Penetration resistance and root growth of oats in tilled and untilled loess soil

Penetration resistance, bulk density, soil water content and root growth of oats were intensively studied in a tilled and an untilled grey brown podzolic loess soil. Bulk density and penetration resistance were higher in the top layer of the untilled soil compared with the tilled soil. In the latter, however, a traffic pan existed in the 25–30 cm soil layer which had higher bulk density and penetration resistance than any layer of the untilled soil. Above the traffic pan, rooting density (cm root length per cm³ of soil) was higher but below the pan it was lower than at the same depth in the untilled soil. Root growth was linearly related to penetration resistance. The limiting penetration resistance for root growth was 3.6 MPa in the tilled Ap-horizon but 4.6-5.1 MPa in the untilled Ap-horizon and in the subsoil of both tillage treatments. This difference in the soil strength-root growth relationship is explained by the build up of a continuous pore system in untilled soil, created by earthworms and the roots from preceding crops. These biopores, which occupy < 1% of the soil volume, can be utilized by roots of subsequent crops as passages of comparatively low soil strength. The channeling of bulk soil may counteract the possible root restricting effect of an increased soil strength which is frequently observed in the zero tillage system.     

Influence of soil tillage on net N-mineralization under sugar beet

The shift from conventional to reduced soil tillage may affect physical and chemical soil properties and thereby net N-mineralization. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of soil tillage on net N-mineralization at different depths. For this purpose the mineralization rate in the 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm soil layer of conventionally and reduced tilled, N unfertilized plots under sugar beet was estimated with a field incubation method in 1993 and 1994. This method was compared to a balance method which takes into account N uptake of the crop and mineral N in the soil (0–90 cm). The mineralization rate in 1993 and 1994 was determined by the increase of soil temperature in spring and the change of water content in summer. Although the amount of cumulated mineralized N did not differ. soil tillage affected the mineralization rate in the three soil layers depending on the distribution of organic matter. In the reduced tilled soil the mineralization rate in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm) was higher than in conventionally tilled soil, whereas in the layer 10–20 cm depth the mineralization rate of the conventional treatment exceeded that of the reduced tilled treatment. These differences in mineralization rate between conventional and reduced tillage were more distinct in 1994 than in 1993. Since the amount of N mineralized during the season and the period of highest N-mineralization rate in the arable soil layer did not differ due to soil tillage the necessity of an increased N-fertilization in reduced tillage systems cannot be concluded from these results. This is supported by results of the white sugar yield, which showed no interaction between tillage and N fertilization. Results of the field incubation method differed considerably from those of the balance method. This is primarily due to lacking parameters in the N balance.     

Evaluation of different methods for the prediction of saturated hydraulic conductivity in tilled and untilled soils

The larger the bulk density of the soil, the smaller the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s), however, the relationship between K_s and dry bulk density for tilled and untilled conditions is different. K_s is lower in tilled soil than in untilled soil with the same texture at the same bulk density. The purpose of this study was to compare different models for the prediction of K_s for two soil textures under both tilled and non-tilled conditions. We compred two models based on the non-similar media concept (NSMC-0, NSMC-1), a model based on the similar media concept (SMC) and a model based on the Kozeny equation and Poiseuille law for prediction of K_s (KC-1 and KC-2). This study was conducted at two areas with loam and silty clay loam soils under tilled and untilled conditions. It is concluded that the SMC model is not able to predict K_s under either tilled or untilled conditions. Further, the NSMC-0 model, along with an equation to estimate the shape factor, was able to predict K_s versus dry bulk density for tilled soils. According to our study, under untilled conditions, the KC-1 and NSMC-1 models, and under tilled conditions, the NSMC-1 and NSMC-0 models, predicted K_s accurately. It is concluded that the NSMC models together with the optimized Kozeny–Carman models could reliably be used to predict K_s in different soil textures.     

