ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the extent to which wildlife requisites are satisfied in conventional tillage systems and then to evaluate whether or not conditions are improved through conservation tillage. It considers first winter habitat requirements and then summer habitat requirements. Contrasts between conservation and conventional tillage that affect wildlife most are differences in the amount of residue cover, the availability of waste grain on the soil surface, the frequency of passes over the field with farm machinery, and the means used to control weeds. After considering wildlife habitat requirements, the chapter discusses potential wildlife depredation problems associated with conservation tillage. A concern frequently voiced about conservation tillage is that it invites greater rodent damage to developing corn seedlings. In instances where rodent damage within large fields is extensive, the adequacy of the weed control program should be evaluated before initiating a rodent control program.
