It is believed that 85 per cent of the region now uses no-till farming. Pollutants, excess nutrients and loose soil washed off from tilled fields were entering the St. Clair River. The problem led to Cleanup Fund's involvement in encouraging the use of no-till farming in the region. The environmental benefits are many. Firstly, the amounts of soil, pollutants, nutrients and pesticides entering the St. Clair River have been reduced, improving local water quality.
Watercourses are clearer, allowing for more sunlight to help aquatic plants grow.
These plants in turn give off oxygen in the water, helping to enhance fish, amphibian, and reptile habitat. Back on the field, farmers are finding that the plant residue left on the ground because of no-till is providing more protected habitat for growing numbers of field mice and rabbits. These animals in turn are attracting more hawks and foxes, increasing the area's biodiversity. The farmers are noticing the economic benefits too. This helps to save money and reduce the volume of chemicals in the local environment.