In view of the importance of the macroporosity for the water transport properties of soils, its quantitative assessment is a challenging task. Measurements of hydraulic conductivity (K) at different soil water tensions and the quantification of water-conducting macropores (θM) of a soil under different tillage systems could help understand the effects on the soil porous system and related hydraulic properties. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Conventional Tillage (CT), Chisel Plow (CP) and No Tillage […]

Each soil tillage system has its proper characteristics, which have distinct effects on the chemical, physical and biological soil properties, and may require adaptations of fertilization recommendations and management. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of three maize cultivars with fertilizer application before and at sowing in two soil tillage systems. The experiment was carried out at the “Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas”, UNESP, Botucatu-SP campus, from November 2003 to May 2004, in a Dystric Nitosol (FAO). The experimental […]

Soil compaction is a limiting factor to increase yields and to develop long-term no-till, especially in clayey soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of compaction levels on soil bulk density, porosity and penetration resistance, as well as the consequences on root growth, leaf area index and yield of common bean and wheat in crop succession. The treatments were: NT – continuous no-till for six years; NTc – NT with additional compaction; Chi – chisel plow […]

Losses of nutrients and organic matter due to hydric erosion are highly affected by soil management. Inadequate management systems may cause pollution and eutrophication of surface waters, fertilization cost increase, and ecosystems degradation. Nutrient and organic matter losses due to erosion were evaluated during six years on a very clayey Dusky Red Latosol, with a 0.03 m m-1 slope at Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil under natural rainfall conditions, and different soil management systems. The treatments applied in the crop succession […]

In order to evaluate the viability of corn planting in a soil under reduced tillage, a field trial was conducted in Passo Fundo (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil), in December, 1988. In the control plots, soil tillage consisted of chisel plowing and disking. In the other five treatments, tillage was done through a conjugated operation (chisel plow with a clod break roller). In the control and in one of the other treatments, the configuration of each line of the planter-fertilizer […]

Soil and water losses were evaluated from 1987 to 1995, on a very clayey red dusky latosol, with 0.03 m m-1 slope, of Embrapa-Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Oeste, at Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Soil tillage systems used for growing wheat and soybean in succession were: chisel plow + tandem disk (ES), offset disk + tandem disk (GP), no tillage (PD) and conventional tillage, with no vegetable cover (DE). All tillage operations and seeding were in the […]