Management-induced structural dynamics in paddy soils of south east China simulated in microcosms

The puddling of paddy soils is the most common method of lowland rice cultivation in Asian countries and results in a complete distortion of the soil structure of the puddled layer and the formation of a distinct plough pan. In addition, the soil structure and the interrelated chemical and biological parameters in these soils are influenced by the alternating of flooding and drying stages. Since physical properties are basic features for the availability of water and nutrients characteristics such as soil structure and soil moisture have been recorded at the different stages of rice growth in detail. Fora better understanding these results have been compared with micropedological investigations. For these purposes undisturbed microcosms filled with paddy soils of three different sites from south east China were taken and planted with rice in a climate chamber. Management-induced dynamics have been reflected very prominently as far as bulk density, pore size distribution and soil moisture of the puddled layer are concerned. The properties of the undisturbed plough pan did not change during all stages of the experiment. Most significant effects of soil puddling have been found in the soil with a clay content of more than 40%. Comparing the different sampling stages after puddling the soils with high clay contents have shown the greatest variety in pore size distribution. Micropedological investigations demonstrated the different texture-influenced aspects of pore size distribution and the arrangement of soil structure in the topsoil in detail. Micrographs verified the changes of microhabitats caused by soil structure dynamics. The structural alteration consequences different living-conditions of microorganisms and, therefore, population dynamics related to the management of paddy soils which has been reflected in this study. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.