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Abstract

The effect of moldboord plowing on displacement of soil, particle size
> 2 mm, on a 2-14% slope as well as soil losses due to the mechanical means were investigated. Aluminium cubes, one cm3 each were placed as tracer into the soil at 7 and 12 cm depths in plots of OAx 0.4 and 0.8x 0.8 m with 10 and 20 cm spacings in 5 rows, 5 columns. There were 24 plots plowed parallel to
and 24 ones plowed perpendicular to the contour line. More than 90 percent of cubes were found. A relationship between tillage affected soil translocation and slope gradient was determined. An average soil loss of 14.08 tons. h-1 year-1 per plowing operation, in a parallel direction was, calculated. This trend
must be stopped to maintain agricultural productivity, since tillage incJuced erosion was found to be quite a significant contributor to the total soil loss. Soil texture was sandy loam, with a bulk density of 1350 kg. m -3. Tractor forward speed was 3.5 km.h-1 and plowing depth at 15 cm. Each of these
parameters had its own effect on soil displacement.

Keywords