Compacted Zone Research Articles

Assessing soil mechanical resistance at different depths and compactation mapping at effective root zone

Soil compaction, a result of mechanical resistance to penetration, has a direct impact on yield potential by limiting root access to water and nutrients. Factors such as inadequate crop rotation, intensive mechanization, and trampling by animals contribute to compaction. Mitigation strategies include crop rotation, control of machinery traffic, the use of cover crops, and the use of mechanical techniques. Geostatistical methods in pedostatistics evaluate the spatial variability of soil properties. The aim of this study was to determine the penetration resistance in five soil layers (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm), identify critical compaction regions, and quantify the economic impact of compaction management in a 230 ha farm in Alegrete, Brazil. A digital penetrometer was used to measure resistance and semivariograms were calculated using classical and robust estimators for interpolation. The evaluation of the economic impact took into account the variable cost differences between the total area and the area required for compaction. The analysis showed a gradual increase in compaction from the surface to the subsoil, with a highly compacted zone occurring at 20–30 cm, signaling the need for monitoring and intervention. The dependency analysis showed a well-defined structure. The results show that geostatistical tools can be used in the assessment of soil penetration resistance, especially in layers from 10 to 20 cm. An efficient identification and quantification of compacted zones within the cultivation area was achieved. This approach proves to be economically viable, especially in extensive farming, suggesting a wide application in agricultural compaction management.

Evolution of Permeability and Sensitivity Analysis of Gas-Bearing Coal under Cyclic Dynamic Loading

It is imperative to conduct experimental studies on the seepage behavior of gas-bearing coal under cyclic dynamic loading conditions. This paper focuses on the evolution of coal permeability under the combined effects of dynamic loading, static loading, and gas adsorption. The principal conclusions are as follows: (1) As the frequency and amplitude of dynamic loading increase, the development of pore and fissure structures within the coal body becomes increasingly pronounced during dynamic loading cycles, resulting in a gradual rise in permeability. Notably, as the coal approaches its yielding stage, the permeability can increase by up to 47%. (2) The permeability curve is divided into four regions: the compaction reduction zone, the oscillation zone, the gradual recovery zone, and the abrupt failure increase zone. Ultimately, in the failure phase, the permeability surges dramatically, potentially reaching four to five times the initial permeability. (3) When the static loading stage and dynamic load are constant, the rate of change in coal permeability decreases with increasing adsorption amounts. When the adsorption amount is constant, the rate of change in permeability of the coal under dynamic loading increases with the increase in the static loading stress stage, with the maximum increase reaching 75.2%. It can be concluded from the rate of change in permeability and the dynamic loading sensitivity coefficient that the permeability of coal is highly sensitive to cyclic dynamic loading, with increased sensitivity associated with larger static loading stages and decreased sensitivity with greater adsorption amounts.

Integrating cover crops and organic amendments to mitigate the limitations of tillage on soil health and cotton productivity

AbstractVarious tillage systems have limitations on soil health, such as the degradation of soil structure and organic matter under conventional tillage (CT) systems, as well as short‐term soil compaction in conservation tillage systems. A 3‐year field experiment was established to evaluate the integration of cover crop (CC) and organic amendments (OAs) into CT and strip tillage (ST) systems, and their impact on soil properties and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) productivity. The CC was cereal rye (Secale cereale), and the combined application of animal manure and biochar constituted the OA. In the third year, differences in soil compaction between the CT and ST systems were observed when the measurements were made after tillage. Moreover, integrating CC and OA under the CT and ST systems increased the soil depth to compaction zones. Soil compaction was observed at 27.5‐cm depth under CT, at 30‐cm depth under CT integrated with CC and OA, at 10‐cm depth under ST, and at 15‐cm depth under ST integrated with CC and OA, using 2 MPa as the threshold. In general, the integration of CC and OA tended to increase soil respiration, organic matter, and available nutrients, but the effects were not consistent across years and soil depth. Despite differences in the various soil health properties, the management systems had minimum impact on cotton productivity and fiber quality, indicating the ST was effective in preparing the seedbed. Moreover, the differences in soil properties were not at yield‐limiting levels within 3 years of the study.

