Submitted by Tokina McHarry, James River Soil Conservation District

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As a producer with farmland, do you consider yourself to be a “no-tiller?” It seems like this term in the farming community has made it around to almost all producers.  But each year as harvest comes and goes, it is amazing to see the residue go under and black soil come to surface again and again on areas that once contained a healthy bed of residue.

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Are you a true advocate of no-till? Surface residue helps maintain organic matter levels, control erosion, protects seedlings, catches snow for additional moisture, reduces evaporation loss, helps soil absorb moisture, provides food and cover for wildlife, and helps improve soil tilth.

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Despite the countless benefits, it has been noted throughout the county that producers tend to perform some tillage within their crop rotation. Unfortunately, this tillage on a rotational basis may be setting the clock back on key soil improvements. Most studies have shown that in order to reap the true benefits of a no-till system, it must be practiced continuously on a long-term basis.

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For instance, no-till builds pathways in the soil for oxygen and CO2 to move in and out of the soil. Soil soon turns into a fabulous sponging and filtering system for water. But as soon as one pass is made with a piece of tillage equipment, the soil is suddenly left without pathways. It’s crusted and compacted, and the pathways are lost.

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A main reason for tillage is because many producers are aware of the term “yield drag,” which supposedly occurs within the first few years when transitioning into a no-till system. But as more and more research emerges, many potential causes for the yield drag are unfounded or can be overcome with a few simple changes in thought processes. Think of the transition as a learning curve. Granted, some mistakes are inevitable. But with so many resources available, they can be easily overcome. A lot can be said for early planting, deep seeding, and good seed-to-soil contact.

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Afraid that the ground will get too wet? Remember what no-tilling does for the soil. It is building pathways for water to not only filter in, but with the proper rotation, to sponge down and recharge the water table. Certain crops have roots better suited for breaking down through compacted soil layers and creating more avenues for water to reach the groundwater table. With this table recharged each winter, the chances of succumbing to drought stress during the growing season reduces dramatically. And the water should not be setting on the surface – it should be “heading south,” being stored for when the soil does start to dry out. Then it will be pulled back to the benefit of your crop.

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To speed up the process of building organic matter and improving water infiltration, consider cover crops. We have several producers throughout the county who have been doing an excellent job of exploring the benefits of various cover crops either interseeded into existing crops or that are planted shortly after harvest.

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The price can also deter producers from looking seriously into a no-till system. There are still cost-share programs out there to assist with the transition. Maybe just try one field and start to journal the differences you, as a producer, see on YOUR ground. Or maybe try a gradual transition – perhaps a minimum till.

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By making the switch, you will not only gain leaps and bounds in your soil health, but also you will save money on fertilizer and fuel expenses. You may be surprised how fast your infiltration improves, and with a prescription of cover crops to target your soil deficiencies, your overall yield will improve and leave healthier for future generations.

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Upcoming Dates:

SCD Board Meeting – Nov. 9 at 9am – USDA Service Center, Ellendale

Veteran’s Day – Nov. 11 – Office Closed

Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 26 – Office Closed

ND Association of SCD’s Annual Convention - Dec. 1-2 - Bismarck

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For more information contact the James River Soil Conservation District and Ellendale NRCS office at 701-951-0510, ext. 3. Our field office is in Ellendale at 51 N. 1st Street. Also, remember to visit the James River Soil Conservation District Facebook page and our websites for more information –http://www.jamesriverscd.org/ and http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/nd/home/. The NRCS is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.