Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #61

Tillage is a sequence of operations that treat the top layer of soil before sowing with the purpose of enhancing the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil to favor plant growth. Tillage operations consist of turning, breaking, and smoothing of the soil to promote development of plant roots, help the penetration of water and air into the soil in a balanced way, and also control weeds and crop residues from the previous crop.

Varieties of Tillage
Heavy Tillage
Tillage is intense plowing and harrowing. The soil is turned and pulverized until it is loose. This is a traditional agri practice in affecting weeds control and improving soil structure at least temporarily and also making sowing easier, which is really important in this type of agriculture in spite of being primitive. On the other hand, if abused, it can deteriorate the soil’s physical conditions.

Minimum Tillage
In this method, the soil is minimally cultivated only in certain portions. Crop residues are left on the soil surface to some extent. The technique tries to minimize tillage, hold moisture, and protect against erosion.

No Tillage
There is no turning over of the soil in this form of tillage. Seeds are sown straight into the unprepared soil with the aid of specific implements. Residues of the previous crop are deposited as mulch. It is apparent that in sustainable and especially in organic farming such a practice is very beneficial.

Special Tillage
This tillage is tailored to specific land conditions, such as rice paddy cultivation involving flooding, or land cultivation on sloping land using terracing techniques.

Advantages of Tillage
Among its advantages, tillage allows for better air and water flow in the soil, root penetration, and the management of weeds, pests, and diseases. The application of fertilizers and organic matter is also enhanced through tillage so that they can be more easily taken up by the plants. In addition, tillage may facilitate planting and land maintenance by leveling the land surface.

Disadvantages of Tillage
Tillage, however has its drawbacks. Over tilling can degrade soil structure, deplete the organic matter content of soil, and leave soil vulnerable to water and wind erosion. In addition this process is high in cost, labor, and time. Intensive tillage can also cause compaction deeper in the soil and a decline in land productivity in the long run.

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