Articles by Mark Parker

Small Sprayers Showing More Utility Than Ever

Whether pulled by truck, tractor or ATV, small sprayers are carving out a valuable niche among no-tillers and strip-tillers for performing timely and sensitive fieldwork quickly and efficiently.

By Mark Parker posted on May 1, 2013 | Posted in Equipment, Crop Protection

Huge self-propelled sprayers can cover lots of ground in a hurry, but many no-tillers are finding a useful and productive niche on their farms for smaller sprayers.

Get The Most From Foliar Feeding Corn And Soybeans

Enhancing the nutrient efficiency of plants through the leaves is not only possible, but profitable, with the right level of management.

By Mark Parker posted on May 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Water Management

Foliar feeding corn and soybeans remains a controversial subject in some corners of agriculture, but not to an increasing number of farmers who are using the practice to fine-tune fertilization strategies to maximize yields.

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.

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.

No-Tiller’s Cart Design Delivers High-Speed Dual Fertilizers

Kansas farmer David Holthaus wanted a soil-friendly application system for anhydrous ammonia and granular fertilizer, so he came up with his own solution.

By Mark Parker posted on March 1, 2013 | Posted in Equipment

An innovative no-tiller has developed a dual-application system for anhydrous ammonia and granular fertilizer that minimizes soil disturbance.

Tiling Boom Creates Business Opportunities For No-Tillers

The increased yields from improved soil drainage and long waits to get tile installed presents no-tillers with a new opportunity for a sideline enterprise.

By Mark Parker posted on February 1, 2013 | Posted in Precision Agriculture, Water Management

The economics of installing drainage systems on poorly drained farm ground are clearly positive for most no-tillers.

Precision Farming Powers No-Till Yield Quest

A culture of state-of-the-art information technology helps Indiana farmers Curt and Christopher Hudson reap the rewards of continuous no-till.

By Mark Parker posted on February 1, 2013 | Posted in Precision Agriculture

Farming by the inch is what propels no-tillers Curt and Christopher Hudson closer to higher yields and increased profitability.

Unraveling The Mystery Of Cover-Crop Seed Quality

No-tillers must sort through the sales hype and learn more about their seed sources to find economical, effective species and varieties that will accomplish their cover-crop goals.

By Mark Parker posted on February 1, 2013 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops

As more and more no-tillers embrace cover crops, the production of the seed itself has become a rapidly growing industry in which marketing can sometimes outpace performance.

Diversity Above, Below Ground Feeds The Soil And Crop

Polyculture cover cropping has helped no-tiller Gabe Brown increase soil-organic matter, improve crop yields and reduce fertilizer rates on his North Dakota farm and ranch.

By Mark Parker posted on January 1, 2013 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

Diversity above the ground leads to robust soil health that powers profitable crop production, says no-tiller Gabe Brown.

All Roads Lead Back To Soil Health

NRCS soil scientist Ray Archuleta believes promoting healthy no-till soils requires a lot more than just ceasing tillage operations. It means following the lead of nature.

By Mark Parker posted on November 1, 2012 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

For no-tillers aiming for sustainable and profitable crop production, optimizing soil health and function is the ultimate endgame, says Ray Archuleta.

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Articles by Mark Parker

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