Minimum tillage boosts maize yield and profits in South Africa
Maize farmers in O. R. Tambo District, South Africa, are looking for ways to reduce costs and improve productivity. By comparing different tillage methods, researchers found that minimum tillage increased levels of important soil nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, leading to higher maize yields. Minimum tillage also resulted in higher profits compared to conventional tillage. This study suggests that adopting minimum tillage, along with crop rotation and residue retention, can benefit farmers in the district.