No-tillage farming continues to gain popularity as the new conservative method for growing plants. This is because of its ability to preserve the soil, give a better yield, and save money. In addition, it promotes the growth of healthy foods, as it requires minimal to no use of herbicides and pesticides.
Exapta Solutions, Inc shares more insights on why no-till farming is a big development in agriculture.
1. Water Conservation
No-till farming leaves previous harvests residue on the land. As such, this covering helps in massive absorption of moisture in the soil and reduces evaporation. This lowers the number of times you will need to water your plants and the amount of water that you will need. As such, no-till farming makes it easy to grow plants successfully in arid and semi-arid areas.
2. Reduced Fuel and Equipment Use
With no-till farming, you do not have to run your machine often. That equals to savings on fuel consumption, as well as the workforce involved. Moreover, there is reduced carbon and dust emissions from the soil, which contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment. Additionally, the equipment tends to last longer since it is rarely used.
3. Reduced Soil Erosion
No-till farming maintains an abundance of mulch cover, which comes in the form of pods, leaves, chaff, straw, and stalks. All these help in covering and protecting the precious top soil. As such, the land becomes resistant to water and wind erosion, which sweeps away the nutrients needed by plants to survive.
Using a no-till planter does not only protect your soil from erosion; it also creates a healthy ecological system. By avoiding tillage planting, the organic matter in the soil increases, leading to higher crop yield and healthy soils.