Effects of Different Tillage Managements on Soil Properties and Corn Growth

The effects of different tillage managements on soil properties and corn productivities were evaluated in this paper.Tillage treatments included conventional tillage,deep ploughing to 30 cm,35 cm and 45 cm,and no-tillage.The results indicated that deep ploughing has stronger effects on soil bulk density,water content,soil microbial population and corn root growth performance than conventional tillage and no-tillage.The deep ploughing treatment reduced the soil bulk density more in 0～25 cm layer than 25～45 cm layer.The deep ploughing treatment increased the soil moisture,the total soil microbes and root length density more in 25～45 cm layer than 0～25 cm layer.The deeper of tillage the greater effect on soil physical properties and corn root growth,with order of deep ploughing tillage(45 cm),deep ploughing tillage(35 cm),deep ploughing tillage(30 cm),and conventional tillage.The corn yield has not significant difference between different tillage treatments.In view of soil properties,corn growth and natural environment,the cycle pattern of no-tillage and deep ploughing tillage was a better management practice for dryland in Beijing,to improve soil properties and increase economic benefits.