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Root pruning reduces root competition and increases crop growth in a living mulch cropping system

Båth, B.; Kristensen, H.L. and Thorup-Kristensen, K. (2009) Root pruning reduces root competition and increases crop growth in a living mulch cropping system. In: Proceedings from the International Symposium Root Research and Applications. Vienna, Austria, 2-4 Sept. 2009, CD-rom (050-2), pp. 1-2.

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Summary

Living mulch systems may decrease pest attacks. However, the below-ground competition from the living mulch may decrease the growth of the cash crop. Here growth of white cabbage in living mulch systems and in pure stands was compared. Root pruning of the living mulch increased the above-ground biomass of white cabbage, with two prunings giving higher cabbage yields than one. Below-ground growth and competition were examined by measuring root distribution in minirhizotrons and uptake of 15N placed at different soil depths. These studies showed that the ability of mulch species to compete for resources at depth was restricted by pruning.


EPrint Type:Conference paper, poster, etc.
Type of presentation:Paper
Keywords:living mulch, N competition, root distribution, root pruning, white cabbage
Subjects: Crop husbandry > Crop combinations and interactions
Research affiliation: Denmark > DARCOF III (2005-2010) > VEGQURE - Organic cropping Systems for Vegetable production
Sweden > Formas
Sweden > Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) > Department of Crop Production Ecology
Deposited By: Kristensen, Ph.D. Hanne Lakkenborg
ID Code:19583
Deposited On:08 Nov 2011 09:23
Last Modified:08 Nov 2011 09:23
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Not peer-reviewed

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