Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Soil Research Soil Research Society
Soil, land care and environmental research
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Soil properties sensitive to degradation caused by increasing intensity of conventional tillage

Rodrigo Fernandes Herrera Estevam A , Devison Souza Peixoto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8093-2494 B * , José Fernandes de Melo Filho A , Helen Carla Santana Amorim B , Fatima Maria de Souza Moreira B and Aline Oliveira Silva B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Agricultural, Environmental and Biological Sciences Center, Federal University of Recôncavo of Bahia, Rua Rui Barbosa 710, Centro, CEP 44380-000, Cruz das Almas, Bahia, Brazil.

B Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Avenida Doutor Sylvio Menicucci 1001, CEP 37200-900, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

* Correspondence to: devison.speixoto@gmail.com

Handling Editor: Abdul Mouazen

Soil Research 59(8) 819-836 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR20296
Submitted: 21 October 2020  Accepted: 28 May 2021   Published: 4 October 2021

© 2021 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Increased conventional tillage intensity causes soil degradation in agrosystems. In this field experiment, we evaluate the sensitivity of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties under varying soil tillage intensities. The treatments were: TI0 (tillage intensity zero); TI2 (tillage intensity two); TI4 (tillage intensity four); TI6 (tillage intensity six); and TI8 (tillage intensity eight). These treatments corresponded to two tillage seasons (dry and rainy conditions) with four tillage intensities of conventional tillage (ploughing + harrowing) performed monthly. The restorative role of crop growth and rotations in soil properties was not considered in this study, and the interval between soil tillage was short. After the second tillage season, we determined 31 soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Biological properties were more affected by conventional tillage intensity than physical and chemical properties. The most sensitive soil properties to the increasing tillage intensities were aggregate weighted mean diameter (WMD), percentage of aggregates (PA), bulk density (Bd), total porosity (TP), macroporosity (Mac), microporosity (Mic), soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic matter (SOM), total microbial activity (FDA), arylsulfatase (Ary), acid phosphatase (Phos), and xylanase activity (Xyl). A minimum data set including WMD, Mac, SOM, and Xyl was suggested. The highest intensity of conventional tillage reduced WMD, Xyl and Mac by 28%, 51%, and 63%, respectively, and increased SOM by 14% relative to the control. This work may guide managers on the best soil properties for monitoring the impacts of soil tillage on soil quality in agricultural areas that routinely use conventional tillage as a management practice.

Keywords: minimum data set, soil aggregation, soil biological properties, soil chemical properties, soil degradation, soil enzyme activity, soil physical properties, soil quality.


