Effects of tillage systems on soil biodiversity
Journal Title: Scientific Journal of Review - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 3
Abstract
Tillage affects the soil physical and chemical environment in which soil microorganisms live, thereby affecting their number, diversity and activity. Conservation tillage (CT) is practiced on 45 million ha world-wide, predominantly in North and South America but its uptake is also increasing in South Africa, Australia and other semi-arid areas of the world. It is primarily used as a means to protect soils from erosion and compaction, to conserve moisture and reduce production costs. In Europe, the area cultivated using minimum tillage is increasing primarily in an effort to reduce production costs, but also as a way of preventing soil erosion and retain soil moisture. Conservation tillage can improve soil structure and stability thereby facilitating better drainage and water holding capacity that reduces the extremes of waterlogging and drought. These improvements to soil structure also reduce the risk of runoff and pollution of surface waters with sediment, pesticides and nutrients. Reducing the intensity of soil cultivation lowers energy consumption and the emission of carbon dioxide, while carbon sequestration is raised though the increase in soil organic matter (SOM). Tillage-driven impacts on lumbricids and collembolans differed depending on soil texture, whereas those on nematodes and microbial communities varied depending on soil depth. Functional groups within certain taxa show differing tillage induced impacts. Linking several datasets on various indicator organisms clearly show that the decision on which tillage system should be applied must be taken for each individual case considering local soil characteristics.
Authors and Affiliations
G. H. Ntalaei*| Ph.D student of agroecology, department of crop production and plant breeding, Faculty of agriculture, Zabol University, Zabol, Iran., A. G. Ahangar| Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Soil and Water Engineering, University of Zabol, Zabol, IR Iran.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP88
- DOI 10.14196/sjr.v3i3.1170
- Views 568
- Downloads 48
Sustainable water resources management, future demands and adaptation strategies in Sudan
For the thirty-nine million, who live in Sudan, environmental pollution is amajor concern; therefore industry, communities, local authorities and centralgovernment, to deal with pollution issues, should adopt an integrat...
Introduced flora, and geographic distribution qalajeh protected area in Kermanshah province
In this study, Flora Qalajeh protected area in the province of Kermanshah, was evaluated, the area along.. 33.56 N, and longitude 46.20. E. Is located. Study showed that, in the study area, 46 black, 156 genera, 243 spec...
The challenge of machine milking in dromedary camel
Machine milking is widely spreading and practised in she-camel many years ago, but in some countries still used only in small scale due to some constraints; of which non effective use of the machine, difficulty of the...
Jurisprudence and legal review Rooming
Rooming sense of solidarity and closeness, and the division of Assets of jurisprudence, Practical principles are important, and the position of the official is in doubt, and when Rooming, the former is certainly there, a...
Climate of the ideas and thoughts of the ignorant Arabs
Before the advent of Islam, the so- called age of ignorance. Ignorance against Islam, and the purpose of the ignorance of the Quran, which is modern, with all the moral and religious and cultural norms and values , is...