No-till can make as much as two additional inches of water available for growing plants in late summer. Improved water infiltration - Crop residues act as tiny dams to slow water runoff from the field, allowing the water more time to soak into the soil. All help significantly reduce or eliminate field runoff. Additional field traffic required by intensive tillage breaks down the soil structure, promoting compaction. More wildlife - Crop residues provide shelter and food for wildlife, such as game birds and small animals.
Less tillage keeps naturally occurring carbon in the soil for use as organic matter.
Intensive tillage releases soil carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide where it can combine with other gases to contribute to global warming. Reduced air pollution - Crop residues reduce wind erosion and the amount of dust in the air. Lower horsepower requirements and fewer trips also reduce fossil fuel emissions.