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Soil Compaction Zones as Affected by Conservation Cropping Systems
Author(s) -
Elder William R.
Publication year - 1958
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1958.03615995002200010021x
Subject(s) - compaction , soil compaction , bulk density , tillage , soil water , environmental science , perennial plant , agronomy , cropping , drainage , soil structure , soil conservation , soil science , hydrology (agriculture) , geology , agriculture , geotechnical engineering , ecology , biology
The effects of soil compaction on rooting depth, aeration, and effects on erosion and drainage of Houston Black clay, a monotextured Grumusol are reported. Field samples were taken over a broad area representative of definite nonconservation and conservation cropping systems. A single field was sampled on a sequence basis to measure the changes wrought by tillage from a perennial grass to a mature cotton crop. Compaction zones were measured by the change in bulk density and structural index as compared to normal values for virgin soils or soils in good condition. Bulk densities and structural indices were determined by the use of a nonpolar liquid. Compaction zones were common under continuous row crop systems. Compaction zones form rapidly as a result of poor soil management, even within a single cropping season following a 2‐year period of perennial grass.