Об элементных фундаментах опор высоковольтных линий

Purpose: to substantiate the possibility of using the foundations of supports of high-voltage lines in the form of dispersed horizontal elements combined into a single structure for the perception of alternating loads. To determine by experimental and computational methods the effect of the mutual displacement of elements in the form of an increase in the bearing capacity of foundations and a decrease in their deformations under the influence of pressing and pulling loads. To show the possibility of replacing slab foundations of supports of high-voltage lines with structures made of prefabricated elements to reduce the volume and weight of products transported from the factory. Methods: application of the moire photogrammetric method to assess the development of soil compaction zones and angular deformations of the soil base in a tray with a glass wall under models of slab and elemental foundations. Using the method of boundary integral equations to obtain the dependence of precipitation on the step of elements for flexible and rigid foundations. Results: the effect of mutual influence of foundation elements during their convergence and dispersal in the form of a change in the stress-strain state in their base is illustrated. Differences in the depths of the distribution of compaction zones and areas of development of angular deformations are revealed. Quantitative data on the precipitation of slab and elemental foundations and the influence of the depth of the roof of the solid underlying layer on them have been obtained. Graphical dependences of the relationship of sediment elements with the distance (step) between them are presented. The effect of the division of the foundation on the rate of extinction of marginal tangential stresses in the base is shown. An illustration is made of an increase in the volume and surface area of the bulging body of the elemental foundation, which leads to an increase in its bearing capacity compared to the slab one when calculating for pulling out. Practical importance: the effectiveness of the use of an element foundation in comparison with the paid option in reducing the parameters of the stress-strain state of the base and facilitating logistical tasks during construction is shown. The experimental and computational methods used can be recommended for further refinement of the parameters of the elemental foundations.

Failure characteristics and fracture mechanism of overburden rock induced by mining: A case study in China

This study employs similar simulation testing and discrete element simulation coupling to analyze the failure and deformation processes of a model coal seam's roof. The caving area of the overburden rock is divided into three zones: the delamination fracture zone, broken fracture zone, and compaction zone. The caving and fracture zones' heights are approximately 110 m above the coal seam, with a maximum subsidence of 11 m. The delamination fracture zone's porosity range is between 0.2 and 0.3, while the remainder of the roof predominantly exhibits a porosity of less than 0.1. In addition, the numerical model's stress analysis revealed that the overburden rock's displacement zone forms an 'arch-beam' structure starting from 160 m, with the maximum and minimum stress values decreasing as the distance of advancement increases. In the stress beam interval of the overburden rock, the maximum value changes periodically as the advancement distance increases. Based on a comparative analysis between observable data from on-site work and numerical simulation results, the stress data from the numerical simulation are essentially consistent with the actual results detected on-site, indicating the validity of the numerical simulation results.

Использование численного моделирования при анализе аэроупругого взаимодействия подвижного состава с тоннельными сооружениями

Purpose of the work: study of the formation of a complex air structure under conditions of rolling stock movement along extended underground structures using numerical modeling methods. Methods: an analysis of the influence of aerodynamic factors on rolling stock, passengers and railway infrastructure was carried out based on the finite element and volume method. The reasons for the occurrence of a compacted air zone, which appears in front of the head car of the train and exerts significant resistance to the movement of the train using the “Frozen Rotor” method, have been investigated. The indicators of energy efficiency and safety of the process of freight and passenger transportation are analyzed, taking into account the processes of aerodynamic interaction of moving rolling stock and artificial tunnel-type structures. Results: using numerical modeling and the use of the “Frozen Rotor” method, it was possible to obtain a qualitative picture of the distribution of transverse vortex air flows resulting from the occurrence of viscous friction. Regularities were discovered in the changes in the dynamics of pressure and speed of air masses on the surface of the head fairing when a train enters a tunnel. The fact of the negative impact of zones of high and low pressure, as well as their sharp drop, on the locomotive crew and passengers has been established. Practical significance: the possibility of conducting research in the field of aerodynamics of railway transport using modern numerical modeling methods is shown. This topic is very relevant in the field of designing high-speed rolling stock.

