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

The first positive 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 both of time and fuel that would be spent going over the field otherwise.

With no till, the problem of stone removal is also avoided. This is a great time and equipment saver.

No till will also result in a moisture savings.

The old sod of last year's crop residue will act as a mulch to conserve moisture through the growing season. It has been found that no till reduces the amount of runoff. This produces a lesser chance of soil erosion as well as conserving moisture.

In no-till seeding, 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.

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.

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