Socio‐economic impacts of zero and reduced tillage in wheat fields of the Moroccan drylands

Zero tillage (ZT) is recommended for dryland farming because it enhances retention of residual soil moisture. However, not always clear whether this translates to an economic advantage over conventional tillage, which helps in controlling weeds. Using a nationally representative sample 1901 wheat fields Morocco as case study, we provide comparative analysis on different intensities. Results from endogenous switching regression model showed that were tilled gave 298.6 kg/ha (23%) higher yields, US$89/ha (27%) more income and stable yields than those once or more. Fields also had 87% lower yield variance with 100% 65.6% less risk giving levels below 500 1000 kg/ha, respectively. The highest losses occurred during the first third passes, but second negligible effect. Labor saving avoiding under ZT was undermined by labor needed weeding. Along biophysical benefits documented elsewhere, our results show that, if constraints its wider diffusion are removed, zero reduced has potential sustainably improve viability agriculture other similar countries North Africa West Asia.