A. Heydari,
Volume 15, Issue 57 (10-2011)
Abstract
Performance of proper deep tillage can reduce negative effects of soil compaction. The objectives of the research were to determine the effects of deep tillage application on soil physical properties and wheat yield. Therefore, in 2006-2007 an experiment was conducted at Tajarak Agricultural Research Station of Hamedan on a soil with clay loam texture. In this research, four tillage methods were used. These methods were: 1) subsoiling with 30cm soil depth + conventional tillage (moldboard plowing) 2) subsoiling with 50cm soil depth + conventional tillage, 3) plowing by combined plow (chisel plow + roller) with 30cm soil depth and 4) conventional tillage (plowing by moldboard plow to 25-30cm soil depth). Randomized complete block design with four treatments and replications was used to analyze data and compare the treatment means. Before and after the application of the tillage treatments, parameters of cone index, bulk density and infiltration rate were measured in soil. Also before yield harvesting, components of yield (grain number in panicle, panicle number in plant and 1000 grain weight) were measured. To measure grain yield in experimental plots, in each plot ten square meter area from the yield was harvested. Result indicated that effect of different tillage treatment on soil resistance was not significant. Effect of deep tillage methods on bulk density and infiltration rate was significant. Deep tillage methods increased water infiltration rate in the soil and decreased soil bulk density. Effect of different deep tillage methods on wheat yield was not significant. However, application of chisel plow increased the wheat yield by 25%. It may be concluded the subsoiling treatment does not affect the crop yield in intensive and fully irrigated field condition. The results of this study indicated that if there is a compacted layer at 30cm soil depth, and with the same climate and soil as those in the experimental site, the application of chisel plow due to economical consideration (low fuel consumption and high field efficiency) can be recommended for soil preparation and cultivation of irrigated wheat.
