PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF SOIL UNDER SOYBEAN AND COMMON BEAN CROPS AS AFFECTED BY DIFFERENT TILLAGE SYSTEMS IN THE RIGHT-BANK FOREST-STEPPE OF UKRAINE

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study investigating the effects of different tillage systems on the agrophysical and agrochemical properties of heavy loamy podzolized chernozem in soybean and vegetable bean agroecosystems under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Field experiments were conducted during 2024–2026 using a split-plot design with four replications. Three tillage systems were evaluated: conventional tillage, reduced tillage (mini-till), and strip tillage (strip-till). The study included two soybean cultivars, ES Mentor and Pallada, and two vegetable bean cultivars, Berggold and Fruidor. Soil bulk density was assessed throughout the 0–60 cm soil profile, along with the concentrations of available macro- and micronutrients, depending on tillage practices and crop species. The results revealed differentiated effects of the investigated tillage systems on the physical condition of the soil profile and the availability of mineral nutrients. Conventional tillage resulted in the lowest soil bulk density in the upper 0–20 cm layer, providing favorable conditions for root system development. Under mini-till and particularly strip-till, localized increases in soil bulk density were observed at depths of 21–50 cm, indicating spatial heterogeneity in the agrophysical characteristics of the soil profile. At the same time, conservation tillage systems were associated with more favorable agrochemical properties. The highest concentrations of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and micronutrients, including Fe, Mn, and Cu, were recorded under strip-till. Nutrient accumulation was more pronounced in vegetable bean agroecosystems than in soybean agroecosystems, potentially reflecting differences in rhizosphere functioning and biological nutrient cycling. The findings demonstrate the existence of trade-offs between the agrophysical and agrochemical effects of different tillage systems. Conventional tillage provided more favorable physical conditions in the upper soil layer, whereas strip-till was characterized by greater availability of essential plant nutrients. These relationships substantiate the importance of selecting tillage systems according to soil conditions, crop-specific biological characteristics, and the need to preserve the natural resource potential of agroecosystems.