Thirteen years of no-till research and demonstration with cotton at The University of Tennessee Milan Experiment Station have proven that no-till cotton can be produced successfully. The University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station has taken a team approach by assigning a number of researchers to compare each aspect of no-till production including planting (equipment), cover crops and residue, diseases, fertilization, row spacing,planting rates and dates, insects and of course weed control.

Although there are many fears and uncertainties when beginning no-till crop production the two greatest seem to be obtaining a stand and weed control. Planting equipment and technology has advanced rapidly over the development of no-till planting methods to the point that good acceptable stands are almost guaranteed. Of course, weed control has advanced greatly with the development of new herbicides such as Roundup, Command,Staple and tank mix combinations. As with any cropping system the proper selection of the herbicide for the target weeds, the correct rate considering the size and maturity of the weeds and the proper spray equipment calibrated correctly is necessary for any successful no-till system.

Weed control is the most critical management factor after properly planting the seed in any no-till program. Any producer planning to no-till should carefully plan a system to control weeds before they become a serious problem.