The influence of improvement procedures and a tile drainage system on soil physical properties in a North-east Romanian experimental site.

摘要

This study was carried out to investigate an albic stagnic-glossic Luvosol during three distinct experimental cycles conducted in 1978-1986, 1987-1996 and 1997-2008 to identify changes in properties of the drained soil in response to amendments. After execution of the land shaping in the bedding system the topsoil thickness increased on the ridges when compared to the furrows, resulting in a higher active physiological depth in comparison to the unimproved soil. Additionally, mixing of the material from the upper horizons occurred because of the deep loosening and cultivation of the drained soil, especially at 0-30 cm. The upper part of the drained soil profile showed a redistribution of the clay content, which increased by an average of 4% in the 0-20 cm horizon when compared to the unimproved soil. Cultivation resulted in intensification of the mineralization process of the humic substances in the drained soil. As a result, the humus content was reduced by 4-5% in the 0-20 cm horizon. The evolution of the main physical features of the soil under the long-term influence of the tile drainage and improved cultivation methods revealed an increase in the drained porosity and a reduction of the compaction degree at 0-30 cm. These changes primarily occurred after the first experimental cycle, while the soil physical state remained relatively stable in the following experimental cycles.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ird.653