Influence of subsoiling on direct-seeded cereals in southeastern Idaho

Strausbaugh, C.A. and Windes, J.M. (2006) Influence of subsoiling on direct-seeded cereals in southeastern Idaho. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. 28:596-608.

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Abstract

The influence of shallow (20 cm deep) subsoil tillage on cereals planted with a no-till planter was investigated
for 3 years at two locations in southeastern Idaho. Among Fusarium spp., F. culmomm was the primary fungus isolated
from diffuse brown—black root lesions in the wetter location (Ririe), while F. semitectum, F. reticulatum, F. equiseti, and
F acuminatum were the dominant species isolated at the drier location (Arbon Valley). Increased yields resulting from
methyl bromide fumigation indicated that biological factors were limiting the yield. However, subsoiling did not
influence nematode populations or fungal root rots. The primary parasitic nematode found at both locations was
Pratylenchus neglecms. Subsoiling had a tendency to increase soil moisture at depths between 61 and 90 cm, to increase
organic matter, and to decrease nitrogen. Yield increased by 8% or more with subsoil tillage at both locations the first
year. Yield increases were not significant in other years, when moisture was particularly limiting or abundant. Subsoiling
may prove favorable for cereals planted in a soil-conservation tillage system, but the risk of fungal root rots may increase
with such a practice. Additional study is warranted, as subsoil—tillage practices may increase yield and desirable soil
parameters without compromising the benefits associated with cereal production in a soil—conservation tillage system.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	1208
Subjects:	Soil > Subsoiling Irrigated crops > Small grain
Depositing User:	Users 3 not found.
Date Deposited:	24 Mar 2008 21:34
Last Modified:	01 Nov 2016 15:12
Item ID:	48
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/48