Geostatistical Approach To Determine the Effects of Different Soil Tillage Methods on Penetration Resistance in A Clayey Soil

Abstract

In this study carried out in 2011 and 2012, the effects of four different tillage practices [plow + disc harrow + rotary tiller + direct seeding machine (TP1), chisel + disc harrow + rotary tiller + direct seeding machine (TP2), plow + rotary tiller + direct seeding machine (TP3), direct drilling (TP4)] and control plot without planting (TP5) on the soil bulk density (BD), moisture content and penetration resistance of a clayey textured soil were evaluated in the central Black Sea Region of Turkey with a geostatistical approach. The values of soil compaction indicators were significantly greater under the TP4 treatment than in the case of TP1 and TP2 after harvest, especially at 20-40 cm depth in 2011 and 2012. Overall, our results suggest the avoidance of direct seeding practices in high clay content soils.