Difficult to hold the planter on the ridges on sharp curves and steep hillsides. Extra cost to convert planters to ridge-till by adding scalping attachments and devices to hold the planter on the ridges. All equipment, including combines, grain carts and fertilizer carts, should have wheels spaced to keep tires in the furrow and not compact the ridges. This may require narrow, wide-spaced dual tires on combines. Planting up and down long, steep slopes may increase erosion compared to other systems, especially no-till.
High management is required to make the system work.
Placement and incorporation of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides will usually change from previous procedures. Rows should be carefully laid out the year ridges are built. End rows present a problem. Winter annuals may cause a problem with ridge-till. They usually are spotted over the field but may require control with preplant herbicides to prevent moisture loss.