THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOIL TILLAGE METHODS AND APPLICATION OF SOIL IMPROVERS ON THE SOIL AGROPHYSICAL AND AGROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

The article examines the impact of different soil tillage methods and the application of soil improvers (biohumus, mineral fertilizers, bentonite) on the yield capacity of winter wheat, with a focus on changes in the agrophysical and agrochemical properties of the soil.

Field and laboratory investigations revealed that the distribution of soil organic matter and plant-available macronutrients varies at different depths within the plough layers depending on the tillage method used. Notably, under the loosening method, nutrients are positioned within the optimal layer for plant growth and development, significantly enhancing the regular growth, development, and winter-hardiness of winter wheat. Consequently, this tillage method results in 3-3.4 c/ha more grain yield and over 10 c/ha more straw yield compared to crops grown under zero tillage or conventional plowing.

In comparison with the conventional plowing method, zero tillage and loosening methods leave more plant residues on the soil surface and subsurface layers in winter wheat fields. This contributes to the improvement of the soil's agrochemical and agrophysical properties (such as density, porosity, and water permeability), thereby enhancing yield capacity in those layers.

The application of equal doses of biohumus and mineral fertilizers had a similar effect on winter wheat yield capacity. However, applying bentonite at a rate of 3 t/ha in autumn had a more beneficial impact on yield capacity than the same dose applied in spring.