NoTill

Notill, or notill farming, is an agricultural practice that minimizes soil disturbance during planting. In conventional tillage, fields are plowed or furrowed to prepare a seedbed. In notill systems, crop residues from the previous season are left on the surface, and seeds are sown directly into the residue using specialized drills or planters that place seed through or into the residue with minimal soil disruption.

Notill is usually combined with other practices such as crop rotations and cover cropping to maintain soil structure, suppress weeds, and manage nutrients. It relies on direct seeding into residue and can be complemented by herbicide programs or integrated weed management to control emerging vegetation. Over time, notill can increase soil organic matter and improve soil structure, and it generally reduces soil erosion and water runoff by providing surface cover. It can also reduce fuel use and labor since there is less field turning and equipment movement. In some regions, notill is linked to enhanced drought resilience because surface residues help retain soil moisture.

However, outcomes vary by climate, soil type, and management. Short-term yield changes may occur, and some soils may experience residue-related emergence issues, pests, disease buildup, or compaction if traffic is not managed. Weed and pest pressures can increase if notill systems lack effective control strategies, and some regions face regulatory or market constraints on herbicide use. Long-term soil carbon sequestration is possible but depends on sustained practices and measurement.

Notill became widely adopted in the mid-to-late 20th century, aided by herbicides and equipment innovations. It has become a dominant practice in parts of North and South America, Australia, and parts of Europe, but adoption rates vary with policy, economics, and crop systems.