No-till Farming Basics
No-till farming is a conservation technique that began about 40 years ago with the intention that minimal soil disturbance was an effective way of holding the soil in place. But conserving soil is not the only reason to use no-till farming. Profitability is a quantifiable benefit. Because the drill only requires one pass over the field with a smaller tractor, the most immediate financial benefit is in fuel cost as well as labor and machinery costs.
Other benefits include reduced soil compaction and soil erosion, an increase in organic matter, better infiltration, and improved soil structure. Although the ground stays cooler later into the spring because of the layer of residue that covers the field acting as an insulator, the day/night fluctuations are less extreme and the field rapidly makes up the difference in growth rate as the weather turns warm. Also, during summers that are hot and dry, no-till farming yields are higher than those of traditional plowed ground.
Check out this cool one-minute video about the differences between soil that has been tilled for farming (disturbed) and soil that has been left alone for many years (un-disturbed). It illustrates a prime example of why no-till farming can really improve the quality of your soil, i.e. the quality of the crops you grow! Take a minute (literally one minute!) to watch the video.
No-till farming is a conservation technique that began about 40 years ago with the intention that minimal soil disturbance was an effective way of holding the soil in place. But conserving soil is not the only reason to use no-till farming. Profitability is a quantifiable benefit. Because the drill only requires one pass over the field with a smaller tractor, the most immediate financial benefit is in fuel cost as well as labor and machinery costs.
Other benefits include reduced soil compaction and soil erosion, an increase in organic matter, better infiltration, and improved soil structure. Although the ground stays cooler later into the spring because of the layer of residue that covers the field acting as an insulator, the day/night fluctuations are less extreme and the field rapidly makes up the difference in growth rate as the weather turns warm. Also, during summers that are hot and dry, no-till farming yields are higher than those of traditional plowed ground.
Check out this cool one-minute video about the differences between soil that has been tilled for farming (disturbed) and soil that has been left alone for many years (un-disturbed). It illustrates a prime example of why no-till farming can really improve the quality of your soil, i.e. the quality of the crops you grow! Take a minute (literally one minute!) to watch the video.
No-Till Drill
Dylan Arnett, GCD’s No-till Technician, continues to move the drills as requested by landowners. Altogether a total of approximately 95 acres of grasslands were planted with the Truax Native Grass Drill, and 6,135 acres of crops were planted with the 15’ John Deere No-till Drill, during fiscal year 2017.
Time to Reserve the Rental of our No-till Drills
Have you made plans yet for your spring or fall plantings? If not, now is the time to start thinking about setting up an appointment to rent one of our no-till drills. The Gratiot Conservation District has a 15’ no-till drill available for producers to rent as well as a 6’ native grass drill to help with planting grasses. Contact Dylan Arnett at 989-560-5212 to learn more or to schedule a time to rent one of the drills.
Lease Rates:
15' No-till Drill (John Deere): $15/acre ($1/acre discount if paid within 30 days)w/$100 minimum
6' Native Grass Drill: Minimum $135 (includes delivery, set-up up to 10 acres). Any acreage planted in excess of 10 acres will be charged a rate of $6 per acre.
Download the No-till Drill Agreement Here
Download the Native Grass Drill Agreement Here
Download the Native Grass Drill Use Agreement Here (Must accompany Native Grass Drill Agreement)
Have you made plans yet for your spring or fall plantings? If not, now is the time to start thinking about setting up an appointment to rent one of our no-till drills. The Gratiot Conservation District has a 15’ no-till drill available for producers to rent as well as a 6’ native grass drill to help with planting grasses. Contact Dylan Arnett at 989-560-5212 to learn more or to schedule a time to rent one of the drills.
Lease Rates:
15' No-till Drill (John Deere): $15/acre ($1/acre discount if paid within 30 days)w/$100 minimum
6' Native Grass Drill: Minimum $135 (includes delivery, set-up up to 10 acres). Any acreage planted in excess of 10 acres will be charged a rate of $6 per acre.
Download the No-till Drill Agreement Here
Download the Native Grass Drill Agreement Here
Download the Native Grass Drill Use Agreement Here (Must accompany Native Grass Drill Agreement)
