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Tag Archives soil compaction

The effects of soil compaction
Columns, Crops

The effects of soil compaction

In the first of a two-part series, learn how to diagnose soil compaction in your field

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Soil compaction can be a serious form of soil degradation resulting in decreased crop production and increased risk of soil erosion. Soil compaction can reduce water infiltration into soil, crop emergence, root penetration, crop nutrient uptake and water uptake — all of which can reduce crop yields. Compaction concerns Soil compaction is caused by tillage […] Read more
Don’t misdiagnose soil compaction
Crops, Features

Don’t misdiagnose soil compaction

Erosion or true compaction? A correct diagnosis is key to proper management

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Subsoils are naturally compact, and what looks like a soil compaction problem might actually be a case of erosion removing the top, soft layer of soil and exposing the dense subsoil. “People assume they have a soil compaction problem, but exposed subsoil is often misdiagnosed as a soil degradation issue,” says David Lobb, a professor […] Read more
These field peas were seeded using the CTF system tucked in close to the standing stubble of the previous crop. The pea crop is able to use any residual nutrients from the previous crop and the standing cereal stubble provides protection and may help to support the pea crop as it matures. 

Crops, Features

CTF delivers improved crop emergence

Consistently higher yields are yet to come, but CTF improves overall efficiency

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Steve Larocque is using his precision farming system to get to the root of improved crop emergence, which in the last few seasons appears to be getting about 80 to 90 per cent of the seeds coming out the ground. The word root is used both literally and figuratively for the central Alberta farmer and […] Read more
The SF6830 vertical tillage implement is new from AGCO’s Sunflower brand.
Machinery

AGCO introduces the SF6830

A new, high-speed, vertical tillage implement for the Sunflower brand

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In August, AGCO introduced a new vertical tillage tool into its Sunflower line of implements. The SF6830 model is one of a number of recent additions to the brand. Designed for high-speed field finishing, the SF6830 includes four types of ground engaging features in one vertical tillage implement. The front row on an SF6830 Series […] Read more
Ag track systems manufacturer Camso recently announced an ongoing research project to determine if converting field equipment to tracks can actually put more money in farmers’ pockets.
Machinery

Can tracks increase profits?

Camso program measures the profit potential of rubber belts over tires

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It makes for great coffee shop debates. Do rubber-belt track systems really offer advantages over cutting edge radial tires? And if so, do those advantages outweigh the extra investment cost? Camso (formerly known as Camoplast Solideal), the ag industry’s largest track systems supplier, has launched a new research program called “Profit From the Ground Up,” […] Read more
Claas 830 with trailed sprayer.
Crops, Machinery

Controlling your farm traffic

It’s still a new concept here, but many farmers in Australia and Europe are embracing CTF

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A recent conference held on the subject of controlled traffic farming, or CTF as it’s more commonly known, has shown that the uptake in North America and Canada is somewhat behind that of northern Europe and Australia. Held in Prague and organised by CTF Europe, the conference attracted more than 130 participants, including farmers, managers, […] Read more
The CTF system makes it easier to do inter-row seeding.
Features

What you need to know about controlled traffic farming

CTF enthusiasts are drawing lots of interest, and starting to collect 
long-term data. For some, the benefits will outweigh the costs


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When you think about compaction, you might think an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Controlled traffic farming is a system that may be both cure and prevention. Controlled traffic farming separates crop from traffic zones. “Wheel tracks are confined to specific lanes or tramlines,” Peter Gamache told delegates at Crop […] Read more
a tilled farmer's field
Crops

Back to tillage after wet years

With extra rain, tillage is back in style in some areas. First, evaluate the 
risks of erosion and salinity. Then, consider dealing with compaction

By
Soggy springs and summers have made tillage fashionable again in some parts of the Prairies. Some see tillage as a means of drying saturated soils. Others hope to relieve compacted soils through some sort of vertical tillage. But is tillage an effective solution to these problems? And do the potential benefits outweigh the risks? Tilling […] Read more
big green tractor
Crops, Features

Controlled traffic farming

As machinery gets bigger, that extra weight seems to take a toll on crop growth. Controlled traffic farming may offer a solution

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From Grainews, Feb. 4, 2014, page 8: Controlled traffic farming uses tramlines to separate crop production zones and traffic lanes, Peter Gamache explains. “In practice, that means all implements have a particular span or multiples of (the tramline) and all wheel tracks are confined to specific traffic lanes.” Gamache led a three-year project examining the effects […] Read more
Young corn growing in a field.
Crops, Features

Is soil compaction affecting your yield potential?

If farmers want to continue to increase yields, they may need to pay more attention to the condition of the soil, says an agronomist

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We’re subsoiling soils all over this planet. People have been doing it for tens and tens of years, successfully,” said Elston Solberg, senior agri coach and president of Agri-Trend Agrology, during a field day near Liberty, Saskatchewan. “It’s going to be a big part of agriculture in Western Canada as sure as I’m standing here. […] Read more

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