TILLAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Tillage is a term used in agriculture to describe the practice of preparing and cultivating the soil for growing crops. It involves various mechanical or manual activities carried out to loosen, turn, or break up the soil surface. Tillage is an essential step in land preparation that aims to improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, control weeds, and enhance seedbed conditions for optimal plant growth.
There are different types of tillage methods employed, ranging from traditional practices to modern techniques. Conventional tillage refers to the complete inversion of the soil, where large tillage implements such as plows or discs are used to deeply turn the soil and bury any crop residues. This method can effectively control weeds and pests but may also result in the loss of soil moisture and increased erosion.
On the other hand, conservation tillage methods have gained popularity in recent years. These techniques aim to disturb the soil as little as possible, minimizing erosion risks and preserving organic matter. No-till or zero-till farming is a form of conservation tillage where the soil is left undisturbed, and seeds are planted directly into the residue of the previous crop. Reduced tillage is another approach that involves shallowly disturbing the soil while leaving some surface residue intact.
Overall, tillage practices are essential for crop production, but the choice of method should consider the specific conditions of the farm, desired outcomes, and the long-term impacts on soil health and sustainability.
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• The art or practice of preparing land for seed and raising crops; culture; tilth.
• Cultivated land; culture.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TILLAGE
Etymology of TILLAGE
The word "tillage" comes from the Old English word "tilian", which means "to labor, cultivate, or prepare the soil for crops". This root word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "tilojaną", meaning "to aim, strive for, or obtain by effort". Ultimately, "tillage" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "telh₂-", which carries the concept of "to bear, carry, or execute".
Similar spelling word for TILLAGE
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