Impact of Earthworms (Metaphire sp., Amynthas zenkevichi, and Amynthas robustus) on Soil Porosity and Water Infiltration

Abstract: Epigeic Metaphire sp., anecic Amynthas zenkevichi, and endogeic Amynthas robustus are three earthworm species commonly found in Northern Vietnam and are expected to have contrasting impacts on soil structure and water infiltration. Through computed tomography and image analysis, our study confirmed contrasting burrowing behaviors among these species and their differential effects on water flow under saturated conditions. Metaphire sp. was a surface-dwelling species, exhibiting a food consumption and surface cast production of 4.57 and 11.05 times their weight, respectively. They made few burrows near the soil surface (0.02% of the soil column), resulting in negligible influence on water infiltration. A. zenkevichi was less active on the soil surface, with lower food consumption and surface cast production (2.48 and 7.52 times their weight, respectively). Their drilosphere (zone of soil directly influenced by earthworms) accounted for 3.92% of the soil column, characterized by vertical burrows (55.4º), fewer branches, distributed throughout the soil column, and high connectivity, leading to a 1.68-fold increase in water infiltration compared to the control. Meanwhile, A. robustus was only active within the first 10 cm of the soil column. Their drilosphere occupied 3.25% of the soil column, consisting of horizontal burrows (14º), disconnected by deposition within the burrows, resulting in no significant difference in water flows in comparison with the control column without earthworms. Additionally, the ratio between compaction zone around burrows and burrows made by A. zenkevichi has a larger than that of A. robustus (2.4 and 1.3, respectively), despite their similar diameter.
 
 
 

Evaluating Soil Water–Salt Dynamics under Brackish Water Drip Irrigation in Greenhouses Subjected to Localized Topsoil Compaction

Localized soil compaction in greenhouses resulting from less frequent tillage operations and frequent trampling by farmers inevitably disturbs the continuity and homogeneity of soil’s hydraulic properties, which impacts the precision of greenhouse cultivation regarding water supply and salinity control. However, predicting water–salt dynamics under partly compacted topsoil is difficult because of the interactions between many factors related to soil properties, including irrigation method and water quality, which are especially subjected to varied compaction sizes and positions. Here, two field treatments were conducted in brackish water (3 g L−1) drip-irrigated plots, with the designed soil compaction region (40 cm width and 30 cm depth) adjacent to (T1) and below (T2) the drip lines. The calibrated and validated HYDRUS-2D model was applied to analyze salt exchanges across the vertical and horizontal interfaces between the compacted and non-compacted zones and the associated solute concentration variations within these two zones. The results indicated that the limited horizontal solute flux under T1 enhanced the subsequent downward flux below the drip lines, whereas, under T2, the restricted downward flux with relatively limited improved horizontal salt spreading resulted in more salt retention in the soil profile. Additional scenario simulations considering the vertical and horizontal extension of soil compaction sizes (ranging from 10 × 10 cm to 40 × 40 cm) were also conducted and revealed that, with the same increment in compaction size, the vertical extension of the compacted zone aggravated salt accumulation compared with that of horizontal extension, while the simulated cumulative water and salt downward fluxes were positive in relation to the compaction sizes in both vertical and horizontal directions under T1, but negative under T2. The findings of this study explore the effect of relative positions between drip lines and the soil compaction zone on salt transports under brackish water irrigation and reveal the potential soil salinization trend as extending compaction regions in the vertical or horizontal direction.

Structural model and capacity determination of underground reservoir in goaf: a case study of Shendong mining area in China

The large-scale extraction of coal resources in the western mining areas of China has resulted in a significant loss of water resources, which is a challenge for coordinating resource extraction with ecological preservation in the mining areas. Although underground reservoir technology can effectively solve this problem, measuring the storage capacity of underground reservoirs through engineering experiments is costly and time-consuming. Currently, there is a lack of accurate, reliable, and low-cost theoretical calculation solutions, which greatly restricts the promotion and application of underground reservoir technology. The theoretical calculation methods for underground reservoir capacity were studied based on parameters from the Shendong mining area in China. A water storage structure model for coal mine underground water reservoirs was established, taking into account the settlement boundaries of the bedrock and loose layers in shallow coal seams, based on the key layer theory and the spatial structure model of the mining roof. The mathematical expression for the load on the coal-rock mass in the goaf was derived considering the rock breaking characteristics of the mining roof. The model determined the range of each water storage area, including the zone of loose body, zone of gradual load, and the compacted zone, based on the strength of the water storage capacity. The key parameters for calculating the water storage capacity were determined using a modified model for shallow thick loose layers and thin bedrock movement. Finally, a calculation method for the storage capacity was obtained. Based on the real data from the 22,615 working face of a mine in the Shendong mining area, the water storage capacity of the underground reservoir in the goaf was jointly calculated using FLAC3D, Surfer 12.0 and the proposed calculation method. The calculated water storage capacity was approximately 1.0191 million m3. Although this result was 2.20% smaller than the on-site water pumping experiment data, it still verifies the feasibility of the above calculation method for determining the water storage capacity of underground water reservoirs.

