Evolution of Soil Chemical Characteristics under the Impact of Various Agricultural
Technologies and Economic Scenarious in Southern Romania

Lavinia Burtan¹, Monica Dumitrașcu¹, Amelia Victoria Anghel¹,
Marius Bogdan Petre⁴, Victor Petcu^2,3, Laurențiu Ciornei³

¹National Research and Development Institute for Soil Science,
Agrochemistry and Environment - ICPA Bucharest
²Centre of Study and Research for Agroforestry Biodiversity
“Acad. David Davidescu”, Bucharest
³National Agricultural Research and Development Institute Fundulea
⁴University Economic Studies of Bucharest

Keywords: agricultural technologies, minimum tillage, no-tillage, chemical properties.

Abstract: Two soil tillage systems were tested, the conventional system (classical) and the conservative system (minimal tillage), in the following locations: Mavrodin, Teleorman County; Sohatu, Călăraşi County and Afumaţi, Dolj County.
The soil classes identified in the studied areas are Cernisoles, with the types cambic Chernozem and typical Faeozom and Luvisoles with the type reddish Preluvosol (WRB-SR 2014).
Soil samples were collected at depths of 5-10; 25-30 and 45-50 cm depths and their and chemical properties were determined in the laboratory according to standardized methodology.
At U.A.T. Afumaţi, the minimum tillage system offers clear advantages over the classical one, by maintaining an optimal pH (weakly acid-neutral), a more stable humus content and a more balanced distribution of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). In contrast, classical tillage favors the alkalization of the soil, the loss of organic matter in depth and a reduced mobility of nutrients. Conservative technology contributes to the preservation of soil fertility and ensures long-term sustainable agriculture. Comparing the two systems of soil tillage in the Mavrodin area, the minimum tillage technology is distinguished by a more stable pH, a better accumulation of organic matter on the surface, as well as an increased concentration of nitrogen and potassium in the upper layers, favorable aspects for soil fertility. In contrast, classical tillage leads to deep soil acidification, a more uniform but weaker distribution of humus and nutrients, and potential leaching losses. Overall, the conservative system better supports long-term soil health and balance. The no-till (conservative) technology applied at Sohatu, favors a gradual improvement of the soil reaction (pH), especially in the deep layers, as well as a better accumulation of organic matter at the surface. Although the total nitrogen content is lower than the classical system, its distribution is more stable over depths. Mobile phosphorus is more concentrated in the superficial layer, and mobile potassium shows high values in 2024, with a slight decrease in 2025. The classical system maintains higher values of nitrogen and phosphorus in 2024, but this decrease significantly in 2025, indicating a potential long-term in of balance. Overall, the conservative system provides a better nutrient balance and improved soil sustainability.