Articles by Laura Barrera

Go Beyond Banding Fertilizer in Strip-Till Corn

Purdue University agronomist Tony Vyn explains why strip-tillers need to consider broadcasting, starter fertilizer and split applications in their nutrient program.

By Laura Barrera posted on May 23, 2023 | Posted in Nutrient Management

For two decades, Tony Vyn has been encouraging corn growers to adopt a “no plant left behind” mentality.

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How to Do Your Own On-Farm Precision Ag Experiments

The Data Intensive Farm Management research team at the University of Illinois is working with farmers to conduct large-scale, on-farm research that will help them better manage their farms.

By Laura Barrera posted on October 12, 2022 | Posted in Precision Agriculture

University of Illinois Professor David Bullock leads the Data Intensive Farm Management (DIFM) research team. Funded by USDA grants, DIFM works with researchers and farmers to create large-scale, on-farm checkerboard-style field trials using precision ag technology.

Boosting Soil Function by Adding Cover Crops in a Strip-Till System

Mike Verdonck has learned that by adding wheat and interseeding to his strip-till system, he can improve his soil while still providing an ideal seedbed for corn.

By Laura Barrera posted on April 21, 2022 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

Mike Verdonck thought that after a decade of no-tilling and strip-tilling, his cropland had good soil structure. That was until he saw the structure of the soil in his fence rows.

Band Fertilizer for Higher Corn Populations & Yields

Research studies from the University of Illinois show banding fertilizer often results in higher yield, especially when using small-rooted, “racehorse” hybrids.

By Laura Barrera posted on February 13, 2022 | Posted in Nutrient Management

Do you know the current corn yield world record?
You probably heard Charles City, Va., grower David Hula set it in 2019 with 616 bushels.
But do you know the current corn yield gap?

How to Read a Soil Test Report

Ward Laboratories president Ray Ward offers a step-by-step explanation on interpreting soil test reports to aid strip-till management decisions.

By Laura Barrera posted on April 20, 2017 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Most strip-tillers understand the importance of soil testing, as they typically serve as the baseline for fertilizer and lime purchases and application.

Should You Quit Using Anhydrous Ammonia?

By Laura Barrera posted on September 8, 2015 | Posted in Crop Protection

Source: No-Till Farmer

Bill Darrington knows his comments aren’t exactly popular, but he has no problem telling growers they need to give up anhydrous ammonia — especially if they care about soil health.

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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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