No-till farming practices have steadily grown in popularity in Australia and are now considered by many farmers to be the best way to care for their crops.
No-till farming, also referred to as zero-till, is a crop establishment method where seeds are sown directly into undisturbed soil. The surface remains covered with stubble or crop residues from the previous harvest. Instead of traditional cultivation that disturbs the entire soil profile, no-till relies on herbicides to control weeds during the fallow period and employs specialised machinery to plant the next crop with minimal disturbance.
This practice has gained strong traction across Australia, particularly in small to medium mixed farming operations where soil conservation and operational efficiency are critical. It's especially well-suited to regions with summer rainfall, where grazing livestock are less viable for managing weeds and stubble. In these areas, no-till provides a reliable method for maintaining ground cover and improving soil condition year-on-year.
No-till systems are often linked with continuous cropping and strategic crop rotations. By leaving the soil intact and allowing natural biological processes to flourish, farmers can maintain higher levels of organic matter, enhance moisture retention, and support long-term soil fertility. This makes no-till a valuable tool for managing increasingly unpredictable weather conditions and achieving consistent productivity.
Australia has been a leader in conservation agriculture since the 1960s, when no-till and minimum-till practices were introduced to address soil erosion and declining fertility. Early adopters experimented with stubble retention and chemical weed control to replace traditional ploughing, and over time, the practice matured into a key component of sustainable farming.
The focus of no-till is to minimise the number of times soil is disturbed by machinery, whether that's before planting, after harvest, or during weed control. Each pass risks damaging soil structure, compacting the surface, or reducing organic matter. In contrast, no-till systems support natural biological cycles and build healthier soils.
According to a 2010 study by the GRDC, it's estimated that 60-90% of Australian grain growers have adopted no-till practices in some form, making Australia one of the global leaders in its adoption. Fuel savings, moisture retention, and erosion control are among the top drivers of adoption, while yield improvement was less commonly cited.
No-till farming is most often associated with herbicide use, particularly for terminating cover crops and managing weeds during the fallow period. However, some farmers have explored alternative or lower-input methods that reduce or avoid chemical use. These include crop rotation, which disrupts weed and pest cycles while improving soil health; covering inter-rows with straw, hay or mulch to suppress weed growth; and integrating free-range livestock to graze stubble and enhance soil fertility.
While these organic or hybrid no-till systems can be effective, they generally require more hands-on management and may not be practical for all operations or soil types in Australia. Many Australian growers report significant savings in diesel costs and fewer machinery hours per hectare compared to traditional tillage systems.
Minimum tillage reduces the frequency and intensity of cultivation. It generally retains crop stubble on the surface and limits disturbance to shallow operations for weed control or seedbed preparation. One or two light cultivation passes may still be used, along with herbicides.
No-till, also called direct drilling, involves placing seed directly into undisturbed soil with no pre-sowing cultivation. The goal is a true one-pass system, where sowing, fertiliser placement, and soil contact are achieved in a single operation using a specialised drill.
Both systems aim to conserve soil and water, but no-till is considered more effective at long-term soil regeneration and is increasingly seen as best practice.
Reduced cultivation is a step away from traditional tillage, involving fewer machinery passes and minimal soil disturbance. It often includes light grazing or herbicide application to manage weeds and crop residue after harvest. Some cultivation may still be used for seedbed preparation, but the overall intensity is much lower compared to full conventional tillage systems.
Direct drilling, commonly referred to as true no-till, involves sowing seed directly into undisturbed soil without any prior cultivation. It preserves soil structure and moisture, relying on specialised seeding equipment to place seed accurately through crop residue. Weed and stubble management is achieved through grazing, herbicides, or strategic residue burning prior to the seasonal break.
Direct drilling systems rely heavily on machinery that can handle high residue loads, operate across various soil types, and deliver accurate, consistent seed placement. A successful no-till system depends on this equipment working efficiently without prior cultivation.
This is where the Agrowdrill range stands out. Designed specifically for Australian conditions, Agrowdrill seed drills are purpose-built for pasture renovation, mixed farming, and small-to-medium cropping systems that benefit from a no- or minimum-till approach.
Agrowdrill machines are trusted by Australian growers for their ability to deliver consistent results in no-till and direct drilling applications. Here are some key reasons why:
✅ Heavy weight helps penetrate undisturbed soil and create furrows for effective seed placement
✅ Accurately meters all seed types through the main box—no SSB required for small seeds
✅ Optional coulter bars and presswheels to enhance no-till performance
✅ Easy to calibrate and operate, saving time during setup and sowing
✅ Large hopper reduces downtime from frequent refilling, improving efficiency in the field
✅ Extremely durable and reliable in challenging Australian conditions
✅ Stainless steel hopper interior provides long-lasting corrosion resistance
✅ Compatible with a wide range of bolt-on options
✅ Proudly 100% Australian made and supported
Various row spacings and widths are available across the product range, ensuring a solution for most farming operations.
Australian farmers can deepen their knowledge and benefit from the insights of their global peers. The No-Till Farmer Conference (USA) provides access to a wide range of video presentations, practical advice, and case studies from experienced no-till practitioners across North America.
These resources offer ideas on rotation planning, stubble handling, machine setup, and more—valuable for both experienced operators and those new to no-till.
Adopting no-till may require a transitional period for those shifting from traditional tillage, as soil health, weed pressure, and nutrient cycling gradually recover. Farmers should be prepared for this adjustment phase but can expect lasting benefits in soil quality, crop performance, and resilience.
No-till and minimum-till systems have become core strategies for Australian farmers looking to balance productivity, sustainability, and profitability. Whether it’s improving soil resilience, reducing input costs, or adapting to climate variability, these methods are well-proven and increasingly essential.
With a focus on simplicity, strength, and reliability, the Agrowdrill range is specifically designed to meet the demands of Australian no-till farming. Backed by practical support and durable local manufacturing, it’s a trusted solution for growers serious about sustainable farming into the future.
Contact our team or visit your local dealer to discuss the best Agrowdrill setup for your operation.
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