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Reduced Tillage and Increasing Cropping Intensity in the Great Plains Conserves Soil C

Soil & Tillage Research, 1998

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combining no-till with intensive crop rotations stops organic matter loss and builds soil carbon

Keeping Carbon in the Plains: How No-Till and Intensive Rotations Build Soil Health

Farming in the Great Plains has always been a balancing act with moisture and soil quality. For decades, the standard wheat-fallow system helped stabilize short-term yields. However, leaving fields fallow and using heavy tillage comes with a hidden cost. Over time, these practices accelerate the loss of soil organic matter and vital nutrients.

A comprehensive 1998 research review, Reduced Tillage and Increasing Cropping Intensity in the Great Plains Conserves Soil C, brings together years of field data from North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Texas. The authors prove that combining no-till with intense crop rotations can stop this downward spiral. By disturbing the soil less and growing more crops, you can actively store carbon back in the ground.

📖 Download the Full Great Plains Carbon Study

Want to see the charts comparing bulk density shifts, particulate organic matter breakdowns, and regional water-use efficiency curves across all five states? Download the complete, unedited research paper to optimize your own ranch management practices.

Download the full publication PDF here

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North 40 Ag
North 40 Ag works with farmers and ranchers across the region to provide seed for forages, cover crops, perennial species, or cash crops. In addition North 40 Ag can provide agronomic recommendations. We work with producers to improve their operation focusing on their goals and needs.

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