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Book Managing Cover Crops Profitably  3rd Ed

Download or read book Managing Cover Crops Profitably 3rd Ed written by Andy Clark and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2008-07 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. At the same time, they can reduce costs, increase profits and even create new sources of income. You¿ll reap dividends on your cover crop investments for years, since their benefits accumulate over the long term. This book will help you find which ones are right for you. Captures farmer and other research results from the past ten years. The authors verified the info. from the 2nd ed., added new results and updated farmer profiles and research data, and added 2 chap. Includes maps and charts, detailed narratives about individual cover crop species, and chap. about aspects of cover cropping.

Book Effect of Cover Crops on Nutrient Dynamics and Soil Properties in Corn soybean Rotation in Southern Illinois

Download or read book Effect of Cover Crops on Nutrient Dynamics and Soil Properties in Corn soybean Rotation in Southern Illinois written by Gurbir Singh and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 490 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean ( Glycine max L.) production in the Midwest US can result in significant nutrient leaching to groundwater and surface waters, which contributes to eutrophication and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. A promising strategy to control nutrient leaching and sediment runoff loss during winter fallow period is the use of cover crops (CCs). In southern Illinois, CCs are not widely adopted by farmers due to economic constraints and the lack of scientific data that supports benefits of incorporating CCs into the corn-soybean rotation. This doctoral dissertation addresses the critical question of the feasibility of the use of CCs in southern Illinois and is divided into three overarching research studies with different objectives divided into six research chapters. Research study 1 was a field experiment conducted from 2013 to 2017 to examine the effect of CCs (CC vs noCC) under two tillage systems [(no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT)] on aboveground plant attributes [dry matter yield, C:N ratio and nitrogen uptake (N uptake)], crop yields, available soil N content and N leaching in the vadose zone. The experimental layout was a randomized design with three rotations including corn-noCC-soybean-noCC [CncSnc], corn-cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) -soybean-hairy vetch (Vicia villosa R.) [CcrShv], and corn-cereal rye-soybean-oats+radish (Avena sativa L. + Raphanus sativus L.) [CcrSor] and two tillage systems. Soil samples collected after corn or soybean harvest and CC termination were analyzed for standard soil fertility parameters. Pan lysimeters installed below the 'A' horizon with depth varying from 22 to 30 cm were used for measuring soil solution nutrient concentration on weekly or biweekly basis depending on the precipitation. In NT system, the corn yield was 14% greater with CcrShv compared to CncSnc, whereas no significant difference existed in corn yield due to CC treatments within CT. Both CC treatments under NT reduced soybean yield by 24 to 27% compared to noCC. The rotations CcrShv and CcrSor with hairy vetch and oats+radish as preceding CCs resulted in 89% (37.73 vs 19.96 kg ha-1) and 68% (33.46 vs 19.96 kg ha-1) more nitrate-N (NO 3-N) leaching than the CncSnc during cash crop season 2015. During the CC season in spring 2016, cereal rye CC in CcrShv and CcrSor reduced the NO 3-N leaching by 84% (0.68 kg ha-1) and 78% (0.63 kg ha-1) compared to the CncSnc, respectively, under the CT system. Overall, our results indicated that the CT system had greater N leaching losses compared to NT system due to higher N availability in the tilled soil profile. The goal of the second research study was to understand the mechanisms of N cycling by CCs. We applied 15N labeled urea fertilizer (9.2% atom) to corn that followed hairy vetch and noCC in May 2017 to evaluate the contribution of fertilizer and soil organic matter to N leaching and quantify the 15N content of surface runoff after storm events. During the 2017 corn season, repeated soil samples were collected and analyzed for 15N fertilizer recovery in soil at three depths. 15N recovery was higher in the corn that had hairy vetch as the preceding CC than the corn that had noCC by 13.13 and 3.68 kg ha-1 on soil sampling events of 7 and 21 days after planting of corn, respectively, at the depth 15-30 cm. Overall, the cumulative loss of 15NO 3-N during corn season 2017 was

Book Short term Effects of Winter Cover Crops on Soil Properties  Yield  and Partial Returns in a No tillage Soybean Rotation

