Cyclic wetting-drying frequency effect on hydrophysical properties of cashew plantation soil

The soil hydro physical properties of agricultural land play a pivotal role in crop productivity and sustainability. This study investigates the impact of cyclic wetting and drying frequency on the hydro physical properties of soil within cashew plantation systems. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a significant cash crop in many tropical regions, and understanding how soil properties respond to varying moisture regimes is essential for optimizing cashew production and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.The research project employs a comprehensive field-based approach, combining soil sampling, laboratory analyses, and advanced data modeling techniques. Soil samples are collected from a predefined depth across different sections of a cashew plantation and subjected to varying wetting and drying cycles representative of natural rainfall and irrigation patterns. Parameters such as soil texture, moisture retention characteristics, bulk density, and soil porosity are assessed to gauge the hydro physical responses of the soil. The results of this investigation indicate that cyclic wetting and drying have distinct impacts on the hydro physical properties of cashew plantation soil. Over the duration of this study, changes occurred in Soil Moisture Dynamics. It was observed that frequent wetting and drying cycles resulted in more significant fluctuations in soil moisture content compared to less frequent cycles.Bulk Density and Porosity; the study revealed that cyclic wetting and drying had a limited effect on bulk density, indicating that the soil maintained its structural integrity even with repeated wetting and drying events. However, slight decrease in bulk density were observed under more frequent wetting and drying conditions. Conversely, porosity exhibited minor fluctuations but remained within an acceptable range for cashew cultivation.