New reasons to perfect organic no-till: USDA study finds conventional no-till is no panacea when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract

This article addresses the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and a method in which to reduce one of these gases. The use of ammoniated fertilizers on crops such as corn contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions. These fertilizers are also used on reduced tillage crops, there by negating the positive effects of no-till. The Rodale Institute's Farming System Trial® has developed another method of soil conservation through the use of legume cover crops, which achieves the same yields as with the use of ammoniated fertilizers. This process, however, does not have the detrimental fuel, health and environmental costs associated with the fertilizers.