Download or read book Short term Effects of Winter Cover Crops on Soil Properties Yield and Partial Returns in a No tillage Soybean Rotation written by Drew Dillion Kirkpatrick and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cover crops have the potential to provide many benefits including weed suppression, erosion control, and improvements to soil quality. These benefits can be affected by species, biomass accumulation, and management practices. Although large amounts of biomass are good for maximizing benefits, it can result in problems for establishing the subsequent crop. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] accounts for over 50% of Arkansas crop hectares annually; therefore, understanding the effect that a cover crop can have on the following soybean crop is crucial to the successful implementation of cover crops within the state. A study was established to evaluate winter cover crops as an alternative to traditional Arkansas practices, such as winter fallow, as well as winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) soybean double-crop system, and the effect each cropping system has on soybean yield and partial returns. Additionally, a goal of this study was to assess a variety of cover crop species and blends as well as their effect on aboveground biomass accumulation, nutrient uptake, and stand establishment of the following soybean crop. Soil organic matter (SOM) and pH were also used to evaluate overall soil health following three full rotations of each winter treatment. Results of the study show that winter cover crops do not affect the following soybean crop establishment, but had a positive influence on soybean yield and partial returns in a no-tillage system. Except for blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), each cover crop treatment proved to be an equally viable alternative to a traditional double-crop system and more profitable than a winter fallow system. Cover crops not only have an immediate impact of increasing soybean yield, but cover crops also have the potential to provide long-term benefits. Previous research has shown that increased biomass production typically increases SOM and results of this study indicate that cover crop treatments produced up to four times as much aboveground biomass compared to a winter fallow management strategy. Treatments that produced the most biomass also accumulated the most aboveground nutrient contents for the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). There were no differences in soil health calculations, but each treatment received a "good" soil health score. Our results indicate that winter cover crops provide a promising alternative to the winter wheat soybean double-crop system and winter fallow management program and with continuous management, soil quality can be improved.

Book Soil Management

Download or read book Soil Management written by Jerry L. Hatfield and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2020-01-22 with total page 432 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Degradation of soils continues at a pace that will eventually create a local, regional, or even global crisis when diminished soil resources collide with increasing climate variation. It's not too late to restore our soils to a more productive state by rediscovering the value of soil management, building on our well-established and ever-expanding scientific understanding of soils. Soil management concepts have been in place since the cultivation of crops, but we need to rediscover the principles that are linked together in effective soil management. This book is unique because of its treatment of soil management based on principles—the physical, chemical, and biological processes and how together they form the foundation for soil management processes that range from tillage to nutrient management. Whether new to soil science or needing a concise reference, readers will benefit from this book's ability to integrate the science of soils with management issues and long-term conservation efforts.

Book Applied Statistics in Agricultural  Biological  and Environmental Sciences

Download or read book Applied Statistics in Agricultural Biological and Environmental Sciences written by Barry Glaz and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2020-01-22 with total page 672 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Better experimental design and statistical analysis make for more robust science. A thorough understanding of modern statistical methods can mean the difference between discovering and missing crucial results and conclusions in your research, and can shape the course of your entire research career. With Applied Statistics, Barry Glaz and Kathleen M. Yeater have worked with a team of expert authors to create a comprehensive text for graduate students and practicing scientists in the agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences. The contributors cover fundamental concepts and methodologies of experimental design and analysis, and also delve into advanced statistical topics, all explored by analyzing real agronomic data with practical and creative approaches using available software tools. IN PRESS! This book is being published according to the “Just Published” model, with more chapters to be published online as they are completed.

Book Crop Rotation on Organic Farms

Download or read book Crop Rotation on Organic Farms written by Charles L. Mohler and published by Natural Resource Agriculture and Engineering Service (Nraes). This book was released on 2009 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Cover Crops and Sustainable Agriculture

Download or read book Cover Crops and Sustainable Agriculture written by Rafiq Islam and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2021-06-16 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book will not serve as the "encyclopedia of cover crop management," but it’s close. The benefits of a wide range of individual cover crops and blends/mixes for specific agronomic crop rotations and geographic locations are included. Descriptions, photographs, and illustrations show how cover crops look in the field, including plant height, leaf architecture, and rooting patterns. Long term benefits are described for soil health, soil structure, water quality, nutrient contributions, soil biodiversity, air quality and climate change. In addition to the "whys" of cover crop use, the book includes details on the "hows:" how to choose cover crops for specific applications and locations; how (and when) to plant; how to manage and maintain the cover for maximum benefit; and how and when to terminate. Planting options include: drilling/planting between rows of an agronomic crop at planting time, or when the crop is short (i.e. corn in early June); "aerial" seeding with an airplane or high-clearance machine shortly before the crop reaches maturity; and drilling/planting immediately after harvest of the agronomic crop. Selected cover crops (blends) can help with pest and disease management. Cover crops are an economic input with an expected return on investment, similar to pesticides and fertilizer. As part of a continuous no-till system, cover crops provide long-term biological, chemical and structural benefits. The resulting increase in soil organic matter means the agronomic crop yields benefit from better water infiltration and water holding capacity, greater availability of nitrogen and other nutrients, deeper rooting, and increased soil microbial activity in the root zone.

