| Conventional
Tillage |
<15%
Residue Remaining After Planting |
Identified as "full-width" tillage, where
100% of the top soil is moved and mixed with surface
residues in preparation for planting. This practice
incorporates air into the soil and about 70% to
80% of the residue.
|
| Reduced
Tillage |
>15%
Residue Remaining After Planting |
Usually "full-width" tillage, which is
designed to move the majority of the top soil, while
incorporating residue and leaving 25% to 35% on
the surface.
|
| Mulch
Tillage |
>30%
Residue Remaining After Planting |
"Full-width"
tillage, usually minimizing the number of passes in
the field, but incorporating up to 50% to 60% of the
surface residue with the top soil. |
| Ridge
Tillage |
>15%
Residue Remaining After Planting |
A
system that requires specialized equipment for the
formation of 6 inch ridges, in which the crop will
be planted. Usually, the ridges are not disturbed
from year to year, and only surface tillage is performed. |
| Strip
Tillage |
>50%
Residue Remaining After Planting |
A
system that requires specialized equipment for the
formation of 6 inch ridges, in which the crop will
be planted. While residue levels may vary due to preceding
crop, only 30% of the surface is disturbed by the
development of the "strip." |
| No
Tillage |
Residue
is left undisturbed until the time of planting |
A
practice that leaves the residue from the previous
year's crop undisturbed until the time of planting.
Usually, special equipment is required for the planting
operation. |
