Author
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UNGER, PAUL - USDA-ARS RETIRED |
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Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Soil Science
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2006 Publication Date: 6/1/2006 Citation: Unger, P.W. 2006. No Till. In: Lal, R., editor. Encyclopedia of Soil Science. Dekker Encyclopedias, Taylor and Francis Group, New York, NY. p. 1137-1139. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: No-till, also known as no-tillage or zero-tillage, is a type of conservation tillage that results in at least 30% of the soil surface being covered with crop residues when the next crop is planted. This paper briefly describes the advantages and disadvantages of using the no-till method of crop production. Use of no-till for crop production purposes is highly effective for controlling soil erosion by water and wind, and it also provides water conservation benefits. Other advantages of using the no-till method include increased crop yields and net income under some conditions, as well as lower equipment inventories, equipment maintenance costs, and energy and labor requirements. Disadvantages under some conditions include greater use of herbicides for controlling weeds, lower soil temperatures that delay crop establishment and potentially reduce crop yields, and potentially increased pest problems (insects, plant diseases, and rodents). With careful management, most disadvantages can be overcome or their effects can be minimized. Use of no-till has been shown to be an effective crop production method under a wide range of conditions in many parts of the world. |
