Abstract
Soil pore structure is a critical indicator of soil quality and ecological functions, directly influencing the transport processes of water, nutrients, and gases, as well as microbial activity in the soil. This paper provides a systematic review of the fundamental concepts, types, and measurement methods of soil pore structure, with a focus on the regulatory mechanisms driven by natural factors and human interventions. In particular, the study explores the impact mechanisms of different tillage practices (e.g., conventional tillage, no-tillage, deep tillage) on soil pore structure from physical, chemical, and biological perspectives, highlighting their short-term responses and long-term evolution characteristics. Additionally, the paper examines the influence of regional climate, soil types, and cropping systems on the regulatory patterns of tillage practices. Based on these findings, the paper proposes strategies to optimize tillage practices for improving soil pore structure, including the design of adaptive tillage systems, the development of key technologies, and their practical application. Finally, it summarizes the current research progress and challenges while identifying future research priorities. This paper provides practical insights for optimizing tillage practices, improving soil quality, and promoting sustainable agricultural development.