Physical Fertility of Soils in Field Crops

Fertility management in arable crops / Physical Fertility of Soils in Field Crops

Arable crops Arable crops

The physical fertility of soils is an important aspect for the productivity of large crops. It is defined by the structural condition of the

soil, its potential rooting depth, its water retention capacity, and the preservation of its topsoil layer. These characteristics are essential to provide plants with the necessary water and nutrients, while promoting optimal root development.

Levers to improve physical fertility

Preserve structural stability

The structural stability of a soil corresponds to its ability to maintain its structure when exposed to stress. This property affects many processes such as infiltration, erosion, root growth, and microbiological activity. To measure structural stability, two main methods can be used:

• The slake test
• The stability test “Le Bissonnais protocol”

These tests allow a quick assessment of the resistance of soil aggregates to disintegration when immersed in water.

In order to preserve this structure, it is possible to:

• Limit deep soil tillage which fragments aggregates, destroys pores, and accelerates the mineralization of organic matter, making the soil more vulnerable to compaction and erosion

• Practice no-till farming or superficial soil work to preserve soil life and surface structure

• Avoid soil compaction by reducing the passage of heavy machinery
• Use cover crops to protect the soil surface and improve its structure

Improve the physical properties of the soil

Physical indicators provide information on soil properties that promote root proliferation and their access to nutrients. Among these indicators are:

• Soil texture (percentage of clay, silt, sand)
• Soil depth
• The amount of stones or limestone
• Structural condition
• Porosity

These parameters play a crucial role in the circulation of water and air in the soil, from the surface to depth.

There are different levers to preserve and improve these properties:

• Lengthen crop rotations by introducing legumes as green manure to enrich the soil

• Promote the addition of organic matter to improve structural stability
• Maintain an optimal pH to promote clay flocculation and the formation of stable aggregates

Conduct a soil diagnosis to adjust practices

Regular monitoring allows adapting soil management. For this, several methods can be used:

• Observe the condition of the soil surface and crop emergence
• Perform a soil profile to assess structure and porosity
• Conduct structural stability tests
• Analyze soil texture and depth

By implementing these practices, farmers can significantly improve the physical fertility of their soils, resulting in better crop growth, improved resistance to erosion, and better retention of water and nutrients. It is important to note that physical fertility is closely linked to the chemical and biological components of the soil, and a holistic approach to soil management is necessary to achieve optimal results.

References

• Measuring Soil Fertility: Indicators, Tools and Methods (terreom.fr)
• Soil - Physical fertility (supagro.fr)
• How to know the structural stability of soil in the garden (jardiner-autrement.fr)
• Soil fertility: what are we talking about? (perspectives-agricoles.com)
• Description%20des%20indicateurs-SGS-2017.pdf (agro-enviro-lab.com)