www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 summary-and-sources-11 Summary and Sources Summary Reducing the intensity of tillage can help improve the soil in many ways. Maintaining more residue on the surface reduces runoff and erosion, while the reduction in soil disturbance allows for earthworm holes and old root channels to rapidly conduct water from intense rainstorms into the soil. There are many choices of reduced tillage […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 which-tillage-system-for-your-farm Which Tillage System for Your Farm? The correct choice of tillage system depends on climate, soils, cropping systems, and the farm’s production objectives. Some general guidelines are provided in the following paragraphs. Conventional grain and vegetable farms have great flexibility for adopting reduced tillage systems, because they are less constrained by repeated manure applications (needed on livestock farms) or mechanical weed […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 tillage-systems Tillage Systems Tillage systems are often classified by the amount of surface residue left on the soil surface. Conservation tillage systems leave more than 30% of the soil surface covered with crop residue. This amount of surface residue cover is considered to be at a level where erosion is significantly reduced (see figure 16.2). Of course, this […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 summary-and-sources-10 Summary and Sources Summary Compaction frequently goes unrecognized by farmers, but it can result in decreased yields. There are a number of ways to avoid the development of compacted soil, the most important of which is keeping equipment off wet soil (when it’s in a plastic state). Draining wet soils, using controlled traffic lanes, and using permanent beds (that […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 plow-layer-and-subsoil-compaction Plow Layer and Subsoil Compaction Deep wheel tracks, extended periods of saturation, or even standing water following a rain or irrigation may indicate plow layer compaction. Compacted plow layers also tend to be extremely cloddy when tilled (figure 15.2). A field penetrometer, which we will discuss in greater detail in chapter 22, is an excellent tool to assess soil compaction. […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 crusting-and-surface-sealing Crusting and Surface Sealing Crusting and surface sealing may be seen at the soil surface after heavy rains in the early growing season, especially with clean-tilled soil, and in the fall and spring after a summer crop (figure 15.1). Keep in mind that crusting and surface sealing may not happen every year, especially if heavy rains do not occur […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 sources-5 Sources American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 1985. Erosion and Soil Productivity. Proceedings of the national symposium on erosion and soil productivity, December 10–11, 1984, New Orleans. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Publication 8-85. St. Joseph, MI: Author. Edwards, W.M. 1992. Soil structure: Processes and management. In Soil Management for Sustainability, ed. R. Lal and F.J. Pierce, pp. 7–14. […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 addressing-runoff-and-erosion Addressing Runoff and Erosion Effective runoff and erosion control is possible without compromising crop productivity. However, it may require considerable investment or new management. The numerous methods of controlling soil and water can be grouped into two general approaches: structural measures and agronomic practices. Creating structures for reducing erosion generally involves engineering practices, in which an initial investment is […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 a-case-study-cam-tabb A Case Study: Cam Tabb Kearneysville, West Virginia During back-to-back drought years in 2006 and 2007, West Virginia beef farmer Cam Tabb’s crop yields exceeded the averages for his area. At times, neighbors have wondered whether Tabb enjoys some kind of miraculous microclimate, since he seems to make it through dry periods with seemingly little impact. “I get blamed for […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops-3 summary-and-sources-9 Summary and Sources Summary Composting organic residues before applying them to soil is a tried and true practice that can, if done correctly, eliminate plant disease organisms, weed seeds, and many (but not all) potentially noxious or undesirable chemicals. Compost provides extra water-holding capacity to a soil, provides a slow release of N, and may help to suppress […]