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Effect of contrasting tillage procedures on the emergence of onions in relation to measured physical properties of seed beds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

P. F. North
P. F. North
Affiliation:
Soils Division, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ
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Summary

A new tillage procedure was examined for the improvement in physical environment it might provide during the establishment of a vegetable crop, particularly in a dry spring. This procedure, of cultivating the soil mainly in autumn, was compared with the conventional method of cultivating in the spring on a sandy loam soil. The physical condition of seed beds prepared by the two methods was assessed by in situ measurements of soil temperature, water retention characteristics, hydraulic conductivity and surface roughness. Plant responses were compared by monitoring the emergence of onion seeds. Dry spring conditions were simulated by sheltering some plots from rain.

Final emergence, emergence time and rate of emergence were all superior following autumn cultivation for both dry and wet seed beds. The major factor affecting emergence was the coarseness of the seed bed which influenced the mechanical impedance to shoot growth. Differences in soil temperature between treatments were small, as were hydraulic conductivities under dry conditions. Preparing a seed bed in autumn rather than spring resulted in a good tilth with lower mechanical strength. This minimized the constraints on emergence when soil strength increased under dry conditions.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 108 , Issue 3 , June 1987 , pp. 671 - 680
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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