Simulation of the interaction of a rigid wheel with the soil for the purpose of detecting zones of compaction

Simulation of the interaction of a rigid wheel with the soil for the purpose of detecting zones of compaction

ВЛИЯНИЕ ВЗРЫВНОЙ ОБРАБОТКИ НА ТЕРМОМЕХАНИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА И СТРУКТУРУ ВТОРИЧНОГО ФТОРОПЛАСТА-4

In order to develop a technology for processing hard-to-recycle F-4, the thermomechanical properties and crystal structure of secondary fluoroplast-4 (F-4), obtained by explosive pressing of waste in the form of industrial chips, were studied. The heat-deformation properties, phase transition temperature, and fine structure parameters in different compaction zones are determined.

Mechanism of Nozzle Position Affecting Coalbed Methane Mining in High-Pressure Air Blasting

The use of clean energy is an important part of promoting sustainable energy development. As a clean energy source, coalbed methane, during the mining process, the position of the nozzle can influence coalbed methane extraction efficiency by affecting the cracking effect of coal. To investigate the impact of nozzles on the effect of coal fracture, a test of simulated coal by high-pressure air blasting was executed using nozzles 100 mm, 200 mm, and 250 mm from the orifice. Based on the test results and theories of fracture damage mechanics, two damage fracture models were established for the nozzles located in the middle-upper and middle-lower of the blasthole, respectively. The fracturing process and increased permeability mechanism of the coal were revealed by these two models. The results show that: when the nozzle is 100 mm from the orifice, the high-pressure air impacts the blasthole wall first, similar to a uniform expansion. Multiple longitudinal cracks are formed penetrating the coal. The permeability of the coal seam is greatly improved. When the nozzle is 200 mm and 250 mm from the orifice, the high-pressure air first impacts the bottom of the blasthole. The bottom hole angle and apex hole angle first form horizontal cracks while longitudinal cracks only appear at the same depth as the blasthole. The nozzle is 250 mm from the orifice to form a compaction zone at the bottom of the blasthole. The crack density is small and the tangential depth is shallow, which is not conducive to coalbed methane mining. The results of the research offer a theoretical framework and point of reference for the use of high-pressure air blasting technology in the extraction of coalbed methane (CBM).

Shear performance of quasi-NPR steel bolted rock joints at different shear rates

To study the shear performance of rock joints reinforced by NPR (negative Poisson's ratio) bolts, direct shear experiments with different shear rates were carried out on both quasi-NPR steel and conventional steel bolted rock joints, and DIC (digital image correlation) technique was applied to analyze the influence of bolting on the deformation of rock joints. The experiments show that (1) increasing shear rate weakens the deformation capacity of bolts before their failure and the transformation of loading from the bolt to the rock mass. A higher loading rate results in lower resistance strength of HRB bolts but has little effect for that of NPR bolts. (2) The shear performance of NPR bolts, including the bolt contribution, the deformation capacity and the transformation of load to the rock, is better than conventional bolts at both shear rates applied here, with obvious superiority at the higher shear rate. Through the analysis of reinforcement mechanisms, we suggest that the novel deformation characteristics of NPR bolts could explain their better shear performance. Finally, the deformation field obtained by the DIC technique shows a good correlation with the size of the compaction zone and could help quantitatively characterize the influence of bolting.

Methodology for determining the extent of soil compaction deformation zones beneath foundations

The article is dedicated to a methodology for determining the actual dimensions of the zone of long-term compressed soils under existing foundations from their previous loading. Although construction norms provide conditional criteria for this, they do not always accurately reflect the real distribution of soil deformations at the depth of the foundation. The article presents a methodology for determining the actual dimensions of the compacted soil zone under the foundations. This methodology is based on both empirical and theoretical approaches, taking into account both the strength and deformation characteristics of the soil. The application of this methodology allows obtaining more accurate results and more reliably determining the dimensions of the compacted zone, which can be useful for conducting additional research for object reconstruction or determining the permissible distance between closely located foundations. During experimental and theoretical studies, regularities in the changes of soil compaction at the depth of the foundation and its deformations over time under constant loading were identified. The developed methodology enables a more precise determination of the actual dimensions of the compacted zone, which is of great significance for ensuring the safety and reliability of building structures.

