What is the effect of tillage on soil microorganisms?
Although minute in stature, soil microorganisms have important ecological jobs. Their most visible job is the recycling of organic matter. A healthy population of microorganisms will quickly break down plant and animal residue, leaving behind nutrients for the next generation of plants. Although less visible, the job of maintaining soil structure is no less important. Many microorganisms are made of thread-like hyphae that help hold soil particles together, and others exude sticky substances that serve the same purpose. Microorganisms also protect groundwater by breaking down agricultural chemicals into less toxic forms. Knowing the important roles of microorganisms, farmers must learn ways to protect them from degradation. Many producers have turned to reduced or no-till operations with varied crop rotations to increase the sustainability of their operations. Not surprisingly, these practices are very microorganism-friendly. A 1995-97 study in Alberta looked at soil microbial populati
