Evaluation of Change on the Structural Quality and Organic Matter the Soil Induced by No-till Chronosequence under Semi-arid Climate in Algeria

Abstract

Background: The no-till system is increasingly accepted as an alternative to conventional tillage because of its agronomic and environmental advantages. The evaluation of soil quality during the transition to no-till phases is very important to allow better soil management, especially in semi-arid regions. Methods: This study was carried out during 2017. The objective of this research is to evaluate change of soil structure (morphological and analytical) and organic matter (total and labile) at two different depths (0-10 and 10-20 cm). No-till system chronosequence was carried out in four phases in cereal cultivation. Soil samples were collected, then different carbon forms (total, particulate and microbial) and soil structure (morphology, structure stability and bulk density) were analyzed. Result: The best soil quality was obtained during the two chronosequence phases 9 and 6 years, at both soil depths studied. However, this soil quality change is limited at 0-10 cm soil depth in the 3 years chronosequence phase.