Definition and introduction
Tillage is defined as any physical loosening of the soil carried out in a range of cultivation operations, either by hand or mechanized.
"Soil manipulation can change fertility status markedly and the changes may be manifested in good or poor performance of crops (Ohiri and Ezumah 1991)[1]. In addition, tillage operations loosen, granulate, crush or compact soil structure, changing soil properties such as bulk density, pore size distribution and composition of the soil atmosphere that affect plant growth"[2] as well as water infiltration into the soil and water evaporation from the soil surface.
References
- ↑ Ohiri, A.C. and Ezumah, H.C. (1990): Tillage effects on cassava (Manihot esculenta) production and some soil properties. Soil and Tillage Research 17:221-231.
- ↑ FAO (1993): Soil tillage in Africa: needs and challenges.FAO SOILS BULLETIN 69.fckLRhttp://www.fao.org/docrep/t1696e/t1696e09.htmfckLR[accessed 19 April 2013]
