Continuous soil tillage can lead to the breakdown of soil structure.
Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or clumps. A good soil structure is important for healthy plant growth as it allows for air, water, and nutrient movement through the soil, as well as providing a habitat for soil organisms.
Continuous soil tillage involves the regular disruption of the soil by plowing or digging to prepare the soil for planting. While this can initially improve soil aeration and water infiltration, over time it can lead to the breakdown of soil structure.
This is because soil tillage can break up soil aggregates, leading to the loss of pore spaces and the creation of smaller particles that can become compacted over time. This can make it difficult for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, leading to reduced plant growth and yield.
Additionally, continuous soil tillage can also lead to increased soil erosion, as the soil is left exposed to the elements without any cover or protection. This can result in the loss of topsoil and soil fertility, further exacerbating the negative effects on plant growth.
In summary, continuous soil tillage can lead to the breakdown of soil structure, reduced plant growth and yield, and increased soil erosion.