No Tillage and the Benefits
For over a century we have been using machines to till the ground that we use to grow, but does it actually do more harm than good? Tilling can cause soil erosion and make the soil less likely to absorb the proper amount of water. Some might also think that it is necessary for weed control, and if you don’t till, you must use herbicides to control weeds, but that is not the case, and other methods can be used for weed control, cover crops being one of the main practices. So, What are the alternatives to no-till, and how will it benefit your soil by following this approach?
What does no tillage mean?
When tilling is done, it is turning over the first 6 - 10 inches of soil, mixing in past crops, manure, and weeds. During this process, the ground is aerated and the soil warmed, but this is not necessarily a good thing. It also can strip the soil of needed microorganisms, as well as leave the soil bare, making it at risk of being eroded by wind and water. Conventional no-till farming can mean using herbicides to control weeds, this is not the only option. Organic no-till farming uses other methods to control weeds without the use of herbicides and chemicals, such as crop rotation, cover crops, free-range livestock, and a weed suppression mat laid down.
What are the Benefits?
By not tilling, the soil structure is left intact and crop residue is left on the surface, not leaving the soil bare and unprotected. This can also increase the soil's ability to absorb and retain water, both from irrigation and rainwater. Healthy soil biome is important, and by leaving the ground undisturbed, the healthy and needed microorganisms and bacteria have the chance to establish communities and feed off organic matter. This will benefit crops to be nutrient dense. By using the no tillage method, it will save you fuel costs and time, as you won’t be going over the same patch tilling multiple times before you are ready to plant your crops.
How You Can do This Practice in Your Garden
No tillage does not mean you can’t use your compost in your garden, it can be added on as a top layer. This will allow it to continue to break down and release nutrients into the soil, boosting the health of the crop being grown in it. The compost layer will also act as a weed barrier. To set up your garden, it will benefit to plan ahead. If you are starting a new area that is currently grass, you do not need to till it to begin, you can smother the grass, either by topping with a thick layer, at least 4 inches deep, of compost or manure from a trusted source. This may take a few months, so this is where the planning ahead is necessary. If the area is also full of weeds, as an added measure when starting, a layer of thoroughly wet cardboard can be laid down, then topped with the compost layer. Once established, seeds or seedlings can be directly grown in the compost layer without turning the soil. To keep your garden thriving year after year, make sure to apple layers of mulch as needed to continue the process of organic matter breakdown, feeding nutrients into the soil.
About Me
I am the Owner of Inherit Designs Landscaping. Since 2003, my team and I have been providing sustainable garden solutions to the Cowichan Valley and Greater Victoria. I personally hold two certifications in horticulture and permaculture and take great pride in the service I offer my clients. My family and I live on our organic flower farm called Little Bee Blooms, run by my wife. Together we are continually conducting research gardens and experimenting in many aspects of horticulture and permaculture to improve our knowledge and the operation of our businesses.