One of the keys to the evolution and adoption of agricultural robots is to ensure the machines can meet safety standards while working autonomously. At Agritechnica ’23 in Germany, French robot manufacturer Naïo Technologies announced that its robots will now be available with augmented autonomy — what the company describes as revolutionary technology that allows… Read More
Category: Compaction
There’s a sense of satisfaction after tile has been installed and a field has a new drainage system. With sufficient outlet for drainage water movement, farmers can look forward to a more manageable, productive field and higher crop yields. But a new drainage system is not a “one and done” type of thing, says drainage… Read More
Farmers across Canada care deeply about their soil but Derek and Tannis Axten of Axten Farms take it to a whole other level. The Minton, Sask., farmers’ commitment is is even written into their company’s tagline — loyal to the soil. “The reason I like it is it kind of reminds us that everything we… Read More
Case IH has introduced its most powerful tractor yet, the Steiger 715 QuadTrac. This large tractor is powered by a new 16-litre engine, though operators will be pleased to find the large engine is easily accessible without needing to fully open the large hood, says Patrick Landry of Case IH. The brand new 715 was on… Read More
Is it efficient to use autonomous vehicle in row crop agriculture in southwestern Ontario? That’s a question cash crop farmer Mark Richards is wrestling with on his Dresden, Ont. farm. In 2022, he used a solar-powered FarmDroid robot to plant sugar beets. That machine found it challenging to adapt to the widespread use of strip… Read More
How do you cover acres quickly during planting season with big equipment without causing compaction and compromising yield? Cliff Horst and his brother, Dale, make it happen with a 24-row Harvest International planter and a Fendt 1038 tractor. The brothers farm in Perth County, Ont., and also operate Country Custom Ag, providing custom services to… Read More
A properly calibrated planter can make a key contribution to corn yield but could the planter wheels be causing yield-robbing soil compaction? Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs corn specialist Ben Rosser says it’s important for growers to be aware of soil compaction on or around corn rows during planting. On this episode… Read More
What impact do higher-yielding corn crops have on no-till soybeans? That’s a question many growers are asking as they prepare to plant no-till soybeans into high levels of corn residue that can keep soil cooler in spring, impact emergence and reduce stands. Growers also have to contend with soil compaction caused by difficult harvest conditions… Read More
Mitas is determined to drive the next generation of self-propelled sprayers with its HC 1000 narrow rim option (NRO) tires. The tire brand rolled out the radial flotation tire at the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky, last month. In this interview, Trelleborg marketing manager Chris Neidert says the tire is built to handle up… Read More
There are two key messages from this episode of The Agronomists: avoiding compaction and minimizing topsoil movement is well worth the planning and effort, because the alternative results in significant yield loss and is expensive to fix. To dig in (!) to the topic, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by guests Dr. Jeff Schoenau, from… Read More
Ahh, the wonders of healthy soil. From water-holding capacity, pest and disease regulation, to nutrient cycling and physical stability, a robust and resilient soil gives farmers a huge advantage in crop production. But what makes a healthy soil? How can we measure its fitness and whether it’s in top farming shape? That’s a question soil… Read More
More organic matter, fewer weed seeds and insect pests, and a nitrogen credit: that’s what farmers get when they put forage in the rotation, says independent agronomist Pat Lynch. From better soil health to higher yields, the benefits of forage — especially alfalfa — is a story that Lynch promotes passionately. On this episode of… Read More
A soil with excellent structure will allow healthy root development, have good water infiltration, and support equipment; but compaction and tillage can destroy structure and create root-zone challenges. Controlled traffic farming — where tire tracks of all implements are focused on the same route — is one way to decrease tillage and overall compaction. What… Read More
From moisture to nutrients, plant roots play a critical role in feeding corn throughout the growing season. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, Sullivan Agro agronomist Paul Sullivan looks at some of the problems growing plants can run into as they push down into the soil looking to feed the plant, fuel cob… Read More
Warren Schneckenburger is a big proponent of no-till and optimizing soil health, but he also has a disc cultivator that he turns to in times of need. The Morrisburg, Ont. farmer likes to say he farms in reality — he and his family have been focusing on soil health for a decade, but the clay… Read More