Effects of Long-Term Tillage and Crop Rotation on Yield and Soil Carbon

Abstract

Introduction Tillage system and crop rotation have significant long-term effects on soil productivity and soil quality components such as soil carbon and other soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. In addition, both tillage and crop rotation have effects on weed and soil disease control. There is a definite need for well-defined long-term tillage and crop rotation studies across the different soils and climate conditions in Iowa. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term effects of different tillage systems and crop rotations on soil productivity.