Influence of planting system on surface soil, physical conditions and soil water relations

Influence of planting system on surface soil, physical conditions and soil water relations. The availability of soil water for crop use can this way be influenced by planting system. Various aspects of soil water relations were examined in varying detail at three sites - Wongan Hills, Avondale and Merredin, over the 1979 and 1980 growing seasons. Some of this soil water data are presented here. The Department of Agriculture initiated a programme in 1977 to investigate and compare crop performance under several planting systems. This project was part of this programme and had as its objectives: 1. Measurement of soil physico-chemical components of soil fertility with a view to identifying reasons for observed poorer plant growth and yields with directly drilled than conventionally grown crops. 2. Monitoring of long term changes in soil physicochemical conditions under directly drilled and conventionally grown crops. The availability of soil water for crop use can this way be influenced by planting system. Various aspects of soil water relations were examined in varying detail at three sites - Wongan Hills, Avondale and Merredin over the 1979 and 1980 growing seasons. Mt Barker, Boddington. Some of this soil water data are presented here. Triple disc drill direct drilling (TDD), Combine direct drilling (CDD), Minimum tillage (MT), Conventional cropping practise (CON). Evapotranspiration. RESULTS: Early emphasis was placed on establishing effects of planting system on surface soil physical conditions