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Abstract
The influence of shallow (20 cm deep) subsoil tillage on cereals planted with a no-till planter was investigated for 3 years at two locations in southeastern Idaho. Among Fusarium spp., F. culmorum was the primary fungus isolated from diffuse brown-black root lesions in the wetter location (Ririe), while F. semitectum, F. reticulatum, F. equiseti, and F. acuminatum were the dominant species isolated at the drier location (Arbon Valley). Increased yields resulting from methyl bromide fumigation indicated that biological factors were limiting the yield. However, subsoiling did not influence nematode populations or fungal root rots. The primary parasitic nematode found at both locations was Pratylenchus neglectus. Subsoiling had a tendency to increase soil moisture at depths between 61 and 90 cm, to increase organic matter, and to decrease nitrogen. Yield increased by 8% or more with subsoil tillage at both locations the first year. Yield increases were not significant in other years, when moisture was particularly limiting or abundant. Subsoiling may prove favorable for cereals planted in a soil-conservation tillage system, but the risk of fungal root rots may increase with such a practice. Additional study is warranted, as subsoil-tillage practices may increase yield and desirable soil parameters without compromising the benefits associated with cereal production in a soil-conservation tillage system.