Temporal variation of mechanical strength and moisture content of a Eutric Fulvudands after incorporation of oat (Avena sativa) stubble, a case study

Abstract

Cereal production generates a large volume of stubble that is generally disposed of due to the cost and difficulty of management. However, sustainable management is possible through the incorporation of stubble into the soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of successive stubble incorporations on mechanical strength and moisture content in an Andisol, using three different incorporation methods: Tines (P), Discs (D), Alternating legs and double discs (PD) and a Control (CT). During the 2018-2019 post-harvest and pre-planting period, three plots of 1 ha were established for P, D and PD; and one of 0.25 ha without incorporation (CT). Penetration resistance (PR), volumetric water content (θ_vol) and precompression stress (Pc) were measured. Undisturbed samples were collected before incorporation and after each incorporation, with a rest period for the soils between 30–45 days between samplings. Both PR and θ_vol decreased due to the effect of stubble incorporation, exhibiting values lower than CT; however, no differential effect of the use of the different methods of stubble incorporation on soil properties was observed. In treatment D, an increase in PR was observed at 20 cm depth, as well as maximum Pc values at the end of the period analyzed.