Conservation Tillage

Conservation Tillage (CT) is a tillage method or practice that by definition leaves 30% or greater of the previous crops redidue on the soil surface after planting. The residue that remains has multiple important roles, some of which are:

• Increased Soil Organic Matter (SOM)
• Improved Soil Ecosystems
• Increases Water Infiltration
• Reduces Runoff

The Crop Production Portion of the AgP2 program continues to work with grower organizations and individual farmers to promote the use of CT systems to improve the soil and water required and desired by all citizens.

One organization that has worked both nationally and internationally to promote CT is the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) with their Core 4 program. Locally the Georgia CT Alliance(GCTA) has been active in promoting the use of CT practices. Other links can be seen in the Links section.