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Tillage Long-Term Effects on Soil Organic Matter Humification and Humic Acids Structural Changes in Regosol Profiles Typical of an Arid Region

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Abstract

This study aims to assess soil organic matter (SOM) humification and changes in molecular structures of humic acids (HAs) induced by long term management practices over soil profile under arid climate in south-eastern Tunisia. Two experimental fields were studied: the first was cultivated with olive tree and tilled for long term (CT) while the second was uncultivated without any management practices and with native vegetation (NC). Soil samples were collected at different depths from (CT) and (NC) profiles to determine chemical properties. Humic acids were isolated and studied by measuring UV-visible ratios (E465/665, E280/664 and E472/664) and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. Results showed that long-term tillage practices reduced the SOM amount, aromatic condensation, molecular size and humification degree in surface layer of CT confirmed by the decrease in the fluorescence emission areas and UV-visible ratios. Inversely, in deep layers, results showed a greatly humified organic matter and aromatic structures condensation in CT. Long-term tillage leads to a significant decrease in aromatic condensation and OM humification in surface layers. Unmanaged soils provided a favorable environment to maintain OM chemical structures and restore soil quality under long-term management practices.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors are thankful for the members of the organic farm located in the Châal region in Sfax (Tunisia).

Funding

This research was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Tunisia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Earth Sciences Department, Sfax Faculty of Sciences, University of Sfax, 3000, Sfax, BP 1171, Tunisia

    Imen Ben Mahmoud, Hadda Ben Mbarek, Mounir Medhioub & Hafedh Rigane

  2. Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development (LR18ES32), University of Sfax, IPEIS, BP 172, Sfax, Tunisia

    Imen Ben Mahmoud, Hadda Ben Mbarek & Hafedh Rigane

  3. Olive Tree Institute of Sfax, 3000, Sfax, PO Box 1087, Tunisia

    Kamel Gargouri

  4. Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cadiz, Campus Universitario, Puerto Real, 11510, Cadiz, Spain

    Ángel Sánchez-Bellón

  5. Laboratory of Eremology and Combating Desertification (LR16IRA01), Arid Regions Institute, University of Gabes, 4119, Medenine, Tunisia

    Mohamed Moussa

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  1. Imen Ben Mahmoud
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Ben Mahmoud, I., Mbarek, H.B., Sánchez-Bellón, Á. et al. Tillage Long-Term Effects on Soil Organic Matter Humification and Humic Acids Structural Changes in Regosol Profiles Typical of an Arid Region. Eurasian Soil Sc. 57, 577–588 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229323602007

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