Long-term effects of cover crops on physical-hydric properties of compacted soil

Abstract

The screening of cover crops is essential for improving the physical-hydric properties of compacted soils. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mixed or single cover crops on improving the physical-hydric properties of compacted Oxisol. Species with tap-rooted and fibrous-rooted rooting patterns were evaluated. The species included pearl millet ( Pennisetum americanum ), pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan ), sunn hemp ( Crotalaria spectabilis ), velvet bean ( Mucuna pruriens ), white oat ( Avena sativa ), black oat ( Avena strigosa ), rye ( Secale cereale ), black oat + forage turnip ( Raphanus sativus ), black oat + white lupin ( Lupinus albus L.), and black oat + group pea ( Pisum arvense L.). Mixing cover crops did not improve the physical properties of the soil. The tap-rooted pigeon pea effectively reduces bulk density and increases porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) in compact soils. The selection of cover crops with characteristics that improve soil physical-hydric properties is crucial for compacted areas.