In clean-till systems, tillage can spread which of the following?

In clean-till systems, tillage can effectively spread both weeds and diseases. When soil is turned over during tillage, it can disturb existing weed seeds, causing them to be brought closer to the soil surface, where they can germinate and grow. Similarly, tilling can redistribute soil pathogens and disease spores throughout the field, making them accessible to crops and potentially leading to an increased incidence of disease.

This process occurs because tillage disrupts the soil structure, mixing and moving soil layers and their contents. As weeds sprout from disturbed soil, the likelihood of competition with crops increases, while the redistribution of pathogens can compromise plant health. Therefore, recognizing that both weeds and diseases can be propagated through tillage emphasizes the importance of integrated pest and disease management strategies in crop production.