Abstract:
At present time exists a lot of
soil tillage practices with different effects on
soil productivity, therefore the effects of
two tillage systems (conventional: CT, and
miminum: MT) and two different soil types
(Chernozem and Mollic Fluvisol) on soil
physical quality indicators and water
availability were evaluated in an on-farm
study in the Krakovany (Danube Lowland,
Slovakia). We evaluated pore-size
distributions and selected hydro-physical
properties (capillary rise, maximum
capillary water capacity and retention water
capacity). The total porosity (P) on average
by 23% and by 14%, non-capillary pores
(Pn) by 271% and by 114% and semicapillary
pores by 102% and by 192% were
significantly greater for CT than MT in
Chernozem and in Mollic Fluvisol,
respectively. The content of capillary pores
(Pc) was significantly greater for MT than
CT on average by 13% and 8% in
Chernozem and in Mollic Fluvisol,
respectively. The average content of
capillary rise (ΘCR), maximum capillary
water capacity (ΘMCWC) and retention water
capacity (ΘRWC) were higher by 6, 10 and
13% under MT than CT in soil profile of
Chernozem. The same effect of soil tillage
systems in Mollic Fluvisol was not
observed. In Chernozem under MT with
increased P, ΘCR significantly increased,
however, under CT, the ΘCR significantly
decreased. At the same time we determined
negative correlations between Pn and soil
water retention characteristics under CT.
Higher content of Pc resulted in higher
values of capillary rise, maximum capillary
water capacity and retention water capacity
in both soil types under both tillage systems.
