ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Influence on Selected Physical Properties of a
Haplic Podzol during a Ten-Year Fallow Period
J. Pranagal1, E. Podstawka-Chmielewska2, A. Słowińska-Jurkiewicz1
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1Institute of Soil Science and Environmental Management, University of Agriculture,
Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin, Poland
2Department of Agricultural Ecology, University of Agriculture, Akademicka 13, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2007;16(6):875-880
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ABSTRACT
The physical properties of Haplic Podzol developed from loamy sand and left fallow for ten years have
been studied. As a method of fallowing, natural succession of the plot was applied. A number of physical
properties of this soil were studied, including bulk density, total porosity, moisture at the sampling moment,
field water capacity, field air capacity and field air permeability. After ten years in a fallow state, the physical
condition of the soil studied had improved. A decrease in soil compaction and an increase in field water
capacity can be regarded as especially valuable. It was found that long-term fallow could be a good method
for the physical regeneration of the soil structure destroyed year by year by intensive mechanical agricultural
cultivation. Leaving arable soils fallow should be treated as a special protective farming method.
However, it requires further interdisciplinary studies to formulate systemic solutions.