Conservation tillage is a farming practice that minimizes soil disturbance, preserves soil moisture and promotes soil health by reducing the use of tillage tools. It aims to reduce soil erosion, improve soil structure and increase soil fertility while maintaining crop yields.
Types of conservation tillage for improving soil fertility in agroecology you might adopt:
1. No-Till (NT): No tillage is done and seeds are directly planted into the soil, reducing soil disturbance and erosion.
2. Reduced Till (RT): Minimal tillage is done, just enough to prepare the soil for planting, reducing soil disturbance and preserving soil moisture.
3. Mulch Till (MT): A layer of organic mulch is left on the soil surface and tillage is minimal, reducing soil erosion and increasing soil organic matter.
4. Cover Crop (CC): Crops are planted between cash crops to protect and enrich the soil, adding organic matter and nutrients.
5. Ridge Till (RT): Tillage is done only in narrow strips, leaving soil undisturbed between ridges, reducing soil erosion and preserving soil moisture.
6. Strip Till (ST)*: Tillage is done in narrow strips, usually for row crops like corn or soybeans, reducing soil disturbance and preserving soil moisture.
7. Zone Till (ZT): Tillage is done in narrow zones, usually for row crops, reducing soil disturbance and preserving soil moisture.
8. Integrating Cover Crops with Conservation Tillage: Combining cover crops with conservation tillage enhances soil fertility, structure and biodiversity.
These conservation tillage practices improve soil fertility by:
– Reducing soil erosion and nutrient loss
– Increasing soil organic matter and structure
– Promoting soil biota and biodiversity
– Enhancing soil water retention and infiltration
– Reducing soil compaction
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