NNTC Insights...

Understand the Biology of Weeds, then Exploit Their Weaknesses

Kevin Bradley urges no-tillers to fully understand the biology of each weed they’re fighting and then find ways to deal with their weaknesses. As an example, the University of Missouri weed scientist says research studies indicate that introducing pigweed seed into previously pigweed-free soils could be brought under control within a couple of years.

“Pigweed seed doesn’t emerge from lower soil depths,” says Bradley. “By controlling pigweed early, the growers didn’t let pigweed seed go back into the soil, and that’s what we must do.”

Making Useful Use of Data is Crucial

An important aspect of your no-till farm management program is making extensive use of precision-farming data, says Will Cannon. The Newton, Iowa, strip-tiller finds extensive data plays a key role in making important decisions on crop insurance, hybrid selection, fertility rates and more.

He relies on a field-to-farm office wireless cloud storage transfer system that automatically stores data for planting, spraying, harvesting and other field operations.

Cannon believes this technology could also…