CRP Acres Might Not Need Tilling

It's been an accepted practice throughout history. But it's becoming less and less common. Now ...  More »

It's been an accepted practice throughout history. But it's becoming less and less common. Now Sarah Gustin takes us to one test plot that's proving tilling may have already seen it's glory days. Finding solutions to the CRP debate... (Rocky Bateman / Morton Co. Soil Conservation Board Member) I say we need to look at this at what is the farmer going to do with it. And I say the economics are such that they are going to want to farm it. Thousands of CRP acres are expiring and heading back into production. But the Morton County Soil Conservation district is proving that just because CRP acres are turning back into farm land...that doesn't mean they need to be tilled. (Rocky Bateman / Morton Co. Soil Conservation Board Member) CRP has helped that soil to heal. And we want to save all of that healing and soil health that has been built up in 10 to 20 years of the CRP program and maintain it and enhance it. The Conservation District is seeding 5 crops..wheat, peas, sunflowers, Soybeans and Corn directly into ground that has been in CRP for more than 10 years. And rather than breaking the soil...they use 2 spray treatments...to control volunteer weeds and grasses. (Rocky Bateman / Board Member) We are looking for the most economical combination of crops to go on CRP, what will cover it's expenses and make you a profit. (Sarah Gustin / KX News) Bateman says, that some of the crops are doing better than others, but he says that it is becoming clear that at this point in time, that the wheat is doing the poorest. (Rocky Bateman / Board Member) I am really pleased with the soybeans and the peas, both of which don't require fertilizer. And the sunflowers, we did give them a little phosphorus, but they are doing extremely well too. The corn is anemic, I don't know how else to describe it. It is doing ok, but it is not how we hoped it would be. Bateman says as always moisture is the number one limiting factor...and like many crops this year...the wheat just ran out of water. South of Almont, Reporting for KX News, I am Sarah Gustin. Bateman says for a true measure of success...at harvest...yield organic matter, and fertility tests will be performed on all the plots.  « Less