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Downsizing Downpressure

Among the dozens of ways to refine your no-till system, understanding and respecting downpressure can be a key to boosting yields and reducing unnecessary problems.

October 1, 2004 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

The Reed family members are some of no-till’s biggest advocates. But the Washington, Iowa, farmers don’t say no-tilling is the perfect, cookie-cutter method. Instead, they say, while no-till is the best way to be a good steward of the land and a profitable farmer, it does take some know-how.

What I've Learned from No-Tilling

They Went Cold Turkey With No-Till

New no-tillers can count on making fewer trips across the field and spending less for less labor and fuel, but you’ll be devoting more time to management.

By Fred Luhnow and Ron Ross posted on September 1, 2004 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

In the Mid-1980s, we switched from moldboard plowing to a conservation farming system of chisel plowing, discing and planting. It was the recommended soil saving system of the time, but we seemed to be stuck in place.

Nitrogen 101

Switching to no-till is the best thing you can do for your soils. But soil management can be tricky. The key is understanding nitrogen.

September 1, 2004 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Nutrient Management

If ever there was an article to pass on to neighbors who have talked about switching to no-tilling but haven’t because of the horror stories they’ve heard about the transition period, this is the one.

Avoid Soil Compaction By Adjusting Tire Pressure

By Carl C. Stafford posted on August 1, 2004 | Posted in Equipment, Water Management

With the concentrated dairy industry in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, crops there are often grown on land fertilized with liquid manure that is hauled into the fields in tanker loads. While the manure is valuable for its nutrients and organic matter, the weight of the tankers concerns those who understand the dangers of soil compaction.

Fewer Fields, More No-Tilled Acres, Less Machinery Dollars

Relying on no-till to meet conservation practice needs, this farm family turned 137 small fields into 10 larger ones.

By Frank Lessiter posted on August 1, 2004 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Equipment

When the Christensen family moved to a new farming location in southwestern Wisconsin 5 years ago, they took a hard look at the many benefits of no-tilling.

New Phosphorus Fertilizer Treatment May Significantly Improve Yields

Field tests indicate that compound boosts crop development by preventing chemical fixation, allowing nutrient uptake. Product could hit full market in 2005.

By Ron Perszewski posted on July 1, 2004 | Posted in Nutrient Management

Imgaine gaining 20 more bushels of corn per acre or similarly significant jumps in soybean, wheat and other crop yields. It could be possible next year just just by treating the phosphorus applied to your no-till fields with a new compound designed to improve uptake of the nutrient.

What I've Learned from No-Tilling

Why It Pays To Boost Air And The Water-Holding Capacity In Your No-Tilled Soils

Fighting problems with surface soil compaction, this Ohio farmer was about to back away from no-tilling until he found a solution that has worked well for 15 years.

By Ron Ross and Bob Featheringill posted on July 1, 2004 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Soil Health, Water Management

Just about every no-tiller I’ve ever met would agree that at some point you start to wonder if you were really smart to move away from the “safety” of conventional systems.

The Big Three

No-tiller Paul Reed pays particular attention to three aspects of his operation to drive up corn yields and profit.

July 1, 2004 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

“No-till soybeans have caught on a lot faster than no-till corn. We want to close that gap,” says Paul Reed, who no-tills in Washington, Iowa, with his brothers and father.

No-Till Residue Collection Heeds Environment, Economics

October 1, 2003 | Posted in Residue Management, Nutrient Management

The harvesting of corn residue, referred to as stover, as ethanol fodder will focus on “flat soils with high yields in wet areas. That’s where to start,” according to Jim Hettenhaus, a chemical engineer who works on ethanol-related issues with the U.S. Department of Energy and private companies.

Harrowing Experiences!

Here’s what the experts say about fluffing, turning, mixing, scratching, leveling, shattering, warming and aerating no-till residues.

By Lynn Grooms posted on September 1, 2003 | Posted in Nutrient Management

Besides more effectively managing residue, aerators and rotary harrows are allowing some no-tillers to stretch the spring planting window to boost yields.

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