ISHS Acta Horticulturae 198: Symposium on the Timing of Field Production of Vegetables
THE EFFECTS OF COVER CROPS ON TOMATO PRODUCTION |
| Author: | J.K. Muehmer |
| Abstract:
Due to monoculture and lack of rotation in recent decades, the heavy clay soils, particularly, and other fine textured soils as well in S.W. Ontario have suffered structural damage. The organic matter content has also decreased. This gave not only problems in soil management and cultural practices but resulted in decreased yields with field crops, particularly though with horticultural row crops. Recently experiments and some larger demonstration plots with various cover crops have been introduced to alleviate this condition. The first results to bring about structural changes, improve soil conditions and influence yields will be reviewed. Preliminary yield results on large plots showed distinct increases when oats were used, and trends were noted with other cover crops as well. Specifically, oats added 4,000 kg of dry matter per hectare of land from tops alone, improving the structure of compacted soil. All underseeded cover crops on campus showed a definite advantage over bare soil with 25 percent yield increase on hard Brookston clay. | |
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