T. Rusu et al. / Agricultural Sciences 4 (2013) 35-40 39
Continuous measurement of CO2 concentrations and
gas flow calculations on the surface, by estimating the
diffusion coefficient of soil, reveals reduplication of the
amount issued in the case of the classic version plough.
An exceeding amount of CO2 produced in the soil and
released into the atmosphere, resulting from aerobic
processes of mineralization of organic matter (excessive
loosening) is considered to be not only a way of increas-
ing the CO2 in the atmosphere, but also a loss of long-
term soil fertility. This indicates an acceleration of the
mineralization process of soil organic matter and of the
pedogenetical process of soil degradation. Minimum
tillage systems significantly alter the amount of CO2 re-
leased into the atmosphere, reducing to less than half its
diffusion. Thus, based on the results achieved, it was
estimated an amount of 6.9 million tons/year of carbon
stored in arable soils of Romania, if the minimum tillage
system would be implemented on 50% of the arable land,
with influence on the soil fertility conservation and cli-
mate change.
4. CONCLUSIONS
Reduced tillage systems represent an alternative to
conventional tillage. This study demonstrated that increased
soil organic matter content, aggregation, and permeabil-
ity are all promoted by minimum tillage systems. The
implementation of such practices ensures a greater water
reserve even across different soil types. The practice of
reduced tillage is ideal for enhancing soil fertility, water
holding capacity, and reducing erosion. The advantages
of minimum soil tillage systems for Romanian pedo-
climatic conditions can be used to improve methods in
low producing soils with reduced structural stability on
sloped fields, as well as measures of water and soil con-
servation on the whole ecosystem.
Presently, it is necessary to make a change concerning
the concept of conservation practices and to consider a
new approach regarding the control of erosion. The ac-
tual soil conservation must be looke upon beyond the
traditional understanding of soil erosion. The real soil
conservation is represented by carbon management. We
need to focus on an upper level concerning conservation
by focusing on soil quality. Carbon management is nec-
essary for a complexity of matters including soil, water
management, field productivity, biological fuel and cli-
matic change.
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