(Hugo, Smith, Walker and Eash)

This project investigated four different tillage practices: 1) rototilling, 2) disking, 3) rotary spading and 4) no-tilling on soil quality for organic vegetable production. Rye and vetch were used as cover crops, and tilled with one of the practices mentioned above prior to transplanting tomatoes and melons. The soil quality indicators measured were percent organic matter, aggregation, compaction, water holding capacity, total and available nutrients and weed suppression. Yield data was collected for tomatoes and melons.