耕翻和秸秆还田深度对东北黑土物理性质的影响

为了明确耕翻和秸秆还田深度对土壤物理性质的影响,在东北黑土区中部进行了6 a的耕翻和秸秆还田定位试验,设置了免耕(D0)、浅耕翻(0～20 cm)(D20)、浅耕翻+秸秆(D20S)、深耕翻(0～35 cm)(D35)、深耕翻+秸秆(D35S)、超深耕翻(0～50 cm)(D50)和超深耕翻+秸秆(D50S)7个处理开展研究,秸秆还田处理将10 000 kg/hm2秸秆均匀地还入相应的耕翻土层。结果表明,耕翻和秸秆还田深度是影响土壤物理性质的重要农艺措施。与初始土壤相比,免耕显著增加了0～20cm土层土壤容重,减少了孔隙度、持水量、饱和导水率和0.25mm水稳性团聚体的含量(WAS0.25)(P0.05),而对20～50 cm土层没有显著影响(P0.05)。在0～20 cm土层,除了D50处理显著降低了WAS0.25含量以外,D20,D35和D50处理对各项土壤物理指标均没有显著影响;而D20S和D35S处理则显著改善了该层各项土壤物理指标。在20～35 cm土层,D35、D35S、D50和D50S处理显著改善了该土层各项土壤物理指标(除了2014年的容重)。在35～50cm土层,D50和D50S处理对各项土壤物理指标改善效果显著,特别是相应土层通气孔隙度和饱和导水率显著增加。研究结果表明耕翻配合秸秆对土壤物理指标的改善效果优于仅耕翻处理。综合评分结果也表明D35S和D50S处理分别对20～35 cm和35～50 cm土层土壤物理性质的改善效果最好,说明在质地黏重的黑土上深翻耕或者超深翻耕配合秸秆还田通过土层翻转秸秆全层混合施用能够显著改善全耕作层土壤的物理性质,增加耕层厚度,扩充土壤的水分库容,提高黑土的水分调节能力。     

Evaporation and redistribution of salts in a silt loam soil as affected by tillage induced soil mulch

Soil water evaporation, redistribution of surface applied salts and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity were determined in field plots of a silt loam soil kept either untilled or tilled to a depth of 5 cm 2–3 days following irrigation. The hydraulic gradients measured were comparatively steeper and the zone of zero flux during drying occurred at greater depths in untilled than tilled soil. Tillage induced soil mulch reduced evaporation losses; its effectiveness, however, decreased during high external evaporative demand conditions. Some empirical relations to determine evaporation utilizing more easily accesible parameters, such as surface soil water content or suction and U.S. open-pan evaporation, were established for predictive purposes. Due to reduction in upward movement of water, shallow tillage resulted in decrease in upward movement of salts and thus, increased the efficiency of leaching during intermittent ponding. The empirical relationship describing the leaching process showed a net saving of 12.7% in water required to attain 70% removal of surface accumulated salts. Increase in unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of soil due to salinization was also observed.     

Response of soil structure and hydraulic conductivity to reduced tillage and animal manure in a temperate loamy soil

We studied the combined effects of reduced tillage and animal manure on soil structure and hydraulic conductivity (K) in the 2–10 and 12–20 cm layers in a loamy soil. The study was performed at the end of a 7‐yr field trial and included three tillage treatments (mouldboard ploughing until 25 cm depth: MP, shallow tillage until 12 cm depth: ST, no‐till: NT) and two fertilizer application treatments (mineral or poultry manure). Soil structure was assessed through bulk density (ρ_b), micromorphological and macropore‐space characteristics. K was measured in situ at ?0.6, ?0.2 and ?0.05 kPa. Untilled layers had a vermicular microstructure resulting from earthworm activity, whereas tilled layers displayed a mixture of crumb and channel microstructures. Untilled layers had the highest ρ_b and twice as much lower total macroporosity area (pores > 240 μm in equivalent diameter) than tilled layers, reflected by the smallest area of macropores 310–2000 μm in diameter and the smallest area of large complex macropores. K under untilled layers was 12–62% lower than that under tilled layers, but differences were statistically significant only at ?0.05 kPa in the 2–10 cm. No significant interaction between tillage and nutrient application treatments was detected for all properties. Compared with mineral fertilizer, poultry manure resulted in a similar ρ_b but 20% greater total macroporosity area and 30% higher K at ?0.2 kPa. Overall, the sensitivity of soil structure and K to poultry manure were relatively small compared with tillage. We suggest that cultivation practices other than animal manure application are needed to improve physical properties under reduced tillage.     

