Pierre, S.D., no-tiller Mark Weinheimer says using cover crops to sequester carbon, and invite beneficial insects to his fields, is building soil health and reducing input costs on his farm.

Three experienced scientists say soil pits are another tool no-tillers can use to examine soil structure, root development, compaction, soil quality and other important agronomical issues.

While many farmers desire to move toward a no-till system, the recent increase in continuous corn appears to put the two practices at odds.

“Not only is each individual element necessary, but a balance of all soil elements is necessary...”— Neal Kinsey. Fertility expert Neal Kinsey covers all the basics necessary for nurturing soils so they become a thriving, productive living system.