Influence of continuous reduced tillage on the growth of sugar beet
1998
Hoffmann, C. (Institut fuer Zuckerruebenforschung, Goettingen (Germany))
Since reduced tillage alters soil physical, biological and chemical properties compared to ploughed soil, it may also affect plant growth. The influence of continuous reduced tillage (deep loosening, shallow mulching) on the growth of sugar beet plants was studied in a field trial in the years 1993-96. Dry matter production, leaf area index and growth rates were higher with reduced tillage in spring, decreased in summer and were lower compared to the ploughed treatment at harvest in October. This course was not affected by N application. There was no difference in the net assimilation rate in summer. As a cause for the better growth in reduced tillage in spring the higher root length density and the higher P and K supply in the upper soil layers in reduced tilled soil is considered. It is supposed that the decreased growth in summer is caused by hormonal changes of the plants due to the increase of mechanical resistance in soil with reduced tillage.
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