ridgetill

Ridgetill, also called ridge tillage, is a conservation tillage system used in row cropping in which ridges are formed and left as planting beds. The crop rows are established on the ridge tops, while furrows between ridges aid drainage. Residue from the previous crop remains on the soil surface to protect against erosion and to improve soil moisture retention.

Development and use of ridge tillage began in the mid-20th century as an alternative to conventional tillage in parts of the United States. It gained popularity in the Midwest and Southeast for crops such as corn and soybean, and it is adaptable to a range of soil types, particularly well-drained tropical and temperate soils. The pattern of ridges is often maintained across years, creating a permanent bed system that guides planting.

Practice and management involve periodic tillage to re-form or adjust ridges, typically once per year or at the start of a cropping cycle. Equipment such as ridgers and cultivating tools shapes the ridges, while row planters sow seeds on the ridge tops. Crop residues are managed to cover the soil surface, and drainage is maintained through the furrows. The system fits many continuous-row crops and rotations and is commonly integrated with other conservation practices.

Benefits and considerations include reduced soil erosion, improved soil moisture conservation, and potential for faster spring warming compared with some tillage systems. Ridge till can lower fuel and labor inputs relative to traditional tillage but requires specialized equipment, careful residue and cover management, and ongoing attention to ridge stability and weed control. It may be less suitable on very poorly drained or steeply sloped land, where erosion and drainage concerns are greater.

See also: no-till farming, conservation tillage, conventional tillage, crop rotation.