Soil tillage and its impact on soil conservation (review)

Abstract

It is expected that by the year 2050 population will increase one-third. This is a challenge to increase the agricultural production with the least possible impact to the environment. Soil tillage has led to increase agricultural areas at the expense of top soil, contributing to a progressively degradation of the soil surface generating soil erosion. Tillage erosion is influenced directly by the compaction caused by the passage of machinery. Controlled Traffic Farming systems (CTF), precision agriculture and alternative agricultural tires, have been used to minimize the effects of frequent-machinery-traffic. Implementation of new technologies, proper selection of agricultural equipment, compliance with current legislation and research on topics related to tillage erosion; constitute a challenge to authorities, farmers and academy in Costa Rica.