Seasonal and Soil Use Dependent Variability of Physical and Hydraulic Properties: An Assessment under Minimum Tillage and No-Tillage in a Long-Term Experiment in Southern Italy

Defining the optimal sampling time across growing season is crucial to standardize protocols for soil physical status monitoring and achieve comparable results under different experimental conditions on sites. In this study, seasonal variability of hydraulic properties two conservative management strategies, minimum tillage no-tillage, was evaluated in a long-term field experiment. On dates, autumn 2021 summer 2022, bulk density (BD) volumetric water content at experiments (θi) were measured each unit Beerkan infiltration performed. The retention curve conductivity function then estimated using estimation transfer parameters (BEST) methodology. way, saturated (Ks) set capacitive indicators—plant available capacity (PAWC), macroporosity (PMAC), air (AC) relative (RFC)—were obtained. Results underlined role moisture as main factor affecting properties. Different samplings significantly affected BD (1.0093 1.1905 g cm−3, respectively, summer) Ks (0.0431 0.0492 mm s−1). Relationships observed between BEST-derived variables, such PMAC (or AC) RFC, BD, showed consistent results, with increases decreases. However, comparison capacity-based indicators obtained by BEST those from curves, previous year but conditions, highlighted some discrepancies. This finding drives focus towards need use more robust datasets deriving measurements or coupling information data. Finally, study provided further evidence that, experiment investigated, systems allowed keeping values key quality indicators, conductivity, within near- reference ranges.