Changes in the agrophytocenoses and chemical indicators of peas and sugar beet crops in short crop rotations

Abstract

Over the period 1997- 2004 a series of field experiments was conducted in Dotnuva (Lithuania) on an Endocalcari-Endohypogleyic Combisol with the aim of testing the possibilities of shortening of crop rotations, choice of optimal preceding crops in relation to yield quality and weed community composition in the crops. Crop rotations affected nitrogen and potassium contents in pea. Continuous growing of sugar beet tended to reduce sugar and dry matter contents. Shortening of rotations deteriorated sugar beet root technological properties: the contents of α amino nitrogen, potassium, noxious substances.