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Improvement of Structural Stability of a Clay Loam with Drying
Author(s) -
Caron J.,
Kay B. D.,
Stone J. A.
Publication year - 1992
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/sssaj1992.03615995005600050041x
Subject(s) - loam , agronomy , bromus inermis , soil structure , chemistry , water content , cropping system , clay minerals , environmental science , soil water , soil science , poaceae , mineralogy , geology , crop , biology , geotechnical engineering
A stable soil structure is important to maintain agricultural productivity and reduce environmental pollution. This study was conducted to identify mechanisms by which structure is rendered more stable after short‐term changes in cropping history. Changes in cropping systems were found to increase the response of soil structural stability on drying of a Brookston clay loam (mesic Typic Haplaquoll). Three years of bromegrass ( Bromus inermis Leyss.) production following 20 y of continuous corn ( Zea mays L.) improved the stability of aggregates >0.25 mm as water content decreased. This increased response on drying was a primary factor in the short‐term beneficial effect of bromegrass on stability and was attributed to organic material dispiaced using a tetraborate buffer at pH 9.4. The decrease in the dispersible‐clay fraction with decreasing water content was unaffected by changes in cropping history, but the response of the dispersible‐clay fraction to a change in water content also involved tetraborate‐sensitive material.