Different Styles of Farming and Their Environmental Impact

There is a diversity of farming styles in Knox County, stemming from differing methods and philosophies. Traditionally, farmers have practiced a system of repeated plowing, discing and cultivating to raise their crops. However, in the 1970s, in an effort to control soil erosion, traditional farming methods were complemented by no-till and reduced-till farming. Late in that decade, Knox County became the self-proclaimed "no-till capital of the world." Since then, farmers have introduced a more expansive method of conservation, organic farming.

See our chart which more clearly distinguishes the different farming methods.

photo credit: Gregory Spaid

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