No-till - Articles

Potassium Levels in Soil Decreasing

June 29, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Nationwide, there has been a major trend in soil test results — a drop in potassium. Andy Wycislo, an agronomist who works with Waypoint Analytical, said there is no identified root cause for why potassium levels are dropping over the last few years, and while some other nutrients have seen decreases over the past couple of years, this one stands out. Read more in this article from the Rock Island Argus Dispatch.

Resiliency Despite Extreme Weather

June 26, 2020 | Posted in Economics

Source: Aberdeen News

The record wet year in 2019 left many acres in South Dakota unsuitable for planting, but on Doug Sieck's cropland near Selby, South Dakota, he was able to plant every acre he wanted to. He attributes that to decades of no till management and the years of cover cropping that have helped build healthy soil. Read more in this article from the Aberdeen News.

[Podcast] More on Planting into Heavy Cover Crops

Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff talks about what equipment you need to plant into heavy covers, why residue cleaners are important during planting, what problems to expect when planting into heavy residue, and more. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

June 23, 2020 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff talks about what equipment you need to plant into heavy covers, why residue cleaners are important during planting, what problems to expect when planting into heavy residue, and more. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

Farmers in Montana Adopting Cover Crops, Other Practices

June 1, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Sidney Herald

Advanced conservation practices are used on more than 50 percent of farmland across the nation. Conrad, MT, wheat farmer Ken Johnson explained how he works to reduce erosion on their family farm. Read more in this article from the Sidney Herald.

[Video] Making the Transition to No-Till

May 20, 2020 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Maddy Rabenhorst, Field Manager with the Soil Health Partnership, discusses the challenges and benefits of incorporating soil health practices in your operation, why growers should consider using no-till, the process for transitioning to no-till, and more.

Use Cover Crops to Create a Green Bridge for Pests

May 11, 2020 | Posted in Termination

Source: Cotton Grower

There are some basic management practices that can affect, sometimes worsen, and other times be used to reduce risks of insect pest injury. As a general rule of thumb (but not universally true), no-till production increases the risk of some problems including pests like cutworm, three-cornered alfalfa hopper, slugs, and several below ground pests (e.g., wireworms and white grubs). Read more in this article from Cotton Grower.

Controlling Voles in Cover Crops

May 8, 2020 | Posted in Economics

Source: Delphos Herald

Voles or field mice populations are increasing due to a mild winter. They predominate in no-till and/or cover crop fields but are also common in tilled fields. Read more in this article from the Delphos Herald (Delphos, Ohio).

Is Organic No-Till Soybean Production Feasible in Ontario?

May 8, 2020 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)

Organic soybean production relies on a significant amount of tillage. When done well, yields can rival conventional production. Read more in this article from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs.

More Soil Health Policies Needed

May 4, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Kenosha News

Calling it a “quiet crisis” in 2018, Ohio State University professor of soil science Rattan Lal said soil loss is a major issue that has been affecting farmers around the world for centuries. “The best practices are to not plow, keep the ground covered with residue and grow a cover crop in the off-season,” Lal said. Read more in this article from Kenosha News.

Organic Soybean Producers Can Be Competitive with Reduced Tillage, Cover Crops

April 22, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Penn State University Extension

Organic soybean producers using no-till and reduced-tillage production methods that incorporate cover crops — strategies that protect soil health and water quality — can achieve similar yields at competitive costs compared to tillage-based production. That’s the conclusion of a new study by researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Read more in this article from Penn State University Extension.