Maximizing Cotton Production and Rye Cover Crop Biomass through Timely In-Row Subsoiling

摘要

Most tillage and fertilizer practices attempt to maximize cash crop yields and do not focus on increasing cover crop yields. This project was conducted to determine the optimum time to perform in-row subsoiling in order to maximize cash crop and cover crop production which is a common and necessary practice. Two implements (Paratill and a KMC Rip/Strip) were used to perform in-row subsoiling at 6-week intervals beginning in the late fall in a Coastal Plains soil. A rye cover crop was used to precede a cotton cash crop. Crop yields, soil strength, soil moisture, and infiltration were measured to assess differences in productivity and soil condition. Large amounts of variation were found in both production of cover and cash crop potentially due to erratic rainfall. Results indicated that maximum yields occurred for the cash crop and the cover crop by performing in-row subsoiling late in the spring after the cover crop had been terminated. All in-row subsoiling treatments were found to be superior to no-tillage which exhibited reduced plant growth, infiltration, and increased soil compaction