Published September 19, 2007 | By admin
As the fall progresses in Central Platte Valley of Nebraska, the last look at root extension revealed some interesting facts. Two major seed companies joined forces to study three times during the growing season extension of roots which could improve the marketing of seed products in Nebraska. Our hope is that more seed companies can gain a better perspective of what is happening underground in more intense tillage and nutrient management systems.
Conv. Tillage Linear Inches/plant
NC+ Mycogen
25DAE 1060 920
45DAE 2360 2160
100DAE 8820 8630
Strip-Tillage Linear Inches/plant
NC+ Mycogen
25DAE 1790 1270
45DAE 5150 3535
100DAE 15450 10600
The root zone in both of these studies was limited throughout the growing season by a fluctuating water table between 48-56 inches deep. It is important to point out that strip-tillage promoted a more extensive rooting profile.
When harvest is complete we will be able to offer some conclusion as to what we observed. The season has been incredibly wet all summer long.