No Till Farming
When walking through the growing fields at Snipes Farm and Education Center, you can’t help but notice row after row of dark, rich soil separated with small wood-chipped paths.
These growing beds were created following the no-till market bed farming methodology.
Unlike traditional plowing methods, no-till farming minimizes soil disruption, allowing us to maintain the natural ecosystem beneath the surface.
This method not only preserves vital soil structure but also leads to higher nutrient density, ensuring our crops are both healthy and flavorful.
7%
increase in nutrient matter in the soil after three years
3x
the production compared to prior years
1/2
the acreage used in prior years
“The quality of the soil has improved.”
— Peter R. Crooke, Farming Director
Rainy Resilience
This year, the benefit of our no-till beds has become even clearer during our rainy spring and early summer.
Even on soggy mornings after those torrential thunderstorms, farmers were still able to work in the no-till rows. In comparison, the traditional fields were not accessible because walking in them would have compacted the soil, making it difficult for plants to grow.
Weed Free
Many weeks later, this difference in access during the critical early summer is crystal clear. The no-till beds are clear of weeds and the plants are thriving, whereas the traditional rows are thigh-high with weeds.
