Conservation Tillage (CT) is a tillage method or practice that by definition leaves 30% or greater of the previous crops residue on the soil surface after planting. The residue that remains has multiple important roles, some of which are:
- Increased Soil Organic Matter (SOM)
- Improved Soil Ecosystems
- Increases Water Infiltration
- Reduces Runoff
The Crop Production Portion of the AgP2 program continues to work with grower organizations and individual farmers to promote the use of CT systems to improve the soil and water required and desired by all citizens.
One organization that has worked both nationally and internationally to promote CT is the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) with their Core 4 program. Locally the Georgia CT Alliance (GCTA) has been active in promoting the use of CT practices.
Additional information on cover crops, system benefits, management, publications, links and contacts please see the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Conservation Tillage Webpage.