This can mean up to 2 additional inches of water available to your crop in late summer. This increases water infiltration and moisture holding capacity. That means more uniform stands that can better survive dry weather. And the microbes that live in organic-rich soils quickly degrade pesticides, better protecting ground water quality. Reduced soil compaction, improved soil structure, increased organic matter, better soil tilth, and better nutrient holding capacity.
Crop residues provide food and shelter for small game and many species of songbirds.
Research shows that quail chicks in no-till fields meet their daily food needs in half the time compared to conventionally tilled fields. For early crops like corn, well drained soils are better suited to conservation tillage than are poorly drained soils, which warm more slowly in the spring. Test your soil fertility yearly. Develop a nutrient management plan that gives credit for a previous legume crop, manure, or other land applied wastes. Use a starter fertilizer if needed.