Some things, like coal, do their best work under pressure; soils, however, do not. Compaction causes a laundry list of troubles, including ponding water, reduced nutrient availability, erosion, poor root development and the list goes on.

When left to her own devices, Mother Nature makes sure there is something living and growing in the soil at all times.

Identifying the holes where profits leak away is a talent Kenton, Ohio, no-tiller Dave Lotz has nearly perfected during almost 25 years of no-till trial and error.

Fertilizer is likely a no-tiller’s most costly input. But managed properly, it can provide one of the best returns.

I recently attended Ohio’s annual winter No-Till Conference and picked up several tips from some new and veteran no-till professionals. Held in early December, conference attendance was tremendous with more than 200 participants — a testament to increasing interest in no-till by many producers. Here is a quick look at some of the information picked up by Ohio no-tillers.

Compaction is a no-till farmer’s kryptonite. The benefits that no-till provides — reduced soil erosion, increased organic matter, efficient biological ecosystems, improved soil quality, higher infiltration rates, yield boosts and more — can quickly be reclaimed if compaction occurs.