Effects of long-term tillage systems on soil water content and wheat yield under Mediterranean conditions

Long-term (2006-2014) effects of six different tillage systems on soil water content (SWC) atdifferent periods during the wheat production season and wheat yield were investigated under clayey soil (50% clay) conditions in the Çukurova region (South Turkey). The tillage treatments were; conventional tillage with stubble (moldboard plowing) (CT1), conventional tillage with stubbles burned (CT2), heavy disc harrow reduced tillage (RT1), reduced tillagewith rotary tiller (RT2), heavy disc harrow zero soil tillage (RNT) and no till or zero tillage (NT). Tillage practices had statistically important effects on SWC on 6 February, 9 March, 17 April and 8 May of 2015. Although moisture values measured on 6 February and 9 March were optimal for plant growth, SWC under conservation tillage practices were higher compared to conventional tillage practices. However tillage practices had no significant effecton the wheat yield. These results showed that the low-input and energy saving reduced and no-tillage practices can be alternative to conventional tillage practices under Mediterranean conditions