reducing tillage . avoiding soil compaction . growing cover crops . better crop rotations .
What are the biological soil properties?
Soil biological properties refer to the living organisms found in the soil and include both micro- and macroplants and/or animals. A group of microplants are bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, whereas a group of macroplants are roots of higher plants.
How can the biological properties of soil be improved?
The biggest factor in biological activity in the soil is the amount of organic matter present. Examples for improving biological activity: improving drainage, balancing fertilizer use,reducing compaction , adding manure/compost, reducing soil disturbance or planting a cover crop.
How can we improve the quality of soil?
- Work in 3 to 4 inches of well-rotted manure or compost.
- Add at least 2 inches of organic matter each year.
- Mulch! Mulch! Mulch! It helps to retain moisture in the soil and helps to keep it cool. Use grass clippings as mulch.
What other methods can be used to improve soil structure?
- Assess your current soil structure. ...
- Avoid tilling and planting when the soil is wet. ...
- Avoid harvesting on wet soils. ...
- Reduce trips across the field. ...
- Use less secondary tillage. ...
- Reduce weight of field equipment. ...
- Maintain and increase organic matter.
What is physicochemical properties of soil?
Physical chemical properties of the soil, such as bulk density, porosity, pH , and soil organic carbon, summarized in Table 2, are usually considered as indicators of soil quality 35 , 36 . The three soils are slightly alkaline, with pH from 7.83 to 7.94.
What are the mechanical properties of soil?
- i. Shear strength. ...
- Field measurements of soil shear strength. The direct shear and triaxial shear tests are laboratory procedures to measure the shear strength. ...
- ii. Friction. ...
- iii. Adhesion. ...
- iv. Abrasion by soil: ...
- v. Compressibility. ...
- vi. Erodibility. ...
- vii. Permeability.
What are the 5 properties of soil?
All soils contain mineral particles, organic matter, water and air. The combinations of these determine the soil’s properties – its texture, structure, porosity, chemistry and colour .
What are three chemical properties soil?
Chemical Analysis. Soil chemical properties, including heavy metal concentrations, pH, total carbon, total nitrogen, CEC, exchangeable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K), exchangeable Al and hydrogen (H) and available phosphorous (P) , were determined following standard laboratory methods.
What is the biological processes in soil?
Biological processes in soil can improve soil structure . Some bacteria and fungi produce substances during organic matter decomposition that chemically and physically bind soil particles into micro-aggregates. The hyphal strands of fungi can cross-link soil particles helping to form and maintain aggregates (figure 3).
What are 5 ways to increase soil fertility?
Soil fertility can be further improved by incorporating cover crops that add organic matter to the soil, which leads to improved soil structure and promotes a healthy, fertile soil; by using green manure or growing legumes to fix nitrogen from the air through the process of biological nitrogen fixation ; by micro-dose ...
What factors affect soil quality?
Soil quality depends on the chemical composition of the soil, the topography , the presence of living organisms, the climate, and time. Agricultural practice and history may also modify the characteristics and fertility of soil.
What is the best soil improver?
Compost can be made from garden waste, grass cuttings, shredded newspaper and kitchen waste. Leaf mould also makes an excellent soil improver and makes good use of leaves cleared from the lawn, however nutrient levels are quite low.
Is it important to improve soil structure Why?
Why is structure important? ... A good soil structure is important to allow air and water into the soil which are vital for healthy plant growth. It will improve drainage and reduce soil erosion caused by excess surface run-off.
What are the three types of soil water?
Soil water is the term for water found in naturally occurring soil. Soil water is also called rhizic water. There are three main types of soil water – gravitational water, capillary water, and hygroscopic water – and these terms are defined based on the function of the water in the soil.
How do you build a soil structure?
Soil structure is highly influenced by organic matter content and soil microorganisms . Plant roots and substances produced during the decomposition of organic residues bind soil particles into aggregates. Microorganisms also assist in aggregating soils by producing glue-like substances that bind particles.