References

Abdollahi L, Schjønning P, Elmholt S, Munkholm LJ (2014) The effects of organic matter application and intensive tillage and traffic on soil structure formation and stability. Soil and Tillage Research 136, 28–37.
The effects of organic matter application and intensive tillage and traffic on soil structure formation and stability.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Adetunji AT, Lewu FB, Mulidzi R, Ncube B (2017) The biological activities of β-glucosidase, phosphatase and urease as soil quality indicators: a review. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 17, 794–807.
The biological activities of β-glucosidase, phosphatase and urease as soil quality indicators: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Anderson T-H, Domsch KH (1985) Determination of ecophysiological maintenance carbon requirements of soil microorganisms in a dormant state. Biology and Fertility of Soils 1, 81–89.
Determination of ecophysiological maintenance carbon requirements of soil microorganisms in a dormant state.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Anderson T-H, Domsch KH (1990) Application of eco-physiological quotients (qCO2 and qD) on microbial biomasses from soils of different cropping histories. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 22, 251–255.
Application of eco-physiological quotients (qCO2 and qD) on microbial biomasses from soils of different cropping histories.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Andrews SS, Karlen DL, Mitchell JP (2002) A comparison of soil quality indexing methods for vegetable production systems in Northern California. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 90, 25–45.
A comparison of soil quality indexing methods for vegetable production systems in Northern California.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Araujo MA, Tormena CA, Silva AP (2004) Propriedades físicas de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico cultivado e sob mata nativa. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 28, 337–345.
Propriedades físicas de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico cultivado e sob mata nativa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Aziz I, Mahmood T, Islam KR (2013) Effect of long term no-till and conventional tillage practices on soil quality. Soil and Tillage Research 131, 28–35.
Effect of long term no-till and conventional tillage practices on soil quality.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Balesdent J, Chenu C, Balabane M (2000) Relationship of soil organic matter dynamics to physical protection and tillage. Soil and Tillage Research 53, 215–230.
Relationship of soil organic matter dynamics to physical protection and tillage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Balota EL, Colozzi Filho A, Andrade DS, Dick RP (2004) Long-term tillage and crop rotation effects on microbial biomass and C and N mineralization in a Brazilian Oxisol. Soil and Tillage Research 77, 137–145.
Long-term tillage and crop rotation effects on microbial biomass and C and N mineralization in a Brazilian Oxisol.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Balota EL, Machineski O, Truber PV (2011) Soil enzyme activities under pig slurry addition and different tillage systems. Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy 33, 729–737.
Soil enzyme activities under pig slurry addition and different tillage systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bandick AK, Dick RP (1999) Field management effects on soil enzyme activities. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 31, 1471–1479.
Field management effects on soil enzyme activities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Biswas S, Hazra GC, Purakayastha TJ, Saha N, Mitran T, Singha Roy S, Basak N, Mandal B (2017) Establishment of critical limits of indicators and indices of soil quality in rice–rice cropping systems under different soil orders. Geoderma 292, 34–48.
Establishment of critical limits of indicators and indices of soil quality in rice–rice cropping systems under different soil orders.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Botta GF, Tolon-Becerra A, Tourn M, Lastra-Bravo X, Rivero D (2012) Agricultural traffic: motion resistance and soil compaction in relation to tractor design and different soil conditions. Soil and Tillage Research 120, 92–98.
Agricultural traffic: motion resistance and soil compaction in relation to tractor design and different soil conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Brejda JJ, Karlen DL, Smith JL, Allan DL (2000) Identification of regional soil quality factors and indicators. II. Northern Mississippi Loess Hills and Palouse Prairie. Soil Science Society of America Journal 64, 2125–2135.
Identification of regional soil quality factors and indicators. II. Northern Mississippi Loess Hills and Palouse Prairie.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bünemann EK, Bongiorno G, Bai Z, Creamer RE, De Deyn G, de Goede R, Fleskens L, Geissen V, Kuyper TW, Mäder P, Pulleman M, Sukkel W, van Groenigen JW, Brussaard L (2018) Soil quality – a critical review. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 120, 105–125.
Soil quality – a critical review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cambardella CA, Elliott ET (1992) Particulate soil organic-matter changes across a grassland cultivation sequence. Soil Science Society of America Journal 56, 777–783.
Particulate soil organic-matter changes across a grassland cultivation sequence.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Castro Filho C, Muzilli O, Podanoschi AL (1998) Estabilidade dos agregados e sua relação com o teor de carbono orgânico num latossolo roxo distrófico, em função de sistemas de plantio, rotações de culturas e métodos de preparo das amostras. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 22, 527–538.
Estabilidade dos agregados e sua relação com o teor de carbono orgânico num latossolo roxo distrófico, em função de sistemas de plantio, rotações de culturas e métodos de preparo das amostras.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Celik I, Barut ZB, Ortas I, Gok M, Demirbas A, Tulun Y, Akpinar C (2011) Impacts of different tillage practices on some soil microbiological properties and crop yield under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. International Journal of Plant Production 5, 237–254.
Impacts of different tillage practices on some soil microbiological properties and crop yield under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chaer GM, Fernandes MF, Myrold DD, Bottomley PJ (2009) Shifts in microbial community composition and physiological profiles across a gradient of induced soil degradation. Soil Science Society of America Journal 73, 1327–1334.
Shifts in microbial community composition and physiological profiles across a gradient of induced soil degradation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chan KY, Oates A, Swan AD, Hayes RC, Dear BS, Peoples MB (2006) Agronomic consequences of tractor wheel compaction on a clay soil. Soil and Tillage Research 89, 13–21.
Agronomic consequences of tractor wheel compaction on a clay soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cherubin MR, Karlen DL, Franco ALC, Cerri CEP, Tormena CA, Cerri CC (2016) A Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) evaluation of Brazilian sugar cane expansion on soil quality. Soil Science Society of America Journal 80, 215–226.
A Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) evaluation of Brazilian sugar cane expansion on soil quality.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ciotta MN, Bayer C, Ernani PR, Fontoura SMV, Albuquerque JA, Wobeto C (2002) Acidificação de um Latossolo sob plantio direto. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 26, 1055–1064.
Acidificação de um Latossolo sob plantio direto.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cotrufo MF, Soong JL, Horton AJ, Campbell EE, Haddix ML, Wall DH, Parton WJ (2015) Formation of soil organic matter via biochemical and physical pathways of litter mass loss. Nature Geoscience 8, 776–779.
Formation of soil organic matter via biochemical and physical pathways of litter mass loss.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Craswell ET, Lefroy RDB (2001) The role and function of organic matter in tropical soils. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 61, 7–18.
The role and function of organic matter in tropical soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

