The benefits of no-till farming are plentiful; and now that harvest season is nearing an end, it’s time to think about the best way to deal with working land.
Hooking up a plow might be faster, but leaving it in the barn and not disturbing that soil could be better in the long run.
In no-till agriculture, farmers plant seeds without using a plow to turn the soil. When soil is plowed, it loses its carbon content, sending carbon dioxide into the air. Increased levels of carbon dioxide can cause harmful changes to the climate.
No-till farming can also reduce erosion, save labor and fuel, increase water in the soil and improve the cycling of nutrients.
But one of the most important things to keep in mind about no-till farming is that it's a long-term proposition. It requires considerable planning, and the benefits may not be obvious right away.
While some farmers see increases in their yield after their first year, it often takes longer. Patience is important. For example, the money saved on fuel, labor and fertilizer reductions adds up over time.
Make a long-term plan before beginning so that it's more evident which equipment needs to be purchased. Ask questions such as; “Will next year’s cash crop be planted into green cover, terminated cover or fall residue?” and, “Will seeds be drilled or broadcast?”
Some USDA service centers have no-till drills and other equipment that can be rented for small fees to get started.
One alternative to plowing that requires foresight is to spread residue during the fall harvest. This will limit erosion while preparing the field for the following spring’s planting. The residue can also provide a good cover for the ground during the winter.
One of the purposes of tilling is to remove weeds, but weeds can be limited through no-till farming by using cover crops such as crimson clover, winter rye, winter barley or buckwheat.
Cover crops also increase the organic residue in the soil. Eventually, however, those crops need to be killed so the newly planted crops have the light, water and nutrients they need to flourish. The cover crops must be crimped when they are in the flowering stage to prevent them from continuing to grow after being rolled or going to seed and spreading.
It's also important to have the soil tested once every four years. Farmers can do their own smaller assessments on a regular basis. If there are a lot of living organisms such as earthworms in the soil, the soil is healthy.
