Impact of Reduced Tillage Systems and Straw Incorporation on Soil Properties and CO2 Emissions

The aim is to investigate the long-term impact of tillage technologies combined with the continuous application of straw and green manure on the sustainability of agroecosystems. Methods: Soil shear resistance was determined in the 0–10 and 10–25 cm soil layers with a Geonor 72,410 hardness tester after the sowing of spring rape and barley or after the resumption of winter wheat vegetation (beginning, middle, and end of the vegetation period) at 10 locations in the field. Soil moisture and temperature were measured in the 0–10 cm soil layer in 10 field locations. A portable soil respiration system LI–8100A with camera 8100–103 was used. Soil moisture was measured with the appendage 8100–204 and soil temperature—with the appendage 8100–203. The measurements started after the sowing of spring rape and barley, before harvest, or after the resumption of winter wheat vegetation and were carried out until autumn at fortnightly intervals in ten locations in the field. Soil CO2 emission (μmol m−2 s−1) was determined by IRGA (Infrared Gas Analyzer). A portable soil respiration system LI–8100A with camera 8100–103 was used. Results: The results showed that reduced tillage systems, compared to conventional deep plowing, resulted in higher soil moisture retention and lower CO2 emissions, showing potential for sustainable agroecosystem management.