What are the effects of mulch tillage?
Mulch tilling is a form of conservation tillage, which aims to achieve high and sustainable levels of yield while preserving soil quality and the environments. The conservation effects of mulch tilling stem from the beneficial mulch layer that is created in the process, which increases the water absorption and retention capability of the soil and also serves as a protective layer against wind and rainfall induced soil erosion. The preservation of soil quality is also achieved through the minimal disturbance caused by tillage. Additionally, the gradual breakdown of the residue incorporated into the top soil is increases its organic matter content and thus its fertility, thereby reducing the need for the use of fertilizers. The environmental effects of mulch tilling lie in the reduced need for fertilizers, and to a greater extent in the significantly reduced emission levels of greenhouse gases – stemming from the fact that mulch tilling is a form of minimum tillage.
