Tillage and Cultivation
6 | Unit 1.2
- To manage plant pathogens and insect pest populations
a) Plant pathogens
b) Insect pests
- To retain soil moisture
a) Interrupt capillary action
D. Types of Soil Cultivation
- Primary tillage
- Secondary tillage
- Surface cultivation
E. Factors Influencing Timing and Type of Cultivation
- Soil moisture (see appendix 1, Estimating Soil Moisture By Feel)
a) High soil moisture
b) Low soil moisture
c) Optimal range of soil moisture
- Soil texture classification
a) Sandy soil
b) Clay soils
c) Other
- Climate
a) Arid climate
b) Temperate climate
c) Tropical climate
- Season
a) Spring
b) Summer
c) Fall
d) Winter
- Cropping system
a) Annual
b) Perennial
c) Orchard system
- Soil condition
a) Soils of good tilth
b) Soil with physical properties of low quality
F. Possible Consequences of Frequent and Intensive Soil Cultivation
- Decreases in soil organic matter content
- Eventual reduction in soil biological activity and diversity
- Destruction of soil aggregates
- Reduction in nutrient- and water-holding capacity of the soil
- Loss of soil pore space and decreased gas exchange
- Reduction in drainage
- Increased susceptibility to soil erosion
- Disruption of earthworm habitat
- Reduced soil quality and increased susceptibility to pests and pathogens
Instructor’s Lecture Outline