Abstract:

Conservation tillage systems are applied due to their benefits for soil properties. However, studies have reported that conservation tillage system has negative effects on soil such as soil compaction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tillage systems (minimum till, conventional till) on soil compaction during wheat cultivation. For this purpose, the penetration resistance readings were collected monthly from January to June at the depth of 0-80 cm. In order to determine soil moisture content, disturbed soil samples were collected at the same time with penetration measurements at the depth of 0-20 cm. The highest values of penetration resistance were recorded in May and June at the depths of 21-80 cm. In the meantime, the lowest values of soil moisture content were observed in May and June at the depth of 0-20 cm. In 21-30 cm soil layer, according to means of depth, penetration resistance was 2.04 MPa, which is the limit value for root growth in minimum tilled plots while 1.58 MPa in conventional tilled plots at the same depth. Results showed that penetration resistance increased with increasing soil depth and decreased with increasing soil moisture content, and soil penetration resistance increased under minimum tillage.

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