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Soybean Plant Response to Temporary Field Windbreaks 1
Author(s) -
Radke J. K.,
Burrows W. C.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1970.00021962006200030035x
Subject(s) - windbreak , agronomy , environmental science , biology , agroforestry
Small temporary windbreaks consisting of corn rows or snowfence were spaced at various intervals in soybean fields in western Minnesota. Data from 11 location‐years showed that soybeans sheltered by temporary corn windbreaks grew taller, produced more dry weight, had a larger leaf area index, and produced higher grain yields. Soybean rows adjacent to corn windbreaks did not do as well as the rest of the windbreak‐sheltered soybeans because of shading effects and root competition from the corn. There was no statistical difference in wateruse; however, water‐use efficiency was increased due to higher soybean yields. Results obtained with snow‐fence windbreaks were similar, but to a lesser extent than those obtained with corn windbreaks. Windbreaks oriented in an east‐west direction were more effective than windbreaks oriented in a northsouth direction since the prevailing summer winds in western Minnesota are south to southeasterly. Windbreak spacings between 6 H and 15 H (H = height of windbreak) were effective, and it is possible that windbreaks spacings greater than 15 H would be effective.