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Nutrient Management Research Database
General Information
Research Title
Research Specifications
Authors
Summary/Abstract from Original Source
Mustard (Brassica spp.) cover crop residue has been reported to have significant 'biofumigant' action when incorporated into soil, potentially providing disease suppression and yield improvement for the succeeding crop. The effects of growing over-winter mustard cover crops preceding processing tomato (Lycopersicon escultentum Mill.) production were investigated in six field trials in the Sacramento Valley of California from 2002–04. A selection of mustard cover crops were compared to a legume cover crop mix, a fallow-bed treatment (the current grower practice in the region), and in two of the six trials, fumigation treatments using metam sodium. Mustard cover crops removed 115 to 350 kg·ha–1 N from the soil profile, reducing NO3-N leaching potential. Soil populations of Verticillium dahliae Kleb. and Fusarium spp. were unaffected by the cover crops, and there was no evidence of soilborne disease suppression on subsequent tomato crops. Mustard cover crops increased tomato yield in one field, and reduced yield in two fields. In one of two fields, metam sodium fumigation significantly increased tomato yield. We conclude that, while environmental benefits may be achieved, mustard cover cropping offers no immediate agronomic benefit for processing tomato production.
Research Highlights
Design and Methods
Field trials were conducted in commercial processing tomato fields as well as experimental fields at UC Davis from 2002-2004 using typical production practices of the area. Syveral combinations of mustard variety, mustard and soil fumigant (metam sodium) traditional cover crop mixture (vetch-pea-oat) and winter fallow were implemented in both commercial field trials on at UC Davis. In all cases cover crop treatments were seeded in the fall and incorporated into the soil before transplanting of tomatoes. Cover crop biomass, Total and marketable yield, as well as soluble solids concentration and yield were measured in the majority of cases. In all except one trial in 2003-2004 glucosinolate concentration of aboveground mustard biomass was determined. Net N mineralization rate was also assessed through laboratory incubation, and the effect of the cover crops on soilborne pathogens was determined at 4 of the 2003-2004 sites.
Results
The results of this study pertaining to nutrient management are presented here:
- Above ground biomass N ranged from 115 kg ha-1 in a 'Caliente' varietal of mustard to 350 kg ha-1 found in a 'Pacific Gold' varietal.
- The low-N 'Caliente' resulted in net N immobilization during the incubation trial and all other cover crop samples resulted in net N mineralization, averaging approximately 20% of cover crop N content.
- Effect of cover crop and metam sodium treatments on total and marketable yield and soluble solids was variable depending on the site and year of trial.
Additional Information
Tags (links to other subject matter in database)
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