Long-term effects of tillage, sub-soiling, and profile strata on properties of a Vitric Andosol in the Kenyan highlands

Abstract

Tillage alters the structure and composition of soil aggregates affecting infiltration rate (IR) and hydraulic conductivity (K). This study investigated the long-term effects of conventional, minimum, and no-tillage with or without subsoiling on aggregate stability, soil organic carbon (SOC), bulk density, IR, and K of a stratified Vitric Andosol in Kenyan highlands. The experiment was laid out in a spilt-split plot design with three replicates. Stepwise profiles were dug in order to expose the soil layers at 0 to 30, 30 to 60, and 60 to 90 cm depths. Soil bulk density was 6% lower in the minimum tilled and 12% lower in the conventionally tilled plots that were subsoiled compared to treatments with no subsoiling and tillage. Subsoiled treatments also increased sequestration of SOC by 20% in the 30 to 60 cm layer. Conventional tillage, however, decreased aggregate stability by 32% compared to no-tillage treatments. Subsoiling in combination with minimum tillage decreased IR by 25% but increased IR about three-fold in conventionally tilled plots. Hydraulic conductivity in the 60 to 90 cm layer was lowest, which constrained water movement in this stratified soil.

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APA

Wandahwa, N (2024). Long-term effects of tillage, sub-soiling, and profile strata on properties of a Vitric Andosol in the Kenyan highlands. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/long-term-effects-of-tillage-sub-soiling-and-profile-strata-on-properties-of-a-vitric-andosol-in-the-kenyan-highlands

MLA 8th

Wandahwa, Ngetich "Long-term effects of tillage, sub-soiling, and profile strata on properties of a Vitric Andosol in the Kenyan highlands" Afribary. Afribary, 16 Jul. 2024, https://afribary.com/works/long-term-effects-of-tillage-sub-soiling-and-profile-strata-on-properties-of-a-vitric-andosol-in-the-kenyan-highlands. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

MLA7

Wandahwa, Ngetich . "Long-term effects of tillage, sub-soiling, and profile strata on properties of a Vitric Andosol in the Kenyan highlands". Afribary, Afribary, 16 Jul. 2024. Web. 15 Jan. 2025. < https://afribary.com/works/long-term-effects-of-tillage-sub-soiling-and-profile-strata-on-properties-of-a-vitric-andosol-in-the-kenyan-highlands >.

Chicago

Wandahwa, Ngetich . "Long-term effects of tillage, sub-soiling, and profile strata on properties of a Vitric Andosol in the Kenyan highlands" Afribary (2024). Accessed January 15, 2025. https://afribary.com/works/long-term-effects-of-tillage-sub-soiling-and-profile-strata-on-properties-of-a-vitric-andosol-in-the-kenyan-highlands

Long-term effects of tillage, sub-soiling, and profile strata on properties of a Vitric Andosol in the Kenyan highlands

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