Effect of Conventional Tillage and Zero Tillage on Different Soil and Yield Parameters

Abstract

Conservation and conventional tillage directly affects soil environment for crop production. Conservation tillage provides a layer of crop residue which increases soil fertility, soil erosion, leaching of fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides into the ground water. Studies conducted in different climate zones showed that no-tillage resulted in acidification of surface layer when continued for several years compared to conventional tillage. Some study shows Conservation tillage enhance water infiltration rate and reduce moisture evaporation from soil, while some other study stated slower water infiltration rate in no tillage soil then on tilled. surface tillage and no tillage instead of conventional tillage are to control soil erosion, enhance crop performance, and use energy more efficiently. Decomposition of crop residues kept on the soil surface possibly release allele-chemicals which further strengthen the inhibitory effects on weed seed germination and early growth and development of weed plant. As with impact of tillage on root distribution, no-tillage causes greater and deeper water accumulation in the soil profile and greater root growth. Higher labor, animal or equipment requirement is a major drawback of conventional tillage. Conservational tillage allows elimination of several operations, depending on the conservation tillage systems used. Observation of numerous studies reveals that zero-tillage is superior to conventional tillage resulting in higher yields. Similarly several studies reveals that crops grown under zero tillage have yields as similar as or better than those grown under conventional tillage.