Pores size distribution and pores volume density of Mollisols and Vertisols under different cropping intensity managements with no-tillage

In the Argentina Pampas, one of most extensive agricultural areas in temperate fringe southern hemisphere, soil health is jeopardized mostly by decline physical and biological properties due to fragility managements, even under No-tillage (NT). this study, topsoil three Mollisols Vertisol two managements with no-tillage (good poor practices -GAP PAP-, differing their cropping intensity -CI-) was evaluated indirect measurement porosity features. Two types pore features derived from water release curves (SWRC) undisturbed samples at depths (0.0–0.05, 0.05–0.010 0.010–0.20 m) were employed: a) pores size distribution (>1000, 300, 50 < µm) b) volume density parameters: location (Dmode, Dmean Dmedian) shape (SD, Skewness Kurtosis). Pore parameters related management variables, clay mineralogy several chemical allowing i) evaluate effects intensification on properties; ii) intrinsic dynamics factors behaviour variable; iii) build an optimal frequency curve assess health. Among all assessed, PMac>300 µm Dmode showed close relationships variables positively a labile organic carbon fraction (POCc) aggregates stability tests, regardless type. Thus, they both may be selected as sound indicators status different pampean soils NT cultivation. Particularly, PAP treatments for evaluated, values below critical thresholds, highlighting deterioration subjected management. Cropping expressed CI index also strongly large (i.e. stability). These results demonstrate that effective counteract compaction processes variety Pampa region must seen important strategy avoid loss improve benefits NT.