No-till farming
No-till farming
No-till farming (pronounced: noh-til fahr-ming), also known as zero tillage or direct drilling, is a way of growing crops or pasture from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage.
Etymology
The term "no-till farming" is derived from the practice's defining characteristic: the absence of tillage, which is the agricultural preparation of soil by mechanical agitation of various types, such as digging, stirring, and overturning.
Definition
No-till farming is a technique of growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage. This method minimizes soil erosion, promotes biodiversity, and can improve soil health. It contrasts with traditional farming methods that require tilling, or turning over the soil, before planting.
Related Terms
- Tillage: The agricultural preparation of soil by mechanical agitation, such as digging, stirring, and overturning.
- Soil erosion: The wearing away of topsoil, which is the top layer of soil and is the most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials.
- Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Soil health: The continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.
Advantages
No-till farming has several advantages over traditional farming methods. It can reduce soil erosion, increase soil organic matter, improve soil structure, and enhance soil biodiversity. It can also reduce fuel, labor, and equipment costs.
Disadvantages
Despite its benefits, no-till farming also has some disadvantages. It can lead to an increase in certain types of weeds, pests, and diseases. It may also require more sophisticated machinery and management than traditional farming methods.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on No-till farming
- Wikipedia's article - No-till farming
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