Which agricultural practice minimizes the number of tillage passes across a field to conserve organic matter?

Conservation tillage is an agricultural practice designed to minimize the number of tillage passes across a field, which in turn helps in conserving organic matter in the soil. By reducing the frequency and intensity of soil disturbance, conservation tillage promotes the retention of soil structure and organic matter, leading to improved soil health and productivity. This practice often includes methods such as maintaining plant residues on the soil surface, which can enhance moisture retention, reduce erosion, and support a more diverse ecosystem of soil organisms.

Unlike conventional tillage, which involves extensive soil disruption and can deplete organic matter, conservation tillage balances soil cultivation with the benefits of leaving crop residues. Moreover, while minimal tillage and no-till methods also contribute to the reduction of tillage activity, conservation tillage provides a broader approach encompassing a range of techniques aimed at sustainable soil management. Therefore, it stands out as the most effective practice for achieving the primary goal of minimizing tillage passes to conserve organic matter.