Assessing the Degree of Physical Degradation and Suitability of Chernozems for the Minimization of Basic Tillage

Abstract

Results of studies performed in long-term stationary and short-term experiments on ordinary and leached chernozems in the Central Chernozemic Zone are presented. Agrophysical and physicomechanical parameters are proposed for assessing the degree of physical degradation of chernozemic soils. The scale of chernozem degradation has been improved. After the assessment of the agrophysical fertility parameters of old-arable soils, the limits of chernozem suitability for the minimization of basic tillage have been determined. Minimization of basic tillage is recommended for the nondegraded or slightly degraded soils resistant to compaction, with the soil bulk density of no more than 1.1–1.3 g/cm³, soil penetration resistance of 10–30 kg/cm², and the content of coarse blocky fraction of no more than 30%.