Perceptions on the use of no-till farming in production agriculture in the United States: an analysis of survey results

Abstract

A number of economic and environmental benefits are associated with the use of no-till in production agriculture in the United States. There are lower labor, energy, and machinery costs associated with no-till farming relative to conventional tillage systems and other types of conservation tillage. Reduced erosion and runoff associated with no-till also lead to a number of environmental benefits, including a reduction in water quality impairment. The objective of this study is to assess farmers’ perception of their actual use of no-till. An analysis of the Agricultural Resource Management Study survey data for 1996 shows that for soybean ( Glycine max L. Merr.), winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), spring wheat, and durum wheat, farmers’ perceptions are consistent with reality. In the case of corn ( Zea mays L.), however, nearly 18% of corn farmers believe they are using no-till, while in actuality, only slightly more than 12% are using this tillage system. In order to properly associate the benefits of no-till with its use, it is important that farmers’ perception of what constitutes no-till and their actual use of no-till be consistent.