Practices and Systems

R7 Web-Based Tool Combines Satellite Images with Data For Variable Rate Seeding, Application

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:23:00 +0000

Mounds of data and layers of field maps are common elements of precision farming systems. A new web-based tool simplifies variable-rate technologies, combining historical field satellite imagery with test plot data to field-tailor seed selection and prescriptions for planting and fertilizer application.

Tillage Increases Soil Erosion: See for Yourself

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:52:00 +0000

These three water samples reflect different degrees of tillage and live cover.

A gentle overnight rain turned into a science experiment for Darin Williams, Waverly, Kan., when he collected these samples of drainage water from nearby ditch waterways. The samples come from a ¾-mile radius of each other and have the same soil types.

7 Tips for No-Till Planting in a Dry Year

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:54:00 +0000

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The residue cover in no-till fields is essential when it comes to conserving water. The residue protects the soil surface, reducing crusting and soil moisture evaporation. When it comes to no-till planting, the key is to minimize the soil and residue disturbance.

Strip-Till Systems Provide Key Benefits for Corn

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:20:00 +0000

Source: Pioneer

Evidence has shown that strip-till systems combine many of the best aspects of no-till and conventional tillage systems. The advantages of strip-till are generally most pronounced for corn following corn, where strip-till can help improve seedbed uniformity and reduce plant-to-plant variability compared to no-till.

Gail Fuller, Kansas Soybean Grower, Wins National Conservation Award

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:14:00 +0000

Source: American Soybean Association

The American Soybean Association (ASA) presented Gail Fuller, Emporia, Kan., with the 2013 National Conservation Legacy Award on March 1, 2013, at the ASA Awards Banquet, held during the Commodity Classic convention and trade show in Kissimmee, Fla.  

Cover Crop Interseeder

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:12:00 +0000

One pass seeds cover crops, sidedresses the corn crop and sprays weeds, at least in State College, Pa. Penn State’s cover crop experimental interseeder potentially increases profits by $100/acre in corn yields, reduced N requirements and glyphosate applications costs.

Winter Weather Loosened Soil; No-Till a Viable Option

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 01:41:00 +0000

Source: Purdue University Extension

Cold winter temperatures and increased precipitation have helped loosen soils enough that spring tillage might not be necessary in Indiana farm fields, says Tony Vyn, a Purdue Extension agronomist. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles, plus numerous wetting and drying cycles brought on by the arrival of enough snow and rain have made no-till an even more viable and attractive option for corn and soybean growers than it was last spring.

Think Different: Rethink Agronomics 2013

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:05:00 +0000

As with most farm business decisions, very few escape without some type of tradeoff, be it labor, time or money. Our cover story may challenge your beliefs if you're sold on 30-in. row soybeans, because you lose yield (range from 2.9 to 4.5 bu./acre) compared to 15-in. – according to a three-year, six-state university trial.

Cover Crops in Corn, Soybeans, Wheat

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 19:10:00 +0000

Source: Conservation Technology Information Center

Cover crop use is growing. The benefits offered are numerous, from increased soil health to less erosion. We've covered many angles of cover crops, and here we bring you photos from USDA SARE and the Conservation Technology Information Center of different cover crops planted, including peas, hairy vetch, tillage radish and ryegrass. If you planted cover crops in 2012, be sure to take the CTIC survey, and let them know about your 2012 cover crop production.

Four Steps to Implement Variable Rate Seeding in 2013

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:34:00 +0000

Source: Pioneer

Variable rate seeding (VRS) can help maximize overall profits by selecting the best planting rates for each area of the field. VRS plans are most appropriate in fields with greatly varying soil composition or water holding capacity.