Soil water under no-tillage and ploughing
2006
Chervet, A. | Ramseier, L. | Sturny, W.G. (Amt fuer Landwirtschaft und Natur des Kantons Bern, Zollikofen (Switzerland)) | Weisskopf, P. | Zihlmann, U. | Mueller, M. | Schaffluetzel, R.
In the long-term field trial Oberacker at the Inforama Ruetti in Zollikofen (Switzerland), no-tillage and conventional plough tillage have been compared on a light to medium textured gleyic cambisol since 1994. The soil physical analyses carried out within the cantonal soil monitoring program (KABO) between 1999 and 2004 provide information on structure, stability and water infiltration capacity of the soil. Additional analyses have elucidated the impact of both cropping systems on soil matrix potential and volumetric water content, and thus on the drying-out behaviour of the soil during the vegetation period.The soil water content was found to be less subject to fluctuations in the no-tillage system, particularly in the unloosened no-tilled topsoil, which is generally covered by plant residues. A smaller rate of evapotranspiration reduces soil water loss in the no-tillage system, which can be related to a higher production of dry plant matter by the crops.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station