No-till technology

Growing crops (or pastures) without disturbing the soil through tillage; direct seeding/planting and residue management (partial soil cover). No till technology reduces soil erosion and soil compaction while conserving water in the soil. It also makes optimum use of scarce and low rainfall to stabilise/increase crop yields.

A special no-till drill was developed to simultaneously seed and fertilize annual crops. Seeding is earlier than in the case of conventional tillage, which requires seedbed preparation. Spacing between rows is adjusted according to crop type; tillage depth depends on soil workability and moisture content. Application of special herbicides replaces tillage for weed control, and enables the farmer to have a fallow period.