CHANGE IN THE STRUCTURE OF SOD-PODZOLIC LOAMS WHEN TILLAGE IS MINIMIZED

The results of an investigation on the effect of surface tillage and n o tillage on the agriculture-related physical and mechanical propertie s and structure of the humic horizon are discussed. It was found that long-term minimum tillage need not be curtailed because of its effect on the physical properties of the soil. No-till farming has a more ben eficial effect on the structure of most of the plow layer than traditi onal methods, but because the surface layer is compacted more than is desirable, the seedbed (topmost) soil layer should be cultivated when planting grains and row crops.