Summary
This field trial from North-Eastern Romania demonstrates that conservation tillage practices—particularly minimum and no-tillage systems combined with straw retention—enhance soil organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations compared to conventional tillage. The research indicates that straw management is a lever for improving nutrient cycling and retention in arable production systems. The findings contribute evidence for soil management practice recommendations in temperate European contexts.
UK applicability
The findings are likely applicable to UK arable systems, particularly in regions with similar soil types and climate; however, context-specific trials would strengthen transferability given the distinct soil properties and rainfall patterns of North-Eastern Romania relative to UK conditions.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon (% change), total nitrogen (% change), soil nutrient availability and vertical distribution
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and nutrient distribution across soil profiles under different tillage and straw management regimes. It compared conventional tillage, minimum tillage with partial straw retention, and no-tillage with straw mulching systems.
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