Characteristics of Fluvisol on the experimental field for soybeans and sugar beets in Stari Bečej (Serbia)

Abstract

In this study, Fluvisol from the area of Stari Beĉej (Serbia) was investigated with the aim of evaluating selected chemical and physical indicators of soil quality affter its long-term use in crop production. Ten bulk soil samples (soil depth: 0-210 cm) were collected to analyze soil chemical properties (humus, CaCO3, pH, P2O5, K2O), texture (six samples, soil depth: 0-130 cm), dry-stable aggregate distribution and stability of soil aggregates (four samples, soil depth: 0-80 cm). Additional undisturbed core samples (100 cm3 volume) were also collected to determine soil bulk density, total porosity, field air capacity, and field water capacity. Water infiltration capacity was also measured in the field using a double ring infiltrometer. The results indicated that the soil had a two-layer profile and a silty loam texture (with a physical clay content of 41-42% and a colloidal clay content of 27-28%). The humus horizon has quite favorable chemical properties up to a depth of 60 cm, and at a depth of 60-80 cm it is alkalized under the influence of saline groundwater. From an agronomic point of view, the structure of this soil is favorable. The results of determining the stabillity soil aggregates show that the soil structure in the Ahp and Ah horizons at depth (0-40 cm) with a content of 41% of water-stable aggregates 160 mm water depth). In summary, the results of this study show that perennial tillage can lead to a loss of soil productivity and serious soil degradation.

Keywords

• soil porosity
• humus
• water infiltration
• mean-weight diameter
• water retention capacity
• soil quality