Common points in conservation tillage practices

Aug 18, 2010
A number of common points came through loud and clear by each of the farmers who hosted visitors during a recent field tour. Advance planning prior to the strip-till or no-till corn season is necessary. Laying out appropriately-spaced, shallow irrigation berms is desirable. Selecting and adjusting proper strip-till equipment for specific field conditions is essential.

Strip-tillage under optimal soil moisture conditions is critical, - meaning not too dry, but hopefully not too wet. Using GPS to align planter units with strip-till rows is necessary, as is the timely (usually within one week of corn seeding) application of herbicide. Finally, anticipating and applying irrigations earlier and perhaps more frequently than with standard till systems.

By Jeannette E. Warnert
Author - Communications Specialist

Attached Images:

Farmers get a close-up look at a CT farm.