The Spanish cooperative Cobideza has been actively promoting no-till farming among its members for the past two years, particularly for corn cultivation. This method, which avoids traditional plowing, is proving crucial for sloping and drought-prone lands, where conventional tillage accelerates soil erosion and degrades fertility. Experts confirm that no-till improves soil moisture retention—a critical advantage as drought frequency increases due to climate change.
Scientific Backing: Lower Soil Temperature, Reduced Erosion
Recent studies show that no-till fields maintain soil temperatures up to 3°C cooler at a 10 cm depth compared to tilled fields during the growing season. This reduces evaporation, preserving vital moisture. Additionally, on sloped terrain, soil loss is 2.6 times higher with conventional tillage, highlighting no-till’s role in preventing irreversible topsoil degradation (FAO, 2023).
Economic and Environmental Incentives
In 2023, Cobideza farmers planted 40 hectares of no-till corn, with plans to expand to 80 hectares in 2024. The method cuts costs by reducing fuel and labor for tillage while qualifying for EU eco-scheme subsidies (€86/ha). Farmers report that crop residue cover minimizes erosion from rain and wind, especially on slopes exceeding 10% gradient.
Challenges and Trade-offs
While no-till can lead to slightly lower corn yields (5-10% less in some cases), farmers argue that long-term soil health and cost savings outweigh this drawback. Key to success is effective weed control (e.g., glyphosate application) and precision fertilization—often delivered via specialized seed drills that place fertilizer and insecticides directly in the root zone.
A Sustainable Shift
No-till farming is more than a trend—it’s a climate-smart solution for preserving soil, saving water, and cutting input costs. With EU policy support and growing farmer adoption, Spain’s experience demonstrates that sustainable practices can be both economically viable and ecologically necessary.
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