Research regarding reduction of soil tillage for wheat and maize crops.

Research was developed in the period 1970-1995, within long-term stationary experiments, on cambic chernozem at the Research Institute for Cereals and Industrial Crops of Fundulea. Continuous classical tillage was compared with periodical alternation with surface disk harrow tillage, as well as with other works of soil breaking up with tools without furrow turning (chisel, paraplow). In wheat, yield was not significantly affected by soil tillage method, thus ensuring high fuel savings by temporary ploughing elimination. Surface tillage by disking produced a significant yield decrease in maize, due to increased soil compaction and weed infestation of the crop. Rationalization of ground tillage for wheat and maize crops could be achieved within an adequate crop rotation, in which the land may be prepared for wheat by disking or chiseling and for maize by deeper ploughing.