Effects of reduced tillage, fertilisation and biodynamic preparations on crop yield, weed infestation and the occurrence of Toxigenic fusaria

A. Berner¹, R. Frei¹, H.-U. Dierauer¹, S. Vogelgsang² and P. Mäder¹

Abstract
In a recently started long-term field trial (2002-2011), located in Frick (1000 mm mean annual precipitation) near Basle (Switzerland), the effect of reduced tillage on crop yield, weed infestation, and occurrence of toxigenic fusaria was studied on a heavy soil (45% clay) in a crop rotation under organic farming conditions. Here, we present results of the first two experimental years (2003-2004), which are considered as the conversion period.

Wheat yield was 16% higher (p < 0.001) in ploughed plots than in the plots with reduced tillage (chisel and rotary harrow). In the following year, sunflower yield was enhanced by 5% (p = 0.06) in reduced tilled plots. Reduced tilled plots manifested a higher weed infestation, in particular with Convolvulus arvensis and Stellaria media. With the exception of low levels of Fusarium poae, virtually no toxigenic fusaria were detected, possibly due to an exceptionally dry and hot summer in 2003.

We assume that even on heavy soils, reduced tillage systems may be applicable on organic farms, but with a considerably higher input of labour.


Source
Köpke et al (Eds) (2005): Researching Sustainable Systems. Proceedings of the First Scientific Conference of the International Society of Organic Agriculture Research (ISOFAR). ISOFAR / IOL / FiBL, Bonn and Frick; ISBN 3-906081-76-1


Author Locations and Affiliations
(1) Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland, Tel. +41 62 8657232, paul.maeder@fibl.ch
(2) Agroscope FAL Reckenholz, Reckenholzstrasse 191,CH-8046 Zurich, Switzerland, Tel. +41 1 3777229, susanne.vogelgsang@fal.admin.ch


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