Influence of tillage and cropping system on soil organic matter, structure and infiltration in a rolling landscape

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Elliott ◽  
A. A. Efetha
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Infiltration Rate ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Zero Tillage ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Infiltration Rates

The influence of tillage and cropping system on soil organic matter, structure and infiltration was studied in a rolling, glaciolacustrine landscape in Saskatchewan with slopes ranging from 6 to 30%. A field that had been continuously cropped using zero tillage (ZTCC) for 11 yr was compared with conventional tillage in a crop–summerfallow rotation (CTCF) on an adjacent field. Soils in each field were sampled according to their position in the landscape. Soil organic C, aggregrate size and aggregate stability were significantly greater on the ZTCC plot than the CTCF. Infiltration rates averaged 74 and 52 mm h−1 on the ZTCC and CTCF plots, respectively. Differences between treatments were most pronounced at the shoulder positions. Increased soil strength was measured on the CTCF plot at depths corresponding to the action of tillage implements (0.05 m and 0.15 m). On the CTCF plot, infiltration rates correlated with initial moisture, aggregate stability and bulk density but on the ZTCC plot consistent correlations were only found between infiltration and bulk density. When measured infiltration rates were compared with expected storm intensities, the differences in infiltration rates between treatments and their distribution in the landscape resulted in substantially more runoff from the CTCF plot than the ZTCC. Key words: Zero tillage, cropping frequency, infiltration rate, aggregation, organic carbon, landscape

The role of active fractions of soil organic matter in physical and chemical fertility of Ferrosols

Soil Research ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 809 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Bell ◽  
P. W. Moody ◽  
R. D. Connolly ◽  
B. J. Bridge
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Infiltration Rate ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Physical And Chemical

The relationships between fractions of soil organic carbon (C) oxidised by varying strengths of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and important soil physical and chemical properties were investigated for Queensland Ferrosols. These soils spanned a wide range of clay contents (31-83%), pH values (4·4-7·9; 1 : 5 water), and total C contents (12· 1-111 g/kg). Carbon fractions were derived by oxidation with 33 mM (C1), 167 mM (C2), and 333 mM (C3) KMnO4, while organic C and total C were determined by Heanes wet oxidation and combustion, respectively. Aggregate stability was determined by wet sieving soil from the surface crust after 30 min of high intensity (100 mm/h), simulated rainfall on disturbed samples in the laboratory. The proportion of aggregates <0·125 mm (P125) was used as the stability indicator because of the high correlation between this size class and the final rainfall infiltration rate (r2 = 0qa86, n = 42). The soil organic C fraction most closely correlated with P125 was C1 (r2 = 0·79, n = 42). This fraction was also highly correlated with final, steady-state infiltration rates in field situations where there were no subsurface constraints to infiltration (r2 = 0·74, n = 30). Multiple linear regression techniques were used to identify the soil properties determining effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC, n = 89). Most variation in ECEC (R2 = 0 ·72) was accounted for by a combination of C1 (P < 0·0001) and pH (P < 0·0001). These results confirm the very important role played by the most labile (easily oxidised) fraction of soil organic matter (C1) in key components of the chemical and physical fertility of Ferrosols. Management practices which maintain adequate C1 concentrations are essential for sustainable cropping on these soils.

Carbon sequestration in a Brown Chernozem as affected by tillage and rotation

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Campbell ◽  
B. G. McConkey ◽  
R. P. Zentner ◽  
F. B. Dyck ◽  
F. Selles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Triticum Aestivum L ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Organic N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
C And N

