Soil Structure and Water Dynamics: Empirical Insights from Agroecological and Conventional Farming
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61978/sativa.v1i2.1421Keywords:
Agroecological Farming, Soil Hydrology, Aggregate Stability, Infiltration Rate, Bulk Density, Sustainable AgricultureAbstract
Agroecological farming systems (AFS) are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance soil health and sustainability. This study compares AFS with conventional farming systems (CFS) by assessing key soil physical indicators: infiltration rate, bulk density, total porosity, and aggregate stability. Field measurements were conducted using standard methods, including the double ring infiltrometer, core sampling, and wet sieving techniques. Soil samples were collected from the 0–20 cm depth across replicated plots (n ≥ 3 per system) in comparable agroecosystems. Results revealed that AFS significantly improved infiltration rates (43.8–47.1 mm/hour) compared to CFS (21.5–23.2 mm/hour), indicating enhanced water absorption and reduced runoff. Bulk density was lower in AFS (1.08–1.12 g/cm³), contributing to higher total porosity (57.7%–59.1%) relative to CFS (1.31–1.35 g/cm³; 48.9%–50.6% porosity). Aggregate stability was also superior under AFS (82.3%–84.7%) versus CFS (59.8%–62.5%), suggesting stronger soil structure and erosion resistance. These differences are attributed to agroecological practices such as reduced tillage, organic amendments, and minimized soil disturbance. The findings underscore the role of AFS in enhancing soil hydrological function and structural integrity, with implications for improving crop resilience, reducing erosion, and supporting climate-smart agriculture. Promoting agroecological approaches can contribute to long-term environmental stewardship and sustainable land use, especially in regions facing soil degradation and water scarcity.
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