What are 3 benefits of no-till farming?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.The advantages of no-till farming are evident when soil organic matter reaches 47% higher, diesel usage reaches 66% lower, and drought survival reaches 28 days. USDA data show greater standards than conventional tillage. These metrics create successful operations that continue to thrive despite changing climate and costs for inputs, in the long run.
Soil Health
- Organic matter: 2.8% vs 1.9% in tilled fields
- Water retention: 25mm (1 inch) higher per acre
- Erosion control: 84% less topsoil loss
Fuel Efficiency
- Field passes: 3 vs 8 annually
- Labor savings: 67 hours/1k acres yearly
- Emissions: 12.4 tons CO2e/1k acres saved
The 28-day drought resilience is the result of no-till residue layers holding moisture. Roots grow to 1.8 m (6 ft) into soil that has not been disturbed and access water reserves to which tilled systems lose access. This biological advantage means total crop loss can be avoided during drought conditions, and you can expect yield to be protected against up to about 80 % of the losses that neighbors experience.
To transition will take 3-5 years, but the payoff is well worth the wait. The savings on fuel will cover 60% of the planter retrofit by Year 3. By the end of Year 5, the reduction of herbicides and carbon credits will produce $45,000 per 500 acres that can be recycled into other investments like soil sensors or other seed varieties like drought-resistant seed.
Read the full article: No Till Benefits: Boost Soil Health & Farm Profits
