In zero tillage - as in any crop management system - the nutrients that are hauled off the field as grain at harvest time have to be replaced for successful production of a crop next year.

A good way to determine a field's fertility needs is through a soil test. When a recognized lab analyses a soil sample representative of an entire field - its results are a reliable guide to what must be applied to achieve the expected yield goal.

Fertilizer requirements for growing a crop under zero tillage are generally the same as those under conventional tillage. Getting the fertilizer close to the seed - but not too close - is a challenge for both.