Surface Water Quality Impacts of Conservation Tillage Practices on Burley Tobacco Production Systems in Southwest Virginia

Abstract

A plot-scale, rainfall-simulation study measured edge-of-field pollutant losses from conventionaltill, strip-till, and no-till treatments in a burley tobacco production system. The field experiment results show that the conventional-till treatment yielded more total runoff than strip-and no-till treatments. Compared to the conventional-till treatment, both no-till and striptill reduced the total mass losses of total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), nitrate (NO-N), ammonia (NH 3 -N), total phosphorus (TP), orthophosphate (PO 4 -P), and the insecticide chlorpyrifos in runoff. Although statistical analyses indicated that there was no significant difference between the no-till and strip-till practices, the no-till practice consistently yielded less edge-of-field pollutant loss than the strip-till practice. This research reinforces the body of knowledge documenting the effectiveness of conservation-tillage practices in reducing edge-of-field pollutant losses.

Interactions of Tillage and Cover Crop on Water, Sediment, and Pre‐emergence Herbicide Loss in Glyphosate‐Resistant Cotton: Implications for the Control of Glyphosate‐Resistant Weed Biotypes

“…These crop residues protect the soil surface from rainfall impact, impede surface crust formation, and reduce soil erosion (Foster and Meyer, 1977; McGregor et al, 1990; Alberts and Neibling, 1994). Consequently, relative to systems that receive tillage, NT reduces erosion and the loss of pesticides transported primarily by sediment (Afyuni et al, 1997; Basta et al, 1997; Baughman et al, 2001; Benhan et al, 2007; Locke et al, 2008b; Mamo et al, 2006; Meyer et al, 1999; Mutchler and McDowell, 1990; Pantone et al, 1996; Reddy et al, 1994; Yoo et al, 1987; Zeimen et al, 2006; Zhu et al, 1989). Additionally, NT typically improves soil structure, often enhances infiltration rates and amounts, and purportedly reduces the loss of moderately sorbed pesticides (Locke and Bryson, 1997).…”

Alternative Ridging Practices for Flue‐Cured Tobacco Production in North Carolina

“…Tillage programs differing from conventional SR have advantages in flue‐cured tobacco production in North Carolina. Along with acceptable leaf yield, quality, and value, alternative tillage systems might address other production issues, such as soil erosion, water and nutrient runoff, sand blasting, soil resistance, moisture availability, and timely implementation of agronomic practices (Benham et al, 2007; Jones, 1998). Producers are encouraged to consider alternative ridging systems such as FR or NR, depending on geographic location and general production practices, but should be aware that all tillage systems are not always suitable in the differing environments of North Carolina.…”

Growth and Development Responses of Tobacco (<i>Nicotiana tabacum</i> L.) to Changes in Physical and Hydrological Soil Properties Due to Minimum Tillage

“…nitrogen and phosphate compounds), and less pollutant dispersion (pesticides, etc.) in water run-off [27][28][29][30], playing a role in the development of a sustainable agricultural system for this intensive crop cultivation.…”