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Effect of wheel traffic and green manure treatments on forage yield and crown rot in alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

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Abstract

Harvesting alfalfa damages crowns and increases the opportunity for entry of pathogens. Incorporation of green manures into soil increases population density of streptomycetes with broad pathogen antagonist activity. This study aimed to measure the impact of wheel traffic on forage yield and plant health and the effect of green manures to reduce disease. Buckwheat and sorghum-sundangrass were incorporated into soil 3 weeks before seeding alfalfa. Total bacteria, streptomycete, and pathogen antagonist densities were measured prior to planting green manures and alfalfa. Wheel traffic was applied 2 days after each forage harvest. Wheel traffic reduced forage yield 12 % to 17 % depending on year and location, significantly reduced plant counts, and increased crown rot compared to the no traffic control. Cultivar had a significant effect on yield, plant counts, and crown rot. Streptomycete density and pathogen antagonists increased when fall-sown green manure crops were incorporated in spring. Forage yields were significantly higher in plots with greater antagonist density when traffic was applied. Green manure treatments did not affect plant counts or crown rot. Mechanical wheel traffic reduces forage yield and increases disease. Green manure crops may provide benefits in alfalfa production systems by increasing pathogen antagonists.

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Acknowledgements

Alfalfa seed for this study was generously provided by ABI Alfalfa, Cal/West Seeds, and Dairyland Seed. Mention of any trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. This paper is a joint contribution from the Plant Science Research Unit, USDA-ARS, and the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. We gratefully acknowledge the excellent technical assistance of Melinda Dornbusch, Jen Flor, and Keith Henjum.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA-ARS-Plant Science Research Unit, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA

    Deborah A. Samac & JoAnn F. S. Lamb

  2. Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA

    Deborah A. Samac, Linda L. Kinkel & Lindsey Hanson

  3. Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA

    JoAnn F. S. Lamb

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  1. Deborah A. Samac
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  2. JoAnn F. S. Lamb
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  3. Linda L. Kinkel
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  4. Lindsey Hanson
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Correspondence to Deborah A. Samac.

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Responsible Editor: Jesus Mercado-Blanco.

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Samac, D.A., Lamb, J.F.S., Kinkel, L.L. et al. Effect of wheel traffic and green manure treatments on forage yield and crown rot in alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Plant Soil 372, 349–359 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1746-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1746-5

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