Long-term crop management and formation of plow pan: its consequences on soil physico-chemical properties

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, soil science department Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Professor, soil science department Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

Soil compaction and formation of plow pan in Iranian agricultural soils became a serious problem, which threatens regional productivity. The formation of plow pan due to the long-term use of tillage tools at a constant depth, is a common consequence of conventional tillage, which limits crop growth. In order to prove the existence of plow pan and its effect on physical and chemical soil characteristics, 32 soil profiles (eight soil profiles in each region) were analyzed in Qazvin, Golestan, Markazi and Khuzestan provinces. In all four regions and in 70% of the soils, plow pan with an average thickness of 24 cm was observed at 16 to 64 cm below the surface. Total porosity and the amount of bulk density showed respectively about 7-19% decrease and 5-14% increase in the plow pan compared to other horizons. The depth of the formation of this layer and its vertical expansion as well as the intensity of compaction in the soils of the studied areas have been different. The presence of the plow pan (except for Abyek region of Qazvin) had caused the accumulation of 14 to 40% of dissolved salts and the creation of a relatively saline layer under the surface horizon (Ap). The most important reason for the high compaction of the plow pan in the Gonbad agricultural area compared to the other three areas, was the high average percentage of silt (about 60%) in this area. In addition to the effect of soil texture, the predominance of submerged irrigation, despite the aridity of the climate, intensifies the compaction and resistance to root penetration especially in the agricultural areas of Golestan, Khuzestan and Markazi provinces, because annual plowing at constant depths along with heavy irrigation with a large volume of water leads to the eluviation of clay and silt particles from the surface and illuviation in depth. 

Keywords

Main Subjects


EXTENDED ABSTRACT

 

Introduction

 Soil compaction and formation of plow pan in Iranian agricultural soils became a serious problem, which threatens regional productivity. The formation of plow pan due to the long-term use of tillage tools at a constant depth, is a common consequence of conventional tillage, which limits crop growth due to decline soil physical quality. The aim of the present work was to prove the existence of plow pan in selected agricultural soils and its effect on physical and chemical soil characteristics as well as sustainable crop production.

 

Materials and Methods

thirty-two soil profiles (eight soil profiles in each region) were analyzed on irrigated agriculture fields in Qazvin, Golestan, Markazi and Khuzestan provinces.

 

Results and Discussion

Presence of plow pan was observed in about 70% of the studied profiles, which is an active process and soon or later will be found in all other studied soils if the current land management is ongoing. The average thickness of the plow pan was 24 cm, which was usually extended between 16 to 64 cm below the surface. Total porosity and the amount of bulk density showed respectively about 7-19% decrease and 5-14% increase in the plow pan compared to other horizons. The depth of the formation of this layer and its vertical expansion as well as the intensity of compaction in the soils of the studied areas have been different.

 

Conclusion

 The presence of the plow pan in the studied agricultural lands except for the Abyek region in Qazvin province (due to the less compaction of this layer and proper agricultural management) caused the accumulation of soluble salts and formation of a relatively saline layer below the surface horizon (Ap). The relatively high compaction in the plow pan of Gonbad agricultural area, Golestan province, compared to other regions was related to an average of about 60% silt. Because silty soils have a greater tendency to form crusts than other types of soils, and agricultural operations in unsuitable moisture conditions of this region, create crusts that cause soil compaction after drying. In addition, the predominance of submerged irrigation, despite the aridity of the climate, intensifies the compaction and resistance to root penetration especially in the agricultural areas of Golestan, Khuzestan and Markazi provinces. Because annual plowing at constant depths along with heavy irrigation with a large volume of water and relatively wet soil leads to the eluviation of clay and silt particles from the surface and illuviation in depth. The agricultural management applied in the Abyek region (including the modification of the irrigation method, the application of appropriate crop rotation, sub-soiling operation and optimal use of organic fertilizers) reduced the problems of plow pans.

 

 

 

 

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