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

The first thing that comes to mind when no till is mentioned is that land does not have to be plowed or fitted to receive the new seed. This results in savings of both time and fuel, which would have been spent going over the field three or more times. The problem of stone removal is also avoided — saving time and fuel for this operation as well.

Another benefit is in moisture savings. The old sod from last year's crop residue will act as mulch that conserves moisture throughout the growing season. It has been found that no till reduces the amount of runoff from fields. This provides less chance of soil erosion as well as conserving moisture.

A nicely plowed and fitted field may look nice, but the loss of soil nutrients will be 10, 20 or even 30 times greater than if no till was used. In the no-till method, last year's crop stubble or old sod will hold the soil where it belongs. No till will also enable the farmer to renovate the pasture or hayfield with the steep slope that shouldn't be plowed.

Using no till can be a soil and time saver in planting small grains. If the seeding is done where corn was, the ground should be a bit firmer. If there are rough spots or ruts from the previous harvest, these areas can be disked before planting.

There are arguments against no-till seeding. But looking at each situation may dispel most of them.

On flat fields, where the danger of soil erosion is minimal, no till might not be feasible. On steeper slopes — especially in Butler County — no till should be used. Not all farmers may be able to cope with no till because of the extra care and management that is needed, especially with herbicide application. However, if a farmer has good conventional stands of forage, he should be able to do the same with no till.

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