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ARS Home » Plains Area » Brookings, South Dakota » Integrated Cropping Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #193315
Title: DEEP TILLAGE: NEEDED OR NOT

Author
item Pikul Jr, Joseph

Submitted to: World Wide Web
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/16/2005
Publication Date: 2/9/2006
Citation: Pikul Jr, J.L. 2006. Deep tillage: needed or not. Manitoba- North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmer's Association Workshop, Bismarck, North Dakota, February 9-10, 2006. Available: http://mandakzerotill.org.

Interpretive Summary: Deep tillage (subsoiling) has been promoted to: 1) fracture compacted soil; 2) improve water infiltration; 3) decrease runoff and soil erosion; and 4) increase crop yield. However, research has shown that even though subsoiling has considerable appeal to farmers, there are few benefits in the North Central United States. The objectives of this presentation are to: 1) review what was discovered in research that dates to the 1930's; 2) review what is currently being discovered and rediscovered in and outside the North Central Region; and 3) briefly explore other considerations such as natural amelioration of soil compaction and water infiltration problems associated with frozen soil. Recommendations on compaction management in the North Central Region are to: 1) reduce traffic; and 2) restrict traffic to limited traffic lanes; 3) scout fields, look for signs, treat small areas; and 4) remember that deeper is not better in respect to tillage. In conclusion, present research still shows: 1) few crop-yield benefits of subsoiling in the North Central Region; 2) deep tillage is costly; and 3) natural amelioration of soil compaction by freeze-thaw requires many years and many cycles.

Technical Abstract: Deep tillage (subsoiling) has been promoted to: 1) fracture compacted soil; 2) improve water infiltration; 3) decrease runoff and soil erosion; and 4) increase crop yield. However, research has shown that even though subsoiling has considerable appeal to farmers, there are few benefits in the North Central United States. The objectives of this presentation are to: 1) review what was discovered in research that dates to the 1930's; 2) review what is currently being discovered and rediscovered in and outside the North Central Region; and 3) briefly explore other considerations such as natural amelioration of soil compaction and water infiltration problems associated with frozen soil. Recommendations on compaction management in the North Central Region are to: 1) reduce traffic; and 2) restrict traffic to limited traffic lanes; 3) scout fields, look for signs, treat small areas; and 4) remember that deeper is not better in respect to tillage. In conclusion, present research still shows: 1) few crop-yield benefits of subsoiling in the North Central Region; 2) deep tillage is costly; and 3) natural amelioration of soil compaction by freeze-thaw requires many years and many cycles.