When it comes to cashing in on carbon sequestration, no-tillers are way ahead of the game. Even though there are many methods of reducing carbon dioxide emissions — such as increasing efficiency in automobiles and industry, or developing cleaner energy sources with solar and wind power — the possibilities of no-till are becoming more widely recognized.

In 5 years, Phil Robertson believes that no-tillers could be cashing in on carbon trading and tax incentives for carbon sequestration.

The environment is in far better shape than environmental advocacy groups and the media would lead you to believe, maintains Jay Lehr, senior scientist with Environmental Education Enterprises in Ostrander, Ohio.

With government officials from the European Union objecting to the use of no-till and forest land as no-till carbon sinks, the U.S. recently made concessions in this area for reducing carbon dioxide losses into the atmosphere. This action took place during a recent meeting of worldwide government officials seeking approval of the international Kyoto Protocol treaty to curb climate change.

Let's get one thing straight. Sequestering carbon in our soils is not likely to happen unless farmers no-till.