The best tillage system depends on the soil type, soil slope, latitude of the field, and overall climate of the field. In general, no-till is preferred in southern fields with good drainage. In general, tillage is preferred in heavy, wetter soils in northern areas. No-till improves soil structure and water-holding capacity in most soils. However, tillage helps northern soils warm more quickly in the spring, allowing for earlier planting and potentially better stands of corn. Advances in planter technology and seed corn quality provide more opportunities for no-till in northern areas.
