Conventional Ploughing Research Articles

Performance of different wheat varieties and their associated microbiome under contrasting tillage and fertilization intensities: Insights from a Swiss long-term field experiment

Winter wheat is an important global cereal crop. However, conventional farming practices, characterised by intensive tillage and high fertilizer inputs, pose significant threats to the environment. In response, more conservative management practices are being applied aiming to maintain wheat production while promoting a beneficial microbiome. Here, we evaluated the suitability of three different wheat varieties for less intensive agricultural systems, focusing on reduced tillage and fertilizer intensity. The study was conducted over two consecutive years in a Swiss long-term field experiment comparing conventional versus reduced tillage and full fertilization versus half fertilization. In addition, we investigated the composition of plant-associated microbial communities using amplicon sequencing of phylogenetic marker genes, specifically targeting bacteria and fungi in rhizosphere samples and fungi in root samples. Our results revealed that in our study wheat variety most strongly predicted grain yield and quality, independent of tillage and fertilization intensity. Specifically, wheat varieties demonstrated higher yields and N uptake in plots subjected to conventional ploughing and full fertilization compared to those under reduced tillage and half fertilization. We found no significant effect of wheat variety on the composition of microbial communities. However, tillage emerged as the primary factor influencing microbial community composition in the rhizosphere, while fertilization intensity significantly impacted fungal communities in the root system. These findings underscore the complex interplay between agronomic practices, plant genetics, and microbial dynamics in agroecosystems, emphasizing the need for holistic and adaptive approaches and their further development to ensure sustainable crop production.

Management of maize-legume conservation agriculture systems rather than varietal choice fosters human nutrition in Malawi

Malawi smallholder farmers are facing climate-induced challenges that have increased food and nutrition insecurity in the country, thus sustainable intensification practices has been widely recommended. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of cropping systems with improved varieties on total system productivity and nutrition under different environments. The study involved on-farm experiments in ten communities in Central and Southern Malawi, incrementally established from 2005/2006 to 2018/2019 cropping seasons. Each community had six demonstration plots with three main treatments: conventional ploughing (CP): sole maize grown on seasonally constructed ridges and furrows; no-tillage (NT): sole maize grown on retained ridges with minimum soil disturbance and residue retained; and Conservation agriculture (CA): maize intercropped either cowpea, pigeon pea or groundnut on retained ridges as in NT. Our results show that total system nutrition was higher in CA treatments than NT and CP. The yields of maize were at least 800 kg ha−1 higher in CA and NT than CP despite the variety that was grown. Legume yields were also higher under CA and NT than CP. High protein yield was observed in CA systems (at least 100 kg ha−1 higher than CP) where maize and legume intercrops were rotated with grain legumes. Our results show nutrients and energy gains in CA and NT systems that can be invested in practices that increases the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change. Conservation agriculture and NT systems have more influence on productivity of smallholder farms, despite the genotypes used (hybrids or OPVs).

Combining No-Tillage with Hairy Vetch Return Improves Production and Nitrogen Utilization in Silage Maize.

The combination of no-till farming and green manure is key to nourishing the soil and increasing crop yields. However, it remains unclear how to enhance the efficiency of green manure under no-till conditions. We conducted a two-factor field trial of silage maize rotated with hairy vetch to test the effects of tillage methods and returning. Factor 1 is the type of tillage, which is divided into conventional ploughing and no-tillage; factor 2 is the different ways of returning hairy vetch as green manure, which were also compared: no return (NM), stubble return (H), mulching (HM), turnover (HR, for CT only), and live coverage (LM, for NT only). Our findings indicate that different methods of returning hairy vetch to the field will improve maize yield and quality. The best results were obtained in CT and NT in HM and LM, respectively. Specifically, HM resulted in the highest dry matter quality and yield, with improvements of 35.4% and 31.9% over NM under CT, respectively. It also demonstrated the best economic and net energy performance. However, other treatments had no significant effect on the beneficial utilization and return of nutrients. The LM improved yields under NT by boosting soil enzyme activity, promoting nitrogen transformation and accumulation, and increasing nitrogen use efficiency for better kernel development. Overall, NTLM is best at utilizing and distributing soil nutrients and increasing silage maize yield. This finding supports the eco-efficient cultivation approach in silage maize production in the region.

