Summary
Proximity of new wheat straw residues to sown wheat seed has an effect on germination, plant growth and ultimate yield. Decomposition of wheat straw may produce toxins or it may cause immobilization of nitrogen in, or applied to the soil.
In pot experiments, it has been shown that germination of wheat was depressed when large amounts of straw were decomposed on the surface for up to 18 days; after 54 days it had no effect on germination. Immobilization of nitrogen occurred mainly when the straw was mixed with the soil, or when surface-rotted straw was ploughed into the soil just before seeding. The latter effect could not be overcome by the addition of mineral nitrogen.
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Part II, Plant and Soil 38, 347–361 (1973).
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Kimber, R.W.L. Phytotoxicity from plant residues. Plant Soil 38, 543–555 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00010694
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00010694