Instant Insights: Zero/No-Till Cultivation

Dr Gottlieb Basch is a Full Professor in the Department of Plant Science at the University of Évora, Portugal. He is President of the European Conservation Agriculture Federation and has contributed to a number of EIP AGRI Focus Groups, EU Horizon and other research projects on more sustainable methods of crop cultivation.Michael retired from USDA-NRCS in January 2023 after a forty-two-year career. At retirement Michael served as the National Erosion Database Steward and Agronomist at National Soil Survey Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. Some select awards Michael received included the Hugh Hammond Bennett award for international work in soil and water management from the Soil and Water Conservation Society, Nebraska Agribusiness Assocation Partnership and Researcher/Educator of the Year awards, Nebraska FFA Assocation Honorary State FFA Degree and many more.

• Chapter 1 - Assessing the effects of no-till cultivation practices on soil health: Alison Hamm and Daniel K. Manter, USDA-ARS, USA; 1 Introduction2 Soil physical properties3 Soil chemical properties4 Soil biological properties5 Case studies6 Future trends and conclusion7 Where to look for further information8 References Chapter 2 - The role of no or minimum mechanical soil disturbance in Conservation Agriculture systems: Theodor Friedrich, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Italy; 1 Introduction2 Effects of soil tillage and tillage implements on the soil3 Minimizing soil disturbance in farming4 Conclusion5 Where to look for further information6 References Chapter 3 - Soil management practices and benefits in Conservation Agriculture systems: Michele Pisante, University of Teramo, Italy; Angelica Galieni, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics and Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Italy; Gottlieb Basch, University of Évora, Portugal; Theodor Friedrich, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Italy; and Fabio Stagnari, University of Teramo, Italy; 1 Introduction2 The principles of CA3 Environmental benefits and ecosystem services4 Economic benefits5 Future trends6 Conclusion7 Where to look for further information8 References Chapter 4 - The effects of no-till and related practices in preventing soil erosion: Michael Kucera, formerly USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)/National Soil Survey Center, USA; IntroductionThe effects of no-till (NT) practices on soil properties related to erosion riskNo-till (NT) practices and water erosion riskNo-till (NT) practices and wind erosion riskSummaryReferences