The removal of crop residue can address some challenges with reduced-tillage systems, but doing so should be weighed against the potential impact on soil productivity, environmental consequences and food availability, says an Extension agent from Colorado.

Bryan Jorgensen discusses how long he’s been able to cut application of dry phosphorus (P) to the soil surface and what’s happened to soil-test P levels since his family's Jorgensen Land & Cattle operation went 100% no-till in 1991.

Erosion (sheet, rill or gully) and soil surface sealing are visual examples that indicate poor soil health.

Remote sensing will enable scientists to see if winter cover crops are improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

These are the published standards for no-till or strip-till qualifications.

Reports are coming in from no-till farmers who cannot find seedlings in fields that received aerial application of cover crop seeds in late summer.

Properly handling the residue at harvest is key to preparing for the next crop.