Author
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Reicosky, Donald |
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Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Rural America
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Agriculture is one of the foundations of rural America and has a major influence on components of industry, world trade and global ecology. Tillage has been an integral part of agricultural production. The objective of this work was to describe the role of tillage in the production of food and fiber. Tillage systems and equipment were described as they relate to agricultural production and environmental issues causing global change. A the new technology has evolved, tillage has expanded to include many aspects of soil and crop residue management and has evolved into different tillage systems, each with their own objectives. Equipment used in these systems is briefly described. New technology is re-defining and combining some of these operations where tillage and planting are combined (no-till) and where mechanical cultivation is being replaced by herbicides. Improved soil management practices are described that minimize agriculture's impact on environmental quality while maintaining the soil resources. |
