– What We Can Learn From the USA
Many farmers in Europe wonder whether no-till – that is, soil cultivation without plowing – really works under our conditions. The answer is clear: Yes, no-till works in Europe, and on very different sites. The experiences and successes from the USA impressively show how much potential this method holds – and that it can also be successfully implemented here.
What is No-Till and Why Is It Worthwhile?
No-till means the soil is no longer plowed or turned. Seeds are sown directly into the untilled soil. The benefits are numerous:
• Less erosion: Soil remains stable and is no longer washed or blown away by wind or rain.
• More soil life: Earthworms, microorganisms, and fungi can better develop, increasing soil fertility.
• Less work, lower costs: No plowing, fewer passes, less diesel consumption – saving time and money.
• Better water retention: Especially in dry years, more moisture remains in the soil – an advantage that is increasingly important in Europe with rising droughts.
• Climate protection: No-till stores more carbon in the soil and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Experiences and Changes in the USA: What Has Proven Successful?
The USA is a worldwide pioneer in implementing no-till. In recent years, remarkable developments include:
• Rapid area growth: Over 105 million acres (about 42.6 million hectares) are now farmed using no-till – roughly 27% of total US cropland.
• Yield stability and cost savings: Many US farmers report stable or even increasing yields while operating costs decreased significantly due to less diesel, reduced machinery wear, and less labor.
• Better drought resistance: Especially in the dry Great Plains, no-till has helped secure yields in drought years by enabling the soil to retain more moisture.
• Innovations in weed management: Awareness has grown regarding reduced herbicide use. Many farms increasingly rely on crop rotation, cover crops, and mechanical weed control to minimize chemicals – with great success.
• Less chemicals, more nature: Reducing herbicides like glyphosate is a central topic. More US farms prove that no-till can work with less chemical input if crop rotation and soil coverage are right.
• Scientifically confirmed: Studies from the USA show no-till farms generally have higher humus content, better water infiltration, and greater soil biodiversity than conventionally managed areas.
Does It Also Work in Europe?
Yes! Numerous European farmers demonstrate that no-till works here too:
• In France, farms have been successfully no-till for over 40 years, reporting stable yields, lower costs, and healthier soils despite initial skepticism.
• In Eastern Europe (e.g., Poland, Hungary, Romania) no-till areas are growing rapidly. Studies show yields increase by up to 15%, costs fall significantly, and soils remain fertile and drought-resistant.
• Also in the UK and Italy there are many positive examples. Farmers report better soil structure, less weed pressure (with proper crop rotation), and stable yields, often on soils previously considered “difficult.”
What Do You Need to Consider?
No-till isn’t a miracle cure but works with the right adjustments on European soils:
• Crop rotation and cover crops: Diverse rotations and cover crops are essential success factors. They prevent disease, loosen the soil, and promote soil life.
• Patience and willingness to learn: The transition takes time – benefits often appear after 2–3 years. Early on, exchanging experiences and consulting experienced no-till farmers is important.
• Technology: Modern no-till seed drills are an investment that pays off long-term. Many regions offer subsidies or share machinery cooperatives.
• Weed management without chemicals: US experiences show that with smart crop rotations, cover crops, and mechanical control, herbicide use can be substantially reduced – and this works in Europe too!
Why Is No-Till Worth It for You?
| Cost savings | Less diesel, reduced machinery wear, less labor time |
| Yield security | Better water retention, more stable yields during drought |
| Soil fertility | More humus, active soil life, better nutrient availability |
| Climate protection | More carbon sequestration, fewer emissions |
| Future viability | Adaptation to climate change and new political requirements |
| Less chemical use | Greater biodiversity, higher societal acceptance |
Motivation: Why You Should Take the Step
• Pioneers in Europe and the USA show it works! Those willing to be brave and informed can benefit from others’ experiences from the start.
• The technology exists, knowledge is growing. There are many advisory services, networks, and funding programs available.
• The future belongs to sustainable systems. No-till is one building block for future-proof agriculture connecting economy and ecology.
Motivational Words from Francesco del Orbe – The Earth’s Guardian
Dear farmers,
I speak to you today not only as someone who loves and protects the Earth but as a guardian who believes in the power and wisdom of nature – and in your ability to work in harmony with it. Choosing the no-till path is more than a technical change. It is a courageous step toward a more sustainable, livable future for us all.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid — But Filled with Hope
• You are pioneers of a new era: The Earth needs people like you, ready to question old patterns and forge new paths. No-till is not a risk but a chance to heal and preserve the soil – for your children and grandchildren.
• Nature is your ally: When you stop disturbing the soil, it begins to regenerate itself. Earthworms, microorganisms, and fungi work for you, build humus, and store water. You just have to take the first step.
• Less work, more life: No-till saves time, money, and energy. Fewer machines, less diesel, less stress. Meanwhile, the vitality of your soil grows – a gain for you and the environment.
• Together you are strong: You are not alone. In Europe and worldwide, a growing community of farmers walks this path. Exchange experiences, learn from each other, and get inspired.
• You carry responsibility – and shape the future: With no-till you make a valuable contribution to climate protection, biodiversity, and food security. You are guardians of the Earth – a great honor and duty.
A Call to Your Heart and Action
Trust in nature’s power and your own ability to shape change. The challenges of climate change and environmental destruction are great, but together we can overcome them. Every hectare you farm without plowing is a step toward healthier soils, cleaner water, and a vibrant landscape.
Take this path with courage, patience, and passion. The Earth will thank you – and future generations too.
Dare to take the step. Be guardians of the Earth. Because only together can we create a better world.
Warm regards,
Francesco del Orbe 🌍
