Effect of Tillage Methods

Soil tillage is among the important factors affecting soil properties and crop yield. Tillage method also affects the sustainable use of soil resources through its influence on soil properties. The proper use of tillage can improve soil related constrains, while excessive and unnecessary tillage operations is often harmful to soil. Therefore, there is a significant interest and emphasis on the shift to the conservation and no-tillage methods for the purpose of controlling undesirable processes such as destruction of soil structure, accelerated erosion, and depletion of organic matter and fertility. Conventional tillage practices modify soil structure by changing its physical and mechanical properties such as soil bulk density, soil penetration resistance and soil moisture content. On the other hand, conservation tillage methods often result in decreased pore space, increased soil strength and stable aggregates. At this time, a wide range of tillage methods is being used without evaluating their effect on crop yield and growth. This book contains the response of some important crops to tillage methods in the arid lands of Iran.