Yield Comparisons Between Continuous No-Till and Tillage Rotations

Authors

Elbert C. Dickey, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow
Thomas Peterson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
J. R. Gilley, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
L. N. Mielke, USDA-ARS

Date of this Version

1983

Citation

Transactions of the ASAE, vol. 26, No. 6, pp. 1682-1686, 1983.

Comments

Copyright 1983 The American Society of Agricultural Engineers

Abstract

Continuous use of no-till planting systems may result in reduced yields, especially on finer textured soils that tend to be poorly drained. Soil compaction and poor soil aeration have been identified as possible factors contributing to the lower yields. Research conducted to evaluate tillage rotations on these soils shows that periodic use of the moldboard plow can result in statistically higher yields as compared to continuous no till. However, use of chisel plow and disk tillage systems following three years of continuous no-till did not result in yield increases. A relationship between cone penetrometer index and yield indicates a trend toward lower yield with higher index values with continuous no-till having the highest index.