What type of tillage leaves at least 30% of residue on the soil surface?

Conservation tillage is designed to improve soil health and water retention while reducing erosion. One of the key characteristics of this tillage method is that it leaves at least 30% of crop residue on the soil surface after planting. This residue serves multiple purposes: it helps protect the soil from erosion by wind and water, maintains moisture levels in the soil, and contributes organic matter when it decomposes, enhancing soil structure and fertility.

In contrast, conventional tillage usually involves more aggressive methods that often disturb the soil and lead to less residue being left on the surface. Minimal tillage practices may not always leave as much residue as conservation tillage requires, while deep tillage focuses primarily on altering soil structure through deeper soil penetration without necessarily maintaining surface residue levels. Therefore, conservation tillage stands out because of its specific goal to retain soil cover for the benefits associated with sustainable agricultural practices.