32-Year No-Till Study Shows Benefits in Paraguay

Research also highlights the history of California's Conservation Agriculture Systems Innovation project and a review of regenerative agriculture in Europe

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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This edition of the No-Till Research Journal features several studies examining the long-term impacts of no-till, strip-till, and cover crop practices. The first study looks at 32 years of no-till success in Paraguay, finding that diversified no-till farming can help conserve soil fertility in low-input contexts, though soil acidity remains a challenge. Another article chronicles the history of California's Conservation Agriculture Systems Innovation (CASI) project, which has involved over 2,200 farmers, researchers, and other partners in promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Finally, a review of regenerative agriculture websites and farmer interviews in Europe suggests the term has been co-opted by non-farming actors, with uncertain environmental impacts.

Why it matters

These studies provide valuable insights into the long-term viability and real-world implementation of conservation agriculture practices like no-till, strip-till, and cover cropping. The Paraguay research highlights how diversified no-till systems can help maintain soil fertility, while also identifying key limitations. The CASI project demonstrates how collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiatives can drive the adoption of sustainable farming methods. And the European analysis cautions that the regenerative agriculture movement may be facing challenges as it becomes more commercialized.

The details

The Paraguay study assessed five agricultural systems over 32 years, including conventional tillage, reduced tillage, and various no-till rotations with increasing crop diversification. They found that the diversified no-till systems were able to better conserve nutrient stocks, though soil acidity remained an issue. The CASI project in California has brought together over 2,200 partners since 1998 to promote conservation agriculture practices like reduced soil disturbance, biomass retention, and crop diversification across a range of crops. And the European analysis reviewed 849 regenerative agriculture websites and interviewed 131 farmers, finding that the movement has shifted from a grassroots farming approach to one increasingly driven by urban-based NGOs and multinational companies, with uncertain environmental impacts.

  • The Paraguay study spanned 32 years of agricultural management.
  • The CASI project in California has been active since 1998.
  • The European regenerative agriculture analysis was conducted in 2025.

The players

Algarin, C.A.V., Thiengo, C.C., Cherubin, M.R., Bieluczyk, W., Mariano, E., Amorim, D.J., Franco, M.F.S., Gonzalez, A.C. & Lavres, J.

Researchers who conducted the 32-year no-till study in Paraguay.

Mitchell, J.P., Jackson, L.E., Reicosky, D.C., Kassam, A., Shrestha, A., Harben, R., Miyao, E.M., Scow, K.M., Sposito, G. et. al., (+34 others)

Researchers and partners involved in the California Conservation Agriculture Systems Innovation (CASI) project.

Kasrija, L., Hui, D., Ray, A., Ren, W., Wang, L., Fay, P.A., Smith, D.R., Li, J., Illukpitiya, P. & Tian, H.

Researchers who conducted the meta-analysis on no-till and reduced tillage impacts.

Schreefel, L., Steenman, E., Adler, F., Buffara, R., Freundt, S., DeClerck, F., Duncan, J., Giller, K.E., Koster, H. & van Zanten, H.H.E.

Researchers who analyzed regenerative agriculture actors and practices in Europe.

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What they’re saying

“Diversified no till farming conserves fertility in low input contexts, but the benefits are limited due to soil acidity. Finally, integrating periodic soil diagnosis with amendments, particularly liming, offers a practical pathway to sustaining production in Paraguay.”

— Algarin, C.A.V., Thiengo, C.C., Cherubin, M.R., Bieluczyk, W., Mariano, E., Amorim, D.J., Franco, M.F.S., Gonzalez, A.C. & Lavres, J., Researchers (Soil Advances)

“Reducing soil disturbance for better soil structure and biological activity, retaining biomass on the soil to support soil life, and diversifying crops to enhance biodiversity.”

— Mitchell, J.P., Jackson, L.E., Reicosky, D.C., Kassam, A., Shrestha, A., Harben, R., Miyao, E.M., Scow, K.M., Sposito, G. et. al., (+34 others), Researchers (Journal of Environmental Quality)

“The varied impacts of tillage can be attributed to soil properties and practices like crop residue management, irrigation type, and nitrogen rates.”

— Kasrija, L., Hui, D., Ray, A., Ren, W., Wang, L., Fay, P.A., Smith, D.R., Li, J., Illukpitiya, P. & Tian, H., Researchers (Field Crops Research)

“The burden of proof for regenerative agriculture to be sustainable lies in its ability to regenerate the environment—until then, its impact remains uncertain.”

— Schreefel, L., Steenman, E., Adler, F., Buffara, R., Freundt, S., DeClerck, F., Duncan, J., Giller, K.E., Koster, H. & van Zanten, H.H.E., Researchers (npj Sustainable Agriculture)

What’s next

The judge in the Paraguay case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These studies highlight the long-term benefits of conservation agriculture practices like no-till and cover cropping, but also caution that their impacts can vary based on local soil conditions and management practices. The Paraguay research shows how diversified no-till systems can help maintain soil fertility, while the CASI project in California demonstrates the power of collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiatives to drive sustainable farming. However, the European analysis suggests the regenerative agriculture movement faces challenges as it becomes more commercialized, underscoring the need for rigorous evidence on its environmental impacts.