Soil organic matter is important because it influences the productivity and physical well-being of soils. Recently, increased attention has focussed on soil organic matter as a possible sink for C02-C. Despite this interest, there is a lack of data for quantifying the effect of tillage on soil organic matter. Between 1981 and 1994, two tillage experiments were conducted at Swift Current, Saskatchewan, on Swinton loam, an Orthic Brown Chernozemic soil. Organic C and N were monitored periodically to quantify the effects of crop rotation [continuous spring wheat (Cont W) (Triticum aestivum L.) vs. fallow–wheat (F-W)] and tillage management [no-tillage (NT) vs. conventional tillage (CT) involving primarily use of a cultivator and rodweeder]. The effect of snow management on soil organic matter was also evaluated in one experiment, but this factor was not significant. Organic matter changes were mainly observed in the 0- to 7.5-cm soil depth. Carbon and N were greater in both concentrations and amounts in Cont W than in F–W; the latter cropping system was employed on this land during the previous 70–80 yr. In the 0- to 7.5-cm depth, the amount of organic matter was only moderately greater in NT than CT in the Cont W systems while in the F-W systems tillage was not significant (P > 0.10). During the 12-yr period, Cont W (average of NT and CT) gained about 2 t ha−1 more C in the top 15 cm of soil than F-W (average of NT and CT), with most of the increase occurring in the first 5 yr. Further, Cont W (NT) gained about 1.5 t ha−1 more C than Cont W (CT), and F-W (NT) gained about 0.5 t ha−1 more than F-W (CT). When a system that was maintained as Cont W (NT) for 9 yr was changed to Cont W (CT) for 3 yr and then summerfallowed (CT) for 1 yr, soil organic matter declined (P < 0.05). Our observations, supported by calculations based on crop residue production, indicated that an increase in organic C, averaging about 0.4–0.5 t ha−1 yr−1, has occurred in the top 15 cm of soil in Cont W (NT) between 1982 and 1993. However, because of uncertainty in our estimated C levels at the start of the experiment, the nature of the rate of C increase (linear or curvilinear) is not known. Key words: Organic C, organic N, no-till, summerfallow

Soil microbial biomass and carbon dioxide flux under wheat as influenced by tillage and crop rotation

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Z. Lupwayi ◽  
W. A. Rice ◽  
G. W. Clayton
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Soil Microbial Biomass ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Zero Tillage ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
Total Soil ◽  
Northern Alberta

Soil organic matter is important both from an agronomic and an environmental perspective because it affects the capacity of the soil to sustain crop growth, and it is a source and sink of atmospheric CO2-C. Soil microbial biomass comprises a small proportion of total soil organic matter, but it is more dynamic than total soil organic matter. Therefore, measurements of soil microbial biomass may show the effects of soil management on potential changes in soil organic matter before such effects can be detected by measuring total soil organic matter. The effects of tillage and crop rotation on soil microbial biomass and activity were studied in 1995–1997 in the wheat phase of different cropping rotations that had been established in 1992 under zero tillage or conventional tillage in northern Alberta. Soil microbial biomass was often significantly (P < 0.05) higher, but never significantly lower, under zero tillage than under conventional tillage. However, CO2 evolution (basal respiration) was usually higher under conventional tillage than under zero tillage, resulting in higher specific respiration (qCO2) under conventional tillage than under zero tillage. The higher additions but lower losses of labile C under zero tillage mean that more C is sequestered in the soil in the zero-tillage system. Thus, this system contributes less to atmospheric CO2 than conventional tillage, and that soil organic matter accumulates more under zero tillage. Plots preceded by summerfallow, especially under conventional tillage, usually had the lowest microbial biomass and CO2 evolution, and plots preceded by legume crops had higher microbial biomass and lower qCO2 than other treatments. Tillage and rotation had little effect on total soil organic matter 5 yr after the treatments had been imposed, probably because of the cold climate of northern Alberta, but the results confirm that the labile forms of soil C are more sensitive indicators of soil organic C trends than total soil organic C. These effects of tillage and rotation on soil microbial biomass were similar to those on microbial diversity reported previously. These results confirm that zero tillage and legume-based crop rotations are more sustainable crop management systems than conventional tillage and fallowing in the Gray Luvisolic soils of northern Alberta. Key words: Carbon sequestration, carbon mineralization, microbial activity, soil organic matter

Traffic and tillage effects on wheat production on the Loess Plateau of China: 1. Crop yield and SOM

