2002 Annual Report
Research
Dry Bean Rot Root Response to Soil Moisture and Tillage Modifications
Dong Wang, Assistant Professor, Soil Scientist, Soil, Water and Climate
Department (project leader)
Jim Percich, Professor, Plant Pathology Department
Jerry Wright, Associate Professor,
West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN
Norman Krause, Central Lakes Ag Center, Staples, MN
Funding Source
U of M Rapid Response Fund; Irrigators Association of Minnesota; U of
M Central Regional Partnership; and Minnesota Agricultural Experiment
Station
Objective
- Investigate affect of soil moisture on rot root stresses in irrigated dry beans and soybean.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of using MN Irrigation Checkbook for scheduling.
- Provide educational opportunities for area growers.
Project Description
Replicated plots on a sandy loam soil are used to evaluate the effect
of tillage depth and soil moisture status on rot root development. Three
soil water level treatments (wet, ET replacement, and dryland) are created
by linear move sprinkler systems in dry beans and soybeans that have split
tillage treatments (shallow field cultivation versus 12 to 16 inch deep
tillage). Soil moisture and temperature measurements are monitored at
four depths throughout season.
Results
Water treatments created three very different soil moisture strategies. Deep tillage treatment produced significant reduction in soil bulk density and compaction measurements in the upper nine inches of the soil profile. Very little rot root was observed in any plots in the 2002 growing season. Table discussions were hosted with area dry bean growers twice after the project was put in place.