Long Term Tillage Management in Row Crop Production and Its Effects on Soil Health.

Tillage management in row crop production can have a significant impact on soil physical and biological properties, as well as the economics of a farming operation. Choosing a tillage management strategy for agricultural land in row crop production is not straightforward with costs, benefits, and drawbacks to be considered. The objective of this study was to compare soil health and quality of two adjacent fields in Redwood County, Minnesota, that have been in row crop production and managed with either ridge till and conventional tillage for more than 30 years. The soil quality parameters quantified in this study included bulk density, penetration resistance, aggregate stability, organic carbon, infiltration, carbon dioxide flux, microbial biomass, and economics. The soils at the site were Aquic Calciudolls and Calcic Hapludolls. Results from the study suggested that there was higher penetration resistance at the surface (0-15 cm) and greater aggregate stability in the ridge till managed field when compared to conventional tillage, but little statistical differences in the other parameters studied. From a cost standpoint, ridge tillage may cost less per acre compared conventional tillage. Better understanding of the costs and benefits associated with different tillage management options can help producers choose what is best for their operation and maximize soil quality.