Effects of soil tillage methods on soil quality under corn (Zea mays L.) growth

Soil quality indices (SQI) have been suggested in recent decades as tools for evaluating soil management practice effects on soil quality. With the completion of the GAP project about half of the 3.2 million ha of agricultural land (1.7 million ha) will be used for irrigated agriculture. New intensive agricultural systems are expected to change the soil quality in the region. It is, therefore, imperative to monitor the soil quality for sustainable use and management in the region. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of soil tillage methods (plough and chisel processes and no tillage) of Harran Plain selected soil physical and chemical (bulk density, saturation percentage, porosity, aggregate stability, organic matter content, soil pH, available N, P, and K) properties, all of which were identified as possible soil quality indicators. For this purpose this study was arranged in randomized blocks with three replications at the experimental area of Sanliurfa Rural Development Research Institute in 1996 and 1997. The results of our 2-year study on the use of a SQI to assess were monitored at regular intervals, and yield of the maize were compared to soil tillage methods. Data from soil tillage methods were used to calculate the SQI values for the different treatments. Results revealed that treatment of soil tillage methods improved yield of maize bur did not change or increase quality of surface soil as indicated by increased values of soil quality indicators. Our results showed that the cross tillage with plough be conducted to assess the effects of different soil tillage methods on soil quality index and increasing maize yields.