Laura Barrera

No-Till, Covers Provide Buffer for Higher Yields, Better Soils

Ohio no-tiller Jim Carter Jr. finds breaking from tillage and adding cereal rye and other covers improved corn and soybean yields, and greatly benefited his soils.

By Laura Barrera posted on July 1, 2014

Jim Carter Jr. recalls when he was in high school and looking at soil tests taken from his father’s farm in North Baltimore, Ohio.

Feeding Worms, Microbial ‘Livestock’ Transforms No-Till Fields

In hilly south-central Pennsylvania, Dave McLaughlin finds no-till, extensive cover cropping and manure application keys soil health success.

By Laura Barrera posted on April 1, 2014 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health

When Dave McLaughlin took over his wife’s family farm in 1994, he decided to take the conservation-tillage practices his father-in-law implemented a little farther.

No-Till, Cover Crops Could Be Tools to Fight Palmer Amaranth

This devastating pigweed is starting to make its way into the Corn Belt. Here’s what no-tillers need to know to protect their crops from this voracious pest.

By Laura Barrera posted on February 1, 2014

There’s just nothing good that can be said about Palmer amaranth. It’s capable of wiping out 78% of soybean yields and a whopping 91% of corn yields on a given farm. Studies have shown populations are resistant to glyphosate, atrazine and HPPD-inhibiting herbicides.

Cereal Rye, Rape Protect Soybeans From Diseases

Results from an Illinois study find that no-tillers might be able to use cereal rye and winter rape to suppress diseases for the following soybean crop.

By Laura Barrera posted on January 1, 2014

There is no shortage of yield-robbing diseases with soybeans, but a tool no-tillers may be using could help prevent them.

Choosing Covers to Maximize Your No-Till Nitrogen Payback

Cover crops can prevent nitrogen losses during winter fallow, but no-tillers should be mindful of how carbon-to-nitrogen ratios in residue affects what’s available for the next crop.

By Laura Barrera posted on October 1, 2013 | Posted in Soil Health

Just because corn and soybeans have been harvested doesn’t mean it’s time for no-tillers to stop worrying about nutrient management.

Tips for Making Radishes Part of a Dynamic No-Till System

A great beginner’s cover crop, oilseed radishes can tap into underground nutrients, increase water-infiltration rates and ultimately help boost crop yields.

By Laura Barrera posted on September 1, 2013 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Since he started seeding radishes as cover crops 6 years ago, Illinois no-tiller Daniel Steidinger says higher yields and improved water infiltration are two major benefits he’s seen.

Making Cover Crops Work on 10,000 No-Tilled Acres

From continuing education to effective communication, Anson Family Farms co-owner Mark Anson shares tips for managing cover crops on a large-scale operation.

By Laura Barrera posted on September 1, 2013

Three years ago, Monroe City, Ind., no-tiller Mark Anson had a life-changing experience.

Double Up No-Till Benefits by Cover Cropping for Forage

Cover crops serve up more than just soil benefits. They can boost a no-tiller’s bottom line when used as feed for their livestock, experts say.

By Laura Barrera posted on July 1, 2013 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Cover crops are usually touted for their contributions to soil health. But for no-tillers with livestock, covers can provide an immediate benefit to the bottom line by also serving as forage.