Long-Term Effects of Different Tillage Systems and Their Impact on Soil Properties and Crop Yields

The scientific aim of this article is to elucidate the effects of various tillage practices on soil properties and crop yields; additionally, it seeks to highlight the significant potential of specific farming systems in enhancing soil organic carbon, thereby positively influencing CO2 emissions from soil. In the experimental station of Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas District, Lithuania (54°52′50″ N and 23°49′41″ E), a long-term field experiment has been established since 1999, and studies have been conducted since 2003. The soil of the experimental site is classified as Epieutric Endocalcaric Planosol (Endoclayic, Episiltic, Aric, Drainic, Endoraptic, Uterquic), according to the World Reference Base (WRB, 2022). Two primary factors were assessed. Factor A incorporated practices of straw removal versus straw chopping and spreading, while Factor B evaluated a spectrum of tillage techniques: conventional deep plowing and two no-tillage practices, one of which involved cover crops. The findings from this long-term study highlight a significant increase in SOC stocks across all treatments over the 20-year period. Notably, the no-tillage practices, coupled with the spreading of chopped straw, demonstrated the most substantial growth in SOC levels, particularly in the top 0–10 cm soil layer. This trend underscores the effectiveness of minimizing soil disturbance and incorporating organic matter in boosting SOC stocks. The different tillage systems influence CO2 emissions from soil. Initially, direct sowing into uncultivated land, both with and without cover crops, led to a notable reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional plowing. However, this effect was found to vary over the growth cycle of the plant, highlighting the dynamic interaction between tillage practices, soil properties, and environmental conditions. Collaborative research efforts that involve farmers, scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders are crucial for the development of holistic, practical, scalable solutions that enhance the sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable agriculture, providing insights for farmers, agronomists, and policymakers in their quest to promote environmentally sound and productive agricultural systems.

Long-term effects of tillage systems on soil health of a silt loam in Lower Austria

Tillage is an essential practice for soil preparation in agriculture that influences a broad variety of soil parameters. However, the long-term implications of tillage on soil health are complex, context specific, and need to be better understood. The aim of our study is to evaluate soil physical, chemical, and biological effects of three different tillage practices: conventional tillage (CT), mulch tillage (MT), and no-till (NT). A long-term experiment in Mistelbach, Lower Austria, was launched in 1994 and comprehensively sampled in 2002 and 2021. To evaluate tillage-impacts over the two decadal monitoring we assessed soil health indicators in the 0–20 cm soil depth (conventional ploughing layer) and below 20 cm. A "Soil Management Assessment Framework" (SMAF) procedure was applied to assess and compare soil quality using the Soil Quality Index (SQI). Considering multiple indicators, we found overall quality improvements in all three tillage-experiments over time. However, particularly the conservation practices (MT and NT) enhanced soil quality, predominately soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil physical indicators (e.g. water holding capacity, coarse pores). The study confirms that SOC in the 0–20 cm layer significantly increased under no-till (46 Mg C ha−1) compared to conventional tillage (26 Mg C ha−1). At the same time aggregate stability and water holding capacity increased under conservation agriculture (MT and NT). The proven positive impacts on soil health will further help to promote agricultural practices that sustain productivity while pushing forward climate change mitigation actions in temperate climate.

