Effect of tillage systems on the quality of different soil types

Abstract

The tillage technology used can infl uence the soil quality positively or negatively. The aim of this work was to compare the impact of reduced (RT) and conventional (CT) tillage technologies on selected physical and chemical properties of Mollic Fluvisol, Chernozem, and Haplic Luvisol. Diff erences in the properties of soils treated with RT and CT were investigated at fi fteen sites to a depth of 40 cm. The results showed that in Mollic Fluvisol, which naturally has higher soil organic matter (SOM) content, changing the tillage system from CT to RT caused minimal negative changes in soil properties, including a signifi cant increase in bulk density (r d ), a decrease in available water capacity (Q P ) and hot water soluble carbon (C HWL ); in contrast, the change in tillage system was positively refl ected in a statistically signifi cant increase in total organic carbon (C ox ) and degree of humifi cation. For Chernozem and Haplic Luvisol, which naturally have medium to low SOM content, changing tillage from CT to RT resulted in a signifi cant decrease in C HWL content and degree of humifi cation. All physical parameters assessed were signifi cantly deteriorated (there was an increase in r d and wilting point, a signifi cant decrease in air-fi lled porosity and Q P . There was no signifi cant improvement in any of the soil properties studied. It can be concluded that the CT system is more suitable for Chernozem and Haplic Luvisol tillage than the RT system. In Mollic Fluvisol, the RT system is more or less equally suitable for tillage as the CT system.