USING DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUBSOILER SHARES TO IMPROVE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF COMPACTED SOILS

Abstract

Soil compaction is an environmental problem and has been recognized as the main form of soil degradation in some Mediterranean areas. Soil compaction may increase soil strength and compacted soil layers can affect root growth and crop productivity. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of using different types of sub-soilers shanks and shares on physical soil properties, seed germination and crop productivity of faba bean (vicia faba). The experiment was carried out at El- Hamam district area- Matrouh in sandy loam soil. The soil was characterizes by hard pan compaction down to 40 cm. Parameters such as changes in soil penetration resistance, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture content were measured. The results revealed that the highest increase of soil penetration resistance and lowest hydraulic conductivity due to the soil compaction occurred in non treated soil with sub-soilers. The seed germination and yield of faba bean increased with decreasing soil penetration resistance. A positive action was detected between using fit equipped mole behind different shanks and shares of the sub-soilers used on both soil penetration resistance, and hydraulic conductivity. The ability to eliminate soil compaction could be useful on agricultural field in the South district of El Hamam canal area by using sub-soiler with mole fit equipped behind shank as well as decreased the effect of the hard pans and improve soil properties such as soil penetration resistance and hydraulic conductivity. The deep tillage gained that the lowest energy requirements were recorded either without using the fit mole equipped or with using single point share with straight shank. However using the curved shank - winged share with mole achieved the highest seed germination values and crop yield as compared with other treatments.