Mineral and organic fertilisation influence ammonia oxidisers and denitrifiers and nitrous oxide emissions in a long-term tillage experiment

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from different agricultural systems have been studied extensively to understand the mechanisms underlying their formation. While a number of long-term field experiments have focused on individual agricultural practices in relation to N2O emissions, studies on the combined effects of multiple practices are lacking. This study evaluated the effect of different tillage [no-till (NT) vs. conventional plough tillage (CT)] in combination with fertilisation [mineral (MIN), compost (ORG), and unfertilised control (CON)] on seasonal N2O emissions and the underlying N-cycling microbial community in one maize growing season. Rainfall events after fertilisation, which resulted in increased soil water content, were the main triggers of the observed N2O emission peaks. The highest cumulative emissions were measured in MIN fertilisation, followed by ORG and CON fertilisation. In the period after the first fertilisation CT resulted in higher cumulative emissions than NT, while no significant effect of tillage was observed cumulatively across the entire season. A higher genetic potential for N2O emissions was observed under NT than CT, as indicated by an increased (nirK + nirS)/(nosZI + nosZII) ratio. The mentioned ratio under NT decreased in the order CON > MIN > ORG, indicating a higher N2O consumption potential in the NT-ORG treatment, which was confirmed in terms of cumulative emissions. The AOB/16S ratio was strongly affected by fertilisation and was higher in the MIN than in the ORG and CON treatments, regardless of the tillage system. Multiple regression has revealed that this ratio is one of the most important variables explaining cumulative N2O emissions, possibly reflecting the role of bacterial ammonia oxidisers in minerally fertilised soil. Although the AOB/16S ratio aligned well with the measured N2O emissions in our experimental field, the higher genetic potential for denitrification expressed by the (nirK + nirS)/(nosZI + nosZII) ratio in NT than CT was not realized in the form of increased emissions. Our results suggest that organic fertilisation in combination with NT shows a promising combination for mitigating N2O emissions; however, addressing the yield gap is necessary before incorporating it in recommendations for farmers.

Short‐term effects of double‐layer ploughing reduced tillage on soil structure and crop yield

AbstractSoil tillage is widely acknowledged to affect soil characteristics and agricultural productivity. This research investigates the short‐term effects of various tillage methods on soil physical properties and crop yields at a Central German field site with a dry climate (mean temperature 9.5°C; annual precipitation 470 mm). Three tillage approaches were evaluated: conventional plough tillage (25 cm depth), cultivator tillage (18 cm depth), and double‐layer plough tillage (15 and 30 cm depth). We assessed soil physical properties through standard laboratory analyses, compression tests, soil pore structure via X‐ray computed tomography (X‐ray CT) and crop yields over 3 years. The results indicate that cultivator tillage approach increased soil bulk density relative to conventional tillage, especially in the second year, though this effect diminished over time. Double‐layer plough tillage emerged as a viable short‐term alternative to conventional tillage, achieving comparable soil bulk density. Saturated hydraulic conductivity values were generally higher for soils under conventional tillage or double‐layer plough tillage than for cultivator tillage, highlighting their soil loosening effect. Classical soil analysis methods combined with X‐ray computed tomography provided valuable insights into tillage induced changes to soil structure. Cultivator tillage resulted in a distinct pore structure with reduced macroporosity and pore connectivity. Despite notable soil property variations, crop yields remained consistent across the tillage methods. Overall, double‐layer plough tillage presents a sustainable option, moderately improving soil physical properties while maintaining crop yields. This study highlights the need to assess the short‐term effects of tillage on soils and contributes to the broader dialogue on optimizing tillage strategies for effective soil management and crop production.

Spatio-temporal microbial regulation of aggregate-associated priming effects under contrasting tillage practices

