Influence of tillage on degradation kinetics using the litterbag method

► C loss in the litterbags was higher in the mouldboard plough than in the rotary harrow treatments. ► Soil input into the litterbags was stronger in the plough than in the harrow treatment. ► Higher soil input presumably led to greater microbial colonization of the litterbag material. ► A strong N release from maize residues occurred from February to August. ► A marked N accumulation was observed in wheat straw from November to May.