Leaching of potassium,magnesium, manganese and iron in relation to porosity of tilled and orchard loamy soil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the leaching of potassium, magnesium, manganese and iron in tilled and orchard silty loam soil. The experimental treatments were: conventionally tilled field (CT) with main tillage operations including pre-plough (10 cm)+harrowing followed by mouldboard ploughing to 20 cm depth, and a 35-year-old apple orchard (OR) with a permanent sward. Leaching of the cations was determined in soil columns of undisturbed structure, 21.5 cm diameter and 20 cm height, from a depth of 0–20 cm. All the columns were subjected to spray irrigation at a level of 1110 ml (30 mm), and leachate in 50-ml increments was collected. Concentration of the cations in the leachate was determined using a spectrophotometer ICP-AS. Pore size distribution data showed that the volume of pores >20 µm under CT was greater at a depth of 0–10 cm and lower in the 10–20 cm soil layer under OR, and the reverse was true with respect to pores <6 µm. At each 50-ml leachate, concentration of all the cations was greater under CT than OR. In most leachates the differences were more pronounced for potassium and magnesium than iron and manganese. Percolation of the leachate was considerably faster in orchard than tilled soil.     

The Efficiency of Moldboard Plowing upon Deactivation and Rehabilitation of Radioactively Contaminated Pastures in the North of Japan

The nuclear disaster at the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant resulted in the widespread contamination of agrocenoses with radiocesium (¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs) on the Honshu Island. Our study was performed on four agricultural fields located on gentle slopes of southern aspect 150 km to the northwest from the nuclear power plant. Three plots were tilled in different periods (in 2012–2013), and one plot remained untilled. The density of soil contamination and the specific activity of radiocesium in plants (June 2014) on tilled plots appeared to be permissible. Thus, the density of soil contamination varied within the range of 1.3–6.5 kBq/m², and the specific radioactivity of plants did not exceed 100 Bq/kg in plants. Such areas may be used as pastures without restrictions. At the same time, an increased density of the soil contamination (13–32 kBq/m²) and the concentration of radiocesium in plants (up to 138 Bq/kg) were detected in some areas not subjected to reclamation works. Such fallow lands are suitable as pastures only for feeding cattle for meat and for milk with their obligatory subsequent processing. On all the plots, the concentration of radiocesium in soils decreased down the soil profile. In general, radiocesium was accumulated on the middle and lower parts of slopes, which is associated with the development of water erosion and initial distribution of radiocesium during the snowmelt season. The air dose rate on the studied plots did not exceed the permissible safety level (0.2 μSv/h) and varied within the range 0.05–0.10 μSv/h. The maximum level of γ-radiation was determined on the fallow (untilled) plot. On tilled plots, γ-radiation was 30–50% lower. Therefore, soil moldboard plowin tillage to the depth of 20 cm with or without shallow cultivation is an efficient measure to reclaim agricultural lands with the initially low level of radiocesium contamination (up to 32 kBq/m²).     

Untersuchung der potentiellen Stickstoff-Mineralisation in Trumao-Böden und einem Pseudogley

Total porosity and pore size distribution in untilled and tilled loess soils . Soil core samples were taken from untilled and tilled soils of a no-tillage experiment to determine total porosity and pore size distribution. The soil samples were collected at short time intervals during 1969–1971 from 2–6 cm depth of a Grey Brown Podzolic Soil (Typudalf) deriverd from loess. 1. Total porosity differed in untilled and tilled plots on the average by 4.7 vol.% (table 2). The seasonal changes are more pronounced on the tilled soil. Higher values of total porosity are observed during spring and fall, as compared to summer. Values are influenced by soil cultivation, rainfall and green manure crops (fig. 1a, b). 2. The changes of the fraction of large pores (> 30 μ), expressed on a volume basis, are similar to the changes in total porosity in direction but greater in extent. On the contrary the seasonal changes of the fractions of medium pores (3–30 μ), small pores (0,2–3,0 μ) and very small pores (< 0, 2 μ) appear to be independent from changes in total porosity (fig. la, b). 3. Fig. 2, showing the relation between total porosity and pore size distribution, may induce the wrong impression, that a decrease in total porosity results in an increase of the quantity of small and very small pores, accompanied with an excessive reduction of the quantity of large pores. If this relation is based on weight (100 g of solid soil particles) and not on volume (100 cm³ of soil particles and pores), it becomes clear, that compacting and loosening the soil investigated affect mainly the amount of large pores. 4. The seasonal changes of soil water content in the field influence pore size distribution. Under the condition of constant total porosity increasing water content at sampling date induces a pore size redistribution in favour of the pores > 300 μ and 1,5–3,0 μ (table 3). 5. A decrease in total porosity does not induce an increase in the homogeneity of the soil investigated (fig. 3). 6. The average total porosity of the untilled and tilled soil is near the lower and upper limit respectively of the range, which is considered to be the optimum for air capacity.     

