Is there really anything like 'no-till' or 'zero-tillage' farming? An obvious contradiction

Abstract

Despite the all-important role of no-till (NT) or zero tillage (ZT) system, especially in the current fight against climate change effects, there seems to be no current evidence in literature where the grammatical suitability of the term is challenged. The goal here is not to contest the importance of the term, but to close an obvious gap in literature: a situation where users of the term (NT) mean differently from the actual meaning. Although authors agree (whether explicitly or implicitly) that NT farming is a reduced form of soil disturbance, evidences are that the term, which denotes total absence of tillage (cutting/digging or breakage of the soil before planting: a type of soil disturbance), continues to prevail in various discussions, which is an obvious contradiction. The suggestion therefore is that while all efforts to encourage NT practice adoption must increase, however a most suitable term should be considered.