A Study of Surface Soil Conditions under a Non-Cultivation Management System: I. Physical and Chemical Properties

The surface soil layer was examined in a non-cultivation experiment on raspberries undisturbed for 6 years. The following experimental treatments were imposed on the 7-ft wide inter-row alleys in the plantation: (i) herbicide alone; (ii) herbicide plus a mulch; (iii) grassing down plus a mulch; (iv)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Irish journal of agricultural research 1967-10, Vol.6 (2), p.177-188
Main Authors: Bulfin, M., Gleeson, T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural soils
Agrology
Forest soils
Herbicides
Mulches
Sandy loam soils
Soil compaction
Soil infiltration
Soil organic matter
Soil science
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Summary:The surface soil layer was examined in a non-cultivation experiment on raspberries undisturbed for 6 years. The following experimental treatments were imposed on the 7-ft wide inter-row alleys in the plantation: (i) herbicide alone; (ii) herbicide plus a mulch; (iii) grassing down plus a mulch; (iv) rotary cultivation plus a mulch. Analyses show an abundance of available nutrients under all treatments. pH and organic matter content are lower in the non-cultivated herbicide-alone treatment, due to the regular application of a mulch to the other treatments. The texture of the soil of the experimental site - a sandy loam - places it in a category that is often easily compacted. Infiltrometer and penetrometer readings and bulk density measurements indicate a more dense and compacted layer at the surface of the herbicide-alone treatment than in the other treatments. This compacted surface layer causes reduced infiltration and some erosion. The general conclusion is that most of the compaction below 3/16 in. deep has been caused by movement of workers tending the crop. The amount of compaction to date is relatively small and the possibilities of its being a hazard to future soil stability and structure in this climate are slight.
ISSN:0578-7483