Vertisols: surface crack management

Abstract

High smectite clay causes the formation of cracks that are a striking feature of black Vertisols, which are also distinguished by the presence of potholes. Soil cracks improve water recharge through preferential flow during the rainy season. A network of surface and subsurface cracks is also a prerequisite to the formation of a pothole. Cracks also extend the soil–air interface in the soil profile. Thus, the evaporation loss is high from surface and subsurface cracks, which also increase the number of wetting/drying cycles. Loss of soil moisture in rainfed regions can severely jeopardize crop productivity. Thus, there exists a strong need to understand the cracking patterns in Vertisols for the management of cracks and to minimize loss of profile soil moisture. Cracking patterns can be altered by management practices such as tillage, addition of soil amendments, and different crop covers/cropping systems. Despite their importance, scientific knowledge on managing surface cracks in Vertisols is very scanty. Different management practices, namely conservation tillage, residue retention, and addition of soil amendments, were effective in reducing crack formation in Vertisols. This entry lucidly revolves around the surface cracks and its management in Vertisols.