**5. Historical background and evolution of strategic tillage practices**

The historical development of strategic tillage practices can be categorized into distinct stages. Early agricultural practices involved manual methods such as hand digging, which gradually evolved with the introduction of animal-drawn implements, including the plow. The Industrial Revolution spurred mechanization, leading to increased tillage efficiency but also raising concerns about soil degradation. The emergence of conservation tillage in the mid-20th century marked a significant transition toward sustainable land management, highlighting the need for minimizing soil disturbance and preserving soil health. However, it was the integration of advanced technologies and ecological insights that paved the way for modern strategic tillage practices. The incorporation of precision agriculture tools, remote sensing, and geospatial data analysis enabled farmers to target tillage operations based on field variability, optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental impacts. The adoption of strategic tillage practices aligned with the principles of conservation agriculture, involving reduced tillage, conservation tillage, and minimum tillage and emphasizing soil conservation, nutrient management, and ecosystem resilience.

*Enhancing Agriculture through Strategic Tillage and Soil Management: Unleashing Potential… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113038*
