Soil organic carbon, aggregate stability and biochemical activity under tilled and no-tilled agroecosystems

摘要: Abstract Enhancing crop production and productivity, less energy input reducing soil erosion make no-till (NT) an add-on choice over the conventional till (CT) system. The present study was conducted at three different locations (Beresford, Langford, Woonsocket) to compare natural (undisturbed) ecosystem (NE) with tilled no-tilled practices, evaluate tillage effects on organic carbon (SOC) total nitrogen (TN) contents, bulk density (ρb), enzymatic activities aggregate stability under a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) cropping Results support that NT practices improved aggregation as compared CT stored higher SOC TN concentrations in aggregates, however, NE treatment outperformed both systems. At all sites, observed lowest ρb than soils ranged from 1.03 1.49 Mg m−3. 0–5 cm 5–15 cm layer system showed 72 72% value for β-glucosidase, 100 57% acid phosphatase, respectively, Beresford site. significantly increased 0.053, 0.25, 0.5 mm size fractions sites. treatments had amount of larger macroaggregates (>1 mm) treatment. associated 4-mm (0–10 cm depth) were Beresford, Woonsocket (22.4, 14.6, 19.4, 19.2, 33.5%, respectively). Soil disturbance affected physical properties, concentrations, formation stabilization. Thus, comparative evaluation concludes negatively affect properties making priority adopt farming enhance agroecosystems.