Advances in Tillage Research in North American Cropping Systems

Abstract

SUMMARY Numerous innovations in tillage systems have significantly altered agricultural production in North America. Mechanical, biological, and chemical innovations reduced labor requirements, increased yields and crop residues, and reduced pest impacts. Regional trends in tillage systems and equipment are the result of evolving design driven by soil, plant and climate factors that affect erosion, water conservation, and offsite nutrient control. Within the past three decades, technological advances led to an increased interest in conservation tillage systems to replace intensive conventional tillage practices. For agriculture to be sustainable, it requires improved soil tillage and residue management systems. New technology consisting of precision agricultural techniques and yield maps has already begun to change tillage systems. Agriculture's impact on global increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) requires more sequestration and maintenance of high soil carbon (C) levels for enhanced soil quality. The best s...