Perceptions on the use of no-till farming in production agriculture in the United States: an analysis of survey results

A number of economic and environmental benefits are associated with the use of no-till in production agriculture in the United States. There are lower labor, energy, and machinery costs associated with no-till farming relative to conventional tillage systems and other types of conservation tillage. Reduced erosion and runoff associated with no-till also lead to a number of environmental benefits, including a reduction in water quality impairment. The objective of this study is to assess farmers’ perception of their actual use of no-till. An analysis of the Agricultural Resource Management Study survey data for 1996 shows that for soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), spring wheat, and durum wheat, farmers’ perceptions are consistent with reality. In the case of corn (Zea mays L.), however, nearly 18% of corn farmers believe they are using no-till, while in actuality, only slightly more than 12% are using this tillage system. In order to properly associate the benefits of no-till with its use, it is important that farmers’ perception of what constitutes no-till and their actual use of no-till be consistent. ©2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.