The present study deals with the effect of both
tillage systems on the nutritional status of the sun-
¯ower crop, with special emphasis on the early growth
and nutrition, the two parameters being considered
jointly. We have selected sun¯ower because no ferti-
lizer is applied to this crop in the rainfed agriculture of
southern Spain (wheat is fertilized). Therefore, the
effect of the tillage system on the growth and nutri-
tional status of the crop is not interfered with by the
presence of fertilizers in the soil.