Soil physical properties and soil water tension monitoring by wireless sensor network after reservoir and minimum tillage practices

Rain-fed agriculture in central Spain is mostly water limited. Reservoir tillage (RT) can increase soil water content, thus helping overcome most factors limiting crop production in this region. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of two tillage practices on soil physical properties and water availability where rain-fed barley was being grown. A field experiment was established on a loamy soil for comparing RT and minimum tillage (MT). Bulk density and volumetric water content were measured in 5-cm increments to a depth of 30 cm. The soil water tension was monitored using a wireless sensor network with sensors at 10, 20, and 30 cm depths. The results showed that bulk density in RT and MT treatments at all soil depths were statistically similar. However, soil water tensions in the MT treatment were substantially higher than that in RT in the entire observation period at all depths. In conclusion, RT could be used to minimise risks from crop failure during the poorer rainy seasons, and it showed increased soil water retention and improved barley yield.