How to reduce potential soil erosion early in the spring

Spring rains come with unexpected quantities and force, causing significant amounts of soil erosion to unprotected cropland. Spring is the most critical time for soil erosion because of degraded crop residue, tillage in preparation for planting, and lack of crop canopy. Residue cover is not only good for preventing soil erosion, but it will cut down sediment transport to water bodies and contribute to the improvement of water quality

Spring wind erosion and residue management

Soil erosion problems are not only limited to water erosion in Iowa, although it is the dominant one due to high rainfall events and their significant impacts on sediment transport to lakes and streams in the state. However, wind erosion at this time of the year can be very significant and contribute to serious topsoil loss given the high winds experienced in the state during recent weeks. Soil loss by wind erosion may not be physically noticeable on the field, but it can be significant in terms of its effects on air, soil, and water quality over time

Impact of Tillage and Crop Rotation Systems on Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration is an issue worth exploring for its potential impacts on, and benefits for, agriculture and climate change. Agriculture, can be part of a potential solution to the problem of global warming. When soil conservation and plant residue management are implemented, the concept of carbon sequestration is highly linked to soil management practices, soil conservation practices, and crop rotation. The benefits of soil carbon sequestration as a result of soil conservation practices to the soil system are enormous, such as the improvement of soil aggregate stability, water holding capacity, nutrient availability, microbial activities, etc. The need for evaluating different tillage and crop rotation systems is essential for understanding soil potential for carbon sequestration. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the effects of different crop rotations, tillage practices, and residue qualities on soil carbon sequestration

Effects of Long-Term Tillage and Crop Rotation on Soil Carbon and Soil Productivity

Tillage system and crop rotation have long-term effects on soil productivity and soil quality components such as soil carbon as well as on soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. In addition, both tillage and crop rotation have effects on weed and soil disease control. There is a need for well-defined, long term tillage and crop rotation studies across the different soils and climate conditions in Iowa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of different tillage systems and crop rotations on soil productivity

Strip-Tillage Effects on Corn Performance and Soil Properties

The perceived effect of no-tillage on soil temperature, soil moisture conditions, soil compaction, soil productivity, and nitrogen movement and availability has become a major concern among producers considering adopting this tillage system. No-tillage presents a unique challenge in poorly drained soils, in which certain surface soil properties are affected due to the absence of tillage as a corrective measure. Effective tillage systems create an ideal seedbed condition (i.e., soil moisture, temperature, and penetration resistance) for plant emergence, plant development, and unimpeded root growth. However, the integration of tillage and nitrogen (N) management (i.e., type of tillage system, timing of tillage system, timing of N application, and N rate) also presents significant challenges for producing corn, sustaining soil productivity, and improving water quality

Evaluation of Three Tillage Systems under a Corn and Soybean Rotation

Soil productivity is one of the most important factors worldwide for agricultural production. Improving soil quality with the use of conservation tillage can preserve soil productivity. Tillage systems are used for many agricultural purposes ranging from weed control to the incorporation of crop residue and amendments, and ultimately are used to prepare a suitable seed bed for better seed germination. Conservation tillage conserves water, improves soil and water quality, lowers input costs, and reduces labor. Therefore, conservation tillage systems must be assessed and evaluated to control negative impacts on soil and water quality, while promoting soil productivity. The major objectives of the study are to evaluate the effect of tillage systems (strip tillage, chisel plow, and no-tillage) on soil quality indices and time of nitrogen application, and tillage systems on ground water quality and use efficiency

Reduce Potential Soil Erosion Early in the Spring

Spring rains come with unexpected quantities and force, causing significant amounts of soil erosion to unprotected cropland. Spring is the most critical time for soil erosion because of degraded crop residue, tillage in preparation for planting and lack of crop canopy. Residue cover is not only good for preventing soil erosion, but it will cut down sediment transport to water bodies and contribute to the improvement of water quality

How to Minimize Soil Compaction During Harvest

Rain events during September and October have created challenging conditions not only for timely harvest of corn and soybean crops but also for the impact harvest will have on the soil. These wet conditions coupled with a drop in air temperature will slow harvest operations. Soils are too wet for traffic from heavy equipment, making them susceptible to compaction during harvest operations. When soils are near saturated conditions, heavy equipment loads weaken soil structure where water works as lubricant, leading to the collapse of soil aggregates. This will cause significant surface compaction, rutting, and deep subsoil compaction

Impact of Tillage and Crop Rotation Systems on Soil Carbon Storage

Carbon storage (sequestration) is an issue worth exploring for its potential impact on, and benefits for, agriculture and climate change. Where soil conservation and plant residue management have been implemented, agriculture can be part of a potential solution to the problem of global warming. The concept of carbon sequestration is highly linked to soil management practices, soil conservation practices, and crop rotation. The benefits of soil carbon sequestration as a result of soil conservation practices to the soil system are enormous and include improvement of soil aggregate stability, water holding capacity, nutrient availability, and microbial activities. The need for evaluating different tillage and crop rotation systems is essential for understanding soil potential for carbon sequestration. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the effects of different crop rotations, tillage practices, and residue quality on soil carbon sequestration

Plan Ahead to Minimize Soil Compaction During Harvest

While there is significant uncertainty about this year’s harvest weather, the struggles with previous year soil compaction may still be lurking in corn and soybean fields across Iowa. This article will highlight challenges with wet conditions at harvest and opportunities to minimize the long-term consequences of harvesting fields with wet soils