Legumes in conservation tillage systems: A research perspective

Excerpt

RENEWED interest in the use of legumes in conservation production systems for soil conservation and nitrogen fixation suggests the identification of (a) current uses of legumes in conservation tillage systems and (b) research required to develop further the technology for using legumes in such systems.

With this in mind, 40 scientists participated in a work-planning conference in January 1983 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Purpose of the conference, sponsored by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), was to assess the potential for using legumes in conservation tillage systems and to identify research needs. This was done in six subject areas: germ plasm; host-Rhizobium relationships; cropping systems and nitrogen cycling; weeds, diseases, and pests; water conservation and use; and soil erosion control.

Germ plasm

Research currently is limited on development of legume germ plasm for conservation tillage systems. Most work is focused on development of improved forage cultivars for hay and pasture or for grain legumes. Few states have more than one geneticist working full-time on forage legume improvement. Several states have none. But a number of legume cultivars exist that have had little or no evaluation for use other than as a forage crop.

Most breeding efforts are to improve productivity, reduce disease and insect losses …