No-till techniques have been successfully integrated into agronomic cropping systems. Are No-till techniques compatible with annual-horticultural field-vegetable cropping systems and why? If applicable, do provide an example(s). No-Till Techniques for Annual-Horticultural Field-Vegetable Cropping Systems: Benefits and Challenges

Use of No-Till Technology in Annual Horticultural Field-Vegetable Cropping System: The Benefits and the Challenges

A number of factors have led to no-till practices being successfully integrated in agronomic agricultural cropping systems. These include increased soil fertility, decreased erosion and improved water infiltration. There has not been much research on the benefits of using no-till methods in annual-horticultural vegetable cropping systems. Because horticultural vegetables require intense management (e.g. frequent cultivation and irrigation), no-till methods are not suitable for them (Govaerts, et. al. 2020). But, evidence suggests that there are ways that no-till practices can be integrated into field-vegetable-cropping systems for annual-horticultural fields. This is provided that specific management strategies are followed (Osti, 2021). You can increase soil fertility through cover crops. These can be left in the soil as mulch or mowed to suppress weeds and improve the soil’s structure. Drip irrigation is another option to water the soil with minimum disturbance (Osti and al. 2018, 2018). Use No-till Technology in Annual-Horticultural Field Vegetable Cropping Systems. The integration of no-till methods into agricultural cropping systems has been a success. Their use in annual-horticultural fields-vegetable crops is also becoming more popular. Their ability to lower soil erosion and conserve water as well as reduce labor costs is why they are so popular (Pimentel (2016). No-till technologies can be used to improve soil structure and soil health. Cont…