Soil Management Techniques Research Articles

Digital mapping for soil texture class prediction in northwestern Türkiye by different machine learning algorithms

Soil texture classes (STCs) influence the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, and accurate spatial predictions of STCs are essential for agro-ecological modeling. The purpose of this study was to assess the capabilities of environmental covariates derived from Landsat 8 OLI Science products and a digital elevation model (DEM), as well as three machine learning methods, to provide an accurate and reliable classification of soil texture classes. Estimation efficiency of soil texture classes was investigated using Decision tree (DT), Random forest (RF), and Support vector machine (SVM) algorithms in an area with Fluvisols and Vertisols as predominant reference soil groups in Northwestern Türkiye (Lake of Manyas). The models were validated using the leave-one-out, cross-validation technique. The best of the three machine learning models for soil texture classification was RF, with an overall accuracy of 0.63 and a kappa index value of 0.14, according to the accuracy evaluation. The RF algorithm generated a map whose findings were more consistent with the real environment using the confusion index (RF:0.30) and abundance index (RF:1.0) values as uncertainty criteria. The most important predictor of soil texture classes was the topographic wetness index (mean decrease accuracy: 3%) for tree-based learning algorithms, followed by other indexes based on satellite data. These findings will contribute to support sustainable soil management techniques in a location with a large degree of topsoil texture diversity.

FABRICATION OF MANUALLY OPERATED SEED DRILL FOR ARACHIS HYPOGEAE AND ZEA MAYS

Oil seeds plays vital role in furthering sustainable agriculture as they are the major source of nutrients. Groundnut is a major oil seed crop grown in the areas receiving 50-120cm of well distributed rainfall. So pulses and cereals have been a choice for the farmers for cultivation due to soil management techniques. The farming sector in India primarily of small scale farmers, the inability of small farmers to purchase and adopt improved technology of reduces the yield of production. The main objective of sowing operation is to place seed at proper position as well as reduce the cost of labors. Thus this paper, design and develop a manually operated seed drill for groundnut and maize which is suitable for marginal land holdings and plant the seed at specific distance with specific quantity and reduce the drudgery involved in manual planting method and increases the efficiency and also reduce the cost of sowing the seed by using the machine. The seed counting machine is used to count the seed and the revolution of the seed drill. The field trials reveal that the seed drill was performed well and found suitable for the small and marginal farmers.

The Influence of Biochar Soil Amendment on Tree Growth and Soil Quality: A Review for the Arboricultural Industry

Studies assessing the effects of biochar used as a soil amendment in agriculture and forestry have indicated variable results, from significant improvements in growth and health to no effect at all. Research into biochar use for trees within the urban landscape is extremely limited. This review is aimed at arboricultural practitioners and professionals involved in urban tree landscape management and provides a critical analysis of the use of biochar to support tree health and establishment. Biochar, specifically wood biomass-based biochar, has the potential to enhance tree establishment and survival. However, considerable variability in the physical and chemical properties of biochar currently limits universal application. Therefore, practitioners should aim to use biochar types suitable for the desired function, such as transplant establishment, remediation of declining mature trees, and pest/disease management. Biochar also represents a promising complementary amendment to more established soil management techniques such as mulching and fertilization, but further long-term studies in a range of conditions typical of urban environments are required to fully understand the effects of specific biochar types on urban trees.

