Soil Tillage Systems Research Articles

Evaluation of Soil Tillage and Direct Sowing Systems for Sustainable Production in Tokat Kazova in Terms of Sowing Quality

Evaluation of Soil Tillage and Direct Sowing Systems for Sustainable Production in Tokat Kazova in Terms of Sowing Quality

Productivity and Energy Utilization in Sugarcane Soil Tillage Systems

Productivity and Energy Utilization in Sugarcane Soil Tillage Systems

Influence of Hemp Residues on Soil Chemical Parameters and Spring Wheat Productivity

The utilization of hemp residues, obtained after the harvest of hemp flowers, is a potential soil amendment in crop cultivation that might enhance soil health, nutrient availability, and crop productivity. However, more research is required to choose the best agricultural practice for optimizing hemp residue degradations. This study aimed to determine the integrated effects of hemp residues in different soil tillage systems on spring wheat yield. The results of the two-year experiment show that under favorable climatic conditions and soil moisture contents, the highest spring wheat grain yield (6.0 t ha−1) is achieved in plots where hemp residues are plowed in autumn. Similar results are obtained in dry weather conditions, but the yield is lower by more than half—2.3 t ha−1. The influence of residues increases the C content in the soil. The findings advance our understanding of integrated agricultural practices through the utilization of hemp residues for promoting resilient and sustainable crop production systems.

Effect of Soil Tillage Systems and Crop Seasonality on the Sediment Geochemical Properties Transferred into a Headwater: A Case of Study in Tobacco Plantation

ABSTRACT The global impacts of agricultural land conversion on soil erosion and pollution, particularly in tobacco cultivation areas, are well-recognized as significant contributors to soil degradation. These areas are identified as hotspots for environmental concerns due to practices that lead to increased erosion and pollution. From this perspective, this case of study explores fine sediment samples from two areas with tobacco cultivation under different tillage systems and seasonal variations, transport into a headwater, and evaluates, on a local scale: (1) the impact of tillage systems on the geochemical signature of sediments; (2) if whether crop seasonality affects these sediment geochemical signatures. The Conventional Ridge Tillage (CRT) system involves extensive soil exposure and machinery for soil management, while the Mulch Ridge Tillage (MRT) system prioritizes soil conservation and relies on herbicides for weed control. The analytical methodology used to assess the sample element characteristics was Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). It was applied on the twenty fine sediments (ten of harvest and ten of inter-harvest season of tobacco) to quantitatively assess their inorganic composition. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied on the EDXRF data to highlight the similarities and, thus, providing information to assess the complex data clustering patterns. As a result, the sediment compositions from the two studied soil systems are not similar. The PCA showed that the CRT sediments are characterized by the P, S, K, Ca, and Mn content, presenting a geochemical signature related to manure and fertilizer compared to the MRT, which is correlated with Al, Ti, Fe, Cu, and Zn contents, exhibiting a geochemical signature characterized by the natural soil composition. Therefore, the sediment geochemical signatures might be affected by two phases in the study area: a) tillage system characteristics and b) seasonal soil erosion. These findings underscore the importance of managing soil nutrients to mitigate soil pollution and nutrient exportation to aquatic systems. Moreover, the results emphasize the recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices in tobacco-growing areas to protect environmental quality.

Sunflower Broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) and Weeds in Sunflower Crops with Minimized Tillage in a Steppe Ecotype Crop Rotation

Abstract An important reserve for increasing the productivity of agricultural production is a scientifically based crop structure and the use of rational crop rotations, which implement the optimal ratio of agroecological standards. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of elements of agrotechnical measures, in particular, the saturation of crop rotations with sunflower, soil tillage system on the number and species composition of various agrobiological groups of weeds in sunflower crops, including the weed parasite sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.). Weed control measures and the spread of the parasitic weed sunflower broomrape in sunflower crops have been carried out according to the methods generally accepted in agriculture and weed science. The scheme of the experiment included crop rotations with saturation in the structure of sunflower sowing of 12.5, 20, 25, 33.3, 50, 100% and three systems of basic tillage: moldboard plowing, disc tillage, and no-tillage. As a result of the research, it has been found that the systems of disc tillage and no-tillage cause an increase in the number of weeds in sunflower crops compared to the moldboard plowing by 1.3–1.5 times. On average, over the years of research, the abundance of weeds in the plots when using disk tools was 10.4–15.1 pcs./m2, moldboard plowing was 7.1–12.4 pcs./m2, and before harvesting was 2.6–5.2 and 4.1–12.4 pcs./m2. The highest degree of sunflower broomrape damage has been observed in 2-fields crop rotation (winter wheat—sunflower) and permanent sunflower cultivation, as 16.0–32.4% of affected sunflower plants have been observed here. The intensity of sunflower broomrape damage to sunflower plants was higher in the moldboard plowing system and amounted to 1.2–8.3 pcs./per plant, which exceeded disc tillage and no-tillage by 1.2–1.6 times. The maximum seed yield of 2.92–2.95 t/ha has been obtained in 8- and 5-fields rotations with the use of moldboard plowing. The lowest yields of sunflower seeds were in short-rotation crop rotations with a sunflower saturation of 50% in the structure of sown areas and permanent cultivation and amounted to: moldboard plowing—1.75–2.21 t/ha, disk tillage—1.57–2.01 t/ha, and no-tillage—1.49–1.95 t/ha. Given the urgency of supplying the global market with sunflower oil, in the future it is necessary to increase the concentration of sunflower in the structure of sown areas to 30-40% through the system of basic tillage, selection of resistant hybrids, and use of herbicides.

The influence of previous crops and tillage on available moisture reserves of chernozem typical for growing spring barley

The unstable yield of agricultural crops arises due to insufficient soil moisture supply at crucial moments of plant emergence and growth, complicating agriculture and exposing it to the risk of crop losses. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of the soil tillage system and previous crops on the productivity of spring barley plants. This was a long-term stationary experiment (2021-2023) with the application of statistical data processing. The influence of four previous crops was investigated – grain maize (control), soybeans, winter rapeseed, and sunflower – and three main soil tillage methods. It is established that the highest significant moisture reserves in the 0-100 cm soil layer at the sowing period were formed when spring barley was placed after soybeans, exceeding the control variant (grain maize) by 3.2 mm in 2021, 3.6 mm in 2022, and 3.4 mm in 2023, and after winter rapeseed by 8.5 mm, 6 mm, and 5.7 mm, respectively, over the years. The use of shallow no-till cultivation provided an advantage over the control (ploughing) in all years of observation: by 2.2 mm in 2021, 1.8 mm in 2022, and 8.8 mm in 2023. During the sowing period of the studied crop, the control surpassed only surface no-till cultivation by 2.7 mm in 2022. The optimal option should be considered the combination of soybeans as a previous crop with shallow no-till soil cultivation at 14-16 cm, which ensured moisture reserves during the earing period of the crop in 2021 – 75.1 mm, in 2022 – 93.2 mm, and in 2023 – 92.2 mm, and at the time of harvest, these indicators were 60.7 mm, 67.3 mm, and 60.0 mm, respectively. The grain yield of spring barley under this option was the highest in the experiment, averaging 7.26 t/ha, which is 27.3% higher than the control. The results of the study can be used to realise the genetic potential of spring barley plants to form stable productivity

Impacts of the tillage systems on the production of green corn (Zea mays L.) in long‐term plots in Northeastern Brazil

