In a nutshell, the no-till farming system, also known as zero-till or regenerative farming, is a sustainable agricultural practice that aims to plant crops without disturbing the soil through tilling or ploughing.
No-till farming minimises soil disturbance by leaving crop residues on the surface and carefully planting seeds using precision planting techniques. It relies on cutting or drilling techniques to create narrow openings for seed placement. This farming method aims to conserve soil structure, moisture and nutrients, as there is less soil erosion and nutrient loss.
This regenerative approach not only aims to retain moisture but also prevent weed growth, and promote nutrient cycling in the soil, enhancing biodiversity and microbial activity. The reduced soil disturbance also enables enhanced carbon sequestration.
Zero-till farming is an evidence-based sustainable and efficient approach that promotes long-term soil health and productivity.
Benefits of No-Till Farming Practices;
1. Improved Soil Health: No-till farming preserves soil
structure and promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms. This leads to
increased organic matter and enhanced soil fertility, which can improve crop
yields over time.
2. Reduced Erosion: By leaving crop residues on the
field, no-till practices reduce soil erosion caused by wind and water. This
helps maintain topsoil and prevents loss of valuable nutrients.
3. Enhanced Moisture Retention: Improves
the soil’s ability to retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent
irrigation and making your farm more resilient to drought conditions.
4. Lower Fuel Costs: Cut
down on fuel expenses because there’s less need for plowing and tilling. This
can significantly lower your operating costs.
5. Reduced Labor Requirements: Minimise the need for multiple field operations, leading to a reduction in
labor costs and allowing you to focus on other important tasks.
6. Increased Carbon Sequestration: No-till farming helps
capture and store carbon dioxide in the soil, contributing to a reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable farming practice.
7. Weed Management: Using cover crops and residue may help suppress weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and potentially improving
weed management strategies.
8. Improved Soil Structure: Over time, no-till farming practices helps build a healthier soil structure with better aggregation and porosity,
leading to improved root growth and nutrient uptake.
“The change from conventional till (CT) with residue burning/removal to no-till (NT) farming with residue retention/conservation agriculture (CA) practices have been recognised as important soil management practices for sustaining soil health and reversing land degradation.
Worldwide, NT/CA practices are now being adopted on about 180 million ha (i.e. ~14% of arable land). Conservation agriculture practices promote soil health by increasing organic carbon, and soil aggregation, thus improving infiltration and minimising erosion losses. In addition, CA has the potential to increase soil organic carbon sequestration.”
*Excerpt taken from No-till farming: prospects, challenges – productivity, soil health, and ecosystem services (Jayaraman S and Dalal RC (2022) Soil Research, 60(5–6), 435–441.)