Tillage intensity significantly influences the heterogeneous distribution and dynamic changes of soil microorganisms, consequently shaping spatio-temporal patterns of SOC decomposition. However, little is known about the microbial mechanisms by which tillage intensity regulates the priming effect (PE) dynamics in heterogeneous spatial environments such as aggregates. Herein, a microcosm experiment was established by adding 13C-labeled straw residue to three distinct aggregate-size classes (i.e., mega-, macro-, and micro-aggregates) from two long-term contrasting tillage histories (no-till [NT] and conventional plow tillage [CT]) for 160 days to observe the spatio-temporal variations in PE. Metagenomic sequencing and Fourier transform mid-infrared techniques were used to assess the relative importance of C-degrading functional genes, microbial community succession, and SOC chemical composition in the aggregate-associated PE dynamics during straw decomposition. Spatially, straw addition induced a positive PE for all aggregates, with stronger PE occurring in larger aggregates, especially in CT soil compared to NT soil. Larger aggregates have more unique microbial communities enriched in genes for simple C degradation (e.g., E5.1.3.6, E2.4.1.7, pmm-pgm, and KduD in Nitrosospeera and Burkholderia), contributing to the higher short-term PE; however, CT soils harbored more genes for complex C degradation (e.g., TSTA3, fcl, pmm-pgm, and K06871 in Gammaproteobacteria and Phycicoccus), supporting a stronger long-term PE. Temporally, soil aggregates played a significant role in the early-stage PEs (i.e., < 59 days after residue addition) through co-metabolism and nitrogen (N) mining, as evidenced by the increased microbial biomass C and dissolved organic C (DOC) and reduced inorganic N with increasing aggregate-size class. At a later stage, however, the legacy effect of tillage histories controlled the PEs via microbial stoichiometry decomposition, as suggested by the higher DOC-to-inorganic N and DOC-to-available P stoichiometries in CT than NT. Our study underscores the importance of incorporating both spatial and temporal microbial dynamics for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying SOC priming, especially in the context of long-term contrasting tillage practices.

The Content and Stratification of SOC and Its Humified Fractions Using Different Soil Tillage and Inter-Cropping

Five different tillage systems were researched in a Cambisol of a loam texture in the long-term experiment: conventional ploughing at 22–24 cm (CT), shallow ploughing at 16–18 cm (ShT), harrowing at 8–10 cm (MT1), harrowing at 14–16 cm (MT2), and no tilling (NT). The aim of this study was to determine how different tillage and inter-cropping influence the accumulation and distribution of SOC (soil organic carbon) and its compounds in different soil layers. SOC content changed depending on the soil tillage system and inter-crops used. Stratification ratios (SR) of SOC in the surface soil (0–10 cm) to that in the 10–20 cm (SR1) and 20–30 cm (SR2) were calculated. In our research, SR for SOC varied in the range from 0.97 to 1.35 for SR1 and from 1.02 to 1.99 for SR2. The main conclusion was that inter-crops increased the SOC accumulation in the 0–10 cm layer of all investigated treatments. It was concluded that different soil tillage systems and inter-crops influenced processes of soil carbon changes and affected OM humification in the soil. The formation of humified carbon compounds should be considered not only as a preservation and improvement of the soil productivity, but also as an environmental assessment of their impact on the soil sustainability and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Our results suggest that sustainable tillage and inter-cropping management may contribute to climate mitigation regarding SOC accumulation in soil.

Impacts of Conventional Plowing on The Bearing Capacity of Ferralitic Soil in Benin Republic

The present work involved a study of the impact of tillage on soil resistance using a three-body disc plow hitched to a 60 hp tractor, on soil structure. All plowing was carried out on the same day with this plow on 21 plots, divided into 3 blocks of 7 elementary plots serving as treatments. Treatments are designated P0. P1, P2, P4, P8, P12, and P15 corresponding to plowing frequencies: 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 15. The P0 treatment is used as a control. The tests were carried out in accordance with the standards: NF P 94-050.1995, for water content by weight, NF EN 1097-3.1998, for apparent density, and NF EN 1097-6.2001 for porosity. Soil conductivity was determined using the Muntz method. The results show that plowing at a minimum frequency of one or two per cycle provides better soil resistance. Two plowings per cycle gave better soil resistance (20.8 (0.27) bc; 19.6 (0.27) d), water content (0.016 (0.002) b ; 0.015 (0.002) b). Soil hardness and density decrease with increasing water content, while porosity increases with plowing frequency (0.437 (0.017) a to 0.478 (0.017) a). For this type of soil, one or two plowings are more than enough to maintain better soil resistance and water conservation. This work has enabled rural actors, and farm machinery operators in particular, to better carry out tillage operations. Keywords: Agricultural soil, soil tillage, mechanical properties, penetration resistance, Benin Republic.

