Tillage and Crop Stubble Management and Soil Health in a Changing Climate

Abstract

In this chapter, we present a review on the impacts of tillage and crop stubble management on soil health and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Particular emphasis is given to impacts of tillage and stubble management on soil carbon, as enhancement of soil carbon is seen as the basis for improving health of cropping soils while contributing to climate change mitigation. We also address some of the apparently contradictory evidence on the effects of tillage and stubble management on soil carbon levels and GHG emissions, which may result from differences in soil type, climate and tillage/stubble management techniques. We then emphasise the need for a better understanding of the role of conservation farming practices in improving soil carbon stocks, maintaining soil health and reducing soil GHG emissions under diverse climate-crop type combinations, to enhance the contribution of croplands to climate change mitigation and adaptation.