AbstractIn the current global context of climate change and the increasing demand for sustainability, optimizing agricultural production is very important in order to meet the demands for food and to mitigate environmental impact. To achieve sustainable agricultural production, particularly in regions with tropical soil and climate conditions, is necessary to adopt conservation‐oriented techniques. This includes no‐tillage system, the use of soil‐cover crops, and the application of inoculants. The objective of this research was, at the end of the 22nd cropping season, to assess the influence of soil compaction in the production of green corn (Zea mays L.) in a long‐term field experiment. This study was conducted under different soil tillage systems in a Red‐Yellow Ultisol from the Coastal Tablelands of northeastern Brazil. Three soil tillage systems were applied: Conventional Tillage (CT), Minimum Tillage (MT), and No‐tillage (NT). These were combined with four previous crops: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), crotalaria (Crotalaria juncacea), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and millet (Pennisetum glaucum), as well as two levels of nitrogen fertilizer application: (1) 100% of the recommended N dose, and (2) 50% of the recommended N dose plus Azospirillum brasilense inoculant. The experimental design consisted of strip plots with subplots divided and randomized within each strip, with three replications. Soil compaction was assessed using parameters of soil density (SD) and soil mechanical resistance to penetration (MRP) in conjunction with moisture content (MC). The principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that conservation‐oriented systems exhibited greater soil organic carbon (SOC) levels, leading to increased productivity of commercial green corn cobs. The synergistic effect of diversifying previous crops and adopting conservation tillage systems, especially in soils under long‐term tillage, resulted in heightened productivity of commercial green corn ears.

Environmental viability and economic sustainability of tillage for wheat: Evidence from Croatia

A multidisciplinary field experiment was performed during three seasons for winter wheat in Croatia. The intention of this study was to examine and diagnose the effect of Tillage Systems (TS) on soil chemical properties (soil acidity, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter content) as well as the outcome of economic indicators such as Gross Margin (GM), Rate of Profitability (ROP), cost-effectiveness (E) and productivity (P). TS were CT - plowing up to 30 cm depth; DT - disking up to 8-12 cm depth; LT - loosening up to 35 cm depth; NT - no-tillage. The experimental design was a randomised block design in four repetitions, where the basic TS plot was 540 m2. Soil sampling for 0-30 cm soil layer was done prior to setting up the experiment and after three seasons, a total of 320 soil samples and chemical analyses were performed according to standard pedological procedures. Economic indicators are calculated using economic equations and standards and statistical analysis was performed with SAS 9.3 and Microsoft Excel 2016. Generated results point that on systems with shallower tillage or no- tillage expressed accumulation of phosphorus and potassium appeared with distinct vertical stratification. At the same time, these TS ensured soil organic matter and soil fertility preservation. From the aspect of economic calculations, LT assigned the prime economic results. The ROP was in order CT (32.67%) < DT (37.39%) < LT (40.31%) < NT (42.29%). The same order was established for E, namely, CT (1.33) < DT (1.37%) < LT (1.40%) < NT (1.42%). NT established the best P because of the lowest costs of production, but due to significantly lower yield, NT has limited adoption in practice. The conservable and viable agricultural production by intermediation of reduced soil tillage systems has its capabilities and potency, firstly ecological, through providing soil degradation, and then economical by potentiating economic sustainability and financial efficiency of agricultural production.

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.

ОСТРУКТУРЕНІСТЬ ҐРУНТУ, ЗАБУР`ЯНЕНІСТЬ І ПРОДУКТИВНІСТЬ ЛАНОК СІВОЗМІНИ ЗАЛЕЖНО ВІД СИСТЕМ ОСНОВНОГО ОБРОБІТКУ ТА УДОБРЕННЯ ЧОРНОЗЕМУ ТИПОВОГО В ПРАВОБЕРЕЖНОМУ ЛІСОСТЕПУ УКРАЇНИ

