ISHS Acta Horticulturae 367: VI International Symposium on Pear Growing
INFLUENCE OF SOIL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE EVOLUTION OF HUMIDITY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOIL, IN A PEAR ORCHARD |
| Authors: | J. GOMEZ-APARISI, J. AIBAR, C. ZARAGOZA, M. CARRERA |
| Abstract:
Four soil management systems were studied during 1983–1989 in a pear orchard of 'P. Crassanne' and 'Général Leclerc' on quince A rootstock. These systems included traditional tillage (TT), non tillage with chemical weed control (NT), tillage on the alleys with herbicide applications on the lines (TH), and grass cover periodically sowed in the alleys and herbicide applications on the line (HH). At the end of the trial, the soil characteristics have been analyzed and its infiltration measured, as well as the superficial and profile compaction in the different systems. The evolution of the soil water content showed a quick depletion of the water in the superficial level (0–45 cm) what stipulates the real irrigation calendar, which has been very variable along the considered period, and influenced by a very diverse climate and the scarce soil volume explored by the efficient roots. The water infiltration was greatly dependent on the soil management system, standing up the high average value in the HH system as compared to the others and also that the increase in the soil water content decreases the water infiltration rate in the TT system probably due to a soil pan. The soil compaction is highly dependent on its water content. With a 20% soil water content clear differences are shown among systems (less compaction in tillage systems) but when the soil dries up until 14%, compaction increases in all systems and no appreciable differences are found among them. The traffic of machinery is an important factor on soil compaction. The different systems have affected significantly the chemical soil characteristics, with significant differences measured in salinity, pH, organic matter, phosphorous and potassium. Foliar analisys, on the other hand, have shown only significant differences for two microelements: iron (higher in HH) and manganese (higher in TT). | |
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