neutron and gamma-ray sources whichenable bulk density and moisture to be determined simultaneously. This instrument has a single probe which provides for both gamma-ray scattering and gamma-ray transmission depending on the required depth of measurement. Surface measurements (0 to 100mm integrated) are made with the backscatter technique (Figure 2) and the measurements between 50 and 300 mm ar...

This paper presents the stabilization potential of Class F pond ash (PA) from a coal fired thermal power station on tropical peat soil. Peat or highly organic soils are well known for their high compressibility, natural moisture content, low shear strength and long-term settlement. This study investigates the effect of different amount (i.e., 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of PA on peat soil, collected fro...

Traffic-induced soil compaction and tillage systems can impact the productivity and sustainability of agricultural soils. The objective of this study was to assess the response of soil microbial populations to wheel-traffic in two tillage systems on a Norfolk loamy sand (Typic Kandiudults; FAO classification Luxic Ferralsols). Experimental variables were with and without traffic under conventio...

abstract: compaction under tractors tires is of special concern because the weight of these machines has increased dramatically in the last years. these machines and others associated with crop cultural practices weight enough to significantly compact the soil, especially if the soil is soft with high moisture content during tilling, planting, or harvesting. the stress distribution and the size...

Minimum tillage is a soil conservation practice involving a reduction in soil disturbance and topsoil compaction, which could minimize environmental impact of the tobacco cultivation system. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the development and growth responses of Nicotiana tabacum and the changes in the physical and hydrological soil properties after the application of two differen...

Interest in reduced tillage methods is expanding in response to concerns for soil quality in vegetable systems. Reduced tillage (RT) refers to systems that minimize soil disturbance and maintain at least 30% residue cover. These systems can reduce soil and wind erosion, overcome compaction challenges typical of vegetable soils, conserve organic matter and improve overall soil health. In additio...

In mechanized timber harvesting, it is common practice to build brush mats from logging residues on skid trails. Protective effects of brush mats against soil compaction are documented by several studies. On the other hand, a large quantity of nutrients is concentrated on the skid trail. Fully mechanized harvesting has been criticized frequently for this reallocation of nutrients. Is there real...

ters to characterize both agricultural and rangeland A DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER soils, however, has been limited by concerns about (i) FOR MEASURING SOIL instrument cost, (ii) measurement repeatability, (iii) limited ranges of soil resistance that can be measured by PENETRATION RESISTANCE a single penetrometer, and (iv) difficulties in comparing Jeffrey E. Herrick* and Tim L. Jones data collec...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS We sought to explore the interactions between roots and soil without disturbance and in four dimensions (i.e. 3-D plus time) using X-ray micro-computed tomography. METHODS The roots of tomato Solanum lycopersicum 'Ailsa Craig' plants were visualized in undisturbed soil columns for 10 consecutive days to measure the effect of soil compaction on selected root traits includin...