SeedChaser: Vertical soil tillage distribution model

Abstract

Knowledge of the vertical distribution of surface residues, chemicals, or seeds following tillage operations is of great importance to a wide variety of soil research areas. This paper describes a 1D empirical vertical soil tillage distribution model with 1 cm grid spacing (SeedChaser) that predicts vertical redistribution of weed seeds following user selected (a) sequences of tillage implements, and (b) initial seed distribution values. Results of this model are particularly suited for weed seed emergence modeling. However, the model can be adapted easily to any surface broadcasted agrochemical or incorporated residues. The present model can handle up to 20 passes of user selected sequences of 16 different implements. The majority of prior models examined only the impact of a more limited list of implements at much larger depth intervals, which reduced the predictability of fine-scale vertical movement that may be needed for simulating movements of seeds or chemical granules. SeedChaser consolidates the results from these previous models along with new data on conservation tillage implements into a prediction tool that would have applications both in weed science, as well as other soil research areas. SeedChaser was developed in JAVA and is publicly available via the Internet.

Longevity of seeds of four annual grass and two dicotyledon weed species as related to placement in the soil and straw disposal technique

“…Soil tillage is the primary factor responsible for changes in the vertical position of seeds in the soil. The influence of different tillage operations has been investigated and described by models in recent years (Grundy et al, 1999;Colbach et al, 2000;Mohler et al, 2006;Spokas et al, 2007). Based on these models, the distribution of seeds in the soil following different cultivation practices can be predicted.…”

Measuring Interference from Midseason Tall Morningglory (Ipomoea purpurea) to Develop a Model for Teaching Weed Seedbank Effects on Chile Pepper

“…It is important to note that implied costs of seed rains are likely upper limits, because the model does not account for seed dormancy, burial depths that are suboptimal for emergence, and postdispersal seed mortality. Future studies that combine this study's bioeconomic model with models that project seed fates and movements (e.g., Renton et al 2008;Spokas et al 2007) will enable detailed understanding of economic consequences of tall morningglory seed rains. Rogers (2003) indicated that the decision to adopt a new practice is a multistage process that often begins with recognition of the need for change.…”

Short‐term temporal changes of bare soil CO2 fluxes after tillage described by first‐order decay models

“…On an annual basis, we should expect the decay constants for tilled plots to be greater than for NT conditions because of increased aeration and soil residue mixing. However, predicting the decay constant may be a more complex task especially shortly after tillage, because of short‐term changes in soil moisture and temperature (Stevenson & Cole, 1999) as well as complex soil particle movement during tillage (Spokas et al , 2007). Higher soil gas diffusion and convection rates after tillage should cause immediate reductions in soil moisture (Fortin et al , 1996; Ellert & Janzen, 1999; Calderon & Jackson, 2002; La Scala et al , 2006) that could limit microbial activity resulting in a smaller decay constant.…”