ABSTRACT
The increased soil moisture storage and the lower, more constant soil temperature associated with minimum tillage are undoubtedly two major factors accounting for the lower incidence of stalk rot in corn. Evidence indicates that crop rotations influence plant production by affecting soil fertility and survival of plant pathogens, physical properties of soils, soil erosion, soil microbiology, and prevalence of nematodes, insects, mites, weeds, earthworms, and phytotoxins. Most experiments have documented the detrimental effects of continuous cropping of corn and small grains on organic matter and nitrogen in unfertilized plots. Due to increased residue and reduced tillage, minimum tillage systems produce different levels of moisture, temperature, organic matter content, and rate of decomposition and microbial population. Furthermore, crop yields from no-tillage systems frequently equal or exceed the yields from conventional methods. Less energy is required for tillage operations in many no-till systems. Careful consideration should be given to the set of cultural practices specifically developed for conservation tillage.
