EG 101: Crop Science - Tillage System
Overview of Tillage
- Objective: Control weeds, prepare seed bed, improve soil aeration and warmth.
- Benefits:
- Kills weeds by burying seeds and animals.
- Warms soil, increasing aeration and breaking soil crust.
- Incorporates residue, reducing diseases and insect habitats.
- Incorporates lime, fertilizer, or herbicides.
- Prepares soil for planting, reduces erosion, encourages water infiltration.
- Criticisms:
- Can damage soil structure.
- Causes compaction, reduces infiltration, increases erosion.
Types of Tillage Tools
- Primary Tillage:
- Moldboard Plow: deeply incorporates plant residue.
- Chisel Plow: different technique, affects soil structure.
- V-Blades and Subsoilers: cut roots, control depth.
- Secondary Tillage:
- Field Cultivators and Harrows: prepare seed bed.
- Rotary Hoes and Discs: mix soil, control weeds.
Tillage Systems
- Conventional Tillage: Includes primary and secondary operations; multiple steps and tools.
- Minimum Tillage: Fewer trips, leaves more residue on soil surface.
- No-Till: Planting directly into residue, minimal soil disturbance.
- Conservation Tillage:
- Leaves at least 30% of surface covered by residue.
- Reduces erosion, retains moisture, improves soil organic matter.
Effects on Soil and Crop
- Advantages:
- Increases moisture retention, reduces runoff.
- Less erosion, more infiltration.
- Saves fuel and labor.
- Supports early planting of cool-season crops.
- Disadvantages:
- Potential for increased pests and diseases.
- May require more insecticides, fungicides.
- Cold, wet soils may delay planting.
Conservation Tillage Techniques
- Strip Tillage: Narrow seed bed preparation.
- Ridge Tillage: Plants on ridges, reduces erosion.
- Rotary and Cultivator Tools: Control weeds without harming crop roots.
Conclusion
- Tillage practices vary and are chosen based on crop needs and soil conditions.
- Understanding benefits and drawbacks is crucial for effective crop management.
Note: For further questions, contact the lecturer via email.