A Landscape‐Scale Assessment of the Nitrogen and Non‐Nitrogen Rotation Benefits of Pea

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Abstract
The inclusion of a pulse crop in a rotation often leads to an increase in seed yield of the succeeding cereal crop. Landscape‐scale and small‐plot studies were established in 1993 to assess the N and non‐N rotation benefit by pea (Pisum sativum L.) to the subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. In the second rotation phase, wheat seed yields were 982 kg ha−1 greater and total N accumulation increased by 46 kg ha−1 in the pea‐wheat rotation. Reduced leaf disease severity and grassy weed infestation were related to 91% of the yield advantage in the pea‐wheat rotation, the non‐N rotation benefit. A 129 N kg ha−1 increase in the A value (soil N supplying power) was related to 9% of the yield advantage in the pea‐wheat rotation, the N benefit. In both rotations, seed yield was about 400 kg ha−1 lower in the high‐catchment footslopes than the low‐catchment footslopes and shoulders. The landform effect on seed yield in the pea‐wheat rotation was related to greater soil water and N content in the high‐catchment footslopes. Increased grassy weed infestation in the high‐catchment areas of the wheat‐wheat rotation was related to lower seed yields in this same area. The rotation benefit of pea to wheat was 34% greater in the landscape‐scale vs. the small‐plot study. Topographic variation interacted with factors responsible for the non‐N rotation benefit. A landscape‐scale assessment of the rotation benefit from legumes can be used to develop site‐specific management strategies that consider the effect of crop rotation.

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