Site-specific tillage choices management

Abstract

<p>Before making tillage choices in the field, producers should consider their overall approach to tillage management. If the goal is a conservation tillage program with at least 30 percent of the previous year's crop residue cover after planting, then options of no-till, strip-till, ridge-till, and minimum tillage are effective. However, every choice requires considerations well in advance of going to the field. Once a producer has made a management commitment to implement a new tillage system, several steps should be taken to achieve maximum results, including those related to equipment and attachments needed, weather and soil conditions, and tillage timing.</p>