A Romanian Standpoint on Minimum Tillage Soil System and Prospects for an Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

The primary focus in nowadays discussions on agriculture is to strive for enhanced productivity that matches or surpasses conventional tillage systems in terms of energy efficiency, water conservation, soil preservation, and crop quality. Soil tillage plays a pivotal role in agricultural crop production, directly impacting soil stability and erosion susceptibility. Despite the prevalence of traditional tillage practices, various studies and practical applications in Romania have showcased the viability of minimum tillage systems. This alternative has become imperative in recent years due to the pedoclimatic conditions of Romanian agriculture and the overall food security of the country. With climate change manifesting prominently, the period between 2012 and 2022 witnessed 11 consecutive years of record-high temperatures, as reported by the National Meteorological Administration. Of the total arable land under cultivation of 8,005,889 hectares, only 3,165,767 hectares are currently irrigated or have the potential to be irrigated, according to INSSE data for the year 2022, with a significant portion facing challenging conditions. As we grapple with the impacts of a shifting climate and increasingly severe weather patterns, it becomes essential to restore and optimize the health and functionality of our soil resources. The adoption of minimum tillage practices can notably improve soil resilience, enhance crop yields and stability, reduce input costs, and promote biodiversity within ecosystems.