EVALUATION OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE NO-TILL SYSTEM COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN RAPESEED CULTIVATION IN THE MERENI AREA, CONSTANȚA

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of soil tillage systems on the productivity and economic performance of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), under the pedoclimatic conditions of Southern Dobrogea (Mereni, Constanța County, Romania), over three consecutive agricultural years (2021–2024). The experiment was conducted at the Iancu Ionuț Individual Enterprise, evaluating three commercial hybrids: Kicker (Rapool), Umberto (KWS), and PT 264 (Corteva Pioneer), cultivated under conventional and no-till management systems. The research aimed to assess the interaction between genotype, tillage system, and environmental factors on key yield components (plant height, number of siliques per plant, thousand-seed weight, test weight, and seed yield), as well as to determine the economic efficiency of both technological variants. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression models to identify the main determinants of yield variability.
Results demonstrated that, although the no-till system produced on average 7–11% lower yields compared to conventional tillage (ranging from 2.7 to 3.1 t·ha), it significantly reduced production costs by 10–12%, maintaining a comparable profitability level and a higher return on investment. Furthermore, in years characterized by low rainfall (<350 mm), the no-till plots exhibited superior soil moisture conservation and better plant uniformity, reflecting enhanced resilience to drought stress. The regression model (R² = 0.999) confirmed that rainfall amount and seed test weight were the primary factors influencing yield performance. The findings highlight that no-till technology, while slightly reducing productivity, ensures greater economic stability and resource efficiency under semi-arid conditions. Its integration into the crop rotation systems of Southeastern Romania could therefore represent a strategic pathway toward sustainable intensification, balancing productivity, profitability, and environmental protection.