Soil Health - Articles

Dedication To Conservation Changes Soils, Pushes Yields

In the 11 years Mike Werling has been ‘never-tilling’ and using cover crops, organic matter levels climb, yellow clay soils turn blacker and yields steadily increase.

By Laura Barrera posted on August 1, 2014 | Posted in Soil Health

One of the best compliments Mike Werling ever received was a couple of springs ago, when a scientist for the federal government examined a soil pit on one of Werling’s fields.

‘Spray and Wait’ Is Critical to Tackling Green Bridge Pathogens

While green bridge is a major disease worry in the Pacific Northwest, it’s a problem Midwestern no-tillers should be leery of with certain crop rotations and cover crops.

By Frank Lessiter posted on August 1, 2014 | Posted in Soil Health

Some plant pathologists maintain green bridge is not likely to be a disease concern with the traditional Midwestern corn-and-soybean rotation. But with the expanding growth of cover crops and adoption of other crop rotations, it’s a possible disease worry for Corn Belt no-tillers.

Cover Crops Improve Soils, Boost No-Tillers’ Cow Herd

Adopting no-till, along with a diverse crop rotation and varied mix of covers, has allowed Chad and Danny Simmelink to grow their bred-heifer program.

By No-Till Farmer Editors posted on July 1, 2014 | Posted in Grazing, Soil Health

Cows and cover crops are a winning combination for Kansas no-tillers Chad and Danny Simmelink.

[Webinar] Cover Crop Basics: Capturing Nutrients

June 24, 2014 | Posted in Soil Health

Dr. Tracy Blackmer, Director of Research for Cover Crop Solutions, provides a basic understanding of the nutrient benefits provided by various species of cover crops and how no-tillers can properly utilize those cover crops to reduce their levels of applied fertilizer. [To view any of our webinar replays, you must be logged in with a free user account.]

What I've Learned from No-Tilling: Breaking Through the Plow Pan, Taking No-Till to New Heights

Ralph Upton Jr. didn’t know how his early gamble on no-till and cover crops would pay off, but he’s reaping the rewards for his sustainable investment.

By Ralph Upton and Martha Mintz posted on June 1, 2014 | Posted in Soil Health

If we’re talking cover crops, I could keep a person up all night. Cover crops are truly amazing in what they can accomplish, and the number of different hats they can wear on the farm.

Rotations, Double-Cropping Key Profitable No-Till Makeover

Oklahoma no-tiller Preston Simic is rejuvenating stagnant wheat ground by protecting it with residue, fixing fertility issues and diversifying crop rotations.

By John Dobberstein posted on May 1, 2014 | Posted in Soil Health

For many farmers, the decision to adopt no-till practices often comes down to economics.

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.

What I've Learned From No-Tilling: Beating Rain And Taking No-Till To Pasture

John Kemmeren found that purchasing his own no-till drill allowed him to tackle long-overdue pasture seeding and create a better farm system.

By Martha Mintz posted on November 1, 2013 | Posted in Soil Health

Corn isn't king on our farm, even if it is selling for $8 per bushel. I run a 100-cow dairy along with my wife, Dianne, and our two children.

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.