Rice Self-sufficiency in Bhutan: An Assessment

Aims: Rice is the essential food grain in Bhutan and its availability directly translates to national food security and stability. Although there are several previous studies on production technologies, varietal adaptabilities and ecology-based information on rice in Bhutan, there is a dearth of information on rice self-sufficiency based on historical production and consumption data. Therefore, objectives of this study are to: i) evaluate rice production and consumption trends; ii) assess current and future rice self-sufficiency, and iii) identify appropriate policy and technical interventions required to enhance rice self-sufficiency.
 Methodology: Rice production and consumption data of past fifteen years (2005-2019) was gathered from secondary sources and analysed using descriptive statistics, linear equations, and linear regressions.
 Results: The study found that the ratio of rice self-sufficiency had declined due to increase in consumption and decrease in production over the past one and half decades. The rice cultivated area reduced to 30314 acres in 2019 from 46586 acres in 2015, while the productivity of milled rice climbed from 0.76 to 1.07 tonnes per acre in the same period. Further, the analysis revealed that the rice self-sufficiency ratio ranged between 34.7 and 51.03 while the demand for rice had escalated from 81458 tonnes in 2005 to 101082 tonnes in 2019. This implies that more than half of the rice consumed was imported, particularly from India to meet the demand of the country. The average per capita consumption of milled rice in Bhutan was assessed to be 147.7 kg which led to huge rise in import dependency ratio. It saw a growth in import value in Ngultrum by 297% during the study period. Projections from this study shows that per capita rice consumption will rise to 163 kg in 2030, with a rice deficit equal to the volume required for 73% of the estimated population.
 Conclusion: If current production and consumption trends continue, the ratio of rice self-sufficiency is likely to decline steadily in the coming years with negative impact on country’s trade balance. This study recommends three different strategies: (1) increasing yield, (2) expanding the area, and (3) decreasing consumption to increase the self-sufficiency in rice. These strategies must be persuaded collectively through crop extensification and intensification. Given the limited arable land, the recommendations include reverting to fallow land, adopting improved high-yielding varieties, expanding irrigation, adopting improved plant and soil management techniques, adopting labour-saving technologies, promoting upland rice, and rice double cropping, among many. On the policy front, it is vital to increase rice farming's economic viability and attractiveness through increasing subsidies, support systems, and incentives. A change in consumption pattern and food diversification can be suggested as another long-term approach towards achieving rice self-sufficiency.

Impact of crop establishment and residue management on soil properties and productivity in rice‐fallow ecosystems in India

AbstractThe degradation of agricultural land, both chemical and biological, is a big concern all over the world. Crop cultivation practices that are distinctive to each location have negative consequences for agricultural production. Therefore, there is an urgent need for better crop and soil management techniques. This experiment was conducted for 5 years (2016–2020) to identify the best crop establishment‐cum‐residue management (CERM) practices and suitable crops for succession after the rice harvest in rice‐fallow ecosystems of India. Experimentation was conducted in the split‐plot design and each treatment was replicated thrice, having CERM in main‐plot and post‐rainy season/winter crops in sub‐plot. All the CERM treatments had two variants, with crop residue (R+) and without crop residue (R−). Rice yields were markedly higher (19.1%–32.2%) in transplanted puddled rice with residue (TPR‐R+) over conventional‐till direct seeded rice (CTDSR) and zero‐till DSR (ZTDSR) treatments. However, TPR adversely impacted the performance of all the post‐rainy pulses/oilseed crops. Post‐rainy season crop yields under ZTDSR/CTDSR were 14.9%–45.8% higher leading to higher system productivity as compared to TPR. ZTDSR with residue retention showed higher soil aggregation. The practice of ZTDSR increased the soil dehydrogenase activity (46.2%), urease activity (29.8%), soil microbial biomass carbon (65.4), and fluorescein diacetate activity (9.0%) in the crop root zone with 3.3‐ and 4.47‐times higher earthworm population and earthworm biomass, respectively. The rice‐pulse system showed 1.74‐times more earthworm population over rice‐oilseed sequences. Total soil organic carbon (SOC) stock in ZTDSR was 21.8% higher over TPR in 0–45 cm soil profile. Thus, the adoption of ZTDSR practices and diversification of rice‐fallows with pulses crops is recommended for enhancing the crop productivity, increasing SOC stock, and improving soil biological properties in the rice‐fallow ecosystems of India.

Zero-Tillage Effects on Durum Wheat Productivity and Soil-Related Variables in Future Climate Scenarios: A Modeling Analysis

Adoption of zero-tillage practices with residue retention in field crops has been introduced as an alternative soil-management technique to counteract the resource degradation and high production costs derived from intensive tillage. In this sense, the biophysical models are valuable tools to evaluate and design the most suitable soil-management technique in view of future climate variability. The aim of this study was to use the ARMOSA process-based crop model to perform an assessment of tillage (T) and no-tillage (No-T) practices of durum-wheat-cropping systems in the Campania region (South of Italy) under current and future climate scenarios. First, the model was calibrated using measurements of soil water content at different depths, leaf area index, and aboveground biomass in the T and No-T treatments during the 2013–2014 season. Then, the model was further applied in the T and No-T treatments to future climate data for 2020–2100 that was generated by the COSMO-CLM model using the RCP4.5 and 8.5 paths. Results of the calibration depicted that the model can accurately simulate the soil-crop-related variables of both soil-management treatments, and thus can be applied to identify the most appropriate conservation agricultural practices in the durum-wheat system. The simulation of soil water content at different depths resulted in small relative root mean square errors (RRMSE < 15%) and an acceptable Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r > 0.51); and the goodness-of-fit indicators for simulated LAI and AGB resulted in acceptable RRMSE (RRMSE < 28%), and high r (r > 0.84) in both soil-management treatments. Future climate simulations showed that No-T management will deliver 10% more wheat yield than the T, with an annual average 0.31% year−1 increase of soil organic carbon, and an increase of 3.80% year−1 for N uptake, which can diminish the N leaching. These results suggest that No-T could be implemented as a more resilient management for farming system in view of climate uncertainty and scarcity of resources. Therefore, these findings support the potential of the ARMOSA model to evaluate the soil-crop response of the durum-wheat system under different management conditions and to design appropriate soil-management practices for current and future climate predictions.