Evaluation of Microbiological and Chemical Properties of Soils as a Result of Anthropogenic Denudation

Excessive agricultural intensification adversely affects soil quality, particularly in hilly terrain, leading to increased erosion. Anthropogenic denudation, intensified by tillage erosion, results in the displacement of soil material from hilltops and shoulders to their bases. The research hypothesis posits that tillage erosion adversely affects the microbiological and chemical properties of soils, especially at the hilltops of intensively cultivated areas. The study aimed to assess the microbiological and chemical properties of Luvisols cultivated under conventional plowing in the moraine region of the Southern Krajna Lakeland, Poland. The evaluation focused on the results of soil sample analyses taken from the hilltops and foothills of eroded mounds. Microbiological investigations included determining the abundance of actinomycetes, filamentous fungi, heterotrophic bacteria, cellulolytic microorganisms, copiotrophs, and oligotrophs. Additionally, pH values and the contents of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, total organic carbon, and nitrogen were determined. A higher abundance of bacteria, actinomycetes, and copiotrophs was observed at the foothills. Statistically significant differences due to slope effects were noted for all chemical parameters, with higher concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus found in the foothill areas. Understanding denudation processes can contribute to sustainable soil resource use and agrocenosis conservation.

Two crops are better than one for nutritional and economic outcomes of Zambian smallholder farms, but require more labour

Sustainable intensification practices suitable for smallholders in southern Africa will be needed to counteract the impact of future climate change and soil fertility decline in the region. Diversification of maize-based farming systems with grain legumes could play a key role. Here, we compared the performance of different maize-legume diversification strategies (single-row intercropping, strip cropping, and crop rotation) with sole cropped maize under conventional ploughing and Conservation Agriculture in four Zambian districts in the Eastern and Southern Provinces. These options were assessed using the Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework (SIAF), with metrics representing productive, economic, human, social, and environmental dimensions. Data were collected from on-farm trials over three growing seasons. We found no significant effect of cropping systems on individual maize and legume grain yield across growing seasons, but substantial nutritional and economic benefits of intercropping systems due to simultaneously growing two crops. In particular, maize-legume intercropping strategies (single-row intercropping and strip cropping) resulted in higher energy and protein yield at cropping system level than sole maize and maize-legume rotation, which had positive implications for human nutrition. Although there were increased labour requirements to manage the intercrops, and particularly the strip crops, these cropping systems had much higher net benefits and returns to labour and inputs than the other cropping systems tested. Farmer evaluations however did not show a preference for the intercropping systems over the maize-legume rotation or sole maize, most likely because labour and its availability may be as or more important for farmers than overall cropping system benefits. Soil organic carbon content and soil pH did not differ between the tested cropping systems at the start of the trials and after three cropping seasons, but decreased over this period independently of the cropping system. Overall, the results indicate that maize-legume strip cropping, and single-row intercropping can increase food and nutrition security as well as gross benefits from farming, but this comes at the expense of greater labour requirements throughout the growing season. The latter may be addressed through, e.g., appropriate-scale farm mechanization, if intercropping or strip cropping systems are to become a viable option for labour, not land, constrained farms in Southern Africa.

Research of the Influence of Agrophytotehnical Works on Rapeseed Production Parameters

Two tillage systems were studied between 2022 and 2023 in Grebenișu de Câmpie and near Ungheni city (Mureș County, Romania) and their impact at growth and production parameters of rapeseed crop. Also, for each tillage system, the growth plant parameters have been monitorized. One of the studied tillage systems was conventional, including stubble cultivation followed by ploughing at 25 cm depth. The second tillage system was minimum tillage, using a trailed field cultivator for soil preparation, at a depth of 20-25 cm, one day before seeding. In both tillage systems, power harrow was used before seeding. During the growth stages of rapeseed, the plants were analyzed and compared for each tillage system and for each field from Ungheni area and from Grebenișu de Câmpie. The morphological characters were analyzed in laboratory. All colected data were statistycal represented in tables by location and by tillage system. In the variant with conventional plough, average height, number of branches, stem thickness and root development were smaller than in the fileds with minimum tillage. Regarding the morphological characters of plants, a significant difference was determined in the height and the number of plant branches, the values were higher at minimum tillage system.

