Blog Layout

What is “No-till farming”?
admin • Mar 07, 2019
micro drainage 1

What is "No-till farming“?

It sounds boring, doesn’t it? The term basically describes ways to grow crops each year without disturbing the soil through tillage or plowing. A plow flips over the top layer of soil incorporating nearly all residue into the soil.  No-till relies on natural processes to break down residue from the previous crop. This technique increases the amount of water that infiltrates into the soil, the soil's retention of organic matter and its cycling of nutrients.

Why is this important ? Plowing and tillage are major sources of soil erosion around the world — they were  key factors behind the Dust Bowl  in the 1930s. What's more, churning up all that soil can release a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, helping to warm the planet. So, since the 1980s, more and more American farmers (and policymakers) have started taking no-till farming seriously.

Why did no-till farming spread? For most of human history, farmers plowed their soil to plant crops. The advent of tractors in the 20th century made it even easier to churn up fields. But as soil erosion became a massive environmental problem around the globe, that slowly changed. The erosion that was occurring, as well as some new products and techniques on the horizon,  began to bring a change to the way we farm.

  • The advent of new herbicides such as atrazine and paraquat in the 1940s and 1950s allowed farmers to kill weeds without plowing up more soil.
  • The invention of specialized seeding equipment in the 1960s allowed farmers to plant while barely disturbing the soil.
  • Various federal government subsidies for soil conservation also gave farmers incentives to switch practices — (particularly after the 1985 Farm Bill). So did higher oil prices.

But How Many farmers really use this No Till method? According to an article published by the NO-TILL Farmer in March of 2017 “Of the 740,000-plus acres farmed by No-Till Farmer readers who participated in the 9th annual No-Till Operational Benchmark Study, around 80% were managed in a no-till system last year, a nearly 7-point jump from 2015. This was also the highest percentage seen since 2012’s 78.7%.”

We trust that you will see the value of the No-Till method, if you would like further information you can give us a call, we would be happy to discuss it. If you already are using this method take a look at how our high quality 2” drainage pipe can be a huge benefit to your crops.

Contact Us Today!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

  • Address

    8105 Malone Rd, Shiloh, OH 44878

  • Phone

    (419) 908-5696

  • Email:

    Sales@RichlandMicroDrainage.com

Invalid Email
18 Mar, 2024
In the quest for agricultural excellence, precision in water management stands as a cornerstone of success. Richland Micro Drainage, leveraging the power of AGREM Professional Software, offers unparalleled design services that cater to the unique needs of farmers, farm managers, and landowners. This innovative approach not only enhances farm operations but also steers them towards environmental sustainability, all while optimizing costs and maximizing profits.
11 Mar, 2024
As the frost of winter thaws and the promise of spring looms on the horizon, farmers are presented with the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a prosperous planting season. Optimal field drainage is not just a component of agricultural success; it's the backbone. This is where Richland Micro Drainage steps in, offering expertise and research-based solutions for water drainage and pipe placement that promise higher crop yields, sustainable and healthier soil, and significantly reduced erosion.
04 Mar, 2024
As winter's chill begins to wane and the first signs of spring emerge, farmers and agricultural enthusiasts alike turn their thoughts to the upcoming planting season. Preparation is key to a successful harvest, and the steps taken in the early days of spring can set the tone for the months to come. Here are several tips from Richland Micro Drainage to ensure your farm is ready for spring planting.
15 Feb, 2024
As farming practices evolve, the significance of advanced drainage technology in optimizing crop yields and maintaining soil health becomes increasingly apparent.
08 Feb, 2024
Richland Micro Drainage offers precise drainage solutions for optimal soil health, environmental concerns, and increased crop yield.
01 Feb, 2024
As February unfolds, it's a crucial time for farmers to lay the groundwork for a successful spring planting season.
15 Jan, 2024
Richland Micro Drainage has been at the forefront of this technological wave with its GPS Grade Control products. These products represent a fusion of cutting-edge technology and practical farming needs.
08 Jan, 2024
With Richland Micro Drainage, you can successfully integrate proven drainage solutions for your land.
01 Jan, 2024
At Richland Micro Drainage, we are farmers and we understand the negative impacts excess water can have on crop yields.
15 Dec, 2023
While winter often paints a picture of dormant fields and resting soil, the reality can be quite the opposite for proactive farmers.
More Posts
Share by: