Physical properties of soils under conservation agriculture: A multi-site experiment on five soil types in south-western France

Soil properties, under the major influence of agricultural practices in cultivated fields, distribution and quality water vary greatly space time. In conservation agriculture (CA), combination implemented can modify retention circulation. this study, fields managed CA adjacent with regular ploughing (CONV) were used to characterize functioning soils Adour-Garonne basin south-western France. Hydraulic conductivity (KS), bulk density available capacity (AWC) measured a depth 50 cm on multiple dates assess their temporal dynamics. Mean KS was 1.5–3.0 times as high (100–160 mm h−1) CONV (50–70 h−1), depending soil. had less variability infiltration than CONV. Under CONV, generally after but decreased rapidly (by factor 2–20) soil studied. AWC significantly higher surface horizon (0–5 cm) difference remained small (≤10 %) at scale profile. contrast, rooting depth, thus ability use AWC, CA. Thus, changes seem be related more improved (through greater stable over time) by crops increased root exploration) an increase itself. These elements make it possible better evaluate effects implementation crop supply quantitative management