Rotation and Fertilization Effects on Corn and Soybean Yields and Soybean Cyst Nematode Populations in a No‐Tillage System

Abstract

Rotations have long been used to improve crop yields. No‐tillage production acreage is increasing, and production information on rotation effects on yields and soybean cyst nematode populations is needed for this system. Field experiments were initiated in 1985 and continued through 1992 to evaluate P‐K fertilization effects on yield of a corn‐soybean [Zea mays L.‐Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation and on populations of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) (SCN). The research was conducted on a Loring silt loam soil (a fine‐silty, mixed, active, thermic Oxyaquic Fragiudalf), using no‐tillage management. The experimental design was a split‐plot for corn evaluation and split‐split‐plot for soybean evaluation. Individual treatments were replicated five times. Main plots were broadcast P‐K rates of 0–0, 15–28, 29–56, 44–84, and 59–112 kg ha−1. The split‐plots were continuous corn, continuous soybean, a corn‐soybean rotation, and a soybean‐corn rotation. The split‐split‐plots were two soybean cultivars possessing different levels of SCN resistance. Yields of both crops were increased by the fertilization. In this study, corn yields were increased 14% and soybean yields increased 11% with the rotation. Rotating the two cultivars produced similar yields and nonrotated yields of resistant TN 4‐86 were higher than susceptible Essex, indicating an effect of SCN. The primary benefit of corn in the rotation was to reduce SCN populations. However, within Essex rotations the SCN population recovery was rapid, while populations remained relatively low in the TN 4‐86 rotations. The SCN populations were greater when rotations were fertilized with the two lowest P‐K rates, compared with populations within the unfertilized check and the highest P‐K rate. Soybean producers should consider a no‐tillage system of rotating corn with SCN‐resistant soybean cultivars, fertilized at high P and K rates for yield improvement and reduced SCN populations.

Impact of Crop Rotations and Soil Amendments on Long‐Term No‐Tilled Soybean Yield

“…Rotating crops may alter the environment in which weeds are adapted, thereby reducing weed populations (Higgs et al, 1990). Several studies have shown reductions in soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) populations when soybean is rotated with a non-host crop such as corn (Howard et al, 1998;Chen et al, 2001). Specifically, Sclerotinia stem rot in soybean is reduced when cropping rotations are implemented (Kurle et al, 2001).…”

Agronomic Management System and Precipitation Effects on Soybean Oil and Fatty Acid Profiles

“…Management practices, including tillage, fertilizer input, and plant rotation, have been reported to have signifi cant eff ects on agricultural systems, including weed community (Swanton et al, 2006), soil structure (Grandy et al, 2006b;Wright and Hons, 2004), soil fertility (Kelley and Sweeney, 1998), crop yield, and spatial variability (Grandy et al, 2006a;Harder et al, 2007;Howard et al, 1998;Hussain et al, 1999;Keim et al, 1999;Kravchenko et al, 2005;Smith et al, 2007).…”

No-tillage cultivation reduces rice cyst nematode (Heterodera elachista) in continuous upland rice (Oryza sativa) culture and after conversion to soybean (Glycine max) in Kanto, Japan

“…Many studies have investigated the effect of tillage system on the population density of soybean cyst nematodes, with varying results (Tyler et al, 1983(Tyler et al, , 1987Edwards et al, 1988;Koenning et al, 1995;Howard et al, 1998;Workneh et al, 1999;Chen et al, 2001;Noel and Wax, 2003). Some showed that NT prevented population increases (Tyler et al, 1983(Tyler et al, , 1987Edwards et al, 1988;Koenning et al, 1995;Workneh et al, 1999), suggesting that lower soil disturbance maintains lower soil temperatures and enhances predator nematode populations.…”