The goal of the research is to study the influence of different tillage and fertilization systems on the structural condition of the arable (0-30 cm) soil layer, the weediness of agrophytocenoses, and the productivity of two links of field crop rotation. Materials and methods. The experimental work was carried out in 2021-2023 on a typical deep low-humus chernozem of the experimental field of Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University in a five-field stationary specialized (grain) crop rotation. Four systems of basic soil tillage and fertilization of agrophytocenoses were studied. The zero fertilization system did not provide for the application of fertilizers, the first - 6 tons of manure + N64P54K58, the second - 6 tons of manure + N98P66K92, the third - 6 tons of manure + N126P82K116 per hectare of arable land. Analysis methods: field, laboratory, comparative, mathematical-statistical. Results. The article presents the results of studies on cultivation of various agricultural crops under four systems of basic soil tillage and four systems of agrophytocenoses fertilization. The influence of these agrotechnical measures on the structural state of arable layer, the current weediness of agrophytocenoses, and the yield of grain and green mass of the crops under study have been considered. Long-term studies have convincingly proven that with chisel-disc, and especially disc tillage, there is a clearly defined profile differentiation of the arable soil layer in terms of the content of water-resistant aggregates in different parts of it - most of them are in the lower (20-30 cm) part, significantly less in the upper (0-10 cm). With an increase in fertilizer application rates, the structural condition improves and the actual weediness of agrophytocenoses decreases. Grain crop yield is significantly reduced by chisel-disk and disk processing; when differentiated, it increases in the agrophytocenosis of winter wheat and buckwheat and decreases in the agrophytocenosis of peas, but these changes do not reach statistically significant values. Significantly less green manure mass of white mustard was obtained by disc processing and significantly more was obtained with differentiated processing of only fertilized areas of the second link of crop rotation. During chisel-disk processing, this indicator decreases insignificantly in the first link and increases insignificantly in the second. Conclusions. It is noted that the first link dominates in the collection of feed units, the yield of grain and digestible protein per hectare of arable land, and the provision of digestible protein to a feed unit. An insignificant advantage of the second link was observed in the collection of dry matter of the main and by-products only in the differentiated treatment areas fertilized with the second and third rates of fertilizers. Analyzing the data obtained, it can be argued that with non-shelf-disk and disk cultivation, the productivity of a hectare of arable land in both stages of crop rotation significantly decreases. With differentiated and shelf-disk processing, this indicator is almost at the same level. Keywords: soil structure, weed infestation, soil, crop rotation, link, cultivation, fertilization, productivity.

Maize Yield and Soil Penetration Resistance in Different Soil Tillage and Cover Crop Systems

Maize Yield and Soil Penetration Resistance in Different Soil Tillage and Cover Crop Systems

SHALLOW AND COMBINED TILLAGE OF BLACK SOIL TYPICAL AT DIFFERENT SPECIALISATION IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN THE LEFT BANK FOREST STEPPE OF UKRAINE

The article presents the results of long-term experimental studies on the effect of different methods of main tillage on soil fertility and crop productivity when applying different degrees of fertilization. Field research was conducted during 2013-2020 on the lands of the Poltava Research Station of the Institute of Pig Breeding and Agro-Industrial Production of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. It has been established that the systematic use of organic and organic and-mineral fertilization systems improves the nutrient regime of typical black soil with differentiation of the arable layer by the amount of phosphorus and potassium when applying long-term minimal loosening. There is a tendency towards an increase in density in the layers of 20-40 and 40-60 cm when applying systematic shallow tillage, where this indicator exceeds the upper limit of the optimal range of 1,0-1,3 g/cm3. Application of manure and mineral fertilizers compared to surface loosening makes it possible to additionally annually sequester 0,3-0,4 t/ha of carbon, which is equivalent to 1,2-1,6 t of carbon dioxide. By the average multi-year yield of corn per silage, shallow loosening is inferior to combined tillage by an average of 10%. Tendencies to a decrease in the average long-term productivity of soybean, spring barley, and pea crops when using minimal tillage compared to the combined one are manifested only in certain fertilizer options. Under optimal conditions of heat and moisture supply, the ratio of grain and straw in soybeans decreases. On winter wheat, after peas, there is a tendency towards the preference of shallow loosening. The ratio of wheat grain to straw increases significantly under favorable conditions. Corn responds better to the combined tillage system, which prevails shallow loosening in terms of grain yield by the fertilizer options by 6-10%. Under favorable conditions, the ratio of stems to grain increases significantly, especially on fertilized grounds. From the studied crops, the productivity of sugar beets fluctuates to a greater extent to the conditions of the year, and to a lesser extent - winter wheat, grown after peas and corn for grain. By the average long-term crop productivity, shallow tillage is inferior to combined tillage by 4-8% having a confidence level of 5%. When applying manure, it is advisable to use a combined system of soil tillage, for plant-oriented agrarian production, it is economically advisable to use surface loosening for all crops.

