Comparison of Tillage Systems for Reducing Soil Erosion and Water Pollution

摘要

Cropland in minimum tillage rose from 15.8 percent of all cropland in 1973 to 29.1 percent in 1981. The share for no-till rose from 2.0 to 2.9 percent during the same period. These conservation tillage systems--minimum tillage and no-till--can also reduce soil loss up to 99 percent over conventional tillage. This report looks at trends in the use of various tillage systems and compares their economic impacts and effects on soil and water conservation, crop yields, and pesticide and energy use, using selected results from studies of tillage systems.