Evaluation of Soil Physical Properties in Natural and Conventional Farming in the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

Abstract

This study examines variations in soil properties resulting from natural and conventional farming (Farmer Practices) methods across three distinct duration categories (less than 5 years, 5 to 10 years and 10 to 15 years) in the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka. The results revealed that natural farming consistently produced lower soil bulk density, higher soil porosity, greater water-holding capacity and improved aggregate stability when compared to conventional farming practices. Over time, natural farming led to a decrease in bulk density; however, conventional practices showed an increase. Soil porosity, water-holding capacity and aggregate stability also saw improvement with natural farming because of the incorporation of organic matter, no-tillage methods and minimal disturbance. Conventional farming practices, which involved intensive tillage and the application of chemical inputs, resulted in soil compaction and structural degradation. Additionally, soil color became darker over time under natural farming, indicating a higher organic matter content; whereas, conventional practices contributed to lighter soil hues.