There are many advantages to no-till seeding, which may make it more feasible to many people over conventional methods.

The first reason that comes to mind when no till is mentioned is that the land does not have to be plowed or fitted to receive the new seed. This results in a savings of both time and fuel which would be spent going over the field three or more times by conventional means.

When a field is not plowed conventionally, the problem of stone removal is also avoided. This is a great time saver and if stones are not removed, a great equipment saver too.

No till will result in a moisture savings. The old sod of last year's crop residue will act as a mulch to conserve moisture throughout the growing season. It has been found that no till reduces the amount of runoff from fields. This provides a lesser chance of soil erosion, as well as conserving moisture.

A nicely plowed and fitted field may look pretty, but the loss of soil and nutrients from that field will be 10, 20 or even 30 times greater than if no till was used. In no till, last year's crop stubble or old sod will hold the soil where it belongs. No till will also enable the farmer to renovate that old pasture or hayfield with the steep slope that shouldn't be plowed. The no till drill can be used anywhere a tractor can be driven safely, but otherwise shouldn't be plowed because of the loss that would occur from erosion.

Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.