Soil Tillage, Land Preparation, and Conservati.PPTVIP

Soil Tillage, Land Preparation, and Conservation Soil Tillage, Land Preparation, and Conservation Crop productivity is determined by how soil is managed Good land management is a combination of tillage, cropping systems, and soil treatments. Tillage is the mechanical handling of soil to provide a favorable environment for plant growth 3. Soil Moisture can affect effectiveness of tillage systems Soil Tillage, Land Preparation, and Conservation Terms that relate to Tillage Hardpans: Hardened layers of soil 1. Can cause water penetration problems 2. Can be broken up by chisels or soil savers to improve water drainage and penetration Crusts: Surface layers of soil that are harder and more compact than soil located below them 1. Slow water penetration and drainage 2. Can be broke to allow seeds to emerge Soil Tillage, Land Preparation, and Conservation Terms that relate to Tillage A. Crop Residue: Portion of crop plants remaining after harvest 1. Leaves, stems, stubble, straw, chaff, and Roots 2. Adds Organic matter content of soil Soil Tillage, Land Preparation, and Conservation Cultivation is the tillage between seedlings emergence and crop harvest Advantages of Cultivation: 1. Weed Control 2. Temporarily improve water infiltration, soil aeration, conservation of soil moisture, loosen compacted soils, and aid in insect control Soil Tillage, Land Preparation, and Conservation Cultivation is the tillage between seedlings emergence and crop harvest Disadvantages of Cultivation: Loss of organic matter Destruction of plant roots Soil Tillage, Land Preparation, and Conservation Major Objectives of Tillage are to improve soil tilth, provide weed control, and manage crop residue Management of crop residue can be achieved by chopping/cutting and mixing the crop residues into the soil profile. B. Tillage for weed control is effective and removes weeds that would compete for water, nutrients, and space Other Objectives of T