www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-15-conservation-economics-budgeting-cover-crops-and-government-programs government-programs Government Programs There are government programs that provide financial incentives to install conservation practices on agricultural land. The programs are authorized through the conservation title in the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill. To become familiar with the opportunities to participate in federal government programs, review this section and visit the […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-15-conservation-economics-budgeting-cover-crops-and-government-programs cover-crop-economics Cover Crop Economics This section provides an economic perspective on planting and managing cover crops. Production costs, equipment, management requirements, cover crop choices, termination practices and termination timing are discussed. In addition, the observed and perceived benefits of cover crops to yield and cost saving for the following cash crop are examined. Production Costs Production costs for cover […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-15-conservation-economics-budgeting-cover-crops-and-government-programs conservation-economics Conservation Economics Generally, the primary farm management objective is to maximize profits, and environmental stewardship can have a positive influence on profits. To achieve both objectives, producers must have an accurate and flexible understanding of expected revenues, production costs and how changes in field conditions and farm operations may affect revenue and costs. Tools available to assist […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-15-conservation-economics-budgeting-cover-crops-and-government-programs Chapter 15: Conservation Economics: Budgeting, Cover Crops and Government Programs Jason S. Bergtold, Kansas State University Amanda Smith, University of Georgia Marshall Lamb, USDA-ARS Leah Duzy, USDA-ARS This chapter introduces the economics of conservation and provides tools for farmers and agricultural professionals to examine the benefits and costs of conservation tillage systems in the Southeast. The first section examines conservation economics, specifically the use of […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-14-water-management summary-15 Chapter 14 Summary The use of conservation tillage systems can increase infiltration and water movement into and below the root zone. However, conservation tillage can also lead to compaction in some soils and reduced water-holding capacity. If soil compaction is managed, then improved infiltration can provide more water for crop use. The use of conservation tillage systems does […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-14-water-management monitoring-soil-water Monitoring Soil Water Soil water monitoring assists the producer in determining if the soil water content is between the soil’s field capacity and wilting point. Field capacity is the upper limit of water moisture that a soil can hold after it has been fully saturated and allowed to drain freely. This occurs when the water in the macropores […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-14-water-management irrigation-and-water-management Irrigation and Water Management No-till and reduced-tillage systems, with the inclusion of cover crops, increase infiltration. Additional causes of increased infiltration include increased porosity due to channels formed by rotting roots, earthworms, insects or tillage such as in-row subsoiling. In-row subsoiling breaks the hardpan while disturbing only a narrow strip of surface soil. Increased infiltration also increases subsurface water […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-14-water-management conservation-tillage-trade-offs Conservation Tillage Trade-Offs While conservation tillage can significantly enhance infiltration, there are trade-offs. The benefits of conservation tillage will vary depending on the crop being grown, soil characteristics, topography, surface cover, pest pressure, agrichemical use and weather. Normal agricultural practices such as spraying, planting and harvesting can lead to soil compaction. This is particularly true for soils with […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-14-water-management impacts-of-conservation-tillage Impacts of Conservation Tillage In conservation tillage, there is no cultivation of the soil, referred to as no-till, or a minimal amount of cultivation, referred to as reduced tillage. Consequently, all or a portion of the plant residues remain on the soil surface rather than being incorporated into the soil by plowing or disking. The new crop can be […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-14-water-management sidebar-conservation-tillage-is-beneficial-with-or-without-irrigation Sidebar: Conservation Tillage is Beneficial With or Without Irrigation Conservation Tillage is Beneficial With or Without Irrigation Conservation tillage systems add residue to the soil profile and over time the decaying roots add to the available channels for water to infiltrate deeper into the soil profile. Over time, the decaying biomass adds organic matter to the soil profile that causes it to better absorb […]