Effect Of Different Tillage Methods Research Articles

Multi-omics analysis of soil microbiota and metabolites in dryland wheat fields under different tillage methods

No-tillage and subsoiling can improve soil aggregate structure and realize a synergistic effect of soil carbon and nitrogen retention compared with deep tillage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different tillage methods on the microbiome and metabolites in wheat rhizosphere. Results indicated that no significant differences in the diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities were observed among the tillage methods. Analysis revealed that no-tillage enriched specific genera such as Cryptosporangium, Crossiella, Rhodothermaceae, Leptothrix, Stilbella, Diutina, and Pyrenochaetopsis, while subsoiling was associated with Rubrobacter, Latescibacteraceae, Nitrospira, Rokubacteriales, and Ctenomyces. Deep tillage, on the other hand, showed significant associations with Nocardia, Aeromicrobium, Sphingopyxis, Cordyceps, and Subulicystidium. Metabolomic analysis identified differential metabolites involved in various pathways, including the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites, ABC transporters, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Correlation analysis revealed a significant interaction between microorganisms and metabolites in wheat rhizosphere. Bacteria at the genus level exhibited greater associations with differential metabolites. In conclusion, different tillage practices can alter the composition of microbial communities and metabolites in wheat rhizosphere, and their interactions may affect soil fertility and wheat growth.

Effect of different tillage methods on growth parameters and economics of pulse crops grown in mechanically harvested lowland rice

Effect of different tillage methods on growth parameters and economics of pulse crops grown in mechanically harvested lowland rice

Effects of tillage and maturity stage on the yield, nutritive composition, and silage fermentation quality of whole-crop wheat.

Whole-crop wheat (Triticum aestivum, WCW) has a high nutritional value and digestibility. No-tillage (NT) can reduces energy and labor inputs in the agricultural production process, thus decreasing production costs. There are many studies on planting techniques of WCW at present, few being on no-tillage planting. This study aimed to compare the effects of different tillage methods and maturity stages on the yield, nutritive value, and silage fermentation quality of WCW. The experiment included two tillage methods (NT; conventional tillage, CT), two maturity stages (flowering stage; milk stage), and three years (2016-2017; 2017-2018; 2018-2019). Years had a strong influence on the yield and nutritional composition of WCW. This was mainly related to the amount of rainfall, as it affects the seedling emergence rate of wheat. Although tillage methods showed no significant effects on the yield, plant height, and stem number per plant of WCW (P > 0.05), compared to CT, the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yields of NT decreased by 0.74 t/ha and 0.13 t/ha. Tillage methods showed no significant effects on the nutritive composition of WCW (P > 0.05). The WCW at the milk stage had greater DM (5.25 t/ha) and CP (0.60 t/ha) yields than that at the flowering stage (3.19 t/ha and 0.39 t/ha) (P< 0.05). The acid detergent fiber concentration of WCW decreased by 34.5% from the flowering to the milk stage, whereas water-soluble carbohydrates concentration increased by 50.6%. The CP concentration at the milk stage was lower than that at the flowering stage (P< 0.05). The lactic acid concentration of NT (17.1 g/kg DM) silage was lower than that of CT (26.6 g/kg DM) silage (P< 0.05). The WCW silage at the milk stage had a lower NH3-N concentration (125 g/kg TN) than that at the flowering stage (169 g/kg TN) (P< 0.05). Wheat sown by NT and CT was of similar yield and nutritional value, irrespective of harvest stages. WCW harvested at the milk stage had greater yield and better nutritional composition and silage fermentation quality than that at the flowering stage. Based upon the results of the membership function analysis, no-tillage sowing of wheat was feasible and harvesting at milk stage was recommended.

