Abstract

Water is an important factor effecting plant growth especially under dry farmingconditions. Therefore, different factors, such as mulch, organic matter, polymer and different soil tillage application, to decrease the water loss from soil was extensively studied. Among these practices, methods of soil tillage is important, because its effects may vary from region to region. In this study, different methods of soil tillage; Chisel ploughing (C), chisel ploughing combined with combine harrowing (CK) and chisel ploughing combined with disc harrowing (CD) in a 3 year crop rotation (sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)-barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)-Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz)+triticale) were studied in 2005 - 2006 season under dry conditions in loamy soil. Soil moisture dynamics were measured when Hungarian vetch+triticale was cultivated. When moisture loss is high, volumetric soil moisture was measured at different depths (10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 100 cm) at four day intervals to measure soil moisture during the month of May in 2005 - 2006 season. Although there were no statistical differences among soil tillage methods, moisture values found at different depths in the soil varied depending on the measurement period (P < 0.01). In addition, different soil tillage methods had different effects on soil moisture content during the measurement period (P < 0.01). The compaction on top of the soil caused by CD method had a positive effect on moisture content and yield; however, the CK method led to an increase in soil moisture loss. Therefore the effects of secondary cultivation machines may vary to a great extent.

Key words: Chisel plowing, soil tillage, soil moisture.