Description: Minimizes soil disturbance by avoiding plowing or tilling.

Characteristics: Helps retain soil structure, and reduces erosion.

No-till farming, also known as zero tillage or direct drilling, is an agricultural practice where crops are grown without disturbing the soil through tillage or plowing. In traditional farming methods, the soil is typically plowed or tilled to prepare the seedbed, control weeds, and incorporate residues. In contrast, no-till farming minimizes soil disturbance, leaving the soil largely undisturbed from harvest to planting.

Key features of no-till farming include:

• Minimal Soil Disturbance: No-till farming avoids the use of traditional plowing or tillage equipment. Instead, seeds are planted directly into the untilled soil.
• Retention of Crop Residues: Crop residues from the previous harvest, such as stubble and plant material, are left on the field surface. These residues help protect the soil from erosion and improve water retention.
• Conservation of Soil Structure: By avoiding soil disturbance, no-till farming helps maintain the natural structure of the soil. This can improve water infiltration, reduce erosion, and enhance soil fertility.
• Reduced Weed Growth: While no-till farming doesn’t eliminate weeds, the use of cover crops and the retention of crop residues on the soil surface can help suppress weed growth.
• Water Conservation: No-till farming can contribute to water conservation by reducing runoff and enhancing water infiltration into the soil.
• Energy Savings: Traditional tillage methods require energy-intensive machinery. No-till farming can result in energy savings because it reduces the need for multiple passes of heavy equipment.
• Climate Change Mitigation: No-till practices can contribute to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in the soil. The retention of crop residues adds organic matter, which helps build soil carbon.

No-till farming is often associated with conservation agriculture, a set of practices aimed at preserving and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems. While it offers several environmental and agronomic benefits, successful implementation may require adjustments in weed and pest management, as well as the use of specialized equipment for planting into untilled soil.