Evaluation of Selected Physical Properties Under Diverse Cropping Systems

Evaluation of Selected Physical Properties Under Diverse Cropping Systems Elizabeth Heine and Dr. Iin Handayani, Ph.D. Murray State University, Hutson College of Agriculture Abstract Soil quality influences agricultural productivity, water retention, nutrient cycling, and environmental sustainability. Soil organic matter (SOM), soil water at field capacity (SWFC), macroporosity, and total porosity are important indicators of soil health because they affect soil structure, aeration, and water availability. This study evaluated these properties under different land-use systems at the West Farm Complex in Calloway County, Kentucky. Soil samples were collected from corn, soybean, sunflower, tobacco, pasture, and miscanthus fields; 24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed samples were taken on September 18th and 19th 2026. The Miscanthus field had the highest SOM (8.30%), while the soybean field had the lowest (3.94%). In contrast, the soybean field exhibited the lowest SWFC (28.12%), while Miscanthus had the highest SWFC (51.89%). The highest macroporosity (64.34%) was found in the Miscanthus field, while the lowest was in the soybean field (34.36%). The sunflower field had the highest total porosity (62.41%), while the lowest was in the Miscanthus field (39.68%). Overall, soils with greater SOM generally exhibited higher soil water at field capacity, macroporosity, and total porosity, suggesting improved soil structure and enhanced water retention. These findings demonstrate that diverse cropping systems controlled the changes in soil physical properties, including SOM, SWFC, macroporosity, and total porosity. Keywords: Soil organic matter, Soil quality, Soil water at field capacity, Porosity