Strip-tillage intrigued Todd and Greg Gustin of Washington Court House, Ohio. For several years, the brothers curiously watched their neighbor’s strip-till bar travel through the fields, the corn emerge quickly and the resulting higher yields.

While there are numerous environmental advantages to no-tilling, it’s difficult to overlook the money-saving benefits.

Several successful organic vegetable growers in southeastern states are combining the benefits of cover crops, reduced tillage and smart marketing. Here’s a brief look at two family operations that have been guided by the work of pioneering researchers such as Virginia Tech’s Ron Morse (see accompanying story). Both families are active participants in the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Work Group (SSAWG), a 12-state, non-profit organization.

About 6 years ago, Loran and Bryce Naber shifted to no-tilling to capture major fuel, equipment and labor savings. The Albion, Neb., corn and soybean producers are also in their fourth season of reaping additional efficiencies with variable-rate dual banding of directly injected liquid anhydrous ammonia and liquid fertilizer.