ARS | Publication request: Long-term tillage and cropping sequence effects on soil physical properties under dryland conditions in Northeastern Montana

Submitted to: Agronomy Society of America, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 12, 2011
Publication Date: October 10, 2011
Citation: Jabro, J.D., Lenssen, A.W., Sainju, U.M., Evans, R.G. 2011. Long-term tillage and cropping sequence effects on soil physical properties under dryland conditions in Northeastern Montana. Agronomy Society of America, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America Meeting. Cd-Rom.

Technical Abstract: Understanding the effect of long-term tillage and cropping sequence on soil physical properties is essential for cropping systems sustainability. We evaluated a 21-yr effect of combination of tillage and cropping sequence on soil bulk density (Bd), gravimetric moisture content (GMC) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of a Dooly sandy loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid Typic Argiustolls) at 0 to 10 and 10 to 20 cm depths in Northeastern Montana. Five tillage and cropping sequences were no-tilled continuous spring wheat (NTCW), spring-tilled continuous spring wheat (STCW), fall- and spring-tilled continuous spring wheat (FSTCW), fall-and spring-tilled spring wheat-barley followed by spring wheat-pea (FSTW-B/P) and spring-tilled spring wheat-fallow (STW-F). The statistical results showed that soil BD, GMC and Ks were significantly influenced by tillage and cropping system at 0 to 10 cm depth. Soil Bd was significantly greater in STW-F than in STCW at both depths. Soil GMC was greater in NTCW than in FSTW-B/P and STW-F, and Ks was greater in NTCW than in FSTW-B/P at 0 to 10 cm depth. However, both soil GMC and Ks were not significantly affected by neither tillage nor cropping sequence at 10 to 20 cm depth.