Effect of pre-plant tillage systems for potatoes in Prince Edward Island, Canada, on soil properties, weed control and potato yield

ABSTRACT: ABSTRACT: Prince Edward Island, Canada produces more than 45,000 ha (111,197 ac) of potatoes (Solarium tuberosum L) mostly in a three-year rotation on sloping land on a fine, sandy loam soil that is prone to soil erosion in the spring and during the growing season. This intensive production system has resulted in problems with soil quality and erosion because much of the land is plowed in the fall. Soil erosion can be reduced by use of conservation tillage, but these practices may negatively impact crop performance. Work was initiated in 1999 at the Harrington Research Farm to determine the effects of four tillage regimes: residue management, zero tillage, zone tillage, and conventional tillage on soil properties, weed control, and yield and quality of Russet Burbank potatoes. The conservation tillage practices of zone tillage, zero tillage, and residue management resulted in reduced soil erosion rates and sediment loss compared to the conventional tillage method. Soil penetration resistance was increased by as much as 1000 kPa with some systems. However, soil penetration resistance did not approach levels that are considered detrimental to root growth (1500 kPa). Early spring soil moisture levels were higher by two to 12 percent with conservation tillage treatments but planting was not delayed compared to commercial producers who used conventional tillage. No effect was found on weed control or potato plant emergence. There was no consistent difference in potato yields with conservation tillage systems used in these studies. Our data suggests that the potential benefits of reduced soil erosion risk and lower producer input costs of conservation tillage systems outweigh the negative effect of higher soil compaction and higher spring soil moisture.