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Growing Nutrients, Smothering Weeds with Modified Organic Strip-Till

In a unique approach to growing organic corn, Indiana farmer Jason Federer is relying on an alfalfa-clover cover crop for both weed control and nutrient management.
By Julia Gerlach posted on December 23, 2022 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops, Crop Protection, Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Organic crop production doesn’t often go hand-in-hand with reduced tillage because of the need to use field cultivation to get rid of weeds. But Wolcott, Ind., grower Jason Federer is integrating reduced tillage with organic methods to improve soil health and buffer the environmental impacts of his 4,000-acre operation.


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Tackling Labor & Erosion Issues with No-Till, Strip-Till & Cover Crops

Northeast Ohio no-tiller cuts costs, boosts yields and improves soil health in 5 years.
December 13, 2022 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health
The Greens started no-tilling soybeans almost 25 years ago but continued to conventionally till corn up until 2019 when Kris fully transitioned to strip-till with corn. The conservation practices are helping to solve their two biggest challenges — soil erosion and labor shortages.
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7 In-Field Assessments to Determine Soil Health

Indiana USDA NRCS state soil health scientist Stephanie McLain shares indicators to look for in the soil to evaluate how well your soil functions.
By Sarah Hill posted on December 8, 2022 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming 101, Soil Health
USDA NRCS State Soil Health Specialist Stephanie McLain outlines 7 soil assessments or diagnostics that can be conducted in the field to determine how healthy soil is and if farmers need to re-activate soil function.
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Fulfilling a Soil Health Promise with Strategic Strip-Till, Cover Cropping

Iowa’s Jack Boyer uses cover crops to build soil for his Century Farm’s seed corn and soybean production, and reaps the benefits of additional nitrogen they add to his fields.
By Dan Crummett posted on November 16, 2022 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health
Maintaining an Iowa Century Farm while fulfilling the family goal of leaving the land in better condition than it was received, has led Jack Boyer a long way from the conventional farming his wife’s grandfather used when he settled the farm.
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Stretching Strip-Till Value with Crop Diversity, Cover Crop Height

A quarter-century of strip-till for Georgia grower Barry Martin complements shoulder-high cereal rye cover crops in peanuts and cotton to reduce erosion, boost organic matter and simplify planting.
By Dan Crummett posted on November 12, 2022 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health
Barry Martin was completely convinced of the benefits of a heavy cereal rye cover crop on his cotton and peanut farm near Hawkinsville in central Georgia long before cover crops were the rage.
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Strip-Till Farmer

Strip-Till Farmer delivers a mix of features on strip-till farmers, strip-till management topics and trending practices in strip-till. This FREE quarterly print newsletter is available to qualified subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. 
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Did Strip-Till Solve My Nutrient Stratification Problems?

Did Strip-Till Solve My Nutrient Stratification Problems?

Independent on-farm researcher Marion Calmer checks in from Alpha, Ill., with a preview of his 2024 National Strip-Tillage Conference presentation, “Did Strip-Till Solve My Nutrient Stratification Problems?” Over the last 5 years, Calmer has been examining fertility levels vertically in his soil profile. This inch-by-inch examination uncovered a serious nutrient stratification problem on his farm that was costing him up to $135,000 annually. The No-Till Legend switched back to strip-till in 2023 for the first time since 1995 in an effort to solve his nutrient stratification problems.

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Top Directory Listings
Montag

Montag Mfg

Montag products have proven results with patented precision metering application for significant savings of nutrients and cover crop seed, and for achieving best conservation practices.

Environmental Tillage Systems

Environmental Tillage System, Inc

Environmental Tillage Systems is a leading manufacturer of strip-till and nutrient-management equipment which enhances soil productivity and farm profitability.
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Kuhn Krause, Inc

Kuhn Krause's focus, above all, is to continue to produce quality products to serve producers better; to strive to respond to their needs with new tools and new technology to meet their growing challenges. Agronomic practices are constantly changing, and at a faster pace now than ever.
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