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Articles Tagged with ''soil''

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No-Till Blamed For Algae

By Frank Lessiter posted on June 1, 2013

For a number of years, there’s been a “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico that is caused by nitrogen runoff flowing from farms down the Mississippi River into the Gulf.

Double-Cropping Veterans Share Expertise On Wheat, Soybeans

With attention to details, double-cropping systems cover the soil, improve soil health, ward off pests and diseases and protect profits, say veteran no-tillers John and Alexander Young.

By Laura Barrera posted on June 1, 2013 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Crop Protection, Residue Management

The reasons for squeezing a 3-year crop rotation into 2 years otherwise known as double cropping are fourfold. John Young and his son Alexander can attest to them.

What I've Learned from No-Tilling

Cover Crops Smother Weeds, Slash Input Costs, Bring Soils To Life

Manure, covers and more than 4 decades of no-till helped North Carolina farmer Ray Styer rejuvenate old tobacco acres and eliminate the need for commercial fertilizers on his small farm.

By Ray Styer and Martha Mintz posted on May 1, 2013

Looking out over my fields today, it’s hard to imagine them as the rundown acres I originally purchased with my wife back in 1958.

Rolling, Crimping Can Help No-Tillers Use Covers Better

Well-designed roller-crimpers, and a good management plan, can help no-tillers and strip-tillers smother weeds, improve soil protection and get the most from high-biomass cover crops.

By Mark Parker posted on May 1, 2013 | Posted in Cover Crops, Equipment

Rolling and crimping tall cover crops can help no-tillers and strip-tillers plant into heavy residue, preserve moisture and, in some cases, reduce herbicide use.

How Earthworms Build Better No-Till Soils, Yields

Earth’s natural tillers do everything from supplying free “manure” to increasing nitrogen to spreading microorganisms and more.

By Laura Barrera posted on May 1, 2013 | Posted in Soil Health

When a farmer switches to no-till, they will probably find they can apply 60 to 80 fewer pounds of nitrogen in their cornfields, but still get the same yields.

Gypsum Balances Nutrients, Builds Up Soil Structure

Proper applications of gypsum, an efficient carrier of soluble calcium, can help no-tillers improve the soil environment for plants and reclaim problematic sodic soils.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Water Management

When a no-tiller buys farm ground in some locations, such as the lake plain of northwest Ohio dominated by heavy clay, there isn’t much hope of changing the soil’s texture or mineralogy.

No-Tillers Tame Heat And Tough Clay Soils

Relay soybeans, controlled traffic and cover crops play key roles in helping Randy and Nicole Small make no-till work in southeastern Kansas

By Mark Parker posted on April 1, 2013 | Posted in Cover Crops, Residue Management, Water Management

Continuous no-till is an uncommon practice in southeast Kansas, where tight clay soils can hinder nutrient distribution and the growing environment causes rapid breakdown of residue.

Finding The Fertility ‘Gold Mine’ After A Dry Year

No-tillers could save inputs costs and raise yields by accessing residual nutrients in fields, but they need relevant data and must understand the factors that affect nutrient availability.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Water Management

No-Tillers whose fields were ravaged by drought last year will face some crucial decisions this spring as they investigate nutrient levels in their fields

Stories About Technology And Innovation In Agriculturet's All About No-Till Learning

By John Dobberstein posted on March 20, 2013 | Posted in Precision Agriculture

After spending many years, or even decades, building a successful no-till operation, have you ever wanted a chance to tell your story? Well, here’s a golden opportunity.

Switching Hybrids On The Fly Could Boost Corn Yields

Using equipment already available, Beck’s researchers are matching corn hybrids and populations to management zones, netting nearly 20 bushels an acre more in yields.

By Clair Urbain posted on March 1, 2013 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

Researchers at Beck’s Hybrids are turning precision farming methods up a notch.

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No-Till Legend Concerned About Corn Profits in 2024

On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Martin Till, Vincennes, Ind., no-tiller Ray McCormick explains why it’s going to be tough to “not lose a lot of money this year” on corn. Plus, we ask our readers, “On a scale of 1-10, how concerned are you about drought this year?” Hear why some farmers are worried, and why others aren’t very worried at all.

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