Other methods of depth control besides slower speeds and shallow spring tillage are not available. As drills wear out, producers should purchase seeders that have positive depth control. Many new types of seeders are available that have much better depth control than double disc press drills. The development of new seeding technology during the past 10-15 years reduced the need for preseeding tillage leaving weed control, soil warming and chemical incorporation as the major reasons for tillage. Preseeding tillage does provide weed control, however the soil disturbance caused by the operation also stimulates the germination of some weed species and dries out the seedbed to the working depth.
Cold soils are usually only a problem in heavy textured soils.
If soils are slow to warm in the spring, tillage for residue reduction should probably be done in the fall. Only enough fall tillage should be done so enough residue remains on the soil surface to control erosion. Then, the next spring, a shallow tillage and seeding operation can be done. An alternative is the use of a direct seeding drill such as an air seeder or other unit that does tillage and seeding. Weed control may best be done with a burn down herbicide prior to seeding or with post emergent herbicides.