da Silva AP, Kay BD (1997) Estimating the least limiting water range of soils from properties and management. Soil Science Society of America Journal 61, 877–883.
Estimating the least limiting water range of soils from properties and management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

da Veiga M, Horn R, Reinert DJ, Reichert JM (2007) Soil compressibility and penetrability of an Oxisol from southern Brazil, as affected by long-term tillage systems. Soil and Tillage Research 92, 104–113.
Soil compressibility and penetrability of an Oxisol from southern Brazil, as affected by long-term tillage systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dalal RC, Allen DE, Wang WJ, Reeves S, Gibson I (2011) Organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks in a Vertisol following 40 years of no-tillage, crop residue retention and nitrogen fertilisation. Soil and Tillage Research 112, 133–139.
Organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks in a Vertisol following 40 years of no-tillage, crop residue retention and nitrogen fertilisation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de Almeida JA, Bertol I, Leite D, do Amaral AJ, Zoldan Júnior WA (2005) Propriedades químicas de um Cambissolo Húmico sob preparo convencional e semeadura direta após seis anos de cultivo. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 29, 437–445.
Propriedades químicas de um Cambissolo Húmico sob preparo convencional e semeadura direta após seis anos de cultivo.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de Carvalho Mendes I, Fernandes MF, Chaer GM, Bueno dos Reis Junior F (2012) Biological functioning of Brazilian Cerrado soils under different vegetation types. Plant and Soil 359, 183–195.
Biological functioning of Brazilian Cerrado soils under different vegetation types.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de Medeiros EV, Duda GP, dos Santos LAR, Lima JRS, Almeida-Cortêz JS, Hammecker C, Lardy L, Cournac L (2017) Soil organic carbon, microbial biomass and enzyme activities responses to natural regeneration in a tropical dry region in Northeast Brazil. Catena 151, 137–146.
Soil organic carbon, microbial biomass and enzyme activities responses to natural regeneration in a tropical dry region in Northeast Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de Moraes MT, Debiasi H, Carlesso R, Franchini JC, da Silva VR, da Luz FB (2017) Age-hardening phenomena in an oxisol from the subtropical region of Brazil. Soil and Tillage Research 170, 27–37.
Age-hardening phenomena in an oxisol from the subtropical region of Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de Moraes Sá JC, Gonçalves DRP, Ferreira LA, Mishra U, Inagaki TM, Furlan FJF, Moro RS, Floriani N, Briedis C, Ferreira AO (2018) Soil carbon fractions and biological activity based indices can be used to study the impact of land management and ecological successions. Ecological Indicators 84, 96–105.
Soil carbon fractions and biological activity based indices can be used to study the impact of land management and ecological successions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Deng SP, Tabatabai MA (1997) Effect of tillage and residue management on enzyme activities in soils: III. Phosphatases and arylsulfatase. Biology and Fertility of Soils 24, 141–146.
Effect of tillage and residue management on enzyme activities in soils: III. Phosphatases and arylsulfatase.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Devine S, Markewitz D, Hendrix P, Coleman D (2014) Soil aggregates and associated organic matter under conventional tillage, no-tillage, and forest succession after three decades. PLoS One 9, e84988
Soil aggregates and associated organic matter under conventional tillage, no-tillage, and forest succession after three decades.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24465460PubMed |

Dexter AR, Czyż EA, Gaţe OP (2004) Soil structure and the saturated hydraulic conductivity of subsoils. Soil and Tillage Research 79, 185–189.
Soil structure and the saturated hydraulic conductivity of subsoils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dick RP (1992) A review: long-term effects of agricultural systems on soil biochemical and microbial parameters. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 40, 25–36.
A review: long-term effects of agricultural systems on soil biochemical and microbial parameters.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dick WA (1984) Influence of long-term tillage and crop rotation combinations on soil enzyme activities. Soil Science Society of America Journal 48, 569–574.
Influence of long-term tillage and crop rotation combinations on soil enzyme activities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Doran JW, Parkin TB (1994) Defining and assessing soil quality. In ‘Defining soil quality for a sustainable environment’. (Eds JW Doran, DC Coleman, DF Bezdicek, BA Stewart) pp. 1–20. (Soil Science Society of America: Madison, WI, USA)

