Soil depth and tillage effects on dry bean production
2003
Russo, V.M.
The effects of soil depth on yields of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) produced under different types of tillage is not well understood. Black and pinto bean yields were evaluated under conventional and reduced-tillage for 2 years in a 3.24-ha (8-acre) commercial field in southeastern Oklahoma. Before planting, a grid pattern was laid out on the field with points at every 13.7 m (45.0 ft) north to south and 6.1 m (20.0 ft) east to west. Samples were taken at each intersection of the grid lines (496 sites) to determine pH, and the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium present in soil. Depth to an impervious clay pan was determined at these sites, and were grouped as being one of the following: <25 cm (9.8 inches), >25 to 50 cm (19.7 inches), >50 to 75 cm (29.5 inches) and >75 cm. Irrigation was supplied, if needed, at 50% flowering and, in both years, at 50% pod set. There was no significant effect on yield due to year. Black bean yields from conventional tillage averaged 1166 kg.ha(-1) (1040.4 lb/acre) across soil depths and were better than yields from reduced-tillage which averaged 136 kg.ha(-1) (121.3 lb/acre). Pinto bean yields from conventional tillage were 611 kg.ha(-1) (545.2 lb/acre) across soil depths and were better than for reduced tillage, which averaged 403 kg.ha(-1) (359.6 lb/acre). Yields generally were reduced as soil depth increased regardless of tillage type. The reduction in input for reduced-tillage would not compensate for the reduced yields for plants grown on the most productive soil depths.
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