| Abstract Detail
Production and Management Copas, Michael E. [1], Bussan, A.J. [1], Lowery, Birl [2]. Influence of compaction and subsoil tillage on soil water movement and potato rooting patterns. COMPACTED soil layers have become an increasing problem in recent years in cultivated vegetable crop systems on Central Wisconsin sand soils. In response to increasing problems caused by the compacted subsoil, producers and processors have implemented a program of subsoil tillage in attempt to fracture compacted layers. Soil penetrometer readings have shown that subsoil tillage can fracture the compacted layer and potentially increase the effective rooting depth of potato. Prior studies have been inconclusive in determining the benefits of increasing potato rooting depth. Problems created by a limited rooting depth due to compacted subsoil were alleviated with proper irrigation management. Limited water infiltration after excessive rainfall or irrigation increased disease and physiological problems that reduced yield and quality of tubers. Studies were conducted in an experimental small plot study. Treatments consisted of conventional tillage with or without subsoil tillage, coupled with non-compacted versus excessively compacted soil. Soil volumetric moisture content was monitored in 15 minute increments using time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes set in the tuber zone, directly above the compacted layer, and below the compacted layer. Rooting was quantified by tracing roots under each hill individually and transposing the data onto a grid for analysis. In 2004 compaction limited rooting below the plow layer and limited water movement into the subsoil, restricting the amount of water available for plant uptake. Subsoil tillage improved depth of root penetration and root density below the compacted layer.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - University of Wisconsin, Department of Horticulture, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
2 - University of Wisconsin-Madison, Soil Science, 1525 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
Keywords:
potato rooting
soil compaction
subsoil tillage.
Session: PAA12-10
Location: Hall of Ideas Room E/Monona Terrace
Date: Tuesday, July 25th, 2006
Time: 11:15 AM
Abstract ID:237 |
