Bulk Density and Cropping Systems.

Implementation of different cropping systems in production agriculture has a direct impact on the quality of the soil.  In order to continue to increase soil productivity it is essential to preserve or even improve soil quality. Using a core sampling method, bulk density samples were taken on a monthly basis from four demonstration plots which had different cropping systems and long term cropping histories. The hypothesis was that the different cropping systems would dramatically affect soil bulk density, which can be used as an indicator of soil quality. Differences were found in the bulk density of the soil depending on the crops grown and their root systems.