Selection of green manures to provide ecosystem services in a semi-arid environment

Green manure is a soil management technique which provides several benefits to agroecosystems, improving the chemical, physical and biological quality of the soil, allowing them to provide different ecosystem services. Thus, the purpose of this work was to select green manures to compose multifunctional agroecosystems that provide ecosystem services in a semi-arid environment through the addition of biomass, C and N, and nutrient cycling. Thus, 29 treatments were evaluated in two cultivation cycles, using 14 species of legumes, oilseeds and grasses, distributed in single and intercropped crops. The green manures were cut at 70 days after sowing, and samples of the shoot and root parts were collected, with the production of fresh and dry biomass and the N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S levels being evaluated. C and biomass from rhizodeposition were also estimated. From these data, the accumulation of nutrients in the shoot and root biomass was calculated. Data were compared using descriptive and multivariate statistics. There is a positive relationship between the growing number of species used in consortium and the greater production of shoot and root biomass, favoring the increase in the capacity of the agroecosystem to provide provision and regulation services, with the latter being associated with climate change mitigation measures, highlighting the importance of biodiversity.

A hybrid method for characterizing tillage-induced soil physical quality at the profile scale with fine spatial details

Robust methods are needed to assess tillage-induced changes in the physical quality of agricultural soils. Most soil physical quality (SPQ) evaluation procedures are based on the analysis of a limited number of soil cores randomly sampled in the soil profile. Such procedures likely fail to properly capture the spatial patterns in soil structure induced by tillage implements and vehicle traffic, resulting in a misleading SPQ diagnosis. We propose a hybrid method that couples high-resolution soil penetration resistance measurements with soil core sampling to derive high-resolution data grids of SPQ indicators encompassing the soil profile structural heterogeneity. The method builds on strong experimental relationships between soil penetration resistance and bulk density, and between bulk density and the soil hydraulic properties. We tested our method on a silt-loam soil with three tillage treatments (moldboard plowing, deep loosening with a tine cultivator, and minimum tillage), each including a zone impacted by the wheel traffic. The results allow visualization and analysis of the effect of tillage treatments and vehicle traffic on the soil SPQ indicators with a high level of spatial detail. The proposed methodology can be used to compare various soil management techniques or to monitor the temporal evolution of SPQ. As such, it can be a valuable tool to guide agricultural soil management. Furthermore, the generated high-resolution soil physical parameter grids could be used to parameterize numerical hydrodynamic models and estimate water and solute fluxes with distributed parameters representing the actual soil profile heterogeneity.

The potential for land erosion due to primary tin mining in Bangka Island

In the context of primary tin mining by PT. Timah on the Bangka Island, an analysis of environmental impacts is needed concerning various related aspects. One of the potential impacts that need to be considered is erosion due to open land for mining activities. Rain and mining water triggers the process of erosion on open land with particular soil and topographic characteristics. This paper presents an analysis of the potential for erosion due to primary tin mining at five mining locations in Bangka Island. The soil erosion rate can be analyzed using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and GIS. The environmental data used to predict the erosion rate include soil type, soil texture and structure, land cover, rainfall, slope, and soil management techniques. In this study, rainfall erosivity is taking into account based on average monthly rainfall from 2010-2019. The results showed that the erosion rates at the primary mining sites are relatively low, ranging from 4.72 to 683.47 tons/ha/year. The results showed that the erosion rate is more influenced by the topography (slope factor). Besides, the considerable land-use change will also contribute significantly to the amount of soil erosion.

