GROWTH OF BARLEY, BROMEGRASS AND ALFALFA IN THE GREENHOUSE IN SOIL CONTAINING RAPESEED AND WHEAT RESIDUES

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Abstract
Under greenhouse conditions, incorporating ground straw in the soil at rates between 2,240 and 8,970 kg/ha reduced the emergence of alfalfa (Medicago media Pers. cv. Beaver) significantly (P < 0.05) and bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss cv. Magna) slightly, but had no effect on barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Conquest). Rape (Brassica napus L. cv. Target and B. campestris L. cv. Echo) straws were more damaging than wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Manitou) straw. Symptoms of severe nitrogen deficiency appeared early in the growth of barley where straw had been added to the soil. The effect on tillering varied. In one experiment tillers were smaller, in one tillers were larger; but in both, total leaf area produced was much less where 8,970 kg/ha of straw had been added to the soil. Bromegrass showed the same effects but to a lesser degree, probably because of slower growth requiring a smaller supply of nitrogen. Alfalfa growth was apparently unaffected. There was no evidence that the straw of either rapeseed species was more deleterious than wheat straw to crop growth after emergence. It is concluded that straw incorporated in soil affected barley and bromegrass growth by reducing the availability of nitrogen.

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