Canopy Closure of Chinese Milk Vetch (Astagalus sinicus L.) on Rice-Chinese Milk Vetch Rotation System.

Effect of Chinese Milk Vetch (Astragalus sinicusL.) as a Cover Crop on Weed Control, Growth and Yield of Wheat under Different Tillage Systems

“…Previous studies on Chinese milk vetch are limited. Nakano and Hirai (2000) evaluated riceChinese milk vetch rotation system under two different tillage systems i.e., no-tillage (NT) and sod seeded tillage and observed poor growth and establishment of milk vetch under NT. Nakano (1999) examined the effect of various green manure crops including Chinese milk vetch on Rice yield and yield components under no-tillage cultivation and concluded that the number of tillers, number of grains per head, the percentage of ripened grains and grain yield of rice were markedly higher in the presence of milk vetch and crimson clover than on bare ground.…”

“…The cover crops provide additional weed control but the interrow tillage or some herbicide application may still be necessary. Ngouajio et al (2003) observed the effect of cover crop and management system on weed populations in lettuce cultivation and concluded that cover crops could be used in intensive vegetable cropping systems to improve weed management, soil fertility and crop yield. Cover crops are compatible with both organic farming and conventional farming systems.…”