No-till? No Problem
The Environmental Benefits of
No-Till Farming
RIPE is committed to ensuring farmers and ranchers are adequately compensated for the public benefits they create through regenerative agriculture practices. Our Approach includes a laundry list of practices that deliver significant public value in comparison to other conservation practices. The former should be prioritized and elevated in terms of incentives and public policy support. We feel producers should be compensated for providing these practices, and we want to see this compensation fully reflect the costs associated with implementing said practices and the public value delivered therefrom. No-till farming is one of the practices on that list.
No-till farming is the first regenerative agriculture practice we will be spotlighting in our new blog series, “Regenerative the RIPE Way.” No-till farming is a fundamentally important practice for the row crop farmer to embrace when making the transition towards a regenerative-first approach. This practice is near and dear to our hearts since we recently welcomed No-till on the Plains to our Steering Committee. We had the pleasure of joining No-till on the Plains and dozens of producers from around the country on NTOP’s Dakotas Soil Health Bus Tour earlier this year. This Bus Tour was a great opportunity to see many regenerative agriculture practices in action, and no-till farming was no exception.
So, what is no-till farming? What does it mean for the soil, and how does it benefit the environment and, as an extension, how does it benefit human health? Let’s explore the environmental benefits of no-till farming but first - a refresher on regenerative agriculture.
Regenerative agriculture is a method of farming and ranching that works in harmony with nature and seeks to replicate natural processes. At the heart of regenerative agriculture is soil health and conservation. Soil health, defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans, is crucial for food production, combating climate change, ecosystem health, and human health. Healthy soil gives us clean air and water, bountiful crops and forests, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes (Soil Health).
The 5 Principles of Regenerative Agriculture are:
Minimize the physical, biological and chemical disturbance of the soil
Keep the soil covered with vegetation or natural material
Increase plant diversity
Keep living roots in the soil as much as possible
Integrate animals into the farm as much as possible
There are many practices and techniques that fall under the category of regenerative agriculture (recall RIPE’s list of practices which we feel farmers and ranchers should be compensated for). You can also read more from the NRDC about regenerative agriculture and what certain practices actually are/what services they provide, including no-till.
No-till farming is an agricultural technique for growing crops or pasture without disturbing the soil through tillage. No-till farming decreases the amount of soil erosion tillage causes in certain soils, especially in sandy and dry soils on sloping terrain. This approach minimizes soil disturbance and promotes healthier ecosystems, offering a myriad of environmental benefits. Alternatively, reduced tillage means less intensity, shallower depth, and less area disturbed, either in the bed, field or across the farm. It can mean less frequent tillage and lead to successful adoption of no-till practices (Shenk et al., 2023).
In recent years especially, the agricultural community has seen a growing interest in sustainable farming practices, and one of the most promising methods gaining traction is no-till farming. Agricultural producers can implement several different regenerative methods simultaneously to maximize their conservation efforts, and RIPE believes producers should be compensated for the full cost of implementation, management and maintenance of each practice, plus any additional costs associated with yield loss or other financial risks. The public benefits delivered by these practices positively impact the environment and human health alike, and we want to see producers paid adequately for these benefits they create. For now, we will focus our attention on no-till farming, but stay tuned for future installments of The RIPE Way for more details about additional conservation practices.
Let’s explore why no-till farming is a game-changer for the environment.
1. Soil Health and Structure
One of the most significant advantages of no-till farming is the enhancement of soil health. Traditional tillage disrupts soil structure, leading to compaction and erosion. Alternatively, no-till practices preserve the natural layers of soil, allowing earthworms and beneficial microorganisms to thrive. This promotes nutrient cycling, improves soil aeration, and enhances water retention, ultimately leading to healthier crops. By removing human intervention and letting nature do its thing, there are many benefits for the soil and, consequently, for everything else.
2. Reduction of Erosion
Soil erosion is a major environmental concern, especially in agricultural areas. Soil erosion decreases soil fertility, which can negatively affect crop yields, and sends soil-laden water downstream, which can create heavy layers of sediment that prevent streams and rivers from flowing smoothly, disrupting their natural functionality (World Resources Institute). An extreme consequence of this is flooding. No-till farming minimizes soil exposure by leaving crop residues on the surface, which protects the soil from wind and water erosion. This practice not only conserves valuable topsoil but also reduces sediment runoff into waterways, thereby protecting aquatic ecosystems.
3. Carbon Sequestration
Agriculture can be a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but no-till farming can help mitigate this issue. By keeping carbon stored in the soil and reducing the need for fossil fuel-powered machinery, no-till practices contribute to lower carbon emissions. The organic matter from crop residues also helps sequester carbon, making no-till farming a no-brainer when it comes to conserving natural resources and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Improved Water Conservation
Water management is crucial in sustainable agriculture, and no-till farming plays a key role in this regard. By improving soil structure and increasing organic matter, no-till systems enhance water infiltration and retention. This means less irrigation is needed, making farming more efficient and reducing the pressure on local water resources. Healthy soils can absorb more rainfall, helping to mitigate flooding and enhance drought resilience. Water is a renewable resource only when properly managed and responsibly-used - no-till farming lends itself to this.
5. Biodiversity Enhancement
No-till farming fosters greater biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. The practice supports a variety of soil organisms, from bacteria to insects, which play vital roles in maintaining ecosystem balance. Additionally, by allowing native plants and cover crops to thrive, no-till farming can create habitats for beneficial wildlife, contributing to overall ecosystem health.
6. Reduced Chemical Dependency
No-till systems often incorporate cover crops, which can suppress weeds and improve soil fertility naturally. This reduces the need for chemical herbicides and fertilizers, promoting a more eco-friendly approach to farming. By minimizing chemical inputs, farmers can decrease the risk of chemical runoff into nearby water bodies, which is critical for protecting local ecosystems.
No-till farming can be a game-changer for producer livelihood as well. While the environmental benefits are paramount, no-till farming also offers economic advantages for farmers. By reducing fuel and labor costs associated with tillage, farmers can enjoy increased profitability. Healthier soils lead to better crop yields over time, creating a sustainable economic model that benefits both the farmer and the environment.
No-till farming represents a transformative shift in agricultural practices, offering substantial benefits for the environment. From enhancing soil health and reducing erosion to improving water conservation and fostering biodiversity, the advantages are clear. As more farmers adopt no-till methods, we can look forward to a more sustainable agricultural future—one that prioritizes the health of our planet for generations to come.
Together, we can cultivate a healthier planet! Get involved with RIPE’s Farmer Advisory Network, subscribe to our newsletter, and share our mission with your friends and family. We want to see farmers and ranchers paid for the public benefits of their conservation efforts, no-till farming included. Will you join us? Check out our website to learn more about the practices we propose to be compensated.
References
Shenk, T. W., Rinehart, L., & Stresow, S. (2023, August 9). Reduced tillage in vegetables. Cornell Small Farms. https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/projects/reduced-tillage/
Sulaeman, D., & Westhoff, T. (2020, February 7). The causes and effects of soil erosion, and how to prevent it. Insights. https://www.wri.org/insights/causes-and-effects-soil-erosion-and-how-prevent-it
United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Soil Health. People’s Garden. https://www.usda.gov/peoples-garden/soil-health
