Yield trends and soil mineral changes in three summer winter forage cropping systems for 5 consecutive years in southern Kyushu,Japan

摘要

Mineral balance between plants and soil to which fertilizer is applied is important in a sustainable agriculture ( Haynes and Naidu, 1998), especially on unfavorable soil conditions.Cropping systems are chosen based on considerations of crop yield, soil physical and chemical properties and climatic conditions.Summer crops of maize ( Zea mays L.: M ) and sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor Moench :S) and a winter crop of Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multi f lorum Lam.: IR) are major forage crops in southern Kyushu of Japan.This study tested three cropping systems typical to the region (double cropping of M and IR (M‐IR), double cropping of S and IR ( S‐IR), and double cropping of maize ( M‐M ) for 5 consecutive years for their performance in yield and mineral balance on the non‐fertile, poorly permeable heavy soil.