No-Till: How farmers are saving the soil by parking their plows

Abstract

Soil tillage is a primary cause of soil degradation, a worldwide agricultural and environmental crisis. No-till farming gives farmers a soil-protecting alternative to conventional tillage systems. Leaving crop residues in the field minimizes soil erosion, increases water infiltration (thus decreasing pollution from runoff) and improves soil quality, as well as providing numerous other direct and indirect benefits. Major barriers to adoption of no-till farming practices are the costs of specialized equipment and herbicides and the prerequisite knowledge required to implement a no-till farming system.