Title: Assessment of Soil Compaction Bulk Density Indices and Cone Index in Different Moistures and Depths for Application in Precise Tillage
Abstract: Soil compaction arising from excessive and improper use of tractors and agricultural equipments caused reduction of pores, water absorption, crop yield and increase in density, soil resistance and soil erosion. Soil compaction models are suitable instruments for predicting soil compaction due to agricultural activities. In order to define these models, local variations of parameters associated with soil compaction is required; therefore, measurement of these parameters is the developing approach. In this research, the compaction created on the surface of the soil due to passing of agricultural equipments was studied and its effect on wheat root growth and development was assessed. For this purpose, soil compaction indices including bulk density and cone index in different parts of the farm were determined for moisture contents of 8, 13, 18 and 23% and for depths of 0-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40cm. After zoning the changes, soil compaction maps were drawn to manage the farm's tillage operation and compaction functions were developed for different depths and conditions of the soil. Data variance analysis indicated that in both plowed and unplowed soil. There is a significantly negative correlation between cone index and soil moisture; also, a significantly positive correlation between bulk density and soil moisture. The cone index exhibited a significant negative relationship with bulk density for both types of soil in depth of 0-30 cm; whereas, the same relationship was significantly positive for the unplowed soil in depth of 30-40 cm. The results also showed that in loam soil the cone index is less correlated with bulk density but is more related to soil moisture. Mathematical modeling of cone index, bulk density and moisture based on multivariate regression indicated that the two variables of moisture and bulk density are influential variables in the model. That is justified as for more than 70% of the variations are related to concentration variations index. Overall, determining the degree of concentration raised from the passing of machineries and equipments in upper and surface layers of soil, especially in 20-30 cm depth of soil surface. The compaction affects on root development and yield indices for each crop and its impact on different soils can contribute on yield efficiency. In addition, wheat yield per hectare may increase by appropriate management of these factors that produce this concentration in soil surface layers. The obtained data from present work can educate farmers to improve soil productivities.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 4
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