Input and equipment costs are lower than other tillage systems. Soil erosion by wind, water and tillage is greatly reduced. Labor inputs per acre are greatly reduced. Initially high residue levels can slow soil warmup. Attachments, such as coulters, must be added to planters and drills.
Weed control is largely dependent on herbicides.
High management level is required. Manure incorporation is difficult. Ridge Tillage Ridge tillage systems plant crops on raised ridges. As with no-till, the soil is not tilled between harvest of one crop and planting of the next. Inter-row cultivation reforms ridges and controls weeds.