Doran JW, Parkin TB (1996) Quantitative indicators of soil quality: a minimum data set. In ‘Methods for assessing soil quality’. SSSA special publications 49. (Eds JW Doran, AJ Jones). pp. 25–37. (Soil Science Society of America: Madison, WI, USA)

Eichlerová I, Šnajdr J, Baldrian P (2012) Laccase activity in soils: considerations for the measurement of enzyme activity. Chemosphere 88, 1154–1160.
Laccase activity in soils: considerations for the measurement of enzyme activity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22475148PubMed |

Eivazi F, Tabatabai MA (1977) Phosphatases in soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 9, 167–172.
Phosphatases in soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Eivazi F, Tabatabai MA (1988) Glucosidases and galactosidases in soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 20, 601–606.
Glucosidases and galactosidases in soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Frankenberger WT, Johanson JB (1983) Factors affecting invertase activity in soils. Plant and Soil 74, 313–323.
Factors affecting invertase activity in soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Franzluebbers AJ, Langdale GW, Schomberg HH (1999) Soil carbon, nitrogen, and aggregation in response to type and frequency of tillage. Soil Science Society of America Journal 63, 349–355.
Soil carbon, nitrogen, and aggregation in response to type and frequency of tillage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gatiboni LC, Kaminski J, Rheinheimer DDS, Brunetto G (2008) Fósforo da biomassa microbiana e atividade de fosfatases ácidas durante a diminuição do fósforo disponível no solo. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira 43, 1085–1091.
Fósforo da biomassa microbiana e atividade de fosfatases ácidas durante a diminuição do fósforo disponível no solo.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gianfreda L, Antonietta Rao M, Piotrowska A, Palumbo G, Colombo C (2005) Soil enzyme activities as affected by anthropogenic alterations: intensive agricultural practices and organic pollution. Science of the Total Environment 341, 265–279.
Soil enzyme activities as affected by anthropogenic alterations: intensive agricultural practices and organic pollution.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hamza MA, Anderson WK (2005) Soil compaction in cropping systems: a review of the nature, causes and possible solutions. Soil and Tillage Research 82, 121–145.
Soil compaction in cropping systems: a review of the nature, causes and possible solutions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hussain I, Olson KR, Wander MM, Karlen DL (1999) Adaptation of soil quality indices and application to three tillage systems in southern Illinois. Soil and Tillage Research 50, 237–249.
Adaptation of soil quality indices and application to three tillage systems in southern Illinois.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Isermeyer H (1952) Eine einfache Methode zur Bestimmung der Bodenatmung und der Karbonate im Boden. Zeitschrift für Pflanzenernährung, Düngung, Bodenkunde 56, 26–38.
Eine einfache Methode zur Bestimmung der Bodenatmung und der Karbonate im Boden.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Islam KR, Weil RR (2000) Soil quality indicator properties in mid-Atlantic soils as influenced by conservation management. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 55, 69–78.