Talajkímélő művelés hatása a földigilisztákra egy Zala megyei tartamkísérletben

Conventional ploughing tillage is associated with significant soil degradation. Erosion is increasing while soil organic matter is decreasing and life circumstances of soil biota are deteriorating. Non-inversion conservation tillage tends to provide better conditions for soil fauna due to less disturbance, more organic matter and higher soil moisture content. In our study, we investigate the effects of 18 years of conservation tillage on earthworm abundance and biomass. Our study was carried out on a 90 ha area divided into 10 pairs of plots in Southern Hungary close to Dióskál. Samples were taken in spring and autumn during the first 3 years after the shift from conventional to conservation tillage (2004–2006) and then after 15 years the sampling was repeated in the 3-year-period of 2019–2021. Samples were collected with a soil sampler of 10 cm diameter and height. Our results show that the number of earthworms increased explosively after the shift. However, their abundance do not increase after years, but their number and biomass are significantly higher in all periods of the study in conservation tillage areas.

West-Siberian Chernozem: How Vegetation and Tillage Shape Its Bacteriobiome.

Managing soil biodiversity using reduced tillage is a popular approach, yet soil bacteriobiomes in the agroecosystems of Siberia has been scarcely studied, especially as they are related to tillage. We studied bacteriobiomes in Chernozem under natural steppe vegetation and cropped for wheat using conventional or no tillage in a long-term field trial in the Novosibirsk region, Russia, by using the sequence diversity of the V3/V4 region of 16S rRNA genes. Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Proteobacteria summarily accounted for 80% of the total number of sequences, with Actinobacteria alone averaging 51%. The vegetation (natural vs. crop) and tillage (ploughed vs. no-till) affected the bacterial relative abundance at all taxonomic levels and many taxa, e.g., hundreds of OTUs. However, such changes did not translate into α-biodiversity changes, i.e., observed and potential OTUs' richness, Shannon, and Simpson, excepting the slightly higher evenness and equitability in the top 0-5 cm of the undisturbed soil. As for the β-biodiversity, substituting conventional ploughing with no tillage and maintaining the latter for 12 years notably shifted the soil bacteriobiome closer to the one in the undisturbed soil. This study, presenting the first inventory of soil bacteriobiomes under different tillage in the south of West Siberia, underscores the need to investigate the seasonality and longevity aspects of tillage, especially as they are related to crop production.

ON THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE COMPOSITION OF LYSIMETRIC WATER UNDER CONDITIONS OF DIFFERENT SOIL TREATMENT AND UNDER PHYTOCENOSES

A comparative analysis of the composition of lysimetric waters for 2021–2022 was carried out. for two groups of stationary soil lysimeters in the city. The first group of lysimeters is formed by the system: fallow — grass phytocenosis — overgrown fallow — spruce forest — mixed and broadleaved plantation, developing on the same type of mantle loam. The second group of lysimeters represents soils with different types of tillage: conventional plowing, extradeep planting according to Bushinsky, plowing according to Mosolov, deep plowing according to Kachinsky.For both groups, the same type of migration of components is shown, in which the most migrating elements are carbon, mono- and divalent cations, and chloride ion, with minimal migration of iron, manganese, and aluminum.In the group of lysimeters under various types of vegetation, as the tree canopy develops and, accordingly, the intensity of the biological cycle increases in migrating waters, the concentration of such important biophilic elements as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and carbon increases significantly, and among anions, chloride and sulfate ions. This determines, within the framework of the cluster analysis, two different subgroups in terms of the composition of natural waters: the first one is formed by the fallow-grass phytocenosis — overgrown fallow system, and the second one combines tree plantations.In the group of lysimeters with different tillage, a cluster characterizes the composition of water in lysimeters with reclamation plowing according to Mosolov and deep plowing according to Kachinsky. At the same time, individual aggregates form lysimeters with conventional plowing and ultradeep planting according to Bushinsky. This is explained by the fact that in this group of lysimeters, the initially created soil profile design is transformed, which is characterized by the placement of eluvial and illuvial soil horizons in various combinations and at different depths depending on the type of plowing.

