The publication of this Handbook was supported by the Russian Federation

Soil tillage systems. Science-based systems of  soil tillage should sustain the fertility of  irrigated 
soils and prevent their degradation, yet use the full potential of  bioclimatic conditions (via collection, 
saving and rational use of  water [10]) and protect natural resources. Such systems improve cost-
effectiveness and can increase crop yields by 15- 20%.
The highest yields and productivity in crop rotation were achieved by the use of  a differentiated 
tillage system, which includes deep ploughing (for row crops) alternated with shallow and surface 
tillage using a chisel plough (for intercrops, cereals and post-harvest sowing of  maize and sunflower) 
as well as zero tillage (for maize as green fodders).
The practice of  soil slitting can be effective in preventing run-off from fields under winter crops and 
perennial grasses. Slits of  2x140 cm at a distance of  4 m to a depth of  40-45 cm are made. The 
optimal times for performing soil slitting under perennial grasses is autumn before soil freezing, and 
for winter crops slitting should be performed before the appearance of  seedlings. After ploughing 
in the late summer-autumn, which achieves an optimal soil density, the soil can be used for sowing 
early crops after cultivation with a heavy harrow. A spring-tooth harrow (drag harrow) can be used 
on stony soils in spring time.
Fields retaining a cleared surface after late harvests can be used for winter wheat and summer 
crops with zero tillage, if  the following conditions are present: good soil structure, low mechanical 
resistance,  high  infiltration  capacity,  high  biological  activity  and  the  absence  of   surface  crust. 
Shallow tillage using a disc harrow and retaining mulch on the soil surface is also applicable [19].