Soil mechanical and hydrological characteristics as influenced by tillage and residue management practices

A field experiment was conducted in maize-wheat system to evaluate the impact of tillage and residue management practices on various mechanical and hydrological properties of soil. The treatments included conventional tillage (CT), conventional tillage with mulch (CTM), no-tillage with residue (NTR) and deep tillage (DT). Soil bulk density (Mg m⁻³) was highest under NTR (1.73) and lowest under DT (1.62). Final infiltration rate was significantly higher under DT than CT. Maximum mean weight diameter (0.68 mm) and water stable aggregates (48.4%) were recorded in NTR, depicting a significantly favourable influence on soil aggregation. Significantly lower penetration resistance (MPa) was observed under DT (1.3) than CT (2.2). Higher soil moisture storage was observed in NTR. Therefore depending on the availability of resources and sub soil compaction constraints, NTR and DT may be recommended for northwestern India, respectively.