Different tillage systems impact crop productivity and soil conservation parameters in the northern Ethiopian highlands

Agriculture in the semi-arid regions of Northern Ethiopia faces significant challenges from soil degradation and water scarcity, largely driven by conventional tillage practices that exacerbate runoff and nutrient loss. This study evaluated the comparative impacts of five specific tillage systems Zero Tillage (ZT), Mulch Tillage (MT), Reduced Tillage (RT), Strip Tillage (ST), and Conventional Tillage (CT) on vital soil physicochemical properties, sorghum grain yield, and hydrological performance. Conducted on clay loam soil using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), the experiment reveals that precise tillage strategies act as critical risk-mitigation tools for local farmers. Strip Tillage (ST) emerged as the leading practice, achieving the highest mean grain yield (3,771 kg/ha) and rainwater use efficiency. While Mulch Tillage (MT) was most effective in enhancing soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and moisture retention, Conventional Tillage (CT) consistently recorded the highest runoff and sediment loss (28.2 t/ha), strongly underscoring its detrimental role in land degradation. Conversely, while Zero Tillage (ZT) reduced sediment loss, it exhibited the highest surface runoff, which hindered optimal crop performance. These findings clearly demonstrate that Strip Tillage offers a balanced, highly sustainable solution, effectively reconciling the urgent need for robust crop productivity with essential soil and water conservation goals in complex semi-arid environments. Implementing targeted, innovative tillage management, particularly Strip Tillage, represents a viable, long-term pathway for significantly enhancing smallholder agricultural resilience against erratic, unpredictable rainfall and severe climate-induced stressors currently threatening food security throughout the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia, offering transformative benefits for future agricultural development within communities.