Research was carried out between 2006-2008 at the Didactic Station in Timişoara, on a Haplic Chemozem with clayey texture, weak acid reaction (pH 6.7), and medium humus content (3.4%). We monitored the effect of some unconventional soil tillage works (para-plough, chisel, or simply disc) compared to classical till­age, on some physical features of the soil (bulk density, total and air porosity, structure), on weed control and on yield level of two main crops - wheat and maize. Results, show that unconventional soil tillage resulted in a considerable increase of bulk density values (6.2-13.1% in wheat and 3.9-13.2% in maize) and of air porosity. We also noticed an improvement in structural state of soil horizons. A disadvantage of unconventional soil tillage is the inefficient weed control as compared to control variant (143-174% weeding in wheat crops and 147-180% in maize). Though yields in unconven­tional variants are sensibly smaller as compared to control variant they are quite normal (92.7-96.3% in wheat and 94.4-96.4% in maize), however long-term benefits such as soil fertility and soil structure improvement recommend them for the both crops provided one find an efficient strategy in weed control.

soil tillage; physical features; yield; winter wheat; maize

Presentation: oral