Effect of Zero Tillage and Residues Conservation on Continuous Maize Cropping in a Subtropical Environment (Mexico) |
| |
Authors: | P Monneveux E Quillérou C Sanchez J Lopez-Cesati |
| |
Institution: | (1) CIMMYT, A.P. 6-641, 06600 Mexico D.F, México;(2) Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Montpellier, 34070 Montpellier Cedex 01, France |
| |
Abstract: | The effects of zero tillage and residue conservation in continuous maize-cropping systems are poorly documented, especially
in the tropics, and are expected to vary highly with climatic conditions and nitrogen availability. In the present study,
maize was cultivated during the wet and dry seasons in central Mexico for three consecutive years, under different treatments
combining tillage with residue management techniques and with nitrogen rates. In some treatments, maize was also intercropped
with jackbean, Canavalia ensiformis L. (DC). Yield and yield components as well as physiological traits and soil characteristics were assessed during the wet
and dry seasons for the third year of cultivation. During the wet season, zero tillage was associated with less biomass and
grain yield. Leaf chlorophyll concentration was smaller under zero tillage, suggesting less nitrogen uptake. Both zero tillage
and residue conservation reduced early growth and strongly increased ear rot. During the dry season, zero tillage was associated
with greater root mass, as measured by electrical capacitance. Residue conservation decreased the anthesis-silking interval,
suggesting better water uptake. There was, however, no significant effect of tillage or residue management practices on yield.
Zero tillage was found to be associated with increased soil bulk density, nitrogen concentration and microbial biomass organic
carbon. Residue conservation increased soil carbon concentration as well as microbial biomass organic carbon. Intercropping
with jackbean and conservation of its residues in addition to maize residues increased soil nitrogen concentration. Further
investigation may provide more information on the factors related to zero tillage and residue conservation that affect maize
early growth, and determine to which extent the observed modifications of soil chemical and physical properties induced by
conservation tillage will further affect maize yield. |
| |
Keywords: | Canavalia ensiformis L intercropping residue conservation Zea mays L zero tillage |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|