Abstract:
Experiments were conducted in two-controlled environment growth chambers to evaluate the effects of shallow water table depths on soil aeration and growth of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Water tables (WT) were maintained at 0.1-5-0.300.45, and 0.60 m below the soil surface. Soil aeration status was determined by measuring oxygen concentrations periodically at 0.15, 0.30, and.0.60 m depths. Effect of WT on crop growth was determined in terms of plant height, seed yield, and shoot dry: weight of soybean. Results of this study showed that soil oxygen concentration was significantly reduced by raising the WT depth. Average oxygen concentrations at 0.15 m soil depth was 27% higher compared with 0.30-m soil depth. Effect of water table on plant height was not noticed until the later part of the vegetative stage (72 DAP); Shallow water table depths significantly-reduced plant height and grain yield compared with deeper WT depths. Highest soybean yield was obtained under 0.60 m WT depth and the lowest was for 0.15-m WT depth. Average yield obtained at 0.15 m WT was 48% lower than 0.60 m WT treatment. No significant differences were observed between 0.30 and 0.45 WT treatments, although the yield values for the 0.45 m were greater than for the 0.30 m treatment. Dry weight results of soybean showed the trends similar to plant height and grain yield. Soil-air-water conditions imposed by 0.60 m WT treatment of this study seems to provide the most .favorable balance between aeration and water supply for soy bean growth.
Page(s):
11-20
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Volume: 22, Issue: 1, Year: 2003