ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF COVER CROPS ON BIOLOGICAL HEALTH PARAMETERS OF LUVIC PHAEOZEM UNDER THE NO-TILL SYSTEM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31861/biosystems2026.01.133Keywords:
No-till, cover crops, Luvic Phaeozem, nitrogen regime, bulk density, soil biological activity, earthworms, soil structure, bioporosity, soil fertility, Prut-Dniester interfluveAbstract
The effects of cover crops in a No-Till cropping system on the agrochemical, agrophysical, and biological properties of dark gray forest soil in the Prut–Dnister interfluve were investigated. Soil responses were evaluated using indicators of nutrient status, bulk density, the rate of microbiological decomposition of organic residues, and the abundance of soil mesofauna. The results indicate that cover crops induce distinct yet complementary changes in soil functioning. Leguminous species primarily stimulate nitrogen cycling, whereas cereal and brassica cover crops improve the physical structure of the topsoil through the formation of root-derived biopores.
The greatest overall improvement in soil properties was observed in treatments with lupine, rye, and oilseed radish. These treatments were characterized by lower soil bulk density, enhanced decomposition of organic matter, and increased soil biological activity. Collectively, the findings suggest that cover crops promote the reorganization of key functional processes governing soil fertility by influencing the interactions among organic carbon, nitrogen, and soil biotic communities.
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