Impact of tillage types on compaction and physical properties of soils of Sebele farms in Botswana
2015
Manyiwa, T. (University of Botswana, Gaborone (Botswana). Dept. of Environmental Science) | Dikinya, O. (University of Botswana, Gaborone (Botswana). Dept. of Environmental Science)
The study was designed to evaluate the effects of tillage types including deep-ripping, conventional and zero tillage on compaction, using selected physical properties of agricultural soils. Particle size distribution, organic matter, bulk density, Atterberg limits, infiltration rate, and soil moisture content were determined to investigate the impacts of tillage induced compaction on soil properties. The study was carried out in three plots, each measuring 2 ha. Soil penetration resistance (PR) as an index of compaction was in-situ measured and was correlated with other soil properties. The results showed a positive correlation between PR and bulk density, soil moisture content, plastic limit and liquid limits. Although not statistically significant (p less than 0.05), correlation coefficients of these relationships were 0.40, 0.47, 0.56, and 0.56, respectively, suggesting contribution of these properties to soil compaction. Zero tillage plot was more compacted with an average PR of 2.28 MPa, compared to conventional tillage which recorded an average of 1.45 MPa and deep-ripping tillage with an average PR of 1.13 MPa. Generally the results showed that tillage types have a significant (p less than 0.05) impact on soil compaction and/or soil properties.
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