Which of the following are major types of tillage practices in agriculture?

The correct answer is foundational in understanding the different approaches to tillage practices. Conventional tillage typically involves the complete turning of the soil to prepare the seedbed, which facilitates weed control and soil warming. This method, however, can also lead to soil erosion and degradation of soil structure over time.

Minimum tillage, on the other hand, reduces the amount of soil disturbance, allowing for some existing crop residue to remain on the surface, which can help improve soil health and moisture retention while still enabling acceptable weed management.

No-till practices take this a step further, as they involve planting directly into undisturbed soil, which preserves soil structure and promotes various ecological benefits such as increased organic matter and enhanced biodiversity in soil organisms.

These three types of tillage—conventional, minimum, and no-till—represent a spectrum of soil disturbance methods that accommodate different agricultural goals, such as crop production efficiency, soil conservation, and sustainability in farming practices. Understanding these practices is crucial for students and professionals in agriculture as they navigate the challenges of modern farming and environmental stewardship.