Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research

Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research

Single Stage Tillage: An Optimized Approach to Paddy Field Preparation with Reduced Tillage Operations

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mohammad Tousi kehal 1
Mahdi Shorafa 2
Alireza Raheb 2
1 Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2 Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Collage of Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
10.22059/ijswr.2026.411451.670134
Abstract
The conventional three-stage tillage system in paddy fields, with high water and fuel consumption, increased production costs, and soil compaction caused by frequent heavy machinery traffic, threatens rice production through increased greenhouse gas emissions and delayed planting. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of subtituting the conventional system with a more efficient “single-tillage” system by investigating the effects of both tillage methods on specific soil physical and chemical properties. The experiment was conducted on a clay soil that had been without cultivation and agricultural operations for a long period, using two treatments: conventional tillage and single-tillage. Soil sampling was performed at depths of 0–15 and 15–30 cm with three replications. Indicators such as pH, EC, Eh, OC, BD, MWD, and Ks were measured. The results showed that bulk density in the topsoil significantly decreased in both methods compared to the control, by 23.23% and 19.56% for conventional and single-tillage, respectively. In the topsoil, MWD decreased by 47.06% and 36.64% in the single-tillage and conventional systems, respectively, and a significant difference was observed between the two tillage methods; however, no difference was noted in the sub-surface layer. Rice yield was similar in both methods, with no significant difference. In conclusion, the initial design of the single-tillage system, by maintaining yield and reducing operation time, along with a 30% saving in fuel and water, is evaluated as a suitable option for improving paddy field preparation.
Keywords
Bulk Density
Conventional Tillage
Minimum Tillage
Puddling
Soil Structure
Subjects

Introduction

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a strategic staple crop that plays a critical role in global food security, particularly in Asia. A substantial share of production costs in paddy systems is associated with conventional land preparation, which typically involves primary tillage, puddling, and leveling conducted in sequential stages. Although effective, this system is time consuming and characterized by high fuel consumption, excessive irrigation water use, and increased machinery-related emissions. Therefore, developing an alternative tillage method that is economically and environmentally efficient, while maintaining soil quality and crop productivity comparable to conventional tillage, is of high priority. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the effects of single-stage tillage and conventional puddled tillage on selected soil physical and chemical properties, and (2) assess the feasibility of single-stage tillage as a substitute for conventional paddy land preparation.

Materials and Methods

A field experiment was conducted using three 200 m² plots under practical farming conditions. The experimental design included three treatments: control (untilled soil), single-stage tillage, and conventional tillage and two soil depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm). Soil samples were collected randomly with three replications per treatment and depth. Prior to tillage, both treatment plots were flooded (12 cm water depth) for seven days. In the single-stage system, puddling and leveling were performed simultaneously using a tractor-mounted rotary tiller equipped with a leveling cover. In the conventional system, primary tillage (moldboard plow), puddling, and leveling were conducted sequentially at seven-day intervals using a two-wheel power tiller. After completion of operations, both tilled plots remained flooded for five days before sampling. Measured soil properties included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (OC), redox potential (Eh), mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates, bulk density (BD), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), soil texture, and field capacity moisture. Agronomic parameters were measured after rice harvest, including number of tillers per plant, number of panicles and grain weight per square meter, and grain yield were measured after harvest. Statistical comparisons were performed ANOVA test.

Results

Both tillage systems significantly reduced soil redox potential compared with the control, reflecting anaerobic conditions induced by flooding; however, no significant difference was observed between single-stage and conventional tillage. Tillage under flooded conditions altered soil electrical conductivity, creating depth-dependent differences. Significant EC differences were observed between depths within each tillage treatment. At 0–15 cm, the two tillage methods differed significantly, whereas no significant difference was detected at 15–30 cm. Bulk density decreased significantly under both tillage systems relative to the control at both depths. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two tillage methods at a given depth. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) increased under both tillage treatments compared with the control. Significant differences were observed among treatments and depths. Notably, single-stage tillage exhibited lower Ks than conventional tillage at both depths. Rice yield components and final grain yield showed negligible and statistically non-significant differences between the two tillage systems, indicating comparable crop productivity. Operationally, single-stage tillage reduced irrigation water use for land preparation by at least 50 percent, decreased fuel consumption, and substantially shortened operation time compared with the conventional multi-stage system.

Conclusion

Single-stage tillage demonstrated performance comparable to conventional puddled tillage in terms of key soil physical and chemical properties and rice yield. Although minor variations were observed in certain parameters, most differences were not statistically significant. Given its reduced operational time, lower fuel consumption and associated emissions, and significant water savings (at least 50 percent) during land preparation, single-stage tillage represents a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally favorable alternative for paddy cultivation. Nevertheless, long-term studies are required to evaluate its cumulative impacts on soil structural stability, nutrient dynamics, and overall soil quality to confirm its sustainability under diverse agro-ecological conditions.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Authorship contribution

Conceptualization, Mehdi shorafa, Alireza Raheb and Mohammad Tousi Kehal; methodology, Mehdi shorafa and Alireza Raheb; software, Mohammad Tousi Kehal; validation, Mehdi shorafa and Alireza Raheb; formal analysis, Mohammad Tousi Kehal; investigation, Mohammad Tousi Kehal; writing original draft preparation, Mohammad Tousi Kehal; writing review and editing, Mehdi shorafa and Alireza Raheb; visualization, Mohammad Tousi Kehal; supervision, Mehdi Shorafa; project administration, Mehdi Shorafa; funding acquisition, Mehdi Shorafa. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.” All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization of the article and writing of the original and subsequent drafts.

Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process

authors used ChatGPT application for checking grammar and spelling. After using this application, the authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication.

Data availability statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Soil Science Department of University of Tehran for providing
equipments and Facilities.

The authors would like to thank anonymous referees for their constructive comments.

The authors would like to thank anonymous reviewers for their valuable suggestions in manuscript revision.

Ethical considerations

The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism, and any form of misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research
Volume 57, Issue 7
September 2026
Pages 1617-1636