Rethinking tillage as a strategic practice in agroecological farming systems with carbon, climate, and pest management trade-offs

Abstract Agroecological transitions face a dual imperative: reducing pesticide reliance and minimising soil disturbance for climate mitigation. However, the blanket promotion of no-till practices may hinder ecological innovation by overlooking real-world trade-offs. This article re-examines tillage as a strategic practice in pesticide-free systems, especially for weed and pest control and cover crop management. We synthesise recent findings on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions, showing that tillage impacts SOC distribution in the soil profile more than stock, and that nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions can offset potential SOC gains under no-till. SOC stocks are mostly controlled by the quantity and diversity of carbon inputs. We argue for an integrated, systems-based agroecological approach that assesses tillage within the broader framework of carbon inputs, ecological functions, and greenhouse gas balances. Reframing tillage is essential to design resilient, low-input, climate-positive farming systems.