JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

Tillage system effect, Conventional (CT) vs. No-Till (NT), on soil physical properties and Br transport was studied at two locations in North Carolina. The soil types were a Typic Paleudults at Coastal Plain (site 1) and a Typic Kanhapludults at Piedmont (site 2). Bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), macroporosity (MP), and saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s) .were measured in plant row (R), and trafficked (T) and untrafficked (N) interrows. A rainfall simulator was used to apply two early season rainfalls to 1 m² plots where KBr suspension was surface applied for Br leaching study. The first simulated rainfall event (30 min) consisted of a low (1.27 cm h^-1) or a high (5.08 cm h^-1) rate applied, 24 h after Br application. One week later, the high rainfall rate was repeated on all plots.

 Soil samples were taken two days after applying first and second simulated rainfall (a week between them) and the end of season from different depths for measuring Br concentrations. Soil physical properties were affected by both tillage system and position.

Bulk density was higher in NT versus CT and in T position versus Rand N positions. Total porosity was lower in NT versus CT but MP was significantly higher in NT. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was about 90% lower at T position versus N and R positions. Coefficient of variation was quite large, making it difficult to obtain statistical differences between tillage systems. The surface l0-cm of soil contained the highest Br concentration for depth treatments with treatment differences occurring primarily in 0 to 25 cm depth. In first and second sampling dates, more Br leached under NT versus CT system. However, there was no significant difference between the two tillage systems in Br leaching at the end of the growing Season. In site 1, Br leached more due to the coarse texture and high Ks of the soil.