The Impact of Different Soil Tillage Systems on the Physical Characteristics of Soils in the Context of Current Climate Change

Increasing aridity and climate variability are placing significant pressure on agricultural soils in southeastern Romania, where water scarcity and soil degradation increasingly limit crop productivity. In this context, the selection of appropriate soil tillage technologies plays a key role in maintaining soil structure, improving water retention, and supporting sustainable crop development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate different soil tillage technologies in areas affected by aridity phenomena in Tulcea County (Nalbant) and Constanța County (Cogealac and Râmnicu de Jos). A comparative analysis of two tillage systems was carried out in experimental fields, with soil sampling conducted in spring 2024 and 2025, in order to assess how conservation technologies influence the physical properties of soils within the studied administrative territorial units. Soil samples were collected at depths of 5-10 cm, 25-30 cm, and 45-50 cm, and their physical properties were determined in the laboratory using standardized methodologies. In the conventional tillage field (2024) organized at Cogealac, bulk density values were higher, particularly at 25-30 cm, where a value of 1.31 g/cm³ was recorded, indicating a more pronounced compaction. In contrast, the minimum tillage (no-till) technology resulted in a soil with lower bulk density, which may limit both water infiltration and root development under water stress conditions. In the conservation tillage field at Nalbant, soil sampling the spring 2024 sampling indicated a loose soil structure; however, by spring 2025, significant compaction was observed. Total porosity (PTwi, % v/v) in the two experimental fields ranged between 43.7% and 58.9%, indicating medium to very high values. At Râmnicu de Jos, both tillage systems produced soil structure favorable to root growth and development. Penetration resistance in the no-till system showed that, in spring 2025, the soil presented surface compaction (partially limiting root development), while conventional tillage exhibited more balanced resistance values. With regard to total porosity (PTwi, % v/v), all values recorded for both applied technologies were good (>48%), indicating a generally high soil capacity for water retention.