Effects of conservation tillage on soil quality, crop production and PLFAs

A two-year field experiment was conducted on subtropical Ultisols continuously cultivated with maize (Zea mays L.) for over 20 years. The experiment tested three tillage types (no tillage, earthworm bio-tillage, traditional rotary tillage) along with three organic matter inputs (none, straw, composted cow manure addition). Maize yield and soil samples (0-10 cm) were collected after four growing seasons to determine the effects of conservation tillage on maize production, soil properties and microbial communities (phospholipid fatty acids, PLFAs).