Conservation Tillage: An Ecological Approach to Soil Management

Abstract

Conservation tillage is an ecological approach to seedbed preparation and soil surface management. Conservation tillage includes many different management practices. Therefore, the choice of the best-suited tillage system may vary widely among different agro-ecological environments. Conservation tillage has been described by conservationists as the greatest soil conservation practice to come along in the twentieth century. As the twenty-first century approaches, technology to successfully grow crops using a wide variety of conservation tillage systems is available to the farmers. The agricultural alliance of innovative farmers, research scientists, conservationists, and agribusiness has transformed crop residue management and conservation tillage from a concept to a future-oriented system of tillage and residue management that effectively reduces erosion and soil degradation. Conservation tillage is cost-effective and is environmentally acceptable. This chapter discusses the physical and chemical properties of soil and concludes with a discussion on surface mulch management, nutrient management, and pest management. © 1993, Academic Press, Inc.