Jabro JD, Sainju UM, Stevens WB, Lenssen AW, Evans RG (2009) Long-term tillage influences on soil physical properties under dryland conditions in northeastern Montana. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 55, 633–640.
Long-term tillage influences on soil physical properties under dryland conditions in northeastern Montana.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jackson LE, Calderon FJ, Steenwerth KL, Scow KM, Rolston DE (2003) Responses of soil microbial processes and community structure to tillage events and implications for soil quality. Geoderma 114, 305–317.
Responses of soil microbial processes and community structure to tillage events and implications for soil quality.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jolliffe IT (1972) Discarding variables in a principal component analysis. I. Artificial data. Applied Statistics 21, 160–173.
Discarding variables in a principal component analysis. I. Artificial data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jolliffe IT, Cadima J (2016) Principal component analysis: a review and recent developments. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 374, 20150202
Principal component analysis: a review and recent developments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kabiri V, Raiesi F, Ghazavi MA (2016) Tillage effects on soil microbial biomass, SOM mineralization and enzyme activity in a semi-arid Calcixerepts. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 232, 73–84.
Tillage effects on soil microbial biomass, SOM mineralization and enzyme activity in a semi-arid Calcixerepts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kahlon MS, Lal R, Ann-Varughese M (2013) Twenty two years of tillage and mulching impacts on soil physical characteristics and carbon sequestration in Central Ohio. Soil and Tillage Research 126, 151–158.
Twenty two years of tillage and mulching impacts on soil physical characteristics and carbon sequestration in Central Ohio.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kaiser HF (1960) The application of electronic computers to factor analysis. Educational and Psychological Measurement 20, 141–151.
The application of electronic computers to factor analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kandeler E, Böhm KE (1996) Temporal dynamics of microbial biomass, xylanase activity, N-mineralisation and potential nitrification in different tillage systems. Applied Soil Ecology 4, 181–191.
Temporal dynamics of microbial biomass, xylanase activity, N-mineralisation and potential nitrification in different tillage systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Karlen DL, Wollenhaupt NC, Erbach DC, Berry EC, Swan JB, Eash NS, Jordahl JL (1994) Long-term tillage effects on soil quality. Soil and Tillage Research 32, 313–327.
Long-term tillage effects on soil quality.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kleber M (2010) What is recalcitrant soil organic matter? Environmental Chemistry 7, 320–332.
What is recalcitrant soil organic matter?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lal R (1993) Tillage effects on soil degradation, soil resilience, soil quality, and sustainability. Soil and Tillage Research 27, 1–8.
Tillage effects on soil degradation, soil resilience, soil quality, and sustainability.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lal R (2015) Restoring soil quality to mitigate soil degradation. Sustainability 7, 5875–5895.
Restoring soil quality to mitigate soil degradation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Larson WE, Pierce FJ (1991) ‘Conservation and enhancement of soil quality’. pp. 175–203. (International Board Soil Research Management: Bangkok, Thailand). http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=US201301762465#.Xh0N_WSqorg.mendeley

Li Y, Zhang QW, Reicosky DC, Bai LY, Lindstrom MJ, Li L (2006) Using 137Cs and 210Pbex for quantifying soil organic carbon redistribution affected by intensive tillage on steep slopes. Soil and Tillage Research 86, 176–184.
Using 137Cs and 210Pbex for quantifying soil organic carbon redistribution affected by intensive tillage on steep slopes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liebig MA, Varvel G, Doran J (2001) A simple performance-based index for assessing multiple agroecosystem functions. Agronomy Journal 93, 313–318.
A simple performance-based index for assessing multiple agroecosystem functions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lipiec J, Hatano R (2003) Quantification of compaction effects on soil physical properties and crop growth. Geoderma 116, 107–136.
Quantification of compaction effects on soil physical properties and crop growth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lipiec J, Kuś J, Słowińska-Jurkiewicz A, Nosalewicz A (2006) Soil porosity and water infiltration as influenced by tillage methods. Soil and Tillage Research 89, 210–220.
Soil porosity and water infiltration as influenced by tillage methods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Luo Z, Wang E, Sun OJ (2010) Can no-tillage stimulate carbon sequestration in agricultural soils? A meta-analysis of paired experiments. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 139, 224–231.
Can no-tillage stimulate carbon sequestration in agricultural soils? A meta-analysis of paired experiments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ma N, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Yang L, Yu C, Yin G, Doane TA, Wu Z, Zhu P, Ma X (2016) Biochar improves soil aggregate stability and water availability in a Mollisol after three years of field application. PLoS One 11, e0154091
Biochar improves soil aggregate stability and water availability in a Mollisol after three years of field application.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27191160PubMed |

