Soil compaction in vineyards of different ages in Pannonian Croatia. Part I. Influence of machinery traffic and soil management on compaction of individual horizons

Abstract

Soil compaction is one of the most important problems in agricultural production. Tillage system with frequent machinery traffic due protection, agrotechnic operation and harvesting has effect on different soil compaction levels in the vineyards. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the soil resistance, soil bulk density and soil moisture within and between rows in the seven-year and thirty-year vineyard due to tillage and compacting by machinery traffic. Results show statistically lower soil resistance to a depth of 40 cm in tilled interrow position in all vineyards as a direct effect of tillage. The values of bulk density in both vineyards are lowest in row position which is convenient for root growth. Increased values of bulk density that can restrict root development are recorded in interrows position in all vineyards. The moisture content of all vineyards increases with depth. Greater deviation in compaction between seven-year and thirty-year vineyard is not recorded. The research results indicate that the soil management is more important factor than the number of machinery passes. Soil resistance values does not give a complete information about compaction because of all the factors it is most depend on current soil moisture.