Effects of Different Tillage Methods on Soil Organic Carbon Fractions in Irrigated Farmland

Effects of Different Tillage Methods on Soil Organic Carbon Fractions in Irrigated Farmland

Effect of microrelief features of tillage methods under different rainfall intensities on runoff and soil erosion in slopes

Tillage methods play a crucial role in controlling rainwater partitioning and soil erosion. This study utilized rainfall simulation experiments to investigate the impact of four tillage methods (manual digging (MD), manual hoeing (MH), traditional ploughing (TP), and ridged ploughing (RP)) on runoff and soil erosion at the plot scale. The smooth slope (SS) was used as a benchmark. Rainfall intensities of 30, 60, 90, and 120 mm h−1 were considered. The study revealed that tillage altered rainwater distribution into depression storage, infiltration, and runoff. Tillage reduces runoff and increases infiltration. The four tillage methods (30–73%) increased the proportion of rainwater converted to infiltration to varying degrees compared to the SS (22–53%). Microrelief features influenced the role of tillage methods in soil erosion. Surface roughness and depression storage accounted for 79% of the variation in sediment yield. The four tillage methods reduced runoff by 2.1–64.7% and sediment yield by 2.5–77.2%. Moreover, increased rainfall intensity weakens the ability of tillage to control soil erosion. When rainfall intensity increased to 120 mm h−1, there was no significant difference in runoff yield among RP, TP, MH, and SS. Therefore, assessing the effectiveness of tillage in reducing soil erosion should consider changes in rainfall intensity. Additionally, the cover management (C) factor of the RUSLE was used to assess the effects of different tillage methods on soil loss. Overall, the C factor values for tilled slopes are in the order MH > TP > RP > MD with a range of 0.23–0.97. As the surface roughness increases, the C factor tends to decrease, and the two are exponential functions (R2 = 0.86). These studies contribute to our understanding of how different tillage methods impact runoff and soil erosion in sloped farmland and provide guidance for selecting appropriate local manual tillage methods.

Assessment of Soil Bulk Density and Moisture Content of Light-Gray-Brown Arable Soils at the Rainfed Condition

The article discusses the effects of different tillage methods, predecessors, and mineral fertilizers on the soil bulk density and soil moisture content of light-gray-brown soils at the rainfed condition. The results of the research conducted during the years 2014-2017 under cereal crops reveal that the soil bulk density and soil moisture content exhibit dynamic changes within the vegetation period, depending on the tillage method, the growth stages of the crops and other factor. Furthermore, there is differentiation in the moisture content and soil bulk density between the topsoil and the subsoil layer. During the research period moisture content varies depending on precipitation, crop growth stages, predecessors. Optimum moisture level is observed within periods of relatively higher precipitation and intensive growth stage of crops. Soil bulk density has varied within the range of 0.97-1.53 g/cm³. Favorable physical condition has been observed under the conventional and minimum tillage. Based on the research findings, the bulk density and moisture content of light-gray-brown arable soils can be assessed satisfactory through relevant quantitative indicators.

Eight-year tillage in black soil, effects on soil aggregates, and carbon and nitrogen stock

The effects of different tillage management practices on the soil aggregates, soil carbon stock (STCS), and soil nitrogen stock (STNS) are key issues in agricultural research. We conducted an 8-year field experiment to evaluate the effects of different tillage methods: stubble cleaning and ridging (CK), no-tillage with stubble retention (NT), plow tillage (PT), and width lines (WL) on soil aggregates, STCS, and STNS in the black soil corn continuous cropping area of Northeast China. Different tillage methods predominantly affected the soil aggregates in the 2–0.25 mm and 0.25–0.053 mm size classes. The PT methods increased the proportion of macroaggregates and improved the quality of the soil aggregates. PT methods significantly increased the soil organic carbon content at the 0–30 cm layer by changing the number of soil macroaggregates. The PT practices are better strategies for enhancing soil carbon sinks, and the WL method increased the total amount of N in the soil pool. Our results suggest that the PT and WL methods are the best strategies for improving the quality of soil aggregates and preventing/reducing depletion of soil C and N in a black soil area of Northeast China.

Analysis of the Effects of Different Tillage Methods on Soil Water Holding Characteristics and Organic Carbon Storage in Farmland

Analyze the impact of tillage on soil carbon storage, define scientific farming methods in Chengdu Plain, China, and provide the basis for regional optimization of farming models and soil improvement. Based on 4 location experiments, two tillage treatments, conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT), were selected to analyze the difference of the impact of tillage on organic carbon. Due to different crop types and soil properties, there are regional differences in the impact of no tillage on soil organic carbon storage, which can significantly improve the surface soil organic carbon storage in various regions. In general, no tillage conservation tillage technology is an effective way to improve surface organic carbon storage.