Book Cotton Production

Download or read book Cotton Production written by Khawar Jabran and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2019-08-05 with total page 435 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of cotton in the economy and cotton production around the world This book offers a complete look at the world’s largest fiber crop: cotton. It examines its effect on the global economy—its uses and products, harvesting and processing, as well as the major challenges and their solutions, recent trends, and modern technologies involved in worldwide production of cotton. Cotton Production presents recent developments achieved by major cotton producing regions around the world, including China, India, USA, Pakistan, Turkey and Europe, South America, Central Asia, and Australia. In addition to origin and history, it discusses the recent advances in management practices, as well as the agronomic challenges and the solutions in the major cotton producing areas of the world. Keeping a focus on global context, the book provides sufficient details regarding the management of cotton crops. These details are not limited to the choice of cultivar, soil management, fertilizer and water management, pest control, cotton harvesting, and processing. The first book to cover all aspects of cotton production in a global context Details the role of cotton in the economy, the uses and products of cotton, and its harvesting and processing Discusses the current state of cotton management practices and issues within and around the world’s cotton producing areas Provides insight into the ways to improve cotton productivity in order to keep pace with the growing needs of an increasing population Cotton Production is an essential book for students taking courses in agronomy and cropping systems as well as a reference for agricultural advisors, extension specialists, and professionals throughout the industry.

Book Managing Agricultural Residues

Download or read book Managing Agricultural Residues written by Paul W. Unger and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 1994-03-16 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many agriculturalists, conservationists, and environmentalists are stressing the importance of sustaining soil productivity so that future generations will have adequate productive land on which to produce food. One significant factor affecting soil productivity is the retention of crop residues on the surface of the soil to help control soil erosion. This book provides a review of the vast amount of literature on the subject, condensing the findings in a comprehensive, easy-to-understand manner. It focuses on topics such as erosion control, crop production in systems involving surface residues, residue use for fuel and animal feed, plant pathogens, insects, soil properties, and the economics of conservation tillage.

Book Cornell Soil Health Assessment Training Manual

Download or read book Cornell Soil Health Assessment Training Manual written by Beth K. Gugino and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Cover Crops for Clean Water

Download or read book Cover Crops for Clean Water written by William Leonard Hargrove and published by . This book was released on 1991 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The proceedings of this conference deal with the role of cover crops in water quality management, including reducing water runoff, soil erosion, agrichemical lost in runoff, and nitrate leaching to groundwater

Book Cover Crops and Soil Ecosystem Services

Download or read book Cover Crops and Soil Ecosystem Services written by Humberto Blanco and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2023-06-07 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cover Crops and Soil Ecosystem Services A comprehensive resource on cover crops and their role in soil ecosystems Cover crops are a reemerging strategy to improve and maintain the services that soils provide. They can have an enormous affect on agricultural outcomes, preventing soil erosion, restoring vital soil nutrients, sequestering C from the atmosphere, and more. The successful management and use of cover crops is therefore critical to ensure soil ecosystem services are maintained or improved not only to meet our demands for food, fuel, fiber, and feed but also to reduce pollution and improve the soil. Cover Crops and Soil Ecosystem Services provides a heavily researched and highly readable introduction to cover crops and their role in soil ecosystems. It ranges from a detailed discussion of cover crop biomass production to a thorough treatment of soil ecosystems and their vulnerabilities. The result is an essential guide to a critical area of agricultural science. Cover Crops and Soil Ecosystem Services readers will also find: Detailed treatment of cover crop biomass production, soil erosion, greenhouse gas fluxes, nitrate leaching, soil C sequestration, and more Discussion of emerging issues, including extreme weather events and the economics of cover crop farming Wide-ranging summaries of interdisciplinary soil and cover crop research Cover Crops and Soil Ecosystem Services is a useful reference for students and researchers at all levels of study relating to cover crop agriculture.

