Interactions between Intrinsic Soil Properties and Deep Tillage in the Sustainable Management of Perennial Crops

Raphael Passaglia Azevedo, Lucas de Castro Moreira da Silva, Fernandes Antonio Costa Pereira, Pedro Maranha Peche, Leila Aparecida Salles Pio, Marcelo Mancini, Nilton Curi and Bruno Montoani Silva ()
Additional contact information
Raphael Passaglia Azevedo: Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras 37200900, Brazil
Lucas de Castro Moreira da Silva: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570900, Brazil
Fernandes Antonio Costa Pereira: Soil Science Department, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570900, Brazil
Pedro Maranha Peche: Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras 37200900, Brazil
Leila Aparecida Salles Pio: Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras 37200900, Brazil
Marcelo Mancini: Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras 37200900, Brazil
Nilton Curi: Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras 37200900, Brazil
Bruno Montoani Silva: Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras 37200900, Brazil

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-22

Abstract: Choosing the appropriate management system is essential for sustainable agricultural practices. Yet, soil-specific properties at the subsurface are seldom considered when choosing the appropriate tillage system. This study assessed the effect of tillage depth on physical–hydraulic properties in three contrasting soil classes in the establishment of perennial crops. Tillage practices were evaluated in soils with natural dense layers (Inceptisols and Ultisols), and soils with very small and stable granular structure (Oxisols). From least to most aggressive, tested tillage systems included surface furrowing + plant holes (MT); plowing followed by two diskings + furrowing (CT); plowing followed by two diskings + subsoiling (SB); and plowing followed by two diskings + rotary hoeing (DM). Physical indicators with the greatest explanatory power were relative field capacity (RFC, 97%), aeration capacity (AC, 95%), macroporosity (Pmac, 95%), the S index (S gi , 89%), and bulk density (Bd, 81%). DM caused the greatest modification in soil structure, especially at the surface. It increased values of AC, Pmac, and S gi , and reduced Bd values. Only deep tillage systems (DM and SB) improved soil structure in deeper layers. Highest Bd values were observed for MT (1.47 g cm −3 ), and lowest for DM (1.21 g cm −3 ). Soil classes responded differently to soil tillage systems. DM was most effective in soils with densified layers (Inceptisol and Ultisol). Effects were less expressive in the studied Oxisol. Comparing MT and DM, Pmac increased by more than 100% in the studied Ultisol, but by less than 20% in the Oxisol. No tillage system affected the Oxisol’s soil structure in deeper layers, due to its small and stable granular structure. The choice of optimal tillage strategies should consider soil-specific properties, especially at greater depths, to guarantee more productive and sustainable crop systems.

Keywords: tillage systems; soil properties; conservationist management; subsoiling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/1/760/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/1/760/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2022:i:1:p:760-:d:1021710

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().