Effectiveness of Conventional and Minimized Tillage Practices on Soil Quality Properties and Maize Yield Attributes

The effects of tillage systems on soil properties and crop productivity have been the subject of many studies to ensure sustainable productivity. Aims: In the study, the effects of different tillage methods applied in the intermediate period of wheat-maize rotation on the soil quality properties and corn yield elements were investigated in the pre-planting period (PP) and plant growth period (PGP) of corn. Methods: Conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage with subsoiling and chisel (MT1), minimum tillage with subsoiling (MT2), minimum tillage with chisel (MT3) and direct sowing (DS) methods were compared. As a result of the tillage practices, at 0-20 cm, the highest bulk density values were measured in the DS and CT methods, and 20-40 cm was determined in the CT method. The penetration resistance values of the soils measured at a depth of 0-80 cm were significantly affected by the applications made in both PP and PGP. The highest saturation value was measured in the MT3, the highest field capacity and plant available water contents were measured in the DS. The effects of the applications on the chemical properties of the soil and the nutrient content of the corn plant were limited. The effects on only grain protein ratio from yield components of corn plant were significant, the highest value was measured in CT. Considering the sustainable management of soils labour requirement and lower costs it was concluded that DS and MT methods are more applicable than CT methods in terms of yield.

Effects of Tillage Methods on Crop Root Growth Trend Based on 3D Modeling Technology

Strip rotary tillage seeding technology has been widely used in rice–wheat rotation system, benefiting the economy greatly. The purpose of farming is to create a comfortable seedbed environment for crop growth. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the effects of tillage methods on wheat root configuration and growth trend in the research of strip tillage, instead of just focusing on optimizing the shape of tillage tools, sowing methods, and soil fragmentation. To clarify the effects of different tillage methods on crop root growth trends, a two-year wheat planting experiment was carried out. Strip tillage (ST1 and ST2) and full width tillage treatment (FT) were designed, 3D models of root structure and soil on the surface of the seedbed wall were established, and four quantitative indexes were proposed: soil surface roughness of seedbed wall (SR), difference coefficient of root soil space occupation (P), difference coefficient of root angle expansion trend (PA), and difference coefficient of root length expansion trend (PL). The results showed that the cultivation method directly affects the growth trend of wheat roots. The wheat roots tended to grow along the inter-specific direction under ST treatment on the 14th day, and the average P, PA, and PL were as high as 38, 43, and 55, respectively. The SR produced by ST1 treatment was 70% lower than that of ST2 treatment, suggesting ST1 treatment had more serious restrictions on root growth. P, PA, and PL in ST1 treatment were 38.5%, 14%, and 43% higher than those in ST2 treatment within 14 days, respectively. This paper briefly explains the effects of tillage methods on the growth trend of wheat roots, provides new methods and technologies for the rapid and effective acquisition of soil surface information, solved the problem of the trend of root expansion being difficult to quantify, and provided a new direction for the optimization of tillage methods.

The Effect of Different Tillage Methods and Nitrogen Chemical Fertilizer on Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Corn.

Selection of suitable tillage and application of optimal nitrogen fertilizer are essential to achieve optimal efficiency in crop management. In order to investigate the effect of tillage and nitrogen fertilizer on photosynthetic pigments and quantitative and qualitative traits of corn grain, an experiment was conducted in the research farm of Islamic Azad University, Chalous Branch, Mazandaran Province, Iran, in 2016 and 2017. Experimental factors were tillage at three levels, including no-tillage (NT), conservation tillage (MT), and conventional tillage (CT) in the main plot, and nitrogen fertilizer at four levels (no nitrogen fertilizer application and 33, 66, and 100% of the recommended amount of nitrogen fertilizer) in a subplot. The results showed that, in tillage treatments, increasing nitrogen fertilizer application increased photosynthetic pigments. Carotenoids and chlorophyll b were not significantly different in CT and MT treatments. Nitrogen and grain protein, yield components, and biological yield increased with the increasing use of recommended nitrogen fertilizer. The highest grain and biological yields in MT in the second year were observed at 11633.15 and 16644.16 kg·ha1, respectively. Grain and biological yield in the second year than the first year were further increased in NT and MT treatments compared to CT. Yield in MT and NT treatments improves over time. Due to the time limit in land preparation in the study area, the use of MT with 100 and 66% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer can replace CT in the area.

