Comparative Assessment of Soil Properties in Cropland and Forested Areas in Western Kentucky

Soil health is profoundly influenced by its physical and chemical properties. These properties rely on land use systems; consequently, impact on soil functions and agricultural sustainability. The objective of this study was to determine selected physical and chemical properties affected by crop and forest management in Western Kentucky. Two crop and two forested areas with six replications each were selected for this study in September 2025 in Calloway County, Kentucky. A total of 24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed soil samples were collected at 0-7 cm depth. Disturbed samples were analyzed for soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil organic carbon (SOC). Undisturbed samples were collected to measure soil water holding capacity (SWHC), macroporosity, bulk density (BD), and total porosity (TP). Data were processed in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using a single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that forested soils had slightly higher pH (5.8) than cropland soils (5.5). SOM (6.99%) and SOC (4.06%) were significantly greater in forested areas than in cropland (4.95% and 2.87%, respectively). Forested soils also exhibited higher SWHC, macroporosity, and TP than cropland soils. While cropland soils had higher BD than forest soils. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (p< 0.01) in SOM, SOC, TP, and BD between cropland and forested soils. In general, this study suggests that land management practices significantly affect (p< 0.05) SWHC, macroporosity, and soil pH. Overall, the forested soils had superior physical and chemical properties, indicating soil conservation’s role in sustaining cropland productivity in Western Kentucky.