Tillage practices and fertilization management effects on growth and nitrogen efficiency in soybean

Tillage practices and fertility management play important roles in both the nutrient and soil moisture dynamics of soil-plant systems and affect the nutrient use efficiency of cropping systems. Tillage enhances the mineralization of soil organic C and N by incorporating crop residues, disrupting soil aggregates, and increasing aeration. Nitrogen fertilization can not only improve the crop production and soil quality attributes, but it can also increase the potential for NO3-N leaching. Additionally, soil quality can be improved over time in a no-tillage system, greatly increasing the yield benefits over time. An appropriate nitrogen management regime in combination with a proper tillage system is expected to sustain soil fertility. Soybean planted in fields with different soil types and drainage properties responds differently to tillage practices.