Effects of Different Types of Soil Management on Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Contents and the Stability Index of a Durum Wheat–Faba Bean Rotation under a Mediterranean Climate

Soil quality, nitrogen, and organic matter content are increasingly being researched due to their impact on the environment. We assessed effects of different soil management practices distribution accumulation carbon (SOC) in a durum wheat–faba bean rotation system cultivated Mediterranean-type area Southern Italy, over six years. The three levels disturbance—conventional tillage (CT), minimum (RT), no tillage—(NT) SOC nitrogen (N) at depths 0–15, 15–30, 30–60, 60–90 cm were compared long-term experiment starting 2009–2010 growing season. systems showed significant differences (p < 0.05) surface layer (0–15 depth) total with largest occurring conservation (NT). In deep layers (30–60 cm), however, found between systems. ascending order tendency accumulate N 0–15 was NT > CT RT. addition, C/N ratio more equilibrated rate system. (NT) gave best results terms physical characteristics soil, showing higher stability index Conservation is therefore recommended for wheat cultivation dry areas its benefits both crop yield improvements environmental protection.