Why not give conservation tillage a try?

Sunday, November 3, 2013

CT has been around a long time, but the tools have changed, offering a number of benefits. And, judging by this year's Outdoor Farm Show, farmers are interested

by PAT LYNCH

Conservation tillage (CT) is any tillage that works soil completely to a depth of three to four inches. CT tools include vertical-tillage tools and differ from chisel plows in that they dig shallower and work all the soil to the same depth. Chisel plows leave ridges of unworked soil, while CT tools do not.

CT tools differ from mouldboard plows because they go shallower and leave residue on top. And CT tillage also differs from no-till. CT tools mix soil and residues into the top four inches. No-till leaves all the residue on top, where it breaks down faster than if it is mixed into the top four inches. When residue is mixed into the top four inches, it breaks down gradually, releasing nutrients into the root zone. Residue mixed into the soil does a better job of holding moisture than if it is all sitting on top.

Moreover, CT loosens soil so that roots can penetrate more deeply. One of the issues with no-till is that plants grown under no-till conditions have a smaller root system.

CT tools kill weeds and glyphosate-tolerant fleabane. In fact, one of the best methods of controlling this weed is with tillage. CT tools also kill dandelions. Tillage is an integral part of resistance weed management.

This year, at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, 19 pieces of CT tools were demonstrated. On each day of the demonstration about 500 people watched, suggesting that Ontario farmers are interested in CT.

Of the 19 pieces of equipment, which one was best? It depends. Different amounts of residue were left on the surface with the different tools. If you have rolling land, you want more residue on the surface than if your land is level. The amount of residue left is a function of how aggressively you set the disks. Many of the tools had disks permitting you to adjust the angle of the blade from the tractor. This is useful when working a field that has level and rolling areas.

All of the tools were capable of "anchoring" residue into the soil. This is an improvement over no-till. Often in no-till, residue is moved with spring rains.

Another benefit of all CT tools is that they break the channels that feed directly into tiles. Whether you are applying manure or broadcasting fertilizer, it is important to break these channels so that nutrients do not go directly into tiles.

Most CT tools work at six to 10 m.p.h. This means you can cover a lot of acres in a short time, but they do require a lot of horsepower. Typically, you need nine to 14 h.p. per foot of CT tool.

CT tools are more expensive than a mouldboard plow. But all of the equipment manufacturers said that their dealers would rent CT tools in the fall. I priced some of the rental rates and when you consider you will make one or two less passes in the spring, they are a wise investment.

CT has been around for a long time. It's the tools that have changed. The numerous options and various settings mean there are a large number of possible options. If you have not tried one of the newer CT tools, I suggest you give them a try. And if not satisfied with your first choice, try something else.

There are a lot of cover crop acres in Ontario this year planted after wheat. I think they should be worked with CT tools rather than plows. BF

Consulting agronomist Pat Lynch, CCA (ON), formerly worked with the Ontario agriculture ministry and with Cargill.