Efectes de la intensitat de la llaurada sobre les propietats fisicoquímiques del sòl i el desenvolupament de diferents cultius

Abstract

The most widespread models of conventional agriculture worldwide are based on achieving maximum production but have many deficiencies in terms of biodiversity conservation, soil health, etc. Moreover, these systems are fragile and unsustainable in the face of the current climate change situation. Agroecology is the science aimed at creating resilient and less polluting systems by understanding the functioning of natural systems. Soil health is often an overlooked parameter but is essential for achieving profitable crops. A soil with good health is characterized by good structure and a healthy microbial community, thus functioning as a living system capable of self-regulation. Tillage is a factor that can affect soil health. A study was conducted in Pallars Jussà comparing five crops that are not widely established in the region under three different tillage intensities (no tillage, medium intensity tillage, and high intensity tillage). The study includes two legume crops (Lens culinaris and Vicia faba), two cereal crops (Hordeum distichon L. and Triticum spelta), and one polyculture (Vicia sativa with Avena sativa), all managed ecologically. This study is particularly relevant in Pallars Jussà because this region has the potential to become self-sufficient and sustainable in response to climate change and population needs. The effects of tillage intensity on the soil's physicochemical properties in the short term and the response of the five crops to different tillage intensities were studied. The results show that tillage affects soil properties, making it more aerated and with greater water infiltration capacity. There is no clear trend regarding its effect on chemical properties, but it is observed that untilled soils have a more active microbial community in converting nutrients into forms usable by plants. Tillage also affects crop growth; plants in tilled soils grow more and experience less stress. However, there is no direct effect of tillage on the atmospheric nitrogen fixation of legumes. Nor does any plant species show increased productivity under a specific tillage regime