Book Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production

Download or read book Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production written by P. Parvatha Reddy and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-11-17 with total page 405 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book outlines a new paradigm, Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production (SICP), which aims to produce more from the same area of land by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, conserving resources, reducing negative impacts on the environment and enhancing the provision of ecosystem services. The use of ecologically based management strategies can increase the sustainability of agricultural production while reducing off-site consequences. The book also highlights the underlying principles and outlines some of the key management practices and technologies – such as minimum soil disturbance; permanent organic soil covers; species diversification; selection of suitable cultivars, planting time, age and spacing; balanced plant nutrition; agro-ecological pest management; efficient water management; careful management of farm machinery; and integrated crop-livestock production – required to implement SICP. The green revolution (by using high-yielding crop varieties, mono-cropping, fertilization, irrigation, and pesticides) has led to enormous gains in food production and improved world food security. In many countries, however, intensive crop production has had negative impacts on production, ecosystems and the larger environment, putting future productivity at risk. In order to meet the projected demands of a growing population expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, farmers in the developing world must double food production, a challenge complicated by the effects of climate change and growing competition for land, water and energy. This book will be of immense value to all members of the scientific community involved in teaching, research and extension activities concerning sustainable intensification. The material can be used for teaching post-graduate courses, or as a useful reference guide for policy makers.

Book A Profound Guide to Crop Rotation

Download or read book A Profound Guide to Crop Rotation written by Lisa H Gregory Ph D and published by . This book was released on 2020-09-24 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons. Crop rotation gives various nutrients to the soil. A traditional element of crop rotation is the replenishment of nitrogen through the use of green manure in sequence with cereals and other crops. Crop rotation also mitigates the build-up of pathogens and pests that often occurs when one species is continuously cropped, and can also improve soil structure and fertility by alternating deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants. Crop rotation has increased in the south in the last 10 years due to the changing tides of the ever changing grain price. With the increase in corn acres across the south, as well as the increase in irrigation, we have seen a steady increase in yields. There are many studies showing yield increases of 10 to 15 percent in soybeans and corn when rotation is utilized. Rotations also help with a reduction in nematodes, weeds and diseases. Northern Leaf Blight is a good example of a disease that has increased over the last several years, and can be reduced by rotating corn and soybeans. Understanding the relationship between nitrogen (N) and crop rotation is very important when making N management decisions. There are several benefits to using crop rotation, including improved nutrient cycling, soil tilth, and soil physical properties; and enhanced weed control. Crop rotation also may influence the rate of N mineralization or the conversion of organic N to mineral N by modifying soil moisture, soil temperature, pH, plant residue, and tillage practices.The incremental increase in N use over the past five decades, due to emphasis on maximizing yield, has led to a subsequent increase in N in the soil profile of some agricultural fields. Therefore, the influence of agricultural practices on water quality has prompted studies to develop best management practices to optimize the use of fertilizer N and reduce N loss to surface and groundwater. Crop rotation can play a major role in minimizing the potential risk of nitrate leaching to surface and groundwater by enhancing soil N availability, reducing the amount of N fertilizer applied, and minimizing the potential risk of N leaching. Research on the impact of long-term crop rotation on soil N availability shows that planting alfalfa, corn, oat, and soybean significantly increased the mineralized net N in soil compared with planting continuous corn. Because soil N mineralization can effect yield, crop rotation thus can be used as a management system to enhance the soil nutrient pool, thereby reducing the fertilizer N input and minimizing the risk of leaching of excess N during wet weather. A combination of conservation tillage practices and crop rotation has been shown to be very effective in improving soil physical properties. Long-term studies in the Midwest indicate that corn-soybean rotation improves yield potential of no-till compared with continuous corn. The reduction in yield of continuous corn in no-till is attributed to low soil temperature during seed germination, which is evident on poorly drained soils under no-till. Studies show that the poor performance of no-till corn following corn is more likely due to the previous crop than to surface residue conditions preventing early-season warming and drying of soils. The use of a legume cover in crop rotation can provide a substantial amount of N to a succeeding crop. Research has indicated that seeding rates for legumes can be reduced by approximately one-third of that recommended for forage production when used as cover crops without sacrificing biomass or N accumulation. Also, the type of crop grown in the previous year can impact the efficiency of conservation tillage, especially for no-till systems, due to the kind and amount of crop residue from the previous crop.

