Long-Term Effects of Tillage and Straw Management on Soil Fertility, Crop Yield, and Yield Stability in Cropping System

Dear Colleagues,

Tillage involves the mechanical manipulation of soil for seedbed preparation, the incorporation of fertilizer and soil amendments, and weed control, which modifies soil conditions. Intensive tillage, popularly known as conventional tillage, includes the use of the moldboard plow, chisel plow, disk plow, field cultivator, harrows, packers, etc. Tillage can have a great impact on the chemical, biological, and physical properties of soil, which are all key indicators of soil quality and soil health; therefore, tillage can affect crop yield. Proper tillage practices are win-win for soil protection and crop productivity, and also used to alleviate both climatic and soil constraints. Straw return (often termed “residue return”), accompanying tillage practices, is an effective way to provide soil nutrients and improve crop grain yield. However, the current knowledge of the effects of straw return and tillage on soil nutrients, soil structure, crop yield and yield stability is limited.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the long-term impacts of tillage and straw management on soil fertility, crop yield, and yield stability in cropping systems. Moreover, it is essential for studies on soil–plant interactions to include the effect of biological, chemical, and physical soil properties on crop growth, crop yield and yield stability, and the feedback effects on the fertility and physical structure of soil, as well as activities of the soil biota.

Dr. Aizhen Liang
Dr. Zhangliu Du
Guest Editors

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