Tillage-Induced Changes in Soil Structure and Pore Space Distribution.
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
M.SC. Agriculture
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Iin P Handayani
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Understanding how tillage practices alter soil structure and pore space distribution is critical for sustaining soil health and agricultural productivity. This study evaluated the effects of contrasting tillage intensities on soil structural characteristics and pore space distribution across six agricultural systems at Pullen Farm in Murray, Kentucky. Soil samples were collected from low-disturbance no-till systems (Mable Garden, Cut Flower Garden, and Community Garden) and high-disturbance conventional tillage systems (corn, soybean, and tobacco fields). A one-time sampling approach was used to determine bulk density, total porosity, soil water-holding capacity (SWHC), and soil water-filled porosity (SWFC).
Results showed that low-disturbance no-till systems maintained significantly lower bulk density and greater total porosity, indicating a more favorable soil structure with well-developed pore networks. In contrast, conventionally tilled systems exhibited increased bulk density and reduced pore space, reflecting structural degradation due to mechanical disturbance. Regression analysis demonstrated that bulk density was a strong negative predictor of total porosity, confirming the inverse relationship between soil compaction and pore space distribution. Additionally, bulk density influenced soil water-holding capacity (R² = 0.0516), with higher density associated with reduced water retention.
These findings highlight that tillage-induced disturbance directly modifies soil structure and pore continuity, leading to reduced pore space and impaired water dynamics. Promoting reduced-tillage practices and diversified land management can help preserve soil structure, enhance pore space distribution, and improve overall soil resilience. Such approaches are essential for mitigating compaction-related degradation and supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.
Keywords: Soil Compaction, Soil Hydraulic Properties, Soil Structure, Tillage Intensity, Pore Space Distribution
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Tillage-Induced Changes in Soil Structure and Pore Space Distribution.
Understanding how tillage practices alter soil structure and pore space distribution is critical for sustaining soil health and agricultural productivity. This study evaluated the effects of contrasting tillage intensities on soil structural characteristics and pore space distribution across six agricultural systems at Pullen Farm in Murray, Kentucky. Soil samples were collected from low-disturbance no-till systems (Mable Garden, Cut Flower Garden, and Community Garden) and high-disturbance conventional tillage systems (corn, soybean, and tobacco fields). A one-time sampling approach was used to determine bulk density, total porosity, soil water-holding capacity (SWHC), and soil water-filled porosity (SWFC).
Results showed that low-disturbance no-till systems maintained significantly lower bulk density and greater total porosity, indicating a more favorable soil structure with well-developed pore networks. In contrast, conventionally tilled systems exhibited increased bulk density and reduced pore space, reflecting structural degradation due to mechanical disturbance. Regression analysis demonstrated that bulk density was a strong negative predictor of total porosity, confirming the inverse relationship between soil compaction and pore space distribution. Additionally, bulk density influenced soil water-holding capacity (R² = 0.0516), with higher density associated with reduced water retention.
These findings highlight that tillage-induced disturbance directly modifies soil structure and pore continuity, leading to reduced pore space and impaired water dynamics. Promoting reduced-tillage practices and diversified land management can help preserve soil structure, enhance pore space distribution, and improve overall soil resilience. Such approaches are essential for mitigating compaction-related degradation and supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.
Keywords: Soil Compaction, Soil Hydraulic Properties, Soil Structure, Tillage Intensity, Pore Space Distribution