Tillage and Residue Management Effects on Soil Properties : A Review

Abstract

Crop residues, a byproduct of crop production that can be managed to maximize various input usage efficiencies, are a widely used practice to conserve agricultural waste. The amount of crop residues generated and burned in 2017-18 was 516 MT and 116 MT, respectively. In India, rice stands first in the overall crop burning which contributes 43% compared to 21, 19 and 5% for wheat, sugarcane, and oilseed, respectively. Burning crop residue is responsible for air pollution outbreaks, radiation imbalance in people, greenhouse gas emissions, and the loss of valuable soil nutrients. Crop residue mulch improved soil quality and crop yield by increasing infiltration of water into soil profile and lessening water runoff and soil erosion. Crop residue mulch improved soil quality in terms of organic carbon and biotic activity. Crop-residue retention promotes nutrient cycling, increases nutrient availability to crops, and increases SOM content.The excessive runoff and soil erosion, low soil fertility, low groundwater availability, erratic rainfall distribution and low inputs these are major contributing factors responsible for the low yields.