ARS | Publication request: Crop rotations that include legumes and reduced tillage improve the energy efficiency of crop production systems

Submitted to: Natural Resources Research Update (NRRU)
Publication Type: Research Technical Update
Publication Acceptance Date: October 21, 2008
Publication Date: October 21, 2008
Citation: Wienhold, B.J. 2008. Crop rotations that include legumes and reduced tillage improve the energy efficiency of crop production systems. Natural Resources Research Update (NRRU). Update #233865.

Technical Abstract: Text: Modern crop production requires large inputs of energy and these inputs represent a substantial cost. Management practices such as crop rotation and choice of tillage practice influence the energy balance for a production system. Legumes support bacteria that are capable of fixing nitrogen (N). This fixed N not only meets the crop needs but a portion is also available for subsequent crops thereby reducing the need for inorganic N fertilizer. Primary tillage practices vary in energy input requirements with no-tillage requiring %15 less energy than moldboard plow tillage (Rathke, 2007). Producers can utilize crop rotations that include a legume and reduced tillage intensity to improve the energy efficiency of their production systems. Publications contributing to the NRRU Release shown above: Rathke, G.-W., B.J. Wienhold, W.W. Wilhelm, and W. Diepenbrock. 2007. Tillage and rotation effect on corn-soybean energy balances in eastern Nebraska. Soil and Tillage Research 97:60-70.