Precision Agriculture In No-till Production Systems Courtney Dunkel SOIL 4213
Objectives Differences between Conventional and No-till Benefits Disadvantages Equipment
What is tillage? The agricultural preparation of the soil by mechanical aggregation of various types such as digging, stirring, and overturning. The preparation of land for growing crops.
Conventional Tillage Wet soils Bury weed seeds and residue Uniform incorporation of fertilizers and pesticides
Advantages Suited for poorly drained soils Optimum seed bed Excellent incorporation Equipment
Disadvantages Soil erosion Moisture loss Timeliness considerations Highest fuel and labor costs Compaction
Conservational At least 30% ground cover after planting Several different types of conservational tilling Ridge-till Strip-till Mulch-till No-till
No-till Farmer’s attitude Produce crops while making soil improvements With runoff and erosion virtually eliminated, SOM and CEC improvements are possible over time
Advantages Erosion control Moisture conservation Wildlife benefits Beneficial insects More intensive use of steeper fields Terraces and grass waterways can be minimized Row direction makes little difference Minimum fuel and labor Reduced compaction
Disadvantages Corn on corn problems No incorporation Stalk Stompers Increased dependence on herbicides Slow soil warming on poorly drained soils New equipment
Equipment 1960s homemade tillage tool, used to control erosion on steep slopes
Equipment No-till Air Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD-KkqfkCs0 Plow-till No-till http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD-KkqfkCs0
Questions?