Tillage Effects on Soil Thermal Properties

Abstract

Theoretical considerations indicate soil thermal properties may be altered by tillage, but few field studies have been conducted to compare soil thermal properties as affected by conservation or notill management systems. Surface‐soil thermal properties were determined in the row zone for three soils in three tillage systems: conventional till, chisel plow, and no‐till. The apparent thermal diffusivity was determined by harmonic analysis of soil temperature data, volumetric heat capacity from the volume fraction of the soil components, and thermal conductivity by the line source heat‐probe method. Soil volumetric heat capacity was similar for all tillage treatments. Thermal diffusivity was significantly greater in the notill system than in conventional and chisel plow tillage systems, indicating that thermal conductivity also was greater in the no‐till system. Direct determination of thermal conductivity by the line source heat‐probe method at one site indicated that thermal conductivity was more than 20% greater in no‐till than in the conventional till system. Percentage surface residue cover had a greater influence on soil temperature and soil heat flux than soil thermal properties.

Crop residue effects on soil environment and dryland maize and soya bean production

“…This phenomenon has been verified in field situations by several investigators (Russel, 1939;Army et al, 1961 ;Aase and Siddoway, 1980;Cannell et al, 1980;Tanaka, 1985). Because of the greater heat capacity of water compared to air, radiant energy would increase temperature of dry soil more than that of wet soil (Gupta et al, 1983;Potter et al, 1985).…”

Effects of tillage regimes and herbicides onFusariumspecies associated with corn stalk rot

“…Tillage regimes alter many physical and chemical properties of the soil environment (3,4,7,9,11,15,18,28,30). These alterations can affect the pathogen directly or indirectly by stressing the host.…”

Temporal variability and covariance structures of soil temperature in a sugarcane field under different management practices in southern Brazil

“…On the effect of tillage on soil temperature, the higher temperature observed in no-till treatments (NT and NTC) compared to tilled treatments (CT and Chi) is a function of soil BD, volumetric water content and particle-to-particle contact. Soil loosening by tillage destroys aggregate stability and heat flux through a changed surface roughness (Potter et al, 1985). The increase in roughness in turns can change the area of soil surface which is open to the atmosphere and thus decreases heat conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the soil (Arshad and Azooz, 1996).…”