Within the irrigated portion of the McElheran farm, canola and soy beans successfully sprouted this summer in fields that grew wheat the previous fall and winter. On the dryland portion of the farm, McElheran is trying no-till with a rotation of fall wheat, spring barley, and spring canola. But if I can make it through these first four or five years, I think I'll be alright. At the moment, it's touch and go. McElheran says no-till doesn't do a real good job at reducing pesticides.
Weed control is one potential problem.
Finding the right rotation crops for no-till farming in an area that only receives 12 inches of rainfall each year is another. The payoff would be long term sustainability for his farm. McElheran believes the organic content, water infiltration, and general health of the soil is enhanced by not tilling the ground. Leaving the wheat stubble intact while planting a new rotation crop will help break the disease cycle. Hopefully, that will mean increased yields.