Effect of conservation tillage on soil quality of Southern Russia

The effect of No-tillage (NT) versus to Conventional tillage (CT) on chernozems physical properties and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fertility was studied. The chernozems are the most widespread and most fertility soils of the steppe zone of southern Russia. A total 15 fields were investigated on a 5.500 ha farm with NT treatment for 10 years versus to 15 neighboring fields with CT. During the peak plant growth season (in May), soil penetration resistance in 0-50 cm layer did not show any essential difference at NT versus to CT. Due to diminishing soil moisture, the essential increase of soil penetration resistance was observed (above 5.0 MPa) particularly in lower layers both in CT and NT fields. The range of soil aggregates 0.25–10 mm in size with NT was from 21% to 82%. The increase of winter wheat yield when using NT varied from 26% to 114% compared to CT. Technology NT contributed to better soil moisture conservation and physical consistency. In addition, versus to CT, NT resulted in yield growth, motor fuel savings and staple crops cost reduction.