Paratill effect on a Vertic Argiudol under continued no-tillage systems.

Abstract

B.A. Bonel, J. Denoia, M. Costanzo, G. Giubileo , G. Zerpa. Paratill effect on a Vertic Argiudol under continued no-tillage systems. Continuous no tillage system has often resulted in soil compactation affecting soil porosity, water movement into the soil profile and plant development. Tillage systems that do not affect surface cover and prevent soil compactation can improve soil properties and increase crop conditions of growth. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a deep tillage system on porosity, aggregation, penetration resistance and soil water infiltration . The study site has been under no tillage for 12 years. The treatments were: SD (direct drilling, no tillage) and SDE (direct drilling, paratill tillage). Results for soil between 0-20 cm, indicate that total porosity, macro and mesoporosity were greater in SDE, while the penetration resistance was lower. For the size aggregate distribution, the mean weigh diameter and the aggregate stability were not different between SD and SDE. Results for soil between 20-35 cm of thickness show soil deterioration due to tillage. Total porosity was lower, while bulk density, penetration resistance and aggregate stability were greater in SDE, because of cohesion increment. Deep tillage improves superficial soil conditions near 20 cm in depth, affecting positively the infiltration rate only near shanks observations.