What are some changes in soil caused by tillage?
When soil is cultivated, organic matter content is decreased. The large pores, which are essential for the maintenance of healthy soil, are ruined. The necessary activities of soil invertebrates, such as earthworms, are diminished. The disturbance of roots and the removal of the plant canopy lead to greater erosion rates. Nutrients are also leached from the soil at an increased rate. The decrease in organic matter caused by tillage additionallly reduces the soil’s ability to hold moisture, nutrients, and oxygen. Why is erosion such a serious problem associated with tillage? Soil erosion is possibly the greatest conservation problem for approximately one half of all United States cultivated croplands. This erosion leads to irreversible damage to the soil. Both wind and water erosioin first lead to the removal of vital organic matter. This immediate removal is the result of organic matter’s low density and its high concentration in surface soil. The loss of organic matter detrimentally a