Book Cover Crop and Soil Amendment Effects on Carbon Sequestration in a Silage Corn soybean Cropping System

Download or read book Cover Crop and Soil Amendment Effects on Carbon Sequestration in a Silage Corn soybean Cropping System written by Bradley Eric Fronning and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Cover Crop Effects on Root Rot of Sweet Corn and Soil Properties

Download or read book Cover Crop Effects on Root Rot of Sweet Corn and Soil Properties written by Mikio Miyazoe and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Root rot of sweet corn in western Oregon and Washington is a significant disease that can reduce yield of intolerant cultivars of processed sweet corn by fifty percent. Root rot is caused by a complex of soilborne organisms, including Drechslera sp., Phoma terrestris, and Pythium arrhenomanes. Processors have adopted tolerant cultivars but farmers continue to seek cultural management strategies that reduce inoculum potential. High rate manure and compost amendments (16.8 - 56.0 Mg ha−1) suppress root rot of corn through general suppression but this practice is not agronomically viable. General suppression is typically associated with high rates of organic amendment and high microbial (FDA) activity. Processed vegetable farmers currently grow winter cover crops to improve soil and water quality and are interested in identifying cover crops that suppress root rot of corn and increase yield. High biomass cover crops can yield up to 12 Mg ha−1 dry matter; this rate of organic amendment may or may not be sufficient to generate general suppression. However, specific cover crops, such as species and cultivars of crucifers and oats, have been shown to more suppressive than other cover crop species and cultivars against specific soilborne diseases. Oat is grown as a winter cover crop in the Willamette Valley and contains avenecin, a chemical that has been shown to have activity against pathogen propagules. In addition, in previous work in containers oat cover crops suppressed root rot of sweet corn. However, there is a concern that oat cover crops immobilize N and reduce corn yield. The objectives of this research were to 1) identify high biomass cover crops with agronomic potential for western Oregon processed vegetable cropping systems, 2) evaluate the impact of high biomass cover crops on root rot severity and yield of sweet corn, 3) determine whether there is a correlation between dry matter, soil microbial activity and root rot severity and 4) determine whether cover crops immobilize nitrogen and reduce corn yield. Research station field trials were conducted in 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 at the Oregon State University vegetable research farm in Corvallis, Oregon and an on-farm experiment was conducted in 2004-05 at Kenagy Family Farm in Albany, Oregon. Oat 'Saia' winter-killed in 2005-06 and mustard mix 'Caliente' winter-killed every winter except 2004-05, when winter temperatures never dropped below -7° C. Rape 'Dwarf Essex', mustard 'Braco', and arugula are reliably winter-hardy. All mustard cover crop species are susceptible to white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, causal agent of white mold of snap bean. Oat (Avena sativa) is susceptible to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), an important pathogen of grass seed crops. Mustard cover crops could contaminate cruciferous seed crops. All of the cover crop species evaluated demonstrated some potential to suppress root rot of corn. Oat 'Saia' was the most consistently suppressive; it suppressed root rot in 4 of 6 experiments. Sudangrass was suppressive in the only year it was evaluated as well as in container experiments in previous work. In general, cover crops increased or had no impact on shoot and root dry matter in greenhouse bioassays. There was only one significant cover crop treatment effect on yield; in 2006, the oat treatment increased yield by 11.6% compared to the fallow. Overall, cover crop aboveground dry matter (DM) ranged from 4.2 Mg ha−1 (summer R 2003) to 12.2 Mg ha−1 (winter O 2004). Overall, there was a significant relationship between cover crop DM and radicle rot severity in greenhouse bioassay but not in field experiment. Cover crop treatments consistently increased soil microbial activity. Overall, there was a significant negative correlation between microbial activity and root rot severity in greenhouse bioassays early after cover crop incorporation, but the correlation weakened over time and ultimately was lost by about 80 days after incorporation. The C:N of oat and rape residues was 51 and 21, respectively. Soil nitrogen was immobilized by both the oat and rape cover crops, but oat immobilized more N than rape. Corn grown in the oat treatment soils had lower SPAD values, but it is not clear whether foliar N was sufficiently low to reduce yield potential. There was no consistent trend in above- or below-ground corn dry matter after oat incorporation over the three years. In 2006, the oat treatment had no significant effect on corn DM but increased yield by 11.1%. More work is required to better understand the impact of oat cover crop N immobilization on corn N status and yield. Oat 'Saia' has the potential to suppress root rot of sweet corn and maintain or increase corn productivity. However, this oat cultivar is not reliably winter-hardy and is susceptible to BYDV. Future research should screen Avena species and/or cultivars for improved winter hardiness, BYDV resistance, and root rot suppressive potential.