Title:
Maize and Sunflower Productivity as Affected by Crop Rotation with Pisum Sativum in Central Greece
Author(s):
Skoufogianni, E., Danalatos, N.G.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Rotation with winter cover crops is a fundamental practice for sustainable agricultural systems. Cover crops can have significant positive effects on soil health and are an important tool for soil organic matter management. In this research a double cropping system is based on a winter (field pea-Pisum sativum L.) and two bio-energy summer crops (Helianthus annuus L. and Zea mays L.) harvested in the same year, for bio-energy production. Two field experiments were carried out in 2008 in central Greece (Larisa, Trikala). A split plot design was used in three blocks. Three treatments were used for cover crop; harvested (completed biological cycle), incorporated pea into the soil (upon anthesis) and control (plots without pea). Each block included twelve plots of 3 m x 3 m = 9 m2. In both experiments, a three pea treatment and four N dressings of the bio-energy crops (0, 50, 100, 150 kg/ha for sunflower and 0, 80, 160, 240 kg/ha for maize) were used. The results showed that there is a paramount superiority when cover crop is incorporated in both experimental sites (especially in Trikala) and in both subsequent crops. In all cases, the effect of harvesting the cover crop on (maize and sunflower) yield production was intermediate between the effects of control and cover crop incorporation.
Keywords:
biomass, maize, sunflower, Greece, cover crops, pea
Topic:
Biomass resources
Subtopic:
Research on energy crops (session 3)
Event:
18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
VP1.3.7
Pages:
440 - 443
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-56-1
ISBN-10:
88-89407-56-5
Paper DOI:
10.5071/18thEUBCE2010-VP1.3.7
Price:
FREE