Sunflower hybrid “Linzi” and its agronomic response to the main soil tillage systems in the region of South Dobrudzha

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus – hybrid “Linzi”) yield obtained under different main soil tillage systems in 4-field crop rotation (common bean-wheat-sunflower-grain maize), is strongly influenced by the properties of the slightly leached chernozems the (Haplic Chernozems) and the climatic conditions. This study was carried out at the stationary field trial of Dobrudzha Agricultural InstituteGeneral Toshevo from 2016 to 2018. The influence of seven main soil tillage systems (MSTS) on the yield and the physical properties of sunflower seeds were investigated. The aim of this study was to trace the influence of different types of main soil tillage on seed yield, oil content and seed physical properties of sunflower hybrid ”Linzi”. Regardless of the meteorological conditions during the studied period, the main tillage systems are a powerful agrotechnical tool for managing sunflower productivity in all its aspects. The yield of seeds and kernels of hybrid ”Linzi”, as well as that of their oil content, is highest in years with a relatively favorable distribution of precipitation during the growing season. For the region of haplic Chernozems in Dobrudzha, the most effective systems for sunflower are the systems including the mould board plough of the soil. The best results were obtained when, in the 4-field crop rotation against wheat, deep tillage was replaced by Disking or No-till. The obtained oil yields are respectively: 2420.10 kg/ha (Plowing- -Disking); 2280.80 kg/ha (Plowing-No-till) 2244.70 kg/ha (Plowing-Plowing). The largest seeds were obtained in the under permanent shallow treatment against all crops in crop rotation - 62.66 g (Disking-Disking). The best results for the hectoliter weight were obtained in the two deep treatments with and without turning/inversion of the cultivated layer. However, the heaviest seeds were obtained when deep plowing is interrupted with direct seeding or disking, respectively. The positive correlation with the production of husks and kernels is strongly expressed. Averaged over the period, the correlation between the yield of seeds and that of husks has lower values compared to each of the years.

Degree of compaction, aeration, and soil water retention indices of a sugarcane field without soil disturbance after initial tillage

Soil compaction after initial soil tillage for crop establishment has been a major problem in crop fields because of its deleterious effects on soil functioning and crop performance. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the degree of compaction, soil air capacity, near-surface optimum ratios, and water retention characteristics in a sandy loam. Dystrophic Paleudalf initially under different tillage methods for sugarcane crop but without tillage for two seasons in southern Brazil. Initial soil tillage systems consisted of no-tillage (NT), compacted no-tillage (NTC), conventional tillage, and chiseling of no-tillage (Ch). Disturbed and undisturbed soil was sampled from 0 to 10, 10 to 20, 20 to 40, and 40 to 60 cm layers to determine degree of compaction, air capacity, near-surface optimum ratios, soil water retention characteristics, and soil physical quality index S. Initially, NT treatment had the significantly ( p < 0.05) lowest degree of compaction (87%), highest soil air capacity (0.104 cm3 cm−3), air capacity/total porosity ratio (0.261), and better water retention characteristics in the surface layer. Over time, Ch had improved the structure of the subsurface soil layers with the lowest degree of compaction (≈88%) and highest air capacity (≈0.140 cm3 cm−3), while the measured indices were poor in NTC. Irrespective of tillage, the surface layer showed resilience during the years without soil disturbance with low degree of compaction, increased water retention, and air capacity. NT could be a good soil management option for sugarcane production, while mechanical chiseling is advocated for ameliorating compacted soils.

Soil Tillage and Cropping System Effects on the Physical-Hydric Properties of a Soil under No-Tillage

A no-tillage system (NT) is an alternative to replace soil management with intense soil tillage and degradation. Our objective was to evaluate the physical–hydric properties of soil under NT for four years after undergoing 13 years of minimum (4NTM) and conventional tillage (4NTC) with reference to continuous NT for 17 years (17NT). The soil bulk density, porosity, storage capacities of water and air, visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS), and saturated hydraulic conductivity were determined. The root dry biomass of soybean, maize, and palisade grass was also measured. NT during four years established after receiving 13 years of tillage did not significantly affect soil properties compared to 17NT, which means that four years of NT reached structural stability similar to continuous 17NT. The VESS scores were less sensitive to identifying soil compaction. Crops have no significative influence on soil properties, but the roots of maize seem to be less sensitive to soil compaction, which is important considering it is in a crop rotation system. The treatments (soil tillage and crop rotation) presented soil compaction below a 10 cm depth, and to our loamy textural class soil, a Bd > 1.60 Mg m−3 restricted soil aeration due to macroporosity < 0.10 m3 m−3.

