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ARS Home » Plains Area » Bushland, Texas » Conservation and Production Research Laboratory » Livestock Nutrient Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #118490
Title: CONSERVATION TILLAGE AND NO-TILLAGE

Author
item UNGER, PAUL - USDA-ARS, RETIRED

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Water Science
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/3/2003
Publication Date: 8/1/2003
Citation: Unger, P.U. 2003. Conservation tillage and no-tillage. In: Stewart, B.A., Howell, T.A., editors. Encyclopedia of Water Science. New York, NY: Marcel-Dekker, Inc. p. 80-82.

Interpretive Summary: Conservation tillage and no-tillage farming systems are based on keeping enough crop residues on the soil surface, mainly to control erosion. These systems also result in greater water conservation; better protection of the environment; equipment, energy, and labor savings; and often greater net returns to the producer. Some disadvantages result from using these systems, especially no-tillage, and they may not be suitable for use under all conditions. Not all disadvantages occur under all conditions. Possible disadvantages include greater use of herbicides, lower soil temperatures at planting time in cool regions, poorly suited for poorly drained soils, poor weed control with herbicides, high cost of herbicides, need for new equipment, possibly greater pest problems (insects, diseases, rodents), limited amounts of crop residues, greater soil compaction, and a need for greater management skills. Most disadvantages, however, can be minimized or overcome by careful management.

Technical Abstract: Conservation tillage and no-tillage farming systems are based on retaining sufficient crop residues on the soil surface, mainly to control erosion. Other benefits include water conservation; environmental protection; equipment, energy, and labor savings; and often greater net returns to the producer. Some disadvantages occur under some conditions and the systems, especially no-tillage, may not be suitable for all conditions. Potential disadvantages include greater use of herbicides, lower soil temperatures in cool regions, poor adaptability to poorly drained soils, poor weed control with herbicides, high cost of herbicides, need for new equipment, potential for greater pest problems (insects, diseases, rodents), limited residues, greater soil compaction, and a need for greater managerial ability. Most disadvantages, however, can be minimized or overcome by careful management.