In a no-till situation, soil test values in the top 2 inches of soil are generally ______ soil test values below 2 inches.

In a no-till system, the soil test values in the top 2 inches of soil are typically larger than those found below 2 inches. This phenomenon occurs due to several factors related to the no-till practice itself, which reduces soil disturbance and promotes the accumulation of organic matter on the surface.

In no-till scenarios, dried plant residues and organic materials are allowed to remain on the field, contributing to higher nutrient levels near the surface. The interaction between these residues and soil microorganisms also enhances nutrient cycling in the upper layers, often resulting in nutrient concentrations that are significantly higher than those found deeper in the soil profile, where less organic material and biological activity are present.

Additionally, the uppermost 2 inches of soil benefits from atmospheric interactions, such as precipitation, which can introduce and distribute nutrients from the surface. This leads to a more fertile and enriched top layer compared to deeper soil layers, aligning with the choice that soil test values in the top 2 inches are larger than those below 2 inches.