Mahboubi AA, Lal R, Faussey NR (1993) Twenty-eight years of tillage effects on two soils in Ohio. Soil Science Society of America Journal 57, 506–512.
Twenty-eight years of tillage effects on two soils in Ohio.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Maia JLT, Ribeiro MR (2004) Propriedades de um Argissolo Amarelo fragipânico de Alagoas sob cultivo contínuo da cana-de-açúcar. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira 39, 79–87.
Propriedades de um Argissolo Amarelo fragipânico de Alagoas sob cultivo contínuo da cana-de-açúcar.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mandal UK, Ramachandran K, Sharma KL, Satyam B, Venkanna K, Udaya Bhanu M, Mandal M, Masane RN, Narsimlu B, Rao KV, Srinivasarao C, Korwar GR, Venkateswarlu B (2011) Assessing soil quality in a semiarid tropical watershed using a geographic information system. Soil Science Society of America Journal 75, 1144–1160.
Assessing soil quality in a semiarid tropical watershed using a geographic information system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mangalassery S, Mooney SJ, Sparkes DL, Fraser WT, Sjögersten S (2015) Impacts of zero tillage on soil enzyme activities, microbial characteristics and organic matter functional chemistry in temperate soils. European Journal of Soil Biology 68, 9–17.
Impacts of zero tillage on soil enzyme activities, microbial characteristics and organic matter functional chemistry in temperate soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Martins da Costa E, de Lima W, Oliveira-Longatti SM, de Souza FM (2015) Phosphate-solubilising bacteria enhance Oryza sativa growth and nutrient accumulation in an oxisol fertilized with rock phosphate. Ecological Engineering 83, 380–385.
Phosphate-solubilising bacteria enhance Oryza sativa growth and nutrient accumulation in an oxisol fertilized with rock phosphate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mbuthia LW, Acosta-Martínez V, DeBryun J, Schaeffer S, Tyler D, Odoi E, Mpheshea M, Walker F, Eash N (2015) Long term tillage, cover crop, and fertilization effects on microbial community structure, activity: implications for soil quality. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 89, 24–34.
Long term tillage, cover crop, and fertilization effects on microbial community structure, activity: implications for soil quality.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Menezes LAS, Leandro WM (2004) Avaliação de espécies de cobertura do solo com potencial de uso em sistemas de plantio direto. Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical 34, 173–180.

Moreau AMSDS, Ker JC, da Costa LM, Gomes FH (2006) Caracterização de solos de duas toposseqüências em tabuleiros costeiros do sul da Bahia. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 30, 1007–1019.
Caracterização de solos de duas toposseqüências em tabuleiros costeiros do sul da Bahia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mukherjee A, Lal R (2014) Comparison of soil quality index using three methods. PLoS One 9, e105981
Comparison of soil quality index using three methods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25148036PubMed |

Munkholm LJ, Schjønning P (2004) Structural vulnerability of a sandy loam exposed to intensive tillage and traffic in wet conditions. Soil and Tillage Research 79, 79–85.
Structural vulnerability of a sandy loam exposed to intensive tillage and traffic in wet conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nath AJ, Lal R (2017) Effects of tillage practices and land use management on soil aggregates and soil organic carbon in the North Appalachian Region, USA. Pedosphere 27, 172–176.
Effects of tillage practices and land use management on soil aggregates and soil organic carbon in the North Appalachian Region, USA.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Oades JM (1989). An introduction to organic matter in mineral soils. In ‘Minerals in soil environments. SSSA Book Series 1’. (Eds JB  Dixon, SB Weed) pp. 89–159. (Soil Science Society of America: Madison, WI, USA)

Palm C, Blanco-Canqui H, DeClerck F, Gatere L, Grace P (2014) Conservation agriculture and ecosystem services: an overview. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 187, 87–105.
Conservation agriculture and ecosystem services: an overview.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pandey D, Agrawal M, Bohra JS (2014) Effects of conventional tillage and no tillage permutations on extracellular soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass under rice cultivation. Soil and Tillage Research 136, 51–60.
Effects of conventional tillage and no tillage permutations on extracellular soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass under rice cultivation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pandey D, Agrawal M, Bohra JS (2015) Assessment of soil quality under different tillage practices during wheat cultivation: soil enzymes and microbial biomass. Chemistry and Ecology 31, 510–523.
Assessment of soil quality under different tillage practices during wheat cultivation: soil enzymes and microbial biomass.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Portella CMR, Guimarães MDF, Feller C, Fonseca ICB, Tavares Filho J (2012) Soil aggregation under different management systems. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 36, 1868–1877.
Soil aggregation under different management systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pu C, Kan Z-R, Liu P, Ma S-T, Qi J-Y, Zhao X, Zhang H-L (2019) Residue management induced changes in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen under different tillage practices in the North China Plain. Journal of Integrative Agriculture 18, 1337–1347.
Residue management induced changes in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen under different tillage practices in the North China Plain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

R Core Team (2019) R: A language and environment for statistical computing. (R Foundation for Statistical Computing: Vienna, Austria)

