Content of trace elements in the soil of typical chernozem depending on methods of primary tillage

Abstract

Aim . To determine the level of trace elements in typical chernozem when using different systems of primary tillage. Materials and Methods . In the study systemic, chemical, comparative‐ analytical, field, laboratory and statistical methods were used and software packages Microsoft Excel and Statistica software packages. The following methods of primary tillage: moldboard plowing 20‐22 cm deep, combined tillage (disking+chisel) 20‐22 cm, surface tillage (disking) 8‐10 cm and without tillage (direct seeding) – No‐till were studied for the level of their impact on the change in the content in the soil of the mobile forms of Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, Pb and Cd. Results . Specific features of changes in the content of the mobile forms of trace elements when systematically using different systems of primary tillage were determined. Differentiation of the content of trace elements in the soil according to the depth of the treated soil layer was identified, especially in the variants with extremely opposite systems of primary tillage, i.e. plowing and No‐till. When plowing is used the accumulation of Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, Pb occurs in the 10‐20 cm soil layer. When No‐till is used the accumulation of trace elements is observed in the 0‐10 layer. Conclusion . Methods of tillage under study did not contribute to the accumulation of trace elements in the soil in doses exceeding MAC and did not result in soil contamination. The peculiarities identified of the accumulation and distribution of trace elements depending on the method of primary tillage used give the opportunity to regulate their amount in order to raise the level of nutrient content, to improve the nutrition of crops and to control heavy metals to prevent contamination of soil and plants.