Tillage refers to mechanically preparing and maintaining soil. The purposes of tillage are to develop soil structure, kill weeds, and manage crop residue. A seedbed is where seeds germinate and young plants grow; it must be firm for seed contact but porous for air and water movement. Good soil tilth is developed by tilling at the proper time and depth to maintain proper soil structure and aggregation without compaction. Minimum tillage delays primary tillage until seeding, leaving more crop residue on the soil surface to conserve moisture and reduce erosion while still controlling weeds chemically. Contour tillage and terracing help slow water runoff across sloped fields.

1. Tillage Chapter #10