With conventional tillage methods farmers have been experiencing increased costs, especially in labor, fuel, water and equipment. Along with these costs have come losses in the form of soil compaction and erosion which have decreased yields and produced a loss of productive topsoil. The 1980's challenge the farmer to take a hard look at conventional tillage practices and consider the switch to minimum and conservation tillage methods. Reduced tillage helps control soil erosion by increasing the humus content of the top portion of the soil, and improves its tilth and water-holding capacity.