Progress in the development of no-tillage systems for maize and soya beans in the tropics

Abstract

Although, in the tropics, maize is largely peasant-grown while soya is produced on large-scale mechanized farms, traditional growing methods have imposed limitations common to both. With the no-tillage techniques now being developed in W Africa and S America, however, benefits from reduced run-off and soil loss, lower soil temperatures and improved moisture retention have raised yields and, with new equipment, promise better returns from both small and large farms.