Long-term Tillage and Crop Rotation Effects on Soil Carbon and Soil Productivity

Tillage and crop rotation systems have major long-term effects on soil productivity and soil quality, soil carbon, and other soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. Additionally, tillage systems and crop rotation controls weed and soilborne diseases. There is a need for a well-defined, long-term tillage and crop rotation study across the different soil types and climate conditions in the state. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of different tillage systems and crop rotations on soil quality and corn and soybean yields