PERSISTENCE OF SOIL LOOSENING WITH BENT LEG SUBSOILERS IN NO TILLAGE SYSTEMS

Abstract

Adoption of no-tillage cropping practices in Argentina has had a negative impact on soil quality and crop production. Regardless of the benefits of this technique, compaction by farm machinery traffic can lead to soil constraints to crop growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and persistence of decompaction by mechanical treatment of the soil with bent leg subsoilers like Paratill, in continuous no-tillage systems. The trial was conducted near Azcuénaga, Province of Buenos Aires, on a typical Argiudol soil. The treatments tested were: continuous no-tillage (SDC) and no-tillage with soil loosening (SDD). The soil properties evaluated were: basic infiltration rate, mechanical strength, bulk density and gravimetric moisture. The results of bulk density and penetration resistance indicate that a soil with 10 years of continuous tillage presents compaction levels that can limit crop development. In these types of soils, the use of a Paratill bent leg subsoiler generates an irregular soil loosening in the lines of work. This results in improved soil basic infiltration and reduced mechanical resistance to root growth. While loosening extends up to one year, increased basic infiltration extends twice as long.