Correction of Soil Acidity in an Organic System of Shadowed Coffee

Through sustainable agriculture it is possible to explore the coffee culture in consortium with native forests in more rugged reliefs, as coffee is a permanent crop in addition to the climatic conditions offered by the swamps that favor its development. Given the above, the present work proposes, based on the acidity results, to quantify the need for correctives in the soil to obtain a better nutritional use offered by agroforestry cultivation of organic coffee in the shade with favorable results to increase productivity and, consequently, the farmer's profit. The research was carried out at the Várzea da Onça farm, in the Yaguara Ecological Complex, located in the municipality of Taquaritinga do Norte, Borborema plateau, in the Agreste Pernambuco mesoregion. Altitude, it is necessary to adopt appropriate management techniques that guarantee production, soil conservation and biodiversity, proposing soil correction to guarantee the ideal nutritional conditions for coffee growth. For this purpose, soil samples were collected in the Top (T), Hillside (E) and Pedimento (P) ranges at depths of 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm when planting shaded coffee and soil samples from Native Forest (MN) preserved and legally protected from the Brejo de Taquaritinga. Active, exchangeable and potential acidity were analyzed, as well as the sum of bases, the potential and effective cation exchange capacity, base saturation and aluminum saturation. The results obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were tested at 5% by the Tukey test. A potential of the system was found with low to very low natural fertility, with a strongly acidic reaction. Thus, adequate soil management and correction techniques are necessary for the crop to absorb all the nutrients made available by the organic matter present on the surface, concluding that all slopes require liming, the slope of Hillside and Mata Nativa they also need plastering for the culture to develop properly.

Land Adaptation Strategies across the Rain-fed Agricultural States as Climate Change Persists

Acquisition of land for farming activities is hitting hard on the interested smallscale farmers in Nigeria while the available land faces climate change influenced degradation. This current research verified how farmers are coping across four rain-fed (Benue, Edo, Ondo and Niger) states using 1600 copies of pretested questionnaire administered through the multistage procedure. The retrieved copies were coded and analyzed descriptively (frequency and percentage) and inferentially (Chi-Square) at p < 0.05 levels of significance. The results showed that most farmland sizes were three plots, and adaptation of soil management techniques was observed in both Benue and Ondo States, where there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the farmers' responses to indicate possible differences in policy could assist the two elements of quests. The farmers’ responses indicated addressing of land degradation significantly (p < 0.05), but not with application of fertilizers except in Ondo State (χ= 14.413, p = 0.108 > 0.05). The farmers responsively planted trees with the same reasons in Ondo State (χ= 4.813, p = 0.850 > 0.05). The farmers hardly exercised zero tillage except in Edo State, while the Ondo State's farmers had no different (χ= 4.813, p = 0.850 >0.05) opinion. Farmers' responses on farmland size, soil management techniques, and land degradation were positive but significantly different. Therefore, the investigation deduced that states with significantly different responses would require different decisions, agricultural policies, and adaptation strategies to lessen and ease the effects of climate change on the land of such states.

Predictive model for water retention curve of water-absorbing polymer amended soil

Water-absorbing polymer (WAP) amendment is emerging as a sustainable soil management technique in various geoenvironmental projects for controlling the subsurface water flow in the vadose zone. The addition of WAP can alter the pore structure and improve water-retention characteristics of the soil. The existing water-retention characteristic curve (WRCC) models for polymer-amended soils are complex and require a number of empirical parameters, which cannot be easily obtained through simple laboratory experimentation. The current study proposes a simple predictive WRCC model for WAP-amended soils based on the understanding that WAP particles absorb and retain water within their polymer structure and therefore influence the void ratio. The proposed model captures the change in the void ratio of the amended soil through a modified phase relationship for predicting WRCC. The performance of the model was validated for four different textured soils with varying WAP concentrations. The comparison between measured and predicted WRCC indicates that the proposed model can capture the changes in the void ratio as well as the WRCC with adequate accuracy.

Soil and water conservation management on hill slopes in southwest Ethiopia. II. Modeling effects of soil bunds on surface runoff and maize yield using AquaCrop

