Peat soil compaction in relation to farm management
1996
A.B. Ismail
Soil compaction in peat is a common phenomena. It is related to surface subsidence upon drainage and development. A study was carried out, using a penetrograph, to monitor the compaction of peat soil (1987-1992) under various depths of water table, crop over types and development stages at MARDI station in Pontian. Large variations in penetrometer readings within the plots probably indicated the heterogenous nature of peat materials. There were no differences in the penetrability pattern down the profile between the different depths of water table crop covers or time of measurement. There were, however, differences in the penetrability pattern between the new and old farms. Penetration resistances in both farms were highest at top 10-15 cm and gradually decreased with depth. The lowest resistances, however, were observed at about 50 and 30 cm depth for the old and new farms, respectively. In addition, the penetrability pattern below 30 cm depth of the new farms was similar to that of below 20 cm depth of the old farm. This probably suggests that soil compaction only occurred at the top 10-15 cm regardless of ground water table, crop cover and age of the plots.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]