Make Your Soil Work Smarter: Tillage Tips for Bigger Cotton Yields
Posted by South Plains Implement
Jan 1, 2026 6:15:00 AM
Farming in West Texas isn't easy - between dry spells, hard ground and unpredictable weather, your soil takes a beating. But here's the good news - with the right tillage approach, you can turn tough soil into a strong foundation for healthy, high-yield cotton.
Tillage isn't just about breaking dirt. Done right, it improves water absorption, reduces compaction, and helps roots grow deep. And with John Deere's line-up of tillage tools, you've got options that make soil management simple and effective.
Why Soil Health Matters
Think of tillage as prepping your soil for success. It breaks up hard layers, mixes in crop residue, and creates a smooth seedbed. But too much tillage can hurt your soil - so balance is the key. ohn Deere's tools are built to help you do just that.
Here's what South Plains Implement has to offer:
Vertical Tillage - Loosens soil and improves seed contact
Disks - Slice through heavy residue for clean fields
Field Cultivators - Perfect for prepping seedbeds and tacking weeds
Chisel Plows - Break up hardpan for better aeration
Rippers - Go deep to relieve compaction and improve drainage
What You'll Notice in Your Fields
Better Soil Structure - Roots dig deeper, crops grow stronger
Residue Management - Even distribution builds organic matter and keeps pests down
Less Erosion - Keep your topsoil where it belongs
Improved Water Infiltration - More moisture for your crop and less run-off
Quick Tips for Success
Check Soil Moisture - If it crumbles in your hand, it's ready
Set the Right Depth - Match your tillage depth to your soil
Rotate Methods - Switching up your tillage helps keep soil healthy
Ready to Make Your Soil Work Harder?
Healthy soil means better cotton and bigger yields. South Plains Implement and John Deere's tillage equipment give you the tools to make it happen. Stop by your local South Plains Implement and get your fields ready for a productive season.
And here's a bonus for January!

Enjoy 10% off complete sets of in-stock tillage parts - including John Deere, Becknell, Nichols and Non-JD branded sets. It's the perfect time to stock up and save before spring planting kicks off!

