No-till has many proven economic and environmental benefits. However, producers are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the performance of soybeans in no-till planting systems. Wet and cold planting conditions along with increased problems associated with corn residue has forced some growers to reconsider the viability of no-till production. This project assessed if there is actually a yield drag associated with no-till and if so, what can be done to mitigate this problem.
One possible strategy to overcome any yield drag associated with no-till is to increase seeding rates. Perhaps yield reductions in no-till are the result of poor plant stands. Other possible strategies include the use of a precision planter, the removal or corn stalks, or chopping corn stalks to increase breakdown, and improve seeding performance.