Reduced Tillage Boosts Yields and Soil Carbon Gains

By Scout Nelson

A study from South Dakota State University reveals that reducing tillage has improved crop yields and soil organic carbon levels. Researchers analyzed over 650,000 soil samples collected between 2000 and 2021. Results showed carbon in South Dakota soils increased by 428 pounds per acre each year.

Across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, corn yields are rising by over two bushels per acre yearly, while soybean yields are improving by more than half a bushel. These increases are linked not only to improved crop genetics but also to conservation practices such as reduced or no-till farming.

Historically, intense tillage contributed to ecological issues like the Dust Bowl. By the 1980s, farmers began switching to no-till systems to conserve soil and increase profitability. Today, more than three-quarters of eastern South Dakota’s farmers use reduced tillage practices.

The study, titled "Tillage intensity reductions when combined with yield increases may slow carbon saturation in the central United States," highlights the link between better soil management and sustainable farming. According to researchers, reduced tillage slows the breakdown of organic matter, enhances water retention and helps reduce erosion.

The buildup of soil carbon is aided by crop residues like corn stover and roots, which decompose and enrich the soil. These organic materials become humus, which improves fertility and soil structure.

The findings confirm that better farming methods lead to a positive cycle: improved yields boost soil health, and healthier soil supports higher yields. This feedback loop offers long-term benefits for sustainable agriculture.

By adopting conservation practices, producers help protect the land while increasing their output, setting a strong example for future generations of sustainable farming.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-dmytro-diedov