Farmers face the challenge of striving to make a living from farming as well as applying conservation measures that will ensure continued productivity from the land.

Many times, a farmer is forced to relegate conservation to the lower end of the priority list mainly because the economic value cannot be realized as quickly as, for example, the application of fertilizer. However, increased interest and success with certain conservation tillage systems have made conservation applications both economical and effective.

These systems can reduce labor, machinery investment and fuel costs. They can improve timeliness of operations while controlling runoff and erosion.

What is conservation tillage? It is any tillage system that reduces the loss of soil and water related to conventional tillage, and it is often a form of tillage that retains protective amounts of surface residues.

Leaving residue on the surface is important because it protects the soil from detachment by water. It minimizes crusting and allows more water to infiltrate. Residue also reduces runoff velocity and cuts down on sedimentation.

Residue management is any tillage that leaves or partially incorporates the plant matter from the previous year's crop. There are three main categories: no-till, mulch till and seasonal residue management.

No-till is managing the amount and distribution of crop residues on untilled soil surface year-round while growing crops in narrow slots or tilled strips. Mulch till is managing the amount and distribution of crop residue on the soil surface year-round while growing crops where the entire field surface is tilled.

Seasonal residue management involves managing the amount and distribution of plant residues on the soil surface from harvest until spring tillage operations, which bury residues.

Slower tillage speeds on equipment and shallower tillage both leave more residue on the surface. Adjusting equipment and using straight points or sweeps can increase residue left on the soil surface.

Straight points fracture the soil rather than turn or throw the soil. Implement dealers can provide information on how to adjust implements to leave more residue on the surface. Many types of tillage equipment are available that will prevent soil erosion and save you time and fuel.