Minimum-till farming is a less invasive form of planting and harvesting. This practice helps to preserve beneficial nutrients and insects, which in turn produces healthier bean crops. With less soil erosion, the earth's precious nutrients stay right where they are needed - growing the best beans in the Pacific Northwest.

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Minimum-till farming is a way of growing crops that reduces the disruption of soil through tillage. Minimum-till farming also decreases erosion and increases the amount and variety of life in and on the soil.  However, it may require increased herbicide due to not having the weed management benefits of ploughing and tilling.

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Traditional farming uses ploughing to remove weeds, mix in soil amendments like fertilizers into the soil, shape soil into rows for crop plants and furrows for irrigation and prepare the ground surface for seeding. This can lead to unfavorable effects, like soil compaction; loss of organic matter; degradation of soil aggregates; death or disruption of soil microbes and other aggregates; death or disruption of soil microbes and other organisms including mycorrhiza, arthropods and earth worms; and soil erosion where topsoil is blown or washed away. 

 

By excluding the use of tillage, This approach avoids these negative consequences retains crop residues and other organic amenities on the soil surface. In addition, any sowing/fertilizing is done with minimal soil               disturbance.