Tillage effects on corn production and soil physical conditions

摘要: Row crop production on highly erodible soils of the Piedmont in southeastern USA is often limited by surface sealing, excessive water runoff, soil erosion, and low yields. The effects four tillage practices corn (Zea mays L.) growth properties two crust-prone were evaluated. Tillage treatments at locations, Oxford Reidsville, NC, no-till (NT), in-row subsoiling (IRS) (1987 only), chisel plow (CP), moldboard plow-disk (MP). Residue cover was 1% for MP ranged from 75 to 87% NT 38 27% CP. interaction between tillage, properties, plant performance complex. Mean bulk density Ap horizon Reidsville 2-yr period 1.56 Mg m⁻³ NT, compared with 1.48 CP 1.46 MP. Cone index not affected but greatest trafficked interrow, 3.50 MPa, 1.91 1.09 MPa row nontrafficked respectively. grain yield year-locations least, 1.23 ha⁻¹, MP, 2.97 ha⁻¹ 2.44 CP; mean IRS 1987 3.69 ha⁻¹. leaving residues surface, such as CP, IRS, can reduce or eliminate crusting, increase infiltration, runoff loss while increasing yield. Contribution Dep. Soil Science, North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh.