INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TILLAGES ON SOIL POROSITY

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of different tillage methods on soil properties. The research was conducted in 2024 at the VMU Academy of Agriculture Experimental station. During the experiment five different tillage methods were studied: 1. Deep ploughing (GA/DP) (Control); 2. Shallow ploughing (SA/SP); 3. Deep loosening (GP/DL); 4. Shallow loosening (SP/SL); 5. Direct sowing (TS/NT). The experiment was conducted in four replications, with a total of nine fields. The size of each field was 126 m² (14 x 9 m), while the accounting field measured 70 m² (10 x 7 m). Experimental fields were arranged randomly. The field protection strip was 4,5 m wide and the distance between replicates was 9 m. The aim of the research was to evaluate and compare the influence of different tillage methods on soil porosity.

The study found that, in most cases, simplified tillage systems increased the amount of mesopores while decreasing the amount of micropores and macropores compared to deep ploughing technology. When shallow loosening technology was applied, the totals porosity of the soil increased in all studied soil layers, whereas in direct seeding fields it decreased, compared to traditional tillage.