Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

A Protocol for Collecting and Constructing Soil Core Lysimeters
Published on: June 6, 2016
[Construction effect of fertile cultivated layer in black soil]
Xiao-zeng Han1, Wen-xiu Zou, Feng-xian Wang
1Northeast Institute of Geography and Agro-ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China. xzhan@neigaehrb.ac.cn
Abstract:
The clayey farmland soil in black soil region of Northeast China, due to the existence of thicker plough pan created by unreasonable tillage, is a main limiting factor for local agricultural production. In this paper, a field experiment was conducted to study the construction effect of fertile cultivated layer on crop yield, soil physical properties, soil moisture content, and soil microbial number. After the construction of fertile cultivated layer, the soil had a thicker cultivated layer, and the crop yield was increased. Comparing with traditional tillage, applying straw and organic manure into 20-35 cm soil layer decreased soil bulk density by 9.88% and 6.20%, increased soil porosity by 9.58% and 6.02%, and enhanced soil saturated hydraulic conductivity by 167.99 and 73.78%, respectively, indicating that the construction of fertile cultivated layer could improve soil aeration and water permeability, and enhance the infiltration of rainfall. The soil moisture content and water use efficiency under the application of straw and organic manure into plough pan were higher than those under traditional tillage, and a positive correlation was observed between the moisture content in 0-35 cm soil layer and the emergence of maize seedlings. Due to the increased organic carbon source and aeration in the constructed fertile cultivated layer, soil microbial number was also increased.
Related Concept Videos
The Soil Ecosystem
Soil Microbial Ecology
Porosity and Absorption of Aggregate
When all pores in an aggregate are filled with water, the aggregate is considered saturated and surface-dry. If left in dry air, water will evaporate until the aggregate...
Porosity in Cement Paste
The balance of water to cement in the mix is critical—it...
Fineness of Cement
Direct...
Microbes in the Production of Fermented Foods

