Impact of conservation tillage and triticale-vetch intercropping on soil physicochemical properties and moisture content
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
- 1 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
- 2 Assoc. Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
- 3 Assoc. Professor, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
Abstract
The use of conservation tillage systems and intercropping methods, due to their effects on soil properties, can significantly contribute to the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different tillage systems and intercropping methods on certain physical and chemical properties of soil. The experiment was carried out as a split-plot based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) during the 2019–2020 cropping season at the University of Kurdistan research farm. Tillage systems were considered the main factor at three levels: conventional tillage, reduced tillage, and no-tillage. Intercropping patterns were the sub-factor, including monoculture of triticale, monoculture of vetch, and four different replacement ratios of these two species. The results showed that the highest bulk density (1.12 g.cm-³) and soil moisture content (13.26%) were observed under the no-tillage system. Furthermore, intercropping increased the concentration of soil phosphorus and potassium. Soil respiration was higher in mixed cropping systems than in monocultures, with the highest value recorded in the 40% triticale and 60% vetch intercropping treatment. Therefore, combining conservation tillage systems with intercropping can be an effective approach to achieving sustainable agriculture.
Keywords
Subjects
Physics and soil conservation
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