Effects of Tillage Practices on Crop Productivity and CO₂ Emissions

Dear Colleagues,

Tillage practices in agriculture significantly impact both crop productivity and CO₂ emissions, key areas of concern in the context of global climate change and food security. Traditional tillage methods, involving intensive soil manipulation, have been found to reduce soil organic matter and increase erosion, leading to higher CO₂ emissions. This conventional approach can disrupt soil structure, decrease biodiversity, and reduce the soil's capacity to act as a carbon sink, thereby exacerbating the release of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Conversely, conservation tillage practices, including no-till and reduced-till methods, help to preserve soil integrity, enhance water retention, and maintain higher levels of soil organic carbon. These practices not only contribute to lower CO₂ emissions but also improve soil health, which can lead to enhanced crop yields. By minimizing soil disturbance, conservation tillage fosters a conducive environment for beneficial soil organisms, enhances nutrient cycling, and builds resilience against environmental stressors.

The strategic adoption of reduced tillage practices is viewed as a dual-benefit approach: optimizing agricultural output while mitigating climate change impacts. This is particularly crucial as Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) activities are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. In light of this, the integration of sustainable tillage practices is essential for reducing the agricultural sector's carbon footprint, enhancing crop productivity, and achieving broader environmental sustainability goals.

Incorporating these tillage strategies is part of a broader set of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures necessary for sustainable agriculture. These include improving crop rotation, optimizing input management (such as fertilizers and water), and adopting advanced breeding techniques for stress tolerance. Collectively, these strategies not only support the reduction in GHG emissions but also bolster agricultural productivity to meet the increasing global food demand amid changing climatic conditions.

Dr. Vaida Steponavičienė
Prof. Dr. Kestutis Romaneckas
Dr. Aušra Sinkevičienė
Guest Editors

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• tillage systems
• agroecosystem sustainability
• CO₂ emissions
• crop productivity
• climate change