Soil Research ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Chen ◽  
Yuhua Bai ◽  
Qingjie Wang ◽  
Fu Chen ◽  
Hongwen Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Field Experiment ◽  
Loess Plateau ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Soil Profile ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Zero Tillage ◽  
The Loess Plateau ◽  
Controlled Traffic

Challenges for dryland farming on the Loess Plateau of China are continuous nutrient loss, low soil organic matter and crop yield, and soil degradation. Controlled traffic, combined with zero or minimum tillage and residue cover, has been proposed to improve soil structure and crop yield. From 1998 to 2006, we conducted a field experiment comparing soil organic matter and wheat productivity between controlled traffic and conventional tillage farming systems. The field experiment was conducted using 2 controlled traffic treatments (zero tillage with residue cover and no compaction, shallow tillage with residue cover and no compaction) and a conventional tillage treatment. Results showed that controlled traffic treatments significantly increased soil organic matter and microbial biomass in the 0–0.30 m soil profile. Controlled traffic with zero tillage significantly increased total N in the 0–0.05 m soil profile. The mean yield over 8 years of controlled traffic treatments was >10% greater than that of conventional tillage. Controlled traffic farming appears to be a solution to the cropping problems faced on the Loess Plateau of China.

scholarly journals Erosion Effect on Soil Physical Properties in Selected Farmlands in Gidan Kwano, Niger State

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 10-22
Author(s):  
Abdulkadir Abdullahi
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Infiltration Rate ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Cumulative Infiltration

The study was conducted to investigate if erosion is a major problem and to identify the effect of erosion on some physical properties on selected farmlands on four farms in Gidan kwano. It was done by observation, interview, and questionnaire and soil sample analysis. The infiltration rate, bulk density, porosity, organic matter content, particle size and aggregate stability were determined for all the sample location. The erosion fields results were compared with the results of the non-eroded fields. The results showed that farming was done with simple method and mechanized equipment when available and erosion was considered a major problem in all the farms. The results revealed that bulk density values ranged between 1.475gcm-3and 1.606gcm-3, cumulative infiltration rate fluctuated between 29.75cm/hr and 37.48cm/hr, porosity ranged between 36.49% and 44.34%, organic matter content fluctuated between 0.29% and 0.73% and aggregate stability ranged between 58.00% and 67.60% for the erosion field. The results also revealed that bulk density fluctuated between 1.458gcm-3and 1.544gcm-3, cumulative infiltration rate ranged between 32.19 cm/hr and 40.48cm/hr, porosity fluctuated between 41.73% and 44.98%, organic matter content ranged between 0.30% and 1.09% and aggregate stability ranged between 63.97% and 68.93% for the non-eroded field. From the results, it provides evidence that the effects of erosion on the physical properties were increased bulk density, decreased infiltration rate, organic matter content, porosity, aggregate stability and percentage sand, silt and clay content. Statistical analysis proved that the results were significant (p<0.05) except for the bulk density and porosity which could be attributed to the swelling and compaction characteristics of the soils.

Soil-structure changes in a long-term citrus experiment.

1953 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
EL Greacen ◽  
O Perkman
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Surface Layer ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Infiltration Rate ◽  
High Porosity ◽  
Capillary Porosity ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Structure Changes ◽  
Nitrogen Treatments ◽  
Bare Surface

Data are given on the changes induced in the physical properties of the soil in a factorial experiment in which cultural, irrigation, and nitrogen treatments are being tested on citrus. Apart from an increase in the non-capillary porosity of the surface layer to the depth of cultivation, there is no difference to be noted in porosity between the cultivated plots with the addition of organic matter and the uncultivated bare-surface plots where no organic matter is added. Under permanent sod the total non-capillary porosity is reduced but larger pores are present, 44 per cent. being in the form of insect burrows 2 mm. and more in diameter. The initial infiltration rates of the cultivated plots reflect the high porosity of the surface layer, but there is no difference in the final infiltration rates for these and the bare-surface plots. The infiltration rate of the sod plots is four times as high as in the other treatments, and is attributable to the effective hydraulic area of the faunal burrows. Cultivation has reduced aggregate stability as compared with uncultivated bare-surface and sod treatments, and the sod plots are considerably better in this respect than the bare-surface plots. This is not reflected in the soil organic carbon contents. Aggregate stability increases with increasing ammonium sulphate applications regardless of the cultural treatments. This is associated with increasing soil acidity, which, incidentally, may influence structure through its effect on microflora and exchangeable cations.

