Conservation tillage systems have positive effects on chemical, physical and biological soil properties when compared to conventional tillage. Reduced mechanical disturbance results in less destruction of soil organisms and their habitat. Biological activity is more robust. Tillage can cause the loss of significant amounts of carbon immediately after tillage. The exposure of soil organic carbon to aeration during soil erosion increases CO2 emissions. In addition, soil erosion can cause carbon to accumulate with soil sediments and be removed from the soil carbon pool.Tillage is one of the major practices that reduce the organic matter level in the soil. Each time the soil is tilled, it is aerated. As the decomposition of organic matter and the liberation of C are aerobic processes, the oxygen stimulates or speeds up the action of soil microbes, which feed on organic matter. Conservation tillage systems reduce the rate of organic matter oxidation compared with the conventional tillage systems, balancing microbial activity and slowing down decomposition of root biomass and below ground organic matter. Residue left on the soil surface slows decay, thereby maximizing residue carbon input. It has been well documented that increased tillage intensities can reduce soil organic matter in the topsoil due to increased microbial activity and carbon (C) oxidation. The potential loss of soil organic matter due to tillage operations is much higher for high organic matter soils than low organic matter soils. Conservation tillage improves soil aggregate stability that enhances nutrient retention and reduces soil erosion thereby contributing to soil fertility and mediates air permeability, water infiltration, and nutrient cycling. Tillage loosen the soil thereby favors the germination & establishment of seeding and helps in maintaining the optimum plant stand and increases depth of root penetration and roots proliferate profusely in loose soil & increase the growth of seminal & lateral roots. Tillage alters the physicochemical properties of soil by mixing the upper fertile profile with the lower profile rich in leachates and affecting the soil enzymes. It also influences the soil organic carbon and distribution of water and aeration in the soil profile.

Conservation tillage can enhance SOC protection and increase SOC sequestration by reducing soil disturbance and returning crop residues to the soils, and convert agricultural soils from C sources to C sinks. Tillage can cause the loss of significant amounts of carbon immediately after tillage. The exposure of soil organic carbon to aeration during soil erosion increases CO2 emissions. In addition, soil erosion can cause carbon to accumulate with soil sediments and be removed from the soil carbon pool.Conservation tillage can provide several benefits for agricultural systems such as soil conservation, economic advantages associated with reductions in crop establishment time and energy use, reduction in soil sheet erosion and nonpoint pollution, and enhanced storage or retention of soil organic matter. Conservation tillage systems reduce the rate of organic matter oxidation compared with the conventional tillage systems, balancing microbial activity and slowing down decomposition of root biomass and below ground organic matter. Residue left on the soil surface slows decay, thereby maximizing residue carbon input. Conservation tillage can improve soil physical structure and water storage, protect moisture, and increase crop yield. However, the long-term adoption of a single tillage method may have some adverse effects on soil and ecological environment, although crop yields have increased.

Growing cover crops is one of the best practices for improving organic matter levels and, hence, soil quality. The benefits of growing cover crops include: They prevent erosion by anchoring soil and lessening the impact of raindrops. They add plant material to the soil for organic matter replenishment. Conservation tillage systems reduce the rate of organic matter oxidation compared with the conventional tillage systems, balancing microbial activity and slowing down decomposition of root biomass and below ground organic matter. Residue left on the soil surface slows decay, thereby maximizing residue carbon input. However, tillage has all along been contributing negatively to soil quality. Since tillage fractures the soil, it disrupts soil structure, accelerating surface runoff and soil erosion. Tillage also reduces crop residue, which help cushion the force of pounding raindrops. Conservation tillage can improve soil physical structure and water storage, protect moisture, and increase crop yield. However, the long-term adoption of a single tillage method may have some adverse effects on soil and ecological environment, although crop yields have increased. Conservation tillage improves soil aggregate stability that enhances nutrient retention and reduces soil erosion thereby contributing to soil fertility and mediates air permeability, water infiltration, and nutrient cycling. It has been observed that sub soiling tillage treatment can effectively break the plow pan of cultivated land soil, improve soil structure and increase soil porosity and water retention capacity. The effect of no-till treatment on soil bulk density is not as obvious as that of ST.