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Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/2015 Publication Date: 8/1/2016 Citation: Larkin, R.P. 2016. Cumulative and residual effects of potato cropping system management strategies on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. American Phytopathological Society Abstracts. 105:S4.78. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: In field trials established in 2004, different 3-yr potato cropping systems focused on specific management goals of soil conservation (SC), soil improvement (SI), and disease-suppression (DS) were evaluated and compared to a 2-yr standard rotation (SQ) and a non-rotation control (PP) for their effects on a variety of soil properties under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Systems were actively managed through 2010, with potato crops planted in subsequent years (2011-12) to examine residual effects. Cropping system significantly affected many parameters associated with soil health, with effects generally increasing over time as well as having lasting residual effects. All rotations increased aggregate stability, water availability, microbial biomass C, and total C and N relative to no rotation (PP), and 3-yr rotations (SI, SC, DS) increased aggregate stability and water availability relative to the 2-yr rotation (SQ). The SI system, which included yearly compost amendments, resulted in greater increases in total and POM C and N, Active C, microbial activity, water availability, CEC, and concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg, and S than all other rotations. SI also reduced bulk density (BD) relative to all other systems, and SC reduced BD relative to remaining systems. Cropping systems that incorporate management practices such as increased rotation length and the use of cover crops, green manures, organic amendments, and reduced tillage can improve soil health. |
