The least limiting water range (LLWR) was used to determine several factors that influence plant growth. The LLWR is defined as the water content range in which aeration (AFP) and soil resistance to root penetration (RP) are not restrictive, within the field capacity (FC) and permanent wilting point (PWP). The aim of the present study was to determine the LLWR and soybean grain yield in an Oxisol under non-tillage (NT) and chiseled no-tillage (CNT) systems. The soil density, LLWR, soil water content range throughout the soybean crop cycle and grain yield were assessed. Soil density was lower in the CNT system, which resulted in a wider LLWR. Critical density (LLWR=0) was similar in the NT and CNT systems. The soil water content decreased to values outside the LLWR at different periods during the crop cycle when a limiting RP of 2 MPa was considered. It was concluded that an RP of 2 MPa is not limiting for soybean because there were no significant differences in grain yield between the two tillage systems.
Least limiting water range; no-tillage; chiseling; soil compaction
