Q: A dead weed is a good weed, so how do we better control and kill weeds in our crops? A: Implementing an integrated pest management strategy that incorporates best practices will help manage weeds. Pesticide use in agriculture allows us to grow more food, but it’s not a bulletproof solution to weed management. The […] Read more
Take an integrated management approach on problem weeds
Q & A with an expert
Surface contact pressure and axle load compaction
Q & A with an expert
Q: How does compaction affect soil? A: Soil compaction is the removal of the pore spaces in soil. In our agricultural fields, soil compaction is categorized under two types — surface contact pressure and axle load. Surface contact pressure compaction occurs in the top 12 inches of the soil. It occurs whenever there is contact […] Read more
‘Success is the residue of planning’
Q & A with an expert
Q: What tips can you offer to help me build my crop plan? A: Winston Churchill once said, “He who fails to plan is planning to fail.” This is as true today as when Churchill first said it, and agriculture is no exception. With the 2022 growing season fast approaching, now is the time to […] Read more
Soil health and cover crops
Q & A with an expert
Q: What are the challenges associated with fall cover crops and are the benefits worth the effort? A: The simple answer is cover crops will improve your soil health. Cover crops reduce soil erosion, improve nutrient cycling and provide a living biosphere for beneficial soil micro-organisms. The challenging followup questions include: Will cover crops work […] Read more
The goal of precision ag is to do things more effectively
Q & A with an expert
Q: Is zone management a fit for my farm? A: Zone management is one of many precision agriculture practices utilized in farming. In its simplest form, zone management is shutting off the fertilizer in areas of your field that are unproductive. More advanced zone management utilizes precision ag tools like GPS auto steer, yield mapping, […] Read more
How weed seeds move into your fields
Q & A with an expert
Q: Where are all these weeds coming from? A: Despite our best management practices, we will never eliminate weeds from our fields. Weed seeds will continue to find their way onto our fields in not so mysterious ways. Excluding volunteer crops, the most significant ways new weeds move onto our fields is by wind, water, […] Read more
The pros and cons of top dressing nitrogen
Q & A with Nutrien Ag Solutions
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of top dressing nitrogen? A: Top dressing nitrogen is one fertilizer option to help achieve yield goals. The advantages include increasing yield potential, increasing time efficiency and diffusing financial risk. Timing is key. The nitrogen needs to be applied early in the growing season and before a rain […] Read more
Successful forage establishment
Q & A with CPS
Q: What are the top factors for successful forage establishment? A: To grow a productive forage crop, consider important factors like soil, weeds, previous crop and herbicide residues. Identify and consider the impact of soil factors like flooding, drainage, low pH (acidity), texture and salinity that may impede establishment, productivity or species/variety selection. Control winter annual, biennial […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
