Soil and Tillage : Soil physical properties and plant performance

Seedbed preparation has an important role in modifying the soil conditions especially with regard to its physical properties. It has been realized for many years that low productivity of land may be associated with unfavorable physical conditions for plant growth such as soil permeability, soil density,soil strength,soil compaction and water percolation and distribution. When the soil is in good physical conditions, the root system can grow extensively into the soil. An important factor which can cause a compacted layer is the continuous use of plows that provided the depth of plowing remains constant for a long time. Furthermore, the effect of the plow itself and the influence of tractor wheels may hasten compaction. As soil factors are considered to be the main factors causing fluctuation in cotton yield, attempts have been made to solve this problem by using tillage to improve soil physical properties and hence plant growth and yield. This book, therefore, provides information for agriculture engineers, farmers,researchers, soil science specialists and those have interest in increasing agricultural production and productivity.