Reynolds WD, Drury CF, Yang XM, Tan CS (2008) Optimal soil physical quality inferred through structural regression and parameter interactions. Geoderma 146, 466–474.
Optimal soil physical quality inferred through structural regression and parameter interactions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reynolds WD, Elrick DE, Youngs EG (2002) Ring or cylinder infiltrometers (Vadose Zone). In ‘Methods of soil analysis, Part 4, Physical methods’. SSSA Book Series, n. 5. (Eds JH Dane, GC Topp) pp. 817–843. (Soil Science Society of America: Madison, WI, USA)

Ross DJ (1983) Invertase and amylase activities as influenced by clay minerals, soil-clay fractions and topsoils under grassland. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 15, 287–293.
Invertase and amylase activities as influenced by clay minerals, soil-clay fractions and topsoils under grassland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sá JCM, Cerri CC, Lal R, Dick WA, Piccolo MC, Feigl BE (2009) Soil organic carbon and fertility interactions affected by a tillage chronosequence in a Brazilian oxisol. Soil and Tillage Research 104, 56–64.
Soil organic carbon and fertility interactions affected by a tillage chronosequence in a Brazilian oxisol.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Saikia R, Sharma S (2017) Soil enzyme activity as affected by tillage and residue management practices under diverse cropping systems. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences 6, 1211–1218.
Soil enzyme activity as affected by tillage and residue management practices under diverse cropping systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sant’Anna SAC, Fernandes MF, Ivo WMPM, Costa JLS (2009) Evaluation of soil quality indicators in sugar cane management in sandy loam soil. Pedosphere 19, 312–322.
Evaluation of soil quality indicators in sugar cane management in sandy loam soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schinner F, von Mersi W (1990) Xylanase-, CM-cellulase- and invertase activity in soil: an improved method. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 22, 511–515.
Xylanase-, CM-cellulase- and invertase activity in soil: an improved method.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schnürer J, Rosswall T (1982) Fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis as a measure of total microbial activity in soil and litter. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 43, 1256–1261. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16346026

Silva AJN, Ribeiro MR, Carvalho FG, Silva VN, Silva LESF (2007) Impact of sugar cane cultivation on soil carbon fractions, consistence limits and aggregate stability of a Yellow Latosol in Northeast Brazil. Soil and Tillage Research 94, 420–424.
Impact of sugar cane cultivation on soil carbon fractions, consistence limits and aggregate stability of a Yellow Latosol in Northeast Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sinsabaugh R, Lauber C, Weintraub M, Ahmed B, Allison S, Crenshaw C, Contosta A, Cusack D, Frey S, Gallo M, Gartner T, Hobbie S, Holland K, Keeler B, Powers J, Stursova M, Takacs-Vesbach C, Waldrop M, Wallenstein M, Zak D, Zeglin L (2008) Stoichiometry of soil enzyme activity at global scale. Ecology Letters 11, 1252–1264.
Stoichiometry of soil enzyme activity at global scale.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18823393PubMed |

Sinsabaugh RL, Klug MJ, Collins HP, Yeager PE, Peterson SO (1999) Characterizing soil microbial communities. In ‘Standard Soil Methods for Long-Term Ecological Research’. (Eds GP Robertson, CS Bledsoe, DC Coleman, P Sollin) pp. 476–525. (Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK)

Sinsabaugh RL, Moorhead DL, Linkins AE (1994) The enzymic basis of plant litter decomposition: emergence of an ecological process. Applied Soil Ecology 1, 97–111.
The enzymic basis of plant litter decomposition: emergence of an ecological process.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Six J, Elliott ET, Paustian K (1999) Aggregate and soil organic matter dynamics under conventional and no-tillage systems. Soil Science Society of America Journal 63, 1350–1358.
Aggregate and soil organic matter dynamics under conventional and no-tillage systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Soares MR, Alleoni LRF (2008) Contribution of soil organic carbon to the ion exchange capacity of tropical soils. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture 32, 439–462.
Contribution of soil organic carbon to the ion exchange capacity of tropical soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Soil Survey Staff (1993) Soil Survey Manual. USDA Handbook No. 18 (US Government Printing Office: Washington DC)

