Research Poster Competition and Presentations, Soil/Crop Management (Agriculture) and Sustainability
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Agronomy
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Agronomy
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Iin P. Handayani; Caleb Unverfehrt
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Tillage practices have various effects on soil health and soil properties. For example, no-till practices disturb the soil less, preserving soil health. Conventional tillage practices disturb the soil and various properties depending on depth and equipment used. The objective of this research was to compare conventional tillage systems in Illinois against the no-till practices in Kentucky on soil properties changes. The study was conducted in three no-till fields in Ohio County, KY and three conventional tillage fields in Williamson County, IL. Twenty-four samples were pulled, twelve samples from three fields under conventional tillage and twelve samples from three fields under no tillage, with four samples collected from each field. The undisturbed samples measured bulk density, porosity, macroporosity, soil water holding capacity, and soil water content at field capacity. These samples were taken with a soil core, 0 to 7.5 centimeters. The disturbed samples measured soil pH and soil organic matter. These samples were randomly dug around the undisturbed samples in 0 to 7.5 centimeters of the soil. The results show that all three no-till fields had average soil organic matter percentages from 4 to 5%, which was significantly higher than the conventional tillage fields, which were only around 3%. Furthermore, the conventional tillage fields generally had a higher bulk density and lower porosity, with the highest average bulk density being 1.40 g/cm³ and the lowest average porosity being less than 50%. This study benefits farmers and managers to direct them to reassess their current tillage practices to preserve soil health.
Keywords: Conventional Tillage, Illinois, Kentucky, No-Till, Soil Health
Fall Scholars Week 2024 Event
Soil/Crop Management (Agriculture) and Sustainability: Research Poster Competition & Presentations
The Significance of Tillage Systems in Kentucky and Illinois on Soil Properties
Tillage practices have various effects on soil health and soil properties. For example, no-till practices disturb the soil less, preserving soil health. Conventional tillage practices disturb the soil and various properties depending on depth and equipment used. The objective of this research was to compare conventional tillage systems in Illinois against the no-till practices in Kentucky on soil properties changes. The study was conducted in three no-till fields in Ohio County, KY and three conventional tillage fields in Williamson County, IL. Twenty-four samples were pulled, twelve samples from three fields under conventional tillage and twelve samples from three fields under no tillage, with four samples collected from each field. The undisturbed samples measured bulk density, porosity, macroporosity, soil water holding capacity, and soil water content at field capacity. These samples were taken with a soil core, 0 to 7.5 centimeters. The disturbed samples measured soil pH and soil organic matter. These samples were randomly dug around the undisturbed samples in 0 to 7.5 centimeters of the soil. The results show that all three no-till fields had average soil organic matter percentages from 4 to 5%, which was significantly higher than the conventional tillage fields, which were only around 3%. Furthermore, the conventional tillage fields generally had a higher bulk density and lower porosity, with the highest average bulk density being 1.40 g/cm³ and the lowest average porosity being less than 50%. This study benefits farmers and managers to direct them to reassess their current tillage practices to preserve soil health.
Keywords: Conventional Tillage, Illinois, Kentucky, No-Till, Soil Health