Effect of Conservation Tillage: On Some Important Crops in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Iran

Tillage is among the important factors affecting soil properties and crop yield. Tillage method also affects the sustainable use of soil resources through its influence on soil properties. The proper use of tillage can improve soil related constrains, while excessive and unnecessary tillage operations is often harmful to soil. Therefore, there is a significant interest and emphasis on the shift to the conservation tillage methods for the purpose of controlling undesirable processes such as destruction of soil structure, accelerated erosion, and depletion of organic matter and fertility. At this time, a wide range of tillage methods is being used without evaluating their effect on crop yield and growth. This book contains the response of some important crops to conservation tillage methods in the arid and semi-arid lands of Iran.