Effects of Tillage System on Corn and Soybean Production

Producers are concerned about the differences among tillage systems and how these affect corn and soybean production and profitability. The variation among modern tillage systems often causes confusion in terms of what factor is affected within the production system. There is also interest in being able to compare the effects of the different tillage systems across a wide range of soils and climates within Iowa. A study funded by IDALS in cooperation with HSTL is conducting a series of studies across Iowa at 10 sites to compare four different tillage systems on 1) changes in soil properties; 2) crop performance and economic return; 3) the response of local producers in each region to the study results; and 4) the potential behavioral change in producers in each region in terms of changing tillage practices that will increase profit and improve environmental quality