Articles by Mark Parker

Manure Injection Tool Minimizes Soil Disturbance

An Iowa no-tiller has developed a new tool that could help growers apply manure to fields without moving too much residue.

By Mark Parker posted on September 1, 2011 | Posted in Equipment

Injecting manure into soils with heavy cornstalk residue has long been a challenge for Iowa no-tiller Phil Reed.

No-Till, Residue Opens New Doors

In the heart of wheat country, continuous no-till delivers crop flexibility and productivity for Kansas grower Tom Pauly.

By Mark Parker posted on August 1, 2011 | Posted in Residue Management, Nutrient Management

Tom Pauly pulls a pair of pliers from the holster on his hip, kneels down and scratches through a thick thatch of crop residue. And he smiles.

Cereal Rye Helps No-Tiller Prevent Damaging Gullies

Cover crops can elevate no-till systems to the next level by protecting soil resources.

By Mark Parker posted on July 1, 2011 | Posted in Cover Crops, Water Management

Continuous no-till can go a long way toward keeping soil where it’s supposed to be, but a monster rainstorm falling on soybean residue can still result in ephemeral gullies.

Foliar Feeders Push For Bigger No-Till Yields

While not a replacement for well-managed soil fertility programs, foliar fertilizers — piggybacked with pesticide treatments — are helping no-tillers achieve greater yields

By Mark Parker posted on June 1, 2011 | Posted in Crop Protection, Nutrient Management

No-tillers find that foliar applications can help fine-tune fertility programs and boost yields. While not a replacement for a solid soil-based fertility program, foliar-feeding strategies aim to maximize productivity in well-managed crops.

A New Tool For Cover-Crop Decisions

By Mark Parker posted on May 1, 2011 | Posted in Cover Crops, Precision Agriculture

Before long, no-tillers throughout the Midwest will have a new way to get data on cover crops they might include in their rotations. The Midwest Cover Crops Council has unveiled its “Cover Crop Decision Tool” that provides growers with fact-based recommendations for covers.

Choosing The Right Cover Crop

Whether it’s nitrogen fixing, erosion control or nutrient cycling, no-tillers should know what they want to accomplish before picking a cover.

By Mark Parker posted on May 1, 2011 | Posted in Cover Crops

Cover crops are the turbocharger of a no-till operation, but scientists and growers alike are still researching and fine-tuning how covers fit into crop rotations.

No-Till, Profitability Going Hand in Hand

Josh Lloyd, the ASA’s 2010 National Conservation Legacy Award winner, uses yield mapping, cover crops and more to make no-till work.

By Mark Parker posted on November 1, 2010 | Posted in Equipment, Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Conserving soil and improving the bottom line is a win-win scenario for Clay Center, Kan., no-tiller Josh Lloyd.

Wheat Sets The Table For 5-Year No-Till Rotation

Wheat residue conserves moisture and increases the yields and profits of crops ranging from corn to soybeans to safflower for Kansas no-tiller.

By Mark Parker posted on October 1, 2010 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Equipment, Residue Management

Other crops make more money than wheat for Palco, Kan., no-tiller Mike McClellan, but its residue increases the yields and profitability of the other crops in the 5-year rotation.

Constantly Evaluate Technology To Improve Farm Profits

Adopt technology early, hire specialists, increase cropping intensity and seek information from farmers, a young Kansas no-tiller says.

By Mark Parker posted on August 1, 2010 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Precision Agriculture

Dietrich Kastens constantly evaluates technology to achieve clear-cut goals. The Herndon, Kan., no-tiller wants Kastens Inc. Farms to compete with the top third of farms in the Kansas Farm Management Database for lowest cost, planting intensity, farm size or expansion, and most importantly, profit.

Improving Soil Structure Good For Planet And Pocketbook

Brazilian soil scientist touts the benefits of continuous no-till, diverse cropping rotations and cover crops to sequester carbon and improve soil and yields

By Mark Parker posted on June 1, 2010 | Posted in Soil Health

Soil isn't the bottom line just for farmers, it’s the bottom line for the whole planet, says João Carlos de Moreaes Sá.

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