No-Till Soil Health Checklist
Checklist for reviewing a no-till system against soil health practices, helping growers see which parts of the system are working and which need attention. Use it on each visit and keep the completed copy with your farm records.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
ChecklistSoil, Water & ConservationFree PDF
What is on this checklist
- Soil left undisturbed between crops
- Residue cover present on the surface
- Cover crop or living roots in place
- Diverse crop rotation in use
- Planter set up for residue
- Weed control plan in place
- Compaction signs checked
- Earthworm or soil structure signs noted
- Fertilizer placement reviewed
How to use this checklist
Work down the list in the same order each time so nothing gets skipped. Anything marked FIX should be handled before the job starts and written down.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA NRCS and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the Crop Calendar. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Illinois Soil Gets a Login, and farming farm stories.