Some effects of seedbed preparation, tillage and herbicides on corn yields and soil compaction

Because of the need for efficiency in production, the problem of how much seedbed preparation and tillage is necessary for corn (Zea mays L.) production is becoming increasingly important. Most of the experimental work that has been done to determine how much preparation and tillage is necessary for corn production has been confined largely to the corn belt area. This information is of comparatively little value to farmers in Tennessee because of the difference in climate and edaphic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the relationships between two types of seedbed preparations for corn production. These two types of seedbeds were; conventional seedbed where the soil was plowed, disced, harrowed, and oultipacked; and minimum seedbed where the soil was plowed and corn was planted in the tractor wheel tracks. Each type of seedbed was subdivided to include two practices! weed control by using a herbicide and by cultivation. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the above on yield, control of weeds, stand, lodging and soil compaction.