Determination of the effects of different tillage methods and irrigation levels on soybean yield and yield components

AbstractThis study was carried out to determine the effects of different irrigation levels and different tillage and sowing methods on the amount of irrigation water, evapotranspiration, water productivity (WP) and yield in the second crop soybean in Çukurova Region, Turkey. Three irrigation levels were applied (I100: completion to the field capacity of the available water of 60 cm soil depth weekly. I70: 70% of the water applied to I100, I50: 50% of the water applied to I100), five tillage and sowing methods were used (T1: traditional soil tillage, T2: reduced soil tillage, T3: reduced soil tillage, T4: ridge tillage, T5: no-tillage). The research was carried out in a randomized block split-plot design with three replications. The result of, the highest yield was obtained in I100xT1 with 4990 kg/ha, while the lowest yield was obtained in I50xT3 with 3150 kg/ha in irrigation x tillage interactions. When the water consumption values of plants were analysed, the highest was obtained with 632 mm I100 and the lowest with 399 mm I50. When WP values were analysed, the highest was obtained with 8.7 in I50 and the lowest in 6.6 and I100. As a result, full irrigation and direct sowing methods (I100T1) are recommended in soybean cultivation considering the highest water-yield relationship in the Mediterranean Region.

Determining The Effect of Different Tillage Methods on Soil Penetration Resistance During Wheat Growing Season

Conservation tillage systems are applied due to their benefits for soil properties. However, studies have reported that conservation tillage system has negative effects on soil such as soil compaction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tillage systems (minimum till, conventional till) on soil compaction during wheat cultivation. For this purpose, the penetration resistance readings were collected monthly from January to June at the depth of 0-80 cm. In order to determine soil moisture content, disturbed soil samples were collected at the same time with penetration measurements at the depth of 0-20 cm. The highest values of penetration resistance were recorded in May and June at the depths of 21-80 cm. In the meantime, the lowest values of soil moisture content were observed in May and June at the depth of 0-20 cm. In 21-30 cm soil layer, according to means of depth, penetration resistance was 2.04 MPa, which is the limit value for root growth in minimum tilled plots while 1.58 MPa in conventional tilled plots at the same depth. Results showed that penetration resistance increased with increasing soil depth and decreased with increasing soil moisture content, and soil penetration resistance increased under minimum tillage.

Effects of tillage method and drainage management on some soil physical properties

Tillage is one of the most important practices affecting soil physical and hydraulic properties. Its effects may vary intensely according to the tillage method. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different tillage methods (moldboard plow+disk harrow, moldboard plow+rotary tiller and chisel plow+disk harrow) and drainage (subsurface drainage and non-drainage) on soil physical properties in a clay loam soil. The experiment was conducted in split-plot in time statistical design. Soil bulk density, aeration porosity, organic matter, aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) and water infiltration rate were measured after planting and after harvesting of winter-wheat crop. Results revealed that the tillage method had significant effect on organic matter content, such that the lowest (1.18%) and highest (1.35%) values were observed in moldboard plow/disk harrow and chisel treatment, respectively. Tillage effect was significant on saturated moisture content, MWD, aeration porosity and infiltration rate. The effect of time was significant on all investigated factors. The effect of drainage was significant on MWD and infiltration rate. Evaluating the interaction effect of tillage and drainage indicated that the contribution of drainage on changing MWD is higher than the tillage methods. Further, it was concluded that the selection of tillage method had an important role on aeration porosity and MWD in no drainage condition, so that moldboard plow makes much more aeration porosity (25.48% against 17.17%) and less MWD (2.40 against 2.80 mm) compared to chisel. According to the result, the treatment combination including drainage/after planting/moldboard plow and disk harrow had the lowest MWD and also, combined treatment of no drainage/after harvesting/chisel plow) had the highest MWD. The application of chisel is not recommended in no-drained areas having high level of groundwater, because of the highest saturated moisture content and MWD along with the lowest aeration porosity compared to moldboard plow.

