Long-term potential of conservation tillage on the Canadian prairies

The adoption of conservation tillage can ensure a soil resource base for future generations. The objectives of this review are to examine principles of conservation tillage, to point out potential problems and to propose solutions. Emphasis will be placed on zero-tillage and its impact on soil temperature, soil water, crop residue decomposition, and weed communities. It is proposed that the future direction of sustainable agriculture is toward low soil disturbance, low input, and energy efficient production systems. Zero-tillage represents a starting point in the evolution of sustainability, and the role of disciplines related to crop protection to achieve this goal is discussed.