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Comparison of direct drilling, reduced cultivation and ploughing on the growth of cereals

2. Spring barley on a sandy loam soil: soil physical conditions and root growth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

F. B. Ellis ,
J. G. Elliott ,
B. T. Barnes  and
K. R. Howse
F. B. Ellis
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Council Letcombe Laboratory, Wantage, 0X12 9JT
J. G. Elliott
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Council Weed Research Organization, Begbroke Hill, Oxford 0X5 1PF
B. T. Barnes
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Council Letcombe Laboratory, Wantage, 0X12 9JT
K. R. Howse
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Council Letcombe Laboratory, Wantage, 0X12 9JT
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Summary

This paper gives measurements of soil physical conditions and root growth made in the experiment described in the previous paper. The effect of methods of tillage on soil properties (strength, bulk density, nutrient distribution and fauna) and the effects on root development and the absorption of nutrients from different depths in the soil were investigated. The procedures used for these measurements are described.

Greater soil compaction occurred in all years after direct drilling. The growth of seminal roots of young plants was reduced by direct drilling in each year but only in the first year were there significant differences in root development between treatments at later stages of growth. Similarly, in each year early shoot growth was reduced by direct drilling but, with the exception of the first year, the plants were subsequently able to compensate adequately. Direct drilling resulted in more earthworms being present in the soil, and caused the surface soil to be more friable and contain a higher concentration of available phosphorus and potassium.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 89 , Issue 3 , December 1977 , pp. 631 - 643
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

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