In the face of climate change, farmers are grappling with reduced soil moisture, which can significantly impact crop yields and, consequently, global food security. A recent study led by Tetiana Tymoshchuk from Polissia National University sheds light on how different tillage and fertilisation systems can influence soil moisture and soybean yields, offering a glimmer of hope for sustainable agriculture.
The research, conducted over four years on chornozem podsolised medium loamy soil, revealed that the type of tillage and fertilisation significantly affects the accumulation of available soil moisture and soybean yields. The study, published in ‘Scientific Horizons’ (Наукові горизонти), found that chisel tillage, combined with mineral and organo-mineral fertilisation, resulted in the highest reserves of available moisture in the root layer of the soil (0-20 cm) during the critical phases of soybean growth, such as full germination and flowering. “The maximum reserves of available moisture in the root layer of the soil (0-20 cm) on mineral and organic-mineral fertiliser backgrounds were observed in the phase of full germination and flowering of soybeans under chisel tillage,” Tymoshchuk explained.
The findings also highlighted the importance of soil moisture in the 0-40 cm layer, where a medium correlation (r = 0.66) was found between grain yield and available moisture reserves under mineral fertilisation during the flowering phase of soybeans. This correlation was weaker (r = 0.36) under organic-mineral fertilisation, suggesting that the type of fertiliser plays a crucial role in moisture retention and, ultimately, crop yield.
The study’s most striking revelation was the significant impact of the fertiliser system on soybean grain yields, accounting for 62.5% of the total yield variance. This underscores the need for informed decision-making in soil management and conservation practices to promote global food security and mitigate the effects of climate change.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable agriculture, this research offers valuable insights into how farmers can adapt their practices to enhance soil moisture retention and improve crop yields. By understanding the interplay between tillage, fertilisation, and soil moisture, farmers can make more informed decisions that could shape the future of agriculture and contribute to global food security. The findings from this study could pave the way for more targeted and effective agricultural practices, ensuring that farmers are better equipped to face the challenges posed by a changing climate.