Others avoid tilling for many years to maintain natural soil structure. However, it is critical to carefully consider long-term consequences to the soil before making any decision. If you have questions about tillage, there are many resources. Call ISU Extension and discuss any concerns with crop and ag engineering field specialists, or talk to agribusiness consultants, Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, other producers who have experience with conservation tillage, and farm equipment dealers. You also may refer to ISU Extension publication MWPS 45, Conservation Tillage Systems and Management, a 270-page handbook on conservation tillage systems.
All crop residue remains on the soil surface, protecting it from erosion.
No-till is often used to satisfy soil conservation requirements on highly erodible land. It is becoming more popular among many Iowa producers because of its advantages and emerging technologies that address its limitations. A conservation tillage practice that requires fall or spring tillage of only one-third of the soil, in strips 6 to 8 inches in width. The tilled zone provides relative positions for seeds, fertilizers, or anhydrous ammonia. A conservation tillage option for almost any operation.