Difference between minimum tillage and zero tillage

Minimum tillage 

Minimum tillage refers to growing a crop using only that tillage needed for placing the seed at proper depth and then covering them. 

Thus minimum tillage aimed that reducing tillage to the minimum necessary for ensuring a good seedbed, rapid germination, satisfactory stands and favourable growing condition.

Methods of Minimum tillage are 

1. Row zone tillage
2. Plough plant tillage
3. Wheel track planting

Advantages of Minimum Tillage

1. Improves soil conditions due to decomposition of plant residues insitu
2. Improves soil physical condition due to incorporation of organic residues
leading to higher water infiltration into the subsoil
3. Higher infiltration is caused by the vegetation present on the soil and channels formed by the decomposition of dead roots
4. Less resistant to root growth due to improved soil structure
5. Lesser surface runoff of rain water
6. Satisfactory crop stand establishment
7. Less soil compaction by the reduced movement of heavy tillage vehicles and
less erosion compare to conventional tillage.

Disadvantages of Minimum Tillage

1. Seed germination is lower with minimum tillage
2. In minimum tillage, more nitrogen has to be added as the rate of
decomposition of organic matter is slow
3. Nodulation is affected in some leguminous crop i.e. Fieldpea, Beans
4. Sowing operations are difficult with ordinary implements
5. Continuous use of herbicides causes pollution problem and dominance of
perennial problematic weeds.

Zero Tillage 

Zero tillage referred as no tillage in which the crop is planted in unprepared soil by opening a narrow slot, trench or band only of sufficient width and depth to obtain proper seed coverage. 

The weeds are controlled only by chemical means.

It was introduced by Jethro Tull

Only possible when the soil has --> (a) course textured surface, (b) good internal drainage and (c) adequate quantity of residue as mulch

Problems of zero tillage are low seed germination, low mineralization and build
up of volunteer plants.

Commonly used herbicides under zero tillage are paraquate and diquat both

Finally conclusion -->

So both seems kind of similar right but the real difference is this ->

 In Minimum tillage we practice tillage to an extend such as to just place the seed at the proper depth. 

In Zero tillage / No tillage  no tilling operation is carried out only a narrow slot is made for placing the seed.

Reference --> RS Sharma