No-Till
Substantial research has been done on the multiple benefits of no-till planting. The USDA Economic Research Service has determined that no till planting shows health benefits which include increased land productivity, greater resilience to drought and overall better environmental results. Between 2012-2017 the number of farmers employing no-till methods went from 25 to 54 in Hampden County and from 39 to 89 in Hampshire County.
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Cover Crops
Cover crops provide a variety of functions for farmers that contribute to a healthier environment and better farming practices. When cover crops are integrated into a farming system, they improve the quality of the soil and reduce water pollution. Cover crops help maintain soil stability, increase water infiltration rates and decrease the negative effects of soil compaction.
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