Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.5, 261-269 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 265 Additionally, the use of triticale in rotation with other crops, such as vetch and rye, has been shown to achieve total winter weed suppression and reduce weed stands significantly during critical growth stages of subsequent crops (Fourie, 2016). These findings highlight the importance of triticale in integrated pest management strategies, reducing the reliance on chemical herbicides and promoting ecological balance in agricultural systems. 5 Case Study 5.1 Selection of case study location The case study was conducted in East China, a region known for its saline-alkali soils, which pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity. This location was chosen due to its prevalent soil salinization issues, which restrict crop yield and biomass production for biofuels, making it an ideal site to assess the impact of triticale cultivation on soil health and crop rotation strategies (Zhang et al., 2022). 5.2 Methodology for assessing triticale cultivation impact To evaluate the impact of triticale cultivation on soil health, a rotation system involving triticale and sweet sorghum was implemented. Various planting densities were tested to determine the optimal conditions for improving soil properties and crop yield. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for salt content, microbial community composition, and soil pore characteristics. Agronomic traits such as plant height, tiller number per plant, yield, and lodging rate were measured for both triticale and sweet sorghum (Głąb et al., 2013). 5.3 Results of the case study: soil health indicators The results indicated that the rotation of triticale and sweet sorghum significantly decreased soil salt content compared to bare land plots. High-density planting of triticale (180×104 plants/ha) and sweet sorghum (7×104 plants/ha) was associated with increased counts of beneficial soil bacteria, Actinomycetes, and salt-tolerant Actinomycetes. Additionally, the soil under triticale cultivation showed improved macroporosity, which is crucial for water retention and root penetration. The highest macropore volume was observed in the Norfolk crop rotation system, which included sugar beet, spring triticale, faba bean, and winter triticale (Rigon and Calonego, 2020). 5.4 Implications for future crop rotation strategies The findings from this case study suggest that incorporating triticale into crop rotation systems can enhance soil health by reducing salinity and improving soil structure. The increased microbial activity and improved soil porosity observed under triticale cultivation indicate that this crop can play a vital role in sustainable agricultural practices. Future crop rotation strategies should consider the inclusion of triticale, especially in regions with saline-alkali soils, to enhance soil health and maintain high crop yields. Additionally, the integration of legumes in rotation with triticale can further improve soil nitrogen levels and overall productivity, as evidenced by the positive effects of legume pre-crops on subsequent triticale yields (Kayser et al., 2010; Oliveira et al., 2019). 6 Challenges and Limitations of Triticale Cultivation 6.1 Environmental constraints Triticale cultivation faces several environmental constraints that can impact its productivity and sustainability. Soil salinization is a significant issue, particularly in regions with saline-alkali soils. Studies have shown that rotating triticale with crops like sweet sorghum can help mitigate soil salt stress and improve soil conditions, but this requires careful management of planting densities and crop rotations (Zhang et al., 2022). Additionally, the effectiveness of crop rotations involving triticale can vary significantly based on environmental factors such as rainfall and soil texture. For instance, crop rotations in regions with moderate annual rainfall have shown less reliable yield benefits compared to those in areas with more favorable conditions (Zhao et al., 2020). 6.2 Soil management issues Soil management is crucial for the successful cultivation of triticale. One of the primary challenges is maintaining soil structure and health. Long-term studies have indicated that different crop rotations involving triticale can influence soil air-water properties and macroporosity, which are essential for root growth and water retention. However, these effects are not always permanent and can vary depending on the specific crops used in the rotation (Głąb et al., 2013). Additionally, the choice of cover crops and their management can significantly impact soil
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