DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/22.1.2975
Original scientific paper
Tillage and straw management impact on soil structure, compaction and soybean yield on fluvisol
2021, 22 (1) p. 133-145
Luka Brezinščak, Igor Bogunović
Abstract
Soil tillage management can have positive and negative short-term effect on agroecosystem. Therefore, searching for optimal tillage management is crucial for the maintenance and improvement of soil functions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT) and reduced tillage (RT) on Fluvisols in humid environments (Croatia). Under each treatment, subplots with and without straw were applied. The impact was assessed on physical soil properties and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) yield. Soil bulk density was significantly lower in RT with straw when compared to the other treatments. Straw significantly effected bulk density at 10-20 cm depth. Penetration resistance did not exceed the value of 2.5 MPa on any treatment, it was also significantly reduced on covered plots in Autumn. Soil water content showed higher values in straw treatments at MT and RT. Water stable aggregates percentage were high at straw plots and at MT and RT in addition to CT. Moreover, soybean grain yield was higher in straw plots at RT and MT. It can be recognized in the aspect of short-term results that the MT and RT is an advisable alternative for CT due to its positive impact on soil physical condition and grain yield.
Keywords
reduced tillage, straw mulch, soil physical properties
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