Effects of soil texture, crop type, and mounding on physical properties of greenhouse soils in Gyeong-buk Province from 2016 to 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the temporal and spatial variation in soil physical properties in greenhouse cultivation areas of Gyeongbuk Province, Korea.A total of 40 representative sites were surveyed across three periods (2016, 2020, and 2024), focusing on plowing depth, bulk density, porosity, penetration resistance, organic matter content, and soil texture.Soil physical conditions were further compared according to soil texture (sandy loam vs. silty loam), major cultivated crops (watermelon, cucumber, and strawberry), and mounding status.The results showed progressive deterioration of topsoil properties, with plowing depth decreasing from 23.2 cm in 2016 to 19.8 cm in 2024, accompanied by lower air porosity and increased bulk density.In contrast, subsoil properties such as penetration resistance and porosity improved slightly, possibly due to repeated organic matter inputs and deep tillage.Notably, silty loam soils and strawberry fields exhibited lower porosity and organic matter content, indicating higher levels of compaction and physical constraint.In comparison, sandy loam soils and watermelon fields maintained more favorable conditions, likely reflecting differences in management intensity and organic inputs.soil mounding demonstrated lower bulk density and higher air porosity demonstrated lower bulk density and higher air porosity; however, they also contained less organic matter and clay, which may compromise long-term structural stability.These findings underscore the importance of site-specific soil management strategies such as expanding organic amendments, practicing deep tillage, and regularly monitoring physical indicators to sustain soil health and productivity in greenhouse systems.The study provides baseline data to support tailored soil management and long-term sustainability in intensively cultivated greenhouse areas.