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

Many times a farmer is forced to relegate conservation to the lower end of the priority list mainly because its economic value cannot be realized immediately, as for instance, the application of fertilizer.

However, increased interest and success with certain conservation tillage systems have made conservation both economical and effective.

Such 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 as related to conventional tillage and often retains protective amounts of surface residues.

Such residue protects the soil from detachment by water. It minimizes crusting and allows more water to infiltrate. Residue also reduces runoff velocity and 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 the untilled soil surface year- round while growing crops in narrow slots or tilled strips.

Mulch tilling is managing the amount and distribution of crop residue on the surface year-round while growing crops where the entire surface is tilled.

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

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

Straight points fracture the soil rather than turn or throw it. Implement dealers can provide information on how to make adjustments to leave more residue on the surface.

Many types of tillage equipment are available that can prevent erosion and save time and fuel.

Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.