A technique used to plant seed or plants in the soil without turning over the soil (i.e., no ploughing or discing). This technique helps reduce soil erosion and seed-bank germination.

a conservation tillage system in which the surface is disturbed only in the immediate area of the planted seed row. The disturbed area is approximately 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) wide. Weeds are controlled primarily by herbicides.

Planting in a seedbed left undisturbed since the previous harvest. Weeds controlled primarily with herbicides.

The practice of leaving the soil undisturbed from harvest to planting except for nutrient injection. Planting or drilling is accomplished in a narrow seedbed or slot created by coulters, row cleaners, disk openers, in-row chisels, or rototillers. Weed control is accomplished primarily with herbicides.

A planting procedure that requires no tillage except that done by a coulter or disk opener in the immediate area of the crop row.

Although the name refers to one practice, no-till actually is a farm management system that involves many agricultural practices including planting, residue management, weed and pest control, harvesting and rotation. The three basic principles of no-till are: 1) that the soil is disturbed as little as possible 2) that the soil is covered by plants or plant residue and 3) that crops are rotated.