The field experiment was conducted in 2002–2003 by a split-plot method, in four replications on medium textured soil, good rye complex at the Agricultural Station of University of Wrocław. Two factors of the experiment were examined: 1) stubble crop fertilization with or without ploughing down straw; 2) autumn-spring tillage system and manure fertilization. The studies were carried out for sugar beet. Bulk density of the soil and total porosity were not significantly modified by tillage system and fertilization of stubble crop growing without or after ploughing down straw. During the emergence of sugar beet ploughing down stubble crop and straw decreased the soil moisture and water reserves of the soil in all the layers. Soil compaction significantly depended on tillage system. Giving up autumn tillage increased soil compaction during emergence, but at the harvest time the highest soil compaction was found after fall ploughing except the treatment with manure of 10 t ha-1.