Changes in soil quality associated with tillage system applied

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate changes in soil quality associated with the tillage system applied with chosen parameters of soil biological properties. The long-term field experiments were located at a private farm in Rogów (Zamooeć region, E Poland) on a silt soil and at the Experimental Station in Laskowice (Wrocław region, S-W Poland) on a sandy loam soil. Soil samples were collected from 0-15 and 15-30 cm layers. Winter wheat was grown under traditional, reduced and no-tillage systems. The analyses included estimations of microbial biomass C and N content, microbial respiration rate, activity of dehydrogenase and arylsulfatase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis. After eight years the effects of tillage on both soils were clearly noticed. In general, the less disturbing tillage systems enhanced the increase of soil biological activity by 15-40%, on average, than conventional tillage system. The significant correlations between microbial biomass, and/or enzyme activities with total organic C content indicate that concentration of organic C in soil environment plays an extremely important role in enhancing the stabilization and activity of soil microorganisms, and protection of an extracellular enzymes. The studied parameters of soil biological activity showed their sensitivity to tillage applied and may be considered as an useful indicators of soil quality in monitoring all conditions alter soil environment.

Effects of maize and winter wheat grown under different cultivation techniques on biological activity of soil

“…Negative impacts of CT on MBC and MBN contents were also confirmed by numerous studies, e.g. Spedding et al (2004) and Gajda et al (2013).…”

Stability of soil aggregates and their ability of carbon sequestration

“…In intensively cultivated rows, the values of CSC in WSA mi were higher (by 15%) in comparison to those from the grassy strips in-between the vineyard rows. Tisdall and Oades (1980) reported that higher carbon content is in the macro-rather than in the micro-aggregates and also its content is influenced by the land use or soil management practices used (Balashov & Buchkina 2011;Šimanský 2012;Gaida et al 2013). For example, Tisdall and Oades (1980) also reported that due to a greater biomass (plant roots, microscopic fungal hyphae), in soils from meadows or native grasslands the carbon content in macro-aggregates is higher.…”

“…Overall, the highest content of C org and C L in WSA was determined in the grassy strips in-between the vineyard rows, rather than in the intensively cultivated rows themselves. This can be seen as a result of tillage and the intensive cultivation of soil (Beare et al 1994;Šimanský et al 2008;Balashov & Buchkina 2011;Gaida et al 2013). Carbon sequestration capacity in water-stable aggregates.…”

“…For example, soil structure is one of the key factors in soil quality (Roger-Estrada et al 2010;Šimanský 2011a) because it plays an important role in forming the optimal physical conditions. Similarly, soil organic matter (SOM) plays an important role in controlling soil quality and resilience through affecting buffering capacity, microbial biodiversity, water retention, and structural stabilization (Balashov & Buchkina 2011;Kadlec et al 2012;Gaida et al 2013). Soil management can be responsible for soil structure changes (Bronick & Lal 2005;Balashov et al 2010;Šimanský 2011a;Slowinska-Jurkiewicz et al 2013), especially in vineyards (Šimanský 2012; Šimanský et al 2013).…”

Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration in Profiles of Polesie Lubelskie Peatlands

“…In that approach, CO 2 production is one of the biological indicators of soil conditions because organic matter hosts microbial activity. Aerobic and anaerobic decomposers use organic matter as a source of nutrients and energy for their growth and functioning (Gajda and Przew³oka, 2012., Gajda et al, 2013;Šantrùèková et al, 2010).…”