Environmental impact of tillage

Deep plough-based organic systems may increase energy consumption in agroecosystems (Kouwenhoven ef al. 2002), which is another important indicator of environmental impact. In contrast, mulch-based systems and systems in which manure is left on the soil surface or is shallowly incorporated would enhance N volatilisation losses to the atmosphere. However, compared to ploughing, shallow incorporation (rotovation) of an organic ley did not significantly increase cumulative nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soil (van der Weerden ef al. 2000). 

SOM = soil organic matter, + + very high, + high, - low, - - very low. 

Indicator Tropical, Temperate, Temperate, Semi-arid, Semi-arid, 

The relative importance of the pros and cons of tillage in a given environment should 

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