Meta-analysis of tillage methods and their influence on wheat productivity
Abstract
Approximately 60% of mechanical energy consumption in mechanized agriculture is dedicated to soil tillage operations and seedbed preparation. With awareness of the adverse effects of excessive tractor traffic on farms during seedbed preparation, the issue of selecting suitable equipment and factors affecting soil compaction reduction and increasing crop yield has become increasingly important. Numerous studies have been conducted on soil tillage and its effects on wheat yield in the past. While each individual study holds value, it is necessary to examine the results of these multiple studies together to reach a conclusion regarding the factors influencing wheat yield enhancement. The aim of meta-analysis is to extract more information from existing data than what can be obtained by aggregating the results of smaller studies with one or a few statistical analyses. This research examines over 264 scientific documents (including theses, research reports, and articles) from the past decade using a meta-analytical approach. The results of this investigation indicate that: Overall, various tillage methods result in approximately a 5% reduction in wheat yield compared to the conventional method in the region, with no significant difference observed with reduced tillage methods, and deep tillage tools showing a 5% increase. Regarding soil moisture retention, an overall 5% increase was observed, with no significant difference with reduced tillage methods, a 5% increase with no-till methods, a 10% increase with reduced tillage methods, and a 15% increase with deep tillage tools. Reduced tillage is one of the best methods for preserving more soil moisture while yielding similar wheat performance to the conventional method and other tillage methods at a 95% confidence level. Considering its lower mechanical energy consumption, it is recommended for use in the country.\r\n
Author
Hamed Karami
DOI
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31545/intagr/190044
Publisher
International Agrophysics
ISSN
0236-8722
Publish Date: