8 years of repeated application of straw with continuous cropping, the ninth and tenth crops showed a residual benefit from the heaviest rate of straw and yielded more than a second crop after summerfallow. Approximately 40 kg/ha N were sufficient to maintain yields under continuous cropping, regardless of the amount of straw added. The evidence suggests that repeated applications of straw had a residual effect on yield because of its effect on the amount of nitrogen mineralized. Available potassium was increased by applications of straw.


1979 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
UMESH C. GUPTA

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ’Saranac’), red clover (Trifolium pratense L. ’Lakeland’), and timothy (Phleum pratense L. ’Climax’) were grown at two locations on Charlottetown fine sandy loam soils in Prince Edward Island. The pH values of the soils were 5.6 and 5.7, respectively. The three levels of lime were 0, 2.24 and 4.48 metric tonnes/ha and the Mo treatments included no Mo, Mo added as foliar spray and Mo added to the soils. In the first sampling, applications of 0.44 kg Mo/ha as foliar spray to soil limed to pH 5.9 and 6.3 in the three crops resulted in tissue Mo concentrations of greater than 10 ppm which when fed to livestock could produce Mo toxicity. With soil applications of 0.88 kg Mo/ha, tissue Mo concentrations of greater than 10 ppm occurred only in alfalfa and red clover limed to soil pH 5.6, 5.9 and 6.3. The tissue Mo levels in the second sampling decreased sharply when compared to those in the first sampling. The differences in Mo concentrations in second, third and fourth samplings were very small. There was a significant interaction (Mo × lime) because the increases of Mo concentration in red clover due to liming were much greater at higher rates of Mo than at lower rates of Mo. In the case of a suspected Mo deficiency, addition of about 0.2 kg Mo/ha as foliar spray or of 0.4 kg Mo/ha applied to the soil should alleviate a Mo deficiency problem. Residual effects at these levels of Mo should last for 2–3 yr from the crop sufficiency point of view. Molybdenum applied as foliar spray increased timothy yields by 15–17% at one location.


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