Temporal Effects of Tillage and Crop Rotation On Soil Quality Indicators.

Temporal effects of tillage (no-till vs. conservation tillage) and crop rotation on soil quality was evaluated. Composite soil samples were randomly collected in 2000 and 2008, processed and analyzed for bulk density, penetration, total porosity, aggregate stability, total C and N, active and passive C, microbial biomass, particulate organic matter, and macro- and micronutreints. Results showed a significant temporal change in microbial biomass, particulate organic matter, active C, total C and N, micronutrients, and aggregate stability of soil by tillage and cropping systems. Cropping systems exerted more pronounced effect on soil quality indicators than tillage treatments.