Reducing Soil Compaction to Improve Winter Wheat Yield
Agronomy & Pest Management
Aaron Esser
Extension Agronomist
Washington State University
RITZVILLE
Abstract
Producers in the dryland (<12 inches annual precipitation) cropping region of eastern Washington continue looking for methods of improving water infiltration, reducing restrictive soil compaction layers, maintaining crop residue to prevent wind erosion and improving winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield. The Case IH Ecolo-til 2500 minimum till ripper is an implement designed to minimize residue decomposition, reduce soil compaction, and increase water infiltration. The objective of this research is to determine if this implement benefits dryland winter wheat- summer fallow production. An on-farm test (OFT) was initiated in the fall of 2008 after winter wheat harvest examining two treatments: 1. Case IH Ecolo-til 2500 operation; 2. no Case IH Ecolo-til 2500 operation. The on-farm test was repeated in 2009. The 10 acre OFT was a RCBD with 5 replications each year. Data collected included soil compaction data to a depth of 18 inches, soil moisture to a depth of 4-foot in 1-foot increments, grain yield, and grain quality. Overall the Case IH Ecolo-til 2500 minimum till ripper significantly reduced soil compaction between 9.6-23.5%, soil moisture and grain yield varied between treatment and years.
Authors: Esser, A. D.
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Esser, A. D. Extension Agronomist, Washington State University, Washington, 99169