Articles by Laura Barrera

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How to Read a Soil Test Report

Ward Laboratories president Ray Ward offers a step-by-step explanation on interpreting soil test reports to aid no-till management decisions.
Most no-tillers understand the importance of soil testing, as they typically serve as the baseline for fertilizer and lime purchases and application.
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Twin Rows, Covers and Chicken Litter Complete an Evolving No-Till System

The Kutzes have continually tweaked their equipment and practices to achieve a level of production they didn’t think was possible.
About 10 years ago, Dennis and John Kutz needed to trade planters and decided it was time to try something new. So the Fort Atkinson, Wis., father-and-son operation purchased a 12-row Great Plains planter and gave 30-inch twin rows a try.
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Laura Barrera
From the Desk of Laura Barrera

Keys to Speeding Up Residue Decomposition

While residue decomposition is largely controlled by the environment and soil conditions, there are some things no-tillers can do to help speed breakdown along.
While residue decomposition is largely controlled by the environment and soil conditions, there are some things no-tillers can do to help speed breakdown along.
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Laura Barrera
From the Desk of Laura Barrera

Tackle Herbicide-Resistant Weeds with Cereal Rye

Preliminary results from a Penn State study confirm just how effective cover crops, especially cereal rye, can be on tough no-till weeds.
Preliminary results from a Penn State study confirm just how effective cover crops, especially cereal rye, can be on tough no-till weeds.
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Four Takeaways from the 2016 National Strip-Tillage Conference

The third annual event held in Bloomington-Normal, Ill., featured practical tips on cover cropping, increasing soil biology and improving nutrient management.
HELD IN ILLINOIS for the first time, the 2016 National Strip-Tillage Conference gathered a diverse group of strip-till farmers, researchers and industry experts from more than 20 states and abroad.
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Shoot for Higher Organic Matter by Relying on Residue

While increasing organic matter is a multi-year process, no-tillers can boost it even faster by ensuring there’s enough plant material to replenish what’s already in the soil and adding more residue.
Despite making up only a small percentage of the soil — no more than 10%, according to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension — organic matter plays a critical role in the soil’s health and the crops raised on it.
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