To Complement Lectures and Discussions
on this Topic in SSC 701
Images
To Complement Lectures and Discussions
on this Topic in SSC 701
Picture of a double-ring infiltrometer
Subsoiling and Tillage
Picture of chisel knives used to rip compacted plow pan layer in
continuously cultivated fields in an Ultisol at Yurimaguas, Peru
Corn after subsoiling in an Ultisol at Yurimaguas, Peru
Comparison
between Alfisol profiles at IITA, Nigeria under continuous
tillage and no-till
systems. Note the gravelly nature of the subsoil as we discussed in class.
African Sahel
Sandstorms are a common problem in this region, and can threaten
the survival of
crops which can be buried in the sand.
Sandfighters break the surface, trap windblown sand, and reduce
crop damage by sand blasting and burial. Sandfighters also break
surface crusts, improve infiltration and reduce runoff.
Steeplands
Many steepland areas are cropped, such as this
corn-growing region in Central Honduras. Limited
ground cover, during certain periods, can increase erosion and
runoff.
In areas near La Ceiba, Honduras, hillside farmers have adopted a rotation of
corn with mucuna
(Stizolobium deeringiana) which is a fast-growing legume cover crop.
Mucuna is planted about 50 days after corn and covers the entire field once
corn is harvested. Additional benefits include biological N fixation and weed
suppression. Weed control is illustrated in
this picture by comparing plots without mucuna in the foreground
with mucuna in the background. For further information on this system see the
article by Buckles (Econ. Bot. 49:13-25 (1995)).
Last Modified on October 24, 1999
