The Role of Soil Physical Properties In Managing Reduced Tillage Systems

Soil management entails the integration of all soil and plant sciences for the purposes of remedying practical concerns which are related to the production of crops. In addition, for the development of new tillage-planting systems to create the least soil erosion and degradation. The proper understanding of soil management is a must for any proper implementation of other management practices. The texture, moisture, aggregation, bulk density, strength, air space porosity and the temperature of the soil are it's physical properties which are unique to each soil. Energy, erosion and environmental concerns have redirected soil management into new areas. In 1983, reduced tillage and no tillage systems were expanding, thus, affording producers another viable soil management option. Proper understanding of short term and long term changes under reduced tillage was deemed mandatory for the creation of proper soil management recommendations. As of 1977, the Department of Soil Science began conducting long term co-operative tillage trials. Intensive over tillage and poor tillage practices from 1933-83 destroyed many native soils. Many times, erosion was resultant. The article addresses the role of soil physical properties in the management of reduced tillage systems. Topics covered are: soil temperature, soil moisture, soil aggregation, soil density and soil strength. The enhancement of soil aggregation and the increase of infiltration with it's residue cover and associated effect upon erosion reductions by no tillage and reduced systems are of paramount importance. In conclusion, the need for additional research into these areas was cited