On the cultivated slopes of the highlands of southwest Ethiopia, soil degradation due to water erosion is a challenge for crop production. To limit surface runoff and soil erosion, soil bunds often in combination with trenches, constructed along contour lines, are common. In addition to the interception of surface runoff, soil bunds may affect crop yield. Here, we evaluate effect of soil bunds on surface runoff and maize yield, using FAO's AquaCrop model, calibrated based on field experiments in the Bokole-Karetha watershed, in SW Ethiopia. Experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 on three neighboring fields, each comprising plots in triplicate without and with soil bunds. Experimental data from 2018 to 2019, which were average and above average with respect to rainfall, indicate that water availability was sufficient or even in excess for maize production. Soil bunds significantly (p < 0.05) reduced surface runoff, but maize yield did not differ significantly. In plots without soil bunds, the AquaCrop model described surface runoff satisfactorily after slight adjustment of the curve number (related to infiltration capacity) in one of the three fields. Maize yields were reproduced adequately after calibrating soil fertility and adjusting water productivity. After calibration and validation, the AquaCrop model was used to hindcast surface runoff and grain yield from 1999 to 2017, given available climatic data for the region. Hindcasts show that maize yield in the Bokole-Karetha watershed, with its relatively high rainfall, is not significantly affected by rainfall in two of the three fields. In the third field maize yield decreases slightly, but significantly (p < 0.05) with rainfall. In the short run, yield differences between plots with and without soil bunds are not significant. However, eventually high surface runoff from plots without soil bunds are expected to result in unsustainable crop production, due to significant erosion and degradation of the often nutrient-poor soils. Implementation of soil and water management techniques, combined with fertilization, are important to prevent soil degradation and nutrient stress on sloping land.

Impact of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Cultivation on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Food Security of Rural Households within Mundemba Sub-division, Cameroon

Oil palm cropping is rapidly expanding within Mundemba. Although they have the potential to contribute to employment and economic development, the effect of their rapid expansion on soil properties and food security is largely unknown. The objective of the study is to analyze the trend in the surface area occupied by palms and farmlands between 1980 to 2020, assess the impact of oil palm cultivation on soil properties and food security. Ground Control Points (GCPs) were taken to evaluate land-use changes and soil samples were collected from palm plantations for analysis. Interviews and questionnaires were administered to household heads to gather information on food security. Results revealed that palm plantations experienced a rapid increase from 35.52ha in 1980 to 119,171.49 in 2020. Arable land also shows a progressive increase of 101.39 ha in 1980 to 518.55 ha in 2020. A significant deterioration of soil nutrients status under palm plantations compared to the adjacent farm lands was observed. Palm cultivation has resulted in food security issues in the area due to its lucrative nature and impact on soils properties. To improve food security farmers should be educated on sustainable crop production methods and soil management techniques.

Agricultural soil reclamation and restoration of soil organic matter and nutrients via application of organic, inorganic and bio fertilization (Mini review)

Food security is directly related to the ability of the land to support the population. Causes for land degradation are numerous and include the decline of soil fertility, development of acidity, salinization, alkalization, deterioration of soil structure, accelerated wind and water erosion, loss of organic matter and biodiversity. Thereafter, it is of critical importance to increase soil health and restore degraded soils in order to achieve sustainable development. Restoring the soil quality for crop production through the appropriate soil management and conservation techniques is important for all nations, primarily those at risk with respect to food security. Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a central role in maintaining soil functions and preventing soil degradation. Both organic matter and microorganism serve as a reservoir of plant nutrients. This study concluded that soil organic carbon and other mineral and nutrients restoration were noted with the soil modification and incorporation of various organic amendments. Plant residues and field biomass were promising for nutrients replenishment while biochar was the key component for the enrichment of soil organic carbon. Animal-based residues and manure application enhanced soil mineral and micronutrients concentration with the advantage of soil reclamation and restoration.

Formulation of soil quality index plus to support soil management in preventing soil degradation in dryland farming

Soil degradation threat to achieving sustainable agriculture is very prominent, especially in tropical areas like Indonesia. Soil degradation is a process of decreasing the function, quality, and productivity of the soil. Therefore, a soil management technique is needed to prevent soil degradation. The crucial problem faced is the unavailability of instruments and methods to assess and monitor soil quality and provide direction in maintaining the soil from soil degradation. Soil types and land suitability classes systems cannot assess soil quality and soil degradation due to land and soil management. Besides, both of the systems are not sensitive and satisfactory to evaluate changes in soil quality and soil degradation. The purpose of this study was to develop Soil Quality Index Plus (SQI-Plus) to evaluate soil quality in supporting development of soil management techniques, monitoring and evaluation of soil quality, and providing recommendations for maintaining soil quality to prevent soil degradation. SQI-Plus is presented in numerical forms and followed by letters which indicating one or more limiting factors for plant growth and production which needs to be repaired or rehabilitated to achieve optimal production and preventing soil degradation.

