Gp. Lafond et Da. Derksen, LONG-TERM POTENTIAL OF CONSERVATION TILLAGE ON THE CANADIAN PRAIRIES, Canadian journal of plant pathology, 18(2), 1996, pp. 151-158
The adoption of conservation tillage can ensure a soil resource base f
or future generations. The objectives of this review are to examine pr
inciples of conservation tillage, to point out potential problems and
to propose solutions. Emphasis will be placed on zero-tillage and its
impact on soil temperature, soil water, crop residue decomposition, an
d weed communities. It is proposed that the future direction of sustai
nable agriculture is toward low soil disturbance, low input, and energ
y efficient production systems. Zero-tillage represents a starting poi
nt in the evolution of sustainability, and the role of disciplines rel
ated to crop protection to achieve this goal is discussed.