Effect of Hydraulic Properties of Crust and Plow Layer Horizons on Infiltration during Heavy Rainfall

A computer solution to the one-dimensional soil moisture flow equation was used to show how changes in the wet end of the Ψ-θ-K relations affect infiltration and the conductivity-gradient interactions between a crust and the underlying A-horizon of a hypothetic loess soil. Variations in the θ(Ψ) and K(Ψ) relations between 0 and 10 cm water tension caused three-fold differences in simulated steady-state infiltration rates. A crust having many pores that drain at low tensions (i. e., big pores) limited infiltration more than did a crust with the same saturated conductivity, but having few easily drainable pores. With either crust, the infiltration rate was higher when the hydraulic conductivity of the underlying A-horizon was greater over the low suction range. Both crusts limited infiltration more when the underlying A-horizon contained many easily drainable pores than when the A-horizon had only few big pores. Therefore, the wet end of the Ψ-θ-K relation of a tilled surface layer has an important effect upon infiltration, even when overlain by a dense surface crust. The calculations emphasize that estimates of infiltration and runoff are very sensitive to variations in the hydraulic input functions in the low tension range where precise measurements are very difficult. The model results also show how tension gradients and conductivities near the surface can produce infiltration rates that are considerably higher than the saturated conductivity of the crust.     

北方农牧交错带土壤风蚀沙化影响因子的风洞试验研究

土壤风蚀沙化是北方农牧交错带农牧业生产与发展的主要限制因子,通过室内风洞实验研究,定量分析了土壤风蚀率(风蚀强度)与风速及土壤水分的相关关系、土壤风蚀输沙量的空间分布规律以及翻耕后土壤风蚀的动态变化。结果表明:风蚀率与风速变化成正相关,随着风速增大,风蚀率相应增加,18m/s风速是风蚀由轻变重的一个转折点;土壤水分与风蚀率呈负相关,水分含量越高,风蚀率越小,6%含水量水平是土壤风蚀由重变轻的一个转折点。通过曲线拟合表明,风蚀率与风速成幂函数的关系,与土壤水分含量成对数函数关系。土壤风蚀空间不同高度输沙量呈单峰曲线的变化趋势,在距地面2～4cm范围内集沙量最多,80%左右的沙量集中在近地面10cm范围内。土地翻耕是加重土壤风蚀的重要因素,对于天然草场,翻耕后风蚀强度是未翻耕的66～306倍,对于旱作农田,留茬覆盖可以有效控制土壤风蚀,翻耕马铃薯地风蚀强度是留茬地的25～108倍。     

长期玉米连作下不同产量水平0—100 cm土层黑土与淡黑钙土理化性状差异

  【目的】  比较长期玉米连作条件下,0—100 cm土层黑土和淡黑钙土土壤物理和化学性状的差异,分析影响产量的主导因素,为黑土地保护与利用提供理论指导。  【方法】  在吉林省中部黑土区和西部淡黑钙土区,各选取玉米连作种植年限超过15年的代表性地块18个,在每个地块采集深度为0—10、10—20、20—30、30—50、50—70和70—100 cm的土壤样品,并进行土壤理化性状分析。按照高、中、低3个产量水平将土壤样品划分为3组,综合比较黑土和淡黑钙土不同产量水平0—100 cm土层土壤理化性状的差异。  【结果】  中部黑土0—100 cm土壤肥力指标均高于西部淡黑钙土,其0—100 cm土层土壤氮、磷、钾素储量分别为12.3、4.8、175.1 t/hm2,分别比西部淡黑钙土高2.4%、13.3%、43.5%。黑土和淡黑钙土20—100 cm土层有机质和全氮含量均以高产田最高;高产田与中产田耕层 (0—20 cm) 土壤全量和速效氮、磷、钾含量均明显高于下层 (20—100 cm)。中部黑土20—30 cm存在一个较明显的保水保肥层,30 cm以下土层的土壤理化性状与产量多呈显著相关,0—100 cm土层土壤pH为5.15～7.07,高产田土壤固、液、气三相比例更理想,0—100 cm各土层广义土壤结构指数 (GSSI) 的高低表现为高产田 > 中产田 > 低产田,高产田土壤含水量高于其他两个产量水平,高产田与中产田0—100 cm各土层土壤全磷含量较为接近,二者耕层速效钾含量明显高于低产田。西部淡黑钙土无明显的保水保肥层,20—30 cm土层的理化指标与产量密切相关,0—100 cm土层土壤pH为6.61～8.31,高产田70—100 cm土层硝态氮累积量仅占0—100 cm土体总量的5.2%,而中、低产田该比例分别为22.3%和22.7%,硝态氮下移趋势明显。黑土与淡黑钙土区0—20 cm土壤均呈现酸化趋势,尤其是黑土区低产田表层土壤酸化现象明显。  【结论】  中部黑土区30—50 cm土层土壤理化指标对产量影响较大,高产田20 cm以下土层养分持续供应能力是其实现稳定高产的重要保证。西部淡黑钙土区20—30 cm土层理化指标对产量影响较大,土壤结构是影响产量的核心指标,持续土壤培肥是实现高产的重要措施。     

Infiltration and random roughness of a tilled and untilled claypan soil

No-tillage is generally assumed to increase infiltration and reduce runoff, but runoff from a claypan soil in Central Missouri, however, was greater from no-tillage plots than from moldboard plowed plots. The effect of simulated rainfall on infiltration and random roughness of tilled and untilled soil was measured. Four different tillage systems, each with and without surface cover were studied. An exponential decay function describes the change in random roughness for tilled soil exposed to rainfall kinetic energy. Although the differences were not statistically significant, among the uncovered tilled plots those with the highest random roughness had the highest infiltration. The bare no-tillage treatment had the lowest infiltration. Plots protected with shredded foam rubber infiltrated 88–248% more rainfall than similar bare plots.     

耕作与覆盖措施对黄土塬区春玉米田土壤水气传输的影响

  【目的】  良好的土壤物理和水力学性质是土壤肥力可持续的基础。研究黄土高原旱作农业区长期不同耕作、覆盖措施对土壤水气传输性质的影响,为黄土塬区可持续的农田管理提供参考。  【方法】  基于设在渭北旱塬始于2002年的田间定位试验,选取传统耕作 (CT)、传统耕作+秸秆覆盖 (TS)、传统耕作+地膜覆盖 (TP)、传统耕作+全膜覆盖 (TWP)、免耕 (NT)、免耕+秸秆覆盖 (NS)、免耕+地膜覆盖 (NP)、免耕+生草覆盖 (NG) 共8个处理。于2019年春玉米收获期采集剖面土样,对0—10、10—20、20—30和30—40 cm土层土壤质量含水量、容重、导气率、相对气体扩散率和饱和导水率进行测定与分析。  【结果】  与CT处理相比,TS处理显著增加了0—40 cm土壤平均质量含水量,降低了0—40 cm各层土壤导气率,增加了各层土壤相对气体扩散率,表层 (0—10 cm) 土壤饱和导水率显著降低了75.9%;TP处理收获期耕层 (0—20 cm) 土壤容重增加,土壤总孔隙度显著降低,在0—10 cm土层,土壤导气率显著提高了54.1%;TWP处理耕层土壤容重显著增加,土壤总孔隙度显著降低,剖面0—40 cm土壤导气率和饱和导水率分别平均增加了64.8%和111.2%,尤其是表层土壤导气率显著提高了99.5%。与NT处理相比,NS处理耕层土壤容重降低,总孔隙度增加,表层土壤质量含水量、相对气体扩散率和饱和导水率分别显著提高了14.8%、25.3%和446.4%;NP处理耕层土壤容重增加,总孔隙度降低,表层土壤质量含水量和饱和导水率分别显著增加3.5%和145.2%,土壤导气率显著降低33.7%;NG处理耕层土壤容重降低,总孔隙度增加,表层土壤质量含水量显著提高了11.3%,土壤相对气体扩散率显著降低了42.1%。相同覆盖条件下与传统耕作比较,免耕处理能够降低下层20—40 cm土壤容重,增加土壤总孔隙度,提高土壤持水性,虽然降低了表层0—10 cm土壤导气率,但提高了土壤相对气体扩散率和饱和导水率。  【结论】  免耕秸秆覆盖可降低耕层土壤容重,增加总孔隙度,并且显著提高耕层土壤相对气体扩散率和饱和导水率,增加下层土壤导气率,是免耕处理组中最佳处理。传统耕作全膜覆盖可提高耕层土壤导气率、相对气体扩散率和饱和导水率,是传统耕作组中最佳处理,可有效保持渭北旱塬良好的土壤水气传输能力。     

