Tillage systems refer to a series of practices and operations employed by farmers to prepare the soil for crop success. Many factors go into designing or choosing a tillage system, including tilling, fertilization, pesticide application, and residue chopping and reincorporation. 

Types of Tillage Systems

There are a handful of common tillage systems that farmers consider when choosing how to till their field. Tillage systems can be classified as conventional or conservation methods, and draw upon full-field tillage, or restricted tillage practices. The amount of surface residue left on the soil surface is considered when classifying tillage systems. Systems that leave high levels of surface residue behind reduce erosion. 

Conventional Tillage

Conventional Tillage Systems typically utilize heavy tillage tools to loosen the soil on a single primary pass in order to manage the soil uniformly across the entire field surface. A subsequential pass is then performed to shape the seedbed. Conventional systems create ideal conditions for seed germination and crop establishment. Conventional Systems include Moldboard Plow, Chisel Plow, and Disk Harrow methods. 

Tools for Conventional Tillage Include:

• Moldboard Plows

• Chisels

• Disks (Heavy Disks for the first pass, and Finishing Disks for the second pass)

• Tooth Harrows

• Rollers

• Packers

• Drags

Conservation Tillage

Conservation Tillage Systems are designed to limit the total area tilled in order to minimize field erosion, promote soil health, and focus on the health of single plants. While this method is more cost-effective, it requires much more time and consideration. Seed placement and depth, weed control, and compaction prevention are all concerns that are augmented when initial tillage is reduced. However, tools like no-till planters and drills are available to assist farmers who choose to use conservation tillage methods. Conservation systems include No-Till, Zone Tillage, Strip Tillage, and Ridge Tillage methods. 

Distinguishing Tillage System Methods

Each of the seven major tillage systems has distinct advantages and disadvantages. When choosing which tillage system to use in your fields, consider the goals and limitations of your current operations, as well as potential soil or seeding difficulties that you have encountered in the past. Compaction, erosion, seed germination rates, nutrient content, and weed control are all factors to consider.

• Moldboard Plow

The choice tillage method for many farmers, this method allows for the incorporation of fertilizers and other soil additions with ease. Allows for quick-drying soil, and reduces compaction.

• Chisel Plow

Similar methods to moldboard plow tillage, but is less aggressive on existing soil structure, thus leading to less erosion and less crusting. No plow pans are required; uses less energy. 

• Disk Harrow

Same advantages as Chisel Plowing but performed using a different system. 

• No-Till

The most well-known conservation tillage method that limits soil disturbance and leaves upwards of 30% of soil residue. Cost-efficient and requires little energy. The best method for erosion protection.

• Zone Tillage

The single-pass system used when deeper disturbance is not needed. Preserves surface residue.

• Strip Tillage

Reduces energy consumption by using more shallow tillage shanks. Performed in the fall prior to spring row crop planting to allow the soil to set over the winter. Fertilizer is injected into the tillage operations in order to reduce the number of passes on the field. 

• Ridge Tillage

Limited tillage system used on cold or wet soil. Ridges protect seedlings from the elements by offering a warmer environment with consistent drainage.