A comparison of tine cultivation and ploughing with two methods of straw disposal on the growth, nutrient uptake and yield of winter wheat grown on a clay soil

Ploughing and tine cultivation to depths of 5, 15 and 25 cm were used to prepare land before sowing winter wheat. The methods were compared for two years with or without the presence of straw residues from the previous crop and the effects on crop growth and yield were assessed. Some combinations produced large differences in yield. In 1985–86 volunteer cereals were a problem where straw was not burnt, but deeper ploughing controlled them. In both years the concentrations and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium differed during the early period of growth but not at maturity.