Impact of agronomic practices on physical surface crusts and some soil technical attributes of two winter wheat fields in southern Iraq

Abstract Purpose Agricultural management as tillage systems and manure application can contribute effectively to controlling physical surface crusts (SCs), improving the soil’s technical characteristics germination rates. While agronomic practices are generally applied winter wheat fields in southern Iraq, no previous study has explored their impact combination with SCs soil attributes on productivity (WP) under different textures. Materials methods The of formation ( ), compaction (measured by penetration resistance, SPR volumetric water content VWC bulk density ρb mean weight diameter aggregates MWD WP was examined two textures (clay loam, clay) during 2020 2022. Experimental data were subjected an identical randomized complete block design (RCBD) a nested-factorial experimental design, where nine treatments three replicates each selected. This included (conventional system (CT), till-plant (TP), rotational (NTCT)), alongside sub-treatment organic fertilizers (cattle (CF), straw (WR)), or without added fertilizer (WT). Results discussion showed that CT treatment increased growth stages significantly increasing aggregate stability. A significant difference higher distribution seen when compared TP NTCT treatments. , particularly clay loam. treatment, which may be explained increase stability due practices. Additionally, both (CF WR) enhanced . Conclusions These strong relationship between directly affected content.