Abbau-, Sorptions- und Verlagerungsverhalten des Herbizides Diuron in einer obstbaulich genutzten Parabraunerde aus Löß

Fate, sorption, and leaching of the herbicide diuron after annual application in an orchard soil (Orthic Luvisol) A three years field trial was conducted in an apple orchard on a loess site (Orthic Luvisol) with annual applications of the herbicide diuron. An accumulation of biologically effective residues of the herbicide was not observed, although a carry-over of herbicide residues in a range of 46–77 μg/kg dry soil in the 0–5 cm layer occurred between different years. After application in May, the residues were rapidly degraded during the following summer months. Disappearance of diuron residues from the 0–5 cm layer conformed to first-order kinetics during the first six months after application. The DT₅₀-values ranged from 14 to 30 days. As the degradation rate decreased with time, the level of remaining residues on a long-term scale was best represented by two combined exponential functions for the fast and slow degradation rate. The distribution coefficient between adsorbed and dissolved residues increased with time, indicating decreasing mobility of herbicide residues. The distribution coefficients and the extractable residue contents were strongly negatively correlated. A few days after a diuron application in May 1994, about 15% of the applied amounts could be analyzed in subsoil samples from 30–60 cm depth (6%) and 60–90 cm depth (9%), while high concentrations of diuron remained in the 0–5 cm soil layer. This was the result of a heavy rainfall (20 mm) and a rapid movement of seepage water into the subsoil due to preferential transport in soil macropores like earthworm channels and shrinkage cracks, which frequently occurred in this untilled loess soil. Different transport patterns were observed during the winter months in 1992/93 and 1993/94, when only low amounts of the diuron applied in spring were leached down to 30–60 cm depth. In winter time, the remaining low concentrations of extractable residues were strongly adsorbed and therefore remained in the upper soil layers.     

Effects of autumn tillage and residue management on soil respiration in a long‐term field experiment in Sweden

Several previous field studies in temperate regions have shown decreased soil respiration after conventional tillage compared with reduced or no‐tillage treatments. Whether this decrease is due to differences in plant residue distribution or changes in soil structure following tillage remains an open question. This study investigated (1) the effects of residue management and incorporation depth on soil respiration and (2) biological activity in different post‐tillage aggregates representing the actual size and distribution of aggregates observed in the tilled layer. The study was conducted within a long‐term tillage experiment on a clay soil (Eutric Cambisol) in Uppsala, Sweden. After 38 y, four replicate plots in two long‐term treatments (moldboard plowing (MP) and shallow tillage (ST)) were split into three subplots. These were then used for a short‐term trial in which crop residues were either removed, left on the surface or incorporated to about 6 cm depth (ST) or at 20 cm depth (MP). Soil respiration, soil temperature, and water content were monitored during a 10‐d period after tillage treatment. Respiration from aggregates of different sizes produced by ST and MP was also measured at constant water potential and temperature in the laboratory. The results showed that MP decreased short‐term soil respiration compared with ST or no tillage. Small aggregates (< 16 mm) were biologically most active, irrespective of tillage method, but due to their low proportion of total soil mass they contributed < 1.5% to total respiration from the tilled layer. Differences in respiration between tillage treatments were found to be attributable to indirect effects on soil moisture and temperature profiles and the depth distribution of crop residues, rather than to physical disturbance of the soil.     

