Finding optimal tillage system in ever-changing agroecosystem with quality and stable grain yield is challenging but essential to the farmer. At the Experiment Station Šašinovec (NW Croatia), the trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different tillage systems and straw on yield and its components of maize (Zea mays L.) on silty clay loam soil (Fluvisol). The tillage systems compared were conventional tillage, minimal tillage and reduced tillage. Under each treatment, there were subplots with and without straw. Tillage systems had significant (P < 0.05) effects on 1000-seed weight, protein, harvest index and yield. The use of cover was significant only on yield, while the interaction of factors (tillage x cover) significantly affected all yield components. In our short-term experiment, deeper soil tillage provided significantly higher values on some yield components (harvest index and protein content) than conventional tillage, thus showing our farmers possible sustainable solutions for their production under agroecological conditions of the north-west of Croatia.