Summary The adoption of conservation tillage systems continues to increase rapidly in Indiana and much of the United States. Since 1990, there has been over a 25 percent increase in total no-till acreage, accounting for nearly 3.5 million acres in Indiana. Continuous no-till likely has a higher potential for ground water pollution because of macropores and if large amounts of pesticides are applied. Good management generally reduces the potential negative effects of conservation tillage on ground water quality. Practices such as scouting fields to determine the pesticide needed and spraying during suitable weather conditions prevent excess pesticides from reaching ground water.
Little difference exists in their impact on ground water when compared to conventional tillage.
References 1993 National Crop Residue Management Survey Report. Conservation Technology Information Center, National Association of Conservation Districts, West Lafayette, IN 47907. Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 689. D.D. Buhler, and R.F. Turco. Residue management impacts on the environment, in Managing Agricultural Residues.