Stopping the tillage treadmill

Starting the process of reducing tillage or going to no-till can prove a challenge when compaction occurs. Often, compaction issues call for at least a light tillage pass, and sometimes more extensive deep tillage. Compounding this challenge, tillage can ultimately increase the soil’s susceptibility to experiencing compaction again by oxidizing organic matter, smearing soil particles, and causing downforce pressure points under tillage shovels. It’s a vicious cycle. The same can be said of applying tillage to address residue issues. A common strategy is to till residue into the soil to help it break down. But, conversely, tilling reduces the soil’s biological capacity to decompose residue… another vicious cycle. So, how can growers stop the tillage treadmill?

The first step requires some serendipity. After that, the path to improving soil health is more methodical. Here are some key strategies to exit the tillage treadmill:

1. When harvest concludes and leaves a field with minimal compaction, avoid the fall tillage pass. Giving soil seven or eight additional months of no tillage before planting season will go a long way towards building up soil structure, and can allow the soil to withstand the weight of planting equipment even if wet conditions occur. As an added bonus, any residue left on the soil surface will help prevent surface compaction.

2. If you are able to, plant a fall cover crop. If you have subsurface compaction, plant brassicas with large tap roots to drill through that tight soil. Earthworms and other soil biology also love brassica roots and can help decompose residue. Add some fine rooted cover crops, like annual ryegrass, to speed up the rebuilding of soil structure through roots that rebuild pore space while adding organic matter. Overwintering grasses like annual ryegrass will also provide an added bonus, as they can help manage soil moisture come springtime. Cover crops growing in wet soil can do more to transpire excess soil moisture than any tillage pass can accomplish. And when soil conditions are ready for planting, you can terminate the cover crop to maintain the proper soil moisture. As a further added bonus, that superior moisture management often leads to improved spring planting soil temperature.

The two steps above to exit the tillage treadmill may sound simple, but as farmers know, many farming activities come with their own unique set of risks and challenges. However, by preparing ahead of time, we can make these challenges much easier to overcome. A hurdle some growers may face is the residue from the previous crop interfering with planting. To overcome this, you can make adjustments to your planter or drill to handle this initial increase in residue. For tips on planter-drill set up go to this article or watch this carbon college video.

By taking advantage of good weather and equipping your soil to shed excess moisture through cover crops that break compaction and provide a transpiration pathway, growers can escape the tillage cycle, improve their soil health, and take advantage of reduced operation costs and income from sustainable farming programs. 

By Ryan Stockwell, Indigo Grower Engagement Senior Manager and Wisconsin farmer