Using advanced technologies to investigate reduced cultivation methods for crops

Choice of cultivation strategy is a key component in cereal production. Seedbed preparation is crucial for crop establishment, growth and ultimately, yield; however, different crops require differing soil physical properties for successful establishment. There is a need to investigate reduced or low disturbance techniques and their capacity to reduce establishment costs, increase sowing capacity and facilitate alternative sowing dates. The effect of cultivation/sowing system on soil and root structure needs to be determined. However, direct visualisation of root:soil interactions has been impossible due to roots growing in opaque soil.

The proposed 4-year study will assess the impact of cultivation systems and soil types on soil structure, cereal root systems and ultimately crop yield. It will be conducted through a series of plot trials comparing two depths of tillage (250mm and 100mm) and No-Till at two sites in the UK and one site in Ireland which also feature an additional ploughed treatment. 

Figure 1: Cereal plots ready for harvesting 

The study will utilise X-ray CT scanning of soil cores taken from the field plots. X-ray CT is a 3D non-destructive technique that can be repeatedly undertaken on the same soil core; allowing soil structure, soil pores and root system architecture to be simultaneously visualised and quantified at scales relevant to root:soil interactions.

 

Figure. 2. Imaging soils for non-destructive root evaluation

In this task X-ray CT will be used to directly visualise soil-seed contact and obtain data regarding the effect that different cultivation methods have on soil structure to gain information regarding the optimum seedbed preparation. It will also assess the effects on the root architecture of established plants.

As well as optimisation of agricultural food production systems leading to more efficient food production with lower environmental impacts, this projects’ focus on reduced or lower disturbance techniques for seedbed preparation could also lead to improved soil structure and health as well as optimising yields.

 

Figure 3: Yield monitoring and mapping