Best tillage practices for early-growth of clonal eucalyptus in soils with distinct granulometry, drainage and profile depth

Soil tillage influences early-growth, uniformity, and productivity of commercial forests. Best tillage practices for soils with constraints of compaction, drainage or shallow soils, all reducing the effective rooting-depth, are widely unknown for subtropical forest plantations in South America. The study aimed to quantify the effects of different tillage methods on breaking up and/or turning over the soil and on physical properties in three different soils, and relationships with early growth (up to 24 months of age) of clonal Eucalyptus saligna in southern Brazil. The tillage methods consisted of subsoiling to 50 cm plus rototilling, subsoiling to 50 cm plus ridging, and subsoiling to 70 cm plus rototilling. The soils were low-drainage Planosol, shallow sandy Regosol, and compacted clayey well-drained Nitisol. The dendrometric evaluations for initial growth show the best tillage method depended on soil type and dendrometric variable. Tree height is maximized by deep subsoiling (70 cm) in Nitisol, and by shallow subsoiling (50 cm) plus ridging in Regosol and Planosol. Tree diameter at breast height and basal area were maximized by shallow subsoiling with or without ridging in Planosol, deep subsoiling in Nitisol, and shallow subsoiling with ridging or with deep subsoiling in Regosol. When considering all the studied dendometric variables (tree height, diameter at breast height, and basal area), subsoiling plus ridging is recommend for low-drainage or shallow soils, whereas deep-subsoiling is necessary in clay soils.

Study of the Mechanics and Micro-Structure of Wheat Straw Returned to Soil in Relation to Different Tillage Methods

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of different tillage methods, and their interaction on the dynamic changes of straw decomposition rate, mechanical properties, and micro-structure of the stalk. A nylon mesh bag technique was used. An obvious change was observed in the decomposition rate of straw, and its mechanical, and micro-structural properties. The decomposition rate of straw was increased in all tillage treatments. Specifically, it increased consistently in conventional and dry rotary tillage, and sharply in wet rotary tillage. Furthermore, for all tillage, the mechanical properties like shear and bending strengths decreased sharply while compressive strength first decreased linearly and then increased, whereas the micro-structure of wheat straw showed a fluctuating trend, i.e., it changed neither regularly nor consistently over time. Moreover, the micro-structure of the stalk explained the morphological changes to the straw that returned to the field, which may impact the mechanical properties. However, these changes could not explain the degradation trend of straw directly. The findings of the study could be used as a theoretical reference for the design of tillage and harvesting machinery keeping in view soil solidification and compaction dynamics.

The Effects of Tillage and Fertilizers on Growth Characteristics of Kabuli Chickpea Under Mediterranean Conditions

Abstract Mediterranean semi-arid region is sensitive to physical, chemical and biological soil disturbances related to intensive tillage. Presented field experiment was conducted at Razan district, Hamedan, located in central west zone, Iran during the 2017–2018 growing season. It dealt with the effects of different tillage methods and treatments on growth, yield and yield contributing characters of spring Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under irrigated condition. Effects of two tillage methods – inversion tillage (mouldboard ploughing – T1) and non-inversion tillage (chisel ploughing – T2) – in combination with five different fertilization treatments (C: complete fertilizer; 20FYM: 20 Mg·ha−1 farmyard manure; 40FYM: 40 Mg·ha−1 farmyard manure; NPK: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at 2-1-1 ratio; 0: no fertilizer for the control purposes) were studied. The experiment was carried out in split block design with three replications. Results showed that application of 40FYM under T1 condition significantly decreased the number of days to seedling emergence. The highest number of days to flowering was recorded for plants cultivated with inorganic fertilization and reduced tillage. Application of large amounts of FYM significantly increased the ground cover and canopy width for both tillage methods. The highest number of secondary branches was recorded for combination 40FYM – T1, which was followed by C – T2. The pod number per plant was considerably sensitive to different combination of treatments and the best results were recorded for combinations 40FYM – T2; 20FYM – T2; and 40FYM – T1. A similar trend was also recorded for the total dry matter. The heaviest seeds were observed in cases with the application of high levels of FYM. The highest seed yield was observed for plants cultivated using 40FYM – T2. Furthermore, the highest harvest index was recorded for 40FYM – T2, and C – T2. The results indicate that non-inversion tillage together with high-level FYM application can significantly affect the yield levels.

Zero Tillage Improves Soil Properties, Reduces Nitrogen Loss and Increases Productivity in a Rice Farmland in Ghana

Soil fertility in Ghana continues to decline due to the overdependency on farm machinery to till the land coupled with the continuous application of mineral fertilizer, which has a resultant effect on agricultural non-point source (AgNPS) pollution. A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different tillage methods on soil properties, nitrogen loss reduction and rice productivity of a gleysol, developed over granite. Five tillage methods—namely, zero tillage direct seeding (ZTDS), zero tillage transplanting (ZTTS), reduced tillage direct seeding (RTDS), reduced tillage transplanting (RTTS), and conventional tillage (CT)—were studied in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. After two cropping seasons, soil bulk density was in the order of (ZTTS = ZTDS) ˃ RTDS ˃ RTTS ˃ CT. ZTDS and ZTTS were associated with significantly higher levels of nutrients in the top soil (0–20 cm) as compared with the rest of the treatments. Plant height was in the order of CT &gt; RTTS = ZTTS &gt; RTDS &gt; ZTDS. The highest grain yield was recorded by both CT and ZTTS significantly different from the rest of the treatments. ZTDS recorded the highest stover yield for both years. Subsequently, CT was associated with high release of potential pollutant loads which could lead to AgNPS pollution, as is evident from the high nutrient loss. Considering the high nutrient concentration at 0–20 cm, the reduced nutrient movement and the corresponding yield improvement, ZTDS and ZTTS are recommended for farmers in Ghana to ensure sustainable rice production, reduce AgNPS pollutant movement and ultimately provide an eco-protective and friendly environment for sustainable rice production.

Micronutrients decline under long-term tillage and nitrogen fertilization

Tillage and nitrogen (N) fertilization can be expected to alter micronutrient dynamics in the soil and in plants over time. However, quantitative information regarding the effects of tillage and N application rates on micronutrient dynamics is limited. The objectives of this study were (a) to determine the long-term effect of different tillage methods as well as variation in N application rates on the distribution of Mehlich III extractable manganese, copper, zinc, boron, and iron in soils and (b) to assess accumulation of the same nutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tissues. The system studied was under a dryland winter wheat-fallow (WW-F) rotation. Tillage methods included moldboard (MP), disk (DP) and sweep (SW), and the N application rates were 0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg ha−1. The concentration of soil manganese was greater under DP (131 mg kg−1) than under MP (111 mg kg−1). Inorganic N application reduced extractable soil copper while, it increased manganese accumulation in wheat grain over time. Comparison of micronutrients with adjacent long-term (since 1931) undisturbed grass pasture revealed that the WW-F plots had lost at least 43% and 53% of extractable zinc and copper, respectively, after 75 years of N fertilization and tillage. The results indicate that DP and inorganic N application could reduce the rate of micronutrient decline in soil and winter wheat grain over time compared to MP and no N fertilization.

Effect of Different Tillage Methods on Soil Emissions of N2O and Crop Yield in North China Grain Field

By analyzing the published literatures of wheat and maize fields in North China, the effects of different farming methods on N2O emissions and crop yields in grain fields were determined. The results showed that in the North China grain field, the no-tillage technology reduced the N2O potential in the wheat season, while the N2O difference in the corn season using no tillage, conventional tillage, deep pine and alfalfa was not significant. Therefore, the implementation of no-till measures in the north wheat grain field in North China can reduce emissions and increase production, while the corn field suggests conventional tillage, deep pine or alfalfa cultivation on the basis of straw returning, which can stabilize production and reduce emissions.