2021 Fall Farm

2021 Logan County Fall Farm Outlook Lincoln Daily News Oct. - Nov. 2021 Page 37 soil, which is then available for nitrogen hungry corn to consume the next season. An application of nitrogen is still needed for corn, but the amount is far less. The farmers have begun using cover crops, which reduce soil loss by protecting soil from wind and water erosion. The residue layer left behind also aids in suppression of weed seed development early in the new crop season. Year after year, the residues are building up, which increases valuable organic matter, Jayne says. They’ve put in cereal rye in the past three winter seasons. Jay said it is still a learning curve knowing when to kill off the cereal rye to get the best results. In addition, they’ve moved to no-till cultivation. Accumulating layers of crop residues increase organic matter (OM) in the soil, which further holds moisture, and prevents run off of soil. The OM holds nutrients where plant roots can access them and may even draw some naturally occurring nutrients up from lower regions of soil. Over time, the organic matter creates a mesh structure that may help reduce soil compaction by equipment used during planting, mid-season and at harvest. It takes time, but potential combined benefits of no-till and cover crop usage include - protection from the elements, soil held in place, nutrients retained and accessible by plant roots, suppression of weeds and less soil compaction. Jay added that about every four years they have soil tests are performed. So, they still don’t know the results of their newest combined conservation methods of no-till and winter cover crop over the last three years. Their crops have done well, Jay said, but they are hoping to see measurable improved soil results when the testing is done. Jayne and Jay Kindred, as Ron conducts interviews in the background as an Illinois Soybean Association representative. Continue 4