Stephen Guy, 375 S Line St., University of Idaho, University of Idaho, PSES, Moscow, ID 83844-2339 and Mary Lauver, Univ. of Idaho-PSES, 375 S Line St., Moscow, ID 83844-2339.
Variety performance differences are
not well researched in different tillage systems. This study compares variety
performance of lentil (Lens culinaris, L) in a replicated conventional tillage (CT)
and no-till (NT) comparison near Genesee, Idaho in 2004 to
2006. Tillage treatments were managed the same for fertility, weed control and
insects. CT was fall chisel plowed and cultivated before planting and NT was
not disturbed. The six lentil varieties were part of a three-year rotation of
winter wheat-spring wheat-lentil. Averaged across varieties, lentil yields were
5% lower in NT than CT in 2004 with an average yield of 2230 kg ha-1, but 2%
greater in NT than CT in 2005 with an average yield of 1480 kg ha-1. However,
varieties were not consistent with response to tillage and no significant
differences were apparent. Seed weights were slightly higher in NT than CT
averaged across varieties and years; similar to results from spring wheat and
barley responses to tillage in concurrent experiments. Plant stands were
significantly higher in NT than CT for ‘Brewer' and ‘Pennell',
but lower for ‘Merrit' in 2005, but all stands were
adequate for yield and should not be limiting. Based on these studies,
selecting a different variety for different tillage management practices should
not be necessary. Studies continue for 2006.
Handout (.pdf format, 224.0 kb)