scholarly journals Calculation of organic matter and nutrients stored in soils under contrasting management regimes

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. H. Ellert ◽  
J. R. Bettany
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Soil Mass ◽  
Organic C ◽  
The Masses ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Gray Luvisol

Assessments of management-induced changes in soil organic matter depend on the methods used to calculate the quantities of organic C and N stored in soils. Chemical analyses in the laboratory indicate the concentrations of elements in soils, but the thickness and bulk density of the soil layers in the field must be considered to estimate the quantities of elements per unit area. Conventional methods that calculate organic matter storage as the product of concentration, bulk density and thickness do not fully account for variations in soil mass. Comparisons between the quantities of organic C, N, P and S in Gray Luvisol soils under native aspen forest and various cropping systems were hampered by differences in the mass of soil under consideration. The influence of these differences was eliminated by calculating the masses of C, N, P and S in an "equivalent soil mass" (i.e. the mass of soil in a standard or reference surface layer). Reassessment of previously published data also indicated that estimates of organic matter storage depended on soil mass. Appraisals of organic matter depletion or accumulation usually were different for comparisons among element masses in an equivalent soil mass than for comparisons among element masses in genetic horizons or in fixed sampling depths. Unless soil erosion or deposition had altered the mass of topsoil per unit area, comparisons among unequal soil masses were unjustified and erroneous. For management-induced changes in soil organic matter and nutrient storage to be assessed reliably, the masses of soil being compared must be equivalent. Key words: Soil carbon, soil nitrogen, soil phosphorus, soil sulfur, carbon cycle, carbon storage, bulk density effects, Gray Luvisol, soil erosion

scholarly journals Effect of Conservation Tillage on Soil Chemical Properties in Rice-Maize Cropping System

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
A K M Saiful Islam ◽  
M A Saleque ◽  
M M Hossain ◽  
A K M Aminul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Soil Chemical Properties ◽  
Zero Tillage ◽  
Tillage Practices ◽  
Strip Tillage ◽  
Residue Retention

Soil organic matter, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrition of rice-maize cropping systems are important for sustaining crop productivity and food security. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of tillage practices and residue retention on soil chemical properties in rice-maize cropping system. Conventional tillage, single pass wet tillage in rice (rotated with zero tillage in maize), bed planting (unpuddled rice transplanting) and strip tillage (unpuddled rice transplanting) in vertical plots and residue retention (0, 50 and 100%) in horizontal plot were tested for three consecutive years (2009-12). Rice was grown as transplanted irrigated crop and maize as upland crop. After third crop, strip tillage increased soil organic matter compared to bed and zero tillage at 0–7.5 cm soil depth. After three years, retention of crop residues, irrespective of tillage treatments, increased soil organic matter (SOM) at 7.5–15.0 cm soil depth. Tillage practices (puddled or unpudled) showed no significant changes in SOM. Neither tillage nor residue management had any significant effect on soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v13i2.26589The Agriculturists 2015; 13(2) 62-73

scholarly journals Pemanfaatan Data Sifat Tanah Dalam Pendugaan Laju Infiltrasi Pada Areal Hutan Berlereng Curam

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
Bejo Slamet ◽  
Dewi Sagita Ginting ◽  
Deni Elfiati
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Clay Fraction ◽  
Infiltration Rate ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Mountain Forest ◽  
Double Ring ◽  
Steep Slopes

