Effects of different tillage methods on rice yield and soil fertility

Field experiments were conducted in double cropping rice field during 2005–2006 to study the effects of different tillage methods on the changes of rice growth, its yield and soil fertility. The results showed that root dry weight in No-tillage cast transplant treatment was lower than that in conventional tillage transplant treatment，root activity and filled grain percentage was higher than that in conventional tillage treatment, the profile distribution of root amount was mainly in the 0–5cm soil layer, the tillering time was earlier than that in conventional tillage transplant treatment, but was slower than that in conventional tillage cast transplant treatment. The effect on panicle number was lower than that in conventional tillage cast transplant treatment, while was higher on filled grain percentage than that in conventional tillage transplant treatment. As the time of no-tillage prolonged, rice yield with different treatments did not differ significantly. The no-tillage treatment of one year improved soil physical properties, and increased soil nutrient contents in the surface layer.