Bert Swope
What is the purpose of tillage and cultivation? Tillage is done to produce the soil conditions ideal for crop establishment. This soil is called a seedbed because it has the proper balance of capillary and porosity pores. Over time, the depth of tillage has decreased and cultivators have replaced plows as the primary tillage implement. In this article, we’ll look at the purpose of tillage and how it can benefit gardeners.
To modify the physical conditions
Various agricultural techniques are used to manipulate soils’ physical properties. These processes can be used to increase the tilth, or microbial activity, of a soil, which is a critical characteristic for plant growth. Tilth is also measured in terms of its ability to absorb and hold water. The more tilth the soil has, the less draft it requires during tillage. In addition, tilth-friendly soils are described as “mellow,” and work like a garden.
Tillage operations involve mechanically turning soils and plant residues to alter their physical properties and improve crop growth. Some of these methods also serve to control unwanted plant growth. Tillage is a subsystem of agricultural systems that influences crop production, soil structure, and fertilizer incorporation. It is also used to modify soil properties and alleviate the constraints of the soil. If done properly, tillage can be an extremely beneficial part of gardening.
In addition to the ecological benefits of tillage, the process also produces high energy and a bare surface. In addition to the energy costs, intensive tillage creates a vulnerable bare soil surface that is vulnerable to erosion. Consequently, many research projects have documented the benefits of a variety of tillage systems. A more efficient tillage system involves minimizing inversion tillage and retaining residues on the surface of the soil.
To regulate the soil moisture content
Soil moisture storage is an important characteristic of the terrestrial environment. It is important for many purposes, including the regulation of freshwater supplies and plant utilization. Soil moisture storage is an important component of terrestrial hydrology, and is regulated by soil properties and climate. In addition, soil moisture is directly related to plant utilization and groundwater and surface water resources. Most aspects of terrestrial life rely on soil hydrologic processes. In this article, we will examine the role of soil moisture storage and water management in agriculture.
Soil moisture content is the amount of water present in a specific area. It is typically expressed in terms of volume or percentage. The plant available water (PAW) management is important to allow gardeners to irrigate properly.
To modify soil temperatures
The object of tillage is to modify the temperature of the soil. However, there is little consistent evidence about the effects of different tillage practices. In a field experiment, soil temperatures under NT and MP were significantly lower than those under MP in 13 out of 15 weekly periods, but the effect was not significant in four other weeks. Soil temperatures under NT were slightly lower than those under MP, while MP was warmer than those under RT.
Soil temperature is influenced by two factors: tillage and the micro topography of the soil. Ridged surfaces absorb approximately 10% more solar radiation than flat surfaces. Ridged surfaces are also more able to drain and enhance seed zone drying. Ridged surfaces absorb more solar radiation and may contribute to excessively wet soils. In contrast, sloped fields are cooler than those with low-lying ridges.
To aerate the soil
Aeration is a fundamental aspect of gardening, as it creates pathways around plants to allow more air to penetrate the soil. Air is necessary for plant respiration and photosynthesis, which are both stunted by compacted soil. Aeration is necessary for many reasons, including better infiltration and water drainage. Fortunately, it’s a simple process that you can do yourself. Here are three common methods of aeration.
Tillage can alter soil porosity, which protects plants from a lack of aeration. One study studied five different tillage treatments in lateritic sandy loam soil and utilsol soil. The tilled plots had greater soil oxygen diffusion rates. The other two plots did not receive any tillage, but preplant spring tillage had higher oxygen diffusion rates.
Compaction is the biggest cause of poor aeration. Finer earth is more likely to become compacted than coarser earth. This is because smaller particles attach more densely to one another, leaving less space for oxygen. Without oxygen, plants cannot survive. Compaction is also a result of irrational irrigation and other field operations. Tillage has several benefits, but it can also cause damage.
To provide proper soil conditions
Tillage is the mechanical manipulation of soil surface, often to improve the quality of the soil and improve seed germination and plant growth. It is one of the oldest agricultural practices, originating thousands of years ago. Tillage is an important component of agronomy, because it influences crop production, soil structure, and fertilizer incorporation. It is also used to improve soil health, by amending the soil with compost or sand, or by reducing constraints that the soil may have.
To destroy weeds
Agricultural tillage is a common method used to control weeds. Most tillage practices destroy existing weed growth in the soil. But tillage affects weed seeds, moving them up and down in the soil profile and stimulating their germination. The seeds may either emerge or die, depending on their depth of germination and current growing conditions. In order to reduce weeds, tillage should be done only when a specific goal is being achieved.
In agriculture, tillage is often performed with the help of mechanized equipment, some of which require trained operators and high-priced tractors. The technique provides excellent control of annual weeds, but if repeated too often, tillage can lead to altered plant communities, including invasive weeds. In such areas, tillage is not appropriate. Instead, producers should seek alternatives and reduce the impact of tillage.
Among the techniques used to eliminate weeds, chaining is particularly effective on rangelands that are high in woody species. A chain dragged across the ground by one tractor or between two tractors is used to disturb the soil and break the stems of woody weeds. This technique is best used on weeds that do not resprout, as they will need additional treatments after the weeds have recovered. Herbaceous vegetation, however, will typically be lightly damaged by chaining.
To prevent surface erosion
A number of gardening practices can reduce surface erosion. Conservation tillage, for example, leaves more of the gardens and field’s surface covered with crop residue, thereby reducing runoff. Conservation tillage also reduces the need for large machinery, as residue management methods leave more of the soil covered per pound of crop residue. Two other methods that reduce erosion risk include double-cropping and planting winter cover crops. But which of these practices is right for your particular situation?
Cover crops can be planted to provide a temporary vegetative cover, which will be tilled under and will act as a green manure crop. Depending on the slope, erosion controls may be installed such as geotextile materials or crushed stone. Hydroseeding is another method for controlling erosion. These measures can also be installed on steep slopes. In addition to cover crops, you can also plant grass or ornamental plants on terrace beds.
To cover humus producing materials
Organic matter is found in the soil. The decomposition of this material results in a stable fraction known as humus. Humus is produced when microbes decompose organic matter into dark-colored compounds. Tillage is a method of covering these materials such as green manures, animal manures, and soil amendments. It improves the physical properties of the soil and decreases the rate of crusting and clodding. It also enhances drainage and water infiltration.
