Under no-tillage (NT) system, the soil is susceptible to changes in its structure caused by minimum soil disturbance and machine traffic. The effect of these changes on plant growth depends on climatic conditions. Sporadic soil chiseling under the NT system has been used as an option to minimize the effects of soil compaction, particularly in periods of water shortage. The aim of the present study is to analyze the changes in the soil physical and hydraulic properties under the NT system and the chiseled no-tillage (CNT) system, as well as the effect of two types of no-till drills on soybean yield. This experiment was carried out in an area in which NT had been used for six years and part of which had been chiseled. Organic matter content, bulk and particle density, relative density, soil mechanical resistance to penetration, soybean yield components, and soybean grain yield were evaluated. The results indicated that soil chiseling under NT does not affect soil organic matter content and decreases bulk and particle density, relative density, and soil mechanical resistance to penetration. Soybean grain yield components were not affected by soil management or by the use of seed drills. Soybean grain yield was not affected by soil management, but was positively affected by the use of hoe-type drills under NT.
soil compaction; resistance to penetration; soil management
