Conservation Tillage, also known as No-Till Farming, is a way of growing crops from year to year without disturbing the soil through conventional tillage. Conventional tilling agitates the soil in various ways, usually with tractor drawn implements. This can lead to unfavorable effects, like soil compaction, loss of organic matter, degradation of soil aggregates, death or disruption of soil microbes, arthropods, and earthworms, and soil erosion where topsoil is blown or washed away. In no-till farming the soil is left intact and crop residue is left on the field thus avoiding those unfavorable effects.

 

 

Advantages of conservation tillage as listed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are:

· Reduced labor and fuel needs—As little as one trip for planting compared to two or more with conventional tillage.

· Time Savings—On a 500-acre farm, the time savings can be as great as 225 hours, or almost four 60-hour workweeks.

· Easier planting—You can plant in straighter rows on hilly land; rows don’t have to exactly follow the contour.

· More soil moisture—Crop residues lower evaporation form the soil. This can mean up to 2 additional inches of water available to your crop in late summer.

· Better soil tilth—It builds up a rich layer of organic material on the soil surface. This increases water infiltration and moisture holding capacity. That means more uniform stands that can better survive dry weather.

· Less erosion—Year-round ground cover can reduce erosion by up to 90% compared to an unprotected, conventionally tilled field.

· Improved soil quality—you get more earthworms and other soil critters that work for free. Resulting in reduced soil compaction, improved soil structure, increased organic matter, better soil tilth, and better nutrient holding capacity.

 

The Clarendon Soil and Water Conservation District invites you to participate in the effort to conserve our natural resources and aid in the prevention of soil loss here in our county by renting our No-Till Drill for your planting needs.

 

For affiliate members the drill is available to rent for $7/acre. For non-members the cost to rent the drill is $7/acre plus a membership fee.

 

To schedule a time to rent the no-till drill and be placed on the waiting list the district office must have a signed copy of the Conservation Tillage Equipment Rental Agreement Form. For additional information regarding the rental of the drill please call the office at (803) 435-2612 ext3.

 

Note: Affiliate memberships run parallel to the Conservation District’s fiscal year (July 1—June 30)

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