Abstract: A minimum tillage planting apparatus includes a soil conditioning device comprising a coulter for cutting through surface residue and slicing into the soil, a plow element behind and in alignment with the coulter for penetrating and lifting the soil, and a pair of spaced-apart pressure wheels located above the point of the plow element for exerting a downward pressure on the soil and, in cooperation with the plow element, creating a crushing, shearing action on the soil. A pair of filler wheels are provided rearwardly of the plow element to fill the furrow formed by the plow element and to level the row zone for a furrow opening means, seed depositing means for depositing seeds in the opened furrow and seed covering and soil firming or compacting means, all of which follow the pair of filler wheels.