Effect of conservation agriculture on soil hydro-physical properties, total and particulate organic carbon and root morphology in wheat (Triticum aestivum) under rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat system

Abstract

Short-term (5 years) effect of conservation agriculture (CA) practice on soil hydro-physical characteristics, soil organic carbon status and root morphology in wheat (triticum aestivum L.) was monitored under rice (Orgza sativa L.)-wheat rotation in a clay loam soil at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. A small improvement in soil water content and a marginal decrease in bulk density by CA contributed in significant reduction (30-37%)in sub-surface compaction. The CA improved soil structure in the plough layer (0-15 cm) with significant increase in soil organic carbon status (27-38%). A marginal change in pore size distribution was recorded in favour of larger volume of retention pores (11-12%), in expense of macro- or drainable pore space. Steady-state infiltration, which was essentially profile-controlled, was therefore lower in the CA plots. Decrease in sub-surface soil strength and better soil water retention facilitated root growth in wheat in the sub-surface layer under CA. Results implied thatthe CA practice in rice-wheat system, although with a shorter period, led to an overall physical improvement of the most active root zone. This had positive impact on root morphology, which contributed to increase in the crop yield.

Conservation agriculture augments water uptake in wheat: Evidence from modelling

“…The Ks values had a larger range and were higher under CT, indicating an increase in soil drainage. A relatively higher proportion of soil macropores under CT was reported earlier in the same experimental field (Mondal et al, 2019b). Although the Rosetta-estimated Ks values for clay loam soil were close to the measured Ks values in the CT system, the same parameters in CA deviated from the estimated values.…”

“…Although both systems were irrigated, the higher SWC under CA was due to surface mulch preventing evaporation loss. Lower evaporation and drainage facilitated a better soil water regime under CA (e.g., Mondal et al, 2019b), which improved the water uptake by the crop (Liu et al, 2020).…”

“…CA may contribute to sustainable intensification in South Asia (Jat et al, 2020) and significantly improve the physical condition of the soil in the rice-wheat system (Mondal et al, 2019a(Mondal et al, , 2020aDas et al, 2016). Under CA, puddling in rice is avoided, which reduces subsurface compaction and helps to augment root growth in wheat (e.g., Mondal et al, 2019bMondal et al, , 2020aKukal and Aggarwal, 2003;Whalley et al, 2008). The residue increases the number of retention pores (Mondal et al, 2020a;Jatav et al, 2018), facilitating the water availability to crops under the CA.…”

Impact of long term zero tillage on soil physical properties: A review

“…As one would assume, the effect on soil physical characteristics of traditional and conservation tillage could differ greatly. Nevertheless, the shift varies widely with climate, land, agro-management and adoption period of tillage method (Mondal et al, 2018b) [81] .…”

Characterization and Study of Dominated Alluvial Soil Profile of Mirzapur in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGPs) of India

“…It also provides adequate information in terms of landform, natural vegetation as well as characteristics of soils which can be utilized for land resources management and development [10]. The alluvium deposit of both old and new types by the two great rivers of India, the Ganga and the Yamuna are found in this region, only the southern uplands, touching the Vindhya hills are not covered by such deposits [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Sandstone, shale, conglomerate and limestone are found in the Sun Valley region of Mirzapur.…”