Scout for weed problems to plan next year's weed control. Scout for insect pests, and apply insecticide only when natural predators don't provide economical control. Plan for next year's residue cover at harvest time. Finally, be patient. The benefits of conservation tillage may take a few years to notice, but they last for many years.
Conservation tillage is very effective for corn, wheat, soybeans, and even cotton.
Pasture renovation, too. Although it often needs special equipment, conventional equipment can be adapted to leave more residue on the surface. Overall equipment and labor costs can actually decrease since you don't need a plow, disk, or cultivator, or as powerful a tractor as when you were turn-plowing. Many Conservation Districts rent conservation tillage equipment, and have staff available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the SC Department of Natural Resources. The Cooperative Extension Service is another great source of help.