Soracco CG, Lozano LA, Villarreal R, Melani E, Sarli GO (2018) Temporal variation of soil physical quality under conventional and no-till systems. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 42, e0170408
Temporal variation of soil physical quality under conventional and no-till systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sparling GP (1992) Ratio of microbial biomass carbon to soil organic carbon as a sensitive indicator of changes in soil organic matter. Soil Research 30, 195–207.
Ratio of microbial biomass carbon to soil organic carbon as a sensitive indicator of changes in soil organic matter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stemmer M, Gerzabek MH, Kandeler E (1998) Organic matter and enzyme activity in particle-size fractions of soils obtained after low-energy sonication. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 30, 9–17.
Organic matter and enzyme activity in particle-size fractions of soils obtained after low-energy sonication.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tabatabai MA, Bremner JM (1970) Arylsulfatase activity of soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal 34, 225–229.
Arylsulfatase activity of soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Teixeira PC, Donagemma GK, Fontana A, Teixeira WG (2017) ‘Manual de métodos de análise de solo’. (Embrapa: Brasília)

TerAvest D, Carpenter-Boggs L, Thierfelder C, Reganold JP (2015) Crop production and soil water management in conservation agriculture, no-till, and conventional tillage systems in Malawi. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 212, 285–296.
Crop production and soil water management in conservation agriculture, no-till, and conventional tillage systems in Malawi.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tiessen H, Cuevas E, Chacon P (1994) The role of soil organic matter in sustaining soil fertility. Nature 371, 783–785.
The role of soil organic matter in sustaining soil fertility.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Vance ED, Brookes PC, Jenkinson DS (1987) An extraction method for measuring soil microbial biomass C. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 19, 703–707.
An extraction method for measuring soil microbial biomass C.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Vasu D, Singh SK, Ray SK, Duraisami VP, Tiwary P, Chandran P, Nimkar AM, Anantwar SG (2016) Soil quality index (SQI) as a tool to evaluate crop productivity in semi-arid Deccan plateau, India. Geoderma 282, 70–79.
Soil quality index (SQI) as a tool to evaluate crop productivity in semi-arid Deccan plateau, India.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Vezzani FM, Mielniczuk J (2011) Agregação e estoque de carbono em argissolo submetido a diferentes práticas de manejo agrícola. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 35, 213–223.
Agregação e estoque de carbono em argissolo submetido a diferentes práticas de manejo agrícola.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Viana ET, Batista MA, Tormena CA, da Costa ACS, Inoue TT (2011) Atributos físicos e carbono orgânico em Latossolo vermelho sob diferentes sistemas de uso e manejo. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 35, 2105–2114.
Atributos físicos e carbono orgânico em Latossolo vermelho sob diferentes sistemas de uso e manejo.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wander MM, Bollero GA (1999) Soil quality assessment of tillage impacts in Illinois. Soil Science Society of America Journal 63, 961–971.
Soil quality assessment of tillage impacts in Illinois.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang S, Liang X, Liu G, Li H, Liu X, Fan F, Xia W, Wang P, Ye Y, Li L, Liu Z, Zhu J (2013) Phosphorus loss potential and phosphatase activities in paddy soils. Plant, Soil and Environment 59, 530–536.
Phosphorus loss potential and phosphatase activities in paddy soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wright AL, Hons FM (2005) Soil carbon and nitrogen storage in aggregates from different tillage and crop regimes. Soil Science Society of America Journal 69, 141–147.
Soil carbon and nitrogen storage in aggregates from different tillage and crop regimes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang P, Chen X, Wei T, Yang Z, Jia Z, Yang B, Han Q, Ren X (2016) Effects of straw incorporation on the soil nutrient contents, enzyme activities, and crop yield in a semiarid region of China. Soil and Tillage Research 160, 65–72.
Effects of straw incorporation on the soil nutrient contents, enzyme activities, and crop yield in a semiarid region of China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhou M, Liu C, Wang J, Meng Q, Yuan Y, Ma X, Liu X, Zhu Y, Ding G, Zhang J, Zeng X, Du W (2020) Soil aggregates stability and storage of soil organic carbon respond to cropping systems on Black Soils of Northeast China. Scientific Reports 10, 265
Soil aggregates stability and storage of soil organic carbon respond to cropping systems on Black Soils of Northeast China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31937821PubMed |

Zuber SM, Behnke GD, Nafziger ED, Villamil MB (2017) Multivariate assessment of soil quality indicators for crop rotation and tillage in Illinois. Soil and Tillage Research 174, 147–155.
Multivariate assessment of soil quality indicators for crop rotation and tillage in Illinois.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zuber SM, Villamil MB (2016) Meta-analysis approach to assess effect of tillage on microbial biomass and enzyme activities. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 97, 176–187.
Meta-analysis approach to assess effect of tillage on microbial biomass and enzyme activities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |