The least amount possible of cultivation or soil disturbance done to prepare a suitable seedbed. The main purposes of minimum tillage are to reduce tillage energy consumption, to conserve moisture, and to retain plant cover to minimize erosion.

Weed control system in which only one or two mechanical treatments with tyned (toothed) implements are used to retain surface organic matter. cf. No-till fallow.

Only the tillage essential to crop production and prevention of soil damage.