| Abstract Detail
Production and Management Pfaff, Katrina A [1], Bussan, A.J. [1]. Nutrient trap intercrops for potato production systems. CURRENT potato production systems can have negative environmental effects such as nitrogen and pesticide leaching to groundwater. Intercrop production systems could prevent nutrient losses due to leaching in Wisconsin potato production regions. The goal of this research was to develop intercrop strategies in potato that could trap or capture nutrients before leaching with minimal effect on the yield. Intercrops were winter wheat and alfalfa and were selected because of complimentary resource requirements to potato, potential survival after desiccation, and minimal competition for light with potato. Specific objectives were to evaluate the effect planting date and rate of alfalfa and wheat on yield of potato and intercrop biomass production. Potato was planted in mid April and intercrop was planted 2 wk after potato, at potato emergence, at hilling, canopy closure, and 2 wk pre-vine kill. Intercrop densities treatments were 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 seed per foot of row. A rye cover crop was established following potato harvest to assess the effects of intercrop on nitrogen availability after harvest. The potato yield and quality were not affected by intercrop density or planting date. Intercrop biomass was linearly related to the intercrop density and establishment date, but the relationship was not affected by changes in potato density. Biomass production and nitrogen recovery of companion crop established after potato harvest slightly increase after intercrop treatments. Intercrops have potential in potato but must be designed to survive weed management and cultivation of potato and not interfere with harvest.
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1 - University of Wisconsin, Department of Horticulture, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
Keywords:
nitrate leaching
intercrop
alfalfa
wheat.
Session: PAA12-12
Location: Hall of Ideas Room E/Monona Terrace
Date: Tuesday, July 25th, 2006
Time: 11:45 AM
Abstract ID:289 |
