Question

Which is a disadvantage to conservation tillage?

A.) less efficient use of fertilizer
B.) decreased crop yields
C.) none of these are correct.
D.) increased pests and weeds
E.) increased irrigation requirements

Answer 1

The disadvantage of conservation tillage is increased pests and weeds, because the reduced disruption of the soil allows these organisms to thrive, potentially leading to pesticide resistance and necessitating alternative management strategies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Conservation tillage is a farming practice that involves reduced or no tilling of the soil. Among the potential disadvantages of this method, increased pests and weeds. This happens because tillage is traditionally used to disrupt the lifecycle of weeds and pests, and with reduced tillage, there can be a proliferation of these organisms.

The explanation behind this disadvantage is centered around the ecology of farmland. Conservation tillage leaves behind crop residues on the soil surface, which provides a habitat for pests and weeds to thrive. Furthermore, without tillage to disrupt their growth, these organisms can become established and more difficult to control, sometimes even leading to pesticide resistance. While conservation tillage has many benefits, such as improved soil structure and moisture retention, and reduced erosion, the trade-off is an increased need for strategic pest and weed management, which can pose a challenge for farmers. Traditional tilling methods help to manage these, but conservation tillage requires different strategies, such as the use of cover crops or more targeted pesticide applications, to counteract the potential for increased pests and weeds.