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

Tillage system and crop rotation have long-term effects on soil productivity and soil quality components such as soil carbon as well as on soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. In addition, both tillage and crop rotation have effects on weed and soil disease control. There is a 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 was to evaluate the long-term effects of different tillage systems and crop rotations on soil productivity

Strip-Tillage Effects on Corn Performance and Soil Properties

The perceived effect of no-tillage on soil temperature, soil moisture conditions, soil compaction, soil productivity, and nitrogen movement and availability has become a major concern among producers considering adopting this tillage system. No-tillage presents a unique challenge in poorly drained soils, in which certain surface soil properties are affected due to the absence of tillage as a corrective measure. Effective tillage systems create an ideal seedbed condition (i.e., soil moisture, temperature, and penetration resistance) for plant emergence, plant development, and unimpeded root growth. However, the integration of tillage and nitrogen (N) management (i.e., type of tillage system, timing of tillage system, timing of N application, and N rate) also presents significant challenges for producing corn, sustaining soil productivity, and improving water quality