Conservation tillage (CT) is a term for farm management practices used to improve soil quality, water infiltration and storage while decreasing farm input costs. In addition to direct benefits on the farm, CT provides larger environmental benefits beyond the farm perimeter.
Much research has provided well documented benefits. Along with other scientists, UC ANR researchers are busy exploring this positive and sustainable practice.
Interested in learning more about these increasingly popular systems?
The UC Conservation Tillage and Cropping Systems Workgroup website is a great source of California CT information and includes examples of the benefits in action. Participation, comments and questions are welcomed and encouraged.
The UC ANR free publication Tillage and Crop Management Effects on Air, Water, and Soil Quality in California is written in collaboration with UC Davis, National Resource Conservation Services, and the California Association of Research Conservation Districts provides solid background information.
Previous posts provide additional and related knowledge; please see Building Soils for Better Crops, Crop Rotation on Organic Farms, and What is Sustainable Agriculture.