Implications of Converting Conventional Tillage to No-Till Agriculture on Emissions, Land, and Water Usage

Converting from conventional tillage methods to no-till has been shown to have a range of effects on important agricultural components such as crop yields, water retention, nutrient availability, and soil erosion, among others. In addition to impacting these key variables, no-till agriculture can be a useful carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy in reducing global carbon dioxide emissions through increasing below ground soil organic carbon storage ability where it is practiced. A conversion from conventional tillage to no-till in major crop-producing regions has potentially significant multi-sector implications at regional and global scales, primarily affecting land, water, and emissions. This study uses an integrated assessment model (IAM) called the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) to investigate the impacts of adding no-till as an agricultural technology option to compete with existing conventional tillage technologies in long-term climate scenarios. Adding no-till can create a tradeoff component, as compared to conventional tillage this option increases soil organic carbon but may result in decade-long reductions in yield for some crops and climatic zones. This presentation will provide insights on the multi-sector impacts and dynamics prompted by a climate-driven shift in agricultural practice, revealing potential outcomes of transitioning to this more environmentally conscious farming approach.