A survey on the soil penetration resistance and soil moisture content in field experiments

Various forms of physical soil degradation, including soil compaction, have been widely investigated both in Hungary and abroad. Soil compaction is a world-scale problem, which may be triggered by both natural and artificial factors and may adversely influence the effectiveness of crop production. In the long run this unfavourable change in the physical condition of the soil may result in extra expenses, higher energy consumption and excessive environmental damage. The effect of conventional tillage on the physical condition of the soil was assessed on six farms for three years in the framework of field experiments. In this study the physical condition of the soil was examined in terms of soil penetration resistance and moisture content. Significant differences between the experiments were revealed when penetration resistance (PR) was examinated at a depth of 20–30 cm, but not at other depths. In 2004 the mean PR values exceeded 3 MPa in experiments A, B and E. In 2005 significant differences were observed between the experiments at a depth of 30–40 cm, but no adverse compaction was detected at any depth in any of the experiments. In 2006 significant differences were observed between the experiments at depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, though even in that year no adverse soil compaction was detected. In the first year significant differences in soil moisture content were revealed at depths of 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm, 30–40 cm and 40–50 cm, and in 2005 at depths of 20–30 cm and 30–40 cm. In 2006 no significant differences were found between the experiments at any depth. The highest soil moisture contents were recorded in all the experiments at a depth of 30–40 cm. All in all, the results of both penetration resistance and moisture content were indicative of favourable soil conditions. During the period investigated adversely compact layers that would hamper moisture transport were not found in any of the experiments.