Tillage and Seeding

Question 1

Primary tillage.

Answer 1

 Topsoil is plowed to a depth of 6 to 14 inches (15-36 cm).
 Aim is to remove crop stubble and control weeds.
 Timing is dependent on soil type, heavier clay soils are best plowed
in fall, where inverted soils are exposed to freeze and thaw.
 Depth dependent on soil type, but also related to fuel costs.
 Implements include: Moldboard plow; Disk plow and Chisel plow.

Question 2

Secondary tillage.

Answer 2

 Follows primary tillage to produce a finer tilth for seed bed.
 Aim to maximize seed-soil contact at planting.
 Includes disc-ing and harrowing.
 If possible multiple tillage operations are completed at right
angles.
 Often associated with application of granular fertilizers and preplant
incorporated herbicides.

Question 3

What are the advantages of conventional tillage compared to conservation
tillage?

Answer 3

o Although tillage causes compaction, it is the most convenient methods
used to manage soil compaction when it occurs.
o Easier to apply fertilizer and perform other agronomic operations (i.e.
seeding).
o Good tilth seed beds result in good seed-soil contact.
o Tilled soil (black) heats quicker in fall and spring for seedling
development.
o Lack of residue on soil surface reduced overwintering of pests (green
bridge).

Question 4

What are the advantages of conservation tillage compared to conventional
tillage?

Answer 4

o Reduced grower inputs. 
o Reduced fuel emissions.
o Avoids soil erosion.
o Improved soil structure.
o Avoids soil compaction.
o Improved water holding.
o More earth worms.