Meta-analysis of the Effect of Conservation Tillage on Potato Yield

Most farmers perceive that moldboard ploughing prior to potato planting is necessary, despite its negative impacts on inherent soil fertility and soil structure. Conservation tillage may be an alternative system for potato production due to its potential to reduce production costs and soil conservation. Many studies have investigated the effect of different tillage methods on various factors such as soil physical properties, costs and yield in potato cultivation. Most of the studies only cover a small range of field experiments, in a region. In order to gain a better perspective on the impact of tillage methods on potato yield, available studies were systematically reviewed and their findings were analyzed by meta-analysis (1966-2021). All articles published in journals, final reports of research projects and related articles presented at congresses, as well as student dissertations were reviewed using standard keywords. Finally, after quality control, 25 studies (5 national studies and 20 international studies) were entered into the meta-analysis process to compare the method of minimum tillage with conventional tillage using a random model. The results showed that the minimum tillage method (chisel ploughing conducted in the spring immediately before potato planting) compared to conventional tillage (moldboard ploughing) caused a slight increase in potato yield (+ 0.13%). It is suggested that the reduced tillage method (plowing with a chisel plow in the spring before planting + disc) replaces the conventional tillage method (moldboard plow + disc + leveler).