Influence of different tillage systems on soil physical properties and crop yield

Abstract

An experiment with five different tillage systems and their influence on physical properties of a silty loam soil (Albic Luvisol) was carried in northwest Slavonia in the period of 1997–2000. The compared tillage systems were: 1. conventional tillage (CT), 2. reduced tillage (RT), 3. conservation tillage I (CP), 4. conservation tillage II (CM), 5. no-tillage system (NT). The crop rotation was soybean (Glycine max L.) – winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) – soybean – winter wheat. Differences between tillage systems in bulk density, total porosity, and water holding capacity and air capacity were not significant in winter wheat seasons. In soybean seasons, significant differences between some tillage systems were recorded in bulk density, total porosity, air capacity and soil moisture. The deterioration trend of physical properties was generally increasing in the order CM, CT, CP, NT and RT. The highest yield of soybean in the first experimental year was achieved under CT system and the lowest under CP system. In all other experimental years, the highest yield of winter wheat and soybean was achieved under CM system, while the lowest under RT system.

Effect of Tillage Practices and Rice Straw Management on Soil Environment and Carbon Dioxide Emission

“…Soil bulk density was higher under MT (1.35g cm -3 ) than that of TT (1.33g cm -3 ), field capacity was higher in TT (27.12%) compared to MT (24.5%). These findings are in agreement with the studies of Husnjak et al (2002). It is fact that the particle density not altered easily by normal physical manipulation of soil.…”

Which soil tillage is better in terms of the soil organic matter and soil structure changes?

“…Conventional ploughing-based tillage systems are still dominant (Rusu, 2005). However, alternative tillage systems are becoming economically and ecologically more attractive as they save energy and provide more favourable soil conditions (Husnjak et al, 2002). Arable soils under a long-term regime of frequent tillage usually suffer from losses in organic matter, increased nitrification, and deteriorated soil structure, thus reducing agricultural sustainability (Calderón et al, 2000).…”

An Appraisal of Conservation Tillage on the Soil Properties and C Sequestration

“…Within the conservation tillage treatments, ST produced more aeration porosity than NT, but the effect on capillary porosity appeared to be reversed in the 0-0.30 m soil layer. Husnjak and Kosutic (2002) reported that higher BD reduced the total porosity and changed the ratio of water holding capacity to air capacity in favour of water holding capacity. Total porosity below 45% on medium heavy soils had a negative effect on the plant growth (Lhotsky, 1991 …”