TillageNotes-MidlandsStateUniversity.docVIP

MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY Land and Water Resources Management Farm Mechanisation NRM 217 Compiled by: Lecturer R Moyo Tillage Notes Definition: Tillage involves the mechanical manipulation of the soil, in a number of ways to produce an environment, which is satisfactory for the crop development, drainage and nechanisation operations. Objectives of Tillage To develop a desirable soil structure for a seedbed or rooted (soil loosening either in the form of a general reduction in the soil density or simply creation of number of fissures) Cutting to control weeds and the production of a seed furrow or to remove unwanted crop plants (thinning) To minimise soil erosion by following such practices as contour tillage, listing and proper placement of trash. To effectively manage crop residues To establish specific surface configuration for planting, irrigation, drainage and harvesting operations (surface smoothing and leveling) To incorporate and mix fertilizers, pesticides or soil amendments into the soil. To accomplish aggregation. This may involve moving soil from one layer to another, removal of rocks or other foreign objects, or root harvesting Clod disintegration- breaking them into smaller aggregates. Seedbed compaction achieved by filling larger pore spaces with smaller soil aggregates, thus allowing good seedsoil contact without excluding air. Tillage Classification Tillage is classified as two types namely primary and secondary Primary tillage Constitutes the initial major soil working operation designed to reduce the soil strength , cover plant materials and rearrange aggregates. Penetration may vary from 15.2cm –76.2 cm Involves the initial cutting and shattering of the soil The shearing and moulding action of the plough causes the soil to form large masses or clods, interspaced with pores and spaces for the air and water to enter. Depending on the implement used the operation may invert or mix the soil or even leave it undisturbed. The surface is norm