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF SOYBEAN PRODUCTION DEPENDING ON SOIL TILLAGE SYSTEM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the economic efficiency of soybean cultivars at different soil tillage system (ploughing method, reduced tillage, strip tillage). The study was based on the results of a five-year (2016-2020) field study, conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Kępa Puławy (farm in Osiny), belonging to the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Puławy. In the scheme of trial two cultivars of soybean: Aldana (000 – early) and Merlin (00-mid-early) were used. The strip-till system brought the highest value of harvested soybean seeds of Merlin cultivar – 6,262 PLN/ha (mean in 2016-2020). The high value was also obtained under full ploughing system (6,251 PLN/ha). The highest profitability of soybean cultivation determined based relation production value of seeds to direct cost was obtained under strip-tillage system (mean for two cultivars – 1.68). In direct cost structure the highest percentage had seeds material cost. The gross margin was determined as an indicator of economic efficiency. The economic effectiveness of cultivation of two soybean cultivars was evaluated from the perspective of utilizing the basic factors of production – land. Analysis showed that the highest level of gross margin determined on based the difference of production seeds value, direct cost and indirect cost was obtained in soybean cultivation under strip-tillage system. The profitability index was also determined as the relation of production value of soybean seeds to direct costs. The level of the gross margin was more impacted by the level of the obtained yield and the cost of agrotechnical treatments than by the level of other direct costs.

Application of Unconventional Tillage Systems to Maize Cultivation and Measures for Rational Use of Agricultural Lands

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the main agricultural crops grown worldwide under very diverse climate and soil conditions. For maize cultivation in a conventional tillage system, autumn plowing is a mandatory condition. Minimum soil tillage or no tillage has been applied in recent years, both in research and in production, for reasons relating to soil conservation and fuel economy. This paper presents the results of the research executed under pedoclimatic conditions at the Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda (ARDS Turda, Romania; chernozem soil) regarding the behavior of the maize hybrid Turda 332 cultivated in four tillage systems and two levels of fertilization during the period of 2016–2022. The following soil tillage systems were applied: a conventional tillage system (CT) and unconventional tillage systems in three variants—a minimum tillage system with a chisel (MTC), a minimum tillage system with a disk (MTD), and a no-tillage system (NT). They were applied with two levels of fertilization: basic fertilization (350 kg ha−1 NPK 16:16:16, applied at sowing) and optimized fertilization (350 kg ha−1 NPK 16:16:16 applied at sowing + 150 kg ha−1 calcium ammonium nitrate with additional fertilization in the phenophase of the maize with 6–7 leaves). The results highlight the fact that under the conditions of chernozem soils with a high clay content (41% clay content), maize does not lend itself to cultivation in MTD and NT, requiring deeper mobilization, with the yield data confirming this fact. This is because under the agrotechnical conditions for sowing carried out in MTD and NT, the seeder used (Maschio Gaspardo MT 6R) does not allow for the high-quality sowing of maize, especially under dry soil conditions. Instead, the MTC system could be an alternative to the conventional tillage system, with the yield difference being below 100 kg ha−1.

Pengaruh Jarak Tanam dan Sistem Olah Tanah Terhadap Produksi Benih Jagung Komposit Varietas Lamuru (Zea mays L.)

Corn production every year is getting higher which results in higher demand for corn seeds. So efforts are needed to optimize the rate of corn seed production. One of the efforts to increase corn seed production is to improve the cultivation technique of the lamuru variety by choosing the right spacing and tillage system. This study aims to determine the effect of spacing and soil tillage systems on the production of lamuru varieties of maize seeds. This research was conducted in the Jember State Polytechnic research field from August to November 2022. The research used factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) method with 3 replications. The data will be analyzed using ANOVA and followed by the DMRT test at the 5% level. The first factor is the spacing (80×20 cm), (80×25 cm), and (80×30 cm). The second factor is the tillage system, with intervals without tillage, minimum tillage and maximum tillage. The results showed that the treatment spacing (80 × 30cm) had a highly significant effect on the parameters of the weight of the cobs planted 308.73 gr, the weight of seeds per ear 178.07 gr, and production per hectare 6.64 ton/ha. The perfect tillage system had a highly significant effect on the parameters production per hectare 7,08 ton/ha.

