This book features four peer-reviewed reviews on zero/no-till cultivation.

The first chapter assesses the effect of no-till (NT) practices on soil health. The chapter explores the wide range of research on the effects of NT on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, as well as continuing challenges to address in NT research and practice.

The second chapter reviews the role of no or minimum soil disturbance in Conservation Agriculture (CA) systems, focussing on the effects of soil tillage and tillage implements on the soil. The chapter also explores how soil disturbance can by minimised during farming activities such as land preparation, seeding, planting, pest, disease and weed management, and harvesting.

The third chapter provides a useful overview of the core principles of CA before moving onto examining the concepts of no-tillage agriculture, cover crops and crop residue management. The chapter also discusses the environmental benefits and ecosystem services linked to CA as well as economic benefits.

The final chapter considers the use of NT and the importance of a fully-integrated cropping and residue management system to maintain soil health and productivity. The chapter also reviews how NT can be used to reduce erosion risk, as well as its role in optimising soil functions.

About the Author
Dr Gottlieb Basch is a Full Professor in the Department of Plant Science at the University of Evora, Portugal. He is President of the European Conservation Agriculture Federation and has contributed to a number of EIP AGRI Focus Groups, EU Horizon and other research projects on more sustainable methods of crop cultivation. Michael retired from USDA-NRCS in January 2023 after a forty-two-year career. At retirement Michael served as the National Erosion Database Steward and Agronomist at National Soil Survey Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. Some select awards Michael received included the Hugh Hammond Bennett award for international work in soil and water management from the Soil and Water Conservation Society, Nebraska Agribusiness Assocation Partnership and Researcher/Educator of the Year awards, Nebraska FFA Assocation Honorary State FFA Degree and many more.


Book Information
ISBN 9781801466639
Author Dr Alison Hamm
Format Paperback
Page Count 122
Imprint Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited
Publisher Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited
Weight(grams) 175g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 7mm