Reducing Tillage to Save Fuel

Tillage is typically used to prepare a seedbed, incorporate fertilizer, and cultivate for weed control. The number of trips required to complete these operations is determined by soil type and condition, crop, weather conditions, and tillage system type. Excessive tillage increases fuel consumption, operating costs, machinery wear, and time and labor demands. Tillage causes soil compaction and releases carbon into the atmosphere.

Farmers can reduce the amount of fuel they use in their field operations by:-

a reduction in one or more tillage/field operations,
switching from one type of tillage operation to another, and/or
combining tillage operations into a single pass across the field

Tillage-reduced systems

Production techniques and equipment for conservation tillage systems have been developed in recent years, and many farmers have adopted them. Overall yield averages for conventional and reduced tillage systems are nearly identical when managed properly. A recent study at the USDA's Vegetable and Forage Crop Research Unit, for example, found no decrease in vegetable yields with reduced tillage, as did a cotton study at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Reduced tillage systems frequently produce higher yields than conventional tillage systems in moderately dry years. Conventional tillage systems may produce higher yields in wet years.

Reduced tillage also saves time, allowing for the planting of a second crop, or double cropping

The use of a reduced tillage system on a continuous basis may not be appropriate for all soils. Periodic primary tillage on silty clay or silty clay loam soils may be required to control pests and reduce compaction.

In general, a conventional tillage corn production system will require about 5 gallons of diesel fuel per acre. A no-till system requires only about 2 gallons per acre, resulting in a 60% savings.

In addition to fuel savings, reduced tillage systems can result in significant time savings and other benefits. This will allow for more acres to be farmed with more timely operations. Even if additional acreage is not planned, timely operations may boost yield and crop quality.

Alternative implementations for comparable operations

A lower-fuel-consuming implement can frequently be used to perform a similar operation. For example, a chisel plough can be used instead of a moldboard plough for primary tillage, and a spring or spike-tooth harrow can be used instead of a disc or field cultivator in certain fields.

Using readily available information, tractors can be compared for fuel savings. However, it is critical to weigh fuel savings against the cost of new equipment. There are several tools available to help you make those comparisons.

Also Read:- 10 WAYS TO IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY ON YOUR FARM