Changes in tillage characteristics of albic soil with various soil amendment materials

Abstract To improve the crop yield of low‐yield Albic soil, the application of amendment materials has become a widely considered method. However, understanding how these materials impact the physical and mechanical properties of the soil for tillage purposes is an important area of research. This study aimed to examine the effects of fertilizers, straw, and biochar on the tillage characteristics of Albic soil. The focus was on analysing changes in soil consistency limits and cultivability in both the humic (Ap) layer and the Albic (Aw) layer, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the use of amendment materials significantly improved the consistency limits of Albic soil, enhanced its cultivability, and positively affected its tillage characteristics. These improvements were reflected in a decrease in the soil's plasticity index (PI) and an increase in the shrinkage index (FI). Among the three materials tested, biochar had the most notable impact on plasticity, with significant increases in the liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL), while straw primarily influenced the swell‐shrink characteristics, leading to a significant decrease in the shrinkage limit (SL). The Aw layer was more significantly impacted by the amendment materials than the Ap layer. This was largely owing to the strong positive correlation between the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, soil maximum hygroscopicity (W), and LL and PL of the Ap layer, as well as their negative relationship with the PI. In contrast, the Aw layer was most influenced by organic matter content (OMC) and soil organic carbon (SOC). It is important to note that the addition of fertilizer or straw at concentrations above 6% by weight could lead to different changes in the tillage characteristics of Albic soil. This study provides valuable insights for agricultural practice, offering guidance on overcoming soil‐related challenges in tillage operations, and it also opens new possibilities for a comprehensive, multi‐faceted approach to soil management.