Kendala pengukuran infiltrasi pada lahan hutan pegunungan adalah posisi lokasi yang jauh dan mempunyai kelerengan yang curam sampai sangat curam.  Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mendapatkan model hubungan antara sifat tanah pada areal hutan yang berlereng curam dengan laju infiltrasi.  Penelitian dilakukan di Taman Hutan Raya (Tahura) Bukit Barisan Kabupaten Karo Provinsi Sumatera Utara.  Sifat tanah yang dijadikan sebagai parameter penduga adalah tekstur tanah, bulk density (kepadatan tanah) dan bahan organik.  Pengukuran infiltrasi di lapangan dilakukan dengan metode double ring infiltrometer. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa fraksi liat, bulk density, porositas dan bahan organic mampu memberikan nilai pendugaan laju infiltrasi maksimum dengan koefisien determinasi (R2) sebesar 0,567 dan pendugaan waktu mencapai konstan dengan koefisien determinasi (R2) sebesar 0,760.  Adapaun model persamaan penduga laju infiltrasi minimum hanya memberikan nilai koefisien determinasi sebesar 0,162.  Variabilitas spasial laju infiltrasi yang tinggi mengakibatkan pendugaan menggunakan sifat fisik tanah masih memberikan koefisisen determinasi yang rendah.  Namun demikian model persamaan ini dapat dijadikan sebagai penduga infiltrasi pada areal pebukitan dengan kelerengan curam dan jauh dari sumber air.   The constraints on measuring infiltration on mountain forest land are the remote locations and have steep slopes to very steep. This research was conducted to obtain a model of the relationship between the soil properties in steep slope forests with infiltration rates. The study was held in the Bukit Barisan Forest Park (Tahura), Karo Regency, North Sumatra Province. The properties of the soil which are used as estimating parameters are soil texture, bulk density and soil organic matter. Measurement of infiltration in the field was done by t double ring infiltrometer method. The results show that the clay fraction, bulk density, porosity and soil organic matter were able to provide the estimation values of maximum infiltration rate with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.567 and the estimation of constant time with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.760. However, the estimation equation of minimum infiltration rate model only gives a determination coefficient of 0.162. The high spatial variability of infiltration rate in the field resulting in the low of the coefficient of determination of the model. However, this equation model can be used as an estimator of infiltration in hills with steep slopes and far from water sources.

scholarly journals Soil Organic Carbon Stock as Affected by Different Tillage Practices under Rice-Mustard Cropping System

2020 ◽  
pp. 78-84
Author(s):  
Rajat Kumar Parit ◽  
K. Mahanta ◽  
P. K. Bharteey ◽  
H. Khanikar ◽  
P. K. Maurya
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Carbon ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Carbon Stock ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Tillage Practices ◽  
Soc Stocks

Management of soil organic matter (SOM) in arable lands has become increasingly important in many areas of the world to combat land degradation, increase food security, reduce carbon emissions and/or mitigate climate change. Soil carbon cycling and composition are essential components of comprehensive agricultural and ecological impacts and forecasting. Soil Organic Matter (SOM) plays keys to developing drought-resistant soils (i.e., water conservation, evaporation and erosion control and soil water infiltration ease) and ensuring sustainable food production. This study was conducted during 2018 (March) after harvesting of mustard at Instructional-cum-Research Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, to determine the temporal effect of different tillage practices on soil carbon stock in Rice (Oryza sativa)-Mustard (Brassica juncea)-Sesbania (Sesbania rostrata) cropping system under conservation agriculture system. The soil was acidic (pH- 5.4), sandy loam in texture with CEC-6.28 cmol(p+)/100 g, organic carbon-0.92%, available  N-260 kg ha-1, available P-19 kg ha-1, available K-86 kg ha-1. Tillage practices can potentially affect soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation in agricultural soils. SOC stocks of the 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm soil layers for each treatment were calculated by multiplying bulk density (g/cc), organic carbon (%) and depth of the soil (cm). Significantly lower bulk density was observed in CT and the control over the MT. While soil organic carbon was recorded significantly higher in MT over the CT and the control. The SOC stocks in MT were also higher than those under CT and Control (P < 0.05). The order of SOC stocks in the 0-45 cm soil layer was MT >CT.

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