*5.2.1 Low-till*

The first management practice that can be used to reduce soil compaction is the low-tilling method. There are several aspects to low-till that help reduce erosion and soil compaction collectively. Low-till involves planting with a seed drill after a minimally-disturbing tillage operation. The soil is not as exposed to and penetrated by wind and water under this protocol. Low-till keeps an estimated 30% minimum of crop residue on the soil surface. This allows for more organic material to remain present in the topsoil, increasing the soil stability [45]. With low-till, water erosion is

inhibited, due to the higher surface trash coverage and lower general depth of water penetration. Low-till farming protocols are an extremely popular choice currently, creating a nice compromise between conventional agricultural practices and more extreme conservation processes.
