Effects of sub-soiling on soil physical quality and corn yield

Abstract: Soil compaction and water scarcity are two major issues concerning agricultural production in North China Plain. In order to increase the utilization of natural rainfall in the dry farmland in the semi- arid area, break up plough pan, achieve the purpose of water conservation and increase the crop production. The effects of two treatments, i.e. sub-soiling and local rotary tillage on soil physical properties and yield of maize were compared in Jining from 2011 to 2013. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block and ANOVA was used to assess the treatment effects. The results showed that: Except the surface soil layer (0-15 cm), the values of soil bulk density and penetration resistance are significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of rotary tillage during all growth period, especially during silking stage. What's more, the values of water content of sub-soiling at 25-35 cm soil layer were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of rotary tillage by 9.45% (2012) and 8.64% (2013) during siliking stage. However, maize yield is significantly (P<0.05) increased by 6.08%-7.23% while the effect of thousand seed mass is closing between two treatments. In conclusion, this experiment has important value in extending sub-soiling management practices which may be a more sustainable approach to farming in North China Plain.