Short Term Effects of Annual Ryegrass, Red Clover and Hairy Vetch Cover Crops on Various Indicators of Soil Health
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The world’s population has passed 7 billion and is expected grow to more alarming numbers by the year 2050. The increase in human life on the planet ushers the need to responsibly and sustainably grow more food. In order to meet the demand necessary, it is crucial that soil remains healthy and crop yields continue to increase in efficiency. Irresponsible or ill-informed practices can lead to depleted resources and degradation of fertile soils that may limit a producers ’ ability to sustainably grow food. Cover crops are a tool that can be used to address issues the modern producer may face. Cover crops have been shown to increase cash crop productivity, improve soil health by improving soil physical and chemical properties as well as providing protection from soil erosion runoff or nutrient leaching. A study was conducted in 2014 to examine the short term effects associated with cover cropping systems. The effects of ryegrass, red clover and a cover crop cocktail (mixture of ryegrass, red clover and hairy vetch) compared to bare tilled and bare control plots were studied. The five treatments were replicated three times in a completely randomized study and analyzed. Soil physical health indicators such as bulk density and porosity were calculated. Soil and cover
Authors: Breanna Stout, Philip L. Barnes
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W32151346