Abstract Long‐term no‐tillage (NT) and zero‐tillage (ZT) can lead to nutrient stratification, compaction, and increased weed pressure, while continuous conventional tillage may degrade soil quality. Integration of rotational tillage within NT or ZT systems offers a potential strategy to balance soil conservation with improved crop performance. This study assessed the productivity and quality responses of canola ( Brassica napus L) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L) to five continuous tillage practices—mouldboard (MB) plough, tine tillage, shallow‐tine tillage, NT, and ZT—and the three rotational tillage regimes incorporating deep ripping under dryland conditions in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Canola yield and oil quality were influenced by tillage practices. Higher canola yields were achieved by all the rotational tillage treatments than the NT and ZT. Oil content exceeded 40% under all tillage treatments except the MB treatment. Wheat showed greater tolerance to soil disturbance, with no significant differences in wheat yield among ST, NT, and ZT, and rotational tillage practices. However, MB produced the highest wheat yield and protein concentration, and the 2‐year and 3‐year rotational treatments improved protein content compared with ZT. Although the MB improved crop performance, its high cost and long‐term soil degradation risks limit its sustainability. For farmers in the Mediterranean‐type dryland regions, rotational tillage integrated into the NT or ZT systems offers a practical, cost‐effective approach to mitigating long‐term NT or ZT constraints while safeguarding soil fertility, environmental sustainability, and stable crop performance.
Mabitsela et al. (Thu,) studied this question.