Pioneering No-Till Researcher Glover Triplett Dies at 93

Triplett co-founded the world's longest-running no-till research plots at Ohio State University in 1962.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:10am

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific principles and natural cycles underlying sustainable no-till agriculture.Glover Triplett's pioneering no-till research laid the groundwork for the dramatic growth of sustainable farming practices across America.Wooster Today

Glover B. Triplett Jr., a pioneering no-till researcher who co-founded the world's longest-running no-till research plots at Ohio State University in 1962, passed away on March 30, 2024, at the age of 93. Triplett and his colleague Dave Van Doren were instrumental in advancing no-till farming practices over the course of six decades.

Why it matters

Triplett's work at the Ohio State no-till plots provided invaluable data and insights that helped drive the widespread adoption of no-till agriculture, which has grown from zero to over 110 million acres in the U.S. over the past 60 years. His research demonstrated the long-term benefits of no-till for soil health, crop yields, and environmental sustainability.

The details

Triplett and Van Doren arrived at Ohio State University in the late 1950s and established the no-till research plots in 1962, which have continued uninterrupted for over 60 years. Their work compared the yields and soil conditions of no-till versus tilled corn and soybean fields, providing empirical evidence of no-till's advantages. Triplett's research also explored innovative approaches like using cover crops and the Amish method of weed control without tillage.

  • Triplett and Van Doren arrived at Ohio State University in the late 1950s.
  • The no-till research plots were established in 1962.
  • Triplett passed away on March 30, 2024, at the age of 93.

The players

Glover B. Triplett Jr.

A pioneering no-till researcher who co-founded the world's longest-running no-till research plots at Ohio State University in 1962.

Dave Van Doren

Triplett's colleague who co-founded the no-till research plots at Ohio State University in the late 1950s.

Bill Richards

An Ohio no-tiller, No-Till Farmer Legend, and retired chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

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What they’re saying

“Triplett's work at the Ohio State no-till plots provided invaluable data and insights that helped drive the widespread adoption of no-till agriculture.”

— Bill Richards, Ohio no-tiller, No-Till Farmer Legend, and retired chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

The takeaway

Glover Triplett's pioneering no-till research at Ohio State University over the course of six decades laid the groundwork for the dramatic growth of no-till farming in the United States, from zero to over 110 million acres. His work demonstrated the long-term benefits of no-till for soil health, crop yields, and environmental sustainability, making him a true legend in the no-till farming community.