No-tillers definitely understand the value of leaving residue in their corn fields. They recognize that corn stalks, leaves, husks and cobs help reduce soil losses, provide cheap nutrients, trim greenhouse emission levels, boost moisture levels, help organic matter, improve soil quality, reduce compaction and increase crop productivity.

Many farmers recognize that no-tilled ground is probably worth more than land farmed with more intensive tillage. Yet there’s little evidence that indicates no-tilled ground brings a premium price when a farm goes on the sale block.

Growing concerns about weed resistance were on the minds of many no-tillers, speakers and sponsors during the recent 21st annual National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis, Ind. The consensus is that weed resistance is becoming a more alarming issue each year and that these concerns can no longer be ignored.

In the 40 years I’ve been tracking no-till, soil biology has never received as much attention as it does today. As no-tillers refine their systems, more are recognizing the importance of doing a better job of managing the millions of critters living under the soil surface.