Marion Calmer
No-Tiller, Alpha, Ill.

The Relationship Between Earthworms and Residue Management

Organic matter is an essential part of healthy soils, which are crucial for no-tilling productive crops. After years of conducting research on stratification of nutrients in the soil, the Alpha, Ill., no-tiller says his data shows organic matter can also stratify in the soil profile if it’s not moved by earthworms. After going through the data, Calmer (1996 No-Till Innovator) will share some tips and suggestions to help no-tillers process crop residue more thoroughly and evenly to optimize soil health, earthworm numbers and organic matter distribution in the soil profile.