Tillage practices significantly influence sugarcane biomass accumulation and yield, especially under drip irrigation systems. Here’s how different tillage practices impact these factors:

1. Conventional Tillage

• Impact on Biomass Accumulation: Conventional tillage involves deep plowing and intensive soil disturbance, which can initially improve soil aeration and root penetration. However, over time, it may lead to soil degradation, compaction, and loss of organic matter, which can hinder biomass accumulation.
• Impact on Yield: While conventional tillage may provide a good seedbed initially, the long-term negative effects on soil structure and health can reduce sugarcane yields. Additionally, the increased soil erosion and moisture loss associated with conventional tillage can be detrimental under drip irrigation, where water efficiency is crucial.

2. Reduced Tillage

• Impact on Biomass Accumulation: Reduced tillage minimizes soil disturbance, preserving soil structure and organic matter. This can enhance root development and nutrient uptake, leading to better biomass accumulation over time.
• Impact on Yield: Reduced tillage can improve water retention and reduce soil erosion, making it more compatible with drip irrigation systems. This can lead to more consistent and potentially higher sugarcane yields, as the soil remains healthier and more productive over the long term.

3. No-Till (Zero Tillage)

• Impact on Biomass Accumulation: No-till practices leave the soil largely undisturbed, which helps maintain soil organic matter and microbial activity. This can promote better root growth and nutrient availability, leading to increased biomass accumulation.
• Impact on Yield: No-till systems are highly efficient in conserving soil moisture and reducing erosion, which is particularly beneficial under drip irrigation. The improved soil health and structure can lead to higher and more sustainable sugarcane yields. However, initial establishment may require careful management to ensure proper seed placement and weed control.

4. Conservation Tillage

• Impact on Biomass Accumulation: Conservation tillage, which includes practices like strip-till or mulch-till, aims to balance soil disturbance with conservation goals. This can improve soil health and moisture retention, promoting better biomass accumulation.
• Impact on Yield: Conservation tillage can enhance water use efficiency and reduce soil erosion, making it well-suited for drip irrigation. The improved soil conditions can lead to higher sugarcane yields, especially in the long term.

5. Ridge Tillage

• Impact on Biomass Accumulation: Ridge tillage involves planting on raised ridges, which can improve soil warming and drainage. This can enhance early root development and biomass accumulation, particularly in cooler or wetter climates.
• Impact on Yield: Ridge tillage can be beneficial under drip irrigation by improving water distribution and reducing waterlogging. This can lead to higher sugarcane yields, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or poor drainage.

Key Considerations:

• Soil Health: Tillage practices that maintain or improve soil health (e.g., reduced tillage, no-till, conservation tillage) generally lead to better biomass accumulation and higher yields over time.
• Water Use Efficiency: Drip irrigation is highly efficient, and tillage practices that conserve soil moisture (e.g., no-till, conservation tillage) can maximize the benefits of this irrigation method.
• Weed Management: Different tillage practices can influence weed pressure. For example, no-till systems may require more attention to weed control, which can impact biomass accumulation and yield.
• Initial vs. Long-Term Effects: Some tillage practices may offer short-term benefits but have negative long-term impacts (e.g., conventional tillage), while others may require initial adjustments but provide sustainable benefits (e.g., no-till).

• Enhances nutrient and water uptake under drip irrigation.
• May improve early biomass accumulation but can increase soil moisture loss in the long run.

Best tillage practices for maximizing sugarcane biomass accumulation and yield under drip irrigation are minimum or strip tillage, which provide a balance between aeration, moisture conservation, and root health. Zero tillage is also highly effective in maintaining long-term soil fertility and water retention, especially in well-structured soils. Deep tillage should be used selectively for compacted soils, while raised bed planting is ideal for waterlogged conditions. By adopting conservation tillage practices that optimize soil health and moisture retention, farmers can significantly enhance sugarcane productivity under drip irrigation.