Long-term reduced tillage and no-till cropping systems affect crop yields and economics

There has been increased implementation of conservation practices on highly erodible Missouri soils. The objectives were to evaluate the effects of long-term no-till and reduced tillage cropping systems on yields and economics of production systems. Research was initiated in 1994 near Novelty, MO. Treatments included a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation with three tillage/cropping systems: (1) no-till corn-soybean-wheat with double-crop soybean (NT DCS), (2) no-till corn-soybean-wheat with frost-seeded red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) cover crop (NT FSC), and (3) reduced-till corn-soybean-wheat (RT). Each crop and cropping system was represented each year in large plots (9.1 by 90 m). Significant differences in corn yields occurred in 1995-1996, 2000, 2009-2010, and 2015-2016 with the highest-yielding treatments being five RT, one NT DCS, and one RT = NT DCS. Significant differences in soybean yield occurred in 3 yr with the highest-yielding cropping system being NT DCS twice and RT once. Significant differences in wheat yield occurred in 4 yr with RT yielding the highest each time. Input costs were greatest in RT and NT DCS, while net income was greatest in NT DCS, which produces four cash crops in 3 yr. Highest net returns occurred in NT DCS, which was US$135 and 145 ha(-1) greater than NT FSC and RT, respectively. The productivity and economics of systems need to be balanced with ecosystem benefits of NT. In this corn-soybean-wheat rotation, hybrid cropping systems including RT corn and wheat, followed by NT DCS, and NT soybean is recommended.