Soil compaction and the growth of vining peas

Abstract

SUMMARYThe effects of differing soil conditions at two sites on the growth of vining peas are described. The work was carried out over several seasons having contrasting rainfall at the time of crop emergence.Topsoil compaction induced by tractor wheelings reduced plant population and yield of vining peas by up to 70%. On the compacted plots peas were unable to compensate for the low population which was demonstrated by the inclusion of a non‐compacted treatment thinned to the same population as the compacted plots.The severity of compaction was greatest when soil conditions were dry at emergence and least severe when wet. It is suggested that compaction resulted in increased ethylene production in the root and shoot tissues and this may be a causal agent of the observed growth modifications.Recultivation of a compacted seed bed prior to sowing resulted in better establishment and higher yields than with the topsoil compacted but final yields were variable when compared to a ploughed control.Double digging did not increase yield above a ploughed control. In one year a 25% yield reduction was attributed to this treatment. The reasons for the reduction in yield are complex but it is suggested that the causal agent was modfied soil and plant water relations resulting in altered crop physiology.Tramlining the crop reduced yield in one year but when the frequency of wheeling damage is considered they would be unlikely to affect productivity.

Effect of soil compaction on growth, yield and light interception of selected crops

“…Previous workers have shown that reduced plant population and reduced performance of plants are both important factors whereby soil compaction can affect growth and yield of several crops (Hebblethwaite & McGowan, 1980;Dawkins et al, 1984). The principal aim of this study was to examine to what extent restricted growth and yield of crops grown in compacted soil could be related to impaired light interception or to impaired conversion coefficients.…”

“…deformed and distorted roots, shorter internodes, increased stem diameter etc. has led to suggestions that plant responses to soil compaction may be influenced by mechanisms other than impaired nutrient and water capture (Dawkins, Hebblethwaite & McGowan, 1984;Brereton, 1986) and some workers have speculated on the possible role of hormonal 'signals' between root and shoot systems (Brereton, McGowan & Dawkins, 1986;Masle & Passioura, 1987).…”

Field evaluation of soil moisture deficit thresholds for limits to trafficability with slurry spreading equipment on grassland

“…For example, compaction enhances seed–soil contact, improving germination and crop establishment (Radford & Nielsen, ), and it can increase crop yields in dry years (Namdari et al ., ). By contrast, a wide range of studies have reported reductions in crop yield as a result of soil compaction (Raghavan et al ., ; Negi et al ., ; Dawkins et al ., ; Radford et al ., ; Botta et al ., ; Chamen et al, ; Abu‐Hamdeh, ; McKyes et al ., ; Mamman et al ., ). Soil compaction increases soil specific resistance (Canarache, ) which, in turn, increases draft and implement wear (Godwin & Spoor, ).…”

Effects of Soil Structure on Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Root Development According to Sowing Date and Cultivar

“…In these situations, the soil is often not dry enough for good seedbed preparation and sowing (Le Bail and Meynard, 2003). Pea is sensitive to dense soil (Dore´, 1992), which decreases growth, nitrogen nutrition and crop yield in field conditions (Crozat et al, 1992;Dawkins et al, 1984). As soil water content is generally lower during the sowing period in the autumn than in the spring, soil structure would be expected to be more favourable for winter pea crops than for spring pea crops.…”