Coupled relationships between overburden stress and ultra-deep sandstone brittle deformation properties based on in situ CT scanning

For low poroisty (tight) sandstone of the Cretaceous Bashijiqike Formation, Kuqa Depression foreland thrust belt (Tarim Basin), samples from an ultra-deep setting (ca.7–8 km depth) and from outcrop locations were collected to analyze and compare brittle deformation in triaxial tests to infer mechanical behavior. Core samples sustained protracted burial whereas outcrop samples were deeply buried then experienced late uplift and exposure. Fracture-pore changes during loading in situ uniaxial compression documented with 3D X-ray imaging show that loading results in extensive development of fractures and enhanced pore connectivity that elevates permeability from 1mD to 10mD through local tensile fracture zones and high-permeability layers. The collapse of 60% pores and 70% reduction of connected pores may lead to locally compacted low-permeability zones. These characteristics are also reflected in the high heterogeneity of ultra-deep reservoir properties—the alternating development of dense and sparse zones of fractures. Research lead to the inference that under burial and tectonic loading conditions sandstones experience concurrent collapse of pores and growth of fractures, and reservoir structure changes from pore-dominated to fracture-dominated. Under deep conditions, the reservoir rock is subjected to plastic-brittle strain, increasing porosity and permeability followed by, under ultra-deep conditions, porosity decreasing markedly and permeability increasing significantly.

Performance simulation and perforated parameters optimize for perforated wells with compaction zone and drilling damage in tight gas reservoirs

It is essential to understand how to improve the production of perforated well in tight reservoirs. In this paper, based on the experiment of experiment evaluation of perforation tunnel and perforation compaction zone, the drilling mud invasion zone and stress sensitivity, a new productivity numerical model is established considering the damaged zone being drilling, and the compaction zone being penetrated and the sensitivity in tight gas reservoirs. Considering perforation interaction, drill damage and seepage interference, the production rate under different parameters of perforation, compaction zone, damaged zone is discussed to yield the highest productivity. The numerical results show that it exists an optimal hole density in specific formation and when the perforated hole penetrates the invasion zone, increasing the depth of the perforation hole by the same amount would not result in a significant increase in gas production. The invasion and compaction zone permeability have little effect on the cumulative gas production, but an inflexion point still existed. Further, according to the principle of orthogonal experimental design, forty-one groups of orthogonal experimental calculations are designed and conducted. By analyzing the experimental results, the perforation density, hole diameter, invasion thickness, compaction zone thickness, invasion permeability, compaction zone permeability and stress sensitivity on productivity of perforated well is in descending order. The work presented in this paper can offer a technological basis and theoretical foundation for optimizing perforation parameters in specific tight gas reservoirs.

A new approach to evaluate abandoned mine methane resources based on the zoning of the mining-disturbed strata

Abundant abandoned mine methane (AMM) accumulates in the mining-disturbed coal/rock strata in abandoned coal mines. However, the simplified pore and fracture model of the mining-disturbed strata is often adopted to investigate AMM resources. In this case, AMM distribution needs to be more accurate, making it difficult to determine the appropriate location of surface wells. So the question is, how can the pore and fracture be characterized in different zones of the mining-disturbed strata? What is the distribution of AMM resources in the mining-disturbed strata? To address these problems, in this work, the mining-disturbed coal/rock strata of the abandoned mine are divided into five zones. The pore and fracture of the mining-disturbed strata in different zones are characterized by simulation experiments. On this basis, the new evaluation approach of AMM in the mining-disturbed strata is established to reveal the distribution of AMM in each zone. The results show that the mining-disturbed coal/rock strata are divided into five zones: stress concentration zone (I), shear fracture zone (II), separation fracture zone (III), compaction zone (IV), and bottom fracture zone (V). The pore and fracture of coal/rock strata and the distribution of AMM are different in each zone. The AMM resources in the mining-disturbed strata have great potential for development. The AMM in zone I account for 69% of the total, mainly the adsorbed gas in the remaining coal seam affected by mining disturbance. The AMM in the stress relief zone is mostly free gas remaining in the pore and fracture. The fractures in zone II are connected along the horizontal direction, forming a ring fracture body with abundant free AMM resources, which accounted for 19% of the total AMM resources. The AMM in zones III, IV, and V are limited. This work provides a new approach to evaluating the AMM and plays a guiding role in the layout of the surface wells in abandoned mines.

