mulch tillage

Mulch tillage is an agricultural practice where crop residues are intentionally left on the soil surface, with minimal disturbance to these residues during subsurface tillage operations. This method is particularly beneficial in dryland farming areas, where a maximum amount of mulch is retained on the surface to conserve moisture. In more humid regions, some of the mulch may be incorporated into the soil.12

Planting in mulch tillage systems is typically done using disk openers that can penetrate several inches of mulch. A potential drawback is that decomposing mulch can deplete nitrogen from the soil, requiring additional fertilizer to be applied below the mulch in humid areas. In rainy regions, intercropping with small grains or sod crops can enhance the erosion protection offered by mulches.12