TILLAGE AND CROP RESIDUE MANAGEMENT-PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE DRYLANDFARMING SYSTEMS

Dryland crop production is limited by precipitation and by soil factor s such as texture and profile depth-that affect water storage capacity , pH, fertility, and salinity. When prevailing precipitation and soil factors are not in balance, crops will not yield at their potential an d productivity may be impaired because soil degradation processes outw eigh conservation practices. Sustainable crop production is possible t hrough use of appropriate tillage and crop residue management practice s. When adequate crop residues are available, conservation tillage is highly effective for conserving soil and water, achieving favorable cr op yields, maintaining soil organic carbon contents, and soil and wate r quality. Other tillage methods along with appropriate conservation p ractices may be needed when crop residues are limited.