3/11/04

Contacts:
Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Agronomy, (515) 294-1923, malkaisi@iastate.edu
Mark Hanna, Ag and Biosystems Engineering, (515) 294-0468, hmhanna@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033, jmcguire@iastate.edu

Prep for Spring Tillage to Help Prevent Erosion

Ames, Iowa -- Iowa State University (ISU) Extension specialists say now is the best time to check tillage equipment and get set up for a good run when the weather breaks. Mahdi Al-Kaisi, extension soil specialist, Agronomy and Mark Hanna, extension engineer, Ag and Biosystems Engineering, say being ready goes a long way toward getting the job done, and doing it right the first time means fewer repeat tillage passes, more residue and less erosion in Iowa farm fields.

"Leaving less than 30 percent crop residue on the soil's surface after planting puts most Iowa soils at risk for soil erosion," said Al-Kaisi. "So before choosing tillage, there are several key questions that need to be answered. What will tillage accomplish? What effect will spring tillage have on the 30 percent residue goal? What are the risks of turning over or disturbing residue? The key issue is to know when tillage is warranted and doing the job right."

Al-Kaisi says there are valid reasons for using minimum tillage within a conservation tillage management system. "Tillage can be used to warm up and dry some wet soils, for weed control, to incorporate herbicides or certain fertilizers, and to level and prepare soils for planter operation."

Hanna says a close inspection of tillage equipment is in order before heading to the field. "There are many things that farmers can inspect and adjust now, before heading to the field. First are soil engaging points -- check the condition of the sweeps, chisel points, and disc blades. Damaged or worn cutting edges can result in an uneven job. Some soils can cause severe abrasion and will require more frequent checks," he said.

"Also, check for broken down-pressure springs and for even tension and adjustment. Springs behind tractor wheels may need to be set for more penetration. Check the equipment's frame to make sure it's not sprung and for broken welds and twisting or bending. Some equipment covers a very wide swath, so even a slight twist can result in a big difference from one end of the implement to the other, making it hard to do an even job. Also check wheels, tires and wheel bearings and hoses and hydraulics for weaknesses and proper operation."

Hanna also says that the time is right to find bargains on replacement parts. "It's a slow time for the manufacturers, too. For parts that have to be special ordered, waiting now beats waiting when you should be in the field."

Hanna and Al-Kaisi suggest that farmers get the ISU Extension publication Conservation Tillage: Adjustment and Operation of Tillage Equipment in Systems with High Levels of Surface Residue (PM-1492k) at www.abe.iastate.edu/machinery. They also recommend that farmers use a special residue calculator on the ISU Soil Management Web site http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/soilmgmt/Default.htm. This tool calculates the impact of tillage operations on residue levels and potential erosion from Iowa soils.

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Funding support provided by USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service through Cooperative Agreement No. 74-6114-10-03.

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