Poultry litter can provide a significant and important supply of nutrients for crop production in areas where a supply of litter is available.

The Purdue University-led Useful to Usable climate initiative is offering a new online tool to help farmers and farm advisers better manage the application of nitrogen fertilizer for maximum crop yields and minimum environmental damage.

Strip-tillers also have their own wish lists for the coming year and beyond. After harvest, several farmers spoke of plans for planter modifications next year to improve residue management, or fertilizer placement in the strip.

Fertilization strategy for strip-tillers can vary greatly, depending on when strips are built, soil type and health, and climate.

While agricultural scientists, policymakers and farmers are investigating ways to reduce the risk of severe algal blooms that stem from phosphorus, an Ohio State University environmental economist suggests an economic response could be the most cost-effective one.

In talking with farmers, a common goal they have in developing a successful strip-till system is to apply fertilizer more accurately. Many growers note benefits of this goal, including faster emergence and healthier plant stands with a targeted application beneath the strip.

After years of field cultivation and disc ripping on his family's corn and soybean operation, Ben Pederson believed he was improving soil tilth. But visual indicators on his farm near Lake Mills, Iowa, began to leave him less convinced that full-width tillage was worthwhile.

As federal and state government begins to take action to monitor and prevent fertilizer runoff into watersheds — especially in the Great Lakes region — some farmers see strip-till as preventative measure.

Making the most of fertilizer investments is on the top of producers minds as overall input costs continue to rise. The new 6200-060 N Keeper from Yetter Farm Equipment seals the slot that is opened during fertilizer application, helping ensure growing plants can take full advantage of either pre-plant or side-dress applied nitrogen.

To till or not to till? Mini-Cassia farmers are answering that question as more lean toward alternative methods to grow crops. Always looking for a way to boost crop yields and reduce water usage, many farmers are shaking up the established method of preparing fields and planting seeds. Greater yields, less water use and richer soil are some primary benefits they see from new methods.