Cultivation and erosion effects on soil properties

Abstract EN

Marked changes occur in the physical and chemical properties of the soil along a landscape when it is cultivated.

The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the changes in soil horizon thickness along the landscape on a continuous basis ; and (ii) to examine the effects of cultivation on surface and subsurface soil horizon properties.

Cultivated and adjacent uncultivated landscapes were studied in southeastern North Dakota, USA.

Cultivation reduced solum thickness by 59, 77, and 21 % on the interfluve, shoulder, and backslope components, respectively, and increased solum thickness by 13 % on the footslope component.

Cultivation and subsequent erosion reduced depth to parent material and incorporation of subsurface material in the upper horizons, increased surface horizon bulk density, increased available water capacity, increased carbonate content, and reduced organic matter content.