The Effects of Soil Compaction and Different Tillage Systems on the Bulk Density and Moisture Content of Soil and the Yields of Winter Oilseed Rape and Cereals

Abstract

Progressive soil compaction is a disadvantage of intensive tillage. Compaction exerts a negative impact on the physical properties of soil and decreases crop performance. The adverse effects of soil compaction can be mitigated by replacing conventional tillage with simplified tillage techniques. Simplified tillage exerts a protective effect on soil, reduces production costs and preserves agricultural ecosystems. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of compaction and different tillage methods on the bulk density and moisture content of soil. The experimental factors were as follows: Soil compaction before sowing (non-compacted control treatment and experimental treatments where soil was compacted after the harvest of the preceding crop) and four different methods of seedbed preparation in a three-field rotation system (winter oilseed rape, winter wheat, spring barley). The influence of compaction on the bulk density and moisture content of soil varied across the rotated crops and their developmental stages. Soil compaction had no significant effect on the analyzed parameters in the cultivation of winter oilseed rape. In treatments sown with winter wheat, soil compaction resulted in significantly lower soil density and significantly higher soil moisture content. In plots sown with spring barley, soil compaction led to a significant increase in the values of both parameters. The average bulk density of soil after various tillage operations in the examined crop rotation system ranged from 1.49–1.69 g·m−3 (winter oilseed rape), 1.47–1.59 g·m−3 (winter wheat), 1.47–1.61 g·m−3 (spring barley). The bulk density and moisture content of soil were lowest after conventional tillage (control treatment) and higher after simplified tillage. Regardless of soil compaction, the greatest reduction in winter oilseed rape yields was noted in response to skimming, harrowing and the absence of pre-sowing plowing. Spring barley yields were higher in non-compacted treatments, whereas the reverse was observed in winter wheat. Chisel plowing and single plowing induced the greatest decrease in wheat yields relative to conventional tillage. Single plowing significantly decreased the grain yield of spring barley relative to the tillage system that involved skimming and fall plowing to a depth of 25.

Effects of conservation tillage strategies on soil physicochemical indicators and N2O emission under spring wheat monocropping system conditions

“…However, our study found that in the whole growth period of spring wheat, conservation tillage increased soil bulk density and water content compared with traditional tillage. This is because traditional tillage increases the disturbance to the surface soil, destroys the structure of the soil plough layer, resulting in the loosening of the soil plough layer 32 , while conservation tillage reduces the disturbance to the soil plough layer, makes the soil compact, and thus increases the soil bulk density. In addition, due to the straw remaining in the field and less soil disturbance under no tillage, the aggregation of soil particles is enhanced, which effectively reduces evaporation and increases soil water storage 33 .…”

Conservation tillage and diversified cropping enhance system productivity and eco-efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas intensity in organic farming

“…The significant effect may be attributed due to the higher soil organic matter which increases the soil N status (Feng et al, 2013;Lal et al, 2018). On the contrary, repeated/intensive plowing under CT increases soil compaction and bulk density and reduces SOC, thereby resulting in poor soil conditions (Orzech et al, 2021;Sadiq et al, 2021).…”

Effects of Reduced Tillage on Dynamic Soil Properties and Winter Triticale Performance in Organic Farm at Wageningen, the Netherlands

“…Several studies have reported that reduced tillage increases both bulk density and penetration resistance leading to decrease in porosity and soil water filled pore space. Moreover, increased compaction caused by high penetration resistance in NIT indicates higher vulnerability to soil erosion, decreased air and water movement leading to unfavourable plant growth conditions [27].…”