The residual impact of straw mulch and biochar amendments on soil physiochemical properties and yield of maize under rainfed system

AbstractGlobal warming and climate alterations have adversely affected agricultural production systems. The application of biochar can help mitigate climate change impacts and enhance the production and quality of agriculture. The field experiments were conducted during 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the effects of straw mulch (0 and 8 tons ha−1) and biochar (0, 4, 12, and 36 tons ha−1) on soil temperature, soil pH, bulk density, electric conductivity, cation exchange capacity, soil organic carbon, soil nutrient status (available P, K, NO3−, and NH4+) at various soil depth (10, 20, and 30 cm), and yield and yield‐related traits of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.). The results showed that addition of biochar regulated the soil temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and increased the soil organic carbon, soil nutrient status (available P, K, NO3−, and NH4+) compared to non‐biochar‐treated soils. In contrast, the higher amount of biochar (36 tons ha−1) application decreased the soil bulk density compared to control. However, the combined application of straw mulch and biochar improved the grain yield and yield contributing traits of maize. In conclusion, either straw mulch and biochar or combined straw mulch + biochar‐based soil management techniques regulate the temperature and physiochemical properties of soil. These improvements in soil properties increased the grain yield of rainfed maize and help to mitigate global warming.

The Role of Plant Roots in Nutrient Uptake and Soil Health

Plant roots are integral to nutrient uptake and soil health, profoundly influencing overall plant growth and agricultural productivity. This review delves into the multifaceted interactions between plant roots and soil, emphasizing root structure, function, and the diverse mechanisms of nutrient absorption. Additionally, the review examines how roots contribute to soil health, enhancing soil structure, fostering microbial activity, and increasing organic matter content. By synthesizing current research, the paper underscores the critical importance of understanding root-soil interactions to advance crop management practices and promote sustainable agriculture. The integration of advanced root biology with innovative soil management techniques holds significant potential for enhancing crop yields, soil fertility, and environmental sustainability.

The Mechanical Impact of Water Affected the Soil Physical Quality of a Loam Soil under Minimum Tillage and No-Tillage: An Assessment Using Beerkan Multi-Height Runs and BEST-Procedure

The multi-height (low, L = 3 cm; intermediate, M = 100 cm; high, H = 200 cm) Beerkan run methodology was applied on both a minimum tilled (MT) (i.e., up to a depth of 30 cm) and a no-tilled (NT) bare loam soil, and the soil water retention curve was estimated by the BEST-steady algorithm. Three indicators of soil physical quality (SPQ), i.e., macroporosity (Pmac), air capacity (AC) and relative field capacity (RFC) were calculated to assess the impact of water pouring height under alternative soil management practices. Results showed that, compared to the reference low run, M and H runs affected both the estimated soil water retention curves and derived SPQ indicators. Generally, M–H runs significantly reduced the mean values of Pmac and AC and increased RFC for both MT and NT soil management practices. According to the guidelines for assessment of SPQ, the M and H runs: (i) worsened Pmac classification of both MT and NT soils; (ii) did not worsen AC classification, regardless of soil management parameters; (iii) worsened RFC classification of only NT soil, as a consequence of insufficient soil aeration. For both soil management techniques, a strong negative correlation was found between the Pmac and AC values and the gravitational potential energy, Ep, of the water used for the infiltration runs. A positive correlation was detected between RFC and Ep. The relationships were plausible from a soil physics point of view. NT soil has proven to be more resilient than MT. This study contributes toward testing simple and robust methods capable of quantifying soil degradation effects, due to intense rainfall events, under different soil management practices in the Mediterranean environment.

Sustainable Viticulture: Effects of Soil Management in Vitis vinifera

Soil management in vineyards is of fundamental importance not only for the productivity and quality of grapes, both in biological and conventional management, but also for greater sustainability of the production. Conservative soil management techniques play an important role, compared to conventional tillage, in order to preserve biodiversity, to save soil fertility, and to keep vegetative-productive balance. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate long-term adaptation strategies to create a balance between the vine and the surrounding environment. This work sought to assess the effects of following different management practices on Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon during 2017 and 2018 seasons: soil tillage (T), temporary cover cropping over all inter-rows (C), and mulching with plant residues every other row (M). The main physiological parameters of vines (leaf gas exchange, stem water potential, chlorophyll fluorescence, and indirect chlorophyll content) as well as qualitative and quantitative grape parameters (technological and phenolic analyses) were measured. Significant differences in gas exchanges related to the different season and inter-row management were observed. C showed more negative values of water potential, due to the grass–vine competition, especially when water availability was lower. The competition exerted by C led to differences in fruit setting with impact on yield; therefrom, significant differences also in sugar and anthocyanic content were observed.