Short‐Term Effects of Tillage Intensity and Implement Type on Soil Organic Carbon and Sesame Crop Yield in Vertisols of Lowland Tsegede, Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Objective This study aimed to determine the effects of five tillage regimes on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and sesame seed yield in Vertisols over two consecutive cropping seasons. Material & Methods A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications was employed. Treatments included the following: T1: oxen plowing (1 pass), T2: oxen plowing (2 passes), T3: disc plowing (1 pass), T4: disc plowing (2 passes), and T5: no‐tillage. Soil samples (0–20 cm depth) were analyzed for SOC concentration and stock. Sesame yield was determined at physiological maturity. Results Tillage practices significantly affected SOC and yield ( p < 0.05), revealing a clear trade‐off. No‐tillage (T5) recorded the highest SOC (1.71%) and stock (29.1 Mg C ha −1 ) but the lowest sesame yield (452 kg·ha −1 ). Two‐pass disc plowing (T4) produced the highest yield (698 kg·ha −1 ) but the lowest SOC (1.17%, 23.8 Mg C ha −1 ). One‐pass oxen plowing (T1) provided an intermediate solution with relatively high yield (635 kg·ha −1 ) and moderate SOC levels (1.51%, 26.9 Mg C ha −1 ). Conclusions Intensive tillage maximizes short‐term yield but compromises soil health through SOC loss. No‐tillage enhances carbon sequestration at the cost of initial yield reduction. One‐pass oxen plowing offers a potential sustainable compromise. These findings provide evidence‐based guidance for policymakers and farmers to balance productivity and soil conservation in similar agroecologies.