No-till Farming and Healthy Soils Work Hand in Hand

"No-till" farming is an increasingly popular and widespread crop production practice here in Pennsylvania, across the nation, and around the world. Scientists and farmers, working together, are discovering numerous benefits for both the crop and the soil when no-till farming is practiced properly. We know that no-till soils often have higher levels of organic matter, better soil structure, and consequently greater biological activity and overall soil health. As a result, no-till fields will yield high-quality crops with sustainable yields.

A goal of many no-till farmers is to achieve continuous no-till, where the plow is no longer needed. However, to be successful in increasing the health of our soils, we need to partner no-till with additional practices, such as the use of cover crops and residue management. Today, we know that cover crops, also known as "organic residues," serve many beneficial functions in addition to protecting the soil from excessive rainfall and erosion. Whether from cover crop, manure, or plant fodder, residues add fertility, organic matter, and help no-till soils develop improved soil structure, increasing infiltration and moisture conservation.

Plant residues, manures, and cover crops can, however, present a challenge. Uneven residues and runaway cover crops can cause significant planting challenges. These include uneven plant emergence, less than desired plant populations, increased insect and slug pressure, herbicide tie-up, and soils that are cooler and wetter than tilled fields. Below are basic suggestions and recommendations for cover crop and residue management in no-till systems.

Burndown and Herbicides

Terminate the cover crop in a timely manner. About 1-2 weeks prior to planting is recommended for beginners. Glyphosate alone is often not the most effective burndown tool; it may need to be paired with another product, such as 2,4-D, for effective control of legume and broadleaf weeds. Remember the Ammonium Sulfate (AMS) or other water conditioning agent. Finally, temperature affects speed and quality of burndown; 55 degrees or greater during the daytime is optimum. Use a proven residual herbicide program to follow the burn-down. If a new flush of weeds is emerging, include a product with post-emergence activity

Planting Considerations

Start with a uniform field. Whether manure, fodder, or cover crop, you cannot properly set up a planter if field residue conditions vary significantly. Learn how to adjust your equipment for various planting conditions. If you need help, consult with your dealer, custom planter, or an experienced neighbor. Set row cleaners so they remove enough residue for the planting units to do a good job, but no more. Plant 1.5 inches deep in cool, wet ground, 2 inches as the soil warms and dries out. This is 1.5 inches to 2 inches below the soil line, not the top of the residue. Ensure that the planting units close the seed trench completely and without compacting the sidewalls. Consider custom closing wheels from your dealer, such as a Martin (spading) or Schlagel (posi-close) type of system, especially if your soils have a high clay content and/or lay wet.

Other Considerations

Even in high-fertility soils, consider an N or N + P-based pop-up fertilizer. This will help achieve rapid and uniform emergence in cooler, no-till soils. Scout fields for slugs, cutworms, armyworms, and other pests. Have a plan in place to prevent these pests and treat as needed.

Read and learn about no-till farming concepts. Penn State Extension offers valuable information about no-till farming. Subscribe to a no-till magazine or attend a no-till workshop. Learn by experience. Record what works and share your knowledge with a neighbor!