Soil Physical compaction in production systems

Physical properties in no till soils of the southwest of Buenos Aires

Soil physical quality has great importance as a regulator of several processes that affect the functioning of agroecosystems. However, because physical quality problems are complex, persistent, difficult to solve, often its importance is not recognized and its effects are attributed to other causes. Since the large expansion of no tillage (NT) in the southwest of Buenos Aires (SOB), it is needed a more detailed knowledge of the physical condition of soils under NT. In addition, in this chapter there were included some aspects to be considered in the future for the adequate implementation of the NT in the region, which would allow the development of conservation agriculture (CA). Soils under NT in the region showed great variations in the accumulation of surface residues and a large proportion did not have adequate soil cover (> 30%), a necessary requirement of CA. Therefore, in studies that evaluate the effect of NT it is crucial to detail both the amount of residues and the soil cover. In terms of soil porosity, the main limitation was associated with low macroporosity (pores> 30 μm) that would affect soil aeration and root growth. Although it is not possible to attribute the loss of macroporosity to NT management, the way in which it has been implemented in the region (e. g. used in soils with a plow pan, lack of rotations, scarce soil cover) has not been able to reverse the problems of physical degradation. In soils of the SOB under NT it is necessary the development of land management practices that contribute to the biotic regeneration of soil structure (e.g. pasture rotations, inclusion of crops with deep roots) to ensure adequate physical quality. In addition, in the region it would be very important to increase soil cover by residues and to establish crop rotations, to move towards CA.

López, F.M.; M. Duval; J.M. Martínez; J.A. Galantini. 2018. Propiedades físicas en suelos bajo siembra directa del sudoeste bonaerense. En: Compactaciones Naturales y Antrópicas en Suelos Argentinos (Eds. Perla Imbellone y Carina Álvarez) 532-547.

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