**2. Fundamentals of strategic tillage**

Strategic tillage involves different types of tillage operations, including primary tillage and secondary tillage. Primary tillage is performed to break and loosen the soil for a significant depth, typically ranging from 15 to 90 cm (6–36 inches). It includes various equipment such as moldboard plows, disk plows, rotary plows, chisel plows, and subsoil plows [17]. These tools are used based on the soil type, the desired depth of tillage, and the specific objectives of the tillage operation.

#### **2.1 Key principles and objectives**

The key principles and objectives of strategic tillage can be summarized as follows: (i) *Soil structure modification*: strategic tillage aims to improve soil structure by creating desirable conditions for optimal plant growth. This helps in creating an environment conducive to root development and moisture retention [18]. Strategic tillage, according to research, can drastically affect soil structure and porosity, resulting in better water transport and root growth [19, 20]. It can contribute to the long-term sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems [21]. Research studies have indicated that strategic tillage can improve soil biological activity, increase nutrient availability, and enhance soil organic carbon content [22]. (ii) *Weed control*: tillage plays a crucial role in weed management by disrupting weed growth, burying weed seeds, and uprooting established weeds [16]. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of strategic tillage in suppressing weed populations and reducing weed biomass [23, 24]. Tillage plays a crucial role in controlling weeds. Strategic tillage practices, such as timely tillage operations and burying weed seeds, can help reduce weed

*Harnessing Soil Potential: Innovation in Strategic Tillage and Management – New Perspectives DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113036*

populations and minimize the need for herbicides [25]. (iii) *Crop residue management*: strategic tillage helps incorporate agricultural byproducts in the ground, facilitating their decomposition and nutrient release [26]. Strategic tillage facilitates the incorporation of crop residues and soil modifications such as lime and manure, into the soil. This helps distribute nutrients more evenly, improves nutrient availability to plants, and reduces nutrient losses through runoff [27]. Strategic farming, according to research, can improve the breakdown of crop residues, leading to improved nutrient cycling and soil organic matter content [28]. (iv) *Water intake and storage*: strategic tillage optimizes the uptake, storage, and transfer of water in the soil profile by enhancing soil structure. It promotes better water infiltration, reduces runoff, and increases water-holding capacity, thus mitigating the risks of drought stress and improving crop water-use efficiency [29]. (v) *Root zone deepening*: strategic tillage can help break through compacted layers, such as hardpans, and enhance root penetration into the subsoil. This enables crops to access deeper water reserves and nutrients, leading to improved yields and plant health [30]. (vi) *Integrated weed and pest management*: strategic tillage can be integrated into broader weed and pest management strategies. By disrupting weed life cycles and providing favorable conditions for natural predators, tillage can contribute to reducing the reliance on herbicides and pesticides [31]. Studies have highlighted the potential of strategic tillage in integrated weed management approaches, leading to reduced herbicide use and improved weed control [32].

## **3. Recent innovations in tillage equipment**

#### **3.1 Modern tillage equipment**

Modern tillage equipment has seen several advancements in recent years, aiming to improve efficiency, soil health, and sustainability in agricultural practices. Some notable innovations include:

(i) *Strip-till rigs*: strip-tillage is gaining popularity as a conservation-minded practice. Strip-till rigs are designed to till narrow strips, typically 6–12 inches wide, between rows. This approach reduces soil erosion, speeds up soil warming, conserves energy and fuel, and maintains higher levels of soil organic matter [33]. (ii) *Verticaltillage implements*: with vertical tillage, crop residue is broken down and the top 2–3 inches of soil are loosen. It improves soil contact with residue, enhances infiltration, reduces runoff, and creates more uniform field conditions. The advantages of traditional disks, vertical tillage, and soil-finishing products have been combined into a single device by equipment manufacturers [34]. (iii) *Rotary finishers*: rotary finishers are innovative tools used for soil conditioning. They incorporate rotary harrows or rolling baskets to further refine the soil surface after primary tillage operations. These implements help improve seedbed preparation, promote soil structure, and enhance moisture retention [35]. (iv) *Soil conditioners*: soil conditioners are specialized machines used to enhance soil quality. They can incorporate organic matter into the soil, break up compacted layers, and improve soil structure. Soil conditioners help promote root growth, increase nutrient availability, and optimize water infiltration [36].

