Long-Term No-Till Farming Proves Profitable

University of Nebraska study shows no-till builds soil health and boosts yields over 26 years

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:35am

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Lincoln Today

A long-term tillage study at the University of Nebraska's Rogers Memorial Farm, established in 1981, has found that 26 years of continuous no-till farming leads to higher yields, more profitable returns, and improved soil health compared to conventional tillage practices.

Why it matters

As farmers face increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable farming methods, this long-term study provides concrete evidence that no-till can be an economically viable option that also benefits the environment through better soil conservation and water management.

The details

The study, which has tracked a grain sorghum and soybean rotation over the past 26 years, found that the no-till system averaged $144 per acre in returns, $40 more per acre than the typical double-disc tillage system. The no-till savings came from lower input costs due to reduced tillage passes and higher yields from improved water infiltration and soil structure.

  • The long-term tillage study was established at the University of Nebraska's Rogers Memorial Farm in 1981.
  • The 2006 cropping year marked the 26th year of the study.

The players

Paul Jasa

A University of Nebraska agricultural engineer who oversees the long-term tillage study.

Rogers Memorial Farm

A research and demonstration site located 10 miles east of Lincoln, Nebraska where the long-term tillage study is conducted.

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What they’re saying

“These research and demonstration plots are showing that long-term no-till builds soil structure, usually has the highest yield and is the most profitable.”

— Paul Jasa, University of Nebraska ag engineer

“Long-term no-till also has more residue cover, less soil crusting, improved water infiltration rates and less runoff, which makes rainfall more effective.”

— Paul Jasa, University of Nebraska ag engineer

What’s next

The researchers plan to continue monitoring the long-term impacts of no-till farming on soil health, yields, and profitability at the Rogers Memorial Farm.

The takeaway

This extensive 26-year study demonstrates that long-term no-till farming can be an economically viable and environmentally sustainable option for Midwest grain producers, with benefits including improved soil structure, higher yields, and greater profitability compared to conventional tillage.