Properties of soil aggregates as influenced by tillage practices

Abstract. Changes in aggregate stability, density, and porosity as well as the water retention and nutrient contents of different aggregate size fractions due to intensive tillage were investigated. Three soils from Vicarello, Fagna and Gambassi in North Central Italy which had been under permanent vegetation, minimum or conventional tillage for more than seven years were studied. The aggregates on conventionally tilled plots were slightly denser and less porous than those on the untilled or minimum-tilled plots. The aggregates were less stable under conventional tillage on all soils. Conventional tillage reduced the proportion or macro-aggregates by 22% at Vicarello and 35% at Gambassi. There were no differences in macro-aggregate proportions between minimum- and conventionally tilled plots at Fagna. The potential of the dry aggregates to distintegrate upon contact with water was greatest in the conventionally tilled and least in the untilled treatments. The proportions of dry macro-aggregates (> 0.25 mm) in the untilled and tilled plots were 90 and 71%, respectively. The soil of the tilled plots contained less carbon and nitrogen than that of the untilled plots in all aggregate size fractions. The silt-plus-clay contents of the aggregates accounted for between 65 and 93% of variability in the water they retained at small potentials while organic carbon contents accounted for between 71 and 90% of variability in the stability of the aggregates irrespective of the tillage treatments.     

Effects of consecutive applications of gypsum in equal,increasing, and decreasing quantities on soil hydraulic conductivity of a saline‐sodic soil

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of consecutive application of gypsum dissolved in leaching water on hydraulic conductivity of a saline‐sodic soil. Drainage type plastic columns with a 10 cm diameter were used in this laboratory experiment. Soil depth within columns was 30 cm with an average bulk density of 1.38 g cm^–3. Leaching water was applied in six equal portions. Total gypsum was applied at 1, 3, and 5 portions after dissolving in leaching water. In dissolution, equal (1.273 + 1.273 + 1.273 Mg ha^–1), increasing (0.637 + 1.273 + 1.910 Mg ha^–1) and decreasing (1.910 + 1.273 + 0.637 Mg ha^–1) quantities of gypsum were used. Results were compared with the control treatment, in which total amount of gypsum were mixed with surface layer of soil column before leaching. Hydraulic conductivity of soil increased in all treatments. The maximum hydraulic conductivity value was obtained at consecutive application of gypsum at decreasing quantities.     

Use of a surface gamma-neutron gauge for in situ measurement of changes in bulk density of the tilled zone

Short-term temporal changes in bulk density and related soil-water properties of a tilled soil may appreciably influence the processes of infiltration, soil water storage, runoff and erosion. Using a properly-calibrated surface gamma-neutron gauge, the changes in bulk density and moisture content within the topsoil layer can be measured in situ and at a large number of locations, with a minimum amount of time and expense. In this study on a Bernow loam soil (Typic Paleudult), factory calibration for either the neutron or the gamma component of a Troxler gauge was found unsatisfactory when compared with soil cores. Field calibration was obtained for both these components. Two different methods tried for gamma calibration gave satisfactory and nearly the same results. These findings generally agreed with the results for two other soils, whose data were available from an earlier study. Using field calibrations, soil bulk density was measured weekly at several sites within 4 freshly-tilled plots, one left bare, two planted to corn and one to soya bean, in depth intervals of 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm. The plots were irrigated 3 days before each measurement. Over a 15-week period, the major changes in bulk density occurred only within the 0–10-cm layer, and these changes were strongly correlated with the amount of water applied. The presence of crops did not significantly influence these changes measured in the interrow areas. However, some additional data in the 0–10-cm layer indicated that roots may modify soil bulk density in the crop row and interrow areas differently. Measurements of this type serve to provide important information for improving soil and water management.