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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #201715
Title: KURA CLOVER INTERCROPPED IN A PECAN AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM IMPROVES SOIL QUALITY

Author
item KREMER, ROBERT
item KUSSMAN, ROBERT - FARMER
item KUSSMAN, JACQUELINE - FARMER

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2006
Publication Date: 11/12/2006
Citation: Kremer, R.J., Kussman, R., Kussman, J. 2006. Kura clover intercropped in a pecan agroforestry system improves soil quality [abstracts]. American Society of Agronomy. p. 105-14.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Intercropping the alleys of agroforestry systems is desirable to provide income from the field until the tree crop begins to yield. However, cultivation of annual crops in the alleys may decrease soil organic matter and increase soil erosion, especially on sloping landscapes. Perennial crops maintain a continuous soil cover that, combined with trees, maximize water infiltration, minimize soil erosion, and improve overall soil quality. The objective of this on-farm study was to assess the effects of a perennial legume, kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum), on various soil quality parameters in a recently established pecan (Carya illinoinensis) plantation. The pecan-kura clover agroforestry system was established on the Kussman Pecan & Cattle Farm in Chariton County, Missouri on deep loess soils of the Menfro-Higgensville-Wakenda association. These silt loams are on 3 to 10% slopes and are subject to erosion. Kura clover was selected for intercropping in the eight-year-old pecan plantation based on its perennial growth habit, nitrogen-fixing ability, winter hardiness, high quality forage, and soil conservation properties. Kura clover was seeded in 2002 and has been harvested for hay annually since 2003. During this period soil organic matter and activities of selected soil enzymes (dehydrogenase, glucosidase, glucosaminidase) have steadily increased compared to cultivated and grass pasture control soils. Water-stable aggregation has improved by 50% during this period. Results to date illustrate that kura clover as the interplanted component of this pecan agroforestry system has improved soil fertility and biological activity through increased organic matter and improved soil structure (increased soil aggregation), and has yielded a high quality forage valuable for the cattle-feeding operation. Pecan trees thrive in this system partly because soil quality is maintained or improved and, unlike other 'living mulch' systems in which the cover crop may suppress growth of the main crop, kura clover does not compete with tree growth.