Load bearing capacity of finite half space agricultural homogeneous soil

A comprehensive plate-sinkage equation is necessary for the description of the load bearing capacity of soils. In the last century, several improvements to the existing equations were attempted but with limited success. The main aim of this paper is to verify, evaluate and develop a load bearing capacity theory of finite half space soil. Agricultural soils may be regarded as a finite half space in which the tilled soil layer is comparable to the loading diameter. Harder soil is found below the tilled soil layer and this hard soil can be considered as a rigid layer. A new consideration is the compacted cone-shaped zone developing under a loading device and its possible interaction with the rigid bottom surface. Theoretical and experimental investigations reported in this paper have shown that these approaches have facilitated deriving new relationships valid for finite half space. These include two independent variables and developing a dimensionless load bearing number. This paper introduces a new dimensionless plate-sinkage equation describing soil deformation in a general form.

Midzone microtubule dynamics in anaphase cells.

During anaphase, antiparallel overlapping midzone microtubules elongate, contributing to chromosome segregation and specify of the location where the contractile ring will form. Midzone microtubules are dynamic in early anaphase, but not in late anaphase, when they appear to be stabilized. The kinetics and mechanisms of this stabilization are not completely understood. Here, we quantify of midzone microtubule dynamics using a photoactivatable-GFP tubulin expressed in LLCPk1 cells. We find that immediately after anaphase onset, a single highly dynamic population of microtubules is present, but as anaphase progresses, both a dynamic and more stable population of microtubules coexist, with a gradual increase in the dissipation half-time for the slower population. By the middle of cytokinesis, only static microtubules are detected. We examined the microtubule dynamics during furrowing examining the effects of actin and midzone-associated proteins. Blocking furrow ingression using either C3 or latrunculin treatment resulted in two spatially distinct microtubule populations in telophase cells: peripheral microtubules that were highly dynamic and central microtubules with fast and slow populations that never transition to a static array. Depletion of midzone microtubule-associate proteins, PRC1 or Kif4a, did not block furrow ingression in most cells and prevented formation of a static array in telophase cells. Although microtubules were partially stabilized similar to mid-anaphase cells. Quantification of the length of PRC1 decorated microtubule overlaps showed that static arrays are characterized by short highly compacted zones. These results demonstrate that dynamic turnover and sliding of midzone microtubules is gradually reduced as anaphase progresses and microtubules are further stabilized during cytokinesis. These data reveal the importance of the PRC1/KIF4A module and midzone microtubule compaction in generating a static midzone.

Impact of Ten Years Conservation Tillage in Organic Farming on Soil Physical Properties in a Loess Soil—Northern Hesse, Germany

In conservation agriculture, conservation tillage potentially influences the physical, chemical, and biological quality of the soil. Although the effects of conservation agriculture on the soil’s physical properties have been studied in conventional management systems, studies on organic farming systems, especially concerning long-term changes, are scarce. This study summarizes the results of physical and mechanical soil parameters obtained over the initial 10 years of different conservation management treatments (plowing versus reduced tillage with and without compost application) in an organic field trial conducted in central Germany. Moreover, as a research objective, the effects of soil conservation measures on soil’s physical quality were evaluated. Differences in the soil’s physical quality during treatments were mainly detected in the topsoil. At a depth of 0.10–0.24 m, the total porosity and air capacity were lower, and the bulk density was higher in the reduced-tillage systems, compared to those of the plowed treatments. Additionally, the soil’s mechanical stability (precompression stress) was higher at a depth of 0.10 m for reduced-tillage systems combined with compost application. In addition, the soil’s aggregate stability was enhanced in the reduced-tillage systems (higher mean weight diameter, as determined via wet sieving). Overall, the reduced-tillage treatments did not exceed the critical physical values of the soil, nor affect the functionality of the soil (saturated hydraulic conductivity), thereby demonstrating its feasibility as a sustainable technique for organic farming. Future studies should include measures to ameliorate compaction zones in reduced-tillage treatments, e.g., by applying subsoiling techniques in combination with deep-rooting crops to prevent limited rooting space resulting from the high mechanical impedance, especially under dry soil conditions.