Reducing Tillage for Better Soil Health

By Scout Nelson

Tracking soil health practices like reduced tillage and cover crops is crucial to understanding progress in agriculture, especially in states like Minnesota. Researchers have compiled data from remote sensing, USDA Agricultural Census data, and state-reported cost-share programs to create a baseline for monitoring changes in agricultural practices.

One significant practice is reducing tillage, which minimizes soil disturbance. In Minnesota, over one-third of agricultural acres (approximately 8 million acres) are managed with minimal tillage. No-till practices, however, vary significantly across counties, with some areas using it more extensively than others. The statewide average for no-till acres has increased, from 1.1 million acres in 2017 to 1.2 million acres in 2022, though only a small fraction of these acres are supported by government programs.

Increasing residue cover on the soil surface is another key strategy. Satellite data shows an increase in residue cover, from 36% in 2016 to 64% in 2020. Cover crops also play a role in maintaining ground cover. The use of cover crops has grown, with 760,423 acres planted in 2022, up from 579,147 acres in 2017. Despite this growth, cover crops are still used on just 2.28% of cropland, and not all planted crops successfully emerge.

Biodiversity on farms is also encouraged through crop rotation and integrating livestock. While the number of cattle farms has declined, rotational grazing, which benefits both soil health and pastureland, is practiced on 8% of Minnesota farms. Additionally, manure is applied to 8% of cropland, with certain counties using higher amounts.

Conservation practices are supported by various funding programs, including those from the USDA and state agencies. While funding and program use are increasing, many farmers are also adopting these practices voluntarily or through private funding options like carbon markets.

In conclusion, while there have been notable increases in soil health practices, more widespread adoption and support are needed to continue improving agricultural sustainability in Minnesota.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock