No-Till Farming Helps Growers Beat Dust Regulations

New EPA crackdown on PM-10 dust emissions forces California farmers to adopt conservation practices.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:58am

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones depicting the complex interplay of natural forces and human-generated dust particles in an agricultural landscape, conveying the fragility of the ecosystem through sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals.As regulators crack down on farm dust, no-till practices offer a sustainable solution to preserve air quality and public health.Davis Today

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking a closer look at the amount of dust generated on farms and its impact on air quality and human health, particularly in California's San Joaquin Valley, which has long been designated a 'non-attainment' area for air quality. Farmers in affected counties must now have Conservation Management Practices plans in place to reduce dust, which is a major challenge for those using conventional tillage methods. Experts say switching to no-till farming can be an effective way for growers to comply with the new regulations.

Why it matters

The EPA's crackdown on farm dust, specifically particles known as PM-10 that can lodge in human lungs, is putting pressure on California growers to find ways to dramatically reduce dust emissions from their operations. This is a particular challenge in the San Joaquin Valley, where intensive tillage practices have contributed to the region's long-standing air quality issues.

The details

PM-10 particles, which are 25 to 100 times thinner than a human hair, can come from various sources but are heavily generated by the demanding conventional tillage rotations common in the San Joaquin Valley. Farmers in affected counties must now have Conservation Management Practices plans in place to reduce dust, which can be difficult for those who may go over the same ground 10 times or more for a single crop.

  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been taking a closer look at farm dust emissions in recent years.
  • California's San Joaquin Valley has been labeled a 'non-attainment' area for air quality for many years.

The players

Jeff Mitchell

A researcher in the department of plant sciences at the University of California, Davis.

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What they’re saying

“This can be a tall order for producers who may go over the same ground 10 times or more for one crop.”

— Jeff Mitchell, Researcher, UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences

What’s next

Farmers in affected California counties must develop and implement Conservation Management Practices plans to reduce dust emissions and comply with the new EPA regulations.

The takeaway

No-till farming has emerged as an effective solution for California growers looking to dramatically reduce dust generation and meet the EPA's new air quality standards, which pose a significant challenge for those relying on conventional tillage methods.