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What do US farmers do with the plant stubbles? Just till them back into the soil?

• pohuing 3y ago
  That's what's done in Germany. Just plow it under
• whalesalad 3y ago
  Yes although there is a growing movement towards “no till” farming where you just plant right on top of the old. https://regenerationinternational.org/2018/06/24/no-till-farming/ https://regenerationinternational.org/2018/06/24/no-till-far...
  • huytersd 3y ago
    I wonder why Indian farmers don’t do this. Is it just a passed down practice that they follow? Are there any downsides to just tilling it under? What’s the benefit of no till farming?
    • RetroTechie 3y ago
      Tilling destroys the soil structure: fungal networks, plant roots, worms & their tunnels that provide aeration, etc. Mostly beneficial to plant growth. But modern day farming doesn't work with nature. Instead prefers to start with 'clean' soil devoid of most of those critters. Including the beneficial ones. Tilling to loosen the soil, vs. letting the worms do it. > Are there any downsides to just tilling it under? Tilling is hard work & machinery to do it may not be available or affordable. No tilling = remains of previous crop in the way. Or it may even regrow (partially?). My guess: burning is simply an easy & quick way to remove those remnants. Not a smart way to farm, though.