Nitrogen and non-nitrogen benefits of lentil in the succeeding wheat crop

Non-Peer ReviewedIncorporation of legumes in a cropping system has positive agronomic benefits to subsequent crops, particularly cereals. These benefits are associated with improved N availability to the subsequent cereal and/or non-N benefits associated with the preceding legume crop. A study was conducted in southern Saskatchewan, Canada, in the Dark Brown soil zone to determine the N and non-N benefits of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) in the subsequent wheat (Triticum sarivum L.) crop. A systematic grid design was employed and 15N methods were used to determine and separate the two rotation benefits. Grain yield, spring available N, total N yield, A-value and the amount of N derived from the soil were significantly higher on the lentil-wheat rotation than on the wheat-wheat rotation. Leaf disease complex and root rot were lower on the lentil-wheat rotation than on the wheat-wheat rotation. Results indicate that the N-benefit may be higher than the non-N benefit in the Dark Brown Soil Zone