The primary tillage tool is a row-crop cultivator that can form ridges. The planter must have a tool in front of the planting unit to remove about an inch of soil to leave a smooth, residue-free seedbed. A chemical sprayer, fertilizer applicator, a tractor to pull the cultivator and a combine complete the machinery list. Many ridge till farmers have reduced their use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides. A few farm organically with the ridge-till system.
Crop residue helps control and conserve water in ridge- tilled fields.
The first step is to plant conventionally or no-till in the spring. Plant exactly where you want the rows to be for the next 10 or 20 years. Cultivate this crop early to control weeds, and perhaps start to form the ridges. Harvest the crop as usual, but be sure the combine wheels fit between the rows. The combine should have a chaff spreader to distribute residue across the entire harvested area.