Effects of tillage on soil properties in a wheat–chickpea system under semiarid conditions

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of different tillage systems on soil properties in a semiarid region under a wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)–chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) rotation. Three tillage systems (conventional, reduced, and no‐tillage) were assessed during the 2020–2021 growing season in plots maintained under 12 years of continuous management. A randomized complete block design with five replications was used to examine selected physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. Conventional tillage resulted in the highest bulk density, suggesting greater soil compaction relative to the other treatments. In contrast, no‐tillage was associated with higher soil organic carbon (SOC), particularly under wheat. The interaction between tillage system and crop type significantly influenced SOC and microbial activity, with no‐tillage generally exhibiting higher values. Enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase, invertase, and arylsulfatase) were greater under no‐tillage, which may indicate enhanced nutrient cycling. No‐tillage was also associated with improved soil structural indicators, including higher mean weight diameter and lower water‐dispersible clay, suggesting better aggregate stability and reduced susceptibility to erosion. In addition, microbial biomass carbon and substrate‐induced respiration were significantly higher under no‐tillage, reflecting enhanced biological activity. Overall, the results suggest that long‐term no‐tillage management can improve multiple indicators of soil physical condition and biological functioning in semiarid wheat–chickpea systems.