To date, no negative, long term effects of using anhydrous ammonia in conjunction with surface applied lime have been observed. After approximately 25 years of experience with no-till systems on fertile soils, we have not been able to demonstrate the need for plowing to improve the distribution of nutrients within the top 6 inches of soil. Nevertheless, on soils that have a relatively low fertility level, some mixing and redistribution of nutrients may be desirable. This remixing could enhance root proliferation, which could in turn improve water and nutrient uptake. Prior to the seeding of the small grain or forage, you could add any needed lime and perform deep tillage.
Tillage done during summer or early fall usually causes minimal erosion.
In general, a tillage operation would only need to occur once every 3-5 years on most Ohio soils. In no-till fields that follow a long term meadow, surface applied fertilizers have been adequate in most of Ohio. The meadow crop normally produces high residue conditions at the soil surface, and this in turn allows good, shallow root growth of the corn crop. As a consequence, the uptake of P and K during the first year following meadow is normally satisfactory for no-till corn. K. Thus, little yield response can be demonstrated from the use of fertilizer the first year after meadow.