Organic farming systems affect carbon stocks but not soil structure and associated physical properties in a long-term farming trial on Chernozem

An asset of organic farming systems with diversified crop rotations, next to a cut in pesticide and mineral fertilizer application, is the built-up of organic carbon stocks in the long-term. In addition, the inclusion of deep-rooting legumes like alfalfa is known to improve soil structure and increase particulate organic matter contents in the subsoil. These views have been challenged recently ascribing limited potential for legume-based crop rotations to increase carbon stocks in Chernozems (Mollisols) due to limited accrual of mineral-associated organic carbon. Likewise, the direct impact of these legumes on soil structure and associated soil properties like water retention and transport has been questioned and linked to indirect effects instead.The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of legume-based crop rotations on carbon stocks and soil structure properties in the Flurweg II long-term farming systems trial (26 years) established on a Chernozem soil in Germany. We compared one conventional (INT) and two organic farming systems, with (O + M) and without (O - M) integrated livestock management. The three farming systems differ in biomass return via plant residues or farmyard manure as well as share and type of legumes in the eight-year crop rotation (INT: pea, O - M: faba bean and pea, O + M: biannual alfalfa). The comparison included yields, carbon stocks, soil physical properties and microstructure properties based on X-ray computed tomography of soil within and beneath the plow horizon. All farming systems underwent conventional plowing. In addition, we compared carbon stocks and microstructure properties with those from the nearby Westerfeld tillage trial with conventional and reduced tillage in a legume-free crop rotation.The carbon stocks in the plowed topsoil of the Flurweg II systems trial increased significantly with organic farming including livestock (INT: 53 ± 2 vs. O + M: 61 ± 2 t ha−1), but not without (O - M: 53 ± 4 t ha−1), likely because of farmyard manure application in the O + M system. This increase in topsoil carbon stocks is only moderate compared to the increase in topsoil carbon stocks in the Westerfeld tillage trial by switching from conventional to reduced tillage (53 vs. 70 t ha−1). The carbon stocks of the whole soil profile (down to 48 cm) in the Flurweg II systems trial tended to increase with organic farming irrespective of livestock integration (INT: 72 ± 5 t ha−1 vs. O ± M: 82–83 ± 7 t ha−1). Particulate organic matter (POM) contents and biopore diameter below the plow layer tended to increase with alfalfa in the crop rotation of the O + M farming system. However, the legacy effect four years after the presence or absence of alfalfa was only in the range of natural, spatial variability. As a result of similar soil microstructure there was also hardly any difference in hydraulic conductivity and no difference in soil mechanical properties between farming systems.This study shows that Chernozems in this region still have the capacity to increase POM contents and carbon stocks with climate-smart, regenerative agricultural management, but also demonstrate that this has limited effects on structural properties.