#### **3.2 Precision tillage tools and implements**

Precision tillage focuses on precise control of tillage operations to optimize seedbed conditions, minimize soil disturbance, and preserve soil structure. Some recent innovations in precision tillage tools and implements include: (a) *TruSet technology*: advanced precision control systems like TruSet technology allow farmers to adjust shank depth in small increments (e.g., 0.10 inch) from the tractor cab. These systems offer precise depth control and can optimize tillage operations based on soil conditions and crop requirements [37]. (b) *Reduced-till implements*: reduced-till implements, such as chisel plows and disk rippers, have gained popularity due to their ability to perform efficient tillage while minimizing soil disturbance. These implements allow farmers to maintain residue cover, reduce erosion, and conserve soil moisture [38].

#### **3.3 Conservation tillage machinery**

Conservation tillage focuses on minimizing soil disturbance and maintaining residue cover to protect soil health and reduce erosion. Recent innovations in conservation tillage machinery include:

(i) *No-till seeders/drills*: no-till seeders or drills are designed to plant seeds directly into untilled soil, leaving crop residue undisturbed. These machines have precise seed placement mechanisms that help ensure optimal seed-to-soil contact while preserving soil structure and minimizing erosion risks [39]. (ii) *Cover crop inter-seeding equipment*: inter-Seeding cover crops between cash crop rows is an effective conservation practice. Specialized equipment has been developed to accurately seed cover crops in standing cash crops without causing significant disturbance. This approach enhances soil health, reduces weed pressure, and improves nutrient cycling [40].

#### **3.4 No-till and reduced-till systems**

No-till and reduced-till systems have gained traction as sustainable alternatives to intensive tillage. Recent developments in these systems include: *No-till planters*: no-till planters are equipped with features that enable precise seed placement into untilled soil. They typically incorporate residue managers, row cleaners, and depth control mechanisms to facilitate successful planting while preserving soil structure and moisture [41]. *Conservation-ready tractors*: manufacturers have introduced tractors equipped with specialized features for conservation tillage, such as advanced guidance systems, reduced compaction tire technology, and variable-rate planting capabilities. These tractors offer improved efficiency and precision in implementing no-till and reduced-till practices [42].

## **4. Soil health improvement techniques**

Utilizing cover crops is one method for enhancing soil health and environmental quality [43]. When the primary cash crops are not growing, certain crops, referred to as cover crops, are planted instead. These cover crops were chosen because of their range of beneficial effects on the soil.

Benefits of cover cropping for soil health improvement: 1. *Erosion control*: cover crops help to minimize soil erosion by providing ground cover and protecting the soil surface from wind and water erosion [44]. The risk of soil loss is decreased by the roots of cover crops holding the soil particles together. 2. *Nutrient management*: by scavenging and absorbing surplus nutrients from the soil, cover crops can stop these nutrients from evaporating into groundwater or being lost through runoff. Following

#### *Harnessing Soil Potential: Innovation in Strategic Tillage and Management – New Perspectives DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113036*

the termination of the cover crops and their incorporation into the soil, the released nutrients become available for the succeeding cash crops [45]. 3. *Adding organic matter*: cover crops decompose and increase the amount of organic matter in the soil. Organic matter enhances the soil's structure, ability to retain water and nutrients, microbial activity, and overall health [46]. 4. *Controlling weed growth*: cover crops can inhibit the growth of weeds by competing with them for sunlight, nutrients, and space. Herbicides and manual weed management are not necessary because of the dense cover crop canopy's ability to shade out emerging weeds and these crops also have allopathic effects [47]. 5. *Biological diversity*: cover crops enhance soil microbiome [48]. Beneficial insects, earthworms, and other soil organisms can find a home and food source in cover crops. These species support healthy soil ecosystems, pest management, and nutrient cycling [49]. 6. *Controlling soil moisture*: some cover crops, like legumes, have deep roots that can improve the soil's structure and drainage. By lowering evaporation from the soil surface, they also assist in conserving soil moisture [50]. Considerations for cover crop implementation should include the regional climate, the kind of soil, and any special goals for soil development [51]. Different cover crop varieties and species can be adapted to meet certain requirements for soil health and work with crop rotation systems [52].
