Conservation tillage, which
can include the planting of crops into standing stubble of a different
crop, has received attention as an alternative to conventional clean
tillage. USDA scientist evaluated conservation and clean tillage methods
for black and pinto beans in a commercial field in southeastern Oklahoma.
Yields for plants sown into conventionally tilled soil were better
than for plants from conservation tillage. In general yields of beans
on deeper soils were reduced. Economic returns from reduced inputs
did not offset the potential lower income from reduced bean yields
when conservation tillage was used.