Suitability of Various Parameters for the Determination of the Condition of Soil Structure with Dependence to the Quantity and Quality of Soil Organic Matter

Soil structure (SS) plays an important role in relation to climatic change, with the most important task the decreasing of CO2 in the atmosphere by carbon sequestration in the soil and the prevention of floods by better water infiltration into the soil. However, the evaluation of its condition is very different because of the various parameters and their inappropriate uses. The aim of this study was to determine the responses of the parameters of SS on the soil type and tillage system as the most important factors that influence it through changes in the soil organic matter and soil texture. The soil factor, which was represented by seven soil types (EF, Eutric Fluvisol; MF, Mollic Fluvisol; HC, Haplic Chernozem; HL, Haplic Luvisol; ER, Eutric Regosol; EG, Eutric Gleysol; DS, Distric Stagnosol), should be included in all evaluations of SS because of the specifics of each soil type. The tillage factor (shallow non-inversion-reduced, RT; deeper with inversion-conventional, CT) was chosen because of a high sensitivity of SS to soil disruption by cultivation, which represents high potential for the mitigation of climate change. The study included 126 sampling places in different parts of Slovakia on real farms (7 soil types × 3 localities × 3 crop rotations × 2 tillage systems × 2 soil depths). The soils were analysed for the aggregate fraction composition, particle size distribution, and parameters of organic carbon. The data of different parameters of SS were calculated and evaluated. The most sensitive parameter of the tested ones was the coefficient of structure (Kst), which manifested up to the level of the fractions of humus substances and indicated a better condition of SS in more productive soils than less productive soils. The coefficient of soil structure vulnerability (Kv) and mean weight diameter in water-resistant macroaggregates (MWDw) showed a worse condition of SS in the soils, which developed on Neogene sediments. A better condition of SS in RT was predicted particularly by the primary parameters (index of crusting, Ic; critical content of soil organic matter, St), and in CT, they were mainly the secondary parameters (Kst; water-resistant of soil aggregates, Kw). Overall, the suitability of the parameters of SS should be evaluated in relation to a specific soil type with its characteristics and should not be used universally.

Assessment of the tillage impact on soybean productivity

Modern crop production technologies depend on the intensity of soil cultivation. Traditional cultivation methods increase production costs and harm the environment. The research relevance is determined by the need to find effective and environmentally friendly alternative tillage technologies that will reduce the cost of agricultural production and have a positive impact on the environment. The research aims to determine the influence of the soil tillage system on the formation of soybean plant productivity. Research methods: long-term stationary experiment, laboratory determination of soil agrophysical properties, statistical data processing. The field research was carried out at the Agronomic Research Station, a separate subdivision of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, in a stationary experiment of the Department of Agriculture and Herbology. Soybean yields under the No-till system were found to be 22.7% higher than under the conventional system, which in absolute terms was 2.81 t/ha under the No-till system and 2.29 t/ha under the conventional system. No-till provided higher soil moisture content and the share of agronomically valuable aggregates at a higher soil density than the traditional system. In general, the efficiency of moisture use by soybean plants under the shelf tillage system was 16.0% lower compared to the no-till system. The use of the conventional tillage system on average in 2020-2022 led to a decrease in the structural structure of the 0-30 cm soil layer studied by 8-33%. The amount of agronomically valuable aggregates (0.25-10 mm) depended on the tillage system. The No-till system increased the agronomically valuable structure in the 0-10 cm soil layer by 15.5%, the 10-20 cm layer by 10.3% and the 20-30 cm layer by 9.1% compared to the conventional tillage system at the beginning of the growing season and by 4.2%, 7.3% and 4.7%, respectively, at the end of the growing season. The practical significance of the obtained research results is to determine the optimal soil cultivation system for the realisation of the genetic potential of soybean to form its stable productivity