The Effect of Land Management Practices on Soil Quality Indicators in Crete

The effects of four main practices tillage versus no-tillage, and intensive grazing extensive grazing, applied in characteristic agricultural lands Crete Island were evaluated situ using nine soil quality indicators. following representative indicators the rapid visual assessment methodology adopted at European level context EU research project iSQAPER: susceptibility to water wind erosion, surface ponding (under cropping), formation pan, color, porosity, structure, slaking, infiltration rate, biodiversity status. These measured 48 field-plots adequately represent above-mentioned different types geomorphological patterns existing area. Additionally, 38 fields sampled topsoil assess cultivation (tillage, no-tillage) on organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable potassium, available phosphorous, aggregate stability. Based rating methodology, appropriate statistical tests soils under managements characterized terms their potential general value. obtained data showed that areas, significant differences detected between no-tillage management for structure consistency rate. In land, found erosion rate corresponding grazing. Organic carbon content, potassium content stability greatly affected practices.