Tillage Pan Characterization of Selected Coastal Plain Soils

Abstract

Tillage pan characteristics in Lakeland, Norfolk, Red Bay and Orangeburg soil series were studied at 20 paired locations of cultivated and virgin areas. Pits for sampling were dug following periods of heavy rainfall. Tillage pans were identified by pocket penetrometer readings of the compaction. Sampling depths from adjacent virgin sites corresponded to those in the cultivated sites. These pans showed consistently higher compaction, bulk density, and less pore space than the soil above or below the pan or the corresponding adjacent virgin soils. Sand, silt, and clay contents were not significantly different between virgin and cultivated samples.Sequential extraction with hydrogen peroxide, dithionite‐citrate, and 0.5N NaOH was made of the cultivated and virgin soils for depths above, in, and below the pan. Dithionite‐citrate extraction for free Fe removed less Al and Si than the subsequent extraction with 0.5N NaOH. Accumulations of Fe, Al, and Si were significantly greater in the pan but these were not consistent for each soil series. Organic matter probably helped to filter and encourage accumulations of some compounds in the pan which might be important in cementation properties. Roots either failed to penetrate these tillage pans or were constricted to much poorer lateral growth compared to roots above or below the pan.

Comparative Plant Growth and Development in two Cotton Rotations under Irrigated and Non‐Irrigated Conditions

“…Nutrient recycling, however, resulted in excessive nutrient availability which resulted in excess growth that reduced cotton yield. A zone of soil compaction spans most of the soils at the 15 to 30 cm soil depth in the SE (Kashirad et al, 1967;Campbell et al, 1974). Bahiagrass develops a deep and extensive root system that can penetrate through this zone of compaction (Elkins et al, 1977).…”

Effects of agriculture on the classification of Black soils in the Midwestern United States

“…Nevertheless several studies have shown that many chemical and physical soil properties change on much shorter time scales (Anderson and Browning 1949;van Bavel and Schaller 1950;Kashirad et al 1967;Barnes et al 1971;Bouma and Hole 1971;Davies et al 1972;Skidmore et al 1975;Greenland 1977;Meints and Peterson 1977;Van Cleve and Moore 1978;Pidgeon and Soane 1978;Martel and Mackenzie 1980;Coote and Ramsey 1983;Mann 1985Mann , 1986Johnston 1986;Jenkinson 1991;Sandor and Eash 1991;Bouman et al 1995;Barak et al 1997;Khan et al 2007;David et al 2009;Mulvaney et al 2009). These changes are assumed to be inconsequential to the fundamental character of the soil given none of the authors recommended reclassifying their study soils.…”

In-Row Subsoiling and Controlled Traffic Effects on Coastal Plain Soils

“…oil compaction is an acute problem in the southeastern U.S., with hardpan profiles restricting root growth (Kashirad et al, 1967;Cooper et al, 1969;Reicosky et al, 1977). Roots are unable to grow during short-term drought conditions, which are frequently present during the growing season.…”