Abstract
The least limiting water range (LLWR) and degree of compactness (DC) can be useful indicators of soil physical quality and crop yield. This study focused on assessing of LLWR, DC and evaluation of critical values to crop growth of an Alfisol and Oxisol under no-till management. Undisturbed soil cores were taken from the layer 0.00 - 0.20 m depth. Soil water retention curve, soil penetration resistance curve, air-filled porosity and bulk density (Bd) were measured. The range of LLWR variation was limited by volumetric water content at field capacity and penetration resistance. Values of LLWR varied from 0.00 - 0.14 m 3 m -3 to Alfisol and 0.00 - 0.04 m 3 m -3 to Oxisol. The critical values of the Bd and DC for crop development were 1.79 Mg m -3 and 1.35 Mg m -3 and 96% and 74% to Alfisol and Oxisol, respectively. Further researches relating LLWR, DC and crop response are still required in soils with different conditions and management.
Highlights
Soil quality has been influenced by indicators that reflect the environmental sustainable and management practice
The single parameter that describes the range of soil water content in which limitations to plant growth associated with matric pressure, aeration, porosity and mechanical resistance was defined as non limiting water range, by Letey (1985) and improved by Silva et al (1994)
The least limiting water range (LLWR) indicate the range of soil water content with upper limit defined by field capacity or aeration and lower limit defined by permanent wilt point or penetration resistance is limiting (KAY et al, 1997)
Summary
Soil quality has been influenced by indicators that reflect the environmental sustainable and management practice. The understanding and quantification of the impact caused by soil management on the soil physical quality are fundamental for the development of sustainable agricultural systems. The single parameter that describes the range of soil water content in which limitations to plant growth associated with matric pressure, aeration, porosity and mechanical resistance was defined as non limiting water range, by Letey (1985) and improved by Silva et al (1994). It represents the interval of soil water content in wich limitations to crops development will occur. The least limiting water range (LLWR) indicate the range of soil water content with upper limit defined by field capacity or aeration and lower limit defined by permanent wilt point or penetration resistance is limiting (KAY et al, 1997)
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