InFocus Conservation No-Till

This week’s InFocus features Conservation No-Till and the District’s No-Till Drill Rental program. 

Pictured is a farm that uses a progressive planting process that readies the soil for new tree planting. The row of radish is planted where future trees will be planted and will reduce compaction, allow future tree roots to reach further in the soil for water, and reduce nitrates in the soil, reducing the odds of excess nutrients from running to nearby waterways.

The Sorghum-Sudangrass seen in the image suppresses weeds, provides cover and protection again erosion, and is an excellent source of organic matter when planning for future orchards.

Local crop farmer plants a mix of oats, radish, and peas to improve soil health. The radish will reduce compaction and improve drainage while the oats provide weed suppression and uptake of excess nutrients. Peas are a great source of nitrogen and organic matter. All three provide protection against erosion throughout the winter season.