Conservation production systems in the mid‐southern USA: III. Zone tillage for furrow‐irrigated soybean. Issue 1 (29th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bryant, C.J.; Krutz, L.J.; Reynolds, D.B.; Locke, M.A.; Golden, B.R.; Irby, T.; Steinriede, R.W.; Spencer, G.D.; Mills, B.E.; Wood, C.W.
• Is Part Of: Crop, forage & turfgrass management. Volume 6:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-08-29
• Subjects: Crop science -- Periodicals; Agronomy -- Periodicals; Forage -- Periodicals; Turf management -- Periodicals; Agronomy; Crop science; Forage; Turf management; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 633
• DOI: 10.1002/cft2.20057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-3832

Abstract

Abstract: Mid‐southern U.S. soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers are frequently encouraged to adopt no‐tillage systems to capture the associated environmental benefits; however, adoption is minimal due to the need for raised seedbeds for irrigation and drainage purposes. This research was conducted to determine if zone tillage systems, with and without a tillage radish ( Raphanus sativus L. var. longipinnatus) cover crop, can maintain yield, profitability, and water use efficiency relative to that of a conservation tillage system with subsoiling. The effects of conservation systems on soybean grain yield, net returns above specified costs, and water use efficiency were investigated near Stoneville, MS on a Dubbs silt loam (Fine‐silty, mixed, active, thermic Typic Hapludalfs). Relative to a conservation tillage system with subsoiling, switching to a zone tillage system with or without a cover crop had no effect on soybean grain yield ( P = .4986), net returns above specified costs ( P = .3724), or water use efficiency ( P = .5652). Our data indicate that mid‐southern U.S. soybean productivity and profitability are maintained in zone‐tillage systems.