Economic efficiency of no-tillage

“In the long-term field trial “”Oberacker”” at Zollikofen (Switzerland) crop yields were measured to determine the effect of no-tillage without any soil disturbance and conventional tillage with mouldboard plough. A cost and profit analysis (full cost accounting) was carried out with the data in order to analyse farm economy of the changeover from a conventional tillage to a no-tillage system. The study reveals that the no-tillage system not only promises detectable soil physiological advantages, but also economically interesting benefits. With regard to more difficult market conditions, the potential of cost reductions appears to be particularly high on smaller farms. If additional replacement investments are at issue, the no-tillage system is particularly profitable.”