Summary
This field study in the Ouriyori watershed (Benin) quantified the impact of land use conversion from natural vegetation to cropland on soil infiltration capacity using paired adjacent plot comparisons. Results demonstrated that continuous cropland cultivation without crop residue incorporation significantly reduced infiltration rates (2.42 cm d⁻¹) compared to fallow land (2.59 cm d⁻¹), primarily through soil compaction and loss of macropore connectivity. The findings suggest that fallow periods and residue management are critical for maintaining soil water retention and infiltration capacity under tropical West African conditions.
UK applicability
Whilst the study focuses on West African tropical soil conditions and farming practices, the underlying mechanisms—soil compaction from tillage reducing infiltration and macropore connectivity—are relevant to UK arable systems. However, direct application would require consideration of different soil types, climate, and rainfall intensities typical of the UK.
Key measures
Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks, cm d⁻¹); soil bulk density; soil texture; soil macropore and mesopore connectivity; soil classification; infiltration rate variability (coefficient of variation)
Outcomes reported
The study measured saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and soil infiltration rates across adjacent cropland-fallow plot pairs, comparing soil properties and classes. Infiltration rates were significantly lower in croplands than fallow lands, with implications for soil-water-plant systems and water conservation.
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