A comprehensive analysis of soil health indicators in a long‐term conservation tillage experiment

AbstractConservation tillage (CT) is a ploughless tillage with a reduced number of operations, and its positive effect on soil functions and health is widely known. Multivariate analyses are required to choose indicators that adequately characterize the changes in soil health. However, there is little research on the comprehensive analysis of the full spectrum of soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Therefore, we examined 21 soil parameters in a long‐term CT experiment conducted in Hungary. Four pairs of similarly sized CT and conventional ploughing tillage (PT) plots were set up in 2003 on Luvisols. The soil samples were collected after 17 years. The total organic carbon (TOC) increased significantly in the 0–15 cm layer at CT sites compared to those in PT, indicating a total increase of 5.22 t ha−1 TOC stock. In addition, the increasing biological activity and improved soil structure were the most important processes at the CT sites. Furthermore, more complex humic substances with higher molecular weights are characteristic of water‐extractable organic matter (WEOM) as a result of CT. The potentially available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were also measured with a relatively high response ratio. Slowly changing parameters, such as cation exchange capacity and base saturation, are important soil physical and chemical parameters, but are not good indicators of the impact of tillage practices. Based on principal component analysis, we suggest the use of water‐extractable organic C, amino‐nitrogen, water‐stable aggregates, available P and K and photometric analysis of WEOM to identify the soil improving processes.

Is just considering texture enough to define compaction on the basis of soil density?

The bulk density values indicative of compaction in clayey soils correspond to a wide range of values (1.30-1.47 Mg m-3), due to the diverse types of soil management. Our hypothesis is that if we consider bulk density values within similar management groups (those that fall to the ground and those that do not fall), the values will be more accurate within each management group. Our objective in this work was to analyze using the concepts of (Yates &amp; Cochran, 1938; Whitehead, 2002) what is a suitable statistical way of grouping these results to reach a consensus regarding a tested hypothesis, the greatest number of density values surveyed between 1977 and 2021, considered for the study of compaction in clayey Oxisols under different managements, to verify whether our hypothesis will be confirmed. We selected 1,521 studies with bulk densities in the literature, corresponding to 44 years (1977 and 2021), which were analyzed by a statistical technique that integrates the results of two or more independent studies on the same subject and combines them into a summary measure (portion forestry). From the data collected in the literature, it was possible to separate two groups of bulk density and management in clayey soils indicative of compaction: the managements that perform little or no manipulation of the soil, such as pasture and no-tillage, densities between 1.41-1.45 Mg.m-3 (average 1.43 Mg m-3), and for the others, such as conventional plowing and minimum tillage, soil densities between 1.31-1.38 Mg.m-3 (average 1.35 Mg m-3). Finally, we conclude that compaction must be analyzed considering the texture and type of soil management.

The Effect of Tillage Method on the Nutrient Regime of Soil during the Growing of Trifolium pratense

Abstract The article presents the results of studying the influence of tillage methods on the number of bacteria and fungi in the arable soil layer, nutrient indicators, and, consequently, the yield of Trifolium pratense. The purpose of the study is to determine how tillage affects the feeding regime and yield of Trifolium pratense. The research was conducted at the experimental field of the Educational and Scientific Research Center of Lviv National Environmental University. For the study of microorganisms in the arocenosis of meadow clover, soil samples were taken using a cylindrical drill from arable (0–20 cm) and sub-soil (20–40 cm) layers with an average weight of an individual sample of 300 g. For microbiological analysis, average samples from five individual samples were prepared. The isolation of the main agronomically useful groups of microorganisms from the soil was carried out by the method of microbiological sowing of soil extracts on solid nutrient media: for fungi – wort-agar, for bacteria – meat-peptone agar (MPA). The dilution of the soil extract for fungi and bacteria was, respectively, 1 : 1000; 1 : 100000. Microbiological seeding was performed in triplicate. The calculation of the total number of microorganisms in the soil was carried out by Tepper´s method. The yield of crops and the results of laboratory studies were processed by the method of variance analysis. The application of a tiered tillage allowed to increase the yield of Trifolium pratense green mass by 4.5 t·ha−1 (+17.0%) compared to the control (conventional plowing). It is established that tier ploughing with the PYA-4-40 plough promotes uniform distribution of nutrients in the arable soil layer and formation of homogeneous soil fertility. In such a soil environment, much more favorable conditions are created for the development of microflora and more intensive microbiological processes compared to the options of chisel and conventional (control) tillage, and, consequently, the formation of high yields of green Trifolium pratense.