No-till farming and greenhouse gas fluxes: Insights from literature and experimental data

Tillage intensity may differently impact gaseous losses of C and N to the atmosphere, but data from long-term experiments are relatively few. Yet, this information is needed better understand gains in agricultural systems. The objective study was determine how tillage affects soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes (CO 2 , O, CH 4 ) by comparing experimental moldboard plow (MP), chisel (CP), double disk (DD), no-till (NT) soils after 38–40 yr management a rainfed corn ( Zea mays L.)- soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr) cropping system. We also reviewed global literature evaluate impacts on GHG emissions. After management, CO decreased order: MP > CP ≈ DD NT, indicating that as decreased, decreased. Indeed, daily were typically lower under NT than CP. Similarly, overall cumulative across 26-mo measurement 1.4–1.8 times with MP, CP, soils. Also, had 1.3 higher These results similar those our review 60 studies fluxes. reduction likely due combination increased residue cover, reduced temperature (r = 0.71; n 12; p < 0.001), water content −0.75; 0.001). Daily O highly variable; unaffected tillage, mirroring findings 37 papers 24 Overall, based both experiment review, appears be best option reduce followed till do not generally differ intensity. • as: >chisel =double disk>no-till 40 yr. Fluxes systems minimal effects No-till farming top mitigate .