In permanent bed experiment for realization of benefits of conservation agriculture the top of bed is considered for growing crop and hence to be used for measurement of the bulk density, soil permeability and soil resistance. At the same time the differential of taking these parameters from furrow to be considered for effective water infiltration and this is the portion where traffic under CA is maximum. At the same time nutrient and carbon estimation from one place i.e. either top of bed or in furrow will yields erroneous results. However taking soil in ration for estimation of these chemical soil parameters also needs to be understand. So, it is requested from all colleagues to please comment and give reasonable answers for this question.
Your question is very interesting. I would think that the soil quality analysis should have been made before laying out the ridges and furrows. This would have given you the realistic soil quality of your experimental area. Now, since you want to estimate these soil parameters from the already prepared land, it would be advisable to sample both the soil from the narrow ridge as well as from the furrow in order to have two data points referring to different points of your plot area. I am not so sure if averaging these data would give useful information for reference. Depending on the size of the ridges, your crop could be exploiting soil horizons both within the narrow ridge with loosened soil as well as within the level of the furrow below where the soil was less disturbed during land preparation. This horizon would give your realistic measurements of bulk density and other soil physical and chemical characteristics. The objectives of your analysis will guide you on where to sample for best results.
Dear Belel, The crop/s in sequence we usally plant on the top of the bed.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Agriculture
- Soil Science