Objectives of tillage

Listed below are some of the objectives of tillage in modern agriculture which include;

• The controlling of weeds or unwanted vegetation including crop plants.
• The development of a suitable seedbed or root bed that is physically, chemically and biologically fitted for the growth of crops. A suitable seedbed or rooted, in this light, possess a granular structure with adequate water – retaining and infiltration capacity, as well as adequate capacity and minimum resistance to root penetration.
• The permanent destruction of insects with their eggs and larvae through indirect exposure of the pest to birds attacks and limitation of the movement of certain pests in the soil by consolidating the surface.
• The establishment of suitable surface configurations for such operations as planting, irrigation, drainage and harvesting and so on.
• The provision of fertility to the soil by incorporation of crop residue and other organic manures in the soil.
• To leave soil surface in such condition that will minimize soil erosion through tillage practices like contour tillage, listing and proper placement of trash